AIEW AGM & TRADE SHOW 2007

AIEW

Another complete success was the way outgoing Executive Chairman of Buying Group Associated Independent Electrical Wholesalers, David Dunning described this year’s AIEW AGM and Trade Show.

Some 191 members and suppliers sat down to an evening meal on Saturday 13th October at Whittlebury Hall near Silverstone Northamptonshire. The evening was hosted by Andy Gardner, AIEW’s Chief Executive.

During the evening meal David toasted the health of the suppliers. He added that AIEW has now been in existence for nearly seven years and that the Group’s continuing success had been initiated by the bravery of AIEW’s founder members and suppliers. This has been maintained by the vitality of all members and the addition of further quality suppliers. The Group’s success is a tribute to the genuine partnership between members and suppliers.
David informed the gathering that he will retire as Executive Chairman on 31st December 2007 then continue as Non Executive Chairman for a further year. Anne Dunning will step down as Company Secretary at the same time and will also continue for a further year as a non Executive Director. He thanked the suppliers for their initial and ongoing support to the Group.

Will Rich of Wiska, a founder supplier to the Group, responded on behalf of the suppliers saying that David had been well known for many years within the electrical manufacturing and wholesale industries. AIEW would not have got off the ground or grown to its current size without him. His impending retirement from AIEW would result in the electrical industry loosing a wealth of experience and well regarded person and he wished him a happy retirement.

AIEW thanks its suppliers for their help and support for this years trade show & AGM

After a pleasant meal in good company, the evening culminated in a hilarious and inventive act by “Men in Coats” which kept the room in fits of laughter during their performance. It was easy to see why they have been in such demand from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2002 through touring across the Globe and a Royal Variety Show.

AIEW Members’ Supplier of the Year 2007 awards were announced by Andy Gardner

Scolmore were announced as winners with Peter Hyatt collecting the award.

Ansell a regular in the top 3 were awarded second place.

Aurora third in their first full year as a supplier to the Group.

Dancing continued until midnight at which time the hardy ones retired to the bar until the early hours to network and chat (at least that’s what they told their wives and partners)

The AGM proper started at 09.45 Sunday morning. The 2006 accounts were presented and approved. David reported that suppliers had informed him that turnover with them was growing year on year at between 15% and 35% resulting in increased rebate payments currently growing at over 40% a year. He reiterated this could only continue to be achieved if members continued working in partnership with and buying from partner suppliers. He reported membership was still growing, currently having 75 members with 3 more likely to be joining within weeks.

Edition 7 of the AIEW Members Catalogue