More than 30 people attended the BMF Plumbing & Heating Sector's first meeting, making up a representative cross section of the plumbing and heating supply industry.
Chairman Ron Walker said: 'This important new group provides a unique forum where national, regional and independent merchants can join with their suppliers to work together to advance the interests of our industry. The first meeting was a fantastic start with lively debates on the Renewable Heat Incentive, ECO, Green Deal and the new Water Labelling scheme that goes live this summer.'

Managing director of the BMF, John Newcomb, said: 'The BMF has worked hard to reassure P&H merchants that their interests are central to BMF policy. I'm delighted that we were able to use our conference facilities for the inaugural meeting and it was extremely helpful to hear what they had to say about the issues facing their business.'