UK building materials firm Huws Gray taps Slimstock AI powered supply chain planning platform

Huws Gray, the UK’s largest independent builders’ merchant, has selected Slimstock to underpin a supply chain transformation project.

It says that, by centralising planning across its UK branch network, it will improve availability, strengthen customer service and create a more balanced inventory position.

As a one stop shop for trade professionals, self-builders and DIY customers, Huws Gray supplies thousands of product lines across building materials, timber, tools, roofing, electrics and plumbing. Following organic growth and recent acquisitions, the business combines national scale with local branch expertise to keep building projects on track.

Adrian Wallington, Chief Commercial Officer at Huws Gray, says: “We are committed to delivering efficiency, innovation and value for customers. As we strengthen our presence throughout the UK, our supply chain plays a pivotal role in delivering dependable service, ensuring the right breadth and depth of stock is available where and when customers need it.”

As the business expands, planning decisions have increasingly needed to balance local responsiveness with group wide coordination. Centralising planning will allow it to standardise forecasting and replenishment decisions across the network, to better meet demand while creating a scalable operating model to support continued growth.

As part of the transformation, Huws Gray will adopt Slimstock’s AI powered supply chain planning platform to automate ordering across the branch network.

A key requirement for Huws Gray was the ability to enhance planning capabilities without disrupting existing systems. Slimstock’s platform will integrate with the group’s existing Border Merchant Systems ERP.

Wallington adds: “Slimstock offers an intuitive, purpose-built planning platform with proven success in similar merchanting businesses. We are confident that Slimstock is the right partner to help us deliver measurable benefits across our branch network, suppliers, and customers.”

Richard Evans, Chief Commercial Officer at Slimstock, comments: “As two proudly independent companies, Slimstock and Huws Gray share a strong cultural alignment and focus on delivering value to customers. Together, we’re building a supply chain that will accelerate Huws Gray’s expansion.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Supply chain technology will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.