The strength of Armitage Shanks as a trusted trade partner was reinforced with hundreds of key decision-makers at the annual Highbourne Group Conference.
Held at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool, the conference offered an opportunity to engage directly with 300 branch managers and 150 more from commercial teams working for the group’s brands City Plumbing and PTS.
The event enabled our trade colleagues to reinforce how Armitage Shanks supports the key OTC (over-the-counter) and RMI (repair, maintenance and improvement) sales to plumbers and builders.
Conversations centred on simplifying product choice in branch, supporting distressed purchase missions and ensuring strong availability of core, dependable lines.
Representing Villeroy & Boch Group were Alex Hooley, Channel Director – Trade, and Andrew Long, Key Account Manager for City Plumbing, who used the event to strengthen relationships and align more closely with the realities faced by branches serving installers every day.
Alex said: “This was a great opportunity to show, very clearly, where Armitage Shanks adds value for City Plumbing and PTS.
“Speaking directly with branch managers helps us understand what really matters at the counter and reinforces why we’re seen as a reliable, go-to brand for RMI.”
Andrew added: “The quality of engagement was excellent. Branch teams were open about their challenges, and the conversations showed real appetite for solutions that make life easier in branch.
“That kind of insight is invaluable in strengthening our partnerships and shaping how we support the business going forward.”
The event also underlined Highbourne Group’s strong emphasis on supplier partnerships and long-term collaboration, reinforcing the importance of visibility and engagement at this level.