NBG (National Buying Group) has reflected on the success of its recent 2024 Conference at the Celtic Manor Resort & ICC, bringing together Partners and Suppliers under the theme ‘Strengthening Our Community.’
Building on the strategy launched in 2023 – founded on the three pillars of Excellence in Buying, Supportive Community, and Enhanced Business Performance – NBG Partners and Suppliers marked the “exceptional collaboration and camaraderie that make NBG stand out in the merchanting industry.” Over the course of the two-day event, delegates had the opportunity to engage with each other and “celebrate NBG’s unique approach to buying better through its commitment to community-building and business support.”
The Conference emphasised how NBG’s democratic ethos and close-knit partnerships position its Partners to “outperform the wider market,” with the Supplier Summit on day one opened by a first keynote speech from Managing Director, Mark Hughes, since joining NBG earlier this year. Through his welcoming speech, Mark highlighted the areas he feels the buying group continues to excel in as it looks to overcome the challenging headwinds faced by the industry over recent years.
The Supplier Summit welcome was followed by a compelling keynote from economic commentator Ed Conway, who gave the audience insights into the impact of some of industry’s most in-demand materials within a shifting economic landscape.
A further highlight of the event was the Expo on the second day, where Partners had the opportunity to explore Suppliers’ stands and discuss future opportunities, product innovations and ways to strengthen their business relationships.
The camaraderie continued at the gala dinner at Celtic Manor, where guests were treated to an evening of celebration, dining, and entertainment. As part of the festivities, awards were given to Suppliers and Partners that have gone above and beyond in their respective categories (see panel below).
The Conference’s now traditional charity football match, along with a silent auction at the gala dinner, helped the Conference to raise more than £25,000 for the Rainy Day Trust, further highlighting NBG’s commitment to giving back to its community.
MD Mark Hughes said: “The 2024 Conference has been a true celebration of our shared values. Moving into another year, the connections made and the momentum gained from this Conference will only strengthen NBG Partners’ ability to succeed.
“Our three pillars of Excellence in Buying, Supportive Community, and Enhanced Business Performance are shaping the way we work and we’re seeing them help NBG Partners and Suppliers do better, even with the significant challenges of the past 12 months. This has been another successful Conference and I’m excited for what lies ahead for our Partners and Suppliers alike.”
For more information, visit NationalBuyingGroup.com.
NBG 2024 Awards
Supplier of the Year – (more than £5 million turnover): Brett Martin Building Products
Supplier of the Year – (£1m to £5m turnover): Keystone Lintels
Supplier of the Year – (Less than £1m turnover): Forgefix
Brick & Block category:
Forterra Building Products
Civils & Landscaping:
Aggregate Industries – Bradstone & Charcon
General Build:
Keystone Lintels
Lightside:
Toolbank
Plumbing, Heating & Showrooms:
QX Bathroom Products
Roofing & Insulation:
Mannok Insulation
Timber:
Egger
NBG PIM Supplier of the Year 2024:
Joint It
Categories voted for by Suppliers
Most Engaged NBG Partner – more than 5 branches: Kellaway Building Supplies
Most Engaged NBG Partner – 2 to 4 branches: Browns Builders Merchants
Most Engaged NBG Partner – 1 branch: McNair Building Supplies
