The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) is delighted that its latest Meet The Buyer day with brand new retail partner, Wickes, hit the mark and hopes it will become a regular event.
Over 60 prospective suppliers enjoyed upwards of 100 appointments with the 14 members of the Wickes buying team at the event which took place on September 2 at Watford Town Football Club in Vicarage Road.

Wickes head of commercial trading John Miller described the day as "very successful", adding: "We had three or four really easy wins just in the first few appointments and the event has gone on well from there. We'll certainly be rolling out some of the products we've seen today into our new concept stores."

The brief from Wickes was to see new suppliers with products that would complement its trade and keen DIYer-focused core ranges, including both branded and potential own-brand product. As usual, all the companies attending were allocated a 20-minute appointment with their respective buyers and representatives from Wickes' QA team participated in the meetings.

BHETA home enhancement sector director Will Jones said: "This event was really productive for all parties. There were some great stories in terms of Wickes' key categories, but I am also really pleased with the number of opportunities for suppliers in the bathroom, cleaning and storage sectors that presented themselves today.

"I am very hopeful that after such a positive result today, this event will become another regular feature of our retail engagement programme."