Retailers, suppliers and exhibitors are expected to arrive in their thousands as the doors open to the National Convenience Show 2017 at Birmingham NEC this week. Co-located with the inspiring Farm Shop & Deli Show and The Forecourt Show, NCS 2017 is the industry’s only truly independent trade event, specifically designed to offer pro-active, practical and inspiring support for retailers and visitors.

Amongst the diverse and exciting exhibitors at this year’s event, visitors will be treated to cider samples from Diageo and treats and bites from leading food-to-go operator Subway. Category advice, ranging information and new product launches will also be on offer from Diageo, as well as WH Smith, Butchers Pet Care, Aunt Bessies, Chicken Tonight, Propercorn and Nakd & Trek.  And it isn’t just new products which will grab visitor attention with a plethora of services available, from exhibitors including Htec, Parcelly and Concept Data Displays, to help retailers drive footfall and manage their operations more effectively.

For many retailers, wholesalers and suppliers it has been a difficult start to 2017 with global economic uncertainty, the Brexit process and the continued blurring of UK retail channels all contributing to a dip in consumer confidence. But visitors can seek comfort and inspiration from a programme packed with leading industry experts at the Retailer Hub.  Visitors will hear from ITV’s Money Saving Expert Saira Khan about managing their costs and learn how to maximise the opportunity from sourcing local produce from artisan bakers Tom and Henry Herbert.  And throughout the three days a host of successful retailers including Paul Cheema, Paul Stone and Avtar Sidhu will be on hand to share their story and help retailers build sustainable, successful businesses.

The Association of Convenience Stores returns to NCS2017 once again to host their annual summit bringing together retailers and suppliers to debate the big industry issues. Whilst for the first time in 2017, the National Federation of SubPostmasters will encourage their members to visit the show and learn about how to build a profitable retail business co-located with Post Office services to drive additional footfall. And after a hard day at the show there is a great opportunity to relax, network and share ideas at the After Party which was attended by numerous retailers and industry stakeholders.

Jai Singh of MJ’s Go Local Extra has been a regular visitor to NCS over the years and prior to the show was keen to encourage retailers to take a day out of their stores and learn about how they can build their business over the coming year.  It seems NCS2017 won’t fail to disappoint:

                ‘’I always make a point of taking the time to visit NCS and this year it’s been better than ever.  Undoubtedly, it’s tough for retailers at the moment but the NCS gives you the chance to take a step back, asses your business, learn from the experts and plan how you’re going to better meet the needs of your customers for years to come!’’

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For more information or images please call 07891 122542 or email nichola.reeder@12th-man-solutions.co.uk