INDUSTRY
BIG ASK
The changing face of the OP industry The impact of COVID has been felt globally by all industries and sectors - but, how has it impacted the OP industry? Broadly, what is likely to happen going forward? What changes are here to stay? How are dealers going to succeed in the ‘new normal’? We asked the industry
Aidan McDonough, CEO, Integra
consumer’s aspirations to be as sustainable as possible will
After the catastrophic impact of
become more and more important.
COVID-19 on our industry, members
More now than ever, independent dealers will need to
are slowly seeing signs of recovery.
continue diversifying their product and service proposition,
Those members with care homes
positioning themselves as a business solutions provider. Our
and NHS contracts have clearly
focus as a dealer group is on creating new opportunities -
fared better during the pandemic.
from medical supplies, PPE and workwear to value added
The opportunities within cleaning,
services and education. We are continually expanding our
hygiene and infection control,
diversification programme available to members. With the
together with the WFH category, will remain for some time. In terms of trends, health and wellbeing in the home office
right people and skills, together with the desire and ability to adapt to change, dealers will recover and thrive.
will start to become a hot topic of conversation as temporary
We are likely to see further consolidations amongst
set ups become more permanent. Ergonomic office products,
vendors, dealers, dealer groups and back office providers,
technology and home office furniture solutions will continue
with an inevitable increase in business failures. On this note,
to be areas of opportunity. Sustainability will be on the
Integra is here to support any independent dealer at this
agenda for the foreseeable future, until change happens,
particularly difficult time. Through our i-merge platform we
and it becomes the norm. Environmental products, reduced/
can help find, match and support dealers wanting to buy or
reusable or recyclable packaging, and services that reflect a
sell a business.
[08] SUMMER 2020
www.dealersupport.co.uk
