Barbara Richmond, group finance director of Redrow, will join the line-up of keynote speakers chosen to speak at the Builders Merchants Federation Members’ Day in September.

Ms Richmond joined the Redrow board in January 2010 shortly after founder Steve Morgan returned from a nine-year break. She has a background in both manufacturing and retail, with employment experience including having performed group financial director roles at a number of UK listed companies including Inchcape, Croda International and Whessoe. She is currently a non-executive director of Lonza Limited, the CHF8.5bn market cap Chemicals and Biotech business.

BMF managing director John Newcomb said: “Redrow aims to be the developer of choice for customers, colleagues, landowners, suppliers, subcontractors and investors – an aim that fits perfectly with our theme for this year’s Members’ Day: people, purpose and passion.”

The BMF also confirmed a bonus Members’ Day session on the role played by its special interest groups, in which four speakers will engage with audience members.

Keith Jones, Wolseley’s UK consultant director and the vice-chair of the BMF’s Plumbing and Heating Sector, Gary Froggatt of Howarth Timber and chair of the BMF Timber Forum, and Jamie Pierce of Parker Building Supplies and Catnic’s Victoria Fiddies, respectively chair and vice-chair of BMF Young Merchants, will each give a short presentation on the work of these groups. This will then be followed by a 10-minute question and answer session from the floor.

Mr Newcomb said: “The BMF actively supports the interests of specialist merchants, as well as those in the early years of their career and also our supplier members. This session will give delegates an insight into the valuable work of two recent Forum initiatives, in Plumbing & Heating and Timber, as well as our revitalised Young Merchants group, and an opportunity to discover the benefits of participating.”

The BMF Members’ Day takes place on 16 & 17 September at Carden Park Golf Resort & Spa, near Chester. The event combines informal networking opportunities, a black tie awards dinner and business sessions with thought-provoking guest speakers and the BMF’s annual general meeting.

Its headline sponsor is ACO Academy while Monument Tools is sponsor of the golf tournament. The event will also be supported by Marsh Industries, which is sponsoring the awards dinner, and First Event, which is sponsoring the Country Pursuits challenge experience.