BMA MATTERS

ANOTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCE SUCCESS FOR BMA

Behaviour change, sustainable products, change of mindset, digitalisation and globalisation were just a few of the topics discussed at this year’s Bathroom & Kitchen Business Conference.

The annual event has been designed to expand the minds of its delegates and this year was no exception.

The agenda, designed with the Circular Economy in mind, lived up to its promises with speakers carefully selected to inform, provoke reaction and inspire the audience.

The conference, hosted by BBC News presenter Sophie Long, was kicked off by Chris Goodall, whose presentation focused on climate change and how business can become ‘green’. Chris informed delegates that consumer attitudes are the key to driving climate change.

Chris was followed by behavioural scientist Marc Atherton, who examined how businesses can influence behaviour change in their consumers. “Companies need to make it easy, desirable, rewarding and habitual for consumers to buy sustainable products,” he told delegates.

Tim Pollard, Head of Sustainability at Wolseley UK, spoke about the issue of Circular Economy from the view of a merchant. Tim noted that“ If you accept

there are finite materials, that demand WILL exceed supply - the circular economy gains momentum”. Tim also spoke of how the circular economy could change entire business models creating new jobs, new business opportunities, save the manufacturer money and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. Tim was followed by Sustainability Policy Advisor for Construction Products Association – Jane Thornback. Jane focused on Megatrends and how the competition for resources is not going away. Rising standards, urbanisation, globalisation and digitalisation are changing the world we live in – “The Circular Economy is really just an understanding of how we use resources.”

Professor Margaret Bates, a leading professor of sustainable waste management at the University of Northampton spoke on how waste management fits into the Circular Economy. Noting that the European Economy could save £630 billion each year through better use of resources.

Julia Hailes MBE, business consultant and speaker on social, consumer and ethical issues closed the afternoon session with a stirring account of how “businesses must be committed to eliminating negative impact to the environment” stating that sustainability is good for business with a need for industry to look hard at the role they play in society.

The full day of presentations was brought to a close with a keynote from motivational speaker Steve Head. Talking about making the “1% difference” and how rather than do one thing 20% better we should strive to do 20 things 1% better. By the end of Steve's presentation the audience were left with the mind set of

being the best person they can be and one number in their minds…149!

The day’s events concluded with the annual Gala Dinner and Media Awards. Paul Massey, the BMA President took to the stage to announce the winners of this year’s awards which had been democratically selected by the BMA membership.

A post conference survey has revealed that 93% of people will attend next year… Will you be there?

www.bathroom-association.org The winners were: Best Trade Magazine Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business Best Consumer Magazine Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms Best Trade Journalist/Editor Tim Wallace Best Consumer Journalist/Editor Ruth Bell Best Digital Contribution KBBDaily Best Exhibition Sleep