Unbeatable Opportunities

Whether trading conditions are good or bad, there's always strength in numbers. So, the bigger your network, the more opportunities you have for success.

BuildStore Connections brings together people from all along the supply chain, providing inspiration, support and buying power for consumers and unbeatable selling opportunities for suppliers and merchants.

For consumers, that means relevant introductions and help in making decisions, as well as greater choice and better prices. For suppliers and merchants it means access to order-ready customers, greater footfall and increased sales.

At the heart of BuildStore's business is our Visitor Centre - the National Self Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon. Opened in 2007, it occupies nearly 70,000 sq ft and is the UK's only permanent exhibition for self-builders and renovators. Exhibiting at the Visitor Centre as a supplier partner gives you the opportunity to market your products directly to consumers who are committed to building projects. Featured regularly on television and in the press, the centre attracts more than 25,000 visitors each year, many of whom come back again and again. It is their feedback that helps us to shape and develop what the centre offers, year on year.

At the centre, experts provide information and technical support; life-size exhibits demonstrate every stage of a build; and a unique barcode scanning system makes it easy for visitors to collect ideas and supplier details. 59% of those 25,000 visitors have already started a project, or have land and finance in place, so they are in pole purchasing position.

Joining BuildStore Connections as a merchant gives you access to TradeLink - the e-commerce tool that gives member merchants instant online access to a database of BuildStore Connections consumers. Interactive features include a consumer locator and build stage verification tool (to identify order-ready customers in your area). Future plans include the introduction of full e-trading interfaces between consumers, suppliers and merchants.

The information held on TradeLink is generated through data captured by our dedicated verification team, as well as through our Visitor Centre Management System, TradeCard, PlotSearch and BuildStore Financial Services products. In short, it'll give you all the information you need to find out exactly who's building in your area, and what stage of the building process they're at.

Joining BuildStore Connections gives self-builders and renovators special benefits from the UK's leading merchants, manufacturers and suppliers, including products and services at trade prices, enhanced credit limits, expert help and advice, and free entry to our Visitor Centre. Self-builders receive our TradeCard and open accounts to pay for goods and materials directly with each merchant partner. The more self-builders who join, the more opportunities exist for suppliers and merchants to get connected to the consumers who need their products and services.

Can you really afford to be out the loop? It's time to get connected.