Following the two groups’ collaborative presence at this year’s KBB Show, the KBSA and KBBG have announced plans to join forces and host a series of regional events for retailers later this year.
Looking to cater to retailers across the North, South and Midlands, the first event will take place at The Belfry, Solihull on October 14, then at Wokefield Park, Reading on November 4, and at Royal Armouries, Leeds on November 25.
Each of the three events will cover how retailers can generate positive change for their businesses, featuring workshops developed specifically for independent KBB retailers. These sessions will be moderated by Niall Daly, the founder of business coaching company Clearing Space. Daly is also the programme director of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small BusinessesUK programme at University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.
The sessions will conclude with the attendees developing a 90-day plan to achieve their business goals, which will then be followed up with a webinar at a later date.
As well as the workshops, all three meetings will also see specific time set aside for networking, as well as business updates from Richard Hibbert, the recently appointed KBBG managing director, and Luke Wedgbury, the current interim chair of the KBSA.
Members of either organisation can attend the events for free by registering online, with non-members also welcome to join either of the three events for a £99 fee.
“Working together with the KBBG on this shared platform reflects exactly the kind of collaboration our members need at the moment,” explained Luke Wedgbury, interim KBSA chair. “Independent retailers are operating in a tough climate and pooling our resources means we can bring them the high-calibre speakers, sharp insights and valuable networking that offer a genuine benefit.
“In addition, by taking these events out to Warwickshire, Berkshire and Yorkshire, we’re making it easier for independents up and down the UK to access practical and actionable guidance without the time and cost of travelling to a single national event. I’m excited we’re able to offer this opportunity to our members.”
KBBG head Richard Hibbert added: “Following a very busy and successful shared presence at KBB Birmingham this year, we wanted to offer a different format to our annual meetings. In collaboration with the KBSA, we have to created three options for members, and non-members to attend one of three day.me regional meetings in an elegant and stylish conference location nearer to their businesses.
“We know that working side-by-side with the KBSA helps us and our members to be stronger together. Our shared plan is to inspire and enthuse business-owners as they navigate through economic pitfalls and challenging market conditions. The programme that Niall Daly has developed for these events will offer positive insights into building and maintaining growth in the future.”
In related news, former KBSA chair Richard Hibbert was announced as the new head of the KBBG last month, following the departure of his predecessor in the role, Owain Harrison. Hibbert’s move to the buying group left the top position at KBSA vacant, with Luke Wedbury then stepping in to fill his place as interim chair.