supplier conference wrap up
supplier conference wrap up

Findel Supplier Conference 2026: Two Days of Insight, Innovation and Inspiring Partnerships

Mar 12, 2026

After several years without hosting an event of this scale, the Findel Supplier Conference returned for 2026, and what an incredible two days it was. Our goal was simple: to bring our supplier community together for an experience that was inspiring, energising and deeply collaborative. Over the course of the event, with more than 130 suppliers joining us, it was clear that we achieved exactly that.

Day 1: Insight, Collaboration and Shared Purpose

The conference opened with a warm welcome and an inspiring introduction from Pierre‑Olivier Brial, CEO of the Manutan Group, who shared an overview of the Group and its vision for the future.

One of the major highlights of the day was a live panel session led by Nigel Hunter, exploring our new Made for Education proposition. The discussion sparked important conversations around:

  • product strategy
  • supplier partnerships
  • ESG
  • service excellence
  • sales transformation

These topics sit at the heart of how we continue to grow together, aligned behind a shared ambition to support educators and learners.

The afternoon kept the momentum going with an engaging programme of supplier‑led workshops, followed by an inspiring keynote from the brilliant Alice Sharp. We also celebrated excellence across our partner community with our Supplier Awards celebrating winners Staedtler, Commotion, KI & Stabilo. These awards recognise the dedication, passion and innovation that help make our joint success possible.

We closed Day one with a powerful and emotional story from Praise Obadimeji, one of the young people supported through the Findel Foundation’s partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. It was a moving reminder of the positive impact we can create when we work with purpose and intention.

team photo
panel day
main room

Day 2: Fresh Thinking and Continued Momentum

Day two continued the energy and inspiration from the opening day. Our Made for Education theme returned with another engaging panel session and a further keynote from Alice Sharp, bringing new perspectives and ideas for the year ahead.

We were also joined by a fresh line‑up of workshop hosts, including:

  • Bigjigs Toys Ltd
  • Fellowes Brands
  • Spaceright Europe Limited
  • PEBEO UK LIMITED, featuring an impressive live art demonstration by Frech street artist, Raphael.

Our Supplier Awards continued into Day two, with deserved recognition going to Spaceright, Bigjigs, Skyway, and Polydron and Educational Advantage Ltd. Congratulations again to all our winners – your passion and partnership are what make Findel great.

As the conference came to a close, suppliers, partners and colleagues left feeling aligned, energised and motivated by our shared proposition and purpose.

Looking Ahead

A huge thank you to everyone at Findel involved in shaping and delivering this year’s conference, your hard work created an inspirational and truly engaging event.

Here’s to continuing the journey of growth, collaboration and innovation with our valued supplier community.