Bunnings CEO John Gillam and CFO for nine years Michael Wedgwood are to deliver a frank and open fifty minute recorded interview with BHETA members at BHETA's next forum event on Thursday, May 19.
The session is planned to "give a fantastic insight into the psyche and mindset of the business that is disturbing the status quo and equilibrium in the UK with its takeover of Homebase." The forum will commence at 9.30am at Federation House, 10 Vyse St, Birmingham.

Also on the agenda will be a presentation entitled "Living through 'One' Kingfisher - the suppliers' viewpoint" from Keter Products / Curver Plastics MD Lee Mellor. His presentation will cover personal experience of the 'One' Kingfisher programme which is intended to unify the buying power, including its implications, across all Kingfisher's retail brands. The presentation will describe the journey through the process and what can be expected by other suppliers.

The forum will also cover trading in France with Valerie Dequen, General Manager of the French suppliers' trade association, Unibal together with Stephane Dalimier, Director General of NMC France and Vice President of Fediyma. In this session they will give an overview of the French economy, the issues facing the French DIY market, market trends, an overview of the market structure and market shares of the key retail players and the best routes to market for a UK supplier.

Guy Burtenshaw of Media Events will also provide an update on the Home Press Event that will take place in July in London. The Home Press Event is based on the massively successful and highly regarded Garden Press Event that now has a ten year pedigree and heritage in this sector.

BHETA's DIY and garden sector director Paul Grinsell said: "Many column inches and much speculation and analysis has already being given over to Bunnings and to Kingfisher. By attending this forum you will get a better idea of the dna that could shape much of the thinking and approach to the UK. What with opportunities in France and with the UK media this event is going to be really good and not to be missed!"