Menacing floodwaters have caused major disruption across the country and significant damage to many businesses in the last few months. Jim Parlato, Director at Browns Building Supplies and NBG board member explains how NBG Suppliers have offered support and how a vast range of product solutions could benefit Partners and their customers during future unpredictable weather conditions.
Based in Derby, Browns Building Supplies is a family-run, independent builders’ merchant that has been trading for over 100 years. The business had never suffered from flooding issues, until late last year when overflowing drains caused upwards of £250,000 worth of damage.
Jim Parlato describes how help from the NBG community helped get his company back on track and trading again: “NBG Partners and Suppliers called me as soon as they heard the news about my depot and offered to help, before I even had the chance to call and ask. They were offering to lend me lorries, take deliveries for me and anything else they could do to help me keep trading during this difficult time.
“The first reason we joined a buying group was to help us buy better at more competitive rates. However, the friendly culture at NBG was a close second. You know there is always someone there that is willing to help you in any way they can, and what we have been through with the floods has real͉#Û‰„2QAly highlighted that.”
At peak times, flooding costs the UK economy around £100,000 per hour, per major road affected and as many as 40% of businesses do not reopen after suffering devastating loss from flooding (see https://rainbow-int-franchise.co.uk/flooding-statistics-uk/ )
The floods at Browns were caused by the overflowing of drains, and the local council is still investigating exactly what went wrong. Jim said: “Following our experience, we strongly recommend that businesses have a flood plan in place. Being prepared for the possibility of floods and investing in quality preventative products can help to limit the damage caused by storm water.
“Now we can use our very real experience of flooding to advise our customers on how to protect themselves and recommend the best drainage and water management products to do it properly.”
NBG has a variety of Suppliers in the drainage and water management category including ACO, Marley Plumbing & Drainage and Naylor Drainage which are committed to delivering innovative drainage solutions. These suppliers work to provide Partners with essential flood-proof product lines to protect their businesses and properly equip them to advise their own customers to do the same.
The sector has also seen the development of new products to help lessen the effects of adverse weather including Bradstone’s permeable block paving which encourages the drainage of surface water.
Nick Oates, NBG Managing Director, said: “NBG has seen a 16.5% growth in purchases of Drainage & Water Management products over the last twelve months, with the Civils and Landscaping Category Management Team negotiating some great deals for both NBG Partners and Suppliers.
“We knew that the NBG family would pull together to offer Browns some incredible support but going forward, innovative products from our Suppliers and great deals will make sure Partners can provide guidance to their customers on the best way to do this.”
NBG News
- The annual NBG Conference will take place in South Wales at the Celtic Manor from 16-17 November 2020
- NBG has announced changes to its internal team with Jasmine King who has recently joined the Commercial Support team.
