Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
h&b, the independent merchants’ buying group, has welcomed its latest member, Rugby-based Melbros Building Supplies who joined the h&b group on Monday (June 1).
Melbros is a “proudly independent” mixed builders merchant, established in 1985 after evolving from first a small contractor, through a small hardware store.
It serves local tradesmen and DIY customers throughout Warwickshire from the largest depot in Rugby and is still managed by the family of the original founders. In addition to trade counter and delivery services, Melbros offers a full online trading site, an on-site joinery business and a contracting arm.
“We are a young, keen company and we are determined to expand and grow and keep getting better. This move to h&b will only help that process. Certainly during the crisis it has been reassuring to be part of a large group and we are looking forward to signing up new accounts and learn from other members who have been through expansion before us.” says Melbros director Neil Melvin who runs the Melbros business with his brother Ian and sister Lisa.
Melbros approached h&b on the recommendation of an h&b supplier, and the joining process was completed during lockdown, despite the difficulties it posed.
“At h&b we are working harder than ever to support our members during these difficult times with advice, co-operation and of course in helping to secure supplies from across the globe,” says h&b’s Trading Director Jamie Wyatt. “The h&b board has been meeting virtually very regularly throughout the crisis and we are delighted that we were able to expedite Melbros’s application and welcome them to the h&b community so smoothly.”
h&b is a national merchant buying group with sales approaching £1bn a year though its growing membership of 107 independent builders merchants, trading from more than 280 branches in partnership with around 280 suppliers.
