Better Retailing Festival
Get inspired, find profitable new ideas for your store, and build your business network!
- Interactive workshops: Discuss the hottest topics in convenience with leading retailers & suppliers
- Masterclasses: Get insights from leading suppliers that will help you tackle the latest challenges in retail
- Trade exhibition: Discover the latest products and trends for your store
- Retail surgery: Ask our panel of retail experts your most pressing questions
- Products, profits and politics: Get a head start on 2025 as Newtrade Media’s Head of Retail Engagement shares industry insights
- Keynote Speaker – Debbie Robinson – Chief Executive of Central Co-op, member of the Board for the British Retail Consortium, Vice-President of Euro Co-ops
The Better Retailing Festival is followed by the Better Retailing Awards
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Speakers
![](https://static.betterretailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/02153100/Louise-Banham-250x250.png)
Louise Banham
Newtrade Media
Editor-in-Chief
![](https://static.betterretailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/02153125/Debbie-Robinson--250x250.png)
Debbie Robinson
Chief Executive - Central Co-op
Keynote Speaker
![](https://static.betterretailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03101806/James-Rowland-SBF-250x250.png)
James Rowland
SBF
Masterclass Leader
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Elliot Sleath
SBF
Masterclass Leader
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Andy Clark
SBF
Masterclass Leader
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Hashim Tahir
BAT
Masterclass Leader
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Susan Nash
Mondelez
Masterclass Leader
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Julie Brian
Allwyn
Masterclass Leader
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Heidi Vossen-Barnes
CCEP
Masterclass Leader
![](https://static.betterretailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/02132129/Fiona-Martin-250x250.png)
Fiona Martin
Mars Wrigley
Masterclass Leader
![](https://static.betterretailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/02152534/Johnathan-James-250x250.png)
Jonathan James
James Retail
Retail Expert
![](https://static.betterretailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/02153149/Amrit-Singh-250x250.png)
Amrit Singh
H & Jodie’s Nisa
Retail Expert
![](https://static.betterretailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/02152511/Fiona-Malone-250x250.png)
Fiona Malone
Tenby Stores and Post Office
Retail Expert
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Stefan Appleby
Newtrade Media
Head of Retail Engagement
Agenda
9:30 - 10:45
Registration, coffee and exhibition
Your chance to roam our interactive trade exhibition where you can see the latest products and innovations from leading suppliers, while networking with fellow retailers over coffee.
10:45 - 10:55
Welcome from Louise Banham, Editor-in-Chief
Welcome from Louise Banham, Editor-in-Chief at Newtrade Media
10:55 - 11:25
Keynote Speaker: Debbie Robinson – Chief Executive – Central Co-op
Debbie is a passionate retailer with over 40 years’ experience working in the retail sector. She is a firm believer in co-operative ethics and values and was appointed as Chief Executive of Central Co-op in April 2019, one of the largest co-operatives in the UK. Debbie is also a Board member of the British Retail Consortium, Vice-President of Euro Coops and a member of the advisory panel at Diversity in Retail and Pennies.
Prior to taking on the role at Central Co-op, Debbie was the UK Managing Director at SPAR. She has also worked at The Co-operative Group, Marks and Spencer and W H Smith.
Debbie is a great advocate in all aspects of inclusion. She is also a champion of sustainability and a pioneer for Fairtrade. Debbie has developed higher standards of animal welfare in the food industry and has implemented improvements in diet and health including food pack nutritional information. She was heavily involved in recent campaigning resulting in a change to the law to better protect retail workers and instigated the launch of a Co-operative International Development Fund to help move global communities out of poverty.
Debbie has taken part in charity bike rides in support of the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), an industry recognised charity in the support of landmine detection and removal in communities affected by war, for the last nine years.
Debbie was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for her outstanding contribution to business by the University of Birmingham in July 2022.
Debbie will share how leaders can motivate, lead and be the inspiration their teams need, while still focusing on lowering operational costs in these challenging financial times.
11:30 - 12:15 Choose one of the following Masterclasses
Masterclass 1 - Becoming a Community Hero
- in association with SBF GB&I
‘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
Masterclass 2 - Making Vaping & Next Gen Products Work For You
- in association with BAT UK
‘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
Masterclass 3 - The Power of Display
- in association with Mondelez International
‘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
12:20 - 13:00 Choose one of the following Masterclasses
Masterclass 4 - Backing The Right Innovation
- in association with CCEP
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: Heidi Vossen-Barnes, Senior Manager Independent Convenience, CCEP
Location: Affinity Two
Masterclass 5 - Responsible Retailing In The Current Climate
- in association with Allwyn
‘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
Masterclass 6 - How to do a great range review
- in association with Mars Wrigley
‘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
13:00 - 14:20
Networking and exhibition over lunch
Continue networking, make new contacts at our interactive trade exhibition where you can see the latest products and innovations from leading suppliers, while enjoying a buffet lunch.
14:20 - 14:50
2024 Masterclass Wrap up
Participate in an interactive discussion about the ideas generated in the festival masterclasses. Led by a panel of Newtrade Journalists, gain a deeper understanding of the best ways to tackle challenges over the next 12 months.
14:55 - 15:25 Workshops – Choose one of the following workshops
Workshop 1 - Innovation
- In association with BAT UK
The Innovation Workshop Now Fully Booked
‘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
Workshop 2 - Loyalty
- In association with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
‘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
Workshop 3 - Technology
- In association with Allwyn
‘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
Workshop 4 - Currents Trends
- In association with Mars Wrigley
‘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
Workshop 5 - Social Media
- In association with Mondelez International
The Social Media Workshop Now Fully Booked
‘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
Workshop 6 - Sustainability
- In association with SBF GB&I
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
Workshop 7 - Pricing and Promotions
- In association with Brewdog
‘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
15:25 - 15:50
Networking break for tea/coffee
Your final chance to talk to leading suppliers at our interactive trade exhibition where you can see the latest products and innovations, while networking over a drink and a snack.- your final chance to talk to leading suppliers at our interactive trade exhibition where you can see the latest products and innovations, while networking over a drink and a snack.
15:50 - 16:30
Retail Surgery
Get your questions answered by our expert retail panel – Amrit Singh, Fiona Malone, Johnathan James
16:30 - 17:00
Newtrade Insight: Products, Profits and Politics - What Is the Focus for Retailers Next Year?
Stefan Appleby – Head of Retail Engagement will share industry insights and retailer sentiment.
17:00 - 17:10
Closing thoughts on the day
Louise Banham will share closing thoughts on the day
17:10
Festival Concludes and Better Retailing Awards to start at 18:30
Attendees to get ready for the evening
Better Retailing Awards
The Better Retailing Awards evening is dedicated to supporting the channel and celebrating the top retailers who are leading the way and innovating within the channel. It is a red-carpet event, including drinks reception, banquet dinner and awards ceremony, hosted by British comedian and writer Shazia Mirza.
There will be more than 200 independent convenience retailers, industry experts, leading FMCG suppliers and VIPs in attendance.
18:30 - Drinks Reception
19:30 - Awards Ceremony & Dinner
21:45 - DJ & After party
00:00 - Event Closes
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![](https://static.betterretailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/05134706/BAT-250x250.png)
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![](https://static.betterretailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/24115116/mondelez-snack-and-display-250x250.png)
![](https://static.betterretailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/05134614/sbf-250x250.png)
![](https://static.betterretailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/05134831/mars-250x250.png)
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![](https://static.betterretailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/05134815/allwyn-250x250.png)
Venue
The Eastside Rooms is conveniently located in Birmingham city centre, with excellent links both nationally and internationally.
By car: The Millennium Point Multi-Storey Car Park (B4 7AP) is located just across the road from The Eastside Rooms.
By train: Birmingham New Street Station is a 15-minute walk away from the venue.
By plane: Birmingham Airport is a 10 minute train-ride away from Birmingham city centre.
Address
Eastside Rooms, Woodcock St, Birmingham, B7 4BL
Accommodation
There is an adjoining hotel to the event venue called Aloft Birmingham Eastside by Marriott. Rooms can be booked here for this hotel.
We can also recommend Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre (Exchange Square), a short walk to the venue. Rooms can be booked here for this hotel.