Manchester and London-based independent merchant Valves Instruments Plus Ltd (VIP) has recently joined National Buying Group (NBG), citing the advantages of increased purchasing power and business support.
Having supplied valves, instruments and plumbing and heating components to the industry since 1985 but not having previously been part of a buying group before, joining NBG was a brand new venture for the directors at VIP. MD Steve Wood initially spoke to the company’s Southern Director Chris Ramster who had previously worked with NBG and, after hearing his colleague’s praise for the group, decided to look into it.
Steve said: “We wanted to speed up our education on new products as we expand our offering and felt a buying group would be a great source of knowledge and expertise to provide the assistance we need. NBG is the perfect fit for us; the product support combined with the strong buying power is ideal and we’re really glad to be able to learn from the other Partners as well as sharing our own expertise.”
NBG has seen a significant influx in new merchant Partners in the past twelve months – most recently with Tunbridge Wells and Aylesford based Plumb 4 Less in late-2023. More are expected to join soon as Partnership negotiations are progressing with merchants covering a range of specialisms.
Phil Bonar, New Partner Development and Recruitment Manager at NBG said: “VIP is a fantastic addition to our buying group. Their insights into the industry will be invaluable to us and we look forward to benefitting from their contributions as much as they benefit from our support. They’re eager to get stuck in and that’s what we love about them. We’re looking forward to seeing them progress as NBG Partners.”
The main image (top) shows Phil Bonar, NBG’s New Partner Development and Recruitment Manager, with Steve Wood – Managing Director of VIP.
For more information on National Buying Group, including how to join, visit NationalBuyingGroup.com.
