The IPG as they hold their second biennial conference at The National Space Centre
- Keynote speakers: Lee Wilcox, CEO of On The Tools, Linda Barker, interior designer & TV presenter, and Kate McCann, mother of missing Madeleine, who spoke on behalf of The IPG’s partnered charity, Missing People
- Exclusive invites to The IPG’s members, suppliers, and leading experts
- Conference during the day and gala dinner in evening for all guests
On Friday 20 September, The IPG held an out of this world event as they put on their 2019 space-themed conference at The National Space Centre in Leicester. The event brought together its suppliers, members, and leading industry experts.
To set the scene, The IPG is a membership group for plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists. Founded on the principle that independents in this sector should have a powerful presence in today’s competitive market place. The IPG now has over 200 locations nationwide and has recently celebrated the launch of two new IPG branded flagship stores across the UK (with one more planned for next month), with noteworthy support from local dignitaries, residents and press.
A stellar programme was in place at The National Space Centre, including; keynote speakers, supplier display areas and a special Apollo 11 moon landing anniversary cinema experience in the Planetarium. Lee Wilcox, CEO of On The Tools, delighted attendees with a talk on the construction industry before sharing one of On The Tools’ funniest viral videos. Celebrity interior designer, Linda Barker, also delivered an insightful talk on upcoming trends in bathroom designs.
Lee Wilcox commented: “I am honoured to be working with The IPG and for the opportunity to share the story of On The Tools with their members. Being involved in the industry myself, I am aware of the obstacles and challenges independent merchants can face, especially in today’s world.
The IPG’s conference was the ideal occasion to share my knowledge and reveal some tricks of the trade, and to bring people together. I am delighted to have been a keynote speaker for The IPG this September.”
The conference presentation recognised just how far The IPG, alongside its members and suppliers, have travelled in the last five years and unearthed the ways in which independent businesses need to think differently, and in the process, permit themselves to behave differently in order to stand out from the crowd.
Over 225 members and suppliers were in attendance. The day marked a reflection point, for all; reinforcing the importance of standing together, stronger.
The evening event kicked off with a poignant talk from Kate McCann, mother of missing Madeleine, and Ross Miller, of the Missing People charity, who were there to talk about #FindEveryChild, and to thank IPG members for all their incredible fundraising efforts this year, which included select members taking part in a pursuit to ‘Orbit the Moon’, completing the 54-mile London to Brighton bike ride, as well as displaying collection tins in their stores and showrooms all year round. There was also silent auction on the night, which helped to raise a further £4,702 for the charity.
The conference was followed by drinks and a gala dinner held at the Leicester Marriot Hotel, where keynote speaker and mind reader, David Meade, compèred the evening and conducted the Member Award Ceremony, which celebrated some of the IPG’s deserving members.
Nike Lovell, Marketing Manager at The IPG, added: “This year’s conference was a fantastic event, and I’m thrilled that our members, suppliers and The IPG team were able to come together to exchange ideas, discuss emerging challenges, develop relationships and explore all the opportunities available to them through The IPG.
We are shaping the future for independents, and to have everything we’ve worked together with our members on this year, such as the launch of our three flagship stores, culminate in this fantastic event, is the pinnacle of a great year. I’d especially like to thank our three keynote speakers, Lee Wilcox, Linda Barker and Kate McCann, who captivated our members with their talks, and helped made sure the day was a complete success.”