Introduction from Unimer

Since 1935, Unimer has been looking after the interests of more than 1,000 merchant members - improving cashflow, creating stability and providing opportunities - in good times and in bad. Today, operating in the building industry is as challenging as ever, which is why I am particularly excited about our new joint-venture with BuildStore, and why I am convinced it will bring benefits to merchants and suppliers alike.

In a relatively short time, BuildStore has transformed the self-build market for consumers with a range of innovative products and services - for example, the National Self Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon is surely one of the finest facilities of its kind in Europe. Unimer, meanwhile, remains the UK's largest and most respected merchant co-operative. By working together at the Visitor Centre and with our merchant members throughout the UK, I believe we can tap into what is a large and growing market, and produce rewards for all our members.

At the same time, we must also look ahead. I have a vision for our industry that has at its core a national independent merchant network offering consumers real choice and outstanding value - a network that is significantly stronger than the sum of its parts. We'll work together with BuildStore to achieve this, and more…

I urge you to get involved, and to start this exciting journey together.

Howard Grant
Managing Director, Unimer plc