More than 80 delegates – including a record number of retailers – attended the 2019 British Equestrian Trade Association Conference arrived at the De Vere Staverton Estate hotel, near Daventry, Northamptonshire, last week.
The event saw a vibrant line-up of speakers, with presentations under the theme ‘Fact or Fiction – Using Data to Drive Your Business’.
Onswitch research manager Sophie Curtis explored the customer experience and provided tips and advice to help retailers stay ahead of competitors.
Amanda Chadwick, of Croner, gave a thought-provoking presentation on changes in employment law set for 2020.
NEW AWARD
Doug Walker, president of the Weatherbeeta Group in the UK, mainland Europe, the Middle East and US, explained the importance of marketing in helping to promote a business in his presentation, ‘You Are Wasting Half of Your Marketing Budget – But Which Half?’
He also introduced a new BETA Business Award – the TSM Marketing Effectiveness Award – and encouraged companies to enter.
Public affairs consultant John Arnold provided a tour of the political climate as a general election and possible new referendum looked likely.
Retail consultant Sara Blackshaw’s presentation, ‘The True Value of Your Store’s Stock’, looked at the changing face of retailing in terms of stores and the way in which customers had more choice in the way they buy.
Social media expert Michelle Goodall’s presentation, ‘Driving Sales with Social Media Advertising’, provided a whistle-stop tour of the world of s-commerce and social selling.
“Our speakers have proved incredibly popular, with topics that really seem to have hit the spot,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams. “We have had some great feedback from delegates – about the presentations and the venue, which has scored highly on all counts.
“The conference is a fantastic opportunity for different sectors of the industry to get together, network and gather expert information and advice to help them run their own businesses more effectively.”
