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 job all play a crucial role and that’s where independent businesses like Mech-Elec continue to prove their value.
Built on more than five decades of hands-on experience, Mech-Elec is firmly rooted in the trade. Founder Terry spent 51 years working as both an electrician and plumber, gaining practical, on-site knowledge before establishing his own retail merchant. That experience has been carried forward by his sons, Gary and Jason, who now play key roles in the business.
Gary began working for his father at just 16 years old as an electrician, before progressing into a contract manager role and eventually becoming the company’s purchaser. Jason also grew up around the trade, later moving into the merchant side of the business just before the pandemic.
“I grew up around the trade, so we understand what our customers need day to day,” says Jason. “Whether it’s getting the right product quickly or helping solve a problem on-site, that’s where we can add value.”
A Modern Merchant
That understanding shaped the launch of Mech-Elec in January 2021. The vision was to create a modern, open-plan merchant that brought plumbing and electrical together under one roof, making life easier for local tradespeople who often need access to both.
Built entirely from the ground up, the project demanded serious commitment, with the team working evenings and weekends to bring it to life. Since opening, the focus has remained on building strong relationships with customers - something that has directly influenced the company’s latest expansion.
Initially, bathrooms were not part of the plan. With several national showroom operators already established locally, it appeared to be a saturated market. However, as Mech-Elec’s customer base grew, so did demand for support on bathroom projects.
“We found more and more of our customers were asking us to help with bathrooms,” Jason explains. “They trusted us on the trade side and wanted that same level of service when it came to bigger projects.”
For installers, sourcing bathrooms can often mean sending customers elsewhere and risking losing control of the sale or specification. Recognising this, Mech-Elec saw an opportunity not just to expand, but to better support its trade customers.
That opportunity became a reality in 2024, when a neighbouring unit became available. The result is Definity Bathrooms and Kitchens, a dedicated showroom designed to work alongside the merchant and support both installers and homeowners.
The addition of the showroom changes the dynamic for local tradespeople. Instead of relying on brochures or sending customers to national retailers, installers can now direct their clients to a trusted local space where they know they’ll be looked after.
“It gives our customers confidence,” says Jason. “They can send their homeowners in to choose what they want, knowing we’ll guide them through the options and make sure everything is right for the job.”
This not only helps streamline the process but also supports installers in securing and managing projects. Homeowners benefit from seeing products in person and receiving expert advice, while tradespeople retain control and consistency across the project.
“For us, it’s about working with the installer, not around them,” Jason adds. “We’re here to support them and make their job easier.”
The showroom also addresses one of the key challenges Mech-Elec previously faced - selling higher-value products from brochures alone.
“Customers want to see and feel the quality before making decisions,” Jason says. “Now we can offer that experience, which helps both the homeowner and the installer.”
Alongside bathrooms and kitchens, Mech-Elec continues to offer a full range of plumbing, heating, electrical and lighting products, giving the trade a genuine one-stop solution.
While independence allows the business to stay agile and responsive to customer needs, being part of The IPG ensures installers benefit from competitive pricing, strong product availability and access to trusted brands - without losing the personal service of a local merchant.
“We joined The IPG early on because we knew we needed that support,” Jason explains. “It gives us access to trusted brands, competitive pricing and the backing to really look after our customers.”
For installers, that combination is increasingly important, the personal service and accountability of a local independent, supported by the strength of a national buying group.
As the business prepares to officially open its new showroom on 27th May, Mech-Elec is inviting local tradespeople and their customers to experience the space first-hand. The launch event will feature The IPG brand ambassador Mark Miller, along with supplier support, giveaways, raffles and exclusive offers.
The expansion marks a significant milestone, not just for Mech-Elec, but as an example of how independent merchants are evolving - offering more, supporting the trade more closely and helping installers deliver a better service to their own customers.