In 2017, NMBS once again enjoyed a record year with a turnover increase of 11% to £1.7 billion.
NMBS chairman, Tim Allen, delivered the statistics at the annual Gala Dinner, adding that the buying society paid out more in rebate and discounts than ever before, with merchant members enjoying reimbursements and savings to the tune of £74 million - a rise of £8 million on the previous year. Operating costs were below budget for the UK buying society for independent builders', plumbing and heating, timber and hardware merchants.
This year's Gala Dinner took place on 10 April, the evening before the 2018 NMBS Exhibition, and was held in the E.ON Lounge at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. Almost 650 guests, representing the full spectrum of NMBS' 1000 plus merchant members and 600 plus supply partners, gathered for the evening, featuring fine dining, entertainment and the opportunity for some relaxed and informal networking.
NMBS Chairman to step down
Chairman Tim Allan announced his plans to step down at the AGM in May, after a seven year stint during which NMBS' turnover has trebled. He thanked the NMBS team for its support and assistance during his tenure as well as his fellow board members and the NMBS commodity committees, who help to ensure the buying society is run by independents, for independents.
NMBS MD Chris Hayward (pictured) thanked the outgoing chairman for his many years of hard work and input before presenting him with a thank you gift.
Gala Dinner
The evening also included a drinks reception and chance to arm wrestle a polar bear courtesy of Keylite Roof Windows and its ‘Bear-o-meter' challenge. Comedian, author and columnist Ian Moore hosted the evening.
Andy Hextall, NMBS Commercial Director, announced a charity prize draw sponsored by Makita in aid of the Rainy Day Trust and CRASH, and offering the chance to win a bundle of Apple products worth £1000. This draw raised £5,692 with the eventual winner named Mark Smith from NMBS member Grant & Stone. The evening also featured a silent charity auction of a ScrewsArt™ portrait depicting Princess Leia from Star Wars. This portrait had been donated by NMBS supplier, ForgeFix and was created using over 5000 of the fixing and fastener wholesalers' ForgeFast elite performance woodscrews. It was bought by Callum Kegg from NMBS member, Toolstop, successfully raising over £500 for CRASH.
After dinner entertainment features Ian Moore compering two stand-up comedians - Josh Daniels and Geoff Norcott.
Chris Hayward said: "True to tradition, this year's NMBS Gala Dinner proved to be an enjoyable and entertaining occasion which mixed business with pleasure. The strong attendance seen demonstrates the continued and important value of the evening in enabling our merchant members and our supply partners to network in advance of the biggest and best trading event in the independent merchanting calendar - the NMBS Exhibition.
"I would like to thank all those who supported the Gala Dinner, either as a sponsor or by attending, as well as the NMBS events and marketing teams for their hard work and for a job very well done."
