The BHETA forum on March 21st proved an upbeat showcase of opportunities for members open to new ways of trading. New sales models, new ways to use sales data, new overseas markets and new approaches to supply chain were all in evidence not to mention news of additional grant support, trade mission opportunities, retailer opportunities and consumer marketing campaigns from BHETA itself.
Speakers included the new Toolstation MD, James MacKenzie, Matija Kranjc, company director of Merkur, one Slovenia’s largest home retailers, Eric Churet of SEDEX and Neil Cooper of Phocas Software, BHETA associate member and data analytics provider.
James Mackenzie positioned Toolstation to members as very much open for business as the value champion in the sector. With 300 UK outlets, 12,000 product lines in store and a further 2000 online and a database of five million UK customers, all of whom must register in order to purchase.
From a supplier point of view, James’ appeal for more trade brands, especially those able to think in terms of multipacks that enable the tradesperson ‘to finish the job’, the presentation was a fantastic opportunity to become involved in a very successful business.
Exporting was another great opportunity of the day. Hot on the heels of the trade mission to Slovenia last September in collaboration with the British Slovenian Chambers of Commerce, Merkur, Slovenia’s largest home retailer explained its position in the market and its interest in branded tools and consumables at every level from entry to premium. and its will be speaking to potential suppliers. Company director, Matija Kranjc not only gave a profile of the business’ 23 stores and 15 franchises; 58% retail, 30% professional and 12% wholesale, but also how best to contact the business in pursuit of listings.
Eric Churet of SEDEX, the global collaborative platform for sharing and sourcing data on supply chains, explained its role in the modern supply chain and the benefits of a SEDEX-enabled seal of approval in terms of current standards in labour rights, health and safety, the environment and business ethics.
The final speaker was Neil Cooper from one of BHETA’s long standing service providers – Phocas Software. Phocus Software provides the means of analysing sales data in a way that is easy to interrogate, understand and action.
For more information about BHETA, contact the Member Services Team on 0121 237 1130.
Source: BHETA
April 2018