At its Q1 results announcement in June, Sainsbury’s revealed that its like-for-like sales were up 8.2% (excluding fuel) on a two-year basis, while also reconfirming its ambitious targets of an additional 1.45 million sq ft of new space in 2010/2011.

Furthermore, with a proven strategy now in place around growing complementary non-food and services and reaching more customers through additional channels (such as online and convenience), the business is in a strong place and continues to leverage its dual ‘value and values’ positioning in the market.

The recent management changes at Sainsbury’s also signal the retailer’s intention to get behind the growth opportunities that exist; with the creation of a new position as Group Development Director for Darren Shapland, while Mike Coupe’s new role as Commercial Director means that he adds marketing to his previous remit of trading, IT and online.

In what will be Sainsbury's first and biggest supplier communication event of 2011, the Sainsbury's Trade Briefing 2011 will give both grocery and non-food suppliers the opportunity to learn how they can work even more closely with the retailer in the year ahead.

The impressive line up includes the following senior Sainsbury’s speakers:

• Justin King, Chief Executive
• Mike Coupe, Commercial Director
• Darren Shapland, Group Development Director
• Luke Jensen, Managing Director Non-Food
• Helen Buck, Convenience Director
• Simon Twigger, Business Unit Director Fresh & Frozen Foods
• Paul Mills-Hicks, Business Unit Director Grocery
• Tanya Lawler, Director of Direct Channels
• Andrew Mann, Director of Insight & Loyalty

In addition, there are several new additions to the main programme for this year’s event, including:

• A discussion session with both Mike Coupe and Justin King
   
• Three separate streams before lunch covering Grocery, Fresh & Frozen and Non-Food. These will include sessions from both the Business Unit Directors and category teams, giving you the insight you need at a Business Unit level and sharing best practice and what it takes to win with the commercial teams
   
• Insight on the opportunities ahead from Group Development Director, Darren Shapland
   
• A practical guide on how to leverage the power of the Nectar scheme from Andrew Mann
  

For both new and existing suppliers, this is an unmissable event in what will be Sainsbury's first and biggest supplier communication event of 2011. With prices held yet again, this event represents fantastic value for money. Don't miss out, book your places today!