Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, explains why this year’s Annual Industry Conference is particularly crucial.
As I write, the UK General Election has just been announced. If the forecasts are correct, they mean we stand at the precipice of a new political era. The decisions made at the ballot box will inevitably shape the trajectory of our economy and, by extension, the bathroom industry.
Therefore, this year’s BMA Industry Conference, themed ‘Building Growth’, is timely. Taking place on September 16th and 17th at the Queens Hotel in Leeds, it promises to reflect on political shifts and answer how we can collectively foster growth.
Our nation’s housing crisis remains one of the most pressing challenges. The imperative to ‘get Britain building’ has implications for everyone from manufacturers, designers and architects to installers and plumbers. The housing shortage affects us all, and the conference will serve as a vital forum for discussing how to alleviate this issue while driving our industry forward.
This year’s lineup of expert speakers is particularly noteworthy. Jo Salter, famed for becoming the first female fast jet pilot and now a motivational speaker, will open with a session on ‘The Growth Mindset’, setting the tone for proactive thinking. Her insights will be invaluable as we navigate the complexities of fostering growth in a competitive market. Following Jo, we will hear from Mohammed Chaudhri, Experian’s Chief Economist and Director of Market Intelligence, who will delve into the economic outlook. Mohammed’s expertise will critically analyse whether growth is a realistic expectation in the current economic and political climate, offering us a grounded perspective on what lies ahead.
One of the conference highlights will be ‘The Big Debate’, a panel discussion focusing on what we can do to get Britain building and the role of bathroom manufacturers. This debate is a thought-provoking session where industry leaders discuss actionable strategies to boost housing development, highlighting the relationship between housing growth and a thriving bathroom sector.
The construction of new homes presents a significant opportunity for our industry. A surge in building activity drives demand for bathroom products and spurs innovation and collaboration. From cutting-edge designs to sustainable solutions, the growth potential is immense.
I urge you to book your delegate places early for what promises to be an insightful and inspiring event. Join us in Leeds to engage with industry peers, learn from leading experts, and explore how the government plans to tackle our nation’s growth challenges.
More information can be found on the BMA Industry Conference website.