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 as a plumbing and heating engineer straight from school, James developed a strong understanding of the industry from the ground up. That practical experience continues to shape the way Nu Independent Wholesalers operates today, helping the business provide the product knowledge and service installers value.

Founded in 2019 by James and his brother Ross, the independent merchant has steadily built its presence within the local trade community. By focusing on reliability, strong supplier partnerships and a clear understanding of what customers need, the business has developed a reputation as a trusted independent merchant.

Now, the company is entering an exciting new phase with the addition of a dedicated bathroom showroom. Expanding into bathrooms had always been part of James’ long-term plan for the business, and membership of The IPG has played a key role in helping bring that vision to life.

“With being in The IPG and having access to some of the best bathroom brands, it just made sense,” says James. “It was always the plan to do bathrooms and, with the move to the new premises, I made it happen.”

Transforming the new unit

Work on the new premises began in November 2024, marking the start of a significant renovation project. Over the following months the team worked to transform the space and, by early April 2025, the shop had successfully relocated into the new unit.

Creating a showroom from scratch has been a new experience for the business and one that came with both challenges and rewards. From planning the layout and selecting the right displays, to managing the renovation process, the project required careful planning and determination.

“The process has been very rewarding and challenging at times,” James explains. “It’s not easy doing it from scratch with no previous experience.”

The finished showroom will allow Nu Independent Wholesalers to showcase a range of quality bathroom products while creating a space where customers can explore different designs and styles. It will also provide an opportunity for the team to work more closely with installers and homeowners, helping them plan projects with confidence.

Support from The IPG network has been instrumental throughout the journey. For James, being part of the group has provided not only access to leading brands but also invaluable guidance and encouragement.

“Being part of The IPG has helped me build the foundations of what I’m trying to achieve, thanks to the support of the entire team,” he says. “It has also introduced me to other members who have been a great sounding board and help.”

That sense of collaboration is one of the defining strengths of the independent merchant sector. The ability to share knowledge, experiences and advice often helps businesses overcome challenges and move forward with confidence.

Nu Independent Wholesalers is now preparing to officially open the new showroom in mid-April, with plans to involve several IPG supplier partners in the launch event.

The opening marks an important milestone for the business and reflects the ambition behind Nu Independent Wholesalers as it continues to grow and strengthen its place within the independent merchant sector.