Independent Network from Veka is putting the final plans into place for its members’ weekend, which will be held on Saturday June 16 at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire.

Head of partner programmes Karen Lund said: “We’re always encouraging member companies to come together for training events and such, to discuss business, share ideas and celebrate their success, and the ‘big event’ on the ‘IN’ calendar is the members’ weekend.

“This annual event has always gone down a storm, as it combines a valuable, business-boosting afternoon with a celebratory, black-tie awards evening.

“The day’s attendees will get the chance to visit the Affiliate Business Centre and discuss the great products and services available through IN’s affiliate partners. There are 18 affiliates exhibiting so far, covering topics such as qualifications, health and safety, legal advice, hardware and associated installer products.

“These are services/products/discounts exclusively available to Independent Network members and make up part of the reason that members have such great buying power compared to other local, independent companies.”

Guests will then attend the AGM to hear all the latest developments and marketing news from the organisation. This year, the conference will be hosted by business consultant Specialist Jeff Grout, who is listed among the 100 best business speakers in Britain.

The conference will provide another opportunity for companies to get to grips with the new online marketing portal, where Veka and Halo installers can find a one-stop-shop for marketing support.

“We’ve even offered all attendees a fantastic £300 voucher to spend on their marketing,” Karen said.

“Later, we’ll be joined by football presenter Chris Kamara to present the evening’s awards at the black-tie gala dinner. The regional results have, as always, proved to be incredibly close, so it will be exciting to see who claims the trophies for this year.

“As these awards celebrate the successes of our finest IN members up and down the country, we thought that the ‘Best of British’ would be a very apt theme, and it will give us all the chance to try a host of specially selected gins, beers, wine and whisky while we dance the night away.”

Sponsors for the weekend include: ERA, Dugdale, Standring Brothers, EWS, Baerlocher, Vestolit, Chick Plastics, and Prefix.