Hosted at B&Q’s Head Office in Eastleigh, this is the second in a series of Buyer Connect events scheduled for 2026. Designed to build strategic supplier–retailer relationships, these sessions give GIMA members valuable and direct access to senior buyers, enabling them to expand their networks, unlock commercial opportunities, and accelerate growth.

This Buyer Connect event will support B&Q’s ongoing drive to strengthen its sustainability credentials. The retailer has supplied the following brief:

“We want to make sustainable choices easier for our customers, helping them to create healthier, more sustainable homes. We’re building on our heritage of looking after people and our planet. We were a founding member of the Forest Stewardship Council 30 years ago and we’ve led the industry when it comes to peat-free compost, removing harmful chemicals and developing low VOC water-based paints.”

In line with this ambition, the B&Q team is keen to explore innovative products and new category opportunities that empower customers to improve their homes and gardens sustainably. They are particularly interested in hearing from GIMA members with ranges that support this mission. Both stocked and dropship product propositions will be considered.

How to participate

• Exclusive to GIMA members – each approved supplier will receive a dedicated 25-minute meeting with the B&Q buying team. Additional appointments may be booked where multiple categories apply.
• Attendance – a maximum of two company representatives per session.
• Application deadline – Friday 16th January 2026. Interested members must complete the application form and submit it to info@gima.org.uk. Companies with multiple categories should provide separate applications for each range.
• B&Q approval – all applications are subject to review and confirmation by the B&Q team. Meeting times will be advised by GIMA once selections have been made.

The cost for taking part in the above sessions:

GIMA Members: Free