John Newcomb has led the executive team at the Builders Merchants Federation since 2012. The BMF represents and protects the interests of builders’ merchants and their suppliers in the UK and Ireland. Under John’s leadership membership has grown by over 100%, with member companies employing over 115,000 people within thebuilding materials industry.
During his tenure John has overseen the introduction of a raft of business support initiatives, sector-specific discussion and networking forums, and education, training and career development opportunities, each designed to broaden the BMF’s relevanceand appeal. He has taken an energetic and proactive stance to ensure the voice of merchants and their suppliers is heard by policy makers both at national and local level.John holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Bradford Management Centre.
Prior to joining the BMF, he held senior Marketing, Commercial and Managing Director roles within the DIY and housewares industry,notably with H&R Johnson, Sandvik Saws & Tools UK, Addis Group Ltd and Imperial International Limited. John also maintained a 15-year involvement with BHETA, the British Home Enhancement Trade Association, the last two years as President.John is a former vice-chair and current member of the Construction Product Association’s executive committee and sits on the board of the Trade Association Forum.John was also nominated for Chief Executive of the Year at the Association Awards UK in 2015 and 2016 and the IoD Director of the Year Awards 2017. Having been elected as President of UFEMAT (the European Trade Association), John took upoffice in mid October 2018. John was granted the Freedom of the City of London in June 2016 and was admittedto the Livery of the Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants in October of the same year.
