‘Newtrade Insight’s recent retailer survey revealed that more than half of the retailers surveyed (56%) said their store will play a more important role within the community over the next five years.
But how will this happen? What can retailers do to grow community relationships, earn the trust of local shoppers, and convert that into goodwill and repeat visits? What are the best retailers doing to become pillars of the community, and how do suppliers fit in with this?’

Host: James Rowland, Business Development Manager, Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I

Elliot Sleath, National Account Manager, Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I

Andy Clark, Wholesale Controller, Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I

Location: Affinity Two

‘Newtrade Insight tells us that one in five retailers believe that vaping legislation and the ban on disposable vapes is the biggest threat to a profitable business in 2024.
How can retailers navigate legislative issues to drive success in a category that has grown to become one of the most important in convenience in the last 10 years?
Amid a flurry of negative consumer headlines, what are the positives they should jump on to? What are retailers doing to create excitement in the category and what are suppliers doing to help navigate the pitfalls?’

Host: Hashim Tahir, B2B Manager, BAT UK

Location: Belmont One & Two

‘Retailer research shows us that 37% of retailers say they are most keen to learn about how to improve their displays in store – more than technology, marketing or any other area of self-improvement.
How can big brands and suppliers help retailers create excitement in store, and how can retailers harness the power of display to drive sales?
What can retailers do to take advantage of key selling seasons and new launch promotions? What opportunities are being missed?’

Host: Susan Nash, Trade Communication Manager, Mondelez International

Location: Belmont Three & Four

Between January and April 2024, Newtrade Insight’s read of 3,500 stores shows that there have been 270 new products, launches or price promotions introduced across convenience. In soft drinks alone, there were nearly 70 launches. Given this influx, how do retailers choose the right horse to back?

Innovation also stretches beyond product, it’s service, technology and customer engagement. What should retailers be focused on to drive forward their business, how should they decide what to invest in?

Host: Amy Burgess, Senior Manager External Comms

Holly Perry, Convenience Channel Manager

Location: Affinity Two

‘In this Masterclass we will explore how consumer spending pressures are adding extra challenges to running stores safely and successfully and how retailers can make the most of the commercial opportunities in 2024 and beyond. The National Lottery itself is a category that relies on retailers making a commitment to act responsibly to prevent underage play and minimise excessive play. This session will help retailers discover the mystery shopping programmes and other innovations that can support them in doing this.’

Host: Julie Brian, Head of Strategy and Operations, Allwyn

Guy Goodacre, Retail Strategy Manager, Allwyn

Location: Belmont One & Two

‘Newtrade Insight tells us that 71% of retailers review their product ranges every quarter. As part of this, less than a third (29%) of retailers said they want to reduce choice when they review their ranges.
With pressures on profits top of every retailer’s mind, making a success of what they sell is crucial. So how can retailers get range reviews right? How can they analyse their sales data to make the right choices?
What should they be looking for to drive sales success and excitement with shoppers?’

Host: Fiona Martin, Category Development Lead-Wholesale, Mars Wrigley

Location: Belmont Three & Four

‘Innovation has been a key pillar to developments within BAT UK’s business model and product portfolio. In this workshop we can learn through sharing together how different forms of innovation have been implemented in our various businesses and the impact innovation can have on profitability and efficiency’

Host: Jordan Jackman, B2B Executive – eCommerce & Trade Media BAT UK

‘We know that loyalty schemes in supermarkets are big business, but is that starting to translate into convenience? Is it more about loyalty between supplier / wholesaler and retailer or are their benefits for convenience retailers starting to implement their own loyalty initiatives to engage their customers?’

Host: Kate Abbotson, Convenience Environment Lead, CCEP

‘This workshop will discuss how retailers can embrace technological innovation. It will take a closer look at what products are available that drive sales and success in store, and how technology can provide more time to allow retailers to focus on business efficiencies. Retailers will explore the new in-store kit and technology being rolled out to all National Lottery retailers by the end of 2025, and how they can implement any changes efficiently and effectively to drive sales and profits.’

Host: Hannah Courtney, Senior Comms and Engagement Manager, Allwyn
Sarah Etherington, Retail Enablement Manager, Allwyn

‘This workshop will explore how to spot trends and take advantage of new products, flavours, pack sizes or even new categories to grow your sales and profits. New trends are constantly coming up so, how do retailers work out which trends to back and how to go after these opportunities with shoppers? We will also discuss what ‘trends’ retailers should be looking out for to drive sales and profits in the next 12 months.’

Host: Ross Ripamonti, Brand Director – Gum, Mars Wrigley

‘Social Media is becoming increasingly important to independent retailers . It is your new shop window, and it can generate new incoming streams. How can you use this media vehicle most effectively for your store and what are other retailers doing? ‘

Host: Susan Nash, Trade Communication Manager, Mondelez International

Sustainability is an increasingly important focus across the industry and can impact shoppers’ purchasing habits. How can retailers make their own stores more sustainable in a cost-effective way and cater to this ever-growing shopper trend?

Host: Andy Clark, Sales Controller, Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I

James Rowland, Business Development Manager

Elliot Sleath, Key Account Manager – Regionals, Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I

‘The Newtrade Media Retail Sentiment Tracker showed that the majority of leading retailers (71%) are reviewing their store offering on at least a quarterly basis, with two-thirds (66%) looking to add new products to their existing ranges. With continued unrelenting pressure on customer spend, how do retailers make the right choices for their shoppers to deliver promotions and new ranges that create excitement and prices that drive both sales AND profits?’

Host: Liam Annetts – Senior National Account Manager – Off Trade, Brewdog