01732 759725
10
CONFERENCE
Aidan McDonough,
CEO, Integra
Turnout each year is always high and
this year was no different, over 230
delegates from some of the UK’s
leading dealerships attended. As
with any owner-managed business,
taking time out of the office needs
to have an intrinsic value and the
general consensus amongst those that
attended was that the opportunity to
get together with like-minded dealers,
network and share ideas in a non-
competitive environment, and take
best practice back into their business,
is one of the biggest benefits that
Integra membership affords.
Designed to encourage dealers to ‘get
connected’ to customers and new business
opportunities, the day opened with an
insightful keynote address from Integra
CEO Aidan McDonough. Beginning with a
market overview, he described the current
landscape, saying that the pace of change
is more rapid than ever before. He cited the
rise of the ‘super dealer’ (a result of recent
mergers and acquisitions), the fact that
Amazon is muted to enter the B2B space,
the digital revolution, and the impact of
Brexit on exchange rates and the resultant
pricing volatility, as examples of recent
developments that pose a number of
challenges and opportunities to members.
“There is huge strength in the
independent channel,” he said, adding:
“You are significantly more flexible and agile
than large, corporate organisations and can
change rapidly, don’t underestimate the
power of your relationships.”
Agenda
The agenda included a number of practical
business sessions and workshops. Martin
Wilde from MWA Research provided an
overview of the market, values, margin
trends and sales volumes through 2015.
Barrie Hayes, CEO, BPGI llp delivered a
compelling presentation focusing on how
delegates can connect to and win key
accounts and Joel Harrison, Editor-in-
Chief at B2B Marketing talked about how
members can reinvigorate their marketing
activities to connect with existing
customers as well as new prospects.
Gary Partridge of Lexington Corporate
Advisors hosted a session entitled ‘Planning
your exit strategy’ and Steve Bilton,
Managing Director, Evolution Software
demonstrated the company’s new webstore.
This year’s guest speaker was Gilan
Gork, South Africa’s most renowned
mentalist and he closed the day with a
powerful, thought-provoking and extremely
entertaining presentation.
The four-hour long Get Connected
Supplier Exhibition was packed, members
took the opportunity to engage with all of
the suppliers who attended, to talk through
new products, promotions and special
offers, as well as network with their peers.
This year’s exhibition housed 65 key
supplier partners across all industry sectors
Integra members connect
at national conference
The UK’s largest dealer buying group Integra Business Solutions, held its Get
Connected National Conference 2016 at The East Midlands Conference Centre
on September 15
including office products, furniture, retail
and education, through to 3D print, MPS
and IT services.
During the exhibition, members were
asked to vote for the Best Dressed Stand
and the Product of the Show. Antalis
scooped the award for Best Dressed Stand
and Sigel were nominated for the Product
of the Show award.
Gala dinner
Integra presented the Initiative Awards at
the black tie gala dinner. Entertainment
was provided by digital close-up magician
Tom London who wowed guests with the
most amazing tricks. Dubbed the iPad
magician, he seamlessly merged both
traditional and modern magic, performing
a multitude of illustrious sleight of hand
and misdirection. His digital illusions
involved pulling an iPhone (and more) out
of an iPad! And a talented balloon artist
created mini balloon caricatures for guests
both pre and during dinner.
After dinner entertainment was
provided by comedian Simon Evans, who
has appeared on the Michael McIntyre
Roadshow, Live at the Apollo and Mock
the Week among other highlights and live
music by talented band So lot of funk.
£2,000 was also raised on the night
which will be split equally between two
very deserving charities, Cancer Research
and CLIC Sargent.
2016 AWARD WINNERS
Manufacturer of the Year Award
DAMS
Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year Award
Antalis
Member of the Year Initiative Awards
Each year Integra recognises members for their ongoing support
and for excelling in what they do. This year’s winners were:
Alliance Member of the Year
Stanford Marsh
COG Member of the Year
Bennett Workplace Solutions
Directory Member of the Year
PBS Business Solutions Ltd
Gold Member of the Year
Lomas Office Furniture and Stationery Ltd
