Sodastream, Abus, Jafco Tools, and Smartwares are the latest companies to join the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA), as the organisation receives overwhelmingly positive feedback about its latest event.

The Future for International Trade conference, which was organised jointly by BHETA, Gardenex and PetQuip was very well received, with one delegate describing it as “one of the best conferences I have attended,” said BHETA.

A mix of top-level speakers from the worlds of Westminster politics, international economic forecasting, international law and trade compliance, worldwide retail trends and digital platforms for export informed and entertained around 100 delegates from supplier companies in the home, garden and pet industries at the event on March 12. There were also four case studies from home, garden and pet, outlining real-life experiences and learnings in the field of exporting to overseas buyers.

The presentations covered every aspect of exporting, from mega trends in retailing worldwide to finding new and developing export markets and how to ease the path of exporting in the post-Brexit era.  Trade experts in all aspects of exporting were also on hand throughout the day to answer questions on international trading. The event, which was sponsored by Glee and took place at the Stratford Manor Hotel in Warwickshire kicked off with a unique and lively peek into the BREXIT negotiations and the real state of play between the Westminster political parties from John Arnold from UK Government Lobbying company, Northern Universal.  His witty and often revelatory insights really set the tone for the day.

The afternoon session comprised case studies and Q&A with experienced and successful exporters WHAM (WhatMore UK), Spear & Jackson, VegTrug and Group 55, followed by an inspirational introduction to digital marketing for export from Sarah Carroll of GrowGlobal. 

After the event, Tony Grimshaw OBE of WhatMore UK, who was part of the case study panel commented: “Over the years, I have been to and involved in a lot of these events and this was by far the best… everyone I spoke with not only enjoyed the event but went away wiser and inspired.”

BHETA Executive Director, Will Jones, who chairs BHETA’s Export Committee concluded, “This was a very varied and stimulating agenda presented by excellent speakers to a lively gathering of delegates.  The event not only delivered its serious purpose to help develop and expand international sales but was also inspirational and thoroughly enjoyable.” 

Director General of Gardenex and PetQuip, Amanda Sizer Barrett said: “Our aim in organising the conference was to assure businesses that - regardless of the outcome of the protracted discussions on our country’s departure from the European Union - there is a raft of expert help and guidance available through our trade associations and associate service providers.”

Meanwhile, BHETA is delighted to announce four new members to its ranks: SodaStream, Abus, Jafco Tools and Smartwares.

Sodastream is a UK subsidiary of the Israel-based manufacturing company best known as the maker of the consumer home carbonation product of the same name.  Now part of PepsiCo, Sodastream was founded in London in 1903 and the company now produces a range of associated products including reusable water bottles, as well as syrups and flavours to create a variety of carbonated drinks.

Abus operates worldwide, supplying both mechanical and electronic security to domestic and commercial users.  Founded in 1924, the company has a wide range of innovative security solutions in the areas of security at home, mobile security and commercial security. The Abus group comprises the companies Abus August Bremicker Söhne KG, Abus Security-Center GmbH & Co. KG and Abus Pfaffenhain GmbH, with around 3,500 employees worldwide.

Birmingham-based Jafco Tools was established in 1981 and is a well-known name in the manufacture of specialist tools for use in safety critical situations such as fire and rescue and the railway industry.  With a range of hand tools aimed at professional end users working in environments where safety and performance are key, most products feature pultruded fibreglass handles, which exceed the relevant British Standards. 

Smartwares Group is a fast-growing consumer good company offering a wide selection of smart home essentials under seven brand names including Byron, Topcom, Tristar and Princess.  Covering safety and security, lighting and home appliances, the Group operates in 47 countries worldwide.