The National Buying Group (NBG) has signed an agreement with Atkinson & Kirby for the supply of solid and engineered timber flooring, which started in July 2017.

The deal recognises the growth opportunities in the timber flooring market and gives independent merchants and their contractor customers access to a readily available, ethically sourced, comprehensive range of solid timber and engineered timber flooring, suitable for a wide range of commercial and residential installations.

A spokesperson from NBG said: “Timber is an important product category for our members and we have been reviewing our offer for both solid and engineered timber flooring, looking at the best routes to maximise opportunities for members in this growing market.

“We need to work with suppliers who understand the different needs of independent merchants in terms of readily available stock, technical service and promotional support, and who have the ability to keep up with the constant changes in fashion in timber flooring. Atkinson & Kirby is one of the longest established brands in the timber flooring market and, as part of the Archwood Group which is a privately owned, independent company, they understand and share our ethos.”

Josh Burbidge, Business Development Director at Atkinson & Kirby, said: “NBG members are dynamic and forward-thinking builders’ merchants who really understand their local markets, and we are convinced that our range of flooring solutions will help them increase sales and provide great service to their customers.”

“There is an abundance of choice in timber flooring with different grades, species, widths, thicknesses and finishes. For example, we are currently focused on supplying seven different ranges but that still adds up to several hundred different product options. We aim to provide NBG members with the right advice on the best choices for their specific local customer base, whether that’s engineered oak boards with a Black Russian finish or the Livloc LVT in a Marbled Stone Tile finish.

“We also have the advantage of our UK-based manufacturing capability for solid timber flooring ranges, which can provide very high quality flooring on advantageous lead times. We are looking forward to developing a mutually beneficial relationship with all members in the NBG over the next 12 months.”