28 - VHS, 'Business Conference': Partners in Success

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28 - VHS, 'Business Conference': Partners in Success

Held at the Cumberland Hotel, London 21-22 Sep 1994 with delegates from store, Head Office management, suppliers and eight focus groups from across the country. Introduction by Keith Oates (Deputy Chairman and joint MD) who focuses on partnerships and huge potential to grasp opportunities. M&S has fifth highest profits of any retailer in the world. Computer technology is increasing and the M&S international supply base is envy of retailers around world. The key challenge is to develop supply base and sustain international business. Also includes: Andrew Stone (joint MD) on how we can successfully fulfil customers' desires. Brian Godbold (Divisional Director) on product strategy. Jim Stokes (Divisional Director) on garment construction and manufacture. He states that M&S is a world leader on colour management. Projected sales of £280m of ladies lingerie before Christmas. Gary McCracken (joint MD) on food sales last year representing 40% of company's turnover. 800 new lines were introduced this year in loose produce and introduction of new spend and save initiative. Joe Rowe (Divisional Director) on developing bigger food sections with an increase of 100,000 sq feet added in stores. Discusses expected sales in run-up to Christmas. Peter Salsbury (joint MD) on Stores, Systems and People. Talks of expanding edge of town stores and how 40 million people across the country will soon be within a 40 minute drive of a store. Large investment in the north west by footage development, modernisation & commitment to high street. New point of sale system was to be introduced plus electronic mail, as well as changes in Training and Development. Keith Oates on overseas business sales and profits. With video link to Chris Littmoden (Executive Director) in Canada who spoke about the international franchise group. Video report from Asia with Paul Smith (Executive Director). Sir Richard Greenbury also speaks towards the end of the session. After the conference, the delegates were to visit Marble Arch to sample new lines in food, see new merchandise and compare notes. Running Time: 38m 12s 3 copies

Date: 1994

Reference Number: P10/1/28

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