Practical business solutions at BETA Conference

Oct 23 2009

The equestrian industry’s determination to survive and thrive was underlined at the 2009 British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Conference.

Eminent speakers addressed leading equestrian manufacturers, distributors and retailers on topical commercial, legal and economic issues at The Belfry in the West Midlands on 12 October.

Fresh ideas for better merchandising – effective retail presentation – were put forward by John Ryan, stores editor of Retail Week magazine and a former multi-national chain store buyer.

Chartered accountant and financial journalist Nigel Hastilow summarised the economic challenges facing businesses and devised an eight-point plan to help them emerge from the downturn with healthy prospects.

"In a downturn, the real winners are companies who continue to invest in their products, brands, reputation and profile," was among his key points.

Ian Wright, senior fraud liaison manager with HSBC Merchant Services, spoke on avoiding costly commercial swindles – a talk that prompted many questions from retail delegates needing practical solutions.

Employment lawyer Nick Sheppard from Langleys solicitors asked whether employees are friend or foe before revealing a risk management strategy to avoid costly and time-consuming disputes. Mark Davies from Business Link then exposed and explained how businesses can access the latest grants, advice and other opportunities.

Revelations from the ‘shop floor’ by Rosslyn Boggis of RB Equestrian, a 2009 BETA/SEIB Retailer of the Year Award winner, were warmly received. Her account of how personal service can turn a difficult customer into a best customer particularly stuck a cord.

Rosslyn also highlighted the ways in which equestrian retailing has changed. "We mustn’t forget how grocers, bakers and fishmongers once said that supermarkets wouldn’t affect them," she said.

Primal Journey, a motivational presentation by polar expeditionist Tarka L’Herpiniere and former event rider and commercial model Katie-Jane Cooper, concentrated on turning survival techniques into business skills.

The pair recently completed a 4,500km trek along the Great Wall of China and are about to embark on a 30,000km adventure from geographic pole to pole by means of walking, cycling and ocean rowing.

"The theme of this year’s conference was to provide BETA members with constructive advice and opinion from experts operating across a wide range of other industries," said Claire Williams, executive director of the trade association.

"BETA is a keen advocate of professionalism and high standards in business; it just so happens that our members are involved with equestrian enterprise."

The BETA Conference always provides a great networking opportunity, with delegates making the most of lunch and refreshment breaks to intermingle and make new contacts.

Anne Brown of retailers T & C Robinson was paying her first visit to a BETA Conference. "I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it very useful," she said.

"What particularly appealed was that BETA had selected different subjects applicable to any business. When you’ve got your head down running a business, it’s easy to think ‘can I afford the time?’", added Anne.

"Tarka and Katie Jane were fabulous - very motivational; and the venue was gorgeous. The [conference] day was friendly too, people that came on their own found everyone very chatty and approachable."

Lucy Ward, of Horsemasters Distribution, said: "The speakers were excellent and provided good information. But I was disappointed by the amount of retailers that weren’t there. The trade association is for everyone and this was a very useful day."

Fraud specialist Ian Wright’s presentation proved especially topical for retailer Julia Andrews from Kate Negus Saddlery.

"It’s prompted me to put 3-D security onto our website," said Julia. "It was also pertinent to me personally because today I’ve found out that my credit card has been cloned!"

Julia added that even the smallest retailers shouldn’t "be scared" of attending future BETA Conferences. "I always think that if I come away with three relevant things, it’s been worthwhile. And I definitely did from this one.

"If shops are doing better, they will order more which in turn benefits the suppliers. So everyone stands to gain."

BETA AGM

The conference incorporated the BETA AGM, chaired by the trade association’s president Jane Holderness Roddam. BETA chairman Roger Cooper and executive director Claire Williams presented an annual report detailing a busy and productive year for BETA.

Elected unopposed to the BETA Council were David Stuart Monteith (Monty) of Belstane Marketing, Tremayne Roden of Aerborn, Richard Dewey of Battles and Malcolm Ainge of Shires.

Honorary BETA memberships were awarded to former chairman Rob Welch and retiring hon. treasurer Martin Loveday. Simon Parker is the new BETA hon. treasurer.