M B S Building Supplies, Whiting Bay, Arran, KA27 8PR

Established in 1999, MBS Building & Timber Supplies is an independent builders' merchant operating from substantial freehold premises in Whiting Bay.

The business provides an extensive range of building and DIY products including timber, building materials, hardware, plumbing and electrical supplies, decorating products, household goods and domestic appliances. Additional services include paint mixing together with plant, tool and scaffold hire.

The property extends to approximately 1,862 sq ft (172.95 sq m) of retail space (not formally measured), supported by a substantial external yard and storage facilities. A Petrol Filling Station and licensed off-sales operation provide further diversification and complementary income streams.

The business is offered for sale due to the proprietor's retirement plans.

MBS Building & Timber Supplies occupies a prominent position within Whiting Bay, one of Arran's principal settlements and an important service centre for the surrounding area.

The business serves a wide catchment across the Isle of Arran, benefiting from demand generated by homeowners, tradespeople, contractors, agricultural customers and seasonal visitors. The island's property maintenance, construction and tourism sectors support year-round demand for building supplies, DIY products and fuel sales.

Location Highlights

• Established Whiting Bay location
• Serving customers throughout the Isle of Arran
• Trade and retail customer base
• Builders' merchant, DIY and hire facilities
• Petrol filling station facilities
• Long-established independent business
• Trading successfully since 1999
• Strong local reputation and customer loyalty
• Benefits from resident and seasonal visitor demand
• Island-wide customer reach and service offering

Internally, the premises comprise a well-presented builders' merchant and DIY retail outlet extending to approximately 1,862 sq ft (172.95 sq m) (not formally measured).

The retail area is fitted throughout with a wide range of building materials, hardware, decorating supplies, plumbing and electrical products, household goods and DIY merchandise. A central sales counter provides the customer service hub, while a dedicated paint mixing station allows the preparation of bespoke paint colours and finishes.

To the rear, the property benefits from a substantial yard and external storage area suitable for timber, aggregates, fuels and bulk building materials. These facilities support efficient stock holding, loading and delivery requirements.

The premises are fully equipped for continued trading and support the retail, hire and fuel-related activities from a single established trading location.

Additional space is currently utilised for storage, assisting with effective stock management.

There is potential for a purchaser to optimise or reconfigure these areas to enhance the retail offering or introduce complementary income streams.

All fixtures and fittings are included in the sale, enabling immediate continuity of trade.
This represents a genuine turn-key acquisition, ideal for buyers seeking a ready-to-run business.

Externally, the property benefits from builders' merchant yard areas together with storage and operational space supporting the wider business.

The site also incorporates petrol filling station facilities, fuel dispensing is provided via a single fuel pump with four dispensing nozzles.

Underground fuel storage facilities comprise:
• 1 x 9,000 litre diesel storage tank
• 1 x 4,500 litre unleaded petrol storage tank

Age of fuel tanks unknown. Supply-only fuel agreement currently in place with Certas Energy

MBS Building & Timber Supplies represents an opportunity to acquire a long-established freehold business serving the Isle of Arran.

The business benefits from a diversified operational model incorporating builders' merchant sales, DIY retailing, fuel sales, equipment hire and licensed off-sales. Fuel sales currently total approximately 295,000 litres per annum.

Potential opportunities for a new owner include:

• Extension of delivery services across Arran
• Development of online ordering capability
• Introduction of click-and-collect facilities
• Growth of trade account business
• Expansion of hire services and equipment ranges
• Introduction of additional product lines
• Enhanced digital marketing activity
• Further development of the licensed off-sales offering
• Extended Sunday opening hours, as the business is currently closed on Sundays

The business is operated by a mixture of full and part time staff.

The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) will apply.

The business demonstrates an established trading history, with turnover of £831,809 recorded for the year ended 31 March 2025 and a gross profit of £117,158, representing a gross profit margin of 14.08%.

Fuel sales are included within the reported turnover figures.

Further financial information will be made available to seriously interested parties upon request.

Monday to Friday: 08:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday: Closed

Freehold with an asking price of £400,000.
Wet and dry stock will be payable in addition upon completion.

The current Rateable Value is £1,250, effective from 1 April 2026 (Scottish Assessors Association).