NEWS | Industry Updates
Smart Retail Solutions Group Business Summit hailed a success as industry leaders come together
insight, collaboration and networking, held under the wings of the mighty Concorde at the Runway Vistors Park, Manchester. The sixth annual summit brought together
operators, suppliers and industry experts for a programme focused on the latest market trends, business opportunities and the future direction of automated retail. A standout feature of the event was the industry insights panel, which proved hugely popular with delegates. Expert speakers shared the latest market intelligence, consumer trends and commercial data, providing attendees with valuable insights to help shape future business decisions. The event also featured an inaugural suppliers and operators panel discussion, with delegates engaging directly with panellists during an extended question-and-answer session that lasted more than 30 minutes. The robust debate covered some of the sector’s biggest opportunities and challenges, creating an open forum for discussion between businesses from across the industry. Alongside the speaker programme,
delegates also experienced the latest unattended retail concepts from the Smart Retail Solutions Group and enjoyed extensive networking opportunities, including exclusive access aboard the iconic Concorde. Following the success of this year’s
The Smart Retail Solutions (SRS) Group has hailed its 2026 Business Summit a major success after welcoming delegates from across the unattended retail and out-of- home sectors for an afternoon of industry
event, the Smart Retail Solutions Group has confirmed the Business Summit will return to the Runway Visitor Park, Manchester, on 15 April 2027. Carl Hunter, SRS Group founding member and Automated Retail & New Business Controller at Kepak Group, said: “This year’s Business Summit exceeded our
expectations and demonstrated once again the value of bringing the industry together in one room. The quality of discussion throughout the day, the engagement from delegates and the appetite to share ideas showed just how much momentum there is across the unattended retail sector. “From the insight sessions to the supplier and operator panel discussions, the event provided practical takeaways for businesses of every size. We’re already looking forward to building on this success when we return in April 2027.” Fellow SRS Group founding member, Paul
Howard, Founder of nebrak, added: “Events like this are incredibly important because they give delegates access to the latest market intelligence, emerging trends and the people helping to shape the future of our industry. The conversations throughout the day were honest, informative and forward-thinking, creating real value for everyone who attended. “The wider industry benefits when suppliers, operators and partners come together to openly discuss challenges, share innovation and collaborate on solutions. That’s exactly what this summit delivered.” The Smart Retail Solutions Group’s summer
programme continues this month with its sixth annual networking river cruise along the Thames, bringing together customers and partners for another unique opportunity to network down the river Thames. More details will be released in the coming months on how industry colleagues can sign up for next year’s event. The Smart Retail Solutions Group comprises: 365 Retail Markets, nebrak, Britvic, coffetek, Kepak & Tower Leasing
The Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging, of which the Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA) is a member, recently met with Minister Mary Creagh MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Nature and Circular Economy at DEFRA, to discuss the role of fibre-based packaging in supporting the UK’s circular economy ambitions. The Alliance represents UK manufacturers
and producers of fibre-based and fibre- based composite packaging, alongside major household brands and retailers. Together, its members have a turnover of more than £24 billion and employ
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210,000 people in the UK. It shares the UK Government’s aim of creating a truly circular economy by reducing unnecessary landfill and carbon emissions, retaining more value from widely recyclable materials in the UK, and supporting British jobs and businesses. At the meeting with Minister Creagh, the discussion covered a range of important issues affecting the sector, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), recyclability assessment, recycling infrastructure, innovation and the contribution that fibre-based packaging can make towards achieving the UK’s environmental and recycling targets.
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