The BuildLink Group held its National Conference and Trade show at the Distinction Hotel in Rotorua recently. With the majority of its 50 stores in attendance, members took the opportunity to mingle and network with colleagues and key supplier partners.
With a lucky 13 years since the group’s inception, BuildLink continues to grow and develop.
“Members still enjoy a level of independence but enjoy the forum of being around like-minded business owners, bouncing ideas and leveraging off each other and our suppliers” new operations manager Aaron Marevich says.
The Group has undergone some changes and new developments, including EDI and proposed central billing, which will take the co-op to the next level.
Better decisions made more quickly
These initiatives will allow real-time information that will enable BuildLink to “make better decisions more quickly”.
“We have a diverse range of stores from core BuildLink trade stores, the Trowel Trade plastering and drywall specialists, and the smaller HandiLink stores,” Mr Marevich says.
“All are niche to their respective communities and have a great understanding of the unique requirements of their customers.”
The conference included a well-supported supplier trade show, where industry suppliers were able to present new and innovative building products and solutions to the group members.
The annual awards dinner — featuring well-known comedian Ben Hurley as MC — was a fun affair with a “Back to the Future” 80s theme that saw attendees let their hair down and party into the small hours.
• BuildLink stores are local building supply merchants specialising in timber, hardware, kitset homes and farm sheds. They strive to deliver quality products at the best prices.
They back this up with great service from local people that own and operate the business.
Mr Marevich says all this adds up to a unique group of fiercely independent businesses working for their customer.
“So contact your local store to Buy Better Build Better.”
Winners on the night:
The Buildlink Group’s high achievers announced at the conference were:
• The BuildLink Attitude Award: BuildLink Selwyn, Leeston
• Store of the Year Less than $2 million: East Taratahi Building Supplies, Carterton
• Store of the Year $2-4 million: Peppers Building Supplies, Edgecumbe
• Store of the Year $4+ million: Hautapu Rural Supplies, Taihape
• Premier Supplier of the Year: MSL Fortress Fasteners
• Store of the Year: Matamata Timber and Hardware, Matamata
• Supreme Store of the Year: Cocky’s Corner, Waiuku
