It has been reported that NBG Partners have experienced strong trading, with many members successfully experiencing growth and carrying out acquisition and expansion strategies.
Nick Oates, NMBG’s MD, explained: “NBG Partners are typically entrepreneurial businesses with a strong presence in their local communities. Many of them are capitalising on that strength by expanding and develop developing their businesses, opening new branches and diversifying into related areas, supported by NBG deals from the industry’s top brands.”
One example of this is South Wales based timber and general merchant group Hughes Forrest, which has increased its branch network by adding a new dual branch site in Pontypridd.
Through buying a local business, the company were able to renovate and rebrand the site to Hughes Forrest and move its roofing division across as well.
Nick Bulpin, Hughes Forrest MD, commented: “There was a lot of residual good will for the existing merchant, but we have improved on its position by investing strongly in stock, using NBG deals across the board. The site is convenient for customers and we’ve made a very encouraging start.”
Another NBG Partner in Yorkshire has also doubled its branch presence with the opening of a new branch in Horsforth North, Leeds. Using NBG deals, Maddens has opened a new depot and is reporting strong early results. The mixed merchant is said to have chosen the site because of its strong passing traffic and has received plenty of support from NBG Suppliers.
Madden’s Paul Wilkinson said: “We have had some great deals from suppliers for the new branch, simply because we are NBG members. I’ve been so impressed by the support we’ve received and that has reflected in the branch’s successful start.”
Finally, NBG member DW has acquired power tool and fixings specialist Fixing & Powertools Center. The acquisition will work alongside Nyes existing Dorking-based general merchant business and will provide an on-site workshop which will offer repairs, servicing and warranty repair work on all types of power tools.
Independent merchants wishing to join NBG can find out how at www.nationalbuyinggroup.com.
