The Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (WCoBM) hosted its annual City & Awards luncheon in March at the City’s historic Vintners’ Hall.

The event recognised the achievements of individuals in the industry and within organisations, the Company supports through its charitable fund.

Prize winners this year included four Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) students. The first BMF Manchester Opening Learning (MOL) prize went to Jack Rothwell of James Hargreaves Plumbers’ Merchants, who achieved a top mark of 28 points based on the modules he completed. Second MOL prize with 25 points was awarded to Lynn McGhee of Ridgeons. The third MOL prize went to Peter Barker of West Building Supplies with 23 points.

The BMF Campus Winner was Alun Thomas of LBS (Aberdare), while Steven Webber of Elliotts picked up the prestigious 2017 Golton Award as the top performing student on the BMF Master’s Degree in Leadership & Strategy at Birmingham City University. All prizes were presented by the Guest of Honour, Sheriff Neil Redcliffe.

The event is also a platform for emerging talent in the industry. So this year, merchant and supplier members were encouraged to bring ‘rising stars’ from their businesses as guests. This additional element is part of a wider initiative that the Company is launching to raise the profile of builders’ merchanting and the many options for building a career with merchants or suppliers.