Ei Group’s successful initiative that gives industry suppliers of all sizes the opportunity to showcase their products and services to the business is returning in 2020.
The monthly supplier ‘Open Morning’ sessions were launched in summer 2018 and saw prospective new suppliers given a 20-minute slot in which to pitch their product or service to key members of Ei Group’s Procurement Team.
Over the past 18 months, the team has received presentations from over 100 suppliers which share the company’s focus on pub retailing excellence across a number of categories. Those that have been successful include a range of brewers, snack manufacturers, spirits producers, catering equipment providers, and POS and menu suppliers.
The ‘Open Morning’ programme will return on 29 January at Ei Group’s Pub Support Centre in Solihull and then be repeated monthly.
Miles Selby, Procurement Director at Ei Group, said: “Since launching our ‘Open Mornings’ initiative we’ve gone on to work with some innovative and committed companies of all sizes that help support our publicans in running successful businesses at the heart of their communities. We’d very much encourage more suppliers to attend if they feel they can help give our publicans the edge in the year ahead when it comes to driving footfall and sales.”
Brett Stephens, Account Manager at Clearwater Brewery, who attended last year, said: “The trip to Solihull for the supplier session with Ei Group proved well worth the effort. We were soon advised that our beers would be included in some of the group’s ‘On The Dray’ promotions. Our beers have gone national, giving us great exposure and dealing with the team has been easy. Not bad for a 20-minute meeting!”
Any prospective new suppliers should email: CategoryTeam@eigroupplc.com for further information and dates of the ‘Open Morning’ sessions.