News
NBG 2008 Conference sees impressive turnout

More than 250 people crowded into the Hilton Hotel in Newcastle for the National Buying Group’s annual conference on 2nd December 2008.

The event brought together some of the construction industry’s leading suppliers and manufacturers for a ‘meet the merchants’ business networking session and was followed by a drinks reception sponsored by Bradstone, formal black tie dinner and Supply Chain Awards.

The evening began with a review of 2008 from Allan Durning, NBG Executive Chairman, in which Allan emphasised the importance of the supplier – member relationship in order to achieve the NBG’s target of increasing current turnover of circa £750 million to £1 billion by 2012, as well as ensuring that delivering deal compliance to the key suppliers they in turn deliver deal competitiveness to the Group in what will be a challenging year for the Industry.

Steve Robinson from J T Dove Ltd gave the Supply Chain address to 250 delegates, recognising the importance of moving forward as a group through ongoing selective expansion and strengthening future propositions.

The two-day event followed last year’s introduction of national, rather than regional awards presented. Hanson Group won the coveted Supplier of the Year, with Aggregate Industries and Bostik awarded heavyside and lightside Suppliers of the Year respectively, and Severn Timber the Timber Based Products Supplier of the Year for the second year running.

Marley Extrusions and Hunter Plastics won joint Marketing Initiative of the Year, while LaFarge Cement once again picked up the Environmental Award. All the awards were presented by Allan Durning and Steve Robinson. There were also two surprise awards this year including a Lifetime Achievement Award presented to David Woolford of Lafarge Plasterboard by Nigel Higgins in recognition of his contribution to the industry. The BMF also scooped a special industry award recognising 100 years of building excellence presented by Allan Durning.

Martin Finlayson from Lothian Building Supplies introduced Help for Heroes as the NBG’s selected charity for the event, which saw ex serviceman Sergeant Duncan Moyse draw the winning prizes donated by Bradstone, Bostik, Hunter and the Hilton for the charity draw, raising approximately £1,500 during a heroes-themed quiz.

John Poore, of Poores of Acton, also gave an impressive performance to an enthusiastic audience by managing to raise a further £4,850 for the charity by auctioning six rugby balls signed by former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio.

A light-hearted view was adopted by Borat impersonator Kazak Dan, who interviewed NBG Central Chairman Martyn Rees from County Building Supplies with some amusing anecdotes about the building trade, followed by some rather unusual dancing which got all the delegates on their feet.

Of the event Allan Durning said: “Once again this year’s conference has been a complete success and we’d like to thank all our partners and all of the suppliers for their continued support and we look forward to seeing everyone in Northamptonshire for next year’s event.”

Group photo of NBG members

Steve Robinson of J T Dove Ltd and Allan Durning present Aggregate Industries with the Heavyside Award		Steve Robinson and Allan Durning present Matt Jones and Paul Bousfield from Bostik with the Lightside Supplier of the Year Award

Steve Robinson (left) and Allan Durning (right) present Lafarge Cement with the Environmental Award		Nigel Higgins of Higgins (Wellingborough) Ltd and Allan Durning present David Woolford of LaFarge Plasterboard with the Lifetime Achievement Award

Steve Robinson of J T Dove Ltd (left) and Allan Durning (right) present Chris Pateman from BMF with the Industry 100 Years of Excellence Award		Steve Robinson and Allan Durning present Marley Extrusions and Hunter Plastics in joint place with the Marketing Initiative of the Year Award

Ex-serviceman Sergeant Duncan Moyse takes to the stage		Borat dances with Martyn Rees NBG Central Chairman from County Building Supplies

Allan Durning, NBG executive chairman and commercial director with Borat		Group photo of NBG members