Leekes’ buying controller Amanda Reed will be headlining BHETA’s next retailer networking forum on March 25 (Federation House, Birmingham). Amanda will fill members in on recent changes at the out of town department store group, which offers housewares alongside garden and DIY products. She will discuss Leekes’ latest initiatives and how suppliers can support future developments and develop 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, adding stores in the West Midlands to its heartland in Wales and Wiltshire.
The forum will also feature CBI’s Ben Delaney, who will present a general economic update post-Brexit. Meanwhile Global Data analysts Emily Stella and Amy Higginbotham will be discussing the latest statistics from the home improvement market and outlining the reports that Global Data can supply to BHETA members.
John Pierce, the ceo of the Made In Britain Campaign is also part of the BHETA forum’s line-up. The campaign 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.”
Top: Leekes store in Bilston, Wolverhampton.
