IHA Centenary Congress Business Programme

UK and European view on Commerce

The burden of government legislation and taxation, impacts especially on small businesses, and is constantly increasing. Is there a better way to represent our interest and make sure our message is understood by national and international decision makers?

Global Marketing and Development

How do the world leaders in our industry see the next decade? Which are the markets of the future and how will the established markets react? Will globalisation introduce a uniform approach to marketing and distribution?

David and Goliath - retailer address.

We asked two very different retailers one giant and one David to tell us about the changes they expect their customers to demand. Branded products, service, convenience, specialisation. How will a family business compete ? Will the giant diversify and survive?

Last 100 Years of IHA and where next?

A fast and pictorial review of the beginning, the middle, and what next? Was there life before DIY and Cookshops?
Why the IHA was started and who were the movers and shakers? Time to discuss, to refresh the aims of the organisation and plan a new challenge with the developing economies of the 21st Century.

Global Economics

We asked a leading banker to tell us how the money market will meet the expectations of the global supply chain. The answers were so surprising we know you will be impressed with this session. Alarming and reassuring, shocking and enjoyable, this will be a presentation to impact on your business, one you will not forget.

From the Factory to the Corner Shop - Product Sourcing.

How will the smaller independent retailer source new products? Is the service supplier competitive in the distributive chain? Will the marketing and buying groups develop? How can the lone store promote effectively against TV and the mass media?

Global Warming and Green Issues - Opportunity or Threat?

Is this the biggest scare story of our life time, or not?
A top and controversial environmentalist will expose all: man, myth and the facts, as seen by this expert world opinion leader.

Staff Recruitment and Retention in the 21st Century.

A top UK retailer with a well deserved reputation for its unique position on personnel, selection and training. This family name multi-branch company will discuss how state of the art personnel participation has encouraged success for the company and job satisfaction for its people.

State of Play - World Round-up.

A popular broadcaster and top reporter will analyse trade reports from member organisations. With probing interviews, key personalities will be challenged to explain the statistics and the trends behind the figures. Expect a lively and revealing session and a World summary to take home.

The organisers reserve the right to change the programme without notice.