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Market insight completes the speaker line-up

12 May 2022

Andy Hextall, Commercial Director at NMBS, reveals the final two speakers who will be joining delegates at next month’s NMBS All-Industry Conference in Italy.

The 2022 All-Industry Conference is now just around the corner, and this month we can announce the final two speakers whose insight will be invaluable for delegates attending the Business Sessions in Sorrento.

Alongside globally-renowned speakers from the worlds of sport, business, economics and leadership, these final speakers will look at recent changes in the builders’ merchant sector, placing them in context with changes in the wider world, and revealing how delegates can use this knowledge to maximise their own business’ growth potential.

Make the industry more sustainable

Sustainability has become a central issue right across the country in recent years. Post COP 26, the government has signalled its aim to transform the UK into a net-zero economy, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels in its efforts to combat climate change. For the construction sector, the government is pushing for more sustainable methods of construction in the domestic, commercial and infrastructure sectors, with buildings needing to be more sustainable, more efficient, and easier to repurpose and renovate at the end of their useful lives. Suppliers are looking for ways to make their products more sustainable, while merchants are having to learn about these new products and building methods that are being introduced for their customers.

Giles Bradford, Head of Sustainability at Bradfords Building Supplies, will be attending the NMBS All-Industry Conference to talk about the importance of sustainability across the construction sector, and why merchants need to take a central role in this ongoing transformation.

Giles spent a decade in leadership within the Royal Navy’s Commando Helicopter Force before returning to his family’s builders’ merchant business in 2019. He has a track record of innovating processes and products across multiple sectors, often in closely regulated environments.

He has a deep understanding of motivating people and developing their potential, and is particularly proud of the role Bradfords’ plays in supporting the communities in which it operates, and in particular the leading role it has taken in becoming a sustainable merchant business.

Giles is a passionate advocate of protecting the environment and is deeply aware of the scale of the challenges presented by climate change. He is also Chair of the BMF Sustainability Forum and the current merchant representative on the Construction Leadership Council’s Green Construction Board.

Looking to the future of online merchanting

Tom Diplock, a Partner at LEK Consulting is attending the Conference to discuss the future of retail for building materials.

LEK Consulting is a global strategy consultancy that works with business leaders to seize competitive advantage and amplify growth. The company has recently conducted a European survey entitled ‘Online or Over-the-Counter: Inside the Future of Retailing Building Materials’, and Tom will present the findings of this important survey to delegates at the Conference. He will reveal how the merchant sector has already been transformed by the online marketplace, and where he believes this change will lead the builders’ merchant sector over the coming years.

Tom leads LEK Consulting’s Advanced Analytics Practice in London, focusing on using advanced digital capabilities to provide fresh market insights and drive improved performance for clients. He also has extensive experience in the procurement, management, pricing and risk assessment of large, complex capital programs in both the public and private sectors.

Reflect and plan ahead

The All-Industry Conference isn’t just a chance for the industry to gather and network, though this is an important part of the three-day event. It is also an opportunity for business leaders to take a moment out of their busy day-to-day schedules to pause and reflect on the events of recent years, to gather their thoughts and look ahead to the future. That’s why NMBS has chosen the theme ‘The Future Matters’ for the 2022 Conference – to give everyone the opportunity to pause and plan for what’s still to come.

The merchant and construction products sectors are experiencing challenges and opportunities alike, and those who make the time to stop and think ahead will be best placed to prepare for the difficulties and take advantage of all the available business opportunities.

Gala Dinner

The final event of the 2022 All-Industry Conference will be the Gala Dinner on the Saturday night. Always a memorable night of fun, entertainment and networking at the conclusion of the busy two-day business programme, this year’s Gala Dinner will be held at the Hilton Sorrento Palace Hotel, in the magnificent surroundings of the hotel’s main swimming pool. Here, all the delegates will be able to come together to discuss the events of the previous few days, while they enjoy fantastic views of the Amalfi Coast during an evening of fabulous entertainment and gourmet food.

Thanks to our sponsors

As with all our previous All-Industry Conferences, none of this in-depth business programme would be possible without the support of our sponsors, all of whom play a pivotal role in the delivery of a successful and enjoyable conference.

Headline Sponsor:

Makita (Main Sponsor for the event)

Key Sponsors:

Keystone Group (Gala Dinner Sponsor)

Knauf Insulation (Social Activities Sponsor)

Metabo & HiKOKI (Gala Dinner Drinks Sponsor)

Marsh Industries (Welcome Dinner Drinks Sponsor)

Marshalls (Keynote Speaker Sponsor)

Polypipe (Social Activities Sponsor)

SIG (Welcome Dinner Sponsor)

VELUX (Social Activities Sponsor)

Worcester Bosch (Conference Host Sponsor)

Platinum Sponsors:

BMI Icopal

ACO

Aliaxis

Alumasc

Artex

Bostik

Brett Martin

British Gypsum

Catnic

ECI Software

Encon Insulation

Etex (Siniat)

FAKRO

Forterra

Garador

Global Stone

GRS Building Products

H+H

Hanson Cement

IKO

Kerridge Commercial Systems

Kilwaughter Minerals

Kingscourt Brick

Knauf

Mannok Build

Milwaukee

Owlett-Jaton

Pavestone UK

Rockwool

Talasey Group

Tarmac Building

Timloc

Toolbank

Vandersanden

Wavin

Gold Sponsors:

ADEY

Arbor Forest Products

Business Insurance Services

EazyStock (Syncron UK Ltd)

Embrass Peerless

ETEX Exterior

Everbuild/Sika

Evergreen

Flexseal Couplings

Intact

Keyfix

Keylite Roof Windows

Mascot

Merlin

Monument Tools

MRA Marketing

Saint-Gobain Insulation UK

Southalls

Stonemarket

Supreme

VADO

VIP-Polymer

Wienerberger

Wincanton

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