On Monday 9 September 2024, The IPG launched Trade Local Day®, a special event dedicated to celebrating independent businesses in the industry.
Over 100 locations around the UK celebrated the day, with giveaways, product demos, competitions and more on offer for visitors.
Installer headed to Local Plumbing Supplies in Sussex to find out more:
Local Plumbing Supplies in Littlehampton features a trade counter and bathroom showroom with a comprehensive product offering.
The business was set up in 2022 by Directors Simon Bartlett, Dan Overington and Karl Lewis, who have decades of industry experience and expertise.
Situated in Littlehampton in a modern premises that was busy all day, Local Plumbing Supplies has an attractive bathroom showroom, alongside a stocked merchant counter.
Dan Overington – Director of Local Plumbing Supplies – said: “We’ve been trading for over 18 months. Business is booming and we’ve got some big plans. We provide a service for our customers, and we pride ourselves on having close relationships with them. If they need something, they know that they can ask us and we’ll source it.
“One of the big things we offer is a delivery service. A lot of our customers use this and we have vans going out all day because heating and plumbing engineers are busy people. Time is important to them and if they can get their kit delivered to them or to site, it can make their day a lot easier.
“Similarly, with our bathroom showroom, we offer a design service and sometimes they send their customers in and we can take them through the products, and build the package that suits them. For us, it’s about finding the right solution for each of our customers.
“We’ve been involved with The IPG since we opened. The group gives us access to quality products and manufacturers, and allows us to offer competitive prices to our customers. We use them for our website and marketing support as well, and the logo is above our door and on our vans. It’s a sign of quality.”
Trade Local
Trade Local Day® encourages tradespeople to support their fellow sole traders and shop with a local member store. Wavin and Merlyn Showering joined in at Local Plumbing Supplies, with product demos, expert advice and giveaways.
The store welcomed a stream of local installers, keen to network, engage with the activities on offer, and share their experiences of trading local:
Mark Checketts – Pro Plumbing Sussex – said: “The service here is quality. I think because they’re an independent, it’s much more personal. I don’t even bother looking at other companies now, I trust the team because they have good prices, the service is good, and they’re really helpful. You don’t feel like you’re just a number, it’s more of a partnership. I genuinely wouldn’t go anywhere else now.”
Max Stephenson – Max Stephenson Heating – said: “I’ve been dealing with Local Plumbing Supplies for years, I don’t go anywhere else. I like to deal with a local company, they’re small business owners like me, who live in the area. I send customers down here as well, if they’re looking for a bathroom, I’ll advise them to come down and take a look at the showroom. The prices are great, you can have a laugh with them on the trade counter and send them a text if I need anything, it’s really good service.”
Blaine Foster – Fosters Plumbing and Heating – said: “I get great service. I can come in, have a coffee and a chat if I like, and they have access to all the products I need. I fit boilers and am moving into heat pumps, plus I work with bathrooms as well. At some other suppliers, you go in and the staff don’t know their products. You’re asking them for things and they don’t understand what they are, it is a waste of time. With the team at Local Plumbing Supplies, they know their stuff, which is much easier to deal with.”
Nike Lovell – Marketing Director – The IPG added: “As a group, we are incredibly proud to shine a spotlight on each and every one of our independent members through initiatives like Trade Local Day®.
“Our goal is to remind both industry professionals and the public just how vital these businesses are to the heart of our communities. Supporting your local independent stores isn’t just about convenience or competitive pricing—it’s about nurturing relationships, strengthening local economies, and ensuring that the personal, expert service these businesses offer remains accessible to everyone.
“When you choose to trade local, you’re investing in the future of your community, your industry, and the people who care about getting it right for you.”
Lee Frimston – Key Account Manager Independents and Buying Groups at Wavin said: “Independents are a key focus for our business and it was really important for us to support The IPG with Trade Local Day®. We’ve been at branches across the UK, showing off our new keyless Hep2O and the feedback has been great. It’s essential to get opinions from installers and the stores, to produce products that work for them.”
Look for the logo
The IPG has a network of over 200 plumbing, heating, and bathroom stores nationwide and works alongside many industry-leading manufacturers and suppliers.
Installers can look out for The IPG logo on signage, or websites to access major brands at competitive prices.
To learn more about The IPG and find your local members, head to https://www.the-ipg.co.uk/