Greater Manchester-based Henshaws Roofing & Building Supplies is “looking to take the next step following meteoric growth” by joining National Buying Group (NBG) as a Partner.
Founded in 1985, Henshaws has expanded its turnover three-fold since Managing Director Adrian Shelley bought the business four years ago. During this time, the business moved from its original Stretford location to a ‘superbranch’ at Trafford Park, opened new premises in Rochdale, and diversified from being solely a roofing merchant.
Targeting continued growth, Adrian says he wanted to move to a new buying group that could help Henshaws take its next step. After speaking to his peers in the roofing and building materials industries, he concluded that becoming an NBG Partner would be perfect for his company.
Adrian explained: “The last few years have been brilliant for Henshaws, especially opening a larger branch at Trafford Park last December, which is a real badge of honour for businesses in Greater Manchester. However, this is a competitive industry so we can’t rest on our laurels – we needed to plan for the future, and that involved being in the right buying group.
“I was already aware of NBG through colleagues in the sector that were Partners there. I’ve known these guys for years and hugely respect their opinion, and they were all nothing but positive about the group when I asked, which means a lot. I also knew that NBG had a very strong position in roofing – they’re making massive progress in the sector and I wanted to be part of it. As such, joining NBG just seemed like a natural evolution.”
Since joining NBG at the start of March, Adrian notes that he has already been struck by the structure of the organisation, and how Partners across different industries work together and share knowledge. He is already part of NBG’s Category Management team for roofing and insulation, and is excited about what the future holds for Henshaws as part of the group.
“I’ve not been a Partner for very long, but the impact on my business has been immediate,” Adrian concluded. “There’s lots of collaboration, and an incredible level of openness from the Partners – everyone’s extremely professional, and you feel like an equal whose voice is clearly heard. I know that I’ve taken the right decision for my business and am looking forward to what the next few months and years will bring.”
Phil Bonar, NBG’s New Partner Development & Recruitment Manager, added: “We’re extremely pleased to welcome Henshaws into NBG and see them take to group activities with such enthusiasm. As our Partners often say, you get as much out of NBG as you put in, so the fact Adrian has got really involved this early is brilliant to see.
“Henshaws has already made waves in the Greater Manchester area, and we’re keen to help them continue their upwards trajectory. As an NBG Partner, we’re very confident the company will go from strength to strength, and we appreciate the trust Adrian has placed in us to help take Henshaws to the next level.”
Adrian has also recently been appointed by the Builders Merchants Federation as Regional Chairman for the North West region. He commented: “I’ve been so fortunate to have had a long and fulfilling career over the last 25 years in the builders’ merchant sector. There comes a point when you realise it is the right time to give something back to the industry that has supported you so well.
“As members of the BMF for many years, I’ve experienced first-hand the help and support the BMF offer every one of their members, both large and small. If I can help them with my experience, then I’m very happy to do so as Regional Chair for the North West region.”
