IBA Update
30th anniversary celebrations
B
ack in May 1993, a small group of independent electrical wholesalers travelled through a snowy day to attend a meeting in Chorley, to chat and share views on whether they would band together to create a better purchasing platform for their businesses. By their second meeting, they were all bought-in with a plan of action. Within a short period of time, the group consisted of ten members, of which six still remain within the group: Acorn, Mr Ohms, MH Electrical, M&D, Greenwood and Traff ord.
1993 also saw the introduction of the internet to the public forum for the fi rst time. It has since grown to change the business landscape forever, with the world of commerce consequently a very diff erent place. It is therefore of great credit to the group to see it grow to 98 members strong in 2023: a trading operation that allows its independents to compete alongside UK national wholesalers both online and in branch. Throughout its evolution, IBA key operational pillars have remained fi rmly in place. It is a group run by the members for the members; one member, one vote; and 100% of all rebates negotiated with suppliers returning to the membership.
Based at the IBA offi ce in Newton-le-Willows, 20 | electrical wholesalerJuly 2023
ewnews.co.uk
CEO Paul Jenner is celebrating his tenth year with the group. He commented: “The IBA has always been a special group. The IBA team and committees aspire to be as relevant to our businesses now as we were to the original six members in 1993. We have welcomed six new members since January this year, which is a great testament to this success.” He continued: “We benefi t from a strong platform of reputable trading agreements, focussing on the right products for all our members. Our committees work hard to ensure a sterling portfolio of preferred suppliers who hold the same values as we do. We thank our suppliers for their many good wishes in our anniversary month.”
IBA commercial director Mark Ashworth (managing director at ABM Electrical Wholesale) represents the IBA on both the EDA and EDATA Boards, where he is supporting the ‘golden thread’ traceability that will run throughout the
Camera, lights, action
Fast forward 30 years from 1993 to March of this year, when founding members and past offi cers gathered back at one of the IBA’s fi rst meeting places, the Kirkfi eld Hotel in Newton-le-Willows, to become the cast in an anniversary feature fi lm. The support and faith shown by everyone involved in this project was phenomenal, showcasing the spirit that has carried the IBA forward for the past 30 years. The right cast, the right place and the right time – what could go wrong? Attendees reported a fantastic day of reminiscing, friendship, laughter and extreme storytelling.
The IBA is celebrating 30 years of supporting its independent electrical wholesaler members.
industry in the future in terms of tracking products through the supply chain and beyond. He added: “Being part of the IBA has allowed me to remain at the forefront of industry developments, particularly now as we all strive for data standard.”
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
