Independent Buying Consortium (IBC) Ltd has joined National Buying Group (NBG) LLP in a new strategic partnership that will “significantly enhance the buying power of both organisations and their collective network of independent merchants across the UK.”
The new partnership sees the IBC central organisation become one single NBG Partner. As a result, it will gain access to all NBG Supplier deals and a single vote under the terms of NBG’s Limited Legal Partnership. All 220 IBC members will remain independent businesses in their own right.
Mark Hughes, Managing Director at NBG, said: “We’re always looking for ways we can enable our network of independent merchants to remain as competitive as possible and by welcoming IBC into our Partner network, we feel we can work with our Suppliers to secure better pricing in return for significantly greater sales volumes.
“IBC shares many of the same core values and objectives as NBG, particularly a commitment to supporting independent businesses. This alignment makes the partnership a natural fit and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our sector.”
Founded in 2008, IBC has established itself as one of the UK’s largest independent buying groups, with over 220 merchant members operating across more than 300 locations nationwide. The group brings exceptional strength in the heavyside building materials sector, making its partnership with NBG “mutually beneficial for both parties.”
Vick Patel, CEO of IBC, added: “We’re extremely pleased to have become an NBG Partner. This strategic step enables our members to benefit from more competitive Supplier deals than we could have achieved alone. It’s our members and their customers who will benefit most. We’re looking forward to supporting NBG’s continued growth and playing a role in helping their Suppliers to grow their sales.”
This alliance is described as representing “a powerful step forward for both organisations, underpinned by shared values and a commitment to securing a stronger future for independent merchants.”
The main image shows (L-R): IBC Chief Commercial Officer Paul Read, NBG board member Andrew McLellan, IBC Managing Director and owner Vick Patel, NBG Executive Director James Norton and IBC Chief Operating Officer Ian Murphy.
For more information on NBG, visit NationalBuyingGroup.com
For more information on IBC, visit www.ibcbuyinggroup.com
