Press Room: 05 Jul 10
NEC boss keynote speaker at Federation AGM
NEC Group Chief Executive Paul Thandi was the keynote speaker at the British Jewellery, Giftware and Finishing Federation’s AGM which was held in June at the Welcombe Hotel near Stratford-Upon-Avon.
In an interesting and far-ranging talk Thandi told his audience, which included many members of The Giftware Association, that the industries represented by the BJGF are important to the success of the fast-changing NEC.
He said “There has been a shift in economic power from West to East and the UK’s economy needs to ensure that it remains competitive. A vital part of that competitive offer is our export industry. That is why the BJGF and its work is not only important to us, but also the UK economy. We have a longstanding relationship with the Federation that increasingly influences our business and by working together we can multiply that influence for us, the BJGF and its members. We need to keep working in partnership to ensure that we offer world leading services that add value to not only our customers who exhibit at The NEC, but also to our customers’ customer, i.e. the visitor.”
Mr Thandi also revealed his plans to further develop the NEC site with the creation of ‘Resorts World at The NEC’, a mixed-used Leisure and Entertainment Complex to be created in partnership with experienced leisure operator Genting. The development, which is set to include entertainment, retail food and bars, a 200+ room four and five star hotel offering, spa and the UK’s first daylight casino, is expected to generate around 1,000 jobs for the West Midlands and will clearly create some exciting new facilities for exhibitors and visitors alike.
Also speaking at the AGM was the GA’s Chairman, Michael Sweeney, who gave a run down of the Association’s recent activities. He said: “The GA has performed well over the past year. We added 166 new members in 2009, have welcomed 65 new members this year and have experienced a much higher retention rate compared to previous years.”
During his presentation Michael explained many of the initiatives that have made The GA so important to its members. These include better communications, particularly through the website and digital marketing, a greater and more effective presence at the major trade events, effective lobbying, trade show discounts for suppliers and added value facilities for retailers, along with other initiatives to bring members together.
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