The Timber Buying Group (TBG) has been set up by Allan Durning, former executive chairman of the National Buying Group, to help small to medium-sized timber and builders merchants “buy properly and buy better”.
The aim is to build a “small army of Spartacus suppliers” to provide stability to the supply chain and drive timber sales.
“It’s about building continuity and getting longevity in trading relationships,” said Mr Durning. “When you’re at the tail end of the supply chain you want stability and you want to be able to offer customers the same.”
So far 16 suppliers have been secured, with another four in discussions. Suppliers are offered exclusivity in their product category.
“Other buying groups have three or four suppliers in the same category but that’s confusing for members and challenging for suppliers,” said Mr Durning.
All deals will be negotiated by the buying group on behalf of members and prices will be published in the members’ area of the TBG website.
“Our model is nett pricing as we’re trying to keep costs and hassle to a minimum,” said Mr Durning.
The website, www.timberbuyinggroup.com, which was launched on August 29, also features a brokerage section where, once a month, suppliers can put up a quantity of material at a clear price.
Mr Durning expects that at the end of the first year of trading the TBG will have 30-40 members and a “substantial seven-figure” turnover.
The suppliers signed up so far are Balcas; BSW Timber; Charltons; Crown Timber; Sika Everbuild; James Jones JELD-WEN; Juha; Meyer; Panda Panels; Rixonway Kitchens; Samac Fixings; Snows Timber; Unilin; Keylite Roof Windows; and Specialist Brand.
