This year sees Newline Building Products Ltd celebrating its 20th anniversary, underlining the strength of the customer service that the Fraserburgh-based independent builders’ merchant has consistently achieved over the past two decades.
In 2008 it became a member of the National Buying Group, which has had a significant impact on the business. “Since joining we’ve gone from strength-to-strength,” explains Matthew Byiers, Sales Manager. “We operate out of a single branch supported by 13 members of staff and we’re all dedicated to delivering a high-quality service, which has been a key factor behind success.
“Our emphasis has been on self-employed local plumbers, builders and joiners across the north-east of Scotland. We cater to all aspects of the marketplace and this approach has worked really well.”
With a strong infrastructure behind it, Newline is currently finding plenty of opportunities available in the marketplace, particularly as it has diversified its offering in the last few years. “Moving into new areas has paid dividends,” adds Mr Byiers. “Moving into PVC windows and composite doors around 18 months ago has proven to be a really positive move and is progressing extremely well. We’ve also increased our range of bathroom products, which are proving popular too.”
In addition to an expanding product offering, another feather in Newline’s cap is its focus on providing a personal service that meets the needs of its customers. “Our trade counter is more like a social hub because we know our customers so well. We’re also very strong on training, so our employees have excellent knowledge of our product range. NBG have proven invaluable in this regard due to the support they provide.
“To mark the 20th anniversary, we’re also running a range of regular promotions for our customers as an appreciation of their loyalty.”
Despite chalking up 20 years, Newline is in no mood to rest on its laurels and is instead looking to keep building its offer. “We’re looking to improve year-on-year, that’s always our number one goal,” concludes Mr Byiers. “As part of this strategy we’re looking to add to our offering by stocking more lines to meet our customers’ requirements. NBG will continue to play a major role in achieving this objective, especially as they help us manage price fluctuations. We have to be adaptable and being a small business enables us to react quickly to market demand as it changes. As part of this approach, we’re currently looking to expand our warehousing storage to better manage the stock we have.”
Thanks to this forward-thinking approach, Newline looks well placed to add many more years to the two decades of operation it has already chalked up.