NEWSROUND New partner enquiries at record levels, says NBG


National Buying Group has reported that new Partner enquiries are at record levels. Managing director, Nick Oates, said: “Undoubtedly independent merchants are seeing the value in being able to access our buying capability which is, I believe, the best in the sector. We are also seeing merchants with previous experience of buying groups coming to us wanting a truly democratic Partner-controlled experience where their voice is heard on major decisions.” “We’ve always been keen to


Alloway Timber picks up Prestige merchant award


bring in more specialists who can add real value to the partnership with their in-depth knowledge of sectors and products. We’re hopeful of bringing on board new plumbing specialists shortly and we’re keen to recruit more timber,


hardware and tooling specialists. Of course, we still want to recruit progressive mixed merchants where we are traditionally strong, with a particular current focus in Southern and Northern England.” The findings of a recent report have indicated the growing need for independent merchants to find the right balance between fulfilling in-person trade sales and providing support via digital channels. The new report from National Buying Group (NBG), Valuing Local Independent Trade Merchants in a Digital World, analysed the


M&J’s Direct buy makes five


Independent Greenock-based builders merchant M&J has acquired GTI Direct in Dunoon, adding a 5th location to the group’s portfolio.


Alloway Timber & Builders Merchants has won the Building Merchants of the Year award for London/South East 2023/2024, as part of the Prestige Awards.


Corporate Livewire Prestige Awards recognise businesses that have proven to be the best in their market. The judges were impressed by the range of materials available, saying: “From softwoods, MDF, hardwoods, skirtings and architraves, to aggregates, blocks, bricks and lintels — the building merchant stocks every material customers require for construction projects at a price that suits all budgets. Their extensive fleet includes multiple vehicle types; from transit vans and lorry mounted cranes, all the way to their specialist loft loader vehicles, allowing versatile, same and next-day delivery to suit customers’ needs.”


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GTI was established nearly 30 years ago as a UK-wide distributor of insulation, energy efficiency and carbon reduction eco products and in recent years has set up a timber and builders’ merchant division. It now joins h&b as part of the M&J Group. M&J is family-owned and -run, established in 1999, and operates a timber and mixed light and heavyside business from its two branches in Greenock and Largs, as well as its subsidiary South


role of digital in the traditionally low-digital builders’ merchant sector. Specifically, it surveyed UK tradespeople to find out if and how buying channels had changed post-COVID, why customers continue to buy from independent builders’ merchants, and the role digital has to play in the industry. Despite the post-COVID rise of digital channels, the survey revealed that 92% of trade sales continue to be made over the counter, marking the builders merchants’ sector as uniquely low- digital.


Lanarkshire Building Supplies in Larkhall, all supported by a 130,000 sq ft storage and distribution hub.


Part of h&b since 2013, M&J can use the acquisition to service customers around the Cowal peninsula and Argyll more easily. It also gives GTI access to h&b buying deals and a wider product


Arbor invests in New Holland


Arbor Forest Products has invested £4m to install a new state-of-the-art sawmill planing line at its site in New Holland, North Lincolnshire. This will allow the company to further automate its production processes, stay ahead of market demand and pass on efficiency savings. In total, the new sawmill system can custom-cut and process 200m of timber per minute –around 40,000km a year and roughly equivalent to the circumference of the Earth. In tandem with


its ‘Warehouse on Wheels’ concept, which brings customers a mixed product delivery on just one vehicle, Arbor is ensuring maximum product availability and consistency, as well as working towards greener solutions. Arbor’s operations director, Phil Yell, said: “Our strategy is to stay at the forefront of the industry and guarantee the best quality for our customers – that’s why we’ve invested over £15m in automation (such as the sawmill) over the last couple of years. We’ve always


offering for existing and potential customers in the area. Mark Rodger of M&J Group said: “GTI compliments our already well-established brands in Scotland and this new acquisition fits exceptionally well with our vision to be the best provider of building products in the eyes of our customers, employees, suppliers, and communities. The existing management team, led by GTI Managing Director, Martin Clayton, as well as all staff are staying in place in their current roles, and we are excited about combining operational expertise and knowledge and aim to share best practice from all our business units to create a leading Scottish merchanting organisation.”


been driven to push the limits when it comes to technology, and in a tough labour market, it’s even more important to question how we do things and to critique what we’re using. This is the only way to improve efficiencies and productivity.”


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net June 2023


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