The following new Freemen were admitted on 18th March 2024:

  • Julie Chandler, Chandler Material Supplies Ltd
  • Martin Culley, Etex Building Performance
  • Ben Davies, LBS Builders’ Merchants Ltd
  • Rachel Davies, LBS Builders’ Merchants Ltd
  • Timothy Hanlon, Fernco Ltd
  • Glenn Paddison, H&B Group LLP
  • Nicholas Sharpe, Global Stone (Colchester) Ltd.

Speaking of joining the Livery, Martin said: “I’ve worked in this fantastic industry for 30 years, starting out with Thermalite, and for the last nine years have been at Etex Building Performance. Over the years I’ve met some great people, customers, colleagues and suppliers and I look forward to continuing to grow and develop these relationships and business opportunities over the coming years. I welcome the opportunity to be part of the Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants and feel proud and humbled that I’ve been considered and invited to join.”

Glenn Paddison said: “I am deeply honoured to have been approved for admission as a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants. I was surprised and humbled to receive the news of my admission and want to extend my sincere appreciation to the company. The Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants is an organisation I deeply admire for its commitment to supporting improved education and training within our industry.

“Having previously won the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants first prize and Golton Medal back in 2013, it has been a long-time ambition of mine to become a member of the Company. The welcome and support I received that day is something I will never forget and it left me feeling inspired to pursue my career in the builders’ merchant sector.”

Julie Chandler said: “As the Managing Director of Chandler Material Supplies, one of the South East’s most successful independent builders’ merchants, I strive to support my team and other merchants, talking through business challenges to help people achieve their end goals. I look forward to meeting the other Freemen and Liverymen in the Company and hope to show that it is possible to have respected, successful and enjoyable careers as women in what was traditionally a man’s world.”

Rachel Davies is the joint Managing Director at LBS Builders Merchants, having joined the company in 2017, following six years working in the City of London. Rachel, alongside her brother Ben, were appointed joint Managing Directors in September 2022. Together, they are the fourth-generation family members at LBS, the largest independent builders’ merchant in South Wales.