Hertfordshire-based Dontel Roofing Supplies has become the ninth merchant to become a National Buying Group (NBG) Partner in 2024.
The roofing specialist currently has branches in Hoddesdon and Bishop’s Stortford, which serve contractors across the region with roofing supplies, cladding and insulation among other products.
Recognising the need to improve the business’s buying power, Director James Wedge and Managing Director Mark Balmforth began looking into merchant buying groups, and noticed that NBG included several significant roofing merchants, making the group a good fit.
They discussed the possibility of joining NBG with another roofing merchant who was already an NBG Partner and, after hearing a glowing review, began talking to NBG’s New Partner Development and Recruitment Manager, Phil Bonar.
Since becoming an NBG Partner, Dontel has seen significant growth in the size of Supplier deals it is able to be a part of. This enhanced buying power is expected to grant Dontel access to lower prices and pre-vetted Suppliers.
Wedge explained: “Meeting Phil and the whole process of joining NBG was very positive and professional. We were introduced to other Partners who have been really helpful and are already seeing the improvements to how we’re buying.
“Before we joined NBG, our deals would involve maybe half a million pounds, but now, we’re part of deals worth £5 million and more, so it really shows the increased buying power we have through NBG.”
Along with the two branches Dontel Roofing Supplies currently operates, future plans include the addition of another two in 2025.
Wedge added: “Since joining NBG, it’s like we’ve got jet-fuel in our systems. Plans were already in place to expand before the Autumn Budget announcement tempted us to re-evaluate. But having started buying better with NBG so quickly, we’re confident that we’ll be able to keep growing as we’d originally hoped.”
Phil Bonar said: “We’re always pleased when merchants come into NBG and immediately see the potential it holds for their own businesses. That level of buying power can make a world of difference on its own, but we also have a community of merchants ready to support, advise on and celebrate the growth and success of each of our Partners. I’m looking forward to seeing Dontel accelerate their own growth, supported by NBG’s central systems and better Supplier deals.”
