MERCHANT FOCUS
Left: Not many independents keep thier helicopter actually in the yard, but PTL are quite proud of theirs, even if it doesn’t actually fly. Below, l to r: Steve East and Tim Scott.
NBG:
boasts a member’s outlet in most areas of the UK. Members of the NBG stock and distribute a wide range of well known building product brands covering heavyside, lightside and timber products. Customers and local markets gain experienced staff with an extensive product knowledge and fast delivery service. The National Buying Group promote innovation in both process and practice in the supply chain, with the aim of eliminating unnecessary costs and promoting added value and satisfaction for the customer.
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First on the road trip was a visit to Professional Trader Ltd, based in Sunbury-on-Thames. Protrader is a
BG is a collection of 83 partner companies comprising 291 outlets, with a collective turnover of £750 million. The group
BETTER TOGETHER
What’s in it for the members? Rachel Tucker visited three partners of independent builders merchant buying group National Buying Group to ask the question.
family owned independent builders merchant who has brought in some serious experience in the guise of Tim Scott and Steve East, who bring over sixty years’ experience between them to the heavyside company. Although only opening the branch at the beginning of the year, there is already plans for expansion with the help of NBG. Scott has been involved with the NBG for almost as long as he’s been a part of the industry, although Professional Trader Ltd’s invlvement only began early this year. “I think as an independent if you’re not a part of a buying group, you’ll survive but you’re going to struggle,” says Scott.
He says that NBG offer more, going beyond the logistics of buying group power. “It’s for buying and buying better but there’s a much bigger element of it, you almost call it a
family. If Steve, for example, says he wants to stock something that none of us have any experience with, there’s always someone we can pick up the phone to, to pass on their knowledge. so much further than the buying side. There’s such a wealth of knowledge out there, and that is as important as buying power.”
Heating up
Next up was Ashford Heating Supplies, another family run company, the “offspring” of a business formed nearly 50 years ago. The company has grown from an installation company in the 1970’s into the retail supply sector, and leading them to outgrow their Ashford premises and move to their present location in Staines, enabling them to expand their stock and open their bathroom showroom, Bathe
November 2016 BMJ
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