Jul 25, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) appoints John Newcomb as new Managing Director. John will be joining the organisation on 1 August 2012, as the BMF as said in the press release received by Lesprom Network. John Newcomb has extensive recent experience in DIY and housewares as well as prior knowledge of the merchanting industry. He joins BMF from Imperial International Limited, one of the fastest growing housewares suppliers in the UK, where he was Commercial Director. John also has first-hand knowledge of trade associations, with a 15-year involvement with BHETA, the British Home Enhancement Trade Association, the last two years as President. Commenting on his appointment, John Newcomb said: “I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the BMF into its next phase. I am impressed by the Board’s vision for BMF and my role is to implement it. I am joining BMF at a challenging time, but there are many similarities to my time as President of BHETA. They also had to make structural changes, recruit new executive directors and relocate their operation. I will miss the housewares industry, but I don’t see the merchant sector as a radical departure and, with my past experience I am looking to bring a fresh pair of eyes to the role. “The priority for any trade association is its members. The first thing I need to do is to fully understand the opportunities and threats facing the industry, and the strengths and weaknesses of the current organisation. I need to assess what BMF currently offers its members, what we do well, what we don’t do so well, and what else we could offer. “Relocation is another priority. BMF is not only moving to a new home, we also need to develop a new culture. My role is to hone a new organisation of like-minded people who will create opportunities to develop and build the organisation to support its members. At heart I am a brand marketer and I recognise the importance of the BMF brand. It’s a great brand, but we need to build its reputation once more with members, with the wider industry and with government. The bigger, the stronger the brand, the more influence it will have in government circles. I’m hugely ambitious for this organisation, and can’t wait to start.” Builders Merchants Federation Limited is the only body to represent the interests of all wholesale distributors of building materials in the UK. BMF represents the whole merchant industry, from bricks and plaster to boilers and radiators. BMF is the industry’s foremost authority on the building supply chain representing the merchant - supplier - contractor route to market.