by Ben Goodayle | Jun 24, 2020 | News
Set your Microsoft Outlook calendars for Friday 17th July because the BMJ Industry Awards 2020 is going ahead as a virtual event.
After careful consideration, Builders Merchants Journal publisher Datateam Business Media has made the difficult decision to not host a live event in 2020 but are excited to reveal the plans for the first ever virtual BMJ Industry Awards – which will be hosted by none other than Alan Dedicoat, the Voice of the Balls on the National Lottery and announcer of Strictly Come Dancing, who previously provided voiceovers for the event in both 2018 and 2019.
“It’s very disappointing that we will not be able to run the event this year in the way that we planned,” says BMJ Editor-in-Chief Fiona Russell Horne. “However, give that this is an industry that runs on networking and people getting together in large groups, it has just not proved possible. So, we believe we have come up with a viable alternative.
“The votes had already been counted and checked and the winners’ names engraved on the trophies. We couldn’t let the opportunity slip to celebrate those winners who, this year probably more than ever, have worked so hard to make their businesses a success. The benefits of cyber-space, of course, are that you are not limited by social distancing, nor by the capacity of the venue. So, I’d like to invite everyone who had hoped to attend the awards lunch, and those who wanted to come but for whom there was no room at the inn, to attend the virtual event, maybe with a glass of something to hand to toast the winners, and share in their success.”
The virtual event will be hosted on the BMJ Industry Awards website on Friday 17th July. There is no registration required to join the live stream: professionals are invited to simply log on to the website from 3.00pm, sit back and enjoy the proceedings and join the conversation on the event’s social wall using the hashtag #BMJIndustryAwards on Twitter.
Fiona Russell Horne notes: “We would like to encourage everyone to share the link to the live stream with their colleagues and get as many people involved as possible. Share the link, share the love and hopefully next year it will be business as usual!”
With thanks to our sponsors
by Ben Goodayle | Apr 22, 2020 | News
Following the latest information and guidance issued by the UK government, Datateam Business Media has taken the decision to postpone the BMJ Industry Awards, which was due to take place on Friday 15 May 2020.
Event manager Dawn Tucker comments: “While the entire BMJ team was looking forward to hosting this incredible industry celebration, we have taken the decision to postpone the upcoming event as the safety and wellbeing of our attendees, staff and their communities is our number one priority.
“We are working hard with the venue and all involved in the awards to confirm a suitable new date, and we will keep everyone involved updated as the situation develops. In the meantime, we would like to thank you for your patience and understanding during these difficult times – and we look forward to celebrating with all of you when we are through these unchartered waters.”
Tickets that have been purchased for the original date will be honoured for any rescheduled date and sponsors will continue to receive coverage via all of the relevant channels for the time being.
If you have any queries regarding the postponement of the BMJ Industry Awards, please contact Dawn Tucker at dtucker@datateam.co.uk.
by Ben Goodayle | Oct 29, 2019 | News
Following the success of the 2019 event, the third annual BMJ Industry Awards is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before.
The award scheme with a difference will continue to uphold the builder’s merchant sector to a standard of excellence with its specially selected range of categories and unique decision-making process.
Once again, the BMJ Industry Awards will place the power to determine its winners in the hands of the individuals who know the field better than anyone else: the professionals who work within the industry, day in, day out.
Brands, merchants and individuals are invited to enter any of the relevant categories through a quick online form. Companies and individuals will be able to submit an entry for themselves or use this unique platform to recognise other companies and individuals that they believe to be award-worthy.
Entries will close on 12th January 2020, so the sooner nominations are made, the better.
Subject to meeting the necessary criteria, every single entry and nomination will proceed to the ‘decision-making’ stage: the ground-breaking industry vote.
As soon as you have entered your nomination, head to social media to start campaigning for votes.
The BMJ Industry Awards will be returning to the Brewery in London on Friday 15th May 2020.
by Ben Goodayle | May 20, 2019 | News
Leading manufacturers and merchants descended upon The Brewery, London on Friday 17 May for one of the most hotly-anticipated fixtures on the builder’s merchants’ calendar: the BMJ Industry Awards.
The awards, organised by Builders Merchants Journal (BMJ) publisher Datateam Business Media, has garnered industry-wide praise since its launch in 2017 – largely due to the scheme’s unique format which sees all of the decision-making power placed in the hands of those that work in the sector day in, day out. The response to this year’s edition was phenomenal, with a record number of entries and over 3,000 professionals making their voices heard in the decision-making stage.
Enthusiasm for the scheme was at an all-time high as it reached its pinnacle. Hundreds of professionals turned out for the ceremony, which kicked off with an exclusive champagne reception sponsored by ACO Water Management before guests headed to their tables for a three course meal and the main event of the afternoon – the awards presentation itself.
BMJ editor-in-chief Fiona Russell-Horne drove home the Awards’ ethos ahead of the presentation, commenting: “If an Englishman’s home is their castle, then you guys allow people like me to build our lives in those castles. I think that deserves to be celebrated, and celebrated often.”
Honouring innovative brands, outstanding merchants & incredible individuals
The task of revealing this year’s BMJ Industry Awards winners was placed in the very capable hands of one of the UK’s leading broadcasters and one of the most familiar faces of TV news, Natasha Kaplinsky OBE, thanks to ‘host’ sponsor Lakes.
In the merchant categories, Chandler Material Supplies enjoyed an afternoon full of success – picking up a hat trick of awards; Independent Merchant of the Year, Merchant Marketing Campaign of the Year (sponsored by Quinn Building Products) and Merchant Showroom of the Year.
Another multi-award winning company at the 2019 event was Howarth Timber & Building Supplies, which was honoured as the Timber Merchant of the Year before picking up the brand new Diversity Award (sponsored by Midland Lead).
The award for New Merchant of the Year was presented to Bence Roofing before the winner of the new Merchant Kitchen & Bathroom Showroom accolade was revealed to be Covers Timber & Builders Merchants. MKM was then revealed as the Multiple Merchant of the Year and the coveted National Merchant of the Year honour went to Travis Perkins.
As noted by Fiona Russell-Horne during her opening speech, “the finest merchants in the land can’t give gold standard-service without the best products to sell”. With this in mind, the BMJ Industry Awards also celebrated the most outstanding brands operating in the builders’ merchants sector.
The first ‘brand’ accolade to be presented during the ceremony was for Best Bathroom Brand – and Lakes picked up this prestigious gong for the second year in a row. A further three categories saw the last year’s winners retain their titles, with JG Speedfit continuing their reign as Best Plumbing Brand and Keylite Roof Windows and Worcester Bosch securing the top spots in the Best Roofing Brand and Best Heating Brand categories respectively.
Knauf Insulation also took home an award, being recognised as the Best Heavyside Brand by the industry while NEFF UK was revealed to be the Best Kitchen Brand and the trophy for Best Landscaping Brand was presented to Pavestone UK. In the new Best Timber Brand category, Södra Wood was victorious while TIMco picked up the highly coveted Best Distributor Brand award.
Of course, a sector cannot thrive without an array of passionate and talented people at the helm – so the BMJ Industry Awards also celebrated the individuals whose day to day contributions are unrivalled.
SCA Wood UK’s Cheryl Wallace was recognised for her efforts, picking up the award for Best Customer Service before this year’s Independent Rising Star (sponsored by H+H) was revealed to be Sarah Daniel of RGB Building Supplies and the National Rising Star accolade (sponsored by ROCKWOOL) was presented to Rudridge’s Dave Rudd.
Pavestone UK picked up their second award of the afternoon, as Vicky Piercy was honoured as the Best Sales Representative before the last award of the ceremony, the coveted Industry Personality gong, was presented to Dai Thomas of LBS Builders Merchants.
The ceremony closed with an opportunity for guests to give a little back in the form of a charity fundraiser, sponsored by Pavestone UK. Guests donated generously in aid of the Pavestone Rally 2019 – which in turn raises funds for The Rainy Day Trust, Teenage Cancer Trust and Variety. The total amount raised will be revealed in due course.
Following its second successful year, the organisers would like to extend their thanks to this year’s sponsors – ACO Water Management, Brett Martin, Hanson, H+H, Knauf Insulation, K Rend, Lakes, Marshalls, Marsh Industries, Midland Lead, Pavestone UK, Siniat, Quinn Building Products and ROCKWOOL – without whom this celebration of industry excellence simply would not be possible.
To find out more about the BMJ Industry Awards and to view the full gallery from the 2019 ceremony, visit www.bmjindustryawards.co.uk.
by Ben Goodayle | Mar 15, 2019 | News
With proceedings well underway for the 2019 edition of the BMJ Industry Awards, organiser Datateam Business Media – publisher of Builders Merchants Journal – can reveal that this year’s ceremony will be hosted by one of TV’s most recognisable faces, Natasha Kaplinsky OBE.
Having served as a news anchor for Channel 5, BBC, Meridian, Carlton and Sky News, Natasha has cemented her position as a mainstay of UK broadcasting and boasts an impressive repertoire as a host of factual and entertainment programmes including Having I Got News For You, Children In Need, The Royal Variety Show and That Sunday Night Show.
Natasha, who is no stranger to an award herself having won a BAFTA with Sky News and being the first ever winner of BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing, will be at the forefront of breaking industry news thanks to Lakes Showering Spaces, who are sponsoring the Awards’ host for the second year running.
This year’s BMJ Industry Awards winners will be revealed at the hotly-anticipated ceremony taking place at The Brewery, London on Friday 17 May.
In addition to the high profile awards presentations, guests will enjoy an exclusive champagne reception sponsored by ACO, a three course luncheon with wine and boundless networking opportunities at a luncheon packed to the rafters with the crème de la crème of the builders’ merchants sector.
Following the success of the inaugural event, tickets are selling fast – so those that wish to attend are encouraged to secure their seats via the online booking portal available on the Awards website now.
The BMJ Industry Awards has received the backing of ACO, Brett Martin, Hanson UK, H+H, Knauf Insulation, Lakes Showering Spaces, Marshalls, Marsh Industries, Midland Lead, Pavestone, Quinn Building Products and ROCKWOOL Limited. To find out how you can get involved as a sponsor of the scheme, contact Fiona Russell-Horne on 01622 699101 or at frussell-horne@datateam.co.uk.
With voting still open until Friday 22 March, there is still time to make your voice heard. To pick your winners before the deadline, or to secure your seat at the ceremony, head to www.bmjindustryawards.co.uk.
by Ben Goodayle | Feb 20, 2019 | News
The time for entries and nominations in the 2019 BMJ Industry Awards has now passed and the power is set to be passed back to the builders’ merchants sector, with industry professionals being invited to submit a vote for their champions from Monday 4 February.
The unique online vote – which was integral to the success of the scheme upon its launch in 2018 – will remain unchanged for the upcoming edition: merchants are invited to vote for the brands that have boosted their business, while manufacturers are encouraged to show their support for the merchants that stand out from the crowd.
With every decision laying solely in the hands of professionals from across the sector, a BMJ Industry Award is a truly prestigious accolade that serves as an independent stamp of approval – making it even more desirable to those that are in the running.
Entrants and nominees are encouraged to rally the support of their peers during the six week voting period to ensure that they are in with the best chance of winning. Builders Merchants Journal editor-in-chief Fiona Russell-Horne comments: “The voting stage of the Awards always serves as a chance to show off the tenacity and vivacity at the heart of this sector.
“Last year, many finalists came up with incredibly creative campaigns to drum up industry support and I have no doubt that this year’s finalists will do the same to try and secure the top spot.”
The independently verified vote will produce a shortlist of five companies in each category and, ultimately, one winner – which will be revealed at the upcoming BMJ Industry Awards ceremony.
Have you secured your seat?
This year’s winners will be revealed during a glamorous luncheon taking place at the venue where it all began – The Brewery, London – on Friday 17 May. The awards ceremony serves as a unique opportunity to celebrate the many successes of the sector over the past twelve months and a chance to catch up with peers, friends and colleagues – as well as network with a room full of potential clients.
Tickets are in limited supply and, following the success of the launch event, are sure to be in high demand. Tickets can be purchased via the secure online form available on the BMJ Industry Awards website.
Proudly sponsored by…
The number of companies pledging their support to the groundbreaking BMJ Industry Awards continues to grow, with Midland Lead among the latest to confirm their sponsorship of the 2019 edition.
Lynn Street, sales and marketing manager at Midland Lead, explains their pride at sponsoring such prestigious awards: “Sponsoring the very first Diversity Award is a real honour. Here at Midland Lead we know that businesses, large and small, depend on people that work in them, especially within the construction industry, and recognising their contributions is something that we value within our own business. We are really looking forward to being involved this year and meeting some great companies.”
Also new to the sponsor line-up is Brett Martin, joining existing companies ACO, Hanson Cement & Hanson Packed Products, H+H, Knauf Insulation, Lakes, Marshalls, Marsh Industries and ROCKWOOL Limited.
With bespoke sponsorship packages available, sponsoring the BMJ Industry Awards is a unique way to project your brand to the right audience while showing support for this prestigious industry scheme. To discuss your package, contact Fiona Russell-Horne on 01622 699101 or at frussellhorne@datateam.co.uk.
For more information about the Awards, to book your table at the ceremony or to submit a vote from Monday 4 February, visit www.bmjindustryawards.co.uk.
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