BIRMINGHAM: A conference looking at the future for DIY retailing on Britain’s high streets, and marking the 16th year of the Totally Trade shows will take place on Monday, 8 February.

The conference will run at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Conference Rooms 19/20, on the second morning of this year’s multi-trade show Totally Tools: Totally DIY: Totally Secure.

The morning’s programme will include presentations from Stephen Robertson, director general of the British Retail Consortium and Toby Roberts, owner and recent ‘Retail Shooting Star’ award winner*, of D&G Hardware.

Their business views will be supported by presentations from two of the UK’s leading market research companies; Verdict Research and The Local Data Company.

Verdict will be giving an overview of the outlook for UK retail, focusing on the DIY sector.

Matthew Hopkinson, business development director of The Local Data Company, which specialises in tracking businesses on Britain’s key high streets, commented, "To- date the DIY sector has shown itself be more resilient than most when it comes to business closures in 2009 but how will this change in 2010 as other sectors and locations suffer with closure rates at over 15% and streets with one in 4 shops vacant?"

Said Totally Shows exhibition director, James Murray: “The DIY industry has witnessed some turbulent times in recent years. We've seen the end of continued growth, key shifts in retailer presentations, increasing consolidation in the supplier base and a greater reliance on the internet for purchasing.

“The way people shop is changing and the face of our high streets is evolving, so it’s important that DIY evolves with it.

“This conference will highlight the changes that have already taken place, those that are likely to take place and help delegates in their forward thinking and planning.”

To see the full programme, visit the website.