Buying group Confex recently concluded its 2023 conference which was attended by record 96 delegates.
The four jam-packed days at Canary Island of Lanzarote saw back-to-back business meetings and networking between Members and Suppliers, whilst attendees were also given an insight into the buying group and industry through presentations from FWD’s James Bielby, TWC’s Tom Fender and Cerve’s David Walker and Mark Profitt.
CEO Tom Gittins and COO Jess Douglas laid out the group’s successes of the past year, including surpassing £3 billion turnover, having 234 members and further growth of award-winning CORE own brand.
They also set out the group’s goals for the future. Alongside data partner TWC and tech partner CERVE, Confex’s three key targets for the future are to grow inter-connectivity, expand data-led insight and use tech to drive efficiencies and position Confex as the most progressive, digitally first buying group in the UK.
Confex has been growing for over 50 years and now its member businesses account for over 10 per cent of the UK wholesale market. It is one of the most diverse of all trading groups at it embraces all categories, supported by over 200 suppliers like Kellogg's, pladis, Volvic, Valeo, Britvic and KP Snacks.
Ben Cooper, National Account Controller Wholesale at Swizzels, said, “The 2023 Confex conference was a clear example of how these events need to be. A perfect blend of Collaborative Member 121s, Strong Industry presentations and a melting-pot of ideas and sales opportunities. All delivered in a truly wonderful setting. Well done to team Confex on an outstanding event."
Amanda McIntyre, Senior Manager Independent Wholesale & Buying Groups at Coca Cola European Partners, said, “Attending the Confex annual conference enabled me to spend time with members discussing issues industry wide and supplier specific topics that in turn lead to agreements for joint strategy and growth ambitions. The agenda set by the Confex team strikes the perfect balance between formal sessions with industry guest speakers, member and supplier meetings followed by more relaxed sessions whereby you can seek out time with key customers.
"By the end of the conference you leave with new customers with new identified prospects, opportunities to develop with your existing customers, key takeouts to support with making decisions for growth, a larger member and supplier network and of course some fantastic memories."
Chairman Martin Williams announced next year’s location as Barcelona and Confex looks forward to planning another fantastic trip for its Members and Supplier Partners.
