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14 Jan 2025
Few are morning the passing of the year. 2024 saw far too many construction insolvencies, project delays, supply chain issues and slow customer payments.
But against the odds, independent local merchants continued to support their local communities, helped close the skills gaps, supported new talent into the industry, innovated with digitalisation, and helped maintain secure businesses for their customers.
These were just some of the qualities celebrated in 2024 in NMBS’s self-proclaimed year of independent builders’ merchants. The UK’s leading buying society for independent merchants highlighted the positive impact that independent merchants have on the industry, including many case studies of businesses who showcased how they are supporting, educating and empowering their employees, customers and the wider independent sector.
It’s unsurprising then that research consistently shows that the majority of UK tradespeople see their local independent merchants as their preferred choice, providing the best understanding of local markets, business needs and requirements.
Garry Bryce, director of West Lothian, agrees:
“As an independent builder’s merchant, we take immense pride in serving our local community. Our deep understanding of their construction needs allows us to provide tailored solutions that larger, impersonal suppliers often struggle to match. Being rooted in the heart of the community means we can swiftly adapt to changing demands, whether it’s sourcing specific materials or offering expert advice.”
Kerry Hunt, learning and development business partner at MKM Building Supplies, adds:
“We are very proud of our apprentices and the contribution they make to our business. While most join us as new recruits, many are existing colleagues that undertake an apprenticeship to upskill and develop their careers with us. We are always keen to grow our apprenticeship offering, so if we have a vacancy or skills gap, we will always consider if an apprentice is a good fit for the role.”
Paul Bence, managing director at the Bence Group commented:
“As a business, we always look at what our customers and local community need the most, and we learn from this, not just focus on what we want to sell. We make sure we know our clients well through our area sales managers who can have personal conversations with our customers and find solutions to any challenges.”
Laurie Scott, director at CTS DIY & Building Supplies says:
“When we returned as an independent merchant, we wanted to provide traditional customer service, with a modern twist. We aspired to give our customers a personalised service but with the practicality and accessibility of modern technology.”
Looking back on the year just passed, Dean Hayward, NMBS head of sales and marketing, says:
“2024 was tough, but we are hopeful for a better year ahead, steadily reducing inflation and an uplift in market confidence. NMBS merchant members are vital to ensuring this recovery happens at a local level, and they are investing in even better customer service and efficiencies in all working practices.
“NMBS is committed to helping independent merchants make the most of all opportunities this year. By developing and nurturing our business relationships, we should see better financial stability and profitability across our members and their larger customer base.
“We were right to celebrate 2024 as the year of the independent merchant. But the campaign continues – we will keep celebrating the industry superheroes throughout this year too.”