PRESS RELEASE
March 2018

Industry expert to talk digital
disruption at NMBS Conference 

The highly pertinent topic of digital disruption on the building materials market is set to feature on the agenda of the 2018 NMBS All-Industry Conference.

The subject will be covered by Neil Munz-Jones, who has recently been confirmed as a further speaker at the eagerly anticipated and sold-out event. 

A highly experienced consultant, facilitator and speaker, Neil has previously held director level positions at Kingfisher, B&Q and Caradon (now part of Honeywell).

In 2005, he set up his own specialist consultancy, mdj2, which advises organisations especially in the building and home improvement sector, on a wide range of topics. Neil has particular expertise in strategy, programme and change management.

Neil can also list being a published author amongst his achievements. Through his book, ‘The Reluctant Networker' and numerous talks delivered to audiences across Europe, he has helped to make networking easier and less intimidating for those who know they should partake in this important business activity but rather they didn't have to.

The topic of digital disruption on the building materials market is one that should resonate with most delegates and is an area in which Neil is especially well versed.

He will be supporting his points with information based on real world research and investigative work conducted by mdj2. 

His insights and advice will cover topics such as Amazon, omnichannel trading, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, RPA (robotic process automation) and much more.

Neil will also stage out breakout sessions for smaller groups of delegates looking for guidance or support with specific issues.

Commenting, Sam Hunt, events manager at NMBS, said: "Neil's appearance at the 2018 All-Industry strengthens an already impressive line-up of speakers from a wide variety of fields.

"His focus on the latest developments in the digital space and on the challenges and opportunities these present to the building sector will prove especially valuable. 

"There's no question that the emergence of new technologies is changing customer behaviour and the way many of us work. Neil will be hoping to equip delegates with the knowledge and foresight they need to prosper in this evolving business landscape."

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Images:

Neil Munz Jones.jpg

Caption:
Amazon, AI and more.David Munz-Jones will speak to delegates at the 2018 NMBS All-industry Conference about digital disruption on the building materials market.

For more information on this story, contact Wayne Leith atwayne.leith@nmbs.co.uk

Notes to editors:

• NMBS (National Merchant Buying Society) is the UK's largest buying group for independent builder's, plumbing and heating, timber and hardware merchants. 

• Since its formation over 50 years ago in 1963, NMBS has continued to grow and evolve. Today it represents more 1000 merchant members and enjoys collective buying power in excess of £1.7BN. It uses this buying power to negotiate favourable prices and terms for members from over 600 brand leading, building industry suppliers.

• Collectively, NMBS members operate more than 3000 branches nationwide and achieve annual sales of £7BN. This equates to approximately 40% of the value of the entire merchanting sector. 

• Further value-adding services offered by NMBS include credit insurance, marketing support and access to a dedicated and secure portal known as the ‘Report Centre'. This enables members and suppliers to deal with many day-to-day transactional requirements online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• NMBS also stages regular networking, knowledge sharing and trading events that bring together both its members and suppliers. These events include the NMBS Golf Day, the NMBS Gala Dinner, the NMBS Dinner Dance, the NMBS All-Industry Conference and the NMBS Exhibition.

• As part of its commitment to ‘Strengthening Independents', NMBS not only delivers services and events to enhance the profitability and success of its members but also acts as a voice and as a champion for the independent merchanting sector.

• For more information on NMBS, visit www.nmbs.co.uk