WELCOME STRENGTH IN NUMBERS


COMMUNITY, COLLABORATION, COMMITMENT. All key terms very much in evidence at the annual NBG Supplier Summit, Exhibition and Conference in Newport in November.


Community: the CMTs, the regional meetings, the WhatsApp groups, the knowledge that there is always someone within the organisation who has had the same issues as you, and that they are willing to share their experience and knowledge. Collaboration: NBG’s independent merchants have always been very strong in their ability to work collaboratively with Suppliers and other Partners, ensuring that the negotiated deals are right for both parties. Commitment: A deal is only a good deal if it is kept to, and NBG is focused on making sure that Partners are committed to the buying partnerships that are the end result of the community spirit and collaboration. An organisation of like-minded independent merchant businesses who first came together 21 years ago to pool their buying power and offer better volumes to Suppliers, NBG has always been about buying better. By developing a real community spirit, it’s also about so much more than price negotiation. Once again, BMJ was delighted to be asked to work with NBG producing this special publication highlighting the commitment to buying better and growing businesses by working together.


Fiona Russell Horne Group Managing Editor, BMJ


STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY


THE LAST FEW years have been tough on our industry to say the least. From pricing volatility to commodity shortages, continuity has been hard to come by. But with every challenge comes an opportunity and the early signals from our new government suggest we just might be heading towards a brighter chapter.


This is where our network of agile, forward-thinking independent merchant Partners and quality roster of Suppliers really stand to prosper through the supportive community we all work hard to maintain.


The supportive community within NBG is best seen through encouragement from our peers, all of whom have advice they can pass on and support to offer. This is all about creating an environment of sharing, of collaboration and of trusting each other.


But why is this important? It’s important, quite simply, because every NBG Partner is an independent merchant striving for success. Within NBG, we create a community that is greater than the sum of its parts. Over the course of my first 10 months as Managing Director of NBG, I have seen just how strong this community of forward-thinking businesses is and know there’s plenty of scope for it to become even stronger.


Mark Hughes Managing Director, NBG


Published by BUILDERS MERCHANTS JOURNAL, on behalf of NBG, the National Buying Group.


Datateam Business Media, London Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8LY


Tel: 01622 687031 www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net


Production Controller: Nic Mandeville


nmandeville@datateam.co.uk EDITORIAL


Group Managing Editor: Fiona Russell Horne 01622 699101


frussell-horne@datateam.co.uk


Assistant Editor: Will McGill 01622 699185


wmgill@datateam.co.uk


Publisher: Paul Ryder


pryder@datateam.co.uk


Media Account Executive: Morgan Borthwick-Hunter mborthwick-hunter@datateam.co.uk 01622 699126


ADVERTISING


Group Sales Manager: Dawn Tucker 01622 699148 dtucker@datateam.co.uk


CONTENTS


5 View from the Top MD Mark Hughes talks all things NBG


8 Supplier Summit Journalist Ed Conway took delegates on a journey around the world of materials


10 Sponsor Spotlight Siniat, NBG’s headline Conference Sponsor for 2025


12 Technical Update A look at Hub Version 3, the heart of NBG’s technical support


14 Building the Deals Chatting with the CMT leads for General Build, Plumbing, Heating & Showrooms, and Roofing & Insulation


18 Partner Profile LMR Timber Supplies developed with the help of NBG


20 Partner Profile NMSB: an NBG Partner that’s a bit different


22 A Younger Perspective Chatting with three younger NBG Partners


24 Partner Recruitment What attracts new Partners to NBG?


26 Supplier and Partner Awards


Rewarding ccommitment, engagement and achievement


28 Networking in Action NBG is a community built upon relationships and friendships


© Datateam Business Media Ltd 2025. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photo-copying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without the express prior written consent of the publisher. The title Builders Merchants Journal is registered at Stationers’ Hall.


January 2025 3 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY BUILDERS MERCHANT JOURNAL JANUARY 2025


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