Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Around 100 delegates attended The Future for International Trade conference which took place on Tuesday (March 12) and was organised jointly by trade associations BHETA (British Home Enhancement Trade Association), Gardenex and PetQuip.
A mix of speakers from the worlds of Westminster politics, international economic forecasting, international law and trade compliance informed and entertained an audience of suppliers from the home, garden and pet sectors with presentations on exporting issues.
Their presentations covered many aspects of international trading, from mega trends in retailing worldwide to new and developing export markets and how to ease the path of exporting in the post-Brexit era.
The event, which was sponsored by Glee and held at the Stratford Manor Hotel in Warwickshire, kicked off with a review of Brexit negotiations and the state of play between political parties by John Arnold from UK government lobbying company Northern Universal.
Presentations followed from Tim Hiscock of Strong & Herd on export procedures and compliance, Lord Ivo Darnley of Rathbones on the worldwide economic situation, Richard Tauwhare of Dechert Solicitors on the legalities of international trade and Stefano Botter of Euromonitor International on retail megatrends.
The afternoon session comprised case studies and Q&A sessions with representatives from experienced exporters What More UK, Spear & Jackson, VegTrug and Group 55, followed by an introduction to digital marketing for export from Sarah Carroll of GrowGlobal.
After the event, What More UK director Tony Grimshaw OBE, who was part of the case study panel, commented: “Over the years, I have been to – and been involved in – a lot of these events and this was by far the best. Everyone I spoke with not only enjoyed it, but went away wiser and inspired.”
BHETA executive director, Will Jones, who chairs BHETA’s export committee, concluded: “This was a very varied and stimulating agenda presented by excellent speakers to a lively gathering of delegates. The event not only delivered its serious purpose to help develop and expand international sales but was also inspirational and thoroughly enjoyable.”
Director general of Gardenex and PetQuip Amanda Sizer Barrett said: “Our aim in organising the conference was to assure businesses that – regardless of the outcome of the protracted discussions on our country’s departure from the European Union – there is a raft of expert help and guidance available through our trade associations and associate service providers.”
