FIVE hundred builders' merchants and their partners have met to discuss the issue of over-regulation of business.

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) represents 260 merchant companies, including large national chains such as Jewson Limited, Travis Perkins PLC and Wolseley Centers.

Steve Norris, former MP and Government attacked the Government's record of imposing European Directives upon the UK without considering the full impact on business.

"Builders' merchants are facing an unprecedented increase in overheads due to EU directives, one of which will force all companies with more than 20 employees to consult staff on any change in company policy," said Jeremy Hawksley, BMF director.

"All the signs are that, despite representations from the CBI and others, Patricia Hewitt MP, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, is set upon imposing an administrative nightmare on to small and large businesses alike.

"The costs of building materials will have to rise to pay for this unnecessary red tape, and much of this cost will be borne by Government itself, which is the largest client of the building trade."

Other speakers at the conference included Francois Pienaar, former South African rugby captain and former coach of the Saracens Rugby club, who gave insights into team building.