The Mica Exchange will be celebrating its fifth year this weekend, when the Royal York Hotel in York will host Mica's conference.
Mica says the event, on March 21-22, "sold out in double quick time", with industry names including Akzo Nobel, Crown, Deanston, Henkel, LG Harris, Murpak, Ronseal, Stax and Whatmore lining up alongside this year's main event sponsor Draper Tools to meet Mica's independent co-operative retailers.

New suppliers are also represented, with names including plumbing wholesaler Connections, seasonal goods supplier Mercer Agencies and heating/fireside specialist Percy Doughty.

Mica CEO Steve Ball said: "New suppliers are always taken aback the first time they attend. It's a hectic day but extremely worthwhile for all those attending, especially for the members who get to not only ask questions or raise issues face to face, but take advantage of special 'on the day only' deals too.

"And whilst it's great to see orders coming out of the event, it's not why we go to the trouble of arranging the Exchange. We do it to build and develop relationships between Mica members and suppliers, as well as simply catch up and enjoy some good food together."

Member bookings for the weekend have once again been strong, with a large contingent from Yorkshire expected as the event rolls into their region for the first time.

The weekend will also include the Mica DIY AGM, the members' dinner and a free member training session. It concludes with the traditional Mica Gala Dinner.