NMBS has once again shown that business and pleasure can mix. On 30 April 2015, the buying society for independent merchants staged its annual Golf Day. This year, the day was held as a joint-event with the Building Materials Golf Society.

In total, 100 people from across NMBS’ membership and growing supplier base, attended, all looking to a spot of informal networking alongside some good natured, sporting rivalry.

The venue chosen was The Berkshire Golf Club in Ascot. The Club is home to two first-class pine and heather-lined courses, which are widely recognised as being among the best in the British Isles.

Both were designed by Herbert Fowler, the former county club cricket player who went on to become one of history’s most acclaimed golf course architects.

In the past, The Berkshire Golf Club has hosted the English Amateur Championship and the British Senior Amateur Championship, as well as final qualifying rounds for the Senior British Open Championship.

Players teed off on the Club’s Red Course on what turned out to be a dry but cold day. After all players had completed the course, Paul Butcher from Instarmac emerged as the overall first place winner.

Second place went to Michael Carr from Willbond Plumbing and Bathroom Centres, while third place went to Andy Prosser from FAKRO.

A number of additional prizes were also awarded including:

Supplier prize – Mark Earnshaw (Polypipe)

Longest drive – Andrew Aspinall (A.R. Aspinall & Sons)

Nearest the pin – Ken Pepperrell, (Seccombe Group)

Gross score – Jonathan Collier (Monument Tools)

Commenting on the day, Chris Hayward, managing director at NMBS, said: “One of the primary goals of NMBS is to bring independent merchants and building industry suppliers together to facilitate closer relationships and mutually beneficial commercial opportunities. The annual NMBS Golf Day is just one of the many events we stage that reflects this.

“We are delighted that once again the day proved a great success and that it was so highly enjoyed by everyone involved.”