Midlands trade body puts innovation on the radar

A Midlands-based trade body brought together businesses from across the UK’s building materials industry at an event in the House of Commons.

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) held a Parliamentary Innovation Reception, to showcase new ideas and concepts from across the sector.

Hosted by Coventry South MP Jim Cunningham, the event demonstrated how BMF members are making in-roads in areas including sustainability and the delivery of quieter, more energy efficient buildings and environments.

Companies from across the Midlands took part in the event, including Ibstock, JCB Industrial and Bosch Thermotechnology.

Minister of State for Business and Industry, Nadhim Zahawi, was the guest speaker. He said: “I was delighted to have been invited to speak at the Builders Merchants Federation Parliamentary Reception, celebrating the contribution of firms in the Federation’s membership to innovation and growth in the UK.”

John Newcomb, BMF CEO, added: “The reception was held to shine a spotlight on the investment and innovation happening every day across our members’ businesses.

“The building materials sector in which our members operate is currently valued at £56 billion and directly provides more than 330,000 jobs, working across 23,000 companies in the UK.

“The sector makes a significant contribution to the economy and it’s important for us to reinforce the message of its value and significance.

“Currently, 80 per cent of all building products used in the construction of homes and buildings are manufactured in the UK.

“This home-grown sector will be more important than ever, creating vital jobs in manufacturing, construction and the service sector, in the current economic climate.”