Essex-based builders’ merchant EpicCentre Supply has become the latest member of the h&b Development Group as it focuses on achieving enhanced growth and diversification.
The h&b Development Group is described as offering “a unique opportunity” for smaller merchants to progress towards full group membership, providing access to beneficial deals and support from h&b and its members and suppliers. The organisation says that members of The Development Group can “significantly bolster their turnover and profit margins,” ultimately qualifying for inclusion in the main group.
This progression model, a gateway to full buying group membership, is a notable initiative within the merchant sector and has already seen numerous successful transitions from the scheme into the ranks of the full H&B group.
EpicCentre Supply’s Ivan Petriv said: “Joining the h&b Development Group is a strategic move for EpicCentre. We are committed to growing our business and enhancing our offerings to our valued customers. This partnership allows us to access top brand suppliers and expand our product range, particularly in heavy side products. We believe that this alliance with h&b Development Group will be a catalyst for our continued success.”
Established in 2016, EpicCentre Supply is a young, family-run business providing a full range of timber, building, plumbing and DIY products to both trade and public customers in-store, online and via a site delivery service. Like every other h&b merchant member, EpicCentre has a strong growth strategy based on expanding its heavyside offering and an improved brand offering in its Epping depot.
The h&b Group now totals 121 independent merchant members, trading from 368 branches nationwide.
