Industry pays tribute to Chris Hayward at NMBS Dinner Dance

More than 1,000 independent builders’ merchants and suppliers came together to celebrate another standout year for the sector at the NMBS annual Dinner Dance on 25 October 2025, in the iconic Great Room, Grosvenor House, London.

This year’s event was especially poignant, marking the final Dinner Dance hosted by NMBS’s long-standing CEO, Chris Hayward, who will be stepping down in April 2026, following an incredible 47-year career at NMBS.

Opening the evening, Chris thanked guests for their continued support and celebrated what has been achieved together in the past 12 months. “NMBS has never been in better shape,” he said. “With turnover projected to exceed £2.2bn this year, we remain firmly on track, and it’s down to the strength of our members and suppliers that we continue to thrive, even in uncertain times.”

He also used his final address to reflect on the people behind the industry’s progress. “Our people are what define our industry,” he said. “This year, we’ve made real strides through the Construction Inclusion Coalition, and I’m proud that NMBS has remained focused on helping create a more diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.

“The NMBS Dinner Dance has always been about celebrating the connections that power our sector. It’s a place where long-standing relationships are deepened, and new ones are made. To share this moment with so many friends, suppliers and colleagues makes it a night I will never forget.”

Chris also acknowledged the success of Data Yard, NMBS’s new industry data pool delivered in partnership with the Builders Merchants Federation, and the growing momentum of apprenticeships across the sector.

Finally, Chris was joined on stage by his successor, Kevin Williams, who thanked Chris for the support he has given the NMBS team and himself during this handover period. He said: “Chris’s generosity with his time, his wisdom, and his friendship has made this transition a pleasure. The strength of this organisation, the team he has built, the respect he carries across our industry, and the legacy he leaves behind are a testament to his leadership.”

Finally, Kevin then encouraged guests to dig deep as they donated. Guests raised £10,000 for two brilliant causes, CRASH, the construction industry charity tackling homelessness and hospice projects, and the Maddie Rose Foundation, which continues to support young people entering the merchanting sector.

Chris ended the night by thanking NMBS’s merchant members, board, commodity committees and strategic partners for their continued support and received a standing ovation as he marked the end of his final Dinner Dance.

Sponsors on the night included:

• Reception – Makita / Marshalls
• Main cabaret – KOKI Group UK
• Supporting cabarets – Polypipe / C-TEC / Global Payments UK
• Band – Forterra
• Toastmaster – H+H
• Ladies gift – British Gypsum
• Gents gift – Toolbank
• Wine – Mannok / Owlett-Jaton / Portwest / Robert Bosch / Mascot
• Water – Ox Tools UK / IKO
• Chocolates – Yorkshire Building Services Ltd
• Chocolate sleeves – Heidelberg Cement
• Prize balloons – Velux
• Photo booths – First Event
• Lottery tickets – SIG
• Scratchcards – Okarno

Find out about future NMBS events at www.nmbs.co.uk/events/nmbs-dinner-dance-2025