Sussex-based plumbing and heating specialist, KDS Plumbing & Heating Supplies, is looking forward to ‘buying better’ after joining National Buying Group’s (NBG) growing community of independent merchants.
Founded in 2017, KDS operates branches in Hove, Peacehaven and Worthing, and places strong customer relationships at the centre of everything the business does. For KDS Sales Director David MacNeill, the transparency and assistance the buying group could offer in support of this was a key factor behind his company’s application.
“At its heart, KDS’ philosophy is simple – prioritise your customers, and the rest will follow,” explains David. “Being an independent, locally based merchant is fundamental to this, and working with a buying group such as NBG helps us keep our prices competitive and grow relationships with Suppliers.
“We were especially impressed and excited by the tools they could offer to help grow KDS, such as the NBG Hub. The fact everything is so transparent is so refreshing – we want to improve our bottom line, and the group can offer us the tools we need to buy better across multiple product groups. We’re already doing it across all three of our branches and are grateful for NBG’s assistance streamlining our order processes as part of this.”
KDS has enjoyed substantial growth since it began five years ago and had viewed becoming an NBG Partner as a long-term ambition. Having built a thriving business through working in close proximity with local customers, David is proud of the company’s efforts in achieving this goal.
“While we had previously been part of a different buying group, all the manufacturers we work with speak very highly of NBG,” he says. “When we first started, we knew we might not fit the group’s criteria, but nothing demonstrates our progress more clearly than this new partnership. Alongside making us more competitive, our new status has helped us further cement KDS’ reputation as a solid, professional company.”
David concludes: “All organisations within the group are committed to the same goal – helping everyone buy better and buy smarter. We are thrilled to have joined and are keen to give back to the group and offer our expertise to a community of like-minded peers and can’t wait to see what the future holds for KDS as an NBG Partner.”