A number of former BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) members have rejoined the trade association since April, underlining their support for its restructuring plans.
Simplified subscription rates, along with a service offer focused on business support, lobbying and training - where members gain further financial benefit with significant discounts on all courses - are also attracting new members.

BMF chairman, Terry Parker, said: 'Supporting our members is our top priority and in the current climate, reducing the overall cost of BMF membership while retaining the services they most valued was central to our new strategy. We hoped that making membership more affordable would encourage both past members and new companies to become part of the BMF and the immediate response is very encouraging.'

Frank Key Builders Merchants has rejoined BMF after an absence of six years. Chairman Robert Sansom said: 'The old way of calculating membership subscriptions seemed to penalise a growing business. It had got to the stage where BMF membership had become an expensive luxury which we couldn't justify. Now it offers far better value for money we see it as an essential part of being a builders' merchant.'

The reduction in subscription rates also helped Otford Builders Merchants in Kent make the decision to rejoin. Alan Boyd said: 'Undoubtedly the reduction in membership fees made it an easy decision to take Otfords back into membership, and with our expansion plans access to BMF training should prove a very useful tool. I am also keen to make the most of the networking opportunities offered by BMF.'

The opportunity to network also attracted new members including Wigan-based Brickstore. Director Malcolm Graham, sees it as an ideal opportunity to mix with trading colleagues. He said: 'A lot of our business is with general builders merchants and BMF meetings will give us opportunities to meet existing customers and to make new contacts in a forum where we will also have an opportunity to share views and give something back to other members.'