BBC's Nigel Barden on Top Merchants programme

Details: Published on Sunday, 16 May 2010 16:01; Written by Richard Siddle

Nigel Barden, former wine merchant and BBC food and drink broadcaster, was co-chair of the first Top Merchants seminar in Birmingham. Here he gives his memories of the day and offers his advice on how they can get the most of out of their stores

It was a voyage of vinous discovery as Britain's Top Independent Merchants gathered in Brum.

Obviously there was a fair amount of discussion as to what a Top Merchant is and how they came to qualify to be one. From my view to even be in the room was a measure of their success and those invited should give themselves a congratulatory hug. But merchants should try and get out of the office more, as that's when the majority of light bulb igniting moments of inspiration occur.

The Top Merchants gathering was a great opportunity to forge alliances with other merchants to strengthen their united positions on buying, shipping, haulage, marketing, insurance and much more.

The day fairly fizzed along with Harpers editor, Richard Siddle, kickstarting events by emphasising that although Harpers had set the event up and established the initial structure to proceedings, the future agenda for Top Merchants should be driven by those invited.

Retailers should get involved with their community advocated Ruth Yates of Corks Out and that opening shops in supposedly wealthy areas actually means customers demanding 35% discount on Cristal.

Direct Debit is the way forward according to the owner of the Oxford Wine Co, Ted Sandbach, who warned suppliers who offer you exclusivity and then whose wines pop up in the vicinity, should be black listed.

James Rackham had thought his future lay solely in premium spirits through his company Emporia Brands, but in the space of twelve days last October he put together a deal to buy 13 Wine Rack shops in the London area and so has ended up back in the retail drinks world.

I'm sure the Top Merchants have also had their fair share of surprises over the years and many arrived in the business via a circuitous, and often adventurous, route, but they are now part of an elite band, who I have no doubt will take this talented conglomerate to some exciting and enterprising places.....and it gets them out of the office.

It was a pleasure to have been present at the birth.