Best practice in Customer Experience in a new eBook

ECOMMERCE EXPERTS MAGICO INTEGRATE WITH WaveOMS

Innovative, client first eCommerce agency Magico is delighted to announce its new integration partnership with Irish owned Wave Order Management System, WaveOMS.

Fulfilment is a major challenge for ambitious hardware retailers who want to succeed online, and in Magico’s search for the best solution for clients of their AB Commerce platform (Analytics Based eCommerce), they were very pleased to find an Irish technology solution that offers a game changing system for Retailers, enabling them to maximise the profitability of their online store.

As Magico specialise in helping retailers achieve success quickly by offering a high-end turnkey eCommerce solution, this will benefit their clients immensely. “WaveOMS co-exists harmoniously with the existing ERP, ePOS and integration partners that form our proprietary AB Commerce platform, and with Magico’s primary objective being a quick and smooth transition online for retailers, this system will undoubtedly enhance their fulfilment potential. The fact that it is an Irish company is a huge bonus.”, commented Paul Montwill, CEO of Magico. WaveOMS fulfills eCommerce and B2B orders with maximum speed and minimum cost per order, a perfect fit for the hardware industry. It significantly increases order capacity for retailers, without resulting in additional staffing requirements.

Magico’s diverse client base includes Stakelums, Toolfix, Heavins and Caulfield Industrial, some of the best-known Irish retailers in the hardware sphere.

For more information on Magico and WaveOMS please see www.magico.com and www.waveoms.com

Paul Montwill, CEO of Magico.

BEST PRACTICE LEARNINGS FROM CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CHAMPIONS

Getting inside the heads of Customer Experience (CX) experts is a new E-book that sets out to understand why CX champion organisations around the world outperform their competitors on every single business metric. Through roundtable discussions, The CX Company, based in Dublin, engaged with business leaders and CX practitioners across the globe to capture actionable insights to help you grow your own business. The first roundtable discussion explored future challenges and opportunities that Builders Merchant & Hardware retailers could focus on today that will successfully benefit your business tomorrow. By understanding and monitoring what’s around the corner, you will be positioned to deliver ambitious business growth by understanding which CX actions will give the greatest impact.

In this interactive e-book, you will learn that the rewards from delivering remarkable CX are enormous and quite immediate. Especially when you focus on actions that impact positively on your customers rather than actions that make life easier for you and your business. Rather than seeking a silver bullet that doesn’t exist, retailers must realise that what is required is a connected approach across all departments. In the first E-book of a series, you’ll find the key thoughts and insights from an expert group on a number of key topics. It is full of recommended actions that will help you address the challenges and opportunities that we all face each day.

To download CX Best practice e-book, go to www.thecxcompany.com

Ukrainian ‘HAI’ reveals latest on building materials situation

The head of the equivalent of HAI in Ukraine has provided an update on how the building materials market is being affected as a result of Russia’s invasion.

Konstantin Salii, (pictured) heads the equivalent of HAI in Ukraine, one of 16 countries represented by UFEMAT – the European Federation of Building Material Distributors.

Konstantin was responding to a personal request from John Newcomb, President Ufemat, for more details, which Salli has reacted to despite “difficulties with connection”.

In the UK the BMF called on its members and their customers to help raise funds in support of those affected by the war in Ukraine. The total raised as of 29th March was £30,000.

The proceeds of HAI’s President’s Ball on 24th April at Citywest will go to The Red Cross Ukrainian Refugee Appeal.

Konstantin Salii (President Ukrainian federation) @ John Newcomb (Ufemat President) March 15th

Good afternoon, John, I try to be OK. I say so because time changes in my country, and I don’t know what can happened in some hours. Sometimes we have difficulties with connection. Thank you so much for your anxiety. I am in Kyiv, and I continue, as it’s possible, administrate our building industry. I write you about it. After the beginning of Russian aggression on Thursday 24th February, on Friday 25th all the reconstruction, construction, development, renovation have stopped. In our country has stopped the construction of highways. All the manufacturers of concrete products have made, free of charge, a huge number of concrete blocks to protect the cities and towns. The sand getters brought a lot of pockets with sand also to protect the people and cities. The metal manufacturers made a huge number of metal hedgehogs to protect from panzers. Unfortunately, our branch wasn’t ready to such “event”, and now we are threatened by bankruptcy. The current damage of transport infrastructure is about $120 milliards. About 30 million of square metres were destroyed by occupants, but this number grows every day. After our Victory, all our people believe in Victory, our manufacturers will need a help of Government to renew a work of factories because some of them were destroyed. Our military position was prolonged till the end of April and my country needs me. I hope to see you offline after the Victory. Thank you, my dear friend. My best regards, Konstantin.

29th March 2022 I send you some photos of Kyiv after bombings. As we in Ukraine don’t see a peaceful sky I wish you and your familya peaceful sky. Keep safe! Best regards, Konstantin.

CORPORATE PARTNER

CASH MANAGEMENT ECOMMERCE AND IT SUPPORT

Brink’s Cash Services

Denise McCarthy 1890 474 000 denise.mccarthy@brinks.com www.brinks.com

CREDIT & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Credit Risk Brokers

James Riordan 01 491 6007 james.riordan@creditriskbrokers.com www.creditriskbrokers.com

JPA Brenson Lawlor

Ian Lawlor 01 668 9760 ian@brensonlawlor.ie www.brensonlawlor.ie

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LCMS Ltd

Billy Nolan 087 2604625 billy@lcms2.com www.lcms.ie

Zero Tax Property

Stephen Holmes 01 4584770 info@ztp.ie www.zerotaxproperty.ie

Agility Software Ltd

David Malcolm +353 (0) 1253 0282 david@agility-software.com www.agility-software.com

Intact Software

Mark Gurney 042 933 1742 mark.gurney@intactsoftware.com www.intactsoftware.com

.IE

Alan Finneran 01 236 5400 afinneran@weare.ie www.weare.ie

Kerridge Commercial Systems

Noel Burke 087 1405 483 noel.burke@kerridgecs.com www.kerridgecs.com

Magico

Orla Cooney 065 6864580 ocooney@magico.com www.magico.com

Monsoon Consulting

Ed Wyeth 01 4750066 ed.wyeth@monsoonconsulting.com www.monsoonconsulting.com

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W&G Baird

Sam Sharpe +44 (0) 75 8311 9846 sales@wgbaird.com www.wgbaird.com

INSURANCE RECYCLING SOLUTIONS

Dolmen Insurance Brokers Ltd

John Bourke 01 8022361 info@hardwarestoreinsurance.ie www.hardwarestoreinsurance.ie

LOGISTICS

Woodland Group

Lee McMullen 01 8111500 lee.mcmullen@woodlandgroup.com www.woodlandgroup.com

MATERIALS HANDLING

European Recycling Platform

Martin Tobin 01 6624040 ireland@erp-recycling.org www.erp-recycling.ie

Mil-tek Total Recycling Solutions

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SHOPFITTERS / RACKING SYSTEMS

#WeGetRetail

Johnston Shopfitters

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Henley Forklift Group Ltd

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PAYMENT SERVICES

AIB Merchant Services

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BOI Payment Acceptance

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Want to find out more?

Contact us today to become a HAI Corporate Partner info@hardwareassociation.ie or phone 01 2980969

A stroll down memory lane...

During the 1950s the President of Hardware Association Ireland (HAI) Francis Egan (1950 -1958 and 1967) led a delegation of members and fellow trade colleagues to the Trade Fair in Cologne. Some of those attending with Francis Egan were HAI Secretary General, Terry Spillane; John Staveley, HAI Honorary Treasurer; Charles Wilson, C.M. Wilson Ltd., Dublin, (President 1968 -1969); Sean Keegan, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, (President 1973-1974); Peter O`Brien, P.E.O`Brien Ltd., Dublin, (President 1963-1964); George Good, Carlow, (President 1965-1966); and Vincent Maher, Pace Marketing, Dublin; The trip was a great success as it sought to address the frustration caused by prohibitive import tariffs on goods, including light hardware products, designed to protect at the time `infant Irish industries`. HAI also represented our sector before the Fair-Trade Commission, whom they succeeded in convincing that they were trying to keep prices down rather that inflating them. Also, at this time HAI introduced and launched a formal Trade Education initiative which still thrives within HAI today. HAI with the assistance of the National Institute of Hardware (NIH) in the UK, who provided a correspondence course and the Parnell Square Technical School who gave day and night classes, provided the fore runner of today`s training programmes. Former Taoiseach, Sean Lemass, then Minister for Industry and Commerce, attended the first presentation of Certificates to students in Bolton Street.

As you can see from this image, the city of Cologne was still recovering from World War II at the time of the 1950’s Trade Fair.

Please contact us with any ideas for content but don’t send any original images until we agree same. With thanks to Michael Rowe, Topline Rowes, Castlecomer for his original suggestion.

E jim@hardwareassociation.ie T 087 6671361

During the 1950`s & early 1960`s NIH examiners flew into Dublin to conduct qualifying oral examinations for students who had already completed written final exams. This picture from June 1961 shows our UK colleagues being shown hospitality and entertained over luncheon at Dublin Airport by HAI `s Education Sub Committee. Students would have travelled from all around the country mainly by train, to Dublin for their oral exams.

Also, from 1961 a picture taken on day two of a HAI organised Retail Management and Merchandising Seminar conducted by Walter H. Channing, Senior Consultant in Marketing and Distribution to the Organisation for European Economic Co-Operation in Paris. These Channing seminars were very popular and successful being held in Dublin, Wexford, Cork, and Athlone. The seminars were credited with providing the impetus for store modernisation throughout the country.

This image dated 1979 shows Hardware Association Ireland Golf Society (HAIGS) members meeting with Hardware and Builders` Merchant colleagues from Northern Ireland for a golf outing in Kells, Co. Meath. The HAIGS is still in existence today and is actively recruiting members from within the sector.

Beyond bricks and mortar

As Cleary’s Hardware, Carrick-on-Suir, marks ten years of Phelan ownership, their customers celebrate the friendly service and great range which has provided much-valued continuity through roller-coaster times.

After many years in business, Topline Cleary’s Hardware is proof positive that nothing can ever replace the helpful, face-to-face shopping experience. The Carrick-on-Suir hardware retailer has been providing free advice, a wide range of products, opportunity for customers to see exactly what they are buying, plus convenient additional services to their local community for decades. More than a premises, as Covid has highlighted, it’s the social interaction and personal service that matters above all. “For particular sectors, some things can’t be substituted, and having a bricks and mortar store is key. Hardware shops fall into that category. We will always be a place where customers can be sure of friendly local knowledge and being part of the community,” says Conor Parle, Clearys Branch Manager. This year the store celebrates ten years under the John Phelan & Co of Durrow umbrella. A decade of unprecedented and unpredictable highs and lows, yet Cleary’s has come through stronger and is looking forward.

A Tipp tradition

The Carrick-on-Suir community links go back a long way. To the days when then Robert Cleary & Sons Hardware was originally on The Quay in the Tipperary town before moving to its current site on the Clonmel Road.

“This location is very handy for our shoppers to call in, as it is right on the main road and there is plenty of free parking,” Conor explains. Recent years have brought many changes and modernisation. The store underwent a major revamp in 2000, before John Phelan & Co, based in Laois, took ownership in February 2012. The store is one of three thriving Phelan branches, all Topline members, with sister shops in Ballyragget, Kilkenny and Durrow, Co. Laois. “As we were still coming out of the last recession, the priority was to build the business back up,” recounts Conor. And indeed the business has flourished and developed, thanks to a major upgrade programme. Starting with extending and resurfacing the storage yards and adding a new storage shed for garden and electrical goods to improve the range of products on offer to its Trade, Builder and DIY customers. The car park system was also redesigned. Cleary’s then carried out a major store revamp in 2016 to create a bright, airy and open shop atmosphere. Combined, the shop and storage areas now encompass 30,000 sq. feet.

Expanding the base

In tandem with these changes, the business altered its focus slightly. Formerly more builder-orientated, Cleary’s now serves all sectors of the hardware business. The new bathroom showroom, unveiled in 2019, formed a major part of this pivot, and has been a real success. Attractive and extensive, the showroom displays a range of products which can be accessed through the Topline group. Not just the items on show, but also the huge choice listed in the Topline Group bathroom brochure. “This brochure is regularly updated and provides an easy to read and understand information pack for our customers,” Conor says. “And it makes selecting and ordering simple.” The store has also expanded its flooring and doors department over the past five years. All these developments have been major sources of growth for Cleary’s.

Including the kitchen sink!

Under one roof, shoppers will find departments dedicated to: paint, gifts, furniture, mirrors, bathrooms, doors, floors, stoves, ironmongery, plumbing, heating, hand tools, power tools, workwear, electrical appliances, gardening, cleaning and laundry and Christmas.

Bathroom Showroom.

Customers will also discover a broad selection of trusted quality brand names and Irish-made products, all displayed in an open, bright and modern store environment that makes shopping a pleasure. Service goes beyond expert assistance in choosing the right products right through to key cutting, delivery and paint mixing. Staff will even help carry larger items to the car or van.

Award-winning team

As the business has grown, Clearys has created increased employment. The current staff of 13 combines a wealth of experience in the sector with up-and-coming young talent. Tommy Nolan, who is part of the DIY, hardware and building goods sales team, was nominated for new Rising Star category at the Octabuild Builders Excellence Awards in 2019. Conor Parle defines the team ethos: “Understanding the importance of having a friendly environment to work in and for our customers to shop in. Nearly all our people are local, part of the community with extensive knowledge in their areas when it comes to their customer needs. Service comes first for them.”

Weathering the storms

Cleary’s has come through the pandemic stronger than ever; like many hardware retailers, seeing a huge growth in business. “This has obviously occurred as a result of Covid, and the surge in home improvement over that period. However the outlook for the foreseeable future looks unsettled. Rising prices and shortages of stocks coupled with the impact of the Ukrainian war means that we are all facing an uncertain future in the business.” Though the outlook for 2022 is uncertain, “We have been through tough times before and hopefully our experiences will help us maintain growth over the near future”. Conor predicts that energy saving will become ever more important as fuel prices and carbon taxes increase. He added that grants would help encourage efficiencies.

Surviving new challenges

Amid such uncertainty, Conor firmly maintains that “The secret to survival is continuing to excel at the things we are good at and known for, like our great shopping environment, but also have the flexibility to move with the times and adapt to the changing needs of customers”. “So we keep up to date with new products; making sure we have them in stock and that we have the know-how.” Covid has demonstrated what an important role technology can play in any business, so Clearys are using it to be more streamlined and reach customers in new ways. “Our primary goal for the future is to develop our eCommerce site and that is now underway, with the help of Intact Software and the Topline Group.”

Flooring Centre.

Well merchandised shelving throughout the store.

Reaching out

Clearys reaches its diverse audiences, through its prominent and convenient location, and through local newspapers, radio advertising, a website and Facebook posts. Getting the Facebook balance right matters. “It’s vital to post regularly and keep our customers updated on offers, new products and seasonal promotions, but not so much as to bombard people with content.” Cleary’s have taken full of advantage of membership of Amalgamated Hardware (Topline). Indeed the store was also a member under its previous owner and has long valued the benefits. “Being part of Topline Group gives us the opportunity to be a part of a big family, but operate independently. It is a great sounding board for any problems we might have and gives us access to marketing and IT services which we could never have as an unaffiliated independent.” Cleary’s also avails of the training and development expertise on offer at Topline. But above all, “We benefit from the buying power of over 150 hardware retailers nationwide, and this allows us to compete successfully with the likes of Chadwick’s, Woodies and B&Q”. Affiliation with Hardware Association Ireland is also very useful for building networks and sharing knowledge and experiences. John Phelan, CEO of John Phelan & Co, has served on the board of HAI. Closer to home, Cleary’s supports many community fundraising initiatives, organisations and events, including the GAA, soccer, The Clancy Festival amongst other festivals, The Iverk Show, theatre groups and charities.

Regional Vacancy and Dereliction Analysis

The Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) is one of three Regional Assemblies in Ireland. They work with key stakeholders at EU, National, Regional and Local level to accelerate and optimise effective regional development.

John Daly, Economist at the Northern & Western Regional Assembly.

They have three inter-related functional areas, that can develop their region best.

1. BETTER PLACES - policy making, monitoring / oversight and promoting enhanced co-ordination in their Region through the implementation of their Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy.

2. COMPETITIVENESS - optimise EU policy and funding instruments for regional / local development priorities.

3. COLLABORATION - engage with innovative research partnerships and regional based networks to accelerate priorities identified in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies.

The Headquarters of the NWRA is located in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon and they have a workforce of 18 people. The NWRA is comprised of 25 elected Members nominated by the nine local authorities within the region. The NWRA covers eight counties - Galway, Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo, Donegal, Monaghan, Mayo and Cavan and works closely with the nine local authorities (Galway City Council and Galway County Council cover one county) who manage these counties.

John Daly, Economist of the Northern & Western Regional Assembly recently presented to the second session of ‘NUI Galway’s Rural Voices Seminar Series’. A brief synopsis of John’s presentation, which was an overview of NWRA’s recent report entitled ‘Regional Vacancy and Dereliction Analysis’, is presented here. In the main it identified just over 44,000 properties that were either vacant or derelict in the Northern and Western Region, accounting for 37% of all empty properties in Ireland.

The analysis contained information on Vacant Residential Properties, Vacant Commercial Properties, Wastewater Capacity and Policy Recommendations.

The data was sourced from the GeoDirectory and Irish Water data. GeoDirectory data, www.geodirectory.ie is available every year and It provides amongst other information, commercial and residential vacant and derelict data.

• 39.5% (39,035) of vacant and derelict residential properties in Ireland were located in the Northern and Western Region (2020) • 25% (5,870) of vacant commercial properties in Ireland were located in the Northern and Western Region (2020)

• 37% (44,905 ) of residential and commercial properties that are classified as vacant in Ireland are located in the Northern and Western Region

• 41 towns and villages in the Northern and Western Region were found to be operating above the capacity of their public wastewater treatment plants.

Fig 1. Residential vacancy rates of the counties of the Northern and Western region vs the State average, 2020

Fig 2. Commercial vacancy rates of the counties of the Northern and Western region vs the State average, 2020

The analysis found that above average residential and commercial vacancy rates were evident in the majority of towns and villages located in the Northern and Western Region. On this basis, John outlined several recommendations made by the Assembly that should be considered as part of the development of the ‘Town Centre First Policy’ and other initiatives that aim to redevelop or encourage the redevelopment of empty properties throughout Ireland.

The Town Centre First policy is from Department of Rural and Community Development; Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The policy www.gov.ie/en/publication/473d3-town-centrefirst-policy/ aims to create town centres that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit, while also functioning as the service, social, cultural and recreational hub for the local community.

Recommendations

1. Funding resources that will implement the forthcoming

“Town Centre First Policy” should “Positively Discriminate” towards the towns and villages of the Northern and

Western Region, given the high number of vacant and derelict properties located in the region. • 37% of all financial resources used to implement the Town

Centre First Policy should be directed towards the Northern and Western Region.

This given that 37% of vacant and derelict properties in

Ireland are located in the Northern and Western Region

2. Ensure the “Town Centre First Policy” encourages all public sector bodies, businesses and communities put the health of towns and villages at the core of their decision making and embrace concepts such as “Town Partnerships” and

“Business Improvement Districts”.

3. Deploy funding resources from the European Regional

Development Fund (ERDF) to support the “Town Centre

First Policy” through the Northern and Western Regional

Operational Programme (2021-2027). • Resources from the ERDF can be used for Town Centre

First Policy • Aligned with Policy Objective 5 “A Europe closer to its citizens” • Use of ERDF supported under “Housing for All” and Town

Centre First Policy

4. Funding resources from initiatives such as – but not limited to – Croí Cónaithe (Town) Fund, URDF, RRDF, Town and

Village Renewal Scheme and the ERDF need to explicitly support the implementation of the population and compact growth targets outlined in the NPF and the RSES of the

Northern and Western Region and regenerate towns and villages with an above average vacancy and dereliction rate. • The National Planning Framework, NPF, and the Regional

Spatial and Economic Strategy, RSES, are statutory frameworks. • Regenerating vacant and derelict properties are key to delivering compact growth targets and reducing urban sprawl 5. Develop a steering group within the Department of

Housing, Local Government and Heritage which will bring together National, Regional and Local Stakeholders to agree on a clear and common approach to identifying the number of vacant and derelict properties and sites in towns and villages across Ireland and examine the underlying factors causing vacancy and dereliction.

6. Provide resources to Local Authorities based in the

Northern and Western Region to employ a team of full-time vacant and derelict officers, ensuring each Local Authority can identify, analyse and tackle the level of vacancy and dereliction within their administrative area. • Annual funding is available for vacant homes officers, a fulltime team is needed in each Local Authority.

7. Ensure the forthcoming “Residential Zoned Land Tax” is designed in a fair, proportionate and targeted manner and significantly penalises the owners of vacant and derelict properties and sites that – without reasonable justification – fail to redevelop these properties and sites within towns and villages • Tax needs to penalise owners that fail to redevelop vacant or derelict properties and levied at a rate higher than land inflation.

8. Using the Northern and Western Region as a case study, the Department of Housing, Local Government and

Heritage should commission a study which examines the merits of utilising policy instruments – such as tax relief, subsidies, rebates, low-cost loans or other incentives – as a means of encouraging individuals to redevelop vacant and derelict properties in towns and villages.

9. Ensure sufficient funding is provided to address the wastewater treatment capacity of the Northern and

Western Region’s towns and villages that are operating above capacity or have no wastewater treatment plant, while providing adequate capacity to accommodate future population and employment growth in line with the RSES of the Northern and Western Region. • 81 towns and villages in the Northern and Western Region were either operating above their wastewater capacity or had no public wastewater treatment plant.

Over the past seven years, John Daly has worked as an Economist in both the private and public sector. In 2021, John became the Economist of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly. Such a role involves undertaking economic research relating to regional development, supporting the implementation and monitoring of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy of the Northern and Western Region and assisting the elected members of the Assembly. Prior to his time in the Assembly, John worked as the joint Economist of the three Regional Assemblies of Ireland and as an Economist in DKM Economic Consultants and EY Economic Advisory Services.”

20 Years of Hard Work Paying off for Jefferson Tools

“For those of us who have worked for the brand since the beginning, the idea of celebrating 20 years of Jefferson Professional Tools & Equipment is both exhilarating and hard to comprehend. The brand has developed at an unprecedented speed in recent years and while that has taken an impressive amount of work, time really does fly when you’re having fun!”

Darren Binns, National Sales Manager.

And difficult as it may be to believe, in 2023, this family-owned brand will celebrate its 20th anniversary. When the Jefferson brand was established in 2003, owner Fergal McIntyre could never have imagined facing down a recession and a global pandemic, yet he has done so with such style, that in January 2021, he moved his Jefferson Tools team to a brandnew, custom built Head Office in the heart of Mid-Ulster. The new office has brought with it a host of opportunities, providing better facilities for all departments and a welcome space to bring Jefferson stockists to as the pandemic eases. The new offices and adjoining distribution centre are a mammoth 100,000ft² in size, with an additional 20,000ft² being added during 2022. Having navigated their way through the pandemic, facing particular challenges within the shipping industry, the Jefferson Tools procurement team have now introduced a robust stock management strategy, future-proofing the brand, while ensuring stock levels are maintained and managed to guarantee the best standard of delivery to customers. With so many impressive features built into the fantastic new structure and with family values at the core of everything they do, the opportunities for the Jefferson brand are endless.

A Growing Team

One such luxury, has been that of space to allow for expansion. Growth has and will continue to play an important role within the development of the brand. Having introduced an internal sales department during the past year, new employment opportunities are now a fundamental requirement for Jefferson Tools, ensuring that new skills and expertise are introduced in all departments. Investing in exceptional people has always been as important as investing in exceptional product. The brand is currently recruiting sales managers in four new regions which have been established in order to cope with increased demand and an ever-growing wholesale network.

Trusted By The Pros

The Jefferson range provides customers with a huge variety of product within these categories: Air Tools, Welding, Power Tools, Access Equipment, Pressure Washing, Heating & Cooling, Hand Tools, Automotive & Workshop, Light & Power, Storage, Lifting & Transport, Abrasives, Personal Protection Equipment, Fluid & Grease Handling and General Supplies. Thousands of product lines are available across the brand and loads more exciting new

Josh McErlean of Josh McErlean Rallying, with Jefferson team members, Darren Binns, Mark McKeown, Johnny O’Kane, Linzi McCord and Owner, Fergal McIntyre. Best foot forward. The Jefferson showroom located in their brand new Head Office.

products being launched weekly, variety is just one of the many reasons that Jefferson Tools is one of the fastest growing tool and equipment brands in Ireland and the UK. Support plays a vital role within the values of the brand. The sales team currently manage and support an ever-increasing network of 1,790 official stockists across Ireland and the UK. When asked how that support takes shape, Marketing Manager Aileen Kelly stated, “To name only a few of the ways we support our wholesale network, we provide:

• Internal Sales Support (Call 01473 0300, Option 1) • Merchandising Stands • Regular calls and visits from our Area Sales Managers & Brand

Merchandiser • Marketing & Design support (catalogues, flyers, promotional support, product data) • Team presence at Open Days & Events • Dedicated Service & Repair Centre and Parts Warehouse located at head office • New B2B website, giving our Official Stockists more access and control”

Having extensively researched new trends and developed a host of new ideas and concepts in the past year, 2022 will be a particularly exciting year for Jefferson Tools as the team implement an ambitious new product launch strategy. Keep a close eye on the brand over the next few months as they introduce new products, to new markets and industries!

What’s our USP?

Put simply, Jefferson Tools is a wholesale-only brand, meaning that the team at head office, will never compete with their hardworking dealers. On why they do not sell direct to end user, Darren Binns commented, “Protecting the brand has always been at the forefront of our growth strategy. Securing dealer margins and profitability is key. Our products speak for themselves when in the hands of the end user, therefore our focus is on providing unrivalled value and service to our official stockists.”

Delivering Sales Through e-Commerce

Jefferson Tools launched a new B2B website during 2021. The website has been built on the global leading platform Magento 2, giving the brand plenty of room to grow and explore new digital opportunities in the future. The website provides end users with the ability to explore the brand, but importantly they can request the details of their local Jefferson stockist. It provides our retailers with direct access to all products and current promotions, access to product data and imagery, as well as confirmation on the stocking status of the product. The website has changed the landscape of the brand, providing our customers with knowledge at their fingertips. If you would like to access the B2B website, simply contact marketing via 01473 0300 (Option 5) or send your full name and email address to marketing@jeffersontools.com.

The Hardware Show 2022

With The Hardware Show taking place in the coming days, it’s full steam ahead for the Jefferson team. “Darren, John, Michael, Mark and Bobby will be in attendance and are really looking forward to getting back to trade events – never mind a well-deserved night out at the President’s Ball,” says Marketing Manager Aileen Kelly. Aileen has been working hard alongside the Jefferson design team to create another show stopping exhibition stand for the highly anticipated return of The Hardware Show on 24th April. On what visitors to The Hardware Show should expect, Aileen explained, “One particular aim for 2022 is to give as many of our new and existing Official Stockists access to the new website. It’s so important that they have equal opportunities to gain from our promotions and can access product information that may help them to sell online or face to face in a more efficient way. We will also be providing a host of exclusive promotions, only available to attendees.”

The Key To Success?

Asked what key factors had made the brand successful since its inception in 2003, National Sales Manager Darren simply stated “a great brand strategy, which was set upon the shoulders of an amazing team”. When asked what the brand will do to celebrate 20 years in business next year, Darren explained, “a showcase of the brand is absolutely on the cards…and then maybe a holiday for the team!”

The pathway to a sustainable DIY universe

How to evolve from Green Washing to Green Cleaning.

Despite numerous efforts by countless policy-makers and authorities, sustainability remains a difficult subject to sell in the business world. For quite a few entrepreneurs, the topic remains a distant one and that is exactly why there is a need for a visionary assignment that demonstrates that sustainability is indeed relevant for every business, including in DIY & Trade. At this juncture in the post pandemic recovery, the major challenge is to build a better future with short-term goals into a sustainable agenda. Together we all need to find a pathway into a genuinely better society, a better planet and a better economy. With that in mind, Thierry Coeman, regular contributor to The Hardware Journal, met with an expert who makes the concept of sustainability accessible to everyone, especially managers involved in DIY & Trade. He is someone who can support anyone in charting a simple course that leads to measurable results in all parts of the business: from employees, organisation, products, services through all processes. We meet in the suburbs of Antwerp, in ‘Green House’, the biotope where Professor Dr. Hans Verboven and his team are pioneering every day to promote sustainability as a source of efficiency gains for any business model. Sustainability does not just mean improving and optimising with the aim of providing a greener planet. Sustainable business is first and foremost a mental attitude in which a person wants to make a fundamental commitment in order to start a process, a strategy that can enthuse an entire organisation and set it in motion for a better world.

Green Washing versus Green Cleaning

In essence, Green Washing means making statements about sustainability without sufficient and correct substantiation. The better approach commences with a strategy that focuses on both the positive and negative impact of your core business on the environment. In such a strategy, you map out both dimensions. All aspects that have a negative impact, by definition, necessitate improvement; all aspects with a positive impact can be leveraged to contribute to each company’s social responsibility. It comes down to developing scalable business cases that in the end generate profit and give you a multiplier effect,” explains Hans.

Challenges for DIY, Building and Trade

The Green Deal, a vast recovery plan for Europe, conducted by the European Commission, states that we need to achieve a 55% carbon reduction by 2030.

In addition, the EU will soon introduce Taxonomy, a categorisation system that divides business activities into green and non-green activities/processes. Taxonomy will help determine to what extent companies can or cannot benefit from European subsidies. Seen from this perspective, the key concern for any operator active in DIY, Pro and Build should be precisely to understand how green their processes are or are not. “For the construction sector and by extension the entire DIY market there are two challenges. Firstly, to use at least 30% by weight of circular recycled material in every project and secondly to precisely determine the CO2 impact of every infrastructure. In addition, new European directives such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) determine what the ‘licence to operate’ in the field will be. Such standards will provide the profession with a framework and a rating for greener buildings, allowing all stakeholders - contractors, architects, builders, general contractors, manufacturers, distributors - to slowly but surely achieve sustainable action. The digital transformation, including BIM (Building Information Modelling), ensures that all these processes are supported by technology,” Professor Verboven adds. Meanwhile, those standards are now seeping through to interior design, home improvement and renovation, which means that DIY can learn very quickly from the building sector.

More with Less

“The term sustainability still frightens precisely because it is an umbrella term so that quite a few business leaders - out of ignorance - still associate sustainability only with cost and regard it as a threat. Sustainability must be embraced as an opportunity. While today it is still promoted as a social responsibility, sustainability should be an integral part of the marketing strategy, whereby a green policy makes the USP and the distinctive capacity stand out. Sustainability can be part of an earning business model where the growth of the economy goes together with less negative impact on the environment. Sustainability is all about creating added value whilst reducing waste: putting the focus on more with less. We are approaching an era where being unsustainable becomes an expensive business”, says Hans.

Best Practice ‘No Roof to Waste’

In the meantime, several companies have followed in the footsteps of the Belgian Professors’ pioneering work. This includes the well-known Belgian market leader in roofing, Derbigum Imperbel, which has developed a circular project in which roofers, via their distributors, are provided with big bags in which the waste from demolition work ends up and is collected. Roofing is made of, among other things oil; Imperbel conceived this sustainable initiative with the prospect of eventually having to find a solution for the shortage of fossil raw materials. A double partnership between distributors and end-users that ultimately leads to a circular economy.

Missionary work

In addition to his academic duties at the university and as an inspiring speaker, Professor Verboven has both feet firmly ‘green’ planted in the business world. His consultancy company Sustacon design simple and accessible models for business leaders to ‘scan’ their processes in order to develop various forms of eco-solutions. “I hand them a toolbox with various tools - e.g. a PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act) - which together create a green economy of scale, linked to a label.” Hans Verboven is an affable man who provides business leaders with a purpose that transcends their social responsibility, thanks in part to three dynamics: inspiration, enthusiasm and guidance. Three dynamics that avoid the pitfall of green washing.

It is appropriate in featuring this editorial for ‘A View From Europe’ to mention that our heartfelt thoughts are with those who are so severely impacted by the tragic situation in Ukraine.

Hans Verboven is Professor of Sustainable and Ethical Business Practice at the Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Antwerp. His expertise is at the service of companies in the planning and implementation of their sustainability policies. In addition to his academic work, he also runs the consultancy activity Sustacon for which he has designed tools and models to support companies in their holistic approach to sustainability. Prof. Dr. Hans Verboven is also the author of ‘Better Entrepreneurship’, a practical management book with numerous high-profile business cases from the (construction) industry. His second book, ‘Better Building’ (25,000 copies), will soon be available. Its aim is to provide every student in training within the broad sector of the construction industry in Flanders, Belgium, with a manual free of charge - that will make sustainable construction and renovation part of his or her future engagement.

Students improve their Product Knowledge in the HAI Certificate

With just one module left in the HAI Certificate the students have received masterclasses in everything they need to know about working in a hardware retail/merchanting environment, including about the products they are selling!

CERTIFICATE

HARDWARE RETAIL AND MERCHANTING

The inaugural HAI Certificate is nearing its end, and the students and mentors are all reporting growth in their confidence and in their role, whether it’s in interacting with customers and answering their questions, or making suggestions on operations and instore promotions.

The final module is taking place at the end of April, covering Team-Building and Team-Leading. This module will help expand their learning, from the operations and day-to-day activities they’ve covered, to the fundamentals of managing a team.

Product Knowledge

In addition to their learning the students have also attended a number of Product Knowledge modules. Presented by experts and suppliers in their respective sectors, these modules gave the students an overview of the key FAQs they might face from customers. The modules covered to date were:

• Paint and Décor – Kevin Coghlan • Timber Products – Michael Minchin, Glennon Brothers • Garden Products – Niall Nugent, Ames True Temper • Heating & Plumbing – Declan Conlon, Wavin

Many thanks to our contributors, and to sponsor Octabuild and its members for their ongoing support.

Octabuild Announced as Sponsor

HAI is pleased to welcome Octabuild as the official sponsor of the HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail and Merchanting 2021/2022. As a group of major Irish building material suppliers - Dulux Paints Ireland, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering,Gyproc, Irish Cement, Kingspan Insulation and Wavin Ireland - Octabuild is committed to promoting the benefits of high quality, Irish manufactured products for the building, construction and DIY sectors.

2022/2023 Enrolment is now OPEN

If you have an employee or employees who are new to hardware retail/merchanting, and are looking for formalised training in the area to help refine their skills for the future of their career, contact Aoife at aoife@hardwareassociation.ie or call 01 2980969 about enrolling your team today.

HAI Spring Training Highlights

HAI’s Spring virtual training saw Zoom classrooms full of employees, owners and managers in the hardware/DIY industry attending bespoke training in Selling Skills, Customer Service, Sales Management, Stock Control, Merchandising and Digital Marketing.

Spring Training Statistics:

• 94 attendees over 10 workshops

• 5 Mini Digital Marketing Workshops: - Canva Graphic Design - Facebook and Instagram Advertising - Google Ads - Email Marketing - SEO and Website Optimisation

• Most popular workshop:

Merchandising Techniques – 17 attendees

Here is some of the students’ feedback on the workshops they attended:

Customer Service Excellence – 9th March 2022

“Terry spoke brilliantly throughout the session he pointed out different attributes and key points when dealing with the public”

“Very informative”

Digital Marketing Mini-Workshops:

How to Create a Facebook and Instagram Ad Campaign – 1st March 2022 “I felt that the course taught me how to make the most of the business suite and also how to improve ads to target a wide range of customers.”

Watch this space for news of our Autumn training schedule, with the return of workshops such as Credit Control, Selling Skills, Customer Service, Digital Marketing and even more to be announced. Webinars Spring 2022

Woodland Group

Logistics experts Woodland Group presented a thoughtprovoking webinar on Navigating Supply Chain Challenges in 2022, highlighting key challenges such as the shockwaves of Covid-19 and Brexit. The 40-minute webinar was attended by dozens of HAI members and Woodland Group partners, who were given some alarming news about the Asian supply chain, but some reprieve from the Woodland Group team’s expert advice on how to manage these challenges and the resulting costs.

Webinar recordings are available on The Hardware Education Hub

A recording of this webinar, and other previous webinars covering Cash Management, Corporate Governance, Loss Prevention, and more, is available to HAI members on the Hardware Education Hub. For access please contact Aoife at aoife@hardwareassociation.ie.

For more information about all our courses visit www.hardwareassociation.ie/training-and-development.

For more information about HAI training, including tailored training support for your organisation, future workshops and access to any other services, please contact Aoife Kinsella at aoife@hardwareassociation.ie or call 01 2980969.

Protect your business with a Value at Risk report

Ever told your broker your building isn’t worth that much with the intention of achieving a lower premium? If your answer is yes, you could be placing the future of your business in jeopardy.

NIALL DONAGHY

Claims Management Group

While none of us like to pay more for insurance, the simple fact is that in the event of a fire, flood or other major loss, underinsurance can be incredibly costly with insurers penalising policy holders by the percentage they are underinsured. At Claims Management Group (CMG), time and time again we see the devastating effect underinsurance has on a business financially, with some business owners unable to reopen their doors due to the financial impact. Our goal as insurance specialists is to help you understand what the insurance premium you are paying for covers, so that in the event of a loss, you can have peace of mind that your business can weather the financial impact.

The high cost of under insurance

As if a major loss isn’t traumatic enough, if you need to make a claim and are under-insured, your insurer will offer you a reduced settlement. Often policies include an ‘Average Clause’ which means the insurer can reduce its liability for a claim by applying for a proportionate settlement. For example, a building with a complete reinstatement cost of ¤1,000,000 which you insured for ¤600,000 will be 40% underinsured. Regardless of the extent of damage to the building the ‘Average Clause’ is applied by the insurer. It is important to consider that if the entire building is destroyed, only ¤600,000 will be paid-but this is still only 60% of the replacement cost.

Deciding how much insurance is enough

So, how much should you be insured for? The first thing to remember is the sum you insure must be based on the Reinstatement Value, NOT the Market Value. The rapid increase in building costs, particularly over the last six months, means that many businesses are now faced with inadequate cover, leaving them vulnerable if they need to make a claim. As a business owner, the onus is on you – not your insurer or your broker – to ensure your sums insured are sufficient. That’s why it is so important to review your policy terms thoroughly each year and undertake an accurate business valuation assessment. Estimates are not acceptable because they are based on generalisations. A Value at Risk assessment will determine the true value of your business and its reinstatement value. CMG’s team of insurance specialists have been carrying out Value at Risk assessments for many years and will meet with your management team to undertake an onsite inspection and a complete analysis of your business. A formal business valuation provides multiple facts and figures regarding the actual worth or value of the business in terms of market competition, asset values and income values. Once surveyed and recorded, the value at risk is defined by but not limited to policy cover for buildings, contents, plant and machinery, fixtures and fittings, stock, computers, business interruption and additional costs of working.

There are many benefits to having correct insurance cover

Sufficient cover for your business gives you peace of mind that in the event of a claim, you can expect the full pay out from your insurance company (with no average adjustment). It also means you will pay the correct premium with potential savings, and benefit from a current and accurate Value at Risk valuation. You can also rely on a cost-effective and efficient claims process which will help your business get back on its feet faster.

50% off Value at Risk reports for HAI members

CMG is offering 50% off Value at Risk reports for members of Hardware Association Ireland until the end of May 2022. For further information please contact them at claimmanagementgroup.com or phone 0818 118 118 / 028 8224 9015.

GEORGE ARMSTRONG

CEO at Scanmatix

10 steps to performing an effective stocktake

In the second of three articles, George Armstrong, CEO at Scanmatix, advises The Hardware Journal readers on how to carry out an effective stocktake.

In my first article, I outlined the steps you need to take to prepare for carrying out a stocktake. If you’ve done a thorough preparation, it will make the task quicker and easier. At this stage, it’s all about an accurate count and having good quality scanning technology is essential.

1. Areas/Bays - Use them if you have technology that allows area labels. Break your store/yard down into small defined areas. Any stock not in these areas (baskets, loose displays, window displays, etc.) should also be labelled.

2. Follow a set pattern - If you are scanning in a random order, you will inevitably miss things. Stick to a pattern such as left to right, top to bottom.

3. Row by row - Our research shows that the fastest method for scanning items stacked on shelves in rows, such as paint tins, is to scan the barcode on the front tin on each row and enter the row quantity. Preparation is vital for this to work! There’s also less chance of human error using this approach.

4. Line of sight - This means ‘as the stocktaker sees’. Suppose there is something visibly different, for example, a tin of paint stripper behind a tin of paint. These items should be counted separately as the stocktaker can clearly see the difference without taking products off the shelf. If something is not visibly different, it will be counted with the other items.

5. Multiple product facings - If similar items are stored in different locations across the store or bay, your software should amalgamate all entries to give a total. A new entry of a product should not overwrite the previous one.

6. Clip strips - Commonly found hanging at the side of shelves and are often missed during stocktakes. If a clip strip exists on a bay, count it as part of that bay. If the clip strip is separate from other stock, give it its own area label to ensure it isn’t missed. 7. Non-barcoded stock - You may encounter items that do not have a barcode. Scanners such as those used at Scanmatix enable you to search products by name or department on the scanner. You will have to find the products or PLU codes and manually type this into your scanner.

8. Non-scans - These items are not on a store’s product file and will not scan for you. Highlight these items to management. Some retailers ignore the products, and others set them up after the stocktake. Put these items into an agreed area (usually called a sin bin). You may be able to enter the non-scan under a different code or to scan something else of the same value from the same department. Some software may allow you to search files from other retailers to find a match and add the product to the stocktake, or you may have to enter a new product by typing a description and allocating a price and department.

9. Weighing items - For speed, rather than counting every screw in a box, you can weigh ten and divide the total by ten to get the weight of one. Then weigh all the screws and divide the total by the weight of one screw to find the quantity you need to enter.

10. Count completion - When all stock has been counted, you are finished. Your technology should verify this for you. If not, carefully check that all areas can be accounted for.

If you have any queries regarding the counting process or would like to discuss your stocktake requirements, please get in touch at 01-554 7359, info@scanmatix.com.

Scanmatix is one of Ireland’s leading multidisciplinary inventory management companies. You can count on us.

Your customer’s bathroom is meant to be a retreat

Good Housekeeping Magazine is an iconic brand with an impressive pedigree. The very first print issue of the magazine came out in 1885. In it, the editor wrote that the brand’s mission would be “about equal proportions of public duty and private interest.” That still rings true today - with more than 1,200 editions under their belts, two decades of sharing daily tips and news online, and 137 years of testing behind every product they recommend.

Inside the almost century and a half old Good Housekeeping Institute their editors, engineers, scientists, and product analysts work hard to serve their readers, your potential customers, as a go-to resource for almost everything in their home style choices, highlighting trusted expert advice and the best-tested products you can buy.

The Good Housekeeping Top Bathroom Trends for 2022, According to their Design Professionals

Your customer`s bathroom is meant to be a retreat, regardless of its size. For instance, they can improve the charm of a small bathroom by outfitting it with bold wallpaper, or they can fill a spacious bathroom layout with a calming white colour palette paired with wood accents, like a teak stool, and a fluffy bathmat for spa-like vibes. Weave in stylish accents like lowmaintenance plants, vibrant window treatments and plush towels, and they have a picture-perfect space that offers the serenity they need to start and end their day. To get your customer, their readers, inspired to refresh their space in 2022, Good Housekeeping asked their favourite interior design pros to share the bathroom trends that are worth keeping on your radar in 2022, www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/

decorating-ideas

Matte Black Fixtures

Antique brass has had its fair share of the spotlight in bathrooms, but now there’s a new kid in town. Matte black fixtures have been having a moment, and we will see even more of this trend in 2022.

Bold Wallpaper

Bold wallpaper, from walls to ceiling, are the new experience for bathroom design. Not to mention, keeping the edges soft and curvy with the cabinets and arched mirror details. Think outside of both with pieces that are already in the home for storage, like a bar cart with hand towels, candles, soaps and lotions.

Bathroom Suites

Larger bathrooms and primary suites will continue to be a trend. With more people now permanently working from home, Good Housekeeping clients are looking to get away from it all and a primary suite can do this. Fixtures in gold-tone finishes are becoming more readily available, and these will continue to grow in popularity. While associated with the boho look, these stand alone and can work nicely with traditional and modern aesthetics.

Spa Aesthetics

People want sanctuaries, so keeping things calm in bathrooms is desired. Bathrooms are generally smaller and cannot collect a whole bunch of clutter, so people will keep them lean and simple to provide a place of respite.

Organic Elements

For bathrooms, we will see people incorporating natural and organic elements, spa-like vibes, and bringing the outdoors inside.

Vintage Furniture

For larger spaces a vintage piece of furniture adds an unexpected layer of visual interest and becomes a conversation piece in a bathroom. You can use a vintage chest of drawers or a vintage sideboard for the double sink vanity. It brings complexity to the sparkling new bathroom.

Bringing in Nature

Plants have become increasingly popular in-home design these days - bathrooms included. This is not excluding our bathrooms. Aside from plants having such a great finishing-touch appeal, the usage of plants can be very dynamic in a space. It sparks a sustainable approach, air-purifying benefits, and a beautiful connection with nature.

White Marble

White marble features in bathrooms are refined, classic and sophisticated, and will always stand the test of time. This design choice is sure to buck the categorisation on any trend list.

Technological University Dublin SONAS 2022 Bathroom Design Winners announced

SONAS Bathrooms and TU-D (Technological University Dublin) have announced the winners of the 2022 SONAS Bathroom Design of the Year in a competition held in association with the Interiors Association of Ireland. Students of the Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, led by one of Irelands best known Interior Designers Neville Knott, were tasked to create a luxury bathroom for a contemporary hotel. Third year student, Christian Tamayo who won the Award will now see his winning bathroom design featured at SONAS exhibitions in 2022, including the Spring Ideal Home Show.

Neville Knott said “This has been a really exciting competition for our students. As SONAS Bathrooms are one of the largest suppliers of bathroom products in Ireland, there has been great opportunities to explore a variety of themes and styles in bathroom design with products from their extensive range. Working on real life projects is always a great experience for tomorrow’s designers and these students have really risen to the occasion with a wide range of amazing designs. I extend my congratulations to Christian, Caoimhe and Ava as well as those shortlisted.”

Richard Sloan, MD of SONAS Bathrooms said “There has been an extraordinarily high standard in entries to the competition and we really enjoyed the creativity of these students. SONAS Bathrooms are proud to support the next generation of designers. Sustainability, wellness, and technology all have a role to play in the modern bathroom. It will be wonderful to bring the winning bathroom to life in our showrooms.”

Jackie Carton, President of the Interiors Association of Ireland (IA) said “It is wonderful to see Irish companies, like SONAS Bathrooms investing in the designers of the future. And what a future that is – I have been blown away by the design talent I witnessed as part of the judging panel. The Interiors Association also appreciates SONAS Bathrooms sponsoring student membership for this entire class.”

Students of the Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Design at TU-D were tasked to create a luxury bathroom for a contemporary hotel. Christian Tamayo as the winner, now has the opportunity to see his winning bathroom design featured at SONAS exhibitions in 2022 including Self Build Ireland Exhibitions. SONAS Bathrooms are one of Irelands leading bathroom brands and one of the largest suppliers of bathroom products.

First Place - Christian Tamayo’s SONAS 2022 Bathroom of the Year.

Christian Tamayo, Caoimhe Murphy and Ava Mulready, third year students at TU-D with Neville Knott, Programme Head, TU Dublin, Richard Sloan, MD of SONAS Bathrooms and Jackie Carton, President of the Interiors Association (IA) at the announcement of the winners of the 2022 SONAS Bathroom Design of the Year.

Niko Bathrooms continue to ‘inspire’ showcasing new arrivals at Dublin showroom

Following on from the hugely successful Launch of their New Bathroom Showroom, with the ‘Open Doors to Inspiration Event” last November, the Niko Bathrooms team continue to ‘Inspire’ with New Collections featuring design-led products, with elegant forms and styles that embrace the very latest trends in bathroom design.

With over 30 Bathroom settings over two floors, the showroom has been a hive of activity, welcoming retailers and their customers as part of the extended showroom service where they can browse the complete Niko Bathrooms collection. Retail Director, Ken Greene says: “When it comes to customers choosing a design style for their bathroom, colour is now one of the most popular design considerations and it plays a vital role in decision making when customers are selecting furniture, sanitaryware, brassware, mirrors and accessories”.

New to the Niko Bathrooms Mirrors Range is the beautiful Elegance Rose Gold Frame Mirror. It is the perfect colour and style to pair with the dark navy tones of the Aylesbury Vanity Unit. Features include demister pad, ambient lighting and soft curved edges.

The full range of mirrors can be seen as part of the Niko Bathrooms Mirror Gallery, showcased in their showroom and is a must see for retailers. To make an appointment email showroom@nikobathrooms.ie or scan the QR code to take the virtual showroom tour online at www.nikobathrooms.ie. Ask your Niko Bathrooms area manager about designing a Mirror Gallery display to suit your store. Strata is the newest addition to the Francis Pegler Range, consisting of modern style taps and mixers, available in a number of different combinations from a mono basin mixer to wall mounted bath fillers.

The Strata Matt Black finish is one of Niko Bathroom’s top selling lines and a popular choice with their retail customers, underlining the fact that the black bathroom tap trend is more popular than ever in 2022.

They are also available in a modern chrome finish that can often modernise some of the more traditional ranges such as the Georgian-styled vanity units. It comes with a 10 year manufacturers guarantee and is perfect for the Irish market as it operates under low pressure.

For further information on the Niko Bathrooms Collection contact sales@nikobathrooms.ie or your local area manager.

Niko Bathrooms Showrooms, Tallaght, D24. Elegance Rose Gold Frame LED Mirror with The Aylesbury Vanity Unit. ‘Tap it off’ with a Matt Black Finish – the Strata, part of the Francis Pegler Range from Niko Bathrooms.

Wet Room Solutions from Botament

Botament leads the way in converting your customers bathroom into a space for wellness, relaxation and pure quality of life.

From the simplest tile backer boards to special tile adhesives, Botament’s wet-room range opens up a wealth of possibilities to create the bathroom of your customer`s dreams. This German product range offers high quality, value added, innovative building systems that are fast, safe, easy to install and totally waterproof for both new builds and renovations.

Tile Backer boards and shower trays constructed from rigid extruded polystyrene foam makes them robust, waterproof and rot-proof with the added benefit of heat insulation. They are suitable for constructing walls, bath panels, partitions, raised floors and much more. Available in a wide range of sizes and thicknesses, they open a limitless array of design possibilities.

Botament DUB/LD shower trays

Floor level, walk-in showers can become a reality using preformed shower trays, with built-in stainless steel drains and factory set gradient. Completely waterproof, they are easy and quick to install and come ready to fix tiles. Produced in many sizes, that have options for central, offset or line drainage.

Botament Water LD Linear drains and M54 rapid screed

The combination of stainless steel linear drains used with Botament M54, is all that it takes to create a wet room. Ready to tile in 24 hours and with an overlapping seal, it is factory mounted to ensure water tightness.

Botament TE Plus sound insulation

This innovative mat goes below shower trays to create a noise barrier and waterproofing, all in the one product.

Botament Tile adhesives and accessories

To complete the range all Botament Tile adhesive, grouts and silicone are compatible for use with the building boards. This comprehensive range provides Designers, Retailers and Customers with optimally performing wet room solutions.

For further details see www.botament.com or contact info@mc-buildingchemicals.ie MC Building Chemicals, Castleblayney, Co.Monaghan. Call on 042-9751520.

Tucson Booster Pumps continue to make an Impact in the Irish and UK Plumbing Markets

One reason for the continuing success of the Tucson brand is the MBP45 and SBP90 Modulating and Constant speed booster pumps’ exceptional performance, sleek look and quiet operational sound.

The Tucson brand origins lay in the heating circulation space and they have made a significant impact on the water boosting market share in recent years.

The Tucson family of cold-water booster pumps now consists of both constant speed and demand responsive units in addition to pressure switches, hoses and accessories.

Tucson Pumps manufacture a wide range of central heating circulation pumps including convention systems pumps plus gas and liquid boiler applications pumps.

This market leading Irish pump manufacturer continues to challenge the conventional by constantly developing new pump systems specific to the Irish and UK market requirements. This can be seen again later this year as Tucson plan to bring even more new products to the market in June 2022.

Tucson Pumps quality products, combined with a superior support team, ensure Tucson is fast becoming the premium brand of choice for many plumbers.

Tucson SBP90 - Constant Speed Booster Pump

The SBP90 is one of the original booster pumps from Tucson Pumps, this unit offers a maximum flow rate of up to 66 litres per minute and a maximum head of pressure of 3.7 Bar. The SBP90 utilises a powerful 370-Watt motor combined with a fully stainless-steel shaft, impeller and pumping chamber for a high-performance pumping experience. The SBP90 will be receiving a brand facelift with a name change later this year as Tucson Pumps widen their output offering in their constant speed pump range. The CBP range will consist of a family of four pumps from 370-Watt to 1300Watt motors with a Q max output range of 66 L/Min to 130L/ Min thus providing for all applications, domestic and general commercial.

Tucson MBP45 – Modulating Booster Pump

The latest booster pump to the Tucson range is the MBP45 which offers a 600-Watt motor and maximum pressure of 4.5 Bar. Having launched at the end of 2020, the MBP45 has received an exceptional response from plumbers and installers for its quiet operation with a decibel rating of less than 45 DB at 5 metres distance. This is a pump that well and truly stands out amongst the rest in the marketplace, turning heads for its sleek, unique design.

The MBP45 differs from the Tucson SBP90 as it is a variable speed pump that uses pressure feedback to make adjustments accordingly, saving on energy and costs. The Tucson MBP45 offers features such as constant or modulating mode selection, pressure input selection feature, dry run protection, selfpriming (up to eight metres) and incorporates an anti-cycling feature which can alarm an installer should there be a leak in the system pipework.

All Tucson Booster Pumps offer a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, as is the case with most of Tucson Pumps products. Tucson’s SBP90 and MBP45 are available to purchase from builders` merchants nationwide.

For more information, get in touch with the Tucson sales team by calling (01) 842 6255 or email sales@tucsonpumps.ie

The adhesives & sealants market is projected to grow

The market size for adhesives & sealants is projected to grow from USD 71.4 billion (¤64 billion) in 2021 to USD 85.8 billion (¤77 billion) by 2026, at a CAGR of 3.7%. The major drivers for the market are increased demand for adhesives in the medical industry, increasing demand for adhesives & sealants from the building & construction industry, and growth in the appliances industry.

COVID-19 has posed many challenges in the construction sector. With major economies across the world severely affected by the pandemic and by social distancing measures, supply chain disruptions, and workforce dislocation. These led to the suspension of construction activities in some countries due to the disruptions in supply chains and shortage of raw materials and labour.

Building & construction segment accounted for the largest share of the sealants market in 2020.

The building & construction segment accounts for the largest share in the sealants market, in terms of value and volume. In several applications, sealants also perform as adhesives.

Adhesives & Sealants Market Dynamics

Drivers: High demand for adhesives & sealants from building & construction industry

Growing population and urbanisation are driving the residential construction segment in developing countries. There is an increasing demand for houses in these countries, which, in turn, is driving the demand for adhesives & sealants. There are various applications of adhesives & sealants in the construction industry, including flooring, tiling, wallpapers, and exterior insulation systems.

Restraints: Environmental regulations in North America and Europe

Europe and North America are strictly regulated by environmental laws regarding the production of chemical and petro-based products. Agencies such as the Epoxy Resin Committee (ERC) and the European Commission (EC) govern the manufacturing of solvent-based products in these regions. This is affecting the production capacities of manufacturers in Europe and North America. The environmental regulations are compelling manufacturers to focus on producing eco-friendly adhesives.

Opportunities : Rising requirement for non-hazardous and sustainable adhesives

The regulations imposed by national and regional regulatory authorities have compelled adhesive & sealant manufacturers to make eco-friendly products with no or low VOC levels. The shift toward more sustainable products has provided significant growth opportunities for manufacturers, leading adhesives & sealants companies to offer products which are solvent-free and that comply with environmental regulations. There is a growing demand for environmentally-friendly or green buildings, which gives an opportunity for the development of green and sustainable adhesive solutions made from renewable, recycled, remanufactured, or biodegradable materials.

Challenges: Shifting rules and changing standards

The adhesives & sealants market undergoes frequent changes in terms of standards and rules. In Europe, The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) implemented regulations such as regulation (EU) No 305/2011 for the marketing of construction products in the EU. With the new regulations, manufacturers have to bear the additional burden, in terms of labelling and paperwork, and additional external test costs to demonstrate compliance. Additional substance alerts focusing on biocides and waste packaging occur on a regular basis, leading to changes in regulatory standards. The adhesives & sealants manufacturers must abide by the rules and changing standards to commercialise their products. This poses a challenge for manufacturers in particular and the supply chain in general.

Adhesives & Sealants Market Global Forecast to 2026,

www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/adhesivesealants-market-421.html

www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/adhesivesealants-market

Bostik Academy: ‘Better results through knowledge’

Bostik Academy is a new online and physical knowledge centre, which has been carefully created, for professionals, in the Irish construction industry. At Bostik Academy, participants will experience a tailored training programme, that is perfectly matched to their needs and profession.

Bostik Academy offers product information on the complete Bostik product portfolio – from flooring and tiling products to their complete sealing and bonding range. Information includes access to product presentations, installation videos, ‘How To’ videos, Technical Data Sheets and all relevant supporting information.

Bostik Academy presents a ‘state of the art’ Video Technical Centre with remote video training capability and targeted webcast broadcasts, as well as traditional hands on ‘on site’ training and practical demonstrations. In addition, Bostik Academy offers tailored dedicated training programmes to business owners and their team.

Bostik have developed new and highly innovative products, which will be detailed and demonstrated at the Bostik Academy. Their experienced trainers will present their full product portfolio, best application methods, key industry recommendations as well as current market insights and updates. The Bostik highly skilled technical team is available to support builders’ merchants and hardware store teams in your everyday activities. Bostik are available to contact, as a key resource, to answer your technical questions and to support your everyday challenges.

The company look forward to welcoming you to the Bostik Academy. Visit them at Stand D16 at The Hardware Show to register for your training or visit www.bostik-academy.ie

No More Nails - Re-New

No More Nails - does all that the product name suggests

No More Nails eliminates the need for screws, nails and drills. The range of high-quality bonding solution leaves a professional finish on all surfaces.

Henkel`s All Materials product range offers a variety of highquality adhesives. So whether it’s a quick job in a garden, something your customer has been putting off for months or a creative project they’ve been inspired to try – No More Nails has got them covered. The All Materials range has an innovative bonding technology with instant grab, meaning your customer can simply stick and move on (for the strongest results, leave to cure for 24 hours).

The No More Nails All Materials range consists of four products: Interior & Exterior, Crystal Clear, Heavy Objects and Quick Drying. All Materials Interior & Exterior offers DIYers and professionals the flexibility to use the product indoors and outdoors – so whether it’s a long garden job for the summer, a room revamp, or simply a household repair – Interior & Exterior is the product that lets your customer easily upgrade their four walls, inside and out.

All Materials Interior & Exterior works on a wide range of surfaces such as bare wood, plaster, plasterboard, painted surfaces, plastic ceramic, brick, stone, concrete and metal, and can be applied with any cartridge gun. Its smooth formulation means application is easy with no mess and it offers a smooth and professional finish.

Benefits:

• Ultra-High strength adhesion • Instant hold • Easy clean up • Interior and exterior use • Solvent-free • High resistant (-30°C to + 80°C) • Temperature resistant • Fully dry in 24 hours • Solvent free • Flexible bond

Unibond RE-NEW - refresh old sealant in one easy step

UniBond RE-NEW silicone sealant is the easiest way for your customer to keep their sealants in perfect condition! Easy to apply in just five minutes. No need to remove the old sealant, just apply on top of the existing – it´s that simple! An integrated smoothing tool ensures an even finish – there is no need for a cartridge gun or an additional finishing tool. With SilicoTec technology, UniBond RE-NEW offers optimum adhesion on silicone, exceptional water resistance and excellent flexibility. And thanks to the triple protection mould resistance it repels, kills, and prevents mould over the long term.

With UniBond RE-NEW even the most reluctant of home improvers can replace sealants – and the job can be done in just one step, without the need for any specialist expertise, tools or instructions. A tube can cover five to seven metres of joint length. The sealed joints can be exposed to water six hours after application.

In contrast to other silicone sealants, which contain large quantities of extenders and plasticisers that evaporate over time and can give off an unpleasant smell, UniBond RE-NEW consists entirely of silicon, and is odourless and solvent-free. UniBond RE-NEW 2.0 features a new dispenser that delivers enhanced control through optimal stability as well as an applicator that creates less waste as it allows users to squeeze out all of the product inside the tube, making it more sustainable.

Benefits: • Apply on top of the existing sealant • Integrated smoothing tool • Repels, kills and prevents mould • Flexible and waterproof sealant • Temperature resistant (-50°C to +120°C) • SilicoTec Technology • New dispenser for enhanced control through optimal stability • Applicator that creates less waste as it allows to use up all the product inside the tube

T-Rex is back and this time it’s…Green

Soudal unveils the NEW T-Rex 80% Recycled Grab Adhesive, the first of its kind on the market. The formulation is based on recycled raw materials, packaged inside a cartridge made from post-consumer recycled plastic and manufactured using renewable solar and wind energy.

Soudal is moving towards a more circular economy; increasing the number of recycled materials used within the production process and reducing the amount of virgin ones. Supplied in a cartridge made from 80% recycled plastic, the high-performance solvent free grab adhesive is made from 82% recycled raw materials, of which 35% is bio-based. The heavy-duty construction adhesive reduces impact on the environment, without any compromise on product performance or usability. The powerful initial grab properties of the adhesive will support loads of 250kg/m², perfect for bonding heavy materials – it may be 80% recycled, but it’s definitely 100% strong.

Acknowledged by the Solar Impulse Foundation: Clean and profitable solutions for the environment, the T-Rex Grab Adhesive has been awarded the independent body’s stamp of approval for efforts in reducing CO2 emissions, as well as limiting the use of virgin material. The accolade is given to products based on being both clean and profitable solutions for the market. It recognises Soudal for their active contributions in preserving natural resources and helping to achieve climate objectives. The new 80% Recycled T-Rex Green Grab Adhesive is one of many sustainable innovations introduced in recent years, as part of Soudal’s commitment to building a more sustainable future. Driven by the will to continuously improve and to provide better, more environmentally friendly solutions for its customers, Soudal is leading the way in product innovation.

Always aiming to reduce the environmental impact of their activities, Soudal focuses on improving processes on three different levels: Energy, Materials & Packaging. From production plants powered by renewable energy, to sourcing more sustainable materials for manufacturing products and packaging. Soudal also produces close to the market with 24 production sites worldwide, helping to minimise transportation and the distance goods need to travel.

Marketing Manager, Jonathan Tanser says: “We not only focus on the performance of our products, but also the energy it takes to manufacture them. It’s important to look at the full picture.” He continues: “The new T-Rex Grab Adhesive is a big step in the right direction and a continuation of our efforts in the area of sustainability. It’s all about offering a more sustainable choice, with no compromise for the end user.”

The new T-Rex product now gives end-users a more sustainable choice when looking for a construction grab adhesive, reducing the barriers for making a more environmentally aware purchasing decision. Available in a 300ml packaging format, it will be supported by a range of recyclable Point of Sale material for distributers to display the product in-branch.

The 80% Recycled T-Rex Green Grab Adhesive is just one of the ways Soudal is helping to Build The Future, Sustainably. To learn more about Soudal’s efforts in sustainability, visit the website and watch the latest corporate movie:

www.soudal.co.uk/pro/videos/soudalbuild-future-sustainably

For further information please contact, Soudal Ltd T/A Seal Systems Ireland, call 01 88 55 555 or via

enquiries.ireland@soudal.com

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To advertise to key decision makers in the industry, contact Jim Copeland at 01-298 0969 or email jim@hardwareassociation.ie Classified advertisements (text plus logo) can be emailed to: jim@hardwareassociation.ie and are to be prepaid, at least two weeks prior to publication.

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To advertise to key decision makers in the industry, contact Jim Copeland at 01-298 0969 or email jim@hardwareassociation.ie Classified advertisements (text plus logo) can be emailed to: jim@hardwareassociation.ie and are to be prepaid, at least two weeks prior to publication.