Accessing overseas markets has traditionally depended on distributors, agents, retailers, wholesalers, and trade shows. While those routes remain important, they are no longer the only way to reach international consumers. Now BHETA is to hold a conference on how best to utilise international online marketplaces for direct-to-consumer opportunities for UK brands wanting to increase sales overseas.
The event, the EU Marketplaces Forum takes place on Thursday 10th September 2026 at the Crowne Plaza, NEC, Birmingham. The event will also include some exciting ‘Meet the Buyer’ opportunities with leading international marketplace players.
The event is designed for suppliers in the DIY, garden, housewares, and small electrical sectors who are either already exporting or considering international growth for the first time. The day will include expert insight into EU export opportunities and challenges, the development of online marketplaces, regulatory changes, logistics, compliance, and practical routes to growth.
The dedicated Meet the Buyer sessions with leading marketplace platforms, including bol, Castorama, Joybuy, and TikTok Shop. Attendees will also be able to hear from and meet export support specialists including the Department for Business and Trade, Dachser, and BHETA Business Support Providers.
Commenting on the export opportunities of marketplaces for UK suppliers, BHETA’s sector manager for DIY and Garden, Steve Edwards said, “International marketplaces can give suppliers access to new audiences, often with lower upfront risk than traditional market entry. They can also provide valuable insight into which products; price points and messages resonate in different territories.
“The route is not without challenges. Suppliers need to understand the requirements of individual marketplaces, the expectations of local consumers, how to interpret product data, the local nuances, or platform-specific requirements of delivery promises, returns, customer service, VAT, duty, labelling and product compliance. The landscape is also evolving quickly, with regulation, digital routes, and consumer expectations all in flux.
“This is why BHETA is holding an interactive face to face event with meet the buyer opportunities to help UK suppliers get to grips with this new export opportunity.”
How to get involved
BHETA’s EU Marketplaces Forum takes place on Thursday 10th September 2026, from 9am to 5pm. To access the BHETA member rate is £150 plus VAT, with a non-member rate of £200 plus VAT. All suppliers interested in growing international sales through marketplaces, testing new markets, or better understanding the changing export landscape should register their interest via the BHETA website https://www.bheta.co.uk/events/export-marketplaces-day.
BHETA represents suppliers in the home improvement, garden, housewares, and small electricals sectors, providing members with insight, networking, and business development opportunities. For more information, contact BHETA Member Services on 0121 237 1130 or visit www.bheta.co.uk
