Top merchants seminar on the do's and don'ts of expanding your business

The highs and lows of expanding your business by taking on more stores will be the topic of the next Top Merchants day to be held on June 8 at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy.

The event, organised by Harpers Wine & Spirit, promises a day with a difference, for as well as first hand advice from leading independents who have successfully taken on more stores, delegates will also be able enjoy an afternoon of polo thanks to the day's sponsor World Wine Agencies.

The morning session will give merchants the chance to examine the do's and don'ts of opening new stores through a series of talks from merchants including; Ted Sandbach, Oxford Wine Company, which has recently expanded to three stores; Hal Wilson of Cambridge Wine Merchants, which is set to open its eighth store on June 5; and Jamie Hutchinson of The Sampler, which has opened its second store in north London.

The day will also include advice on how to buy and finance new property and what business and employment issues you need to consider.

Nicky Burston, managing director of World Wine Agencies, said: "I am delighted to be involved. Top Merchants is a fantastic initiative. We have crafted our range just for independent wine merchants and this will a great way to reach out to potential merchant customers."