Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Devon independent builders merchant Inter-Line Building Supplies Ltd has acquired local builders merchant Morris & McGinn Ltd, a family-run independent traders, based in Teignmouth and Dawlish, Devon, specialising in heating and decorating products.
Morris & McGinn, which has been trading since 1948, faced difficulties during the Covid-19 pandemic due to a lack of online infrastructure, and directors Ross and Sharon , who are reaching retirement age, decided the company required additional future support.
Morris & McGinn will continue to operate independently as a reliable and independent local brand, upholding their ethos as a long-standing and family-run local merchant, much like Inter-Line. It will joining the National Buying Group as an associate.
Neil Robinson, Financial Director at Inter-Line, said: “We are thrilled to have taken on Morris & McGinn as an associate of Inter-Line and to be able to provide support during this challenging time. We will work closely with Ross and his colleagues to ensure the businesses move forward together, whilst retaining our separate local reputations as reliable and supportive independent merchants.”
McGinn will manage the Morris & McGinn branches with the support of Sharon McGinn and will also be able to help other branches in the group develop these product ranges. He said: “This new relationship with Inter-Line comes at the perfect time for Morris & McGinn, as the industry faces new challenges, and we require that extra bit of support. With Sharon and I starting to think about moving into retirement, we wanted to ensure the future welfare of our employees, make sure the company is in good hands, and in a position to move forward.
“We are so pleased to be working with Inter-Line, a company that holds similar values to our own and understands the local market. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the business as we learn from Inter-Line and the National Buying Group relationship.”
Nick Oates, managing director at NBG, commented: “It’s wonderful to see NBG Partners supporting other local businesses during what has been such a tough time for the industry. We are thrilled to have Morris & McGinn on board as an associate member and look forward to welcoming Ross and the team into the NBG family.”
