The Institute of Builders’ Merchants

Where We Began

The Institute of Builders’ Merchants was formed in 1968 by the National Federation of Builder’s and Plumbers Merchants (NFBPM) and the Company of Builders Merchants of the City of London - now the Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants (WCBM)

Support in the early years was excellent with the Institute acknowledging NFBPM Postal Courses whilst promoting it’s own two year Business Studies Course which offered a managerial element towards training.

Following the boom years came a major recession with much company consolidation. Builders Merchant groups expanded and offered their own in-house training courses to meet the growing emphasis on NVQ and distant learning - training had changed!

However, Membership of the Institute began and continues to be an employees personal status within their industry’s professional body and our motto “ Knowledge, Integrity, Efficiency” is as relevant today as it was when our logo was designed nearly forty years ago.

Where We Are Now

The Institute no longer promotes its own training but now exists solely to recognise, accredit and monitor educational qualifications and professional standards for those employed within the Builders Merchants industry.

Full membership of the Institute is awarded to those individuals who have achieved the recognised qualification and professional standard as stated in our current rules.

Student Grade is available for those individuals taking a recognised management training course.