The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) is stepping up its campaigning activity with the publication of its own Policy Manifesto outlining how the BMF would like to see the supply chain and government working together.

The BMF Manifesto promotes different ways to get cash flowing through the industry, including a more coherent programme of government schemes to help SMEs raise finance; extending the BMF Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme beyond its initial trial period; and the enforcement of the Prompt Payment Code as well as ideas to accelerate new homebuilding, upgrade existing homes and banish poorly-written regulation that makes it harder for BMF members to run their businesses.

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BMF MD, John Newcomb, said: "This is possibly the first time that the BMF has so clearly set out its view on a range of policies affecting the building materials market and our members. The Manifesto will back up the BMF's intensive programme of activity talking to MPs, their departmental officials, key party spokespeople and ministers in the House of Lords as well as local councillors and officers."

Already this year, the BMF has helped to arrange parliamentary visits to EH Smith by local MP and the government's Women in Enterprise champion, Lorely Burt, and to Pochins by Lord Newby, the deputy government chief whip in the House of Lords.

(CD)