Helping to get Britain building again
Most builders’ merchants have been affected by Britain’s longest and most severe recession since the 1930s. Over the last four years, construction has been hit with a succession of significant declines. And yet, frustratingly construction is the engine that will pull us out of recession. It contributes a considerable amount to Britain’s economy. Recent figures from the CPA show that every year our industry has an output of more than £40 billion and produces £1.70 for the UK economy for every £1 invested.
Builders’ merchants will be at the heart of Britain’s recovery. But the continuing downward trend highlights the need for the Government to do more to get Britain building again. At the CPA’s annual lunch in April, the Chairman Geoff Cooper reminded us of an 8% decline last year and a projected 2% drop this year. The CPA forecasts the beginning of a slow recovery with 1% growth in 2014.
The ‘Get Britain Building’ campaign continues to make the case for building, and has our full support, but we must all do what we can to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of construction in kick-starting sustainable economic recovery.
Getting the message across to the City and Government that building is the cornerstone of a sustainable UK recovery is an important objective of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants’ (WCoBM) and other construction-related Livery Companies. We are fortunate to have the ear of the City, meeting influential figures and having the opportunity to raise the significance of our industry to Britain’s economy. Our bi-annual newsletter is circulated to all City Livery Companies, we well as our members, to demonstrate the successes and achievements of active merchants and suppliers and the importance of what they contribute as business leaders.
Promoting and increasing our charitable fund and encouraging networking between merchant and supplier members are also important WCoBM objectives.
Investing in Training
We donate a significant amount towards training and education in the merchant industry. Our close links with the IoBM and BMF enables us to support and recognise the achievements of young merchants. We also support the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and a range of other worthy charities.
The WCoBM includes many leading figures from merchants of all size and types, buying societies, buying groups, and product and service suppliers. We are the only organisation that represents all parts of the industry. Our events are hosted in historic Livery Halls and other prestigious venues in the City, giving members and guests the opportunity to experience some fantastic and unique locations. But our Livery is more than a social dining club. It’s a premier networking platform for senior industry people to meet, build relationships, and exchange information and views. Livery Companies are not secret organisations, but membership is by invitation, and is a measure of an individual’s contribution to the industry.
Anniversary Celebrations
We celebrated our 50th Anniversary in 2011 and were granted a Royal Charter in 2012. This year is another eventful year as, subject to election, our Honorary Court Member Alderman Fiona Woolf will take office as Lord Mayor of the City of London – she will be only the second lady to become Lord Mayor in 824 years. In honour of Fiona, the Company will be entering its own Float at the Lord Mayor’s Show on 9th November. The theme will be ‘Builders’ Merchanting through the Ages’. The event is widely televised and we aim for considerable exposure for the industry from appearing in the Show.
The Livery will continue to do its best to get the industry’s message across to senior and influential people and ensure it remains active, well founded and a key driver in helping to bring about a thriving and prosperous industry.
