The National Buying Group (NBG) has welcomed a new Executive Board member and three new Regional Chairs, as well as extending the terms of two other Board members for 2021.
Rachel Fryers, Director of Merritt & Fryers, has joined the NBG Executive Board in place of Peter Worthington. The family-ran merchant, located in the Yorkshire Dales, has been serving the both the professional trades and the public for over eighty years and Rachel will be bringing this expertise and knowledge to her position on the senior leadership team.
The NBG Executive Board has also seen two extensions in terms. Both Rex Nye Managing Director of NYEs Building Supplies and Jimmy Stewart, Director of Stewarts Building Services, have extended their terms and will remain on the Board for 2021.
Upon appointment to the board, Rachel said: “Being part of NBG is key in enabling independent merchants to grow, the more we put into the group as individuals the more we all get out of it. I am involved in the strategic development and growth of businesses by utilising tools that enable them to do so, identifying and implementing efficiencies and being a mentor to individuals within. I also have a background in construction industry of working with and managing complex multi-disciplinary projects and teams, all of which I hope will come in handy in my new role.
“I’m very much looking forward to supporting the great work of those who already give their time for the benefit of everyone in NBG, they are real, genuine people who are passionate about the industry.”
Further changes are taking place at a regional level. In addition to an extended term on the Executive Board, Rex Nye is also assuming the position of Regional Chair for the South East, John Wardrope takes over from Gerry Carney as the Regional Chair for Scotland and Sean Morgan picked up the reins as the South West Chair towards the end of last year.
John, Director at Cartmore Building Supply Company, said: “Cartmore has been an NBG Partner for over 20 years now and I’m really excited to be stepping up as the Regional Chair for Scotland this year. 2020 was a tough year for us all and I’m looking forward to working with Scottish Partners and Suppliers to move onwards and upwards throughout 2021 and beyond.”
Sean, Operations & Commercial Director at Kellaway Building Supplies, said: “When I was made aware of this opportunity to support the region, I was excited to tender my interest to broaden my knowledge with CMT processes, NBG values and tap into the wider merchanting knowledge the Partners offer. Kellaway has been a part of NBG since 2005 so I hope having this experience with the group is something that will prove useful in the role of South West Chair.
“Chairing in this new format of Zoom calls has definitely been more challenging, but everyone has been extremely supportive and welcoming. I think that my operational skillset is the biggest asset I can offer and I’m looking forward to sharing this experience with the South West team.”
Nick Oates, Managing Director at NBG, said: “NBG has always been about community and supporting one another and this is as important now, as it has ever been before. It is crucial for our Executive Board to lead the way in this and make sure Partners are given a role in the decision making and direction of the group.
“Whilst we are saddened to see Peter Worthington depart from the board, whose support was very much appreciated, we are excited to welcome Rachel to the team and we are confident that her expertise will be invaluable. Seeing Rex and Stewart continue in their roles also provides a welcoming continuity as we move forward as a group.”
He added: “The regional changes are also really exciting, Rex, Sean and John’s local knowledge will be key and crucial to helping make strides across the UK, throughout this year and beyond.”
For more information, click www.nationalbuyinggroup.com
