Growth opportunities for discussion at DIY-Forum

Fediyma, the Federation of European DIY Manufacturers’ Associations, is inviting the DIY industry in Europe to the Heysel Ausditorium in Brussels for a conference on 17 and 18 September. This will investigate such matters as who are my customers and my competitors in Europe? What plans do the number one European DIY multiple and other leading DIY retail groups have? Who will be able to improve his position in this consolidating market?
The first such Forum, which was likewise held in Brussels two years ago, was able to welcome over 300 delegates. The organisers promise that this year’s event will bring the participants still more economic advantages. More than 20 high-calibre speakers will approach the subject of “Creating tomorrow’s DIY together” from a variety of angles, getting to the bottom of the question of what needs to be changed in the European value-creating chain in order to ensure the success of the industry for the future.
Among those who have agreed to speak is Francis Mackay, chairman of Kingfisher, who will report on how the company and its suppliers are intending to fulfil their defined growth targets. What priorities the company is setting, and how suppliers can profit from Kingfisher’s activities in Europe and the Far East. Furthermore, Mackay will also provide an insight into Kingfisher’s brand strategy.
Other speakers will include Jim Lowe, corporate development director at Focus Wickes, as well as Martin Essl, chairman of the Austrian Baumax group and vice president of the Austrian Trade Association, who will go into the question of whether the accession of ten new members to the EU can be regarded as an opportunity. Pascal Malfoy of Leroy Merlin, who is responsible for expansion in France and management of the group’s subsidiaries, will speak in his capacity as president of EDRA, the European Association of DIY Stores. The manufacturers’ side will also get a chance to speak: representatives of Gardena, Leifheit, Philips and Velux are among those listed here.
Delegates will be able to choose between three different events on the afternoon of the first day of the conference. Under the working title of “Growth opportunities” there will be an investigation into the question concerning the sources of growth for the DIY industry, whether they are to be found in companies’ research and development departments, for instance. The second sitting will look into the question of “Making DIY sexier” and the appeal of do-it-yourself to the new…