AUDIO NEWS: BMF predicts slow start to the year and skills academy for veterans launches

BMF boss doesn't expect to see 'tangible growth' at start of the year, Marley partners with Tough Talk and Building Heroes Foundation opens academy in Darlington

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) isn’t expecting to see any “tangible” market growth until the second half of the year.

The statement from the trade body comes after a tough 2025, where it revised its growth forecast downwards in the second half of the year.

BMF boss, John Newcomb warned that customer confidence remains fragile at the start of the year and that the building market needs a “jumpstart” to get it moving.

He suggested that the government introduce incentives for first time buyers and hurry up and deliver its social and affordable housing programme to get Britain building again.

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Marley has extended its Winter Wellness campaign with a partnership with men’s mental health charity Tough to Talk.

Under the scheme, the roofing firm will offer guidance on protecting and improving their mental health.

Research from the Chartered Institute of Building suggests that 60% of construction workers suffered from depression in the last year.

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The Building Heroes Foundation has opened a skills academy for veterans.

The charity has partnered with Morgan Sindall and Lovell to establish the Darlington Skills Academy, which will act as a support hub for service leavers and military veterans looking for careers in construction.

The academy aims to upskill and re-deploy at least 80 learners a year.

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