New BHETA initiative will bring 31 Homebase buyers together under one roof for member 'speed-dating' event.
The 'Drive For Growth' initiative takes place on August 31 adjacent to the Homebase offices in Milton Keynes. Available exclusively to BHETA members, the day allows suppliers to meet buyers in short, targeted meetings to present products, discuss accounts and do business.

The initiative has been driven forward over the past 12 months, by former BHETA vice president for DIY John Grayson, working closely with Homebase commercial director David Robinson.

BHETA DIY sector director Peter Stone said of the 'Drive For Growth' event: "For such a significant industry player to work like this with the industry trade association is both progressive and exciting. It demonstrates that in spite of disappointing news in some areas of the DIY and Housewares sectors, there are organisations forging ahead with new ideas designed to provide suppliers and retailers with new, co-operative inspiration."

Mr Robinson added, "we see working in mutually stimulating ways with suppliers and potential suppliers as a positive, future-facing way of sourcing new designs, ethical and environmental products and generally enhancing the consumer offer."

BHETA expects demand for the event to be high, so members wishing to attend need to register their interest and apply for timed tickets via the BHETA website or respond to an imminent member mailing.