BMF to sell London HQ and cut subscriptions by 30%

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) is ringing the changes by selling its premium Soho Square office in London, relocating to the Midlands and cutting membership rates by 30%.

The changes will also see current BMF managing director Chris Pateman leave the organisation, taking voluntary redundancy, as he is unable to move to the Midlands.

The BMF Board said the changes, which will lead to a “new BMF”, form part of a dynamic and robust roadmap strategy in order to take the federation forward positively. They follow a survey of members and a period of reflection.

Members highlighted that subscription charges were too high, Soho Square in West London had “served its purpose”, that London was not the correct location for the operation and the BMF needed a definitive identity and strategy.

Soho Square, which has been owned by the BMF since about 1975, will now be sold and a new base opened in the Midlands, which is considered nearer to the centre of merchant activity. However, a smaller more cost-effective presence will be kept in London.

“The main benefits for our members of a move, are a lower cost base so lower subs and more accessible to our members, who in general do not like travelling to London at least in the rush hour,” said BMF chairman Terry Parker.

Subscriptions will be cut 30% in April 2012, with a further longer-term “large reduction” dependant on membership increases.

Other changes include ceasing EU involvement and lobbying, subcontracting its training provision to Didac Training Agency and closer working with the Construction Products Association and other organisations.

Mr Parker will assume the managing director’s role until a replacement for Mr Pateman, who will leave at the end of December, is found.

“We appreciate that these are major changes to the BMF, however in times of increasing and rapid change and the demands put on all our businesses we must move forward in a professional and effective manner which will lead to a new BMF,” said Mr Parker.

“A new BMF that is in good shape has energy, commitment to members’ interests and is ready to address the issues of the day for the entire industry.”