CIH celebrated its 50th anniversary recently with an event in London, which cumulated in a gala dinner with more than 700 guests.
CIH chief executive, Stuart Cook, said of the milestone celebrations: “CIH is the ‘big 50’ this year and I was delighted that members from across the UK joined us at Old Billingsgate for what was a truly special event.”
The 50th anniversary celebrations started with a buffet lunch followed by a series of presentations from six manufacturers – Beko, BSH Home Appliances, Electrolux, Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, Indesit Company and Samsung – who reaffirmed their commitment to CIH and its members.
A question and answer session then followed with senior management from the six companies that had presented.
The conference was chaired by The Retail Champion, Clare Rayner, who closed the business session with a keynote speech, which carried the theme of ‘The Consumer Revolution; The Retail Evolution’.
Suppliers generously donated 18 prizes for a charity raffle, which raised £6,170. The monies raised by guests at CIH’s 50th anniversary celebrations will be split equally between The British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research.
Mr Cook, who praised the organisers and the event support, said: “I’d like to thank all those involved in organising the event; the suppliers who provided sponsorship and to the members for joining in the celebrations.
“I am delighted that guests dug deep to support two charities that will benefit from the generosity of members and suppliers.”
He added: “The 50th anniversary celebrations were a perfect way to mark this important milestone. The market is tough – there is no doubting that – by the positive messages heard from suppliers, as well as comments I received from members, demonstrates that CIH is the buying group to be in and we will continue to invest and develop in the business for the future.”
