C-Store Connections UK & Ireland 2010
Marbella
June 22-24 saw the second C-Store Connections forum for the UK and Irish convenience retail market at the Don Carlos hotel in Marbella. Some 70 retailers and suppliers gathered for a potent mixture of panel debate, one-to-one appointments and social networking – in the words of one of the retailers, Jackie Wright from the Henderson Group : “The trip was excellent! We have made a few very useful supplier contacts & have started discussions already”
Some of the biggest and most progressive names in c-stores joined the forum, including the Henderson Group, Costcutter, Musgrave Retail Partners, Murco, Aleef, Select & Save, Centra and Dee’s Group. A strong showing from leading retail equipment and service providers (including Bank Machine, The Jordan Group, Lowe Refrigeration, Planova, Storecheckers, Contrast Interiors, Ba.ro Lighting and Torex) was complemented by a raft of the best in food-to-go and symbol groups with names such as Subway, Cuisine de France, Nisa-Todays, Palmer & Harvey supporting the event.
New for 2010 were the opening panel discussions chaired by James Lowman of the ACS which sparked off lively debate amongst the audience . Jeff Caplin from Storecheckers presented the results of his mystery shopping survey which was conducted on behalf of all the attending retailers prior to the event . Caroline Thomson from Subway led the debate on business alliances and the forum closed with continuing discussions on the implications of the dark market.
Feedback from the Delegates:
“In all the conference events I have been to, I have never taken away so many contacts that I believe I will work with now and in the future. “
Darren MacDonald, Bishop Retail
“A great format (the speed dating really worked) and we would look to do business with a number of contacts made at the forum”
Andrew Baldwin, Palmer & Harvey
“The C-Store Forum provides an unparallel platform to help build new client relations in a very structured yet relaxed atmosphere. In the current climate, any opportunity to get a leg up in business is more than welcome and the Forum acts akin to a pair of ‘Running Blades’ to give you that edge over your competitors“
Allen Shepherd, Christie & Co
“I have to congratulate you - the concept is great”
Kishor Patel, Houghton Trading
“It was again a wonderful event - this is a different and more pleasant way of doing business. I'm pretty well sure that we will pick up some business from this event”
Tim Antonissen, GM Vending
"Trip was excellent! We have made a few very useful contacts & have started discussions already"
Jackie Wright, Henderson Group
“I would like to thank you for a most productive 2 days in Marbella and I am sure Planova will sign business on the back of this event.”
Steve Lewis, Planova UK
"Thanks for a great event - more potential business than last year so real success for us"
Krishan Joshi, Windmill Group
"Personally, I had a good time. Business wise, we met a few potential suppliers and have indeed followed up with them already"
Conor Lavary, Henderson Group
"the workshops were varied and interesting and of relevance to my business. The meetings worked well and enabled us to benchmark between the different companies"
Bill Ahearn, Snax24 Limited