Builders’ merchants set the Benchmark

Fast-growing Benchmark Building Supplies has more than doubled its customer base by signing up with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce online procurement platform Chamber Plus e-Procurement.

Benchmark, which has a depot in Manchester Road, Mossley, has been named preferred North-West supplier of general building materials, roofing and timber supplies, tools and equipment to the 5,200 members of the Chamber of Commerce as part of a four-year agreement potentially worth £150million.

Managing director Phil Brown, known to many in Oldham after his time as manager of the Keyline builders’ merchants in Westwood, said: “Chamber businesses get the benefit of a proven online procurement process, which is free to members and could provide savings of more than 10 per cent on purchases.

“This adds a potential 5,000 business customers to our existing customer base of over 3,000.

Chamber Plus e-Procurement is an online procurement service launched last month with preferred suppliers for office equipment, vehicle leasing and services and building materials.

The four-year programme has been approved as a European Compliant Merchant agreement.

Founded as a new start business by Phil Brown in 1996, Benchmark Building Supplies Ltd is Greater Manchester’s leading independent builders and in 15 years have grown to six trading depots within the M60 Greater Manchester ring road.

Benchmark has a turnover of £12million and staff of 65, with ambitious plans for continued growth.