THE Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has welcomed the plans set out by Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for the construction sector to prepare for a phased return.
BMF members operate from 420 branches and 26 manufacturing sites across Scotland.
John Newcomb, chief executive of the BMF said, “The phased approach set out by the First Minister will enable our members to schedule their activities accordingly. They will be able to plan ahead and meet the demands for building products and materials, once the construction industry returns to work in the future.”
90% of BMF merchant members are currently open or partially open, to support essential works.
Mr Newcomb added, “We have already produced new Branch Operating Guidelines for builders’ merchant staff to follow in the office and trade counter, for customer and supplier deliveries, customer collection and for tool hire during the Covid-19 outbreak. This 18-page document covers procedures for phone, click/call and collect and pre-arranged orders, with no public access into shop or products. The number one priority is to minimise the risk of transmitting coronavirus.”
