National Buying Group (NBG) has appointed Mark Smith as its new Category Buyer for Brick & Block, Civils & Landscaping, and Roofing & Insulation.
Mark will work closely with the three category management teams, co-ordinating with each Chair and Vice Chair to analyse, plan and negotiate deals that will benefit NBG’s network of Partners and Suppliers. As well as bolstering the buying group’s relationships with existing Suppliers across the three categories, Mark will also play a lead role exploring new market opportunities and liaising with potential new Suppliers.
Prior to joining NBG, Mark spent 16 years at Buckinghamshire-based Grant & Stone where he played an important role as the business grew from seven branches to 35 across the South East. As Purchasing Manager, his role at Grant & Stone involved purchasing deals and securing supply continuity.
He believes that this wealth of experience stands him in good stead to acquire improved buying and supply agreements for NBG’s merchant Partners. And due to his background in the sector, Mark will be able to offer a Partner-oriented perspective within NBG’s Central Team.
He said: “I’ve been working in the industry for a good while now and I’m looking forward to applying my experience and expertise on a larger scale. I want to see NBG Partners and Suppliers enjoying strong professional relationships with the best prices and service agreements of any merchants in the UK.
“I’ve grown to love this industry because of the people. It’s fast-moving with frequent updates to product specification, regulations, and constant new innovations, so Supplier relationships with good communication lines are key. I want to see NBG lead the industry on all fronts by building relationships, making deals beneficial to all parties, and growing the influence of the group.”
For more on NBG, visit nationalbuyinggroup.com.
