After seeing its best ever exhibition in 2013, NMBS has recently announced plans to raise the bar still further in 2014.

To keep the event fresh, evolving and relevant to member needs, the buying society for independent builders’, plumbing and heating, timber and hardware merchants has confirmed next year's show will take place earlier in the year and at a new venue.

Chris Hayward, managing director at NMBS, explained: "The NMBS Exhibition has become the main buying event in the calendar of most independent merchants but we know we can't afford to take that success for granted.’’

"Continuous improvement has helped make NMBS the organisation it is today and in evaluating this year's show we have made the decision to trial holding the event earlier in the year and at a different venue. It is hoped these changes will help to build on the success of the 2013 show which saw record numbers in terms of visitors, exhibitors and deals."

Next year's show will take place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. This purpose built venue is located just 800 yards from the UK's largest motorway network, and offers exceptional venue facilities, including an on-site hotel. In addition, a bigger venue space will allow NMBS to accommodate growing visitor levels and an increasing number of exhibitors with all stands located in one hall.

The show will also move from May to April, taking place on 9 April, 2014. By holding the exhibition earlier, NMBS hopes it will enable members and suppliers to make more of seasonal opportunities such as those relating to the landscaping season. Additional rebates will be offered by the buying society on all orders placed on the day of the exhibition as well as throughout the month of April.

Alongside the changes, NMBS has also confirmed many regular favourites will return for the 2014 exhibition. This includes Spot Buy opportunities and the NMBS exhibition voucher book.

Mr Hayward added: "Since it was first held in 1968, the NMBS Exhibition has entailed many different formats, dates and locations as part of its on-going success. The recently announced move to an April date and to the Ricoh Arena is simply the latest stage in that development. We are confident these changes will deliver tangible benefits both to our members and to our suppliers alike."