National Buying Group (NBG) welcomed a record 14 new independent merchants as Partners or Associates in 2024, highlighting its “appeal to businesses seeking enhanced buying power, collaborative opportunities, and tailored support.”
The final merchant to join in 2024 was M.A. Grigg, a specialist agricultural merchant in Cornwall. The family-run business has been in operation since 1970, on Pendennis Farm, St. Austell. The business has grown from a small farm shop in a converted pig shed into the merchant store and warehouse it is today, providing workwear, timber and agricultural supplies.
M.A. Grigg joined 13 other independent merchants that NBG recruited in 2024, spanning specialists in plumbing and heating, landscaping as well as general building supplies. The new Partners are said to show the diversity and strength of NBG’s growing community, with businesses such as Paton of Walton, New Milton Sand and Ballast and Fairfield Builders Supplies joining the group to “demonstrate its value in multiple sectors across the UK.”
NBG says the influx of new Partners can be credited in large part to its strategy of buying better, with the collective buying power of more than £1 billion enabling all Partners to access Supplier deals to rival those achievable by national chains. In addition, the breadth of expertise among the new Partners is described as having boosted the knowledge-sharing culture that NBG prides itself on.
For example, the addition of companies such as Dontel Roofing Supplies and LMR Building Supplies has expanded NBG’s influence in key markets, while Partners such as plumbing and heating specialists MPH bring fresh perspectives to long-term group strategies.
Antony Knight, Manager at M.A. Grigg, commented: “Joining NBG has been a great decision. We’ve been given really great support from other merchants and NBG Suppliers. The deals we now have access to are set to have a really positive impact on us over the next several years so we’re looking forward to seeing what our future holds with NBG.”
Phil Bonar, NBG’s Head of New Partner Development and Recruitment, attributes this success to NBG’s “unwavering commitment” to its Partners. He said: “We’re very pleased to welcome M.A. Grigg into NBG. 2024 was a landmark year for us and we feel that the record number of new Partners is a testament to the strength of our group, the trust we’ve built within the industry, and the tangible benefits we offer.
“It’s not just about the enhanced buying power — although that’s a key factor — it’s also about the collaboration, transparency, and mutual success that define the NBG experience. We’re thrilled to see M.A. Grigg and so many other merchants recognising the value of joining us.”
Following the 14 new Partners and Associates in 2024, NBG’s expansion shows no signs of slowing with several more independent merchants set to become new NBG Partners in 2025.
Mark Hughes, Managing Director at NBG, said: “Each new Partner brings something unique to the group. Their input strengthens not only their own businesses but also the entire NBG community. Last year has shown that our buying power, democratic ethos and emphasis on a collaborative culture resonates with independent merchants, and we’re excited to see the continued growth and success of all our Partners.”
For more information on NBG, visit NationalBuyingGroup.com.
