CONFERENCE BEGINS

08.15

Registration and Refreshments

09.30

Introduction

Nick will open IGD’s flagship convenience event by setting the scene for the day.

Session One: State of the Nation

09.35

Opening Address: Delivering Excellence in Convenience

Despite the pressures in the outside world, convenience stores continue to flourish. As chairman of the ACS, Neil will begin IGD’s 2010 convenience conference by highlighting some of the many success factors of the past 12 months, with a focus on how the sector delivered excellence by keeping close to its customers and responding to key industry trends.

10.00

Small Stores: An Economist’s Perspective

Although the UK economy remains in a fragile position, the convenience sector continues to grow ahead of the total grocery market. James will provide a practical assessment of the performance of the UK economy, share his outlook for the year ahead, and highlight the key opportunities for businesses operating in the convenience channel.

10.25

Adding Value in Convenience

Booker was one of the fastest growing symbol groups during 2009, and its recent results indicate this growth looks set to continue. Steven will discuss the many initiatives currently underway throughout the business and provide an overview of how it is developing new propositions for its Premier members, with a focus on range, value, format development and services.

10.50

Refreshments and Networking

Session Two: Forging Ahead

11.20

Aspirations and Expectations of the Convenience Store Shopper

In this joint session Jake will begin by sharing some of Nielsen’s latest figures on the performance of the UK convenience sector, and comment on how participants continue to innovate in the convenience channel. The focus will then turn to the shopper as Mike provides an update on how shopper attitudes and behaviours are changing, using insight from him!’s Convenience Tracking Programme.

12.00

Making Convenience Fresh

Fresh foods are rapidly becoming a more important part of the sales mix for convenience stores, but what are the factors fuelling this growth and where are the opportunities for suppliers? Willie will comment on this and also outline some of the key initiatives that are helping Budgens and Londis retailers lead with a best in-class fresh food offer.

12.25

What Makes Great Innovation? A Supplier Perspective

Three suppliers will be invited to present how they are approaching the subject of ‘innovation’ in the convenience sector. Themes set to be covered include:

• Different ways to approach the sector
• NPD unique to convenience stores
• Which segments is innovation more effective in and why?
• Examples of innovative in-store shopper marketing
• The use of technology and social media
• Growth opportunities and future challenges

12.45

Your Questions Answered

Speakers will be invited back onto the stage to discuss some of the key themes raised during the morning session. Questions will also be invited from the audience, giving you the chance to raise with our panel the topics that are top of mind for your business.

13.00

Networking Lunch

Enjoy a long lunch or take the opportunity to attend an optional lunch time seminar facilitated by IGD.

Optional Lunchtime Seminar

13.40

The Blueprint: Convenience in 2015

This is your chance to gain first hand insight on what the IGD team of industry experts believe the convenience sector of the future will look like. Jamie will begin the session by unveiling IGD’s latest growth forecasts and provide an overview of the key trends set to shape future development in the small store sector. David will follow on with a focus on the store of the future, including examples of new, innovative store formats internationally, as well as the key technological and service developments that have caught our eye of late.

Session Three: Future Opportunities

14.35

Format Diversification: The View from a New Entrant

With its first 3,000 sq.ft. store in Cambridge now open, and a fast growing
5 -7,000 sq.ft. portfolio taking shape, Waitrose remains firmly committed to taking its brand deeper into convenience. Jon will explain how the roll-out has gone to date, highlight key learnings from the first tranche of small store openings, and provide a more detailed overview of the company’s vision for the sector going forward and what this means for its suppliers.

15.00

The ‘Local’ Factor

Jempson’s is one of the most innovative independent grocers in the UK market, operating four stores in East Sussex, as well as a number of standalone cafes and bakeries. Key to the company’s success over the last 75 years have been its focus on the community it serves and its support for local producers. Stephen and Andrew will share their story about the business and how it has been able to develop a unique point of difference by trialling new promotions, services and loyalty schemes.

15.25

Closing Address: Moving Forward

The Co-operative Group continues to make history, strengthened by its acquisition of Somerfield. With the integration programme ongoing, what else is top of mind for The Co-operative Group in 2011, and in what areas can suppliers engage more closely with the Co-operative Retail Trading Group going forward? Sean will close the day by providing his thoughts on the next phase of growth for co-operative convenience stores and their supply base as they look to deliver even greater ‘value and values’ for shoppers.

16.00

Conference Close