Owen Harris’s Road Diary

A Journey Through UK Trade Shows and Industry Events

Owen Harris’s Road Diary. As the leaves began to turn and the air grew crisp, Owen Harris from Granby’s Business Development team shared highlights from his Road Diary after embarking on a whirlwind tour of some of the UK’s most prestigious trade shows and industry events.

September and October 2024 were bustling months, filled with opportunities to connect, learn, and innovate.

Owen says “You never know which conversation will spark the next big idea or opportunity. It’s these unexpected insights that make attending these events so valuable for Granby.”

Here’s a detailed look at Owen’s journey of more than 2,700 miles through these vibrant events.

Autumn Fair at the NEC

Kicking off the season, Owen attended the Autumn Fair at the NEC in Birmingham on September 2nd. This event is a cornerstone for the home, gift, and fashion industries, showcasing a plethora of new products.

For Granby, a leader in 3PL and contract packing, this was a golden opportunity to explore potential collaborations. Owen engaged with numerous suppliers, discussing how Granby’s expertise in logistics could enhance the handling and fulfillment of the innovative products on display. The conversations were promising, setting the stage for future partnerships and solutions.

London Packaging Week

Next on Owen’s itinerary was London Packaging Week at the ExCel on September 11th. This event was a hub for discussions on sustainability and luxury branding in packaging. Owen, along with his colleagues, attended insightful sessions that sparked ideas on balancing sustainability, inclusivity, and cost. A highlight of these shows is always catching up with industry colleagues, in this case with Emma Verkaik (pictured) from BCMPA and attending a session by Waqas Qureshi (Editor, Packaging News) on inclusive packaging. The team left inspired, specifically around the topic of inclusive packaging. But overall, ready to take on board new learnings and build on this dialogue with industry peers.

eCommerce Expo 2024

Returning to the ExCeL on September 18th, Owen and Victoria Pittman, Granby’s Head of Client Services and Business Development, delved into the world of eCommerce. The expo was a treasure trove of innovations, with sessions on optimising the delivery experience and integrating AI in eCommerce. Notable speakers included Grace Thomson from The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade and Stacey Van Den Aardweg from Amazon. The insights gained were invaluable, reinforcing Granby’s commitment to staying ahead in the eCommerce landscape.

Procurement and Supply Chain Live

On September 24th, Owen participated in the virtual Procurement and Supply Chain Live event. This dynamic two-day conference brought together over 3,800 experts, featuring globally renowned speakers. Owen engaged in sessions led by industry leaders like Regina Arriagada from Nestlé and Nikita Plotnikov from Nike. These sessions delivered real insight into procurement optimisation and sustainability. The event offered a unique opportunity to network and learn from some of the most respected figures in the industry, further enhancing Granby’s strategic approach to supply chain management.

PPMA Show

Back at the NEC on September 26th, Owen attended the PPMA Show, the largest processing and packaging machinery exhibition in the UK. This event showcased the latest in processing and packaging machinery, robotics, and industrial vision systems. Owen explored innovations across various sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, and FMCG. The show provided a platform to network with potential suppliers and technical experts, offering new ideas and solutions that could benefit Granby’s operations and client offerings.

UK Packaging Awards

October 10th saw Owen attending the UK Packaging Awards dinner at the iconic Grosvenor House in London. Granby was shortlisted for Co-Manufacturing and Packer of the Year, a testament to their excellence in the packaging industry. The event was a celebration of innovation, providing a platform to connect with peers and industry leaders. Owen, seen here at the Awards along with Victoria Pittman and Caroline Noblett, relished the opportunity to network and celebrate the achievements within the packaging sector.

Responsible Packaging Expo

On October 15th, Owen explored the Responsible Packaging Expo at the ExCeL, focusing on sustainability and environmental impact. The Expo highlighted innovations in packaging that align with Granby’s commitment to sustainable practices. Engaging with exhibitors and attending sessions, Owen gathered insights on enhancing the client journey through eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Garden Centre Expo

The final stop on Owen’s tour (so far!) was the Garden Centre Expo on October 16th. This event brought together suppliers and brands from the garden retail industry, offering a comprehensive look at products ranging from food and beverages to pet supplies. Owen had fruitful discussions on how Granby could support these brands with storage and distribution solutions. A standout session on ‘Navigating Success: Building a Thriving Business’ provided valuable strategies for growth and efficiency in the garden retail sector.

Looking Ahead

Owen’s journey through these trade shows and industry events was not just about showcasing Granby’s capabilities but also about absorbing the latest trends and innovations. The connections made and insights gained are instrumental as Granby continues to lead in the 3PL, contract packing, and promotional marketing sectors. As the trade show season winds down, the excitement and momentum from these events propel Granby forward ready to tackle new challenges and opportunities in the industry.

Owen concludes, “The energy and innovation at each trade show are palpable. It’s worth every mile travelled to be at the forefront of industry trends and to bring back fresh ideas to our team.”