sheda-headshotThe British storage and handling industry is set to ‘shut down’ for one special day in May.

That’s because anyone who’s anyone will be attending the Storage & Handling Equipment Distributors’ Association’s (SHEDA) AGM, according to association president, Mike Lynch.

The annual event, which returns to the Stratford Manor Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon on Friday May 15, is being heralded as the major industry highlight of 2009.

Interest in this year’s event is expected to outstrip even last year’s record attendance, when 78 Member companies gathered at the Stratford Manor Hotel. Organisers also expect to see more women from the industry than ever before.

Highlights for 2009 will include the SHEDA awards, presented each year as public recognition of the outstanding service provided by SHEDA members across the UK and Ireland.

Voting procedures for the SHEDA ‘Oscars’ awards have been changed for this year to reflect the need for a broader range of services required by distributor members and include Supplier of the Year 2008.

The nomination process has been simplified and streamlined. Based on members’ trading experiences in 2008, they have been asked to vote for five companies in total.

The Shield of Honour Award will be presented to the company that has shown the most improved service over the previous year, and the SHEDA Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of an individual’s industry contribution.

But who’s getting the new Wooden Spoon award? Distributors are also being asked to report on lack-lustre service. The information will be treated as confidential by the SHEDA office, but poor performance will be notified to supplier companies in strictest confidence!

SHEDA President Mike Lynch said: “SHEDA members recognise that when trading conditions are at their toughest, rewarding quality and excellence of service matters most. We are also supporting our members vigorously and equipping them with marketing tools and materials to promote their investment in best practice.

“SHEDA has never been stronger, with membership representing a very high proportion of all storage and handling companies in the UK and Ireland.

“The SHEDA AGM provides a once-a-year-only opportunity to network with some of the most influential figures in the industry, pay tribute to the people who are helping to drive forward standards and get the latest industry updates.

“Not surprisingly, we’re expecting the rest of the country to be very quiet on May 15.”

SHEDA members, to secure your place at this year’s event, call SHEDA secretary Sharon Parker on 0121 454 4141. Visit www.sheda.org.uk for more information.

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