The event took place this January, at the Malmaison hotel, Birmingham. It was organised by the Harpers Wine & Spirits magazine, and was attended by representatives and owners of a number of independent wine merchants from all over England - including Hal Wilson, owner and managing director of Cambridge Wine Merchants.
The aim of the Top Merchants programme is to strengthen and train the independent wine trade and to help them adapt to the new market requirements.
The key speakers were Ruth Yates (Corks Out), Ted Sandbach (Oxford Wine Company), James Rackham (Arthur Rackham, Wine Rack, Emporia).
Amongst the various issues that were being treated during the day were the latest developments in law and health issues. Attendants were encouraged to work out strategies to face these challenges in discussion groups and teamwork.
According to Harpers Wine & Spirits editor Richard Siddle, independent wine merchants gathered to “stand up for themselves and recognise the great work they do individually and collectively.” They were also “urged to look outside their own area of expertise for ideas and inspiration.” Another aspect that was being stressed was the importance of cooperating closely with local media.
BBC food and drink broadcaster and former wine merchant Nigel Barden, who was one of the guest speakers, said “the gathering was a great opportunity to forge alliances with other merchants, to strengthen their united positions on buying, shipping, haulage, marketing, insurance and much more.”
The key speakers were Ruth Yates (Corks Out), Ted Sandbach (Oxford Wine Company), James Rackham (Arthur Rackham, Wine Rack, Emporia).
Amongst the various issues that were being treated during the day were the latest developments in law and health issues. Attendants were encouraged to work out strategies to face these challenges in discussion groups and teamwork.
According to Harpers Wine & Spirits editor Richard Siddle, independent wine merchants gathered to “stand up for themselves and recognise the great work they do individually and collectively.” They were also “urged to look outside their own area of expertise for ideas and inspiration.” Another aspect that was being stressed was the importance of cooperating closely with local media.
BBC food and drink broadcaster and former wine merchant Nigel Barden, who was one of the guest speakers, said “the gathering was a great opportunity to forge alliances with other merchants, to strengthen their united positions on buying, shipping, haulage, marketing, insurance and much more.”
