h&b Buying Group has announced the strategic appointments of Damian Royds as Trading Director and Steve Bennett as Procurement Director.
The Group says that these additions show its commitment to strengthening its leadership team and enhancing its ability to support its members effectively.
New Trading Director Damian Royds brings a wealth of merchant industry knowledge and experience to the position. His extensive background in the merchanting sector spans both national and independent merchants and also includes stints in retail and distribution.
Coupled with his understanding of merchant dynamics and distribution networks, h&b says this means he is well positioned to “contribute to (its) trading strategies, helping merchant members to support negotiated deals and work collaboratively with them to grow their businesses.”
Steve Bennett, meanwhile, assumes the role of Procurement Director, leveraging his expertise in procurement in the sector to “optimise procurement processes, foster supplier relationships, and develop collaborative opportunities.” The buying group says his insights will be invaluable in further refining its procurement practices, “ultimately enhancing the group’s ability to provide enhanced value to members.”
Damian said: “Our goal at h&b is very much to support members in getting competitive deals and develop category initiatives that give them strategic advantage in their local marketplace, plus adding value to their business.
“The h&b team and the members will work together to support those deals proactively and profitably. The team are also committed to providing our suppliers with a strategic and professional backing, to develop the value they can achieve from the group and continue to develop relationships and partnerships within our supply chain.”
With a membership spanning over 100 independent merchants and a collective turnover exceeding £1 billion, h&b describes itself as “a cornerstone of support for its independent builders’ merchants members across the UK.” Through its collaboration with members, the group says it “tailors its services to address the specific challenges and opportunities faced by individual merchants, fostering a community of growth and resilience.”
