BHETA is to hold another of its popular in-person forums on March 27 in the Diamond Suite at Federation House, Birmingham.  The event which runs for 10.00 am to 3.30 pm, is entitled Independents Day and will spotlight the independent retail sector.  

Suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors across the DIY, garden, and housewares sectors are invited to re-evaluate their approach to this vital channel, exploring ways to strengthen relationships and seize new opportunities.

Commenting on the agenda, BHETA’s Marketing Director, Steve Richardson, said: “This is massively topical. Amidst recent challenges in the industry, including the closure of prominent businesses such as Homebase, the forum will address the critical role independent retailers play in shaping the future. 

“Independents Day will be insightful and collaborative, providing a comprehensive look at the evolving retail landscape.”

The free to attend forum will feature speakers from experienced operators in all parts of the indie route to market, including suppliers, wholesalers, and retailers.  Dynamic presentations from key players such as Eddingtons, Dayes, Masseys, Stax, as well as the Bank of England, will include insights, case studies, and mutual experiences.  Attendees will also benefit from invaluable networking, fostering connections with peers across the industry.

While there may be additional speakers, the primary ones are:

  • Glynn Jones, Deputy Agent at Bank of England, who will give delegates an overview of the current market.
  • Andrew Massey, Director at independent DIY, home and garden retailer, Masseys.
  • David Hibbert, Joint Managing Director of wholesaler, Stax Trade Centres.  Stax offers over 45,000 product lines from 1,000 trusted brands to independent retailers and tradespeople.
  • Richard Walker, Managing Director of home and kitchenware supplier, Eddingtons, which sells brands and licensed products through independent retailers.
  • Nick Squire, Managing Director of independent kitchen supply retailer, Dayes.
  • Casey Warwick, Supplier Relations Manager at wholesaler, Decco.  Decco works with High Street retailers, garden centres and building and engineering companies.

Steve Richardson added: “Being an in-person event, this is an opportunity to get a taste of BHETA’s retailer networking track record.  Online events are great and enable more people to attend, so they remain very much part of BHETA’s agenda, but there is something magical about a live forum, so I’m delighted to be launching a new programme of such occasions.”