BMF members back renegotiation of Brexit deal with Brussels

5 February 2019


Members of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) attending the BMF Brexit Forum have voted in favour of Theresa May renegotiating the UK’s Brexit deal with the EU.

Over 80 delegates from merchant and supplier companies attended the BMF’s Brexit Forum on January 23.

They were briefed on the impact of Brexit on the UK economy, on VAT and Customs & Excise, on UK timber supply, and on UK building materials manufacturers before taking part in animated open forum discussions.

Delegates were asked to vote on their preferred way forward. A clear majority, 55%, favoured renegotiation of the current exit deal, with 35% opting for a second “People’s Referendum” to determine the way forward. Only 10% wanted a “No Deal” exit.

“The sheer number of members attending demonstrates the need for clarity on our relationship with the EU to plan for the future,” said John Newcomb, BMF chief executive officer.

“Three clear themes emerged from the day. If you are not already preparing for a no deal, then start to plan now. Be agile, one of the presenters identified a completely new supplier as a result of their Brexit planning. Finally, don’t believe everything you read in the media – we are in the midst of a high stakes negotiation after all.”

Presentations at the event were given by the CBI, West Midlands Economic Forum, the Timber Trades Federation, the accountancy firm Mazars and BMF supplier member, ACO Technologies.