Last month’s annual SGF Conference saw the trade gather in Glasgow to reflect on the last few years and plan for a future that’s approaching faster than ever.
By Antony Begley
Physical events remain something of a novelty after the Covid years where virtual communications became the norm and the trade had very few opportunities to gather together in the same room – so last month’s SGF Conference was a welcome opportunity for our industry to meet up face to face and discuss the enormous challenges that the sector is currently facing.
The theme for the conference was ‘The Future is Now!’ and it was certainly appropriate, given the pace of change we’re seeing as the local retailing industry adapts to the ever-dynamic new normal.
In his introduction to the event new SGF President Craig Brown of JW Filshill said that the conference offered everyone a valuable opportunity to discuss everything from “the fallout of Covid, the problems we’ve all faced retaining or recruiting staff and, of course, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis”.
But the tone and focus of the event wasn’t on dwelling on the challenges; the focus was on finding ways forward and, as Brown put it, “putting the past behind us and looking to a more positive, prosperous future”.
Day one saw the entire audience attend a series of small-scale breakout sessions, featuring:
- Amberstone Security – highlighting an interesting CCTV-based anti-theft tech solution for retailers to tackle shoplifting.
- Camelot – explaining how retailers can grow National Lottery sales this Christmas.
- JUUL – discussing how retailers can help to tackle under-age sales and help Scotland towards its ‘Smoke free by 2034’ goal.
- PayPoint – discussing the many ways retailers can use PayPoint to earn more from their store.
- TOMRA – hosting a session looking at the challenges that lie ahead as Scotland prepares for a DRS in August next year.
Solutions, not problems
Consequently, the agenda for the two-day conference at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Glasgow was on identifying opportunities and adapting positively and optimistically to change, a point that Brown’s boss Simon Hannah, CEO of JW Filshill, made during his upbeat and enthusiastic main stage presentation, the first of the day.
Hannah’s presentation set the tone for the day, and he was followed by Neilsen IQ’s Mike Watkins who offered a research and insight specialist’s take on the state of play and the potential opportunities that lie ahead for local retailers.
JTIs James Sanders then offered an update on all things tobacco, focusing largely on the continuing impact of the illicit trade before Lord Offord of Garvald, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State concluded the morning session via videolink, reiterating the Scottish Government’s commitment to the local retailing sector.
The afternoon saw the delegates shuffle between five separate breakout sessions hosted by Amberstone Security, Camelot, JUUL, PayPoint and TOMRA. The small scale sessions allowed retailers to ask questions and get under the skin of a range of important issues from DRS to shoplifting.
New President
The highlight of the evening Dinner was undoubtedly the Presidential Handover where outgoing President Dan Brown formally handed over the chain of office to Craig Brown after a very successful and productive period as President in the most trying of circumstances for the sector.
The following morning saw the audience regroup to examine how data and technology can help them develop their businesses.
The main stage presentations saw interesting takes on the role data and technology has to play in driving efficiencies and growth from Ian Macleod Distillers MD Neil Boyd, Premier Foods UK Grocery Customer Director Ellie Krupa and Calbee Head of Wholesale Chris Goodman.
The session was rounded off by Anand Cheema of Costcutter Maggie’s Wood in Falkirk who explored the way he and his team were adopting data and tech solutions to build a future-proofed business.
After lunch Lumina Intelligence Commercial Director Ed Sibley offered some research-based insight into how retailers should approach the future before Tobacco Manufacturers Association Director Rupert Lewis delved into the illicit trade once more.
Next up was James Thompson, MD of 1314 Electrical Services who discussed the possibilities of ‘smart’, connected business environments before MHouse Solutions COO Faisal Sattar offered some hard-nosed advice and tips to retailers on how to make more of their Epos systems to tackle thorny issues like staff theft.
Brian Hills, CEO of The Data Lab, rounded off the session with a big picture view of how data will change everything moving forward and how retailers can take advantage.
Yes Minister
Finally, Tom Arthur MSP, Minister for Public Finance, Planning and Community Wealth concluded the day with a consummate politician’s presentation, speaking for 20 minutes or so without saying very much of substance. Arthur pointedly refused to address any of the many specific challenges presented to him by SGF CEO Pate Cheema in his speech welcoming the MSP onto the stage.
An interesting and positive development of the SGF Conference was a new exhibitor’s space dedicated to Scottish producers, many of them smaller businesses.
Hosted in association with Scotland Food and Drink and SGF’s Go Local programme, the mini exhibition allowed retailers the chance to sample great quality Scottish products and consider listing some new lines to capitalise on the trend of local sourcing.
