THE conference 2008

Our Programme for 2008 will include:

Business sessions:

Nick Hancock 



Our host for this year’s conference is the well known TV presenter Nick Hancock. Nick needs little or no introduction as a very high profile and accomplished presenter. His unique style of comedy and humour has made him into an award-winning star and his universal appeal makes him an ideal Ambassador and conference host.


Anthony Hilton – Economist 



Anthony is Financial Editor of the Evening Standard. He returns this year to update us on his predictions from last year’s conference and what we can expect to happen next.

‘The Long Term Prospects for the 2016 Government’s housing target’
Presentation on the results of a CPA report published highlighting doubts on the Government’s zero carbon housing targets for new homes – Stuart Smith, Wood Holmes Group Ltd.

The ‘pod’ building market – David Moody 
Offsite fabrication as a construction technique is increasingly taking share away from traditional building methods. It isn't new - but it is accelerating, and the key issue for the merchant sector is to work through the implications. Bathroom Pods are one example which could be viewed as a threat or opportunity to the merchant sector. David will outline those issues and consider the commercial responses.

Joint presentation from a Merchant and a Supplier - 5 common things that keep you awake at night?

David Thomas



“It’s not the cards you are dealt in life but the way that you play them!”
David is a Guinness record breaker, a highly experienced world class speaker and best selling author and media personality having appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show in Chicago. His motivational speech will empower delegates to achieve more, be more successful and realise their true potential.

Break-out sessions: Each of the speakers will lead in-depth discussions of their subjects on Friday morning allowing delegates to participate in the sessions. 

Face to face with the organ-grinders

THE conference "Meet the Merchant Session", brings speed-dating to business meetings - the chance for merchants to get up close and business-like with the directors of existing and potential suppliers at a series of pre-arranged appointments.

Saturday morning seminars:

• Basic credit control – Getting paid on time – Ian Moody
• Sustainability and O carbon housing – John Tebbitt (CPA)
• Internet Trading – GForces
        - current trends in the UK and worldwide
         - how to get started - key issues
        - what is best practice

A full Social Programme is also planned:

Thursday 26 June 
Tours and Golf tournament – see activities 
Welcome Dinner around the pool of the Bahia del Duque

Friday 27 June
Tours – see activities
Free evening for entertaining colleagues and friends
THE conference Organiser’s dinner – El Molino Blanco Restaurant

Saturday 28 June
Tours – see activities
Farewell cocktail party and dinner in the gardens of the Bahia del Duque

Don’t forget the Buttle Challenge Cup competition will be running throughout the duration of THE conference.

The Merchants took the title for the first time last year. So the challenge is on for the merchants to retain the Cup and for suppliers to claim it back!