National trade body celebrates Wetherby young achiever

A building materials specialist from Wetherby has been recognised for his commitment to the industry.

National trade body The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) and Builders’ Merchants News (BMN), have joined forces to identify the Top 100 Young Achievers across the multi-billion-pound building materials sector, and shine a light on the brightest stars of the future.

Simon Bracken, national account manager - South at The Encon Group, based in Wetherby, has been nominated for the accolade based around his achievements within his career so far, and having a positive impact in the sector.

He said: “It was certainly a big milestone which I wanted to achieve so I feel very proud to have been nominated. I’m thrilled to have been nominated as a Top 100 Young Achiever. It’s great to be part of an industry where you are recognised and it’s the people who are around me that inspire me to do the best I can do.”

The Top 100 Young Achievers programme follows last year’s Top 100 Merchant Influencers and Top 100 Supplier Influencers in 2022 and 2023.

John Newcomb, chief executive of the BMF, said: “The BMF is an active supporter of young people working within the building materials supply sector and this initiative celebrates the contributions of those who will carry the industry forward in the future and work to make a material difference.

“After the success of our previous initiatives, we’re delighted to be partnering with BMN to highlight the achievements of the Top 100 Young Achievers.

“This accolade reflects the positive influence Simon has had on the people around him and on the wider building materials industry.”

The Top 100 Young Achievers will feature in a commemorative brochure and be invited to a Gala Dinner celebration and networking event at the Belfry in May.

The BMF represents more than 950 merchant and supplier companies that collectively employ more than 208,000 people in the building materials industry, performing an essential national function in distributing construction materials and home improvement products across the UK.