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 The Tools, puts it, behaviour, pressures and priorities have moved on. Social media has become a practical tool for research and decision making: an “amazing place” to search, compare and choose.

And while the channels have changed, the structure of the market hasn’t. It’s still dominated by small teams and self-employed tradespeople often juggling every part of the business, with tight margins and little room for error.

Members at the heart of The IPG

That’s why we invest in tools that help independents compete. At The IPG, members are at the heart of everything we do. Our buying group is their network, their community and their platform to thrive - helping them stay relevant, protect margin and win repeat custom.

Launched on 16 February: The IPG App

On 16 February 2026, we launched The IPG App, built to help members stay front of mind, drive repeat visits and build loyalty, with minimal day-today effort.

Practical benefits for members and suppliers

The app uses a simple mechanic, customers scan in store to collect entries into monthly prize draws, launching with a holiday giveaway. Customers can scan up to three times a day, turning everyday visits into a reason to return more often and to choose a member of The IPG over the competition. It also helps members stay connected with their customers between visits. Members can send tailored offers straight to customers’ phones, promote clearance and best offers, spotlight priority categories and drive attendance at in-store events.

For our suppliers, it creates a new way to engage active tradespeople through independent member stores, improving visibility and sharpening promotions at the exact moment purchasing decisions are being made. In short, the installer has changed and we’re changing with them.