The IPG’s first-ever conference took place at Mercedes-Benz-World on 3 November 2017
The conferences theme of which was “Unlocking the Future for Independent Plumbers Merchants’ had an impressive level of attendance and brought together The IPG’s members and suppliers to showcase its exciting three-year plan.
The action-packed day included high-speed track and passenger drives, F1 simulator experiences and a large exhibition space. One of the highlights of the conference included the keynote presentation delivered by MD and Founder Robin Beal and his team, where a clear message was delivered; The IPG put their members at the centre of what they do.
Delegates left the event enthused and inspired by a presentation that focused on the challenges that Independents face today and The IPG plans to help its members succeed and shape a positive future.
Guest speakers Martin Boiling (Head of Sales UK) from Wavin and David Merrick (Managing Director) from Davant endorsed the strength of The IPG group and the benefits of working alongside them. David said; “The IPG is a forward-thinking and innovative organisation that has assessed and recognised a niche and a need in the marketplace to create an opportunity for a number of like-minded merchants to work together toward a common goal. The IPG leadership and management have a hard-working and realistic approach which makes them a pleasure to work with”.
Robin went on to say: “This was the first conference for The IPG and it has proved to be a resounding success. We enjoyed a full day and evening of fun and comradeship, forging new friendships and renewing older ones. It was a thought-provoking day and our members all went away with many new visions and ideas to promote in their own respective businesses.”
Having been successfully launched to members in September, The IPG Portal was introduced to suppliers at the conference. The Portal enables users to see their account overview at the touch of a button and is just one of the many business tools that The IPG will continue to develop. The new website also made an appearance on the day www.the-ipg.co.uk.
The conference continued with a dinner at the nearby Hilton Hotel at Cobham, where Graham Jolley entertained the audience with his unique ‘magic’ style and amazing mind-reading capabilities. The dinner gave delegates the opportunity to continue to network - exchanging ideas and experiences with like-minded advocates of The Independent market.
Notes to editors
The IPG is a leading group specialising in providing its membership of Independent Plumbing and Heating Merchants with access to improved group purchasing terms from manufacturers and distributors, alongside marketing services.
Founded in 2013 and based in Littlehampton, West Sussex, the group has already surpassed over 200 trading locations nationwide.
The IPG team has vast experience in the merchant sector and currently works with over 80 suppliers to deliver an unrivalled level of service to all its members.