The Government’s decision to extend social distancing rules until 19.July means that the competition cannot take place for the second year in a row.
The Builders Merchants Federation has confirmed that the 2021 MasterMerchant competition has had to be postponed following the Government's announcement to extend social distancing rules until 19.July.
After a year off due to Covid-19, this year's competition, supported by new headline sponsor, Natural Cement, was due to be held in Ambleside in the Lake District from 9-11 July.
Twenty teams had already signed up to take part and pit their wits and stamina against defending champions, Chandlers Building Supplies "Merchants of Menace", but the event can no longer happen because the YHA Ambleside would be unable to offer shared accommodation, its bar area is closed and there would have been restricted access in its restaurant.
John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said: "All teams have been informed and their bookings will be carried over to next year's MasterMerchant competition which will be held at the same venue, Ambleside in the Lake District, on Friday 8 to Sunday 10 July 2022. The headline sponsor, Natural Cement, will also be carried over to next year's event.
"It is disappointing but as it is a networking event, it would not be the same with social distancing rules still in place."
Open to all BMF Members – merchants, suppliers, distributors and service members – MasterMerchant is a fun but demanding team competition involving a series of mental and physical problem-solving challenges designed to test each team's creativity, communication and leadership skills.
