12 minute read
FIT Show 2022 Preview
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY ONLY WAY TO GET LEAD VALUE
Andy Royle, co-founder and Managing Director of Leads 2 Trade, the UK’s leading provider of double-qualified sales leads to installers operating in the home improvement sector, says that dispelling the myths around cheap sales leads will lead to significant business growth in 2022.
With some installers reporting a definite shift to receiving fewer enquiries from their selfgenerated efforts, but demand set to remain buoyant, winning work will not be quite as easy this year. And with many installers used to feasting out on unprecedented demand last year, maintaining those levels won’t be easy, and it’s the reason why our members use us to help generate the leads they want. Some installers see leads generated from a third-party lead generation company as cheap, lacking substance, time consuming and, because the lead invariably goes to three other installers, much harder to convert.
While many installers play the numbers game, the intention shouldn’t be about buying cheap sales leads in volume. You phone 10 leads, and you might win one or two of them, but how about getting five leads and winning four of them? Installers will have to work harder to convert leads into business this year and, instead of volume, the questions they need to ask are how many get converted to a survey or quote, how many of those quotes get converted into an order, and what’s the true cost of sale from that lead source? lead, it’s about how many sales achieved from them, and we are focussing on working with our installer members to find out what an acceptable cost of sale is for them and helping them to achieve it.
Our appointment booking, no pitch no fee premium lead service provides members with the best double qualified sales leads at the best value to grow their business.
Instead of a sales lead, installers are buying a confirmed appointment, which means no more time calling leads up multiple times only to get a belated response that they’ve gone with someone else, and no need to worry about getting onto a lead as soon as you receive, which is not always possible. We call the consumer, book, and confirm the appointment, and all our member has to do is turn up and sell. And to make things easier, the lead is only sold to one other company, so there is more chance of winning the work.
A no pitch no fee booked appointment lead provides a cost of sale that’s almost three times less on average than for a standard double qualified lead. We have always looked to provide a better quality of service and a better quality of lead, and over the last 15 years we have consistently listened and worked with our members and changed the way we generate and deliver our leads to meet their needs. It’s why we’re much more than just a lead provider. For more information on joining the Leads 2 Trade network, telephone 0800 124 4308 or visit https://bit.ly/3G2c5Nb
SOLAR CALIBRE DOORS TO MAKE AN ENTRANCE AT FIT SHOW 2022
Solar Calibre Doors, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of GRP and timber composite doors, as well as GRP and timber fire rated doors, will be showcasing its Benchmark, Craftsman and Warden ranges at FIT Show 2022 (10th – 12th May).
The three brands encompass the wider market, including the social housing/Local Authority sector, trade market and high-end new build.
Gareth Jones, Managing Director, said: “I’ve always been a huge advocate of FIT Show so it will be great to get back to doing what we do best in May. We’re looking forward to bringing our latest product ranges to FIT Show, but we’re especially excited about being able to speak to our customers and prospects, who will be under the same roof for the first time in three years. “A key strength of the wider Solar group of companies is our extensive supply chain and the capability that this affords us in servicing customers. We’ve got excellent access to materials, production and distribution across the UK – something which many companies have been blighted by over the course of the pandemic. I’d urge anyone who is seeking a new supplier in 2022 or beyond to come and chat with our team of experts on the Solar Calibre Doors stand.”
The Solar group of companies operates from 12 sites across the UK, employing over 250 people, fabricating, supplying and installing window and door products for social housing providers and local authorities and for new-build developers, trade and commercial installers.
Nickie West, FIT Show event director adds: “It’s an exciting time for Solar Calibre Doors, with a new MD at the helm and with a business model that has thrived through the challenges of the last two years. We’re excited to see the full range of Solar Calibre Doors products on offer and know that our visitors will benefit from being able to speak to the team firsthand at the show. Nothing beats face-to-face, after all.”
CR LAURENCE TO SHOWCASE ‘GLASS ROOMS’ AT FIT SHOW 22
CR Laurence (CRL), one of the leading wholesale distributors to the glazing, industrial, construction, architectural, hardware and automotive industries, had signed up to exhibit at FIT Show 2022.
FIT Show, the UK’s leading event for the glazing industry, returns to the NEC Birmingham from May 10 - 12. CRL will utilise FIT Show as a platform to showcase its range of glazed solutions to fabricators and installers.
Speaking about its decision to exhibit at FIT Show 22, Simon Boocock, MD of CRL Europe comments: “FIT Show offers a very effective way for us to introduce our brand and range of solutions to new customers within the glass and glazing industry, as well as to highlight new products to existing customers and gain their feedback.
“The event attracts everyone from fabricators and installers through to architects and specifiers, giving us a unique opportunity to engage with a wide yet appropriate audience.” ngst the products FIT Show visitors will be able to see is CRL’s Glass Room solution. Simon continues: “A highlight of the CRL stand at FIT Show 2022 will be our Glass Rooms, which enable homeowners to make the most of their outdoor space whatever the weather. “CRL Glass Rooms are simple to construct, providing shelter from the elements and providing unobstructed views. With an intelligent modular design, the aluminium structure means very few supports are needed even over large areas. “The innovative connectors give a high degree of flexibility with many variations possible, while optional extras including sliding doors, vertical blinds and roof blinds makes it simple to create a unique space that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons.”
The brand has long supported FIT Show, having exhibited in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Speaking about the return of CR Laurence, FIT Show event director Nickie West said: “CR Laurence is a brilliant brand for our visitors, of which installers and fabricators make up the majority, to be able to see at FIT Show 22.
“Like many companies, CRL has experienced a surge in demand on the back of the pandemic and we are excited to see their fantastic products, including the amazing Glass Rooms, up close at FIT Show.”
Simon concludes: “Visitors to FIT can visit CRL on Stand A51 to find out more about this innovative system, at a time when homeowners are investing in the creation of such indoor/outdoor spaces and installers need a solution that is simple to install and offers a great deal of flexibility.” For more information call CRL on 01706 863600, email crl@crlaurence.co.uk, or visit www.crlaurence.co.uk.
EMMEGI (UK) CONFIRMED FOR FIT 2022
Emmegi (UK) has just announced that it will be back exhibiting at the FIT Show in May, with a stand showcasing a mix of its newest and most popular machines. After 3 years away, it will be a chance for new and existing customers to chat to the team and enjoy some classic Italian-style hospitality.
Managing Director Ian Latimer, said: “Since the beginning, FIT has been a really successful show for us – not just in terms of generating enquiries for new machines, but as a great place to meet up with customers and friends. With momentum building for the 2022 event, we didn’t want to miss out.
“Machinery is always a good draw for fabricators at exhibitions, so I hope the fact that there’s now another machinery company on the floorplan will encourage even more people to register.” FIT Show’s Event Director Nickie West agreed: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Emmegi back to FIT Show. Emmegi has supported every single FIT Show, growing its presence show-onshow. Being able to see working machinery up close really does create lots of buzz and excitement on the show floor. Emmegi’s showcase is a prime example of how a trip to FIT really does connect and engage the market on a scale like no other marketing medium. We’re in for a treat!”
Ian added: “I’d like to think the whole industry will come out and support FIT this year – either as exhibitors or as visitors. It’s a really valuable asset to the market and, if we don’t all support it, we’re in danger of losing it and regretting it in the future.” More details of the machines to be featured, and the offers and promotions which visitors can expect, will be released ahead of the show in May. More details at: www.emmegi.com and www.fitshow.co.uk.
Checkatrade is set to make its debut at FIT Show, which is returning to the NEC between 10 - 12 May 2022.
Checkatrade is the UK’s number one website for finding a tradesperson, with 44,000 trade members across the UK. It will be exhibiting at FIT Show to raise awareness of the benefits of membership and to talk to installers about the demand it is currently seeing within the trade industry. The business was founded in 1998 after a tornado hit a West Sussex village, causing rogue trades to flood in and rip off the locals. Checkatrade launched in order to help local people avoid these rogue trades, with its founder personally meeting and vetting every member. Today Checkatrade continues to carry out 12 checks on every member who wants to join, in turn giving quality tradespeople a unrivalled platform to promote their services to over 2 million homeowners each month.
Alex Cubitt, Chief Growth Officer at Checkatrade, comments: “Over the past two years the home improvement market has experienced exceptionally strong growth, bolstered by the increased amount of time we’ve all spent at home during the pandemic. We’re always on the lookout for great trades who can help us meet the intense demand we’re seeing from homeowners. Exhibiting at FIT Show gives us the opportunity to speak directly to tradespeople about how Checkatrade can support them both now and in the future. 8 of 10 consumers would choose a Checkatrade endorsed trade and so there’s a great opportunity for us to help trades make the most of the current market conditions.”
Speaking about Checkatrade’s presence at FIT Show 2022, event director Nickie West said: “Checkatrade is a huge household name, and one that we are delighted to be able to bring to FIT Show 2022. We are committed to driving quality across the glass and glazing industry - trust and transparency, as embodied by Checkatrade, is a huge part of this. “Our visitors will be able to tap into the wide-ranging expertise of the Checkatrade team who will be on hand to offer advice and support about better promoting their businesses to homeowners. Any platform that promotes quality and connects installers with homeowners can only be a good thing.”
HAFFNER SAYS SIZE DOES MATTER!
Haffner’s stand at this year’s FIT Show was already set to be the biggest stand in the show’s history. But the company has confirmed that it’s just got even bigger – the new space will be 610sqm. Dave Thomas, Managing Director of Haffner, said: “Our space at the FIT Show will be a must-visit for any fabricator. It will be first ever fully seamless machinery stand in the UK because it will showcase our complete Graf Synergy range, as well as machinery from our Haffner and FOM ranges.”
Haffner took the decision to extend the stand because of a rapid increase in demand and a stream of orders for fully seamless set-ups. Dave commented: “Fabricators are increasingly looking to use the latest technologies to deliver outstanding quality that feature-rich products demand. The Graf Synergy range is the only range for this. It delivers world class seamless welding technology and patented welding techniques, increasing fabrication efficiencies and delivering superior product quality. By showcasing the entire range on our stand, we’ll be able to show more fabricators what it has to offer.”
Haffner is the exclusive UK supply partner of Graf Synergy and its FIT Show stand will showcase machines capable of welding seamless corners, transoms, reverse butts, cruciforms and cills, showing how far the state-of-the-art machinery innovation has come.
But the Graf Synergy range is only the start of what Haffner’s stand will have to offer. The company will be showcasing the largest and most comprehensive machine portfolio in the industry that makes it a go-to supplier for fabricators of all sizes. It is the sole UK agent of Haffner Machinery, which designs innovative and high-quality engineered products at competitive industry prices. It also supplies a range of aluminium fabrication machines from FOM Industries, who hold an international reputation for quality machinery that combine the latest technology with skilled engineering and competitive prices. Dave concluded: “This year’s FIT Show is probably the most eagerly anticipated ever because it marks the return of face-to-face exhibitions. We look forward to welcoming customers old and new to our stand and show them exactly how Haffner can help them take their manufacturing to the next level.” The FIT Show runs 10-12 May 2022 at the NEC in Birmingham.
