The recession has challenged business strategies and driven change across the UK wholesaling sector. As the economy begins to recover, we can expect further sector impacts, resulting from new realities and customer needs.
For many wholesalers this change has created opportunities, and the resilience of core customer markets has reinforced the importance of the channel as a route to market for FMCG suppliers. More than ever it is critical to understand the dynamics of the market to succeed.
Growing to almost £26bn in 2009 the sector plays a central role in servicing independent convenience retailers (including symbol groups) and emerging convenience and forecourt multiples. It is also the primary source of supply into the dynamic foodservice sector, servicing customers as diverse as hotels, restaurants, schools and hospitals as well as pubs, cafés and leisure outlets.
IGD’s Grocery & Foodservice Wholesaling Conference 2010 is a key forum to hear from the leading operators on how their businesses are adapting to the changing climate and to understand the opportunities that this creates for suppliers.
With a keynote address from Charles Wilson, Chief Executive, Booker, the event will provide the latest insight on market performance and prospects as IGD unveils its latest data and market forecasts, while him! will share the findings on customer behaviour and attitudes from its tracking programmes.
Hear from the key operators as they share insight on how to maximise the opportunities in a market worth £26bn.
Benefit from the insight of keynote speaker Charles Wilson, as he shares his views on sector development and his plans ahead for Booker.
Learn from IGD’s chief economist, James Walton, as he unveils the latest unique IGD data on sector performance and assesses the outlook against the wider economic backdrop.
Understand how to adapt to changing customer needs and the strategic options available to you as a business when considering the wholesale channel.
Meet and network with the leading players and fellow businesses operating in the channel.
CONFERENCE BEGINS
08.45
Registration & Refreshments
09.30
Welcome & Introduction
As event chairman Steve will outline the agenda for the day.
Steve Barnes, Business Director, IGD
Session One: Emerging from Recession
09.35
UK Wholesaling Plc – A Health Check
In a world of new realities, James will give his assessment of the current state and future prospects for the consumer economy in general and the wholesale channel in particular. Unveiling IGD’s latest sector data and research, James will provide unique insight on the health of UK wholesaling plc.
James Walton, Chief Economist, IGD
10.00
Driving Growth in Foodservice
JJ Foodservice has driven its recession-defying growth with innovation, flexibility and a willingness to adapt. Mushtaque will outline what makes the JJ business different and share its ambitions to enhance its national presence as a real alternative to the established players.
Mushtaque Ahmed, Business Operations Manager, JJ Foodservice
10.25
Building Effective Strategies for Future Growth
Building on its recent success, Nick will set out the latest strategies and plans to carry the Today’s Group into the future. From the enhancement of group membership structures and support, to stronger supplier engagement, Nick will demonstrate the Today’s Group commitment to sustainable growth for all its stakeholders in the wholesale channel.
Nick Barker, Trading Director, Today’s Group
10.50
Refreshments break
Session Two: The Wholesale Customer: The Opportunities Ahead
11.20
Customer Strategies
Newly created in 2009, the role of customer director is pivotal in cultivating the segments critical to the future growth of the Makro business. Mark’s presentation will provide an insight into the strategies now being developed to engage key customer groups, and how suppliers can align to realise emerging opportunities.
Mark Copeland, Customer Management Director, Makro
11.45
Tracking the Retailer and Caterer Through the Recession
Drawing on the latest findings of the him! Cash & Carry Tracking Programme, Tom will take the opportunity to flag up how the last year has shaped wholesale customer behaviour and how wholesalers and suppliers can adapt to these new dynamics and target areas of improvement.
Tom Fender, Sales & Marketing Director, him!
12.10
Extending the Link with Retailers: Lifestyle Express
As Landmark seeks to go on raising the bar for both retailer recruitment and retailing standards, Stuart will showcase Landmark’s strategy to further harness input from wholesalers, suppliers and retailers to build an ever more robust chain to drive effective sales growth in the independent sector.
Stuart Johnson, Retail Controller, Landmark Wholesale
12.35
Panel Discussion: Into 2011 and Beyond
Your opportunity to find out more from the morning’s speakers on their outlook on the future for the sector, including Mushtaque, Nick, Mark, Tom and Stuart. Questions from the audience will be invited.
12.55
Networking Lunch
Session Three: The Suppliers' View
14.10
Wholesaling into 2011 – the Supplier View
Craig will share a supplier’s perspective on the evolution of the wholesale channel in 2010, and show how the Heinz business is seeking to build on emerging opportunities to get the best from the sector going forward.
Craig Hughes, Impulse and Foodservice Director, HJ Heinz Co Ltd
Session Four: Into the Next Generation of Wholesaling
14.35
P&H Retailing Services – Taking the Offer Beyond the Product
P&H has an unrivalled position as a route to market with a national capability across all areas of UK grocery retailing. Peter will show how P&H’s expertise provides a unique link presenting both retailers and suppliers with new opportunities for maximising their potential in the fast growing world of convenience retailing.
Peter Austen, Managing Director – Commercial, P&H
15.00
Keynote Address - Gearing Up for Growth with Booker
2009/10 was a year of achievement for Booker, and a vindication of Charles Wilson’s turnaround strategy. In this keynote presentation Charles will provide his perspective on how Booker will consolidate growth and build on new business streams going forward. Charles will also be happy to take questions both on the progress and future of Booker, as well as the wider world of wholesaling.
Charles Wilson, Chief Executive, Booker
15.30
Closing Comments
Steve Barnes, Business Director, IGD
15.35
Conference Close
Venue Details
The Cavendish Conference Centre 22 Duchess Mews London W1G 9DT
Cancellations and name changes to be confirmed in writing
Over 30 days notice
- Full refund
15 - 30 days notice
- 50% refund
Less than 15 days notice
- No refund/transfers
IGD Members
Non-Members
Academic Institutions
GBP
£ 400
£ 600
N/A
EUR
€ 480
€ 720
N/A
Additional Information:
Prices displayed ex-VAT. Fee includes briefing papers (subject to availability) refreshments & lunch. Fee also includes delegate pack and electronic version of all slides. This session is promoted by IGD as agent for IGD Services Ltd. Cheques need to be made payable to 'IGD Services Ltd.' IGD reserves the right to alter any element of the programme, such as speakers, times and venue, should the need arise.
