BHETA’s next networking forum is to feature the latest news from Steamer Trading as well as a survey of other aspects of today’s housewares market.  The forum will be held on Thursday November 9 November at Federation House.

Steamer Trading chairman, Ben Philips and new chief executive, Mark Saunders will present their views on the current market, latest consumer trends and internet trading and outline the future strategic direction and focus over the coming months.  They will highlight the opportunities for suppliers and how best they can benefit from developing their trading relationships with Steamer.   

CESA (Catering Equipment Suppliers Association) director Keith Warren will present an overview of the foodservice sector and market, including the number of outlets by sector, the reseller/distributor structure and key influences on the sale of products.  He will identify the main players in the supply of product and discuss how suppliers can to identify the best routes to market in terms of exhibitions and events.

Eric Churet of SEDEX will provide the background on this global organisation that prides itself on the being the home of world’s largest collaborative platform for sharing sourcing data on supply chains; it is used by over 40,000 members in over 150 countries. Increasingly retailers will only stock products that have been sourced through a supply chain that meets all current standards in relation to labour rights, health and safety, the environment and business ethics and endorsement from SEDEX can make the difference between listing or no listing.       

CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) project director Susan Oxley and principal case officer Nadia Muhammad will outline the principle role of the organisation.  The CMA is a government appointed body with wide ranging powers to promote free competition in all markets and to act against and penalise any restrictive practice including distribution and pricing, which is against the interests of the public.

“This is an excellent line up of speakers specifically chosen to highlight opportunities in the industry and stimulate debate on a number of current key issues,” said BHETA’s housewares sector director Will Jones.  “I will be taking the opportunity to provide an update on the latest BHETA developments and initiatives including the Amazon post-event member survey.”

As a postscript, Triton Showers has recently joined BHETA. Triton products are available in DIY stores, builders and plumber’s merchants, electrical wholesalers, home shopping outlets and online retailers.  A British manufacturer, Triton is a member of the ‘Made in Britain’ Scheme, which celebrates British manufacturing.

“Triton is a really exciting brand and it’s great to see such a British icon becoming part of BHETA,” said home improvement sector director Paul Grinsell.  “We look forward to welcoming the Triton team to BHETA’s wide range of activities.”