Profits up for IBC’s 150th member

Builders Store Ltd in Cheadle, Cheshire has experienced an increase in profits as a result of joining independent merchants buying group IBC last year, the company has revealed.

The family-run builders merchant became IBC’s 150th member in June 2013, and say its profits improved due to the extra buying power and increased savings.

Builders Store co-owner, Alan Biggar, said: “We’ve had our reservations regarding joining a buying group. We were going through a difficult time due to the recession and internal issues and the thought of the added pressure didn’t appeal to us.

“We met with IBC and their approach made things simpler, enjoying great savings without any extra responsibilities. Since we joined, we have seen our profits increase due to the extra buying power and increased savings. We have been able to put more time and effort into ensuring our customers get the best deals and have been able to develop our market leading internal landscaping display area to help local tradesmen display their crafts.”

Since Builders Store joined IBC, the national buying group has gone on to acquire an additional 59 members, bringing their total to 209.

IBC’s Marc Coulson said: “As a business we have always worked to ensure our members and suppliers enjoy mutual benefits and this model has been very successful for us. Builders Store is a great example of how a family run business can compete with the larger nationals and we’re very proud of this.”