Bunnings UK and Ireland managing director PJ Davis has chosen the next in the series of BHETA Networking Forums to make the first public presentation of the UK Bunnings business since its acquisition of Homebase earlier this year.

The event, on 3 November, will be open to both member and non-member companies.

Davis will reflect on the initiatives, changes and progress of the business since the acquisition and shed light on the strategy and future roll out of Bunnings stores, setting out what the business stands for in the UK and the opportunities for suppliers.  He will be one of four speakers in what promises to be an informative, insightful and thought provoking business session.

CBI (Confederation of British Industry) deputy director general, Josh Hardie (pictured right), will be exploring what the DIY and garden market might look like in post-Brexit Britain.  His presentation will also include the wider perspective on the issues that face UK PLC, based on an overview of the CBI’s 90,000 members.  Mr Hardie brings with him recent retail experience as the former group director for corporate responsibility with Tesco.

Victoria Neuhofer from FN Neuhofer HOLZ of Austria will reprise her closing speech from this year’s Global DIY Summit in Stockholm.  In a thought-provoking session, Victoria presents a compelling case for the need to grasp the digital and online nettle to talk to the DIY and garden customers of tomorrow, questioning how many supplier companies are fully ready to do so. 

Continuing the technology theme, Insight Retail Group MD Steve Collinge will present on the '4th Industrial Revolution' and how breakthroughs in fields such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things, supply chain innovation and 3D printing are likely to transform the future of our industry.

The Forum will close with a moderated Q&A panel session.

Because of the anticipated demand, BHETA has switched venues for this event from Federation House to the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. Member price will be £45 + vat per person and the non-member will pay £95 +vat. The price includes free parking and a networking buffet lunch.  The event will start at 10 am with registration from 9.30 am.

Applications to attend should be made by email here info@bheta.co.uk

or call Member Services on 0121 237 1130