What does excellence in merchanting look like in 2026?
According to this year’s Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards judging panel, the answer depends on where you stand – internationally, commercially, environmentally and digitally.
Each judge brings a distinct lens to the process, shaped by decades of experience across the building materials, sustainability and digital sectors.
Steve Collinge
International Excellence
As Managing Director of the UK-based Insight Group, Steve Collinge works with leading merchants and retailers across global markets. His perspective is shaped by constant exposure to international best practice – what high performing operators are doing, how they are differentiating and where the sector is heading.
He approaches the Awards with curiosity about what drives Irish merchants forward. What gives them competitive edge. How are they learning from global trends while retaining local strength. For Steve, excellence is not insular – it stands up to comparison.
Phil Derby
Driving Growth
Strategic advisor Phil Derby brings a deep understanding of the building materials sector and the factors that underpin long-term success for builders’ merchants.
Working closely with merchants across the industry throughout his career, he has seen how businesses grow and adapt in response to changing market conditions. His focus as a judge is on leadership, strategic clarity and the ability to innovate while maintaining strong operational foundations.
As Phil explains: ‘Having spent over 30 years in the building materials industry, working closely with builders’ merchants across the sector, I’ve seen what truly drives sustainable growth. In a competitive and fast-moving market, the businesses that stand out are those that combine commercial focus with a forward-looking mindset.’
Brian McIntyre
Sustainable Impact
Representing the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Brian McIntyre brings deep expertise in sustainable construction, regulatory frameworks and energy innovation.
For him, sustainability is no longer a peripheral initiative; it is central to long-term viability. He will be looking for merchants that are actively reducing environmental impact, enabling greener building choices and influencing positive change throughout their supply chains. Practical action and measurable progress matter more than aspiration alone.
Lorraine Higgins
Digital Best Practice
As founder of Digital Business Ireland, Lorraine Higgins has long championed digital and e-Commerce enterprises. She understands how rapidly technology is reshaping customer expectations and operational efficiency.
Her interest lies in meaningful digital transformation – not technology for its own sake, but systems that enhance service, improve logistics and strengthen customer engagement. In today’s market, digital competence is increasingly a competitive necessity.
Together, the four judges reflect the realities shaping modern merchanting: global standards, sustainable growth, environmental responsibility and digital evolution. Their combined perspectives ensure that excellence is assessed from every angle – commercial, operational and future-focused.
