MERCHANT FOCUS: FLOYDS BUILDERS MERCHANT
strong relationships with Suppliers, and becoming fully compliant with NBG’s buying practices posed a significant challenge. We had to overhaul our procurement processes and move to established NBG deals to align with their standards. However, the advantages of joining NBG far outweighed any potential drawbacks.
Immediate benefits
We anticipated that the main benefits of joining NBG would include significant cost savings through better buying, access to a wider and more innovative range of products, and enhanced relationships with top-tier Suppliers. Since joining, we have been able to see the impact of NBG’s Supplier deals; reaping these benefits and more.
From becoming an NBG Partner in August 2023 until now, the growth of our business has been remarkable. Companies that previously refused to open accounts with us are now actively seeking our business. This shift can be attributed to NBG’s substantial buying power, which has revolutionised our procurement process. Instead of my buyer having to negotiate prices individually, we now benefit from set preferential rates across the Group. For instance, we secured a major deal with a leading cement Supplier at a significantly reduced rate, enabling us to offer much more competitive pricing to our customers, which ultimately enabled us to compete head-to-head with some of the nationals.
The impact on our bottom line has been profound too. The collective purchasing power of NBG has granted us access to a broader range of products at highly competitive prices, enhancing our ability to meet diverse customer needs and stay ahead in a challenging market.
Community and support One of the most rewarding aspects of joining NBG has been the sense of community and support. We participate in quarterly regional meetings, Category Management Team (CMT) meetings, and the annual general meeting,
which are not only informative but somewhat legendary for their networking opportunities. At these gatherings, we’ve had the opportunity to discuss industry trends and challenges with peers who have faced similar issues. The welcoming nature of all Partners and the willingness to share advice and best practices has been invaluable. Whether it’s a quick phone call for advice on the best buying deals or an in- depth discussion at a meeting, there is always someone within the group ready to help. The quarterly meetings are particularly valuable. We often face similar challenges, and it is reassuring to know that there is always a Partner who has navigated the same issues and can offer a solution. The camaraderie and collaborative spirit within NBG are unmatched, making us feel truly supported in our business endeavours.
Our previous buying group was profit-driven September 2024
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and somewhat one-dimensional. In contrast, NBG operates purely for the benefit of its Partners and their customers. This shift in focus has not gone unnoticed among our clientele either. The collaborative approach of NBG has fostered a culture of mutual support and continuous improvement, which has improved both our service offerings and customer satisfaction.
Looking to the future In just one year, joining NBG has propelled our company to new heights. Our costs have decreased, our product range has expanded and – despite a flat market – we have managed to buck the trend and achieve impressive growth. NBG’s buying power, akin to that of a multinational corporation, combined with the wealth of knowledge within the group, ensures that we are well-positioned for continued success.
Our current site, which we have occupied for only three and a half years, is already struggling to accommodate our growth so we are actively seeking a new location to meet the increasing demand. It’s a good problem to have, for sure. The conditions for the new site include ample space for storage and improved facilities for handling larger volumes of inventory. If the results of our first year as an NBG Partner are any indication, Floyds’ future looks incredibly promising.
The constant challenge of negotiating new deals with Suppliers is now a thing of the past as NBG’s expert team handles negotiations on behalf of the entire Group. The unparalleled buying power and collective expertise of NBG provide us with a competitive edge that is hard to match and gives me confidence that we are in the best group to take our business to the next level. BMJ
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