BMF and PDA announce strategic partnership

The decorative sector - especially paints and coatings - has been one of the sectors where we have seen a large growth in the amount of sales jobs being created in the last couple of years. Therefore, it is of great interest to read that the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) and the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) have agreed a strategic partnership designed to raise the profile of the decorative sector.

The new strategic partnership coincides with the launch of the BMF Decorative Forum, which meets for the first time on 4 May at Akzo Nobel’s Dulux Academy in Slough. Stuart Yates, national president of the PDA will be the main speaker at this meeting, which brings together merchants and suppliers with an interest in decorating products.

The BMF’s latest trade alliance will support the PDA’s recent work to encourage end-users to use a quality decorator. The reputation of PDA members is often reliant on the effective supply of quality decorative materials by merchants and manufacturers throughout the supply chain. Sourcing quality products from BMF members offering the highest standards of service adds value to their proposition.

John Newcomb, managing director of the BMF, said: “Our agreement sets the foundations for the BMF and the PDA to work together to raise the profile of a sector with enormous potential. The PDA represents over 1,300 painter and decorating companies members, while 221 of the BMF’s 316 merchant members are selling decorative products and there are also 17 BMF supplier members supplying decorative products to merchants in BMF membership.”

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Neil Ogilvie, chief executive of the PDA, added: “The core values of our two organisations are closely aligned. Like the BMF, the PDA represents both large national contractor organisations through to small businesses. The annual market value of the decorating sector is £4bn. We have a clear purpose to ensure that all our members adhere to the highest standards. By joining with the BMF we are aiming to raise both the profile of this valuable sector and the professionalism of our members working within it.”

Another key element of the partnership will involve sharing knowledge and experience on training and apprenticeships. The BMF is working on setting up a Trailblazer Trade Supplier Apprentice scheme in merchanting, and both trade bodies appreciate the importance of attracting the right new recruits to their respective industries.