About BuildBuddy
An introduction to BuildBuddy
Founded by industry professionals, BuildBuddy is a next-generation technology platform for the construction industry. Leveraging data and technology, BuildBuddy empowers SME builders and construction professionals to plan, manage and optimise the materials buying process.
Trade professionals using BuildBuddy can instantly scan their local merchants, specialist players and larger national retailers all in one place. We enable you to quickly find the materials you’re looking for, see accurate and real-time prices and then work out the best basket combination to suit your needs. We’ve been building our technology since 2022 and we think it’s truly next-generation for the industry.
Merchants partnered with BuildBuddy benefit from increased market reach, seamless procurement processes and access to localised market data and forecasting. The result is enhanced growth and increased operational efficiencies. BuildBuddy’s founding team combines construction, technology and marketplace expertise and we’re super excited to be developing BuildBuddy and helping SMEs across the industry.
The BuildBuddy founding team
Developed by an experienced team, where first-hand construction experience meets proven marketplace execution
Jamie Menzies
Co-founder and Partnerships LeadCo-founder of Zebra Property Group and SME construction expertView Jamie on LinkedIn
Alix Baldwin
Co-founder and Product leadDirector of price comparison platform Funeral Choice and marketplace expertView Alix on LinkedIn
Dave Archer
Founding Engineerex-Senior Principal Engineer at Skyscanner and start-up founderView Dave on LinkedIn
Michal Marciniak
Software EngineerFull stack developer with growth experience at European start-ups and scale-upsView Michal on LinkedIn
Backed by a world-class network of strategic advisors, investors and industry gurus
Shane Corstorphine
Senior Advisorex-Skyscanner C-Suite, Non-executive Board member for VC backed scale ups and marketplace expert
Antony Alberti
InvestorFounder and owner, Thackeray Developments
Lindsay Rix-Broom
InvestorExperienced leader in banking and insurance
Andrew Phillips
InvestorCTO, Skyscanner
Ogilvie Rolland
Investor and Retail partnerFounder, The Paint Shed
Stuart Middleton
InvestorCCO, Skyscanner
Ian Thomas
InvestorCo-founder, LendInvest
What does BuildBuddy do?
Quickly scan, easily save
Make sense of a crowded market and see all of your buying options in one place.
We scan products and prices across suppliers so you don’t have to. We include local builders merchants like Selco, Builder Depot and MPMoran, national suppliers such as Travis Perkins and Jewson, and online retailers including buildingmaterials.co.uk and Materials Market. You’ll see your buying options and price comparisons straight away, all on one place.
Work the way you want to
BuildBuddy works with your current day-to-day routine.
Whether you want to order online for delivery, arrange a click & collect or drop by your local merchant, we know every project need is different. We aim to show all the retailer options available - so you can keep using the merchants you know and rely on, whilst getting introduced to potential new suppliers too. Plus, we’re adding new retailers all the time!
Empowering you
Make purchase decisions that are right for you.
Use BuildBuddy to build a materials list per project, track prices and view past price fluctuations. When you’re ready to buy, the BuildBuddy engine helps you make informed material buying decisions. Whether you decide to purchase everything through a single provider or use the SplitSave function to split an order across merchants, the choice is truly yours.
Let us do the heavy lifting
BuildBuddy is like your own mini procurement team…
…except this one is always with you, works 24/7 and is completely free! Plus, our technology uses millions of datapoints and checks near-infinite buying combinations to get you the best deals. Count on BuildBuddy to manage and track the materials for your next project, and calculate your best buying options when you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does BuildBuddy do?
BuildBuddy is a technology platform that helps builders and construction professionals to plan and buy building materials. We scan the market across building material providers and put all of the product and price information in one place, along with checkout calculations and buying options.
What products does BuildBuddy display?
BuildBuddy displays the core first-fix materials that make up most of the materials that builders buy and use all the time. You’ll find everything from bricks & blocks and lintels, to plasterboard and paint. You can find our range of materials here.
Which building materials suppliers does BuildBuddy list?
BuildBuddy lists a range of local builders merchants, national providers, online players and specialist suppliers. You’ll find the likes of Travis Perkins and Wickes, and Builder Depot.
Is BuildBuddy really free to use?
Yes, BuildBuddy is free to access and use. We don't charge any mark-ups, so the price you see is the price you pay.
How does BuildBuddy make money?
We charge some of the suppliers on our platform a very small transaction fee based on the business we send them. It’s similar to what would be paid for regular marketing costs.
How does BuildBuddy help building material retailers?
We expand the number of potential customers that can be reached and we make the ordering process efficient and seamless. There’s no need to write bespoke quotes that are often not converted, spend hours taking orders on the phone or swallow up budget on less effective marketing spend.
How do I find out more about BuildBuddy?
You can learn more about BuildBuddy and our team by visiting our About Us page.
Work with us or get in touch
We’d love to hear your feedback, ideas or general thoughts on what we’re building. We’re also on the lookout for materials experts, industry gurus and of course SME builders and retailers to join our platform.