CBA Group announce major structural changes to assist members

The Combined Buying Association (CBA), the independent builders’ merchant buying group has announced that it is to divide into two sector specific groups to help improve and focus members’ businesses.

A new Plumbing and Heating Group (PHG) will be established for the specialist plumbing, heating and sanitaryware market and the CBA Group will now solely focus and operate in its key markets of building products, timber, kitchens and bathrooms. These changes will take place from January 2013 with business continuing as normal until the end of this year.

The restructure should bring members enhanced collaboration as well as coordinated purchasing, giving improved market access for suppliers and delivering merchants greater competitive advantage.

Stuart Mason Elliott, chairman of the CBA commented on the news: "The challenges of the building products and timber markets and the plumbing and heating sector are different and, with the new structure of two buying groups, operating independently from each other, the needs of suppliers will be well served."

The new PHG will comprise Beggs, Crosslings, Farr & Harris, Hargreaves Ltd, HPS, Pochins, and Willbonds. Mixed merchants RGB, Ridgeons and Tippers will operate across both groups.

The move will allow both groups to grow and develop with the changing requirements of the market; due to the added focus and specialisation the changes will bring.

For more information on the CBA, please view their website.

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