John Newcomb (left) and Richard HillThe Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) is planning a restructure on the back of recent growth. Since 2020, BMF membership has grown by 44%, reaching 1,020 merchant, supplier and service companies across the UK and Ireland. To cope with the extra workload, chief executive John Newcomb is going to become executive chairman, retaining his ambassadorial role and seat on the Construction Leadership Council while a new chief executive will take over the internal running of the federation. Newcomb will also establish and chair a new strategic development board to further expand the federation's activities. Recruitment for a new chief executive starts in February, with the appointed individual expected to assume the role by 1st October.