messagefromtheCEO

Please see photos on pages 20 - 22.

In HAI’s continuing campaign to promote the Empty Homes opportunity will are planning a series of roadshows. In May (25th) we will host the Empty Homes Roadshow in Ballina and we are planning others for Cork, Limerick Waterford, and Dublin later in the summer/early autumn.

The market, according to the Business Index on page 8, grew in value overall by 12% in 2022 compared to 2021. However, this growth was not uniform with some categories continuing to flourish and others experiencing a considerable downturn. We are always looking for new contributors to grow the base. Those who contribute see the full report and get it as soon as it is available.

At the Hardware Conference in Kilkenny we had a “soft” launch of The Hardware Show 2024. It will take place in the RDS on the 18th and 19th of February 2024. Some have already booked their stands. It is always a good idea to book early - for information please contact Margaret at Eventhaus margaret.andreucetti@eventhaus.ie In her article on page 48, Gina Schaefer outlines the steps that her business has taken to optimise their product range and have the right pricing metrics and merchandising.

Thierry Coeman on page 50, examines a case study of the application of digital technology on the shopfloor. And Ronan Synnott of SEAI outlines some of the grants available to homeowners on page 56.

The Certificate in Hardware and Merchanting is nearing the end of its second year of students - feedback is very positive as you will see on page 54.

On the 21st and 22nd of April, Ufemat will hold its annual conference in Dublin. Ufemat is the representative body of Hardware Associations across Europe. All HAI members and Corporate Partners are invited to attendsee www.ufematdublin.ie and see page 6.

Martin Markey Chief Executive Officer - HAI

Blackchurch Business Park, Naas Road, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, D24 C796 t +353 1 298 0969 e info@hardwareassociation.ie w www.hardwareassociation.ie @hardwareassoc

ISSN contents news

Published by: Hardware Association Ireland

Editor: Jim Copeland, editor@hardwareassociation.ie

Editorial/Feature Contributor: Aoife Kinsella, Aoife@hardwareassociation.ie

Advertising Manager: Jim Copeland, jim@hardwareassociation.ie

Design and Production: Stephen Broad, ConceptRoom, stephen@conceptroom.co.uk

Printers: GPS Colour Graphics Ltd, Belfast.

Distribution: MMS Mailing Services, Dublin.

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES:

To advertise in The Hardware Journal and reach the key decision makers in the industry please contact Jim Copeland at 01-298 0969; email jim@hardwareassociation.ie

52 March/April

6 Dulux encourage your customers to transform their home with Weathershield.

10 Fleetwood introduce their complete colour refresh for 2023.

12 The Hardware Journal interviews Darragh O’Brien, TD., Minister For Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

14 Kieran Burke announced as MD of The Brooks Group.

16 Kieran Holohan appointed as MD of Saint-Gobain Ireland.

18 Knauf Insulation help you get on top with loft insulation.

20 The Hardware Conference in words and pictures.

24 Chadwick’s Robinhood Road opens after a full revamp.

26 Octabuild announce Declan Conlon as their new Chairperson for 2023-24.

28 JD Roberts announces nationwide roadshows.

30 Grant discuss their highly efficient, reliable and innovative heating solutions.

32 Alan Maguire joins Niko Bathrooms team.

40 Portwest achieves Ecovadis Silver Sustainability Rating.

3 A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO Martin Markey introduces the latest issue of The Hardware Journal 44 CORPORATE PARTNERS A look at HAI’s corporate partners and the services they offer.

Training

54 HAI CERTIFICATE IN HARDWARE RETAIL AND MERCHANTING: Students and Mentors have their say.

55 HAI SPRING TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS: Classrooms full of employees, owners and managers.