Retail negotiation skills workshop for food and drink SMEs
Meet the buyer before you meet the buyer.
One day with a former senior supermarket buyer. Learn their playbook, then use it.
Join The Retail Mind for this practical workshop, designed to help food and drink SMEs prepare for buyer meetings, negotiate with confidence and build stronger retailer relationships. The training is ideal for anyone involved in negotiating contracts, annual pricing or volumes.
Coming in 2027 (date to be confirmed). Register your interest today and we'll be in touch as soon as dates are announced, giving you priority access to course information and booking details.
FDF is offering a 65% subsidy on the training course for eligible SME members.
Training overview
About the training
This workshop is designed for professionals involved in retailer negotiations, including commercial teams, account managers, business owners and anyone responsible for contracts, annual pricing or volume discussions.
Led by an experienced ex-retail buyer, Ged Futter, who has worked on both sides of the negotiating table. Using tried and tested processes, this one-day workshop is highly interactive, focused on using real-life examples.
What you'll learn
By the end of the workshop, you'll be able to:
- Build stronger, more constructive retailer relationships
- Communicate clearly and confidently during negotiations
- Understand retailer behaviours and negotiation tactics
- Prepare effectively for commercial discussions
- Achieve better outcomes while maintaining long-term partnerships
Why should I attend?
Negotiation training is a key skill for anyone in a business involved in supply contracts, where consideration of pricing, volumes, and a range of other terms have a huge bearing on the sustainability of your business.
Recent events have acted as catalysts that have exposed pre-existing and fundamental weaknesses in the supply chain. The level of risk for farmers and growers is at an all-time high.
Effective negotiation skills are an integral part of any business and, in fact, everyday life.
Previous participant feedback
"What was particularly useful was Ged explaining the buyer's playbook. After attending the course, I knew exactly what to expect from the buyer and it played out exactly how Ged said it would."
Another participant reported successfully managing retailer delay tactics and achieving the outcome they needed thanks to the preparation techniques learned during the workshop.
How to book
FDF members can take advantage of a 65% saving on the price of the workshop, which will cost £185 + VAT.
Participants must be an FDF member with a UK turnover under £50m to be eligible for the discount.
FDF members with a turnover over this threshold and non-members will be charged £525 + VAT per person.
Spaces are limited and payment must be received in advance to secure your place. Please note that tickets are non-refundable. Lunch and refreshments are included.
