Industry Event The IBA Pursuit of Success
The IBA gathered in September at Whittlebury Hall with the simple aim of pursuing stronger commercial relationships and increased trade through an energy-driven trade show attended by 47 supplier exhibitors. Here, IBA operations manager Pam Hardman shares an account of the day’s events.
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or its second trade show this year, the IBA organised the event around the theme of ‘The Pursuit’ to encourage fast-flow networking around all the stands, with a £1.8k prize-purse attached. ‘Pursuit’ is defined as the act of “striving to achieve success in a strategy or situation over an extended period” - apt, given the IBA enters its 30th year of trade with a current stronghold of 93 members, and growth- orientated vision to reach 100 members in the next two years.
IBA’s September’s show traditionally culminates in its gala dinner and annual awards. A moment taken for suppliers and members to pause, think, recalibrate and then move forward with a better understanding of each other. Nelson Mandela said, “I never lose, I either win or learn”. Winning gives benchmark, commendation a useful signpost, and industry insight a valuable learning opportunity. Losing isn’t failure, nor fatal or final.
Members were asked to reflect and vote on supplier performance. Suppliers were asked to spotlight members on their level of engagement. Not to be left out, the IBA Office focussed on essential supplier back-office provision and performance.
IBA Member of the Year 2022 winners were awarded their trophies by guest speaker Paul Sinha (of The Chase): AA Jones, Single Branch North & East Midlands; ZLT Electrical, Single Branch South & West Midlands; EDS, Two to Three Branches National and 7Core, Four or More Branches National. Between these four companies, there are 68 years of IBA experience.
Scolmore secured IBA Supplier of the Year 2022, an award they last received in 2004. Paul Jenner, IBA CEO, says of this accolade: “I was delighted to present Scolmore with our SOTY Award. A company that is always seeking to innovate and develop, last year they showed this by launching a range of Consumer Units (Elucian) that both the membership and the industry have received well. Scolmore puts real focus on supporting the independent wholesaler and are worthy winners.”
Kevin Beech, group sales director, Scolmore Group, commented: “Everyone at Scolmore is delighted that we’ve been voted this year’s IBA Supplier of the Year. These awards are held in high regard across the industry for their recognition of excellence and it is an honour for us to receive this accolade. We share a passion with the IBA for quality, service and reliability and we work collaboratively to ensure relationships at all levels within both businesses remain strong and focussed on delivering the best experience for the electrical wholesaler.”
A members-led group promoting the power of consolidated purchasing, the IBA accepts only a limited number of new suppliers each year to its portfolio, and so competition for Best New Supplier is high. Grant Dixon, MD of Securi-Flex and this year’s winner said: “Although we don’t do it for the awards, the recognition by our customers of our continued efforts to support and service their businesses and the electrical
30 | electrical wholesaler November 2022
wholesale market is a proud moment which is felt across the business. I am exceptionally proud of the entire Securi-Flex team for achieving ‘Best New Supplier 2022’ at the IBA Gala Awards Dinner.”
IBA SOTY–Back Office winning status was awarded to Ansell, Forum and Gewiss. Pam Hardman, IBA operations manager, said: “Deciding this year’s final winners proved difficult, so strict metrics were employed. We welcomed the moment to really appreciate the amazing relationships we have built over the years with so many supplier back-office teams and the strength of support they consistently give us. A complete partnership, front and back of house, enables the IBA to consistently deliver high quality service for our members.”
The Pursuit
On the day, eight members contrived to visit all 47 stands in a meaningful way, and succeeded. Happy spending! The theme was a bit of fun with a serious message: that we value these trade opportunities. The amount of transacted business at the show was reputed as phenomenal and the stats are showing record turnover. “I don’t think there was a single individual throughout the day and evening who did not thoroughly enjoy themselves. Dealing with the IBA is like doing business with your friends, and long may it continue.” We agree, and toast to that!
ewnews.co.uk
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