h&b Group - THE buying group for independent builders merchants
h&b Group is the fastest growing buying organisation for independent builders merchants. Its members have joined together to provide a platform to better represent their interests in negotiations with their key suppliers.
Member companies of h&b Group operate from branches located across England, Scotland and Wales. In 2008 the membership of Western Builders Merchants merged with h&b Group and in 2009 more individual merchants joined bringing the total to nearly 70 builders merchants. In 2010 it will continue to grow with more strategically positioned or specialised merchants. The Members and Member Locations pages are always regularly updated to reflect changes.
h&b Group's membership now not only covers the length and breadth of Britain but its members stock and sell the full range of Building Materials: Bricks and Blocks; Cement, Plaster and Aggregates; Timber, Panels and Joinery; Plumbing, Heating and Electrical Products and Ironmongery, Decorating, Fixings, Hardware and Tools.
h&b Group was founded in 1997 by five local builders merchants based north of London. Having been founded by merchants who competed with each other for sales, there is a continuing clear belief that geographical exclusion is not necessary. Trust between members lies at the heart of the Group.
Beliefs held strongly include real commitment with suppliers: "We do what we say" being very important for future success.
We believe that diversity of choice in the Merchant Market for our building-trade customers is in their interests as much as it is in the interests of the independent merchant. To reinforce that position this Group has the aim of delivering strong commitment to suppliers in return for terms giving parity to larger merchant companies and groups.
h&b Group supports the Get Britain Building campaign. More information on the dedicated website
Get Britain Building is a coalition of organisations from within the construction sector who are calling for the creation of a new business environment to help the UK construction industry thrive and prosper in these difficult times. The campaign focuses on the need to help all those involved in the UK construction industry survive in the current economic downturn with an emphasis on minimising excessive control, regulation, and taxation.
The National Merchant Buying Society (NMBS) started its life as a buying group with objectives similar to the h&b Group. That was back in 1964 and NMBS has evolved much over the years as have trading practices. However, many of the beliefs that were incorporated in NMBS continue today and coincide with those of h&b Group. It is therefore h&b Group's intention to continue to build its commitment to NMBS.
Members of h&b Group are all established and responsible merchants. Many are also members of the following organisations:
Unimer - United Merchants plc is the UK's largest ‘invoice clearing house’ for the building products industry. Owned by over 1,000 merchant members (trading from over 3,000 outlets), Unimer’s membership policy is ‘all embracing’ where everyone in the merchant industry is represented. Unimer is pleased to continually work with and further develop the relationship with all h&b Group members.
The Builders Merchants Federation is the indepentent organisation representing the interests of ALL British builders merchants, plumbers merchants and timber merchants and most responsible merchants are members.