The National Merchant Buying Society (NMBS) is a centralised buying society for independent builders, timber and hardware, plumbing and heating merchants.
Since 1963, the NMBS has been dedicated to strengthening the position of the independent merchant by bringing them together to gain negotiating and purchasing power by continuously negotiating terms, rebates and special offers on their behalf. In 2011, it has over 670 members with over 2,000 branches and approximately £500 million buying power.
In February 2011, NMBS launched a new campaign aimed at the professional tradesman entitled “I Love Independents”, with the new website available by visiting www.iloveindependents.co.uk. All tradesmen are urged to register with this new campaign in order to get the maximum benefit from it and ultimately show their support to the Independent Merchant.
What is the ‘I Love Independent’ Campaign about?
Independent Merchants are owner managed Builders, Timber, Hardware, Plumbing and Heating Merchants. The ‘I Love Independents’ campaign aim is to promote the major benefits for the tradesmen to trade with Independent Merchants, these include:
Local Knowledge – Building Materials can be bought from local businesses that are able to support the end user by offering local decisions, for local problems, whilst having the knowledge to deliver national solutions.
The People – Independents are staffed by people in tune with the customer and they make a big difference. They have excellent product knowledge as well as understanding the local market and needs.
Stock – Independents hold a good stocking range and depth. This allows the end user to have the confidence that they can buy the product when they need it.
Competitive Offers – Most leading Independents are supported by NMBS, the UKs leading buying society for Independent Merchants. From this the Tradesman can be sure that their local Independent has the ability to source and deliver, competitively, all their building materials.
How do I find my Local Independent Merchant?
You can search for your local Independent Merchant by downloading the Free ‘I Love Independents’ app.
The Free download is available from the Apple App Store by searching ‘Independents Locator’, which can be used on the iPhone or iPad.
The App is also available as a free download for Smart Phones by accessing the Android Market and searching ‘i-merchants’. The applications provide clear directions as well as a telephone number and website address.
Alternatively you can search for your local Independent Merchant by visiting www.iloveindepenents.co.uk and clicking on the find your local merchant tab. The search facility provides you with a map of local Independents, which includes address and contact details as well as being able to get directions.
How can I get involved with the ‘I Love Independents’ campaign?
Professional Tradesman are urged to register their support on www.iloveindependents.co.uk, from registering their details they will receive regular communication for the ‘I Love Independents’ campaign.
They can also enter the Free Prize Draw to Win a Nintendo Wii by nominating their local Independent in the Independent of the Year Competition.
Dean Hayward, NMBS Marketing Communications Manager comments “NMBS have always been 100% committed to Independents, and the ‘I Love Independents’ campaign will enable us to promote the Independent Merchants even more to the Professional Tradesmen. We encourage the Professional Tradesman to register their support for the campaign and become a Fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/iloveindependents), and follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/loveindependent).For further information please telephone 0116 261 4904 or visit www.iloveindependents.co.uk or email [email protected]
