One hundred were celebrated by the industry at a gala dinner, organised by the Builders Merchants Federation and Builders’ Merchants News.
A gala dinner at The Belfry golf resort and hotel in Sutton Coldfield on Thursday 25 May was the culmination of a joint campaign organised to recognise the Top 100 Supplier Influencers.
Having been made Full Members of the Institute of Builders Merchants, the leading figures in the industry - who received a trophy as well - have now been invited to join a mentoring platform by the IOBM to share their expertise and help others shape their career.
The black tie evening, sponsored by NMBS, started with drinks and networking on the sun-kissed terrace of the golfing resort. Attendees were serenaded by Lee Osborne and offered the chance to take away a keepsake in the form of a caricature drawn by Richard Ellis.
A video was then shown for the BMF's nominated charity for 2023, the British Heart Foundation, who has been raising awareness and funds to advance research into heart disease since 1961.
Magician Ben Hanlin took to the stage midway through dinner to wow the 175-strong audience, some of whom were asked to participate and the evening ended with some dancing to live music by The Wonderful West End.
The generosity of the industry was again evident with live and silent auctions and a raffle raising £8,500 for the BHF.
