Sandip Gupta

Independent Hardware Group

BUILDING SUCCESSFUL INDEPENDENTS We at Independent Hardware Group (IHG) firmly believe independent family-owned business is the engine room for entrepreneurial activity and growth of the national economy. IHG has a clear mandate to unite and strengthen the sector by supporting and investing in independent business with genuine value-add programs that protect and grow our members' long-term position. Who are we? IHG was formed in November 2016 as the largest channel of independent home improvement and trade operators in Australia, bringing together 700 ‘bannered' stores and over 1,000 ‘unbannered' businesses. Today we are a $2.1 billion business, the majority of the volume represented by the consumer-facing brands of Mitre 10 (est. 1959), Home Timber & Hardware (est. 1993). In addition, IHG supports independent operators under the small format convenience banners Thrifty-Link Hardware and True Value Hardware, over 500 unbannered independent operators and a full bathroom and kitchen appliance offer through the wholly owned Hardings business. Both Mitre 10 and HTH are strong and iconic national brands with dual strengths in the Trade and DIY segments, achieved through the unique characteristics of our members' business – local relationships, quality product and understanding of their customers. The combined experience of the members has seen the brands enjoy a long and proud reputation in servicing local communities. But the heritage of the Group stretches well beyond the last few decades. In fact some of our members drive businesses that are over 100 years old. Consumer trust and belief in our brands stems from generations of families delivering on a service and work ethic, and fostering strong relationships with their customers – the trademark of locally-owned, family-run business.