Three employees at Knauf Insulation have been recognised in an industry wide initiative, championed by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) and Builders Merchants News (BMN), to create a Top 100 Young Achievers list for 2024.

Sales Director, Jonathan Pulman, Head of Communications and Digital, Jo Callow, and Insight and Innovation Manager, Ryan Ferguson all received the accolade in recognition of their contributions to the building materials industry. The list was compiled by the BMF and BMN to celebrate young individuals whose hard work, tenacity and dedication has marked them as future industry leaders.

All three have had an exceptional impact by supporting merchants, driving innovation, and ensuring new talent is added to the industry. In addition to her role as Head of Communications and Digital, Jo Callow works closely with merchants as a part of the Young Merchant Group, which she has recently chaired. Jo was awarded the BMF Young Supplier Achiever award in 2014 and recognised again in 2023 as a Top 100 Supplier Influencer.

Jonathan Pulman’s commitment to excellence has never faltered in the 14 years he has worked at Knauf Insulation. Since early 2023 he has brought this same level of dedication to his role in working with merchants, with a deep understanding of what the industry needs from suppliers at a time of massive change for the wider construction sector.

As Insight and Innovation Manager, Ryan Ferguson has used meticulous research and analysis to develop an intricate knowledge of the construction industry that has informed Knauf Insulation’s strategic decision-making and innovation. Ryan’s work has helped to ensure the success of the business and that it continues to develop award-winning innovations to serve the construction sector’s evolving needs.

Speaking about her inclusion in the list, Jo Callow said: “I’m honoured to have been included in this list along with Jonathan and Ryan as it demonstrates the diversity of rewarding career paths available to young people in the industry, regardless of their background. We need to keep bringing in talented young people who are ready to offer fresh perspectives and be a positive part of the change going on in the construction industry.”

John Newcomb, BMF Chief Executive Officer, said:“Where would our industry be without successive generations of talented managers and innovators? The BMF has long supported younger colleagues working throughout the building materials sector. This year we are delighted to join with BMN to identify the Top 100 Young Achievers in today’s industry.”

Lucyanne Matthews, BMN Associate Publisher, said: “All these dynamic young people have achieved so much collectively and are an asset to the building materials supply industry. They’ve shown that through their hard work and tenacity they’ve grown into the leaders of the future, and I feel that this sector is going to be very safe in their hands.”