Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Independent builders merchant buying group NMBS hosted over 600 people last week at its annual pre-exhibition Gala Dinner in the E.ON Lounge at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.
Tim Allen, NMBS chairman told guests how, in 2015, the buying society increased its turnover by 8.5% to a record £1.4Bn. Discounts and rebates paid to members also increased by £3.2M to £58M in total.
In addition, NMBS has successfully overcome a number of challenges created by new HMRC regulations concerning VAT on prompt payment discounts. It has also maintained its IS0 9001, 14001 and 18001 accreditations as well as implemented new corporate governance policies
Looking ahead, NMBS plans to focus on supporting the activities of its key buying group partners such as FORTIS, NBG, H&B, PHG, CBA, IPG, and IBC as well as strengthening the deals for their standalone independent members. It will also increase investment into its captive credit Insurance scheme, enabling members to benefit from more flexible and extended credit limits, and suppliers to enjoy an even greater level of security and reduced credit risk.
In total, monies generated from the table donations collected over £6,500 for NMBS’ two chosen charities – The Rainy Day Trust and CRASH.
Managing director Chris Hayward presented gifts to two guests approaching retirement who have repeatedly gone the extra mile for their companies, the building industry and NMBS – Dave Jordan, group sustainability manager, at Ridgeons and Maurice Morton, UK sales and marketing director, at Dickies. He also presented the Makita-sponsored
charity draw prize, a bundle of Apple products, to Dickies’ Luke Armstrong.
The after-dinner speaker was international rugby union referee Nigel Owens, who refereed the 2015 World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia.
Commenting on the evening, Hayward, said: “The NMBS Gala Dinner remains an important diary date for both NMBS members and suppliers alike. It enables these key partners to network and mix business with pleasure in a relaxed and informal setting. We’re delighted that this year’s event was so well attended and that the entertainment, speeches and fundraising initiatives were so well received.”
