Bromley-based Simply Plumbing Bathroom Solutions has recently joined the buying group, while existing NBG Partner BuildLand is expanding its presence in the West Midlands with new Solihull branch.
Stating that it has joined National Buying Group to help “strengthen its relationships with Suppliers while gaining access to the knowledge and experience of fellow independent merchants,” Simply Plumbing Bathroom Solutions began trading in 2011 as a heating and plumbing merchant (Simply Plumbing Solutions) before opening a bathroom showroom (Simply Bathrooms Solutions…) in 2016.
Director Gurdy Lidder heads up the trade side of the business and said: “One of the biggest attractions for us is the opportunity to network with other likeminded merchants. Being able to learn from businesses facing similar challenges will help us go from strength to strength.”
This includes the likes of fellow Partners and heating and plumbing specialists Duquemin & Ozanne in Guernsey, and Paton of Walton in Surrey, both of which joined NBG since July 2024.
And with NBG Partnership granting these merchants access to competitive deals from Suppliers they had not previously worked with, or those where they had been one of many smaller clients, Gurdy continued: “In some cases with Suppliers, we’ve never had a dedicated point of contact despite doing significant business with them. Having one person who understands your account, can make decisions, and comes back with answers quickly makes a real difference. It helps build stronger, longer-term relationships.”
Although Simply Plumbing Bathroom Solutions had looked at joining buying groups before, the business wanted to be sure it could stay independent and continue operating in a way that best serves its customers.
“There’s always more influence when you’re part of a collective than when you’re negotiating alone, and that’s a real advantage for us.”
Fellow Director Rav Lidder, who leads on the showroom side of the business, continued: “Our showroom is built around providing a bespoke design service rather than simply selling products. We wanted reassurance that joining a buying group wouldn’t mean losing that flexibility or being pushed towards products that weren’t right for our customers.
“Those conversations with NBG gave us confidence that we could stay true to our approach while still benefiting from everything the group has to offer.”
Since joining, both Rav and Gurdy have been impressed by the support received from both NBG and its existing Partners. Gurdy commented: “The onboarding process has been excellent. Existing Partners encouraged us to join in the first place and have been incredibly welcoming, sharing advice and offering help wherever they can. It’s been a very positive experience.”
Rav added: “At our stage of growth, having access to the experience of other independent merchants is invaluable. Combined with stronger Supplier relationships and the ability to have a bigger voice through the buying group, it gives us another platform to develop the business.
“There’s always more influence when you’re part of a collective than when you’re negotiating alone, and that’s a real advantage for us.”
Phil Bonar, Head of New Partner Development and Recruitment at NBG, said: “Simply Plumbing Bathroom Solutions is a great addition to NBG. The business has ambitious plans and remains committed to delivering a highly personalised service, and we’re pleased to be able to support that journey every way that we can.”
For more on NBG, visit NationalBuyingGroup.com.
BuildLand has expanded its regional reach with a new Solihull branch, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth.
The branch follows the acquisition of a well-established merchant site previously operated as Mahoney’s, a business with a long-standing and respected reputation in the Birmingham area. By bringing the site into the BuildLand network, the company is not only extending its footprint but also preserving a trusted name within the local community.
The Solihull branch will join its existing locations in Redditch — its headquarters — and Coventry, further strengthening its ability to serve customers across the Midlands. Significant refurbishment work is underway at the site ahead of its planned opening, with the team undertaking a full overhaul to modernise the branch and bring it in line with BuildLand’s standards.
As part of the transition however, BuildLand is committed to maintaining Mahoney’s legacy, retaining members of the existing team and continuing to incorporate the Mahoney’s name within the branch. This includes plans to reflect both brands across materials and inviting the Mahoney family to the official opening, ensuring continuity for long-standing customers.
The expansion comes as BuildLand continues to benefit from its partnership with National Buying Group (NBG), which it joined as a Partner in February 2020. Since becoming a Partner, the business reports it has seen significant advantages through increased buying power, enhanced Supplier relationships and greater market credibility.
Matt Matharu, Director General Manager at BuildLand, said: “This expansion marks an exciting new chapter in BuildLand’s business journey. We are proud to deliver a wide range of products to customers across the Midlands and this move only serves to strengthen our product range for shoppers.
“We’ve not looked back since joining NBG – it’s been a massive asset to the business. The extra buying power and the strength of being part of the group really changes how we’re seen in the market.”
On taking on the new branch, Matt explained: “When this opportunity came along, it was something we felt we had to move on quickly. Being part of NBG gave both us and our Suppliers confidence in what we’re doing, and that support has been clear throughout this process.”
“We’ve not looked back since joining NBG – it’s been a massive asset to the business. The extra buying power and the strength of being part of the group really changes how we’re seen in the market.”
Indeed, suppliers have “played a key role in supporting the new branch,” working closely with the merchant to provide stock, racking and in-store displays as the site takes shape.
Mark Hughes, Managing Director at NBG, commented: “It’s always fantastic to see our Partners seize new opportunities and invest in their future. BuildLand’s expansion into Solihull is a great example of how independent merchants can grow with confidence, supported by the strength and credibility of the NBG network.
“We look forward to continuing to support BuildLand as they develop the new branch and build on this exciting next chapter.”
