LONDON: The Annual NMBS Dinner Dance had the X Factor with a fantastic performance from Alexandra Burke, the 2008 Winner of the hit TV Show. Over 900 guests were treated to hits such as Hallelujah, Elephant and Bad Boys. With The Siren String Quartet and House Band Fully Funktional as the support acts, it was a night to remember.
The evening started with the NMBS chairman Tim Allen, concentrating his dinner dance speech on the many developments that NMBS has experienced over the last 12 months. Mr Allen commented: ‘NMBS is showing positive growth of approximately 8%, and is on target to exceed £534m in turnover, in what is still a fairly flat market. Mr Allen went on to explain the reasons behind this: "Our turnover has been boosted by record numbers of new members and the addition of a few strategic supplier agreements."
Other key points that Mr Allen covered in his speech were, the I Love Independents campaign, and how NMBS are constantly promoting the cause of Independent Merchants, the office move, which has provided NMBS with the space to grow, the outstanding All Industry Conference, held in June which provided a platform for delegates to exchange ideas and to press their business forward.
Mr Allen moved on to focus on NMBS being named as a finalist in the British Computer Society Awards for the i-Exhibit App and also highlighted to the audience how NMBS will be celebrating its 50th year in 2013, and with this there will be an even bigger and better Exhibition on 15 May.
Allen finished his speech by thanking various people for their support: "A special thank you must go to all of our sponsoring suppliers, for without their generous support this event would not be possible. Thanks must also go to the NMBS Management Board and Commodity Committees who help NMBS to build on our strength of electronic trading, low overhead costs and delivering extra rewards to members in the form of discounts and rebates" He concluded by thanking the members for their tremendous support and for driving the growth in turnover.
The fundraising total for the night reached over £8000 with the proceeds going to our two chosen Industry Charities, The Rainy Day Trust and CRASH. The prize from the main draw, kindly sponsored by Makita, was won by Sue Ballinger from Builders Supply Stores Coventry, who went home with a complete Apple Bundle, including the much sort after iPad.
Guests also took part in a Silent Auction, with the proceeds going to the Rainy Day Trust, and a Table Auction of signed copies of Alexandra Burke CDs which also helped to raise money for the two charities.
Chris Hayward, NMBS managing director, summed up the evening, "I would like to take this opportunity to thank all sponsoring suppliers, who helped to make the evening unforgettable, and also to thank our members for attending, as without them the event would not be such a success."
