This year looks to be more challenging than most.  It is nigh on impossible to avoid reports of an impending economic slowdown, or worse still, a full-blown recession. But whatever the future might hold, retailers can prepare themselves by better understanding the challenges and actively identifying where opportunities still exist. And believe me, they do still exist.

A time to talk

To gain a valuable insight into these opportunities, you need only attend the Annual Industry Conference in Portugal between 27 and 29 April. 

The Annual Industry Conference is organised by retra for the benefit of the whole industry.  With no hidden agendas, this is the very best place to listen to experts, debate problems and come up with practical solutions. 

Billed as "A Time to Talk" - part of retra President Peter Mann's theme for the year - there will be a diverse range of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and fellow retailers at the event for you to meet and exchange views with.

There will also be an impressive line-up of speakers, covering both the brown and white goods sectors.

We are delighted to welcome Stephen Robertson to this year's conference.  He was recently appointed director-general of the BRC, and will give a candid report on the future of the high street, including what path we might find ourselves venturing down in the months to come.

John Clare, former chief executive of DSG International is also a welcome addition this year.  Having retired in September after 13 years at the helm of Currys, Dixons and PC World, John looks forward to sharing his accumulated knowledge and experience with the independent retail sector. 

Denver Hewlett, chief executive of Glen Dimplex Home Appliances and Jamie Lennox, managing director of Home-tek International Ltd will take time out of their busy schedules to demonstrate how there is still good money to be made in the white goods market, despite the ongoing volatility of the economy.

While on the brown goods front, Chris Lucas, sales and marketing director for Toshiba will have much to say about the relationship between manufacturers, products and retailers.

Peter Bowden, will look at the industry from an independent retailer's perspective and Richard Hammond, a leading marketing consultant and motivational speaker will impart some pearls of wisdom on how to improve the profitability of your business.

A representative from market analyst GfK will examine trends in the marketplace, while Mike Chandler, managing director of ASTRA (GB) Ltd will give an overview of the evolving satellite platform.

Geoff Woodman, former group field sales director for the Indesit Company, will chair the conference, which all adds up to be a thoroughly enjoyable and informative event. 

A time to relax

Not that it will be all about business.  Delegates can look forward to a drinks reception with live entertainment on the Sunday evening, and the event will close on Tuesday with a black tie gala dinner.    

The Monday and Tuesday afternoons will be free for you to reflect on the morning sessions or join an excursion to the cultural centres of Faro and Albufeira. Partners are also catered for, with luxurious spa treatments available at discount prices, and a special tour of the famous winery that produces Sir Cliff Richard's wine. The great news is that this fantastic package will not cost an arm and a leg - or even just an arm.  The conference price, including Faro airport transfers, drinks, entertainment, most meals and five-star accommodation, is only £695 per couple. 

Coming from a retail background, I understand all too well that it can be difficult for retailers to take time out of their busy day-to-day activities.  But you do not trade in isolation.  There are many market forces at work, and I can assure you that by investing time in understanding these, you can reap real and tangible rewards.  It's all about staying that one step ahead of the competition. 

I am looking forward to my first retra Annual Industry Conference and I very much hope to share the experience with you.  If knowledge is power, then this conference will be explosive.

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