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Article : Mica Clan Gathers in Scotland

Date: Monday 11th March, 2013

The Mica Clan headed north for their third annual Mica Exchange, with Members, Suppliers & Staff gathering to catch up, discuss business, celebrate success and relax in the prestigious 4* event venue.

Saturday got off to an energetic start, with the annual members walk this time traversing the canal towpaths of the City of Edinburgh in glorious sunshine. In the evening members gathered for the traditional members only dinner, a chance to catch up after a challenging year’s business.

Next morning the weekend moved into its stride with the Mica AGM, which included the unanimous approval of the accounts for 2012 and the announcement of an increased profit, building on previous years. Mica Chairman Mr. David Morris, owner of Morris Mica Hardware summed it up;

“The continued improving performance of the group has allowed the Mica Member Board to approve an additional rebate on top of our supplier rebates. It’s great news for Mica and its members, and shows that we are strong as a group, and confident about the future.”

After the AGM members sat down to discuss key areas of the business in open forum led by the Mica retail directors. Members then moved down to the Exchange Hall where suppliers were ready to begin the ‘slow speed dating’ format successfully trialled in the industry by Mica in 2011.

The successful format was again sold out for the third year running, a sign of success breeding success with many suppliers expressing their immediate desire to return after 2012’s Exchange. According to Mica CEO Steve Ball, feedback from the Exchange has been universally positive for the third year running:

“Of the feedback forms received to date, the vast majority of suppliers have rated the day as excellent, with the few remaining rating it ‘good’ – which is great to see. Just as importantly suppliers have overwhelmingly rated it as excellent value for money, something which in these economic times is crucial to events such as this.”

This was backed up by what some of the attending suppliers said after the event. Mr. Paul Murney Managing Director of Murpak called the day;

“A great investment in time and money, meeting the members in a relaxed environment.”

Member feedback was equally positive, with members making the most of the chance to give feedback and discuss new products, as well as take advantage of special ‘at the event only’ show offers. Mr. & Mrs. Colin & Clare Henrich of Mainlys of Devizes Mica Hardware commented that the Exchange was;

“A great weekend to meet suppliers and members for great deals and great company!”

The Mica Exchange was wrapped up by Mica Director & owner of Nibletts Mica Hardware Mr. Robert Evans, who thanked all for their participation and time.

The Exchange was followed by the annual Mica Gala Dinner, which was the largest Mica DIY has hosted since its conception. It included entertainment from Scottish comedian Mr. Eric Davidson and a Prize Draw for the Rainy Day Trust - the Charity for the less fortunate in the hardware industry. The draw featured prizes supplied by main event sponsor Ronseal, as well as Exchange Luncheon Sponsor Akzo Nobel plus prizes from Mica and Masterplug.

The draw raised a record for the Mica dinner of £777, which once tax rebates are claimed will surpass £1000. Mr. Colin Petty, a trustee of the Rainy Day Trust collected the money on behalf of the Charity and thanked the attendees for dipping deep into their pockets.

Mica would like to thank this years main event sponsor Ronseal and all associate sponsors for their support to the Mica membership.

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