The recent NMBS All-Industry Conference brought together hundreds of delegates from across the builders' merchant industry under the theme 'Business Matters'.

Held in Lanzarote on 16-19 June, speakers at the Conference focused on issues including leadership, staff motivation, productivity and online trading. Outside of the formal Conference programme, delegates were also able to network more informally and discuss business with fellow attendees in the luxurious surroundings of the five-star Princesa Yaiza hotel.

Chris Hayward, managing director of NMBS, said: "The All-Industry Conference reflects NMBS' commitment to not only strengthening independents but also to supporting the growth and prosperity of the wider construction industry.

"We're delighted that this year's event was so well-attended and so well received with many delegates commenting in particular on the calibre of the speakers involved. As ever, organising an event of this nature is a real team effort and I'd like to thank all those individuals across NMBS who helped to make the conference such a resounding success."

Among the speakers at the Conference was Shed Simove, who made a welcome return this year after his star turn at the 2014 Conference. Mr Simove urged attendees to not be afraid to take risks, and how allowing time for creative thinking can bring new ideas and new revenue streams to their business.

Meanwhile Deri Llewellyn-Davies gave a thought-provoking speech on the importance of a solid business strategy and, in a speech focusing on the importance of online sales for builders' merchants, Stewart Pierce of Parker Building Supplies warned delegates that they can no longer afford to ignore the threat of online trading.

More details of all the speakers who addressed the NMBS All-Industry Conference, and summaries of what they had to say, can be found online at http://www.buildersmerchantsnews.co.uk/news/categoryfront.php/id/194/Conference_2016.html.