South West CEO appointed to lead trade body’s activity in the region

The head of a leading builders’ merchants, which has branches across the South West, has been appointed to a key trade association role.

David Young, CEO of Bradfords Building Supplies, is the new Chairman of the Builders Merchants Federation’s South West region. 

Founded in 1770, Bradfords Building Supplies is believed to be the oldest builders’ merchant in Britain.

Headquartered in Yeovil, the company has 700 employees and 45 stores located across a wide geographical area, from Hereford and Worcester, stretching across the length and breadth of the South West and down into Penzance. 

In his position as Chair, David leads the BMF’s activities in the area.

His priorities are to encourage more people into the industry, and also create a stimulating environment for debate among members.

David said: “Recruitment is a challenge for us, with low unemployment in the South West leading to issues when recruiting and expanding; but this is a great industry, with many opportunities for training and development, and we need to get that message across.

“I am also keen to drive engagement among the membership across the South West.

“The aim is to make our meetings as interesting and appealing as possible and ensure key live topics are discussed and debated.”

The Builders Merchants Federation Ltd (BMF) represents and protects the interests of builders’ merchants and suppliers to the building materials industry in the UK and Ireland. 

With 684 merchant and supplier companies who together have combined sales of £31.4 billion and employ over 128,000 people in the building materials industry, it represents a considerable element of the UK economy.

As well as taking the role of BMF Chair in the South West, David also leads the Federation’s national Brick, Blocks and Landscaping forum.

John Newcomb, CEO of the BMF, said: “David is a passionate supporter of the industry and we are delighted he is chairing our South West region.

“He brings a wealth of experience to the role.”