From 2 September, the Institute of Builders Merchants (IOBM) will be based at Elliott Court, in Coventry, which is also the head office of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF).
The IOBM is run by a voluntary governing body. It recently engaged its past president, Andrew Pine, on a consultancy basis to undertake a number of key projects. These include the development of a CPD process for members and the introduction of an Industry Training Forum to identify and satisfy the training needs of people currently working within the merchant industry. Mr Pine will use Elliott Court as his base for this work. In addition, the BMF's training and conference facilities will be available to the IOBM.

Managing director of the BMF, John Newcomb, said: 'This is exactly how we envisaged BMF HQ being used - as a hub for the merchanting industry. The BMF's role is at the heart of our industry and a major part of that strategy is to work more closely with key trade bodies, like the IOBM.'

IOBM President, Steve Sellick, said: 'There are obvious synergies between the IOBM and the BMF with both organisations working for the good of the industry. Using the same physical base has many advantages at a critical time in the Institute's development.'

He added: 'With Andrew now driving forward our most important projects, the impetus afforded by a closer working relationship with the BMF should pay dividends during an important period when we are seeking to develop the skills and knowledge of those working in our industry, to support the needs of our members, and to grow individual membership of the Institute.'

The IOBM's address will be: 1180 Elliott Court, Coventry Business Park, Herald Avenue, Coventry, CV5 6UB from 2 September.