The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has sold its Soho Square headquarters and is making progress with far-reaching changes designed to create a “new BMF”.
BMF chairman Terry Parker said the Soho Square offices, which the organisation has owned for about 37 years, had been sold but a rent-free lease valid for up to one year had been negotiated, giving the federation time to find a suitable alternative HQ in the Midlands. He said he couldn’t reveal the sale price at present.
Mr Parker said the search for new offices was progressing well with several suitable buildings on a shortlist.
Second-round interviews for a new managing director are under way and an offer will be made before the end of March.
The BMF is also in discussions with several third-party financial services providers with a view to outsourcing its accounting functions.
Plans to improve services will be communicated to members soon. A foundation degree will be launched in the summer.
The BMF, which has more than 400 members, unveiled wholesale changes last December following a members survey. Relocating, cutting membership rates by 30% (effective in April) and sub-contracting the BMF’s training provision to Didac Training Agency are among the major changes.
