In an upbeat British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) forum on 15 January, 2015, Ian Preedy, group commercial director at Travis Perkins entertained a sell out audience of BHETA members on the opportunities in the Group, outlining the different approaches to its brands – in particular Travis Perkins, Wickes and Toolstation.

His views were very much echoed by Guy Malam of Tembė DIY who reflected on the success of the Hippo and associated brands in building mutually beneficial relationships in the DIY and merchanting sectors. The forum agenda also included presentations from GFK on the upturn in DIY and Garden and its new service covering the builders’ merchant sector.

The event was held in the Warwickshire Suite at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground and Peter Stone, home improvement sector director of BHETA, said: “This proved a really strong and resonant theme for members with consistent opinions from both players and analysts, as well as some very practical and down to earth advice on how to succeed in these markets today.”