H&B Group, the independent builders merchant buying group, has confirmed that Steve Durdant-Hollamby is taking over as its new Chairman. The group brings together independent builders merchants across the UK, giving members collective purchasing power and group-level supplier relationships.
Buying group leadership changes carry weight for independent merchants who rely on the group's negotiated terms and joint marketing activity with suppliers. A new Chairman typically signals a period of strategic review, and in the current environment of merchant consolidation, the direction H&B Group takes under new leadership is worth monitoring.
Steve Durdant-Hollamby's appointment follows what has been a period of significant change across the independent merchant sector, with larger chains expanding their estate and digital distribution putting further pressure on trade counters to differentiate on service and expertise.
H&B Group represents an important channel for tool and material brands that want to reach independent merchants without managing individual account relationships at small scale. Any strategic shift in group direction affects which suppliers get priority positioning across member branches.