Members of BHETA were recently treated to a vision of the future of the biggest DIY multiples in the country, with the association's latest forum featuring exclusive presentations from Bunnings and Kingfisher.
A fifty minute recorded interview with Bunnings CEO John Gillam and CFO for nine years Michael Wedgwood proved a real insight into the character, trading style and ambitions of this iconic Australian retailer. Now the owner of Homebase in the UK and set to go head to head with B&Q, Bunnings has strong values, a high profile approach to its stores and the communities which support them and a clear strategy for product and category development.

The Bunnings interview was complemented by an equally frank presentation about Kingfisher's plans - this time from the vendor's perspective. 'Living through 'One' Kingfisher - the suppliers' viewpoint' was presented by Lee Mellor, MD of Keter Products / Curver Plastics. His presentation detailed his own and his company's experience of the 'One' Kingfisher programme. Intended to unify buying power across all Kingfisher's retail brands, the 'One' Kingfisher programme presents vendors with numerous challenges beyond the obvious including legal, financial and HR.

Mr Mellor's presentation focused on the organisation and communication changes required to interact and serve Kingfisher's new organisation model in the best way.

The forum also covered trading and trends in France with Valerie Dequen, general manager of the French suppliers' trade association, Unibal together with Stephane Dalimier, Director General of NMC France and vice president of Fediyma. Guy Burtenshaw of Media Events also provided an update on the Home Press Event which will take place in July in London.

BHETA DIY and garden sector director Paul Grinsell said: "The arrival of Bunnings in the UK and the roll out of Kingfisher's new approach to sourcing have both been the subject of much speculation and debate, so it was fantastic to enable BHETA members to get so close to the real experience. I'd like to thank all the contributors including Bunnings and in particular, Lee Mellor for sharing some very special information on the day."