Monday February 5 2018 THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM, BIRMINGHAM
talkingtrade
Opportunity knocks M
ore than 325 delegates attended a networking forum held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on
April 21. Two category leaders from Amazon featured
as guest speakers at the event, which was organised by BHETA (British Home Enhancement Trade Association). Amazon UK manager for homewares and
furniture Jeff Wemyss and manager for tools and home improvement Oliver Sawers treated a packed house to some insights into the online retail giant’s plans to expand with more suppliers and additional selection. In their presentation, the duo outlined
several vendor services and discussed a number of new consumer-facing services. Amazon is working with BHETA to build a proactive ‘creating value together’ relationship, including events such as Meet the Buyer, vendor workshops and fulfilment centre visits. Senior members from Jeff and Oliver’s teams
joined the pair over lunch to network with delegates, who welcomed the chance for face- to-face discussions. Another speaker at the forum was Decco
chief operating officer Charlie Lacey, who outlined the opportunities that its seven distribution centres, servicing high street retailers and garden centres, can provide. Some 80% of the family company’s turnover is home and garden products, with construction products accounting for the remaining 20%. Charlie said Decco is continuously looking to
attract new suppliers and new products to enhance its wholly branded portfolio, and noted that the firm’s ‘logistical excellence’ is in
itself an opportunity. With its partnership approach, offline and
online support services, stock holding, fleet, promotional programmes and trade shows, the Decco network could be utilised as a means to penetrate new markets as well, he said. Co-ordinating with the forward-looking
themes of the day, Daniel Fearnley, head of home for market research expert GfK, outlined the latest consumer data on both online retail and the consumer shopping journey in general. His presentation included interpretation and
advice on how suppliers can maximise purchase of their products and brands, regardless of the particular retail channel. Finally, Clive Daley of mdj2 Associates
reviewed the ongoing issue of the exchange rate .He delivered some practical solutions for suppliers attempting to negotiate the cost implications of fluctuating currency with their
retail partners. Advocating strategies including multi-level
relationships and value engineering, Clive’s presentation covered not only collaboration but, when necessary, a more aggressive approach. Commenting on the proceedings, BHETA
housewares sector director Will Jones said: “Big picture politics just keep on presenting surprises – all of which impact on economic prospects one way or another. “Yet our speakers all confirmed how much
potential there is for growth in the home and garden market if we work together as partners for the greater good.” BHETA DIY and garden sector director Paul
Grinsell added: “It was great to welcome so many delegates keen to engage and to hear from really excellent speakers who want to work in a mutually supportive manner.”
BHETA and bira set to tussle on the turf BHETA and fellow trade association bira are set to host a ‘friendly but competitive’ networking, business and social event soon
‘ T
ussle on the Turf’ is the name of a golf competition which will be held on July 19 at The Welcombe Golf
Club in in Stratford-upon-Avon. DIY, hardware and cookshop retailer members
of bira (British Independent Retailers Association) will battle it out with DIY, hardware and housewares supplier members of BHETA on the Welcombe championship standard 18-hole course. BHETA executive DIY director Paul Grinsell
said: “We’re pleased to be able to be working more closely with bira and its members in a relaxed, business and networking event. With a hint of competitiveness thrown in I’m sure, we’re
May 2017
pleased to be engaging with an initiative that is establishing itself as a fixture in the calendar.” Bira marketing & membership director Sarah
Golden added: “We’re always looking to strengthen our members’ relationships with suppliers – and this friendly inter-association golf competition is a great opportunity for both to build a better understanding of each other.” Retailer and supplier teams of four are invited
to participate. The cost is £600 for a team of four and includes pre-game teas/coffees and bacon rolls, halfway house refreshments, nearest the pin and longest drive competitions, complimentary golf balls, post-game drinks reception, three course post-game dinner and
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awards for the best performers of the day. Bragging rights currently sit with bira, which
won the inaugural event last year. Interested parties should contact the organiser
Michael Dark of MDA Associates:
mda.mail@
virgin.net; 01582 621121/ 07973 829184.
Amazon headlined a networking forum held last month by BHETA
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