NMBS to get down to business at Conference

Taking its theme as ‘Business Matters’, this year’s NMBS Conference takes place from 16th – 19th June at the Princesa Yaiza Resort Hotel in Lanzarote. PBM previews the business programme of the merchant sector’s flagship event and also reports on the latest news from the NMBS.

Since returning from its recessionary-enforced hiatus in 2012, the annual All Industry Conference — hosted in rotation by the BMF and NMBS — has set an incredibly high benchmark for merchant sector gatherings. The calibre of speakers has been hugely impressive whilst the tailored business programmes have provided informative and essential content on the industry and the economy, providing delegates with salient ‘takeaway points’ to consider for their businesses long after the flights home.

One crucial element of any successful Conference are the networking opportunities. From formal ‘Meet the Merchant’ sessions to the more ad hoc conversations that can take place during the coffee breaks, the evening meals or even within the grounds of the hotel, the chance to engage with peers and suppliers to exchange ideas, improve relationships and foster new partnerships can simply never be over-stated.

And so the merchant sector is drawn together this year in Lanzarote. The NMBS has drawn together an intriguing-looking business programme which, whilst perhaps moving away from the ‘star’ names that have peppered recent events, presents a number experts set to deliver thought-provoking and inspirational sessions covering the economy, entrepreneurship, strategic thinking, innovation, personal growth and business leadership.

Looking ahead to this year’s long sold out All Industry Conference, the buying society’s Events Manager Sam Hunt said: “With a theme of ‘Business Matters’, those attending can look forward to developing their knowledge and insight across a range of topical business areas that are particularly pertinent to today’s building supplies industry.

“With the emphasis being on a working conference, there will still be plenty of time to network and socialise at specially arranged evening functions where delegates can get the opportunity to meet senior industry figures from both merchants and suppliers.”

The NMBS itself reports a strong trading outlook, reflecting the continuing confidence in the merchant sector. Speaking at the traditional Gala Dinner on the eve of the NMBS Exhibition in April, the buying society’s Chairman, Tim Allen, gave the assembled audience of over 600 an update on NMBS’ performance. He revealed that in 2015, NMBS increased its turnover by 8.5% to a record £1.4Bn. Discounts and rebates paid to members also increased by £3.2m to £58m in total.

Looking ahead, NMBS plans to focus on supporting the activities of its key buying group partners such as FORTIS, NBG, H&B, PHG, CBA, IPG, and IBC as well as strengthening the deals for standalone independent members. It will also increase investment into its captive credit Insurance scheme, enabling members to benefit from more flexible and extended credit limits, and suppliers to enjoy an even greater level of security and reduced credit risk.

This year’s NMBS Exhibition has also been hailed as a ‘resounding success’, with the event attracting 906 merchant visitors — the highest ever figure in the show’s 48 year history. In total, some 250 NMBS suppliers took advantage of the opportunity to appear at the show, with all exhibitors offering additional rebate as well as incentives such as spot buy opportunities to encourage trading.

Managing Director Chris Hayward said: “Every year the NMBS Exhibition continues to surpass expectation and we’re delighted that this year’s event has maintained that tradition. We’ve had highly positive feedback from both our members and suppliers with most exhibitors commenting on how consistently busy they were from the moment the doors opened to when the show closed.”

The NMBS Conference takes place from Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th June 2016.

For more information visit www.nmbs.co.uk