DERBYSHIRE: Plumbwares of Stourbridge and Chandler Material Supplies of Chelmsford are the latest partners to join the National Buying Group (NBG).

"The selection criteria for acceptance into the partnership is rigorous and the addition of Plumbwares and Chandlers reflects the level of quality that both businesses bring to NBG," said the group's executive chairman, Allan Durning.

"We are receiving a high volume of applications from interested merchants but few make it through to the this status," he said.

Plumbwares, a plumbing, heaing and bathrooms supplies company, joins NBG's central region.

Chelmsford builders' merchants, Chandler Material Supplies has an extensive range of timber and building materials from major manufacturers. The merchant recently won the rights to sponsor Chelmsford City FC for the second year in a row. It joins NBG as a southern region partner.

"The strategy of developing our lightside strengths continues," said Mr Durning.