Some of the key technologists in the UK for the retail sector are coming together to share and develop ideas for improvements on important topics such as outsourcing and the importation of tabletop goods thanks to an initiative by CERAM.

A number of major high street retailers, suppliers and tabletop manufacturers will be attending.

The retail interest group, which was launched last year has already proved to be of value and has already attracted a large amount of interest from high street retailers and their suppliers.

Nigel Leak of CERAM explains: ”The interest group grew out of the large willingness of retail sector members, suppliers and manufacturers to explore together on such issues as means of improving the auditing process and reducing the timeframe from product conception to sale on the high street.”

The net benefit for participating companies is identifying means of improving the efficiency and ultimately the profitability of the buying process without compromising the competitive nature of the business.

The next meeting of the retail interest group, will be in September. Any high street retailer, supplier or tabletop manufacturer is welcome to attend.

Later this year it is proposed to launch a parallel interest group for the users and distributors of tiles and fixing products.

Further details on both the interest group for tabletop items and tiles are available from Nigel Leak on +44 (0)1782 764233 (nigel.leak@ceram.com).