Builders Merchants Federation welcomes Terry Parker as its new national chairman, replacing Kevin Cubbage in September.
Mr Parker has been in the merchant and distributor industry for more than 40 years. He was managing director of lightside merchants Tricom Supplies from 1992 to 1997, before re-joining the Ridgeon Group as group managing director.

Mr Parker formally retired from Ridgeons last year having led the company through an expansion programme that more than doubled its size.

He said of his new role: "I am delighted to be able to give my time and experience to helping steer and develop the BMF to serve the changing needs of the merchant trade."

"The BMF has changed almost beyond recognition in the last few years. We have a really solid platform to build upon: robust management systems overseen by a focused and enthusiastic board; a hugely experienced team, and a dynamic and growing membership feeding their needs and hopes into the organisation. I am really looking forward to the challenge of harnessing all that energy and helping make the BMF the best trade association in the country."

Terry Parker will start with the BMF on September 1 and, after his induction, will officially take over from outgoing Chairman Kevin Cubbage on November 1, 2009. He will be at the BMF Members' Day on September 15 and hopes to meet as many members as possible.

Mr Parker described Mr Cubbage as "a very hard act to follow". But added that he will do his best.

As BMF national chairman, Terry Parker will head up a board comprising Alan Ball (PTS, Lutterworth), Allan Bartlett (Keith Builders Merchants, Keith), John Cameron (John Cameron, Glasgow), Bryan Eccles (Elliott Brothers, Southampton), Dennis Smith (Bradfords, Yeovil), Andy Williamson (IKO plc, Wigan) and Chris Pateman (BMF managing director).