The upcoming DIY Week Trade Talks conference, scheduled for the morning before the 2026 DIY Week Awards, promises a focused program for retailers, e‑commerce operators and suppliers seeking practical guidance. The event is positioned as a pre‑award gathering that will set the tone for the day’s celebrations, giving participants a chance to absorb actionable insights before the ceremony begins.
Key Sessions and Speakers
Organisers have assembled a roster of experts from major DIY and home‑improvement firms. Jeff Moody of Bira will discuss current retail trends, drawing on recent sales data and consumer‑behaviour studies. Adam Crossan, Buying Group Sales Manager at Toolbank, will examine distribution channel strategies, highlighting how collaborative buying can lower costs for members. Nils Kernchen from Daley Hub will cover European market conditions, explaining how regional regulations and consumer preferences shape product assortment. Ben Lainton, Director of Trade at Screwfix, will outline retail‑strategy fundamentals, sharing case studies that illustrate successful store‑format adaptations.
Topics range from multi‑channel selling and supply‑chain hurdles to future‑proofing stores and expanding online reach. Attendees can expect actionable tips rather than abstract theory, and the agenda includes time for networking and informal Q&A. Each session is designed to end with a brief summary that highlights key take‑aways, ensuring that participants leave with clear next steps for their businesses.
Rob Smethurst Joins the Line‑up
The programme has just added entrepreneur Rob Smethurst. He is known for leading Macclesfield Football Club and The International Football Group, and for launching Deliver My Container, a digital platform that matches businesses with vetted freight forwarders. His experience blends sports, education and community projects, and organisers say he will be an entertaining speaker.
Read Also: Easter Decorating Tips from an Expert
His presence introduces a perspective that bridges retail logistics with the fast‑paced world of sport‑related commerce. They anticipate that his talk will spark ideas about customer‑centric models that go beyond traditional retail, encouraging participants to think about service delivery in new ways.
Registrations are limited, and the sign‑up page can be reached at the official site.
Beyond the conference, the DIY Week Awards luncheon follows later in the day, and a limited number of tickets for the main awards ceremony remain available. Organisers encourage early registration to avoid missing the chance to hear from the assembled business leaders.
