“They just do what they do with so much joy,” Mark Millar says when asked about his view of independent businesses in this market. “They have so much knowledge and expertise, but they are also so friendly and open to help, it’s amazing to watch.”

Millar is best known for his work on DIY SOS where, for nearly 20 years, he hammed it up on camera with host Nick Knowles but behind the scenes genuinely project managed every job they did.

He still runs his own building company in his home town of Bristol but today he’s meeting with kbbreview to talk about The IPG. Originally called The Independent Plumbers Group, it started as a buying group in 2013 and expanded quickly – it had 100 members by 2015 and 100 suppliers by 2017.

The acronym stuck even as it grew into a membership organisation for bathroom showrooms as well as merchants with not just collective buying strength but also support with marketing, digital tools and business development.

For Millar, he takes his role really seriously and is a very visible champion at showrooms and merchants all around the country. “I love it,” he says. “The IPG is all about understanding that when we work together we have a really powerful voice…”

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How would you describe The IPG?

At its heart, The IPG is about supporting independent merchants and showroom businesses so they can compete better in the market. Of course, buying power and supplier relationships are an important part of that, but it goes much deeper than simply negotiating prices. The organisation is about helping independents strengthen every aspect of their business – whether that’s marketing, digital support, ecommerce, training or business development.

The IPG talks a lot about “championing independents”. Why is that mission more important now than ever?

The independent sector is incredibly important to the KBB and plumbing industry because these amazing businesses really have specialist expertise as well as a service that their customers genuinely value. The IPG helps protect and strengthen that community.

There’s no question that independents are under pressure as costs rise and the economy is difficult but they really do offer something the big stores struggle with – genuine relationships and deep expertise.

The best independents also understand the capital value in their reputation…

Absolutely right. The best independents don’t just sell products, they solve problems. You can see the trades come in and spend time talking the job through with the guys behind the counter or in the showroom and helping them get the right stuff. They take time to understand them and that’s where the real benefit is, and that kind of relationship is invaluable, you simply wouldn’t get that anywhere else. The trades know that when they walk into a good independent showroom or merchant that they’re speaking to people who genuinely know the products inside out and understand technical challenges.

You’ve become an ambassador for The IPG, what led to that decision?

Honestly, it was the people and the values. What attracted me to The IPG originally was that genuine commitment to protecting independents and helping them succeed without losing what makes them special. There’s a real understanding within the organisation that independents shouldn’t become clones of each other. Their individuality is totally their strength and I wanted to be involved with something that genuinely supports those businesses and celebrates the value they bring to the industry.

If you were speaking directly to an independent showroom or merchant owner who isn’t part of a buying group, what would you say to convince them to join The IPG?

I’d say you don’t have to face today’s challenges alone. Being part of The IPG gives independents access to support, expertise and commercial advantages that can genuinely help them grow and compete more effectively. But importantly, The IPG understands independents. It’s not about changing who you are – it’s about helping you become stronger while still maintaining your own identity and values.