The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has agreed a group membership scheme with PHG, the merchant buying group for the plumbing, heating, and bathroom sector.
Formed in 2012 by a group of like-minded plumbing, heating, and bathroom merchants, PHG connects leading regional P&H specialists across the UK operating from 290 branches, 112 of which have showrooms. In 2021, the 16 member companies generated a turnover of £550 million.
Their three-year agreement will see nine new members join the BMF, with seven PHG merchants already in membership.
BMF CEO John Newcomb said: “The BMF has something to offer every merchant, whether they are specialist or generalist. We engage with every member to understand what is most important to them, and how we can best support their business through tailored training, meetings and forums and business services, and represent their interests through our lobbying and campaigning work.”
PHG chairman David Pochin added: “As a transparent, member-led organisation, PHG develops strong and committed relationships with suppliers to maximise the financial return to members. Reaching a group agreement with the BMF sits well with this ethos and membership of the industry trade body will provide PHG members with many additional benefits. The BMF has done a huge amount in recent years to support the merchant industry, with specific initiatives of relevance to P&H merchants. We are looking forward to working together to advance the interests of the industry and our sector.”