The Internal Build Exhibition at Harrogate, now in its third year, allowed leading suppliers the chance to meet over 750 Jewson branch managers and senior managers to demonstrate their latest products and continue to strengthen personal relationships that will be crucial in driving sales growth through the Jewson branch network.

The exhibition was zoned by product type and included sections for Light Building Materials and Joinery, Kitchen Bathroom and Plumbing, Timber, Heavy Building Materials and Tool Hire. Exhibitors including Beko, Hanson, Ideal Standard, Knauf and Tarmac were joined by Jewson’s sister brands including Pasquill Roof Trusses, International Decorative Surfaces and CTD.

The exhibition was supplemented this year by a bespoke suppliers’ conference which attracted over 300 delegates in the morning.

Vincent Mialet, Jewson’s Marketing Director was delighted with the response to Internal Build: “Whilst we believe that 2010 is set to be a better year than last there is no doubt that the whole industry still faces challenging times. Bringing all our suppliers together in Harrogate enables us to develop strategies and relationships that will help both supplier and merchant to emerge stronger and drive sales growth in all sectors in 2010. Working together is a prerequisite for success in our industry and Internal Build is vitally important in allowing our branch managers to set up working relationships with the suppliers that will allow Jewson to deliver an even better service to our customers and maintain our competitive advantage in the UK market.”

Chris Hall Sales and Marketing Director of Recticel Insulation Products was full of praise for the event:
“Internal Build is always well supported and provides us with opportunity to meet branch managers throughout the day and demonstrate our 2010 product range. The morning conference gave us a unique insight into Jewson’s plans for the year and engendered a strong team spirit between supplier and distributor, which is not always the case when dealing with UK builders’ merchants. We are looking forward to a successful year - together.”

The theme of the exhibition was continued through to the gala dinner where Jewson was able to announce that its ‘together’ fundraising initiative has this year already raised over £70,000 for its chosen partner Help the Hospices. Much of the money raised has come from branch level initiatives from Jewson staff and the branch managers, who were joined by representatives of suppliers at the dinner, raising another £6,000 on the evening.

Jewson’s ‘together’ fundraising programme has raised over £1.6 million since it was launched in 2002 and part partners have included the British Heart Foundation and Wish Upon a Star.

For more information on Jewson please visit www.jewson.co.uk.

Source: Jewson