Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Some 250 delegates from the housewares, DIY and garden sectors are set to attend the BHETA (British Home Enhancement Trade Association) Networking Forum on November 3.
The lead speaker is Bunnings UK and Ireland managing director PJ Davis, who is making the first public presentation of the UK Bunnings business since its acquisition of Homebase earlier this year.
The Forum is open to BHETA members and non-members at a cost of £45 and £95 respectively. It will take place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry and the price includes free car parking and a networking buffet lunch. The event will start at 10am with registration from 9.30am.
PJ Davis’ presentation will reflect on the initiatives, changes and progress of the business since the acquisition, and shed light on the strategy and future roll-out of Bunnings stores, setting out what the business stands for in the UK and the opportunities for suppliers.
He will be one of four speakers during what BHETA promises will be an informative, insightful and thought-provoking business session.
CBI (Confederation of British Industry) deputy director general Josh Hardie will explore what the DIY and garden market might look like in post-BREXIT Britain. His presentation will also include a wider perspective on the issues that face UK PLC, based on an overview of the CBI’s members. Josh brings with him recent retail experience as the former group director for corporate responsibility with grocery multiple Tesco.
Another highlight of the day will be Victoria Neuhofer from FN Neuhofer HOLZ of Austria, who will reprise her closing speech from this year’s Global DIY Summit in Stockholm.
She will discuss the need to grasp the digital and online nettle to talk to the DIY and garden customers of tomorrow, questioning how many supplier companies are fully ready to do so.
Continuing the technology theme, Insight Retail Group managing director Steve Collinge will debate the subject of the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ and how breakthroughs in fields such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things, supply chain innovation and 3D printing are likely to transform the future of the industry.
The Forum will close with a moderated Q&A panel session.
Applications to attend the forum should be made to sh@bheta.co.uk or the member services team on 0121 237 1130 as soon as possible.
