No fewer than 40 Screwfix personnel came along to allow suppliers to 'meet the buyer' at the latest initiative organised by the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA).
Last week's event, the third in BHETA's series of Screwfix Innovation Days, hosted the entire Screwfix buying team along with members of its senior management team, who had in total 75 20-minute appointments with BHETA members.

Screwfix's particularly strict brief insisted that all products presented be 100% innovative and preferably eco-friendly. However, in what BHETA describes as a "sensational" outcome the vast majority of products pitched were selected to progress to same-day appointments with the Screwfix quality, administration and supply chain representatives.

The next stage will be a potential trial in a dedicated 'innovation' section on screwfix.com, with a view to being featured in the Screwfix catalogue.

Commenting on the day, BHETA DIY sector director Peter Stone said: "As the economic climate begins to improve, the time pressures on both buyers and sellers are, if anything, even greater and the need for innovation which drives the retail market just grows and grows. This is what makes these occasions so vital to all parties.

"In one day and in one place the Screwfix team discovered literally dozens of new products that were right for their brand and their retailing model. Under normal circumstances, something like that could take months to achieve, so this is really exciting on every level."