The Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (WCoBM) hosted its fifth City & Awards luncheon last month at the City’s historic Saddlers’ Hall.

The luncheon has become an important event in the WCoBM's calendar, recognising achievements of individuals in the industry and within organisations the Company supports.

The WCoBM Master Leo Martin and Guest of Honour Sheriff Dr Christine Rigden presented the prizes to all of the winners. These included four BMF merchants for their achievements in MOL modules, three of whom are from MKM Building Supplies. Gerard Hull of MKM won first prize with 10 MOL points and two distinctions. He received a tankard and cheque for £1,000, which was accepted by MKM chief executive officer Philip Johns on Mr Hull’s behalf.

The second prize of a tankard and £500 cheque went to Matthew Cobb of MKM who had eights points with one distinction and one credit. Joint third with five points and one distinction was Mark Withall of MKM and Rebecca Hill of Howarth Timber. Both received a cheque for £300 with a tankard for Mr Withall and a goblet for Ms Hill.

The event also celebrated the success of Andrew Harries of LBS Builders Merchants as the BMF Campus Winner. Based in LBS’ Pembroke Dock branch, Mr Harries registered on BMF Campus in September 2015 and has completed 128 e-learning courses with an average passing score of 82%. The award was accepted by the BMF’s managing director John Newcomb on behalf of Mr Harries.

Other individuals and organisations to benefit from the support of the WCoBM’s charitable fund included Private Daines and Private Stockle of The 3rd Battalion, Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment who were awarded prizes for Best Recruit and Best Soldier respectively; Ordinary Cadet Kyle Mclellan of the Beckenham & Penge Sea Cadet Unit who progressed from Junior Cadet; Stone Carver Lawrence Dennison nominated by the City & Guilds of London Art School; and resident Pianist Jinah Shim who is in the final year of her Masters at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

The Master of the WcoBM said: “We congratulate all the winners on their achievements. They work extremely hard and it was a pleasure to recognise and reward their focus and determination. It was a successful afternoon in superb surroundings and a special thanks to our guest of honour Sheriff Dr Christine Rigden for contributing to an important event.”

Picture caption: BMF students with their prizes at the WCoBM City & Awards Luncheon.