Uniting Independents

NATIONAL

THE INDEPENDENT HARDWARE GROUP EXPO ROLLED OUT AGAIN IN ADELAIDE IN FEBRUARY BRINGING TOGETHER THE BIGGEST GATHERING OF TIMBER AND HARDWARE RETAIL EXPERTS AND SUPPLIERS IN THE COUNTRY.

Jos de Bruin, Meena Iskandar & Ann Sanfey.

It’s more than just a chance to network and celebrate successes, it’s part professional conference and part supplier fair.

MGA TMA was proud to be an exhibitor and immersed in this event with people who own and operate Mitre 10, Home Timber & Hardware, Thrifty-Link and |True Value stores across the country.

Acquiring a prominently positioned stand, MGA TMA were well represented by CEO – Jos de Bruin, Mark Paladino – Trade & Business Manager, Meena Iskandar – Workplace Relations and Ann Sanfey – MGA TMA National Membership Manager.

The Expo is considered one of the flagship exhibitions for the home improvement, timber and building supplies industry. Approximately 2,000 attendees representing over 500 independent hardware and trade businesses and 200 exhibitors were present over the three-day event.

The Adelaide Convention Centre was filled with everything hardware.

Celebrating Achievements

One of the most exciting parts of the Expo is the recognition of stores and individuals who have achieved great results or done exemplary work for the wider group. MGA TMA members receiving accolades this year include:

2018 National Trade Centre of the Year

Store Provan’s Home Timber & Hardware Store, Clifton Hill, VIC Members Barry, Jarrod and Marnie Rosenberg

You’d be hard pressed to find a more impressive trade outlet in the highly competitive Melbourne market than at Provan’s. The team continue to improve in all aspects of trade execution with efficiency and professionalism.

The purpose-built site, constructed in 2015, has been an overwhelming success for the Rosenberg family, growing their customer base and increasing spend from existing builder accounts. The layout and range were specifically designed to service trade customers and incorporates all key elements such as a multilane drive thru, dedicated trade desk, fully undercover timber and logical traffic flow to the shop floor.

Most of their business is generated from structural timber, but they also specialise in furniture grade hardwoods, western red cedar and other unique species. Upstairs features a large showroom for finishing items such as doors, flooring, skirting, architraves, cladding and decking.

The team pride themselves on being a reliable business partner to their customers – the introduction of a food truck/ coffee van in the drive-thru and the decision to move to 6.30am openings were a direct result of listening to their tradies.

2018 National Garden Centre of the Year

Store McLaren Vale Mitre 10, McLaren Vale, SA Members Mark Loveday, Brian Lawrence and Linda Provis

Since Mark, Brian and Linda took ownership of this store, including a garden centre already at the top of its game, they have continued to reinvest in new ranges and store presentation to create a fresh and inviting offer for locals.

With a history of managing and building award-winning stores, Mark has managed to raise the bar yet again since taking on this venture. In a competitive retail market, this store has managed to grow the garden category. Management invest in their people by developing their team and employing knowledgeable and experienced garden centre staff to build trust amongst customers. The store is famous for promoting bulk pot offers and soil ranges.

The business has strong brand commitment and compliance and executes effective LAM campaigns to promote their range and expertise to the market.

Supplier of the year awards recognises key partners that have consistently delivered quality commercial outcomes for Independent Hardware Group and our members over the last twelve months.

Nominees have demonstrated a longterm willingness to partner with IHG, loyalty to their brands and attitudes that are consistent with their core values to build successful Independents.

IHG members are surveyed as part of the judging process to determine the suppliers that are customer-focused and who work hard within the IHG network to drive sales, profits and a point of difference at store level.

MGA TMA member Tilling Timber won the prestigious award of 2018 Supplier of the year.

Provan’s Home Timber & Hardware Store, Clifton Hill, VIC

McLaren Vale Mitre 10, McLaren Vale, SA

2018 Supplier of the Year – BUILD

Store Tilling Timber, Kilsyth, VIC Members Norm Tilling

Supportive Structure

With the Australian home construction and renovation markets less certain than they have been for the last few years, IHG members will be welcoming the strength of the national network displayed and outlined at the recent Expo.

MGA TMA is looking forward to working with IHG in fostering a continued close working relationship and we are excited by the prospect of growing the MGA TMA membership to become a stronger and more united industry association dedicated to the wellbeing of family and private timber and hardware business.

Tilling Timber accepting their award.