Merchant partners of National Buying Group (NBG) continue to demonstrate strong and continued growth, with new branch openings and expansion into new business areas. Three independent merchant partners – PGR, Beers and TG – have contributed recently to significant development in the sector in their own localities across the UK.

Essex-based PGR Builders and Timber Merchants has opened a new branch in Southend on Sea bringing its outlet tally to seven. The new branch is part of the company’s strategic expansion and growth plans, and follows hard on the heels of a new branch in Brentwood, which opened in December last year. Established in 1982, family-owned PGR is a builders' and timber merchants which bases its continued success on a strong local reputation, knowledgeable staff and a comprehensive stock holding. PGR sees its membership of NBG as a key part of its future business plans, taking advantage of the group’s competitive buying deals, particularly the special deals offered by suppliers for new branch openings.

Beers Timber & Building Supplies, an independent merchant based in Liverpool and celebrating its centenary this year, is opening a second branch in Warrington. The company now has 12 branches across Liverpool, Cheshire and the Wirral. Focusing on plumbing and heating, the new Beers branch aims to develop collection business and further expand the company’s already-strong presence in the town.

"This new site is in a great location and offers Beers an opportunity to capitalise on our excellent reputation and customer-base in Warrington," said Beers' Paul Conboy. "The support we have had from NBG suppliers in opening our new branch has been outstanding and will allow the new branch to get off to a flying start."

TG Builders Merchants has opened a new branch on a six-acre site at Chartwell Park in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. The family-firm already operates seven builders' merchant branches (plus specialist centres) and the latest addition complements its existing branch at Wolverley, 12 miles away. The new division stocks 11,000 lines of building materials including timber and roofing products.

"The new branch is already exceeding our expectations and has been busy from day one," said TG's Kevin Gardner. "The support we have received from NBG suppliers certainly contributed to that success in a big way."

NBG Partners are typically dynamic local businesses with a strong commitment to growth, service, quality and innovation. There are now 82 merchant partners in the group with a combined turnover in excess of £850m. NBG has nearly 300 branches spread across the UK from the Channel Islands to the north of Scotland.

The NBG buying group for independent merchants focuses on negotiating competitive buying deals.