Rachel Fryers

Rachel is the owner of a long‑established independent builders’ merchant in the North of England, bringing to the sector a distinctive blend of corporate leadership experience and deep technical understanding. Before joining the family business, Rachel spent almost twenty years as a Landscape Architect, working across private practice, local authority, and ultimately in senior management for a PLC. During this time she contributed to major multidisciplinary teams delivering complex international infrastructure projects.

This background has shaped a strong commitment to sustainable development and a clear appreciation of the vital role merchants play in supplying the materials that enable responsible, future‑focused construction. Since returning to the family business — and now leading it — Rachel has applied strategic insight, corporate training, and people‑centred leadership to strengthen the company’s direction, resilience and environmental focus.

A firm believer in the power of education and opportunity, Rachel is dedicated to supporting personal development within the sector. She is passionate about helping individuals recognise their own potential.

Rachel also gives significant time to the wider industry. She serves as a Board Director of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), is an Executive Board Member of the National Buying Group (NBG), sits on the Management Committee of the Institute of Builders Merchants (IoBM), and is Chair of the IoBM Charity Fund. Through these roles, she is proud to represent and strengthen the voice of smaller, independent merchants within the supply chain.

Outside her professional commitments, Rachel is an enthusiastic mountaineer, and mediocre trail runner, having explored remote landscapes across the world. She also enjoys travelling, experiencing new cultures and always seeking new challenges and opportunities to learn.

"The Builders’ Merchants Awards mean more to us than words can easily capture. They shine a light on the graft, the grit, and the genuine community spirit that keep our industry moving — the early starts, the muddy boots, the customers we’ve known for generations, and the teams who go the extra mile without ever asking for recognition. For businesses like ours, these awards remind us that independence and excellence truly do go hand in hand. Being part of them fills me with pride, they honour the people, the values and the everyday dedication that built this industry and keeps it alive"