IBA Update
Independent together, building momentum for the future Pam Hardman, operations manager at the IBA Buying Group, shares an update from the Group.
O
ne of the IBA’s greatest strengths is its long-standing relationships. While our industry continues to evolve, the values behind successful independent businesses remain consistent: trust, loyalty, knowledge sharing and a commitment to helping the next generation succeed.
These principles were evident at our Quarterly Meeting and Supplier Showcase at Carden Park. The format gave members and suppliers time to share ideas, strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities.
Chairman Russ Gratton observed: “This quarterly meeting and supplier education event has been another absolute triumph for the IBA Buying Group. The energy in the room during the morning Boardroom sessions and the afternoon speed-dating rounds was incredible, providing a perfect platform for our members and suppliers to break the ice, align their business goals and spark valuable new relationships. To receive such overwhelmingly positive feedback from every single member and supplier in attendance is a testament to the strength of our community and the massive mutual value these events deliver to both our membership and supply partners.” Momentum - it’s in the science
In science, momentum is created by mass and velocity. For the IBA, that means combining the substance of our ideas and relationships with speed, direction and shared purpose. Add the collective force of our Members and Suppliers, all working towards the same goal, and progress follows.
Every conversation and new connection at Carden Park moved the Group forward, bringing together industry veterans, today’s business leaders and new faces preparing to shape the future of independent wholesaling. That shared energy is creating momentum: consistent progress towards a stronger future. Perhaps no image captured the IBA’s spirit better than our youngest delegate, just 3 months old, at the morning’s supplier training sessions gaining invaluable knowledge from the earliest age! It was a reminder that we are building something bigger than any single deal, rebate period or trading year: a community designed to grow stronger with each generation for tomorrow.
Celebrating service, partnership and results
Supplier loyalty remains vital. The awards presented at Carden Park celebrated both enduring partnerships and fresh investment. Wiska’s Supplier of the Year award reflects a partnership lasting more than 20 years. IBA CEO Paul White explained: “Wiska consistently provide an excellent level of service to our members. We have strong relationships with them right across the group, built through genuine engagement and real understanding of our members’ businesses.”
Wago’s Best Newcomer Award, meanwhile, demonstrates the value of fresh energy. Michelle Foulds, Wago key account manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted and honoured to have received the Best Newcomer Award. To have our efforts recognised in this way is incredibly rewarding and means a great deal to us. I’m excited to continue developing the group and
14 | electrical wholesaler November 2026
supporting its members as we move forward.” This balance of loyalty and new investment reflects where the IBA is today. Over the past 12 months, Paul White became CEO and Andy Turner joined as Commercial Manager. The new IBA Momentum Award, therefore, recognises businesses performing well today while actively building for tomorrow. Inaugural winner Forum Lighting demonstrated sustained commitment, engagement and growth. Congratulations also to Member award winners ABM, A.A. Jones, Westbase and EDS. WRM, which joined the IBA only a year ago, also made a strong impact through its engagement with EDATA.
Independent business advantage Ultimately, the IBA’s success is about more than buying power. It comes from trusted relationships, collective experience and people committed to helping one another thrive. As Paul White reminded the room, the IBA delivers a genuine Independent Business Advantage. It grows when loyal suppliers invest in our members, members support those suppliers, and knowledge, opportunity and ambition pass between generations.
The resultant momentum is an IBA community becoming stronger, more resilient and better connected every year. Independent Together. Stronger Tomorrow.
ewnews.co.uk
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