Among supplier members of the BMF, 112 are fully or partially open

Although lockdown restrictions may not end for some time there are positive signs that the construction industry is going back to work.

Housebuilders Persimmon and Vistry (formerly Bovis and Linden) will begin a phased opening of sites from Monday (27 April), with Taylor Wimpey reopening sites the following week. Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, has called on others to follow their lead. 

In a letter to the BMF members CEO John Newcomb told them that he had made a presentation to a Tier 1 contractors meeting, chaired by the CEO of Balfour Beatty, outlining the BMF's support for members and the issues they were facing.
 
"Of the 255 merchants who advised us of their operational status this week, 156 are fully or partially open and 99 are closed," Newcomb said. "Among supplier members, 112 are fully or partially open with 11 closed.

"The lists on our website are not only proving invaluable to your customers, we understand they are also being used by brokers providing credit insurance so please continue to update us by emailing paige.godsell@bmf.org.uk."
 
Newcomb revealed that in Scotland, unfortunately, the situation in less clear and merchants re-opening is hampered by confusion between the regulations and the Scottish Government's guidance.

"We are lobbying to clarify how merchants can choose to remain open and operate safely and securely within Scottish social distancing rules. In the DIY sector B&Q has re-opened 155 of its UK stores including 14 in Scotland, which we take as a positive sign," he said.

The BMF's first virtual Forums were held online this week, with 70 attending Thursday's  Finance Forum and 61 registered for today's (24 April) on HR.

Initial feedback was extremely positive for the clear and concise presentation of issues including furlough arrangements, tax deferrals, debt recovery, credit risk, remote working and returning to a new kind of normal.

The online format for job-related Forums will continue throughout the current crisis. The BMF is also running its first virtual P&H Category Forum on 13 May.