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Small but mighty: Powys Plumbing & Heating Supplies puts local trade first
As the only independent plumbing and heating merchant within a 30 to 40 mile radius, Powys Plumbing & Heating Supplies is putting local tradespeople and homeowners at the heart of its growing...
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Why Independent Merchants Matter More Than Ever to The Trade
For installers and tradespeople, a good merchant has always offered more than somewhere to pick up materials. Product knowledge, availability, advice and importantly, a relationship with people who...
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Putting Wellbeing at the Heart of Trade Support
The pressures facing UK tradespeople are changing. According to a recent survey from On The Tools, 63.7% of tradespeople say rising material and tool costs remain their biggest concern, while 38.1%...
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Trade Local Day Returns with Even More to Look Forward To
Trade Local Day is back this September, with The IPG preparing its biggest campaign to date to support independent merchants, bathroom & Kitchen showrooms and the suppliers that work alongside...
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BK Supplies: Two Decades of Putting Customers First
Twenty years in business is a milestone worth celebrating. Since opening in October 2006, BK Supplies has grown from serving trade customers with heating packs and contract bathrooms to become one...
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Bigger Prizes. Stronger Trade. More Reasons to Shop Local
Bigger prizes. Stronger trade. More reasons to shop local. Three months after launching, one thing is clear: The IPG App has become much more than just prize draws. Designed to reward installers...
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Why Visit The IPG at InstallerSHOW 2026?
As proud sponsors of the World Plumbing Conference (WPC), The IPG is committed to being part of the conversations shaping the future of the plumbing, heating and merchant sectors. Key industry...
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New in Showrooms - Definity Bathrooms and Kitchens Spotlight
Definity Bathrooms & Kitchens in Dereham, Norfolk is a new bathroom and kitchen retail showroom. Operated by Mech Elec Wholesale ltd, the 2,000sq ft studio has been designed as an...
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Why the Trade is Turning to Independents
For today’s installers and engineers, choosing where to buy materials is about more than just price. Reliability, product knowledge and having a merchant that understands the realities of the...
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Steady Demand, Squeezed Margins: How Independent Merchants are Supporting The...
Plumbing and bathroom installers are moving through 2026 with workloads holding steady, but under increasing financial pressure from tighter margins and more cautious customers....
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Building on Experience - Nu Independent Wholesalers Feature
For James Cox, Director of Nu Independent Wholesalers, moving into merchanting was a natural progression after spending years working in the plumbing and heating trade. Having started his career...
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The IPG App - Turning everyday visits into bigger rewards
Something big has arrived at the trade counter. If your local independent merchant or showroom is part of The IPG, there’s now an even better reason to visit. Launched on 16 February, 2026,...
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The Installer has changed
Today’s installer operates in a very different world to the one we knew 20 years ago and that shift is reshaping what tradespeople need from merchants and suppliers. As Lee Wilcox, CEO of On...
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The IPG Member Spotlight: Gasbits Ltd - 20 Years of Independent Success
One of the most rewarding parts of being part of The IPG is seeing our members grow, adapt and truly thrive - Gasbits Ltd is a great example of what long-term independent success looks like....
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The IPG Launches Festive 'Elf and Safety' Christmas Charity Campaign
This December, The IPG is sprinkling some festive mischief across member stores with the launch of its playful Elf and Safety Christmas charity campaign. Running from the 8th to 22nd December, the...
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The Power of Community: Unique Plumbing Supplies Builds a Legacy of Care
For Nick and Samantha Khaira, owners of Unique Plumbing Supplies, the past year has shown just how powerful community can be. What began as a small, family-run business in Eastleigh back in 2004...
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Trade Local Day Shined Bright in 2025!
On Tuesday, 9th September 2025, Trade Local Day returned, celebrating the spirit of independent member stores across The IPG. The day was brought to life with decorated trade counters, lively...
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Experiencing Trade Local Day First-Hand
The IPG recently held Trade Local Day to support independent member stores across the country. Joe Dart visited IPG member, H Lilley & Co Ltd, in Kent to find out more. Trade Local Day is a...
