Plumbing and heating specialist Simply Plumbing & Bathrooms Ltd has joined National Buying Group as a Partner, strengthening its relationships with Suppliers while gaining access to the knowledge and experience of fellow independent merchants.
Simply Plumbing & Bathrooms began trading in 2011 as a heating and plumbing merchant, before opening a bathroom showroom in 2016. Based in Bromley in Kent, the team of 14 employees specialises in bathroom design services.
Becoming part of NBG provides the company with a broad support network of independent merchants while allowing the business to retain the design-led approach that distinguishes it from many traditional bathroom retailers.
Gurdy Lidder, Director at Simply Plumbing & Bathrooms Ltd, who heads up the trade side of the business, said: "One of the biggest attractions for us is the opportunity to network with other likeminded merchants. Being able to learn from businesses facing similar challenges will help us go from strength to strength."
Simply Plumbing & Bathrooms becoming a Partner sees the company join fellow new Partners and heating and plumbing specialists Duquemin & Ozanne in Guernsey, and Paton of Walton in Surrey, both of which joined NBG since July 2024. NBG Partnership grants these merchants access to competitive deals from Suppliers they had not previously worked with, or those where they had been one of many smaller clients.
Lidder continued: "In some cases with Suppliers, we've never had a dedicated point of contact despite doing significant business with them. Having one person who understands your account, can make decisions, and comes back with answers quickly makes a real difference. It helps build stronger, longer-term relationships."
Although Simply Plumbing & Bathrooms had looked at joining buying groups before, the business wanted to be sure it could stay independent and continue operating in a way that best serves its customers.
Rav Lidder, Director at Simply Plumbing & Bathrooms Ltd, who leads on the showroom side, added: "Our showroom is built around providing a bespoke design service rather than simply selling products. We wanted reassurance that joining a buying group wouldn't mean losing that flexibility or being pushed towards products that weren't right for our customers. Those conversations with NBG gave us confidence that we could stay true to our approach while still benefiting from everything the group has to offer."
Since joining, both Rav and Gurdy have been impressed by the support received from both NBG and its existing Partners.
"The onboarding process has been excellent," said Gurdy. "Existing Partners encouraged us to join in the first place and have been incredibly welcoming, sharing advice and offering help wherever they can. It's been a very positive experience."
Looking ahead, Simply Plumbing & Bathrooms Ltd believes the NBG partnership will provide the expertise, Supplier access and collaborative strength needed to support its next phase of development.
Rav said: "At our stage of growth, having access to the experience of other independent merchants is invaluable. Combined with stronger Supplier relationships and the ability to have a bigger voice through the buying group, it gives us another platform to develop the business. There's always more influence when you're part of a collective than when you're negotiating alone, and that's a real advantage for us."
Phil Bonar, Head of New Partner Development and Recruitment at NBG, said: "Simply Plumbing & Bathrooms is a great addition to NBG. The business has ambitious plans and remains committed to delivering a highly personalised service, and we're pleased to be able to support that journey every way that we can."
