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Members of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) across the UK have joined forces to offer a united front in response to the COVOID-19 crisis.

 ‘Trades Against The Virus’ has been set-up to give tradespeople a recognised route to support vulnerable people in need, using the extensive merchant network to help replenish stocks in food banks nationwide.

The initiative is being backed by the Band of Builders – a charity set up by tradespeople to help members of the UK construction industry battling illness or injury – which is  publicising the campaign to its 10,000 members.

A dedicated www.tradesagainstthevirus.org website is expected on-line by the end of today (March 23).

BMF branches large and small have already pledged their support for the scheme, the brainchild of Ray Stafford, the Managing Director of Williams & Co, a trade only plumbing and heating supplies merchant based in Fareham, Hampshire and covering the south east of England Bristol, Milton Keynes and Manchester.

Stafford appealed to his trade body, the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), for help over the weekend to move the plan forward, and the response was immediate.

BMF merchants operate from more than 5,450 branches across the UK.  Companies including Jewsons, Travis Perkins, Buildbase and PTS are among those signing-up to the cause, ensuring the length of breadth of the UK is supported by the initiative.

All the participating merchants will now act as drop-off points for their trade customers,  including builders, plumbers, heating engineers, roofers and joiners, to bring store-cupboard basics, ready for transportation to a local foodbank.

“The country needs help quickly and effectively, with thousands of stores across the nation, vans, drivers and a strong customer base, the UK’s network of builders’ merchants is well-placed to deliver a targeted approach, quickly and effectively,” said Stafford.

 “The idea is to boost the stocks in the nation’s food banks during this time of crisis.

“Many food banks have already run out of items, and others are struggling to help their clients, who are among the most vulnerable in our society – recent supermarket shortages are also adding to the pressure,” he said.

Stafford and his team re directing those merchants taking part to their local food bank through the Trussell Trust website or suggesting they support facilities they know drawing on their own community knowledge.

 The merchants will then deliver the provisions, using whatever social distancing protocols the food banks recommend.

 “In my experience, tradespeople are incredibly generous and will want to do their bit in these difficult times.

“With ‘Trades Against The Virus,’ we can unite and make an impact fast, to get the donations to people in need,” said Staford.

BMF Chief Executive John Newcomb said the unique nature of the BMF network, with so many sites across the UK, transportation capability and community-minded staff and customers, puts them in pole position to make a difference to those people most in need.

“The response has over the weekend has been overwhelming but it comes as no surprise that so many have chosen to support this campaign.

“These are unprecedented times, but we can work together to pull through,” he said.

  • Merchants signed up so far (March 23):

Williams & Co

Buildbase

Jewson

Plumbing Trade Supplies

Travis Perkins

All About Gas (Leeds)

Castle Plumbing Supplies (South Wales)

City Plumbing Supplies

Hampshire Training and Assessments

Lords Builders Merchants (London)

MacDonalds Plumbing Supplies (Aberdeen)

Michael Pavis, Nottingham

MKM Builders Merchants

PlumbCity (Eastern England)

Plumbers M8 (Scotland)

Ultimate Discount Heating

Unique Plumbing Supplies (Hampshire)

Universal Heating Supplies (Southampton)

William Wilson (Edinburgh)