BHETA’s next retailer networking forum takes place on March 25th and will feature Amanda Reed, Leekes’ Buying Controller. Amanda will be bringing BHETA members up to speed on recent changes at the out of town department store group, which offers housewares alongside garden and DIY products. She will outline all Leekes’ latest projects and how suppliers can support future developments and further establish trading relationships.Founded in 1897, and now one of the UK’s leading independent retailers, Leekes has six stores and many of its product offers are exclusive to the brand. In 2009 it bought Coles to add stores in the West Midlands to its heartland in Wales and Wiltshire.Delegates at the forum will also hear from the CBI’s Ben Delaney, who will present a general economic update post-BREXIT; and from Emily Stella and Amy Higginbotham, both analysts at Global Data, who will be discussing the latest statistics from the home improvement market and outlining the reports which Global Data can supply to BHETA members. The fourth speaker will be John Pierce, the CEO of the Made In Britain Campaign, which supports and promotes British manufacturing, enabling buyers and consumers at home and abroad to identify British-made products. John will be talking about how Made In Britain can help small and medium-sized British manufacturers.BHETA’s Chief Operating Officer, Will Jones commented, “Leekes is very much an up and coming retail brand and offers many opportunities for BHETA members across all categories. This forum will provide BHETA members with a unique insight into the opportunities for trading relationships going forward.”Refreshments will be provided on the day, including a networking lunch and the event, which is being held at Federation House, Vyse Street, Birmingham will commence with registration at 9.30 am. In the first instance, please register interest with BHETA’s member services manager, Zara Miah at zm@bheta.co.uk.
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