In collaboration with the National Insulation Association (NIA), and sponsored by The Retrofit Academy, last week saw our first Supply Chain Speed Networking Event take place in Birmingham.
With 300 individual appointments held between 120 attendees from 50 different companies, the event successfully achieved its aim of connecting NHDG members with the wider supply chain – including NIA members – in order to drive growth and achieve net zero.
Derek Horrocks, chair of the NHDG, said: “This event was a well-planned opportunity to foster connections, collaborations and commercial relationships that are integral to delivering decarbonisation at scale.
“As our industry is so people-focussed, taking the time to come together and invest time in one another is always beneficial. The positive response we have had speaks volumes of all attendee’s determination to lead our industry forward in the right direction and with the necessary ‘can do’ mentality.”
The Retrofit Academy states that as strategic skills partner of the NHDG, it is committed to supporting the development, knowledge and skills of professionals and organisations across the retrofit sector – making it a suitable sponsor for this occasion. Our Supply Chain Speed Networking Event was an ideal opportunity to demonstrate its commitment and many of our members benefitted from engaging with the The Retrofit Academy through its representatives who attended on the day.
Derek continued: “A big thanks to all who came along and to the Retrofit Academy, which sponsored the event. Its ambition to progress and support green skills is key if we are to have the right people to decarbonise our homes and pave the way for a healthier, net zero future.
The formation of the National Home Decarbonisation Group in July has shown real progress, and we look forward to further collaboration across industry at our Parliamentary Reception next month in the prestigious House of Lords.”
During the day, we spoke to some of attendees – who shared positive thoughts on the purpose of the event and the execution.
Lee Hamil, chief revenue officer at Bell Group, an NHDG member, said: “We’re really proud to be part of the NHDG and delighted to be here at the first event. It’s been really insightful meeting lots of the different potential supply chain partners in the decarbonisation and retrofit space. I have had some really good conversations and I look forward to the follow up off the back of today’s event.”
Andrew Woodruff, managing director at Arrow Insulation & Energy Solutions, an NIA member, said: “Today we’ve come to Birmingham to meet various suppliers and contractors at the Supply Chain Speed Networking Event, we’ve met some great people today and learned some valuable bits of information which we’ll take away. Hopefully we’ll form some great long-lasting relationships which should lead to good business going forward.”
