BHETA held a live and in-person forum on 27 March, spotlighting the opportunities and needs for retailers, suppliers and wholesalers in the independent sector.
Suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors across the DIY, garden and housewares sectors outlined how best they could collaborate to drive their business models. The popular event explored the mutual support requirements with speakers throughout the supply chain.
There was also an overview from the Bank of England on the current market dynamics vis a vis domestic legislation impact, consumer confidence paradigms and the potential threat of US tariffs. Attendees also benefitted from invaluable networking, fostering connections with peers across the industry.
Covering all aspects of the independent retailer channel, speakers included:
- Glynn Jones, deputy agent at Bank of England, for a market overview
- Andrew Massey, director at independent DIY, home and garden retailer, Masseys
- Sarah Wood, managing director at housewares retailer, Trevor Mottram
- 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
- Casey Warwick, supplier relations manager at wholesaler, Decco. Decco works with high street retailers, garden centres and building and engineering companies
- Nick Squire, managing director of independent kitchenware supplier, Dayes, which owns the Tala brand
- Richard Walker, managing director of home and kitchenware supplier, Eddingtons, which sells brands and licensed products through independent retailers
Speakers pictured left to right – Will Jones, coo of BHETA, Richard Walker, md of Eddingtons, Nick Squire, md of Dayes, David Hibbert, joint md of Stax, Casey Warwick, supplier relations manager at Decco, Andy Massey from Masseys, Sarah Wood from Trevor Mottram and Steve Edwards DIY and Garden sector manager at BHETA, who co-ordinated the event.
BHETA’s chief operating officer, Will Jones commented: “Since Covid, many UK suppliers have cut their investment in the independent sector. My key takeaway from the very insightful presentations from both retailers and wholesalers is that it is time for suppliers to take another look at the sector and make sure their businesses are set up to deliver success in what is still a very significant part of the market. I was very pleased with the response of the BHETA members who attended, and we will definitely run more events focusing on this vital sector. Thank you to all the presenters and attendees.”
Steve Edwards, BHETA’s DIY and garden sector manager, who co-ordinated the event, commented: “Amidst recent challenges in the industry, including the closure of prominent businesses such as Homebase, Wilkos and the changes at Dobbies, it’s a fact that there are now many locations with no national account retail presence. So, this forum addressed the critical role independent retailers now play in shaping the future of DIY, garden, housewares, and small electricals – from a retail, wholesale, and supplier perspective. We found a lot of common ground, practical initiatives, and some striking opportunities.
“Independents Day proved insightful and collaborative, providing a comprehensive look at the evolving retail landscape, with key suppliers invited to re-evaluate their approach to this vital channel, exploring ways to strengthen relationships and seize new opportunities. There were many new conversations initiated as a result.”
