SUMMIT BEGINS

10.00

Registration & refreshments

11.00

Chairman's welcome and introduction

David opens the summit and frames the next two day's content.

11.05

Opening address

11.25

The economic perspective

With the UK now officially back in recession and confidence in the future at an all-time low, James examines the latest economic indicators and considers the implications for grocery in general and small-format retailing in particular.

11.45

Standing out from the crowd

Michael shares brand new and exclusive insights from IGD’s latest ShopperVista research. In a crowded marketplace where competition is intense, what will give you the edge over the rest? Hear what shoppers tell us about different aspects of the convenience offer including value, promotions, range, customer service and technology and what will make the difference between ‘also rans’ and ‘leaders of the pack’ in the growing symbol segment.

12.05

Networking lunch

TRADE BRIEFING ONE: COSTCUTTER - PROUD TO BE LOCAL

13.20

• Nick Ivel, Chief Executive, delivers an insight into Costcutter Supermarkets Group, its new board of directors and its vision for the future.

• Angela Barber, trading director, talks through why Costcutter are leading the symbol sector with sales driven initiatives that continue to over deliver.

• Marketing Director Ian Bishop shares the vision behind Costcutter's three fascia convenience strategy and reveals the future of category management and home shopping.

• In his first retail industry presentation, Sir Michael Bibby, MD of Bibby Line Group, discusses how the business will help the Costcutter brand enjoy even more success in the years ahead

• The presenters return to the stage to answer questions from the floor

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14.50

Refreshments & networking

TRADE BRIEFING TWO: PREMIER - BIGGEST & BEST

15.15

• Steve Fox, Sales Director Retail, opens the Premier briefing by giving an overview of the Booker business and explains how the symbol brand fits within its overall aims and objectives

• Head of Premier Martin Swadling outlines the brand’s performance, highlights what’s driving that performance and details what suppliers can expect from the symbol group in the future

• Sharing his experiences of running an independent convenience store, Shahid "Mo" Razzaq, Owner of Premier Blantyre, explains how his business has evolved in recent times and describes what he thinks great supplier relationships look like.

• Carrying on the theme of supplier collaboration and partnership, Andrew Thompson, Commercial Director, details what best practice looks like and how to engage with the business going forward

• After a summary from Steve Fox, the session’s speakers will return to the stage to address your questions and observations 

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16.45

Day one close

David Shukri brings the first day to a close and opens the drinks reception.

17.00

Drinks reception

A chance to network with representatives from all five symbol groups over drinks.

SUMMIT BEGINS

08.30

Registration & refreshments

09.30

Chairman's welcome

Nick opens day two of the summit and outlines the sessions to come.

TRADE BRIEFING THREE: NISA - MAKING A DIFFERENCE LOCALLY

09.35

• Hear Neil Turton, Chief Executive officer, outlines Nisa’s retail focus and sets out his vision to continue Nisa’s unparalleled progress through a robust five year development plan that centres on retailer support and close supplier relationships

• Learn from John Heagney, Group Symbol Director, what the Nisa symbol group has planned for the future and how suppliers too can realise growth through these plans and the business’s unique operating model

• 'From little acorns…' Director of North East Convenience Stores Sanjeev Vadhera explains how a Nisa member has grown to become a significant regional player and how suppliers can benefit from supporting ‘best in class’ operations such as his

• Raj Krishan, Retail Development Director, demonstrates how Nisa is step changing its offer to capitalise on the potential of smaller stores and forecourt locations, and what opportunities this step change will create for suppliers going forward

• Plus, your questions answered by the Nisa speakers as well as the chance to strengthen your relationships during networking with key team members 

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11.05

Refreshments & networking

TRADE BRIEFING FOUR: MACE - THE SYMBOL OF SUCCESS

11.30

• Paul Hagon, Group Strategy & Development Director, gives an overview of how Mace fits in to Palmer and Harvey’s overall business strategy and outlines why the symbol channel is so important to the development and delivery of the company’s objectives

• Marketing Director Richard Hayhoe shares his plans for new member recruitment and for increasing the value of the Mace brand to existing retailers, to consumers and to supply partners alike

• Current retailers give their view from the field on why Mace is the symbol of choice for their stores

• Mike Tunaley, Buying Director, identifies the key trading opportunities for suppliers and manufacturers with Mace and highlights how unique trading propositions are the key to leveraging success in the symbol sector

• Insight is a key weapon in the battle for growth, so the Mace team demonstrates how it captures feedback from retailers and highlights how this information is used to deliver an offer that helps them win in a highly competitive market 

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13.00

Networking lunch

TRADE BRIEFING FIVE: SPAR UK - INSPIRING GROWTH

14.00

• Recently appointed SPAR UK Managing Director Debbie Robinson shares by video the ten points that comprise the “Inspiring Growth” strategy developed across all SPAR RDC ’s in the UK

• Delivering her first presentation as Commercial Director, Vicki Reay outlines her vision for developing supplier relationships to drive down costs and offer the best ranges to SPAR customers

• Fresh foods form an intrinsic part of the “Inspiring Growth” Strategy, so Director of Fresh Food Allan Maxted details plans to deliver a step change in performance as SPAR focuses on delivering against customer expectations

• Head of Marketing & Management Information Adam Margolin highlights the year round opportunities available to suppliers with the development of a national sales plan designed to drive profitable incremental sales

• Jon Bleeze, Head of Retail, demonstrates SPAR UK’s ambitious plans to reinvent convenience by making it more meaningful and relevant to customers, both today and in the future. Joining Jon on stage will be a longstanding SPAR retailer

• Delegates have the ‘right to reply’ with a question and answer session to the SPAR leadership team  

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15.35

Summit close