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Article : Mica hosts lucky 13th Exchange Weekend for Members & Suppliers

Date: Sunday 15th September, 2024

Cotswold Waterpark Hotel, Cirencester

Mica hosted its independent retailers and key supplier partners at the De Vere Cotswold Waterpark Hotel in Gloucestershire. This is the co-operative’s annual weekend of business and pleasure including its celebrated Exchange networking event, Gala Dinner and Awards evening.

The sellout event bought retailers together from as far apart as the Isle of Man and North London, the Scottish Highlands and South Wales. The event is exclusive to Mica member retailers, but the co-operative was again delighted to be joined by new faces, including two Bira members who have joined the group post Covid.

Main event sponsor STV of the Big Cheese pest control brand led the supplier line up, supported by key DIY industry names like Akzo Nobel, Draper Tools, LG Harris, NW Keys, Smart Garden and wholesaler Stax Trade Centres.

Day one of the event began with members reconnecting through a trip to Cirencester Park and a positive AGM. This was followed by a supplier presentation on steps being taken to enable Mica independents to beat the multiples at their own game in the marketplace, and a record attendance for its Members Only Dinner.

Day two saw the business ramp up with Mica’s ‘Slow Speed Dating’ format return, with nearly 1,000 hours of meetings take place between its retailer members and attending suppliers. Feedback from this event, as with previous years was exceptional, with Mica members rating the event 9.5 / 10, and overwhelmingly rating the supplier response to their appointments as excellent. Leo Cussons of Ken Quine Mica noted the event was “a great opportunity to raise their profit margins”.

Supplier responses were equally glowing, Account Manager Brendan McNally of Cheshire Mouldings commented that it was “good to see so many customers, and potential customers in one location in a single day”, whilst Crown Nat. Account Manager Geoff Seddon noted the event was “a great way to build lasting partnerships”.

Jenny Martin of Sherwin Williams (Ronseal) summed up the day with her thoughts “the Exchange has been an amazing opportunity to have one to one discussions with Mica retailers in one place and time, it’s been a great experience!”

In the evening the annual black tie Mica Gala Dinner took place, beginning with reception drinks and followed by entertainment and annual awards.

Mica Unit Director Michael Ball commented at the close of the event,

“These kinds of events demonstrate Mica is more than the sum of its parts – not simply individual retailers and suppliers. I’m really proud a SME organisation like Mica is able to put on what is such a positive, well received event that people want to not only come to but come back to.”

He continued “Being a co-operative at times makes us feel more like a family organisation, and I hope after this weekend all of our attendees feel that too alongside the business benefits collaboration and shared working brings.”

Following the success of the Exchange, it is certain to return for its 14th year, which will again switch to a new location and also be a special 30th anniversary celebration of Mica.

Thanks to the fantastic attendance and response from Mica retailer members a large number of suppliers have already reserved their place for next year’s Exchange, which will take place on the weekend of 13/14th September 2025 at a venue to be confirmed.

Whilst only Mica member retailers are invited to attend the Exchange, the co-operative welcomes new applications from any quality independent DIY / Home / Garden retailer. For more information about Mica or the Mica Exchange, please read more about Mica on the following linkk here, or contact the Mica Team on 01785 825 910.

#MicaExchange
#HardwareIndustry
#IndependentRetail #DIY
#MicaCooperative #DeVereCotswold

About the Mica Cooperative:
The Mica Cooperative (Mica DIY Ltd), is a marketing, buying & retail support group that provides independent retailers in the hardware and DIY industry with strength in numbers. The cooperative operates across the United Kingdom, and is committed to promoting and strengthening independent retailers in the industry.

Photos:
1 – Ronnie Singh & Sat Pal (ADL Homestore Mica) with Vinny Ibrams (RKW)
2 – Product Innovation Award Presentation (Thomas Dixon, Jenny Martin (Sherwin) Josh Corringham (Sherwin), Mellanie Cook (Mica)
3 – Karen Tamplin & Ashley Roper (Harris Brushes) with Jane Taylor & Maria Morris (Morris Mica)

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