The Independent Distributor Alliance

23/07/2026

Berkshire Parts & Panels has grown into far more than a parts and paint supplier. It’s become a trusted partner to bodyshops and workshops across the South of England.

Founded by Paul in 1997 while he was still working in a bodyshop, BPP started life as a single van supplying used parts from a shared warehouse site in Aldermaston. Today, the business supports customers across the South with 18 staff, eight delivery vans and two on-site mixing rooms covering automotive refinish and industrial coatings.

The business has changed a lot over the years, but the thinking behind it hasn’t. Treat customers the way you’d want to be treated and build relationships that last. It’s a simple philosophy, but one that’s helped shape Berkshire Parts & Panels into the business it is today.

That approach can be seen in everything they do. From same-day colour mixing and twice-daily deliveries to technical advice over the phone or at the trade counter, the focus is always on helping customers keep work moving. Sometimes that’s recommending the right product. Other times it’s helping solve a problem before it becomes an expensive rework.

One of the biggest strengths of the business is its people. Between the team there’s well over 100 years of motor trade experience, so when customers need advice, they’re speaking to people who’ve been there, seen it and understand the realities of working in a busy bodyshop.

Like everyone in the industry, BPP is seeing vehicles become more complex while bodyshops continue to face increasing pressure on costs, time and skills. Their response has been to stay close to their customers, offering practical advice, proven systems and dependable service that helps workshops get repairs right first time.

Since joining TIDAL in 2020, Berkshire Parts & Panels has combined the flexibility of an independent family-run business with the buying power, shared knowledge and supplier relationships that come from being part of a nationwide alliance. It’s the best of both worlds. Local service backed by a network of like-minded independent distributors.

One thing many people might not realise is that BPP’s expertise goes well beyond automotive refinish. Alongside supporting bodyshops, they also work with emergency services, government departments and a wide range of other industries, supplying everything from tools and consumables to batteries, PPE and workshop equipment.

Great people, a fantastic business and a brilliant example of what independent distributors do best. We’re proud to have Berkshire Parts & Panels as part of TIDAL.

10/07/2026

🔵⚙️ COMING SOON – The NEW Norton Electric Tooling Range!

Due in this month 👀

We’re excited to announce that the brand-new Norton Electric Tooling Range will soon be arriving at Car Paint Warehouse!

Designed for professional bodyshops and paint technicians, the new range combines power, precision and comfort to deliver outstanding results on every job.

🔹 3-Year Warranty
🔹 Ergonomic, lightweight design
🔹 Low vibration & reduced noise
🔹 Powerful brushless motor
🔹 Superior dust extraction
🔹 Reactive braking system for added safety

The range includes:
✅ 150mm Dual Action Sanders (2.5mm & 5.0mm orbit)
✅ Orbital Electric Sander
✅ Norton CV4E M Class Dust Extractor
✅ Hoses, filters, dust bags & accessories

Whether you’re removing material quickly or achieving the perfect finish, there’s a Norton sander built for the job.

📍 Available soon from Car Paint Warehouse.

📞 Get in touch today to register your interest or be one of the first to see the new range when it arrives!

10/07/2026

With Peterborough Skills Academy – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

09/07/2026

From its branches in Hayes and High Wycombe, Car Paint Company has built a reputation for doing the fundamentals really well. Great people. Strong product knowledge. Reliable service. It’s an approach that has earned the trust of bodyshops across the region for more than 30 years.

The business was founded by Glenn Belcher in 1992 after more than 20 years working as a mechanic and looking for a new challenge. Spotting an opportunity within the refinish industry, he built Car Paint Company from a single trade counter into the business it is today. Now led by his son, Daniel, it’s a business that continues to evolve while staying true to the values it was built on.

What really stands out is the way the team supports its customers. Whether someone walks into one of the trade counters or calls through for advice, they’re dealing with people who understand the products and how they perform in a real bodyshop environment. It’s not just about supplying paint and consumables. It’s about helping customers choose the right products, improve their processes and ultimately become more profitable.

Behind the scenes, that support is backed up by strong stock holding and a dedicated delivery fleet making multiple runs every day. It’s not one big thing that sets Car Paint Company apart. It’s the hundreds of small things they get right, day in and day out.

As vehicles, repair methods and the wider refinish industry continue to evolve, the team continues to invest in technical expertise and strengthen relationships with the manufacturers they work with. It’s all about staying one step ahead and making sure customers have the support they need for whatever comes next.

Being part of TIDAL allows Car Paint Company to remain proudly independent while benefiting from the strength of the wider network. It’s about sharing knowledge, building stronger supplier relationships and working alongside like-minded distributors, all while keeping the local service and relationships that customers value.

We’re proud to have Car Paint Company as part of the TIDAL network.

07/07/2026

One of our Distributor Partners, MDA Bitec, spent the weekend supporting the Broseley Community Festival helping a fantastic community event continue to bring people together. For Bitec, it was an easy yes. Telford has been home since day one, and many of the team live locally.

By all accounts the event had great music, great food and a brilliant atmosphere, it sounds like everyone had an amazing weekend.

The festival is run entirely by volunteers who spend the year fundraising to make it happen. Bitec were proud to lend their support because they believe that’s exactly what being part of a local community is all about.

Well done to everyone who organised it, volunteered their time and came along to enjoy it. It’s always great to see our Distributor Partners supporting the communities they call home. 👏

02/07/2026

The last couple of days have been brilliant.

Our Board met on Tuesday, followed by our Distributor Partners yesterday. Lots discussed. Lots agreed. Lots happening.

There are some major projects already underway, plenty more in the pipeline, and a real buzz about what’s next.

The best part? Seeing everyone pulling in the same direction. Different businesses, one shared ambition, and a genuine commitment to keep moving the industry forward together. It’s also a reminder that TIDAL is built on genuine relationships. Time spent together around the table is just as important as the time spent away from it.

Thanks to everyone who gave up their time over the two days, and to Peterborough Skills Academy for hosting us. Exciting times ahead.

We are TIDAL.

01/07/2026

Big things are happening at TIDAL 👌

We are TIDAL.

A network of independent automotive refinish distributors across the UK & Ireland. 17 distributor partners. 27 locations. One shared commitment to raising the standard across the automotive refinish industry.

01/07/2026

We are TIDAL.

A network of independent automotive refinish distributors across the UK & Ireland. 17 distributor partners. 27 locations. One shared commitment to raising the standard across the automotive refinish industry.

01/07/2026

For more than six decades, Martin Brown Paints has been supporting customers from its home in Blackpool, Lancashire.

The business first began in 1961 when Martin Brown acquired decorative paint company Denton Edwards as its owner prepared for retirement. Automotive coatings were soon added to the range, helping shape the business into the company many customers know today.

Thirty years ago, the next generation stepped in when Mark Brown and his brother took over the business. While much has changed over the decades, one thing hasn’t. Martin Brown Paints remains a family-run business built on relationships, customer care and doing things properly.

Longevity is a theme that runs right through the company. Not only has the business itself stood the test of time, but many members of the team have too, with some employees having been with Martin Brown Paints for more than 20 years. That experience and continuity helps create the level of service the business has become known for.

Listening to customers and understanding what they need has always been central to how the team operates. It’s a straightforward approach, but one that continues to deliver value day after day.

Like many distributors, Martin Brown Paints has seen changes within the refinish sector as vehicle technology evolves and traditional repair volumes change. By drawing on decades of technical knowledge and experience, the business has successfully expanded into other coating markets and continues to adapt to the needs of its customers.

For Mark, TIDAL represents a family of like-minded independent businesses. By sharing ideas, supporting one another and creating opportunities together, the network enables distributors to offer national coverage while maintaining the service and relationships that local customers value.

More than 60 years after the business first started, Martin Brown Paints continues to do what it has always done best. Look after customers, value relationships and deliver the kind of service that keeps people coming back.

We’re proud to have Martin Brown Paints as part of the TIDAL family.

27/06/2026