Builders Merchants Federation and STARK urge all builders' merchants to back business-critical campaign.

STARK Group and the Builders Merchants Federation have joined forces to highlight the builders' merchant's #Let'sGetBritainBuildingNOW campaign. 

STARK Building Materials UK CEO, John Carter, has penned a letter to his fellow CEOs asking them to support its petition which urges the government to fund a national pro-building stimulus package to get Britain building again.

And BMF CEO, John Newcomb, who declared the trade association's support as soon as the STARK campaign began in April, has now shared Carter's letter.

"We are all seeing the same pressures across our sector: fragile demand, delayed projects, and declining confidence among builders and customers," said Newcomb. "At the same time, operating costs continue to rise, further tightening margins across the supply chain.

"As an industry, we have a narrow window to act collectively and make the case for targeted government intervention that will restore confidence and unlock activity.

"That is why the BMF is supporting the #LetsGetBritainBuildingNOW campaign, led by STARK/Jewson."

The campaign is supported by Parliament with the petition published on its website. Signatures are being sought to count towards a public debate for action, which focuses on three practical, high-impact measures:

1. Incentives to stimulate homebuying and improvement

2. A faster, more efficient planning system

3. Action to address skills shortages

"These are not new issues - but they are now business-critical, and coordinated industry backing gives us a far stronger voice," added Newcomb.

Every builders' merchant is being encouraged to:

1. Publicly support the petition

2. Promote it through its business and branch network

3. Help amplify the message with its customers and stakeholders

"Time is running out," concluded Newcomb. "We have until 20 November and need 100,000 signatures for Parliament to debate positive, decisive action to provide the relief and support needed.

"If we act together, we can help rebuild confidence in the market and support sustainable growth for our customers, our sector – and the UK economy."