Olympian Steve Backley to speak at first BMF Young Merchants’ Conference

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has confirmed that Steve Backley OBE, a British track and field athlete that won medals at three different Olympic games, will speak at the first BMF Young Merchants Conference.

The BMF Young Merchants Conference, one of three special events held to celebrate the BMF’s landmark anniversary year, will take place on Thursday 11th October during UK Construction Week at the NEC, Birmingham.

In 2002 Steve was awarded the OBE after being the first British athlete to successfully win four consecutive European Championship titles. After seven gold medals, three world records, two Olympic silver medals and one bronze – at Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney – Steve finally hung up his javelin at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, showing he was still one of the world’s best by placing 4th in the final.

Since retirement from professional sport, Steve has written three inspirational books: The Winning Mind, The Little Book of Inspiration and, most recently, The Champion in All of Us: 12 Rules for Success.

John Newcomb, BMF chief executive, said: “We are delighted that Steve will speak at our very first Young Merchant’s Conference. His consistency and winning mentality can be seen in his record of high achievement over a decade. It is a great message for the next generation of achievers in our own industry.”

John continued: “We are looking forward to welcoming those working in the merchant and building materials supply industry to the BMF Young Merchants’ Conference. The day will embrace business and inspirational presentations, industry forums and networking opportunities. Held at the NEC on the last day of UK Construction Week, we encourage all those attending to spend time at the exhibition too.”

The BMF Young Merchants’ Conference is free of charge to current members of the BMF Young Merchants group. The event is also open to anyone aged between 21 and 40, working in the building material supply industry for a small fee. For full details and registration information please contact james.spillane@bmf.org.uk