HP&R magazine interviewed Mark Millar, Brand Ambassador for The IPG and known to millions for his years on DIY SOS, to find out why he is so passionate about supporting independent merchants and tradespeople.
Mark Millar’s voice is instantly recognisable to millions of TV viewers. Best known for his 17 years on the BBC’s DIY SOS and more recently as presenter of Channel 5’s Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms and Build Your Dream Home in the Country, Mark is a joiner by trade, a business owner, and a passionate champion of independent enterprises.
That passion is what led him, in 2024, to take on the role of brand ambassador for The IPG – the buying group representing independent plumbing, heating, and bathroom suppliers across the UK. For Mark, the partnership feels like a natural fit. “I’ve always had a huge passion for any independent business, whether it’s farmers, plumbing, or high street shops,” he explains. “When I started my building business in Bristol, I went to an independent plumbers’ merchant for advice on a really complicated loft conversion. They gave me the information I needed, supplied all the parts at a great price, and from that day on, I knew independents were the people I wanted to deal with.”
It’s a relationship that has stood the test of time. “Thirty-six years later, I still shop in that same independent plumbing supplier,” Mark smiles. “The guy who served me on day one is still there. They know me by name, they know my company, and visiting them is about more than just buying materials – it’s become part of my working week. Shopping independent means being surrounded by friends and people who’ll help you solve problems. That’s invaluable.”
A career built on community
Mark’s own journey into the industry began in Ireland, where he undertook a four-year joinery apprenticeship before moving to England. He settled in Bristol and built up his own business, focusing on extensions and loft conversions, before expanding into high-end kitchen and bathroom design. His career took an unexpected turn when the BBC invited him to join DIY SOS.
“One show was all it took,” he recalls. “I completely fell in love with it. I saw tradespeople giving up their time and materials to help someone they didn’t even know. Plumbers, joiners, plasterers – all just being loving, caring human beings. Most of them were from small, independent businesses, and behind them were independent merchants stepping up to the mark. It showed me the industry in a completely different light – people working from their hearts, not just their wallets.”
That sense of heart and community is what he sees reflected in The IPG today. “It’s the only company I’ve worked with where you feel genuinely part of it – right down from the Founder,” says Mark. “They’ve taken on the challenge of standing up to the big boys, and they’re bringing back that high street connection between the merchant and the customer. For me, that’s priceless.”
Why independents matter
Mark believes independent merchants can offer concrete advantages for their customers and the industry as a whole. “With independents you get competitive prices, expert knowledge, and through membership of The IPG a much wider range of brands than people realise. But you also get the relationships – the laughter, the banter, the cup of tea at the counter. It might sound small, but it makes a massive difference. A happy tradesperson walks out of that store, drives to a customer’s house, and turns up in a good mood. That carries right through the job.”
He’s also quick to point out the practical business benefits. “Members of The IPG get a huge helping hand. They can show they’re part of a bigger network, and that gives customers confidence. It all helps – from how you present your showroom, to the brands you stock, to how you talk to customers.”
Right now, the UK government has set an ambitious target: building 1.5 million homes by the end of the decade. Mark believes independent businesses are key to making that happen. “This is the time for independents to step up and shout: we can give you the same deals, with a more personal relationship, and we can help get these houses built. The work doesn’t have to go to the big boys. We’ve got to keep the high street alive.”
He’s adamant that small and regional housebuilders in particular should be turning to their local suppliers. “They can buy at competitive prices, and independents can deliver what they need. If we shout loudly enough, through as many voices as possible, the business will come – for independents and their customers alike. And that’s something to be proud of.”
A message of pride and positivity
Mark’s enthusiasm for the industry and for local, independent businesses is infectious. Whether he’s talking about the camaraderie of a Trade Local Day – complete with barbecues, laughter, and everyone knowing each other’s names – or recalling the joy of watching tradespeople being supported by suppliers, his message is consistent: independents matter.
“Local enterprise is the cornerstone of our society,” he says simply. “Every day is a school day in this industry, and the best lessons I’ve learned have come from the people behind those independent counters. They’ve helped me, they’ve supported me, and they continue to keep our trade – and our communities – alive.”
Laura – can you use the image marked ‘main image’ as large as you can, even though I know the resolution isn’t great (it’s the one the client sent over, the other I’ve stolen off their website). Only use the second image if you absolutely have to, but I’m hoping there’s enough text so that we only need the one.
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HP&R magazine interviewed Mark Millar, Brand Ambassador for The IPG and known to millions for his years on DIY SOS, to find out why he is so passionate about supporting independent merchants and tradespeople.
Mark Millar’s voice is instantly recognisable to millions of TV viewers. Best known for his 17 years on the BBC’s DIY SOS and more recently as presenter of Channel 5’s Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms and Build Your Dream Home in the Country, Mark is a joiner by trade, a business owner, and a passionate champion of independent enterprises.
That passion is what led him, in 2024, to take on the role of brand ambassador for The IPG – the buying group representing independent plumbing, heating, and bathroom suppliers across the UK. For Mark, the partnership feels like a natural fit. “I’ve always had a huge passion for any independent business, whether it’s farmers, plumbing, or high street shops,” he explains. “When I started my building business in Bristol, I went to an independent plumbers’ merchant for advice on a really complicated loft conversion. They gave me the information I needed, supplied all the parts at a great price, and from that day on, I knew independents were the people I wanted to deal with.”
It’s a relationship that has stood the test of time. “Thirty-six years later, I still shop in that same independent plumbing supplier,” Mark smiles. “The guy who served me on day one is still there. They know me by name, they know my company, and visiting them is about more than just buying materials – it’s become part of my working week. Shopping independent means being surrounded by friends and people who’ll help you solve problems. That’s invaluable.”
A career built on community
Mark’s own journey into the industry began in Ireland, where he undertook a four-year joinery apprenticeship before moving to England. He settled in Bristol and built up his own business, focusing on extensions and loft conversions, before expanding into high-end kitchen and bathroom design. His career took an unexpected turn when the BBC invited him to join DIY SOS.
“One show was all it took,” he recalls. “I completely fell in love with it. I saw tradespeople giving up their time and materials to help someone they didn’t even know. Plumbers, joiners, plasterers – all just being loving, caring human beings. Most of them were from small, independent businesses, and behind them were independent merchants stepping up to the mark. It showed me the industry in a completely different light – people working from their hearts, not just their wallets.”
That sense of heart and community is what he sees reflected in The IPG today. “It’s the only company I’ve worked with where you feel genuinely part of it – right down from the Founder,” says Mark. “They’ve taken on the challenge of standing up to the big boys, and they’re bringing back that high street connection between the merchant and the customer. For me, that’s priceless.”
Why independents matter
Mark believes independent merchants can offer concrete advantages for their customers and the industry as a whole. “With independents you get competitive prices, expert knowledge, and through membership of The IPG a much wider range of brands than people realise. But you also get the relationships – the laughter, the banter, the cup of tea at the counter. It might sound small, but it makes a massive difference. A happy tradesperson walks out of that store, drives to a customer’s house, and turns up in a good mood. That carries right through the job.”
He’s also quick to point out the practical business benefits. “Members of The IPG get a huge helping hand. They can show they’re part of a bigger network, and that gives customers confidence. It all helps – from how you present your showroom, to the brands you stock, to how you talk to customers.”
Right now, the UK government has set an ambitious target: building 1.5 million homes by the end of the decade. Mark believes independent businesses are key to making that happen. “This is the time for independents to step up and shout: we can give you the same deals, with a more personal relationship, and we can help get these houses built. The work doesn’t have to go to the big boys. We’ve got to keep the high street alive.”
He’s adamant that small and regional housebuilders in particular should be turning to their local suppliers. “They can buy at competitive prices, and independents can deliver what they need. If we shout loudly enough, through as many voices as possible, the business will come – for independents and their customers alike. And that’s something to be proud of.”
A message of pride and positivity
Mark’s enthusiasm for the industry and for local, independent businesses is infectious. Whether he’s talking about the camaraderie of a Trade Local Day – complete with barbecues, laughter, and everyone knowing each other’s names – or recalling the joy of watching tradespeople being supported by suppliers, his message is consistent: independents matter.
“Local enterprise is the cornerstone of our society,” he says simply. “Every day is a school day in this industry, and the best lessons I’ve learned have come from the people behind those independent counters. They’ve helped me, they’ve supported me, and they continue to keep our trade – and our communities – alive.”
