A LEADING trade body is co-ordinating a new scheme, developed to provide NHS workers across Whitchurch with discounts at local builders' merchants.

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has launched the initiative, 'Builders' Merchants Supporting The NHS,' to recognise the work of healthcare staff on the front line.

A total of 33 of merchants in its membership are supporting the discount programme across 1225 branches, including ones in Whitchurch.

The scheme will operate for six months.

Each participating BMF member offers their own deals, averaging at 10 per cent off shelf price items, with some exclusions on certain product lines varying from branch to branch.

NHS identity information needs to be shown at the participating branches to receive the discount.

The BMF has pulled together a full list of its members taking part, together with an overview of the discount they each provide at www.bmf.org.uk/nhs

John Newcomb, chief executive of the BMF, said: "Throughout the pandemic, our NHS workers in Whitchurch have gone above and beyond for the national effort.

"As an industry, we wanted to come together and thank them for their work.

"Builders' merchants taking part will offer an expert service and access to a wide range of products.

"Visitors can also be assured of stringent safety procedures, with BMF members working to clear operating procedures to protect against Covid-19."

Kieran Griffin, managing director at Travis Perkins, one of the BMF member companies taking part in the discount scheme, added: "The pandemic has shown incredible examples of personal sacrifice, generosity and community spirit, and from the start, our colleagues played their part by donating building supplies and PPE to keep NHS workers safe.

"We're proud to take part in this BMF initiative and offer NHS workers a 10 per cent dedicated discount when they buy from us as a small recognition and thank you to those who have been – and remain – on the front line caring for us and our families, for which we're all so grateful."