More than 400 senior executives from 35 countries gathered in Brussels last week to attend the inaugural Global DIY Summit, organised by EDRA and fediyma.

Speakers included European Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potocnik, whose session marked the start of eight dedicated to sustainability issues, from speakers including Gregory M Bridgeford of US Chain Lowes, Michael Wedgewood of Bunnings, Australia and Robert Dutton, Rona, Canada.

The UK was represented by Kingfisher group ceo Ian Cheshire, who took part in a panel discussion on the conference's opening day.

Speakers on the second day included Sandro Solari of Sodimac, Chile, Raj Kumar, Home Centre, India, Rinat Muhametvaleev, Trest SCM, Russia and Maxeda DIY ceo, and former Kingfisher director, George Adams.

Home Depot co-founder Pat Farrah was awarded the first Global DIY lifetime Award at the event.

Speaking to DIY Week, EDRA general secretary John Herbert said: "The European event last year was a success, but with more than 400 delegates and 35 ceos, this was a huge success."

The joint initiative between EDRA and fediyma followed the success of last year's European event. The next event will be the second fediyma/EDRA European DIY Forum in Disneyland, Paris on May 31-June 1 next year.