NMBS has announced it welcomed 94 new independent merchants as members in 2018, the highest number ever to join the Buying Society in one year.
This figure has reportedly beaten the previous record of 71, which was set in 2017, and brings NMBS’ total number of shareholding members to 1,097.
The 94 new members who joined NMBS last year bring with them a combined turnover of £18.2 million. In all, the independent builders’ merchants who are members of NMBS, have a combined buying power of more than £1.7 billion, comprising a 45% share of the UK merchant market and making a significant contribution to the UK construction industry.
The membership record is said to come as a result of three years investment in improved processes at the buying society, including a new prospect database, advanced staff training and an improved telesales performance, all of which was implemented to make it easier to qualify new members into NMBS.
Every independent merchant who joins NMBS receives improved rebate, which reportedly adds directly to their bottom line, and has immediate access to NMBS’ wide network of suppliers.
This latest membership record comes at the end of a successful year for the buying society, which staged a sell-out all-industry conference in Lake Maggiore, Italy, in June, as well as the April NMBS Exhibition and a number of social events.
NMBS also welcomed 36 new supplier members in 2018, bringing its total number of suppliers to 635. These new companies included boiler manufacturer Worcester Bosch, paving supplier The Talasey Group, and bathroom manufacturer Cassellie.
For more details, visit www.nmbs.co.uk.
