The Outlet - Issue One

Welcome to The Outlet, the first edition of The IPG’s member newsletter. You will receive this publication three times a year and it will include regular features alongside all our latest news.

In this issue, you can learn all about our ‘Look out for this Logo’ campaign which has been created to educate the trade about The IPG and you, our members.

We also go ‘behind the scenes’ and give you some insight into how we manage existing suppliers and onboard new ones. You’ll also find our supplier spotlight article featuring hansgrohe and our member article where we focus on ASE Plumbing & Heating Ltd who are based in Ludlow, Shropshire.

Do you want to know where installers shop and why? Read on to find the latest stats and facts from our recent survey.

Discover our competition page, take 5 minutes out and enter for a chance to win dual branded polo shirts for your team and a crate of beer. And finally, uncover some industry news before discovering the antics from Lee, our resident plumber.

This is your newsletter, if you have a contribution which you think may be of interest to all members we’d love to hear from you.

Until our next edition…

The IPG is in its tenth year

The IPG’s journey started ten years ago, since then, many independent plumbing, heating and bathroom stores have seen the benefits of joining the group and you are now part of a network of well over 200 independent plumbers’ merchants and bathroom showrooms nationwide.

One of our first members was Masons Plumbing & Heating Supplies which is based in Richmond, Surrey. We recently spoke to Francis Grimes and asked him why he joined The IPG. Masons has been trading for 31 years and Francis told us that he had been in the industry for 35 years, since he was just 16 years old. He said,

During the early days of Robin’s endeavours to enrol members, Francis received a cold call from him and because he understood how buying groups worked from his previous role, he felt it was “a no brainer” for the initial joining fee. He also believed that “having a structured supply line, sticking with suppliers and reaping the benefits” would help Masons growth.

Over the past 10 years, Francis believes that being part of The IPG has enabled him to benefit from numerous group initiatives such as terms, rebates, a new website and up to date pricing. The IPG initiative that he feels he has benefitted from the most is “the introduction of rebate bands” as they

“This industry is like the Mafia once you’re in it’s very hard to get out”

were not there initially and have given him more of an incentive to spend with IPG suppliers.

The group has come a long way since Robin knocked on Francis’s door. Fundamentally, we see ourselves as a support vehicle for members. Of course, the very nature of independents is that you are all unique and have differing needs, which is why we have modular support tools in place. Our services are all optional and include negotiating strong commercial deals and unlocking access to key suppliers, building websites, creating social media content, general marketing and whatever else is needed to help you thrive in today’s marketplace.

We have exciting times ahead of us as our recent advertising investment allows us to continue to focus on talking directly to the installer and encouraging them to visit an IPG member store. We are on a journey to put The IPG members at the forefront of installers minds and ultimately help to drive those all-important sales in your stores and on your websites.

The groups long awaited biennial conference will be held in Spain this year - we have engaged some exceptional speakers who we trust will fill you with inspiration and sound advice. The conference is the ideal time to meet with fellow members, suppliers and some key professional speakers over sangria, tapas, plus live entertainment – the networking opportunities are countless. We look forward to seeing you there.

Our purpose is to support our trading partners in achieving their goals

Our vision is to be the most trusted, credible and well-known membership group

Our mission is to listen and understand our trading partners, providing them with the tools and services to support them to achieve their goals

The IPG is in its tenth year

New supplier update

NEW FROM JAN 2023

Kedl offer a great selection of boiling hot water systems, that includes a 3-in-1, 4-in-1 and a 4-in-1 pull-out. All products are available in a choice of colours and have 2 designs – either a swan neck design or a D shape. With easy to change filters no expertise is required. Kedl are delighted to bring affordable luxury into every kitchen in the UK.

The Kedl brand was set up to give consumers a great choice of boiling water systems at an affordable price. We are thrilled to be working with all The IPG members and look forward to offering you a great, reliable service. The Kedl brand is only available through the independents and not online, enabling you to achieve good margins on each system sold.

Watch out for new products coming later this year!

For more information please contact: info@kedlltd.co.uk

07305 924999

NEW FROM APR 2023

Integral LED delivers high-quality designer LED lighting solutions for a range of commercial, industrial, retail, hospitality and residential applications – providing a one stop shop for all your lighting requirements.

We are excited to be working with you through The IPG to fulfil our mission of bringing superior LED products to market at competitive prices. Focusing on development and innovation to maximise the performance, reliability, and connectivity of LED lighting, we hope that our distinct range offers a practical lighting solution for every requirement. With free UK customer support, a complimentary lighting design service for commercial and industrial ventures, LIAQA accreditation and extensive industry knowledge, Integral are on hand to help support and facilitate your next lighting project, from design to execution.

For more information please contact: april.blake@integralmemory.com

0208 451 8709

NEW FROM JAN 2023

Niglon is a family-run company that has been supplying high-quality electrical components in the UK for over 80 years. The company has 4500+ ‘in stock’ products across various categories from circuit protection to lighting controls. Throughout their history, Niglon has always aimed to deliver the best in quality, service and price. Today these values still hold true.

Niglon is excited to work with you and be part of The IPG community. As a manufacturer of electrical products, we want to leverage our expertise to support your projects and contribute to the success of your organisation. Collaboration is key to achieving great things, and we are committed to providing you with high-quality products and exceptional service. This partnership will lead to many opportunities for growth and innovation, and we are honoured to be a part of it. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you, and we look forward to building a successful relationship.

For more information please contact: sales@niglon.co.uk 01217 111990

NEW FROM APR 2023

UK Cylinders offer a range of superior quality AIR cylinders built using high grade Duplex stainless steel and designed to provide fast flowing hot water to single or multiple outlets. They are manufactured to the highest standards and supplied with innovative components to ensure quick recovery, low heat loss and economic use of energy. With stock of Indirects, Directs, Heat Pump cylinders, Horizontals, Air (Internal expansion), Slimlines and many more, which can be delivered promptly and competitively from their warehouse facility in West Yorkshire.

UK Cylinders is now an approved supplier to The IPG and the FlowCyl product range is listed on The IPG portal. We look forward to working with the membership and are happy to assist with any enquiries you may have.

For more information please contact: sales@ukcylinders.co.uk 0333 032 9650

NEW FROM APR 2023

Founded in 2009, V-TAC is a global company offering highquality lighting products. We have expanded to over 70 countries throughout Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East, and are committed to innovating with the latest technology, while pursuing excellence in quality. Our vast LED lighting range includes premium-tier products with our partnership with Samsung.

V-TAC is looking forward to working with you to create beautiful and functional lighting solutions. We offer a wide range of products to choose from, and we are always updating our offerings with the latest technology. At the same time, we also understand your space needs and are working towards inventory consolidation with colour temperature and wattage changing lights. This will provide installers and end users with flexible options with a single fitting.

If you are looking for a lighting partner who is committed to providing high-quality products, excellent customer service, and the latest technology, then V-TAC is the company for you.

For more information please contact: info@v-tac.co.uk

0207 299 1212

FROM JUL 2023

At JTP UK we ensure that there is no compromise throughout our design and manufacturing processes. Providing highquality taps, showers, accessories, mirrors and radiators is our mission and we pride ourselves as specialist in the industry.

All JTP UK products are carefully designed in-house in our London design office, which has been the home of our brand for almost 30 years. Our products are then manufactured to the highest standard, so whatever design you choose from our exciting collections, ultimate quality is assured.

We look forward to creating new partnerships with The IPG members over the coming months and offering you unrivalled support.

For more information please contact:

sales@jtpuk.co.uk

01895 440404

NEW FROM MAY 2023

Kanth London is a British manufacturer of sustainable, luxury shower systems and brassware. All products are designed from the outset to be renewed, re-furbished, repaired, disassembled, remanufactured and eventually 100% recycled. Kanth products are unique in the bathroom industry, and are guaranteed to last 25 years.

Kanth are proud to have joined The IPG and look forward to creating strong, lasting relationships with the member network. Kanth products are created to last, and the partnerships forged with IPG members will receive the same care and attention.

For more information please contact:

karl@kanth.london 07710 563732

FROM JUL 2023

Established 40 years ago, Vokèra by Riello is a leading heating manufacturer with a product portfolio that includes domestic gas boilers, light commercial gas boilers, unvented cylinders, water heaters, solar thermal collectors and air source heat pumps.

With 100% of boilers being tested before they leave the factory, the Vokèra brand offers peace of mind with a lifetime reliability. Meaning you can guarantee the quality when selling our products.

With bases across the UK and Ireland, we pride ourselves on being able to offer you and your customers support with every purchase and installation.

For more information please contact:

sales.vokera@carrier.com

01727 744000

New supplier update

NEW FROM JUL 2023

Established in 1997, EPH Controls offers a wide range of heating controls for all applications with market leading quality, 5 year warranty and a first class technical support team.

With an ever-increasing market demand for product certification, rest assured that all products supplied by EPH are fully and independently certified to the required European directives and regulations. As a means of ensuring this, we have a Quality Management System, which is certified to ISO 9001:2015.

At EPH Controls, we pride ourselves in providing an effective and quality service to our customers and look forward to offering the same to The IPG members.

For more information please contact: sales@ephcontrols.co.uk

01933 322072

NEW FROM AUG 2023

Dedicated to wholesale, Securi-Flex® is a leading manufacturer and distributor of specialist cables, accessories, and cable handling products.

We have established ourselves as a renowned industry partner, known for our unwavering commitment to product quality, range, and exceptional customer service. Our dedication to excellence has accelerated the growth and popularity of our brands, supported by an impressive 25 year warranty. With circa 55,000 square feet of warehouse, and office space, we currently service over 3,000 + electrical wholesale customers across the UK and Ireland.

For over 25 years Securi-Flex® has serviced the electrical wholesale market, establishing ourselves as a market leader and look forward to supporting The IPG and its members with their electrical cable and accessory requirements. Contact us today and experience the Securi-Flex® difference for yourself.

For more information please contact: sales@securiflex.co.uk

03333 446623

NEW FROM AUG 2023

Hotbath is a prestigious brand that combines Italian craftsmanship, sustainability and technology. All our products are manufactured in Italy and distributed from our head office in the Netherlands where we have over £13M worth of stock. This stock includes up to 16 different finishes across 12 bathroom ranges, accessories and kitchen taps.

We work with Fluhs for the inner workings and diverters, the product is easy to install and boasts the 3+3 system on the 2 hole wall mounted basin mixers. With cold start on all mono basin mixers and shower heads fitted with eco air which naturally adds air to the water without compromising on comfort.

All of us at Hotbath are looking forward to working with you and creating a strong business relationship.

For more information please contact:

stuart@hotbath.nl

07930 130756

NEW FROM AUG 2023

Marquis Collection is a brand specialising in the manufacture of porcelain floor and wall tiles based in Spain.

Our company prides itself on it’s extensive knowledge, guaranteed high quality products and professionalism of our staff. Using only raw materials from leading suppliers at our fully equipped 160,000 m² logistic facilities, we can ensure that all tiles produced meet our high standards.

We look forward to working with you to offer your customers decorative solutions which contribute added value to their interior and exterior projects.

For more information please contact: marquisexclusive@tilerite.co.uk

07974 179663

Your view on The Bathroom Collection

In April, we launched the latest edition of the groups dual-branded Bathroom Brochure – this was supported by our key bathroom suppliers.

The brochure covered all categories and we negotiated with participating suppliers to ensure that all products are available to the entire membership throughout 2023.

We are always looking to improve the sales and marketing tools that we put together for our members and the very reason the first brochure was created in 2021 was based on your feedback, so it’s now time for us to understand whether we are getting it right. Please take the time to be honest, so that we can continue to evolve and improve.

If you have run out of your allocation of the Bathroom Brochure we still have stock available – simply email marketing@the-ipg.co.uk with the quantity you require and we will send them straight out to you.

Answer six simple questions for a chance to win a £25 Just Eat voucher for your team!

The IPG at the installerSHOW

The IPG launched its ‘look out for this logo’ campaign at the installerSHOW – which was held at The NEC in Birmingham on 27–29 June 2023.

Why look out for this logo?

The look out for this logo campaign has been created to educate the trade about the group and its members, giving them reasons to visit their local member store or website to compare products, prices and service. The creative uses plumbing, heating and bathroom icons integrated with the words to provoke subliminal messaging aimed at plumbers and installers.

We want to get across just how competitive you, our independent members are and that being part of the group means you get advantageous buying power and can be more flexible. With a rallying call of championing independents, the core message that we want the trade to pick up on is that you have unique advantages that cannot be found in more larger operations. You have exceptional product knowledge, are willing to go that extra mile to support your customers, can compete with the larger players and most importantly, you have the human touch.

52% were from the Midlands of the UK

29% were from London and the South of the UK 11% were from the North of the UK 6% were from Wales 2% were from Scotland

The installerSHOW was the perfect platform to amplify our brand, connect with installers and get the message out about our group and why installers should shop at an IPG member store. Record-breaking attendees ensured that the aisles were buzzing with activity as installers from the heating, plumbing, renewables and electrical sectors came together from across the UK and beyond.

We encouraged installers to visit our stand by offering them a £25 voucher to spend in a member store. To receive a voucher, they had to answer some simple and quick-fired questions about their shopping habits, apps and loyalty programmes of choice. We managed to speak to and survey over 200 installers and plumbers, the results of which are published below.

30% of tradespeople shopped at Screwfix and 29% shopped at City Plumbing however, 28% say they shopped with an independent business.

20% of tradespeople were already part of boiler loyalty schemes and utilise their personal rewards

22% of tradespeople said discounts were the top attraction to any loyalty scheme

11%

56% of tradespeople said they have the Screwfix app installed and use it

11% of tradespeople said they would only use an app if it was easy to use

Locality was the number one reason why the trade shop where they do – this was followed by price and convenience, named as other reasons.

Training and videos were the most desired feature for an app – with 46 of those asked saying they would like to see these in an app format.

There was a keen interest in productrelated features for an app – with 62 mentions of the terms ‘products’, ‘product availability’, ‘alternative products’ and ‘stock levels’.

What’s next?

Following the installerSHOW, it’s key for us to stay at the forefront of people’s minds. It’s not just about having a stand at the show – it’s about educating a wide community of installers as to how The IPG members can help them.

With this in mind, we will be working closely with Lyrical Comms on a multi-channel proposition via the installerSHOW, installerONLINE and elemental.

InstallerONLINE has been at the heart of the UK heating, plumbing and bathroom industry for over 20 years. With its two publications, installerWEEKLY (75,000+ subscribers) and installerDAILY (40,000+ subscribers), we will elevate The IPG members via their online communities.

In addition, we will feature on elemental, a content led media platform that engages with those responsible for delivering sustainability in the built environment – specifically with heat. With 40,000+ newsletter subscribers and 30,000+ social media followers, elemental will support with the story telling of who The IPG is and why its members are important to installers.

Our main objective over the coming months is to drive traffic to The IPG website and encourage installers to do a postcode search for their nearest member store. We are also looking to gain data and exposure for the group, whilst building brand trust and recognition within the installer industries.

Since 2019, over 100 of you have become dual-branded or have an IPG PVC banner up. This will make it easier for the trade to find you as we ramp up and continue our campaign to put you in the spotlight – encouraging the trade to ‘Look Out for this Logo’ to buy the best brands at great prices.

Behind the scenes

In this issue, Derek Charge, one of our category managers, will be talking us through the detailed process behind selecting the suppliers you use on a daily basis.

Collectively, The IPG team has extensive experience and a wealth of industry knowledge in not only category management but also selling, installation, IT and marketing. All of which enable us to review and evaluate all partnerships from an installer, customer and supplier perspective.

How are new suppliers approved?

Enquiries are received weekly from companies across the industry who want to partner with The IPG. Each individual enquiry is taken seriously and vetted to establish whether they would be a suitable trading partner for the group. This process involves assessing the depth and breadth of their range, if there any gaps in our current product offering, the competition in that category and whether their finances are stable.

Once this activity has been completed, the supplier will be invited to The IPG support centre to meet one of our team. During this meeting, aspects of a potential partnership will be discussed to establish whether they are a correct fit for the group. This is not only based on their product offering but whether their company ethos is aligned with our own. If that is the case the supplier will then be asked to submit a proposal.

After the proposal is received it is analysed in detail and measured against the needs of the group, whether the terms are suitable and if the pricing offered is beneficial and competitive enough for our members. Once this is agreed the process to launch will begin.

What is the key to choosing the right supply partner?

The importance of ensuring there is the right amount of suppliers across all categories is paramount to the group. Complementing existing partners is key and a blanket approach is never taken when onboarding new suppliers. As Derek mentions, “we pride ourselves in taking a balanced view of each category, not a blinkered approach”. Developing an understanding of each individual supplier’s strategy, long term goals and route to market is vital to ensuring a strong, long-lasting partnership that benefits everyone.

How

often do you review existing suppliers and categories?

We typically do a full category review every 12 – 24 months.

Maintaining a strong relationship with each supplier is important to ensure the partnership remains on track and continues to be valuable to the group. The supplier team are in regular contact with each supplier and progress meetings are held throughout the year.

A fully structured and detailed supplier review programme is in place that allows the category managers to assess existing suppliers and identify gaps in current and future category needs. Derek said:

If you know any suppliers who you think would be a good fit for the group, please guide them to the dedicated contact page on our website: the-ipg.co.uk/contact

“We understand our customers and their customers’ needs. It’s vital to us that our suppliers do the same”

The IPG Conference

10th & 11th November 2023

If you haven’t already done so, sign up now for your IPG member conference. A one-of-a-kind event filled with inspiration, advice, and countless networking opportunities! The next one won’t be until 2025!

VIVA LA VIDA LOCA

Livin’ the crazy life is what this year’s event is all about – see what happens when business and social collide.

It’s time to meet fellow members, suppliers and some key professional speakers over sangria, tapas, plus live entertainment. Build your business and social networks, exchange views and have your share of the fun. Remember, we are stronger together! This year, our conference is being held at HOTEL

MELIÃ VILLAITANA, SPAIN

Imagine a typical village nestled at the foot of the mountains on the eastern cost of Spain – near Benidorm but away from the madding crowds. A place that has the powerful contrast of the deep-blue sky and the green of the magnificent golf courses. Now open your eyes and enjoy this hotel in Benidorm. The hotel is a 40-minute drive from Alicante airport.

You may decide to arrive on Wednesday or Thursday as there are some exciting pre-conference activities for you to enjoy. If you would like to extend your stay before or after the conference, please contact martyn@cms-events.co.uk or 07900 242820 to get a preferential rate.

More details about the conference can be found on The IPG portal, including airline links with direct flights to Alicante from UK airports and transfer options from Alicante Airport to the hotel.

We are delighted to announce that comedian SHAPARAK (SHAPPI) KHORSANDI will be our 2023 Conference Host. Shaparak is known for her razor-sharp wit and eloquent presenting style. She is a regular feature on UK comedy shows including Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You, Mock the Week and 8 Out of 10 Cats. Drawing on her personal experiences, she continues to be one of the most popular comedians on the stand-up circuit and writes a weekly column for The Independent.

We have two amazing speakers this year. NIGEL RISNER who is not only entertaining but unreservedly direct. Nigel isn’t just a motivational speaker – he is a company turnaround specialist. His always animated and interactive presentations have inspired thousands of people all over the world, into taking positive strides in their work and personal life.

Nigel will be joined by LUCY JAMES, who has spent 20 years recruiting. Her work is primarily with small and medium-sized companies, working out how they can hire better. Lucy will be demonstrating how you can get better quality applicants and ultimately hire and retain better people.

Join us. Spain 2023. See you there.

Key Sponsors:

Check out our exciting conference programme:

Day One Day Two

Friday 10th November 2023

Registration

Welcome drinks and a light buffet lunch

Delegates assemble inside main conference area

Welcome from The IPG Followed by conference host Shappi

Khorsandi

Nigel Risner – it’s a zoo around here!

Host Shappi Khorsandi closes

Pre-dinner drinks on the plaza Alicante

Welcome BBQ style (self-serve) dinner in Mosaico restaurant

Saturday 11th November 2023

Breakfast

Delegates assemble inside main conference area

Meet the supplier

Coffee break

Meet the supplier

Buffet lunch

Delegates assemble inside main conference area

Host Shappi Khorsandi

The IPG

Lucy James – Becoming a magnet for great hires

Host Shappi Khorsandi ends

Pre-dinner drinks in the mezzanine of the Cupula room

Gala dinner served in the Cupula room

Sunday 12th November 2023

Depart for UK or stay on Breakfast

Please note: This is a guide only and is subject to change

Pre-conference activities

Check out the great pre-conference activities all taking place on Thursday 09th November before The IPG Conference officially begins on Friday 10th November. These optional events allow you to extend your conference experience and make the most of your time in Spain. For pricing and more information, visit the portal.

Golf

The Melia Villaitana is a perfect natural setting for golf due to its geography and climate. The hotel offers two courses that are great for amateurs and professionals alike:

The Levante Championship Course Par 72

The Poniente Executive Course Par 62

Quad/buggy tour

Escape from the humdrum and discover the surrounding countryside on one of these easy to drive two seater buggies or quads. You will receive an explanation on how to operate the vehicle and a practise drive before setting off, so you get some idea of the terrain, dirt tracks, stony paths and tarmac you will encounter on the routes – which are fun and suitable for everyone.

Duration: Approx. 2 ½ hours

Go-karting

Want to burn some rubber? If you have the need for speed, challenge yourself at this excellent go-kart circuitapproximately 10 minutes transfer from the hotel.

Unleash your inner racing driver as you compete in the “Super Prix race” for first place on the podium. Once you’ve had your adrenaline rush, you can enjoy a Paella lunch including drinks.

Duration: Approx. 4 hours

Wine tasting

An enjoyable experience for all wine lovers - visit a local vineyard and enjoy a guided tour of the wine making process and cellar. Sample 7 of the best wines which are accompanied by a tastingpairing with each wine.

The enchanting and medieval village of Guadalest is over 1,000 years old and is steeped in history. It is one of the oldest and most visited villages in Spain. Located on the top of a mountain, it is surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Alicante province. The village is not only famous for its 11th century Moorish castle but also the reservoir which supplies water to the surrounding area.

Duration: Approx. 3 to 4 hours

Duration: Approx. 4 to 5 hours

Excursion to Guadalest & Altea

Installer story Unrivalled Customer Service from SENSTEC

SENSTEC Anti-Slip Shower Tray puts safety and luxury at the heart of a new bathroom installation.

The patented technology makes SENSTEC one of the safest anti-slip shower trays on the market without compromising on design and style. There are unlimited colour options, custom made to your customers requirements. With a large range of shapes and sizes, the trays are compatible with all standard shower enclosures and will fit seamlessly into any bathroom design.

But don’t take our word for it, we have been speaking to one of our members Ballcock & Bits and their installer who had a very positive experience with SENSTEC just a couple of weeks ago. This supplier not only proved that their product

was easy to install but demonstrated their excellent customer service when an issue occurred during installation.

Jay at Ballcock & Bits said; “The bathroom installer called to inform me the tiler had dropped a tool on the tray and chipped the edge of it during installation. I immediately contacted Christopher Hackett (SENSTEC Managing Director) to see if they had a repair kit that they could send me. Without hesitation, he told me they do but he would like to go above and beyond and fix this himself to ensure a perfect finish for the customer.”

Jay swiftly passed on the details to Christopher, and he contacted and arranged everything directly with the customer, leaving it hassle free for Ballcock & Bits and the installer. Almost immediately, Christopher flew over from Northern Ireland where SENSTEC’s Head office is based and completed the repair on the shower tray himself.

Shortly after the repair was completed the customer contacted Jay and said: “We are over the moon with the repair from SENSTEC, it doesn’t look like anything has happened to the tray and it’s as good as new.”

This was the first time the bathroom installer had used SENSTEC, the anti-slip tray was recommended to him by Ballcock and Bits as the best solution for his project. When we asked would you recommend the product and SENSTEC to other installers, he quickly responded,

“With UK, European and US Patents, the most technically advanced anti-slip shower tray on the market. Like no other.”

Christopher Hackett Managing Director

“100%. It’s easily the best tray I’ve ever fitted. On top of that, the customer service was fantastic from SENSTEC. Unrivalled.”

The increasing issue of tool theft

Tool theft is an issue that faces tradespeople on a regular basis, with four in five experiencing it at some point in their career. A white paper created by On The Tools and Simply Business found that on average a theft would cost a tradesperson £4,470 and collectively across the UK has costed £2.8 billion.

According to data from Direct Line for Business, a tool was stolen every 15 minutes across England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2022. This is a 13% increase on 2021 with 35,098 tool thefts reported in total across 2022. Shockingly, in some areas the prosecution rate is as little as 2% for these crimes.

The impact of having tools stolen can be huge, with some tradespeople unable to work for over a week and losing substantial business. Not to mention the cost to replace the equipment stolen, especially in instances where insurance hasn’t been purchased.

The Equipment Theft (Prevention) Bill is expected to be signed into law later this year which will require certain security features to be added to frequently stolen products. Manufacturers will need to ensure that high value tools have a forensic mark and are registered to make them traceable if stolen. There is secondary legislation currently being discussed to extent the bill to cover power tools and other equipment.

Popular bathroom trends

Over recent years the bathroom has evolved to become one of the most important rooms in the home, with an average of 855 days for men and 770 days for women spent there in our lifetime.

The design options for bathrooms are endless, with homeowners now truly being able to create the bathroom of their dreams. Whether they are looking for timeless features or the inclusion of new technologies, customers now have a huge selection at their fingertips.

There are several trends which can be seen creeping into homeowner choices as we move further into 2023. Research conducted by Ideal Home has found that bold, eye catching colours in the bathroom have become increasingly popular. Whether it’s a freestanding bath or a feature wall, having a pop of colour makes a statement.

Japandi designs are also increasing in popularity as they combine the functional and simplistic styles of Japan and Scandinavia to create a clean, minimalistic bathroom. The use of natural materials, clean lines and hidden storage solutions helps construct a relaxing space to unwind.

Other mentioned trends to look out for are the increase demand for smart products such as integrated touch screens on mirrors, voice activated lighting and smart showers. Matching metallics across brassware and accessories, as well as chequered tiles on walls and flooring are also strong favourites.

“What do UK consumers want in their bathroom?”

“Bathroom trends for 2023”

Click here for the full white paper

Click here for further details on the Bill

The rising cost of being in the trade

The cost of living crisis continues to effect people across the UK and the increasing price of materials is hitting tradespeople hard. According to statistics from the Department of Business and Trade, some construction materials have significantly increased in price compared to last year. These include insulating materials which are up by 29% and consumables such as screws which have increased by 33%.

These rising costs combined with inflation have left businesses with no other choice but to increase their own prices substantially. A survey by BestHeating shows that more that 43% of tradespeople have had to significantly increase their fees this year. With an additional 29% considering whether or not to get a second job to help with costs and 13% of these debating moving industry completely.

Fortunately, plumbing and electrical businesses have recorded a smaller change in demand for their services with homeowners still seeking experienced tradespeople to work in their homes.

Plumbers needed

Plumbers play a vital role in our everyday lives, whether it is installing a new bathroom or fixing an emergency leak. There is consistent demand for skilled plumbers year on year, with a recent study from Compare Companies showing there had been 110,000 searches from UK households in 2023. This equates to 19% of all online trade enquiries.

However, there is a clear skills shortage in the sector due to an aging workforce, lack of new apprentices and issues such as the cost-of-living crisis. The latest UK Trade Skills Index for 2023 show that plumbing is one of the trades most affected by the skills gap. The index revealed that there is an estimated 73,700 new plumbers needed by 2032 and 33,900 qualified apprentices. The stats show that action needs to be taken soon to combat the shortages before they causes a severe impact across the industry.

Part L now in full force

The transition period for the Part L changes to Building Regulations has now finished and all new projects must adhere to these rules. These changes have been designed to reduce carbon emissions and help make homes more energy efficient.

All new homes will need to produce 31% less CO2 than currently required and flow temperatures cannot exceed 55⁰C. Heating control standards have also been overhauled as well as changes to how central heating systems are cleaned and flushed. This will have a big impact on plumbing and heating engineers who will need to learn and update their processes. Not to mention merchants who need to know if the products they sell are Part L compliant.

Part L is only an interim step before the Future Homes Standard legislation comes into effect in 2025. This is a tougher regulation that will require new builds to produce a minimum of 75% less carbon emissions and another move towards the UK’s net zero target by 2050.

Supplier feature

Since joining The IPG just over a year ago in April 2022, hansgrohe has become a popular choice for basin mixers and showers within the group.

Whether it’s the hansgrohe Groups Installer range or their AXOR range, you can be confident the products you are selling have been made to the highest standards. Ease of use and intelligent functionality are all part of hansgrohe’s vision to help make life in the bathroom easier, better and more beautiful.

“Our hand showers last longer because we take longer to create them.”

Hansgrohe’s determination to enhance the beauty of water and every aspect of the user experience knows no bounds. The group’s 120-year history has been filled with product innovations, such as the first hand-held shower with multiple spray types, the first pull-out kitchen mixer and the first wall bar to hold a hand-held shower. These innovations continue into the present day with simple, ultra-reliable technology being designed into all their products.

Features worth shouting about

The hansgrohe team are proud of the innovative features their products include, all of which help them stand out in a crowd. These unique selling points not only include benefits for the user but also for the environment.

Over 70% of hansgrohe’s products now have an EcoSmart variant. This means that customers can shower from as little as 6 l/min, using up to 60% less water without compromising on performance.

Their CoolStart feature also helps reduce energy consumption. By rotating the cartridge 90 degrees, the mixer is set to cold when in the central position, avoiding the use of pumped hot water unnecessarily. This can save the end user up to £52 a year.

Additionally, the development of the PowderRain spray means that each jet is equipped with up to six fine apertures to disperse water into microdroplets, creating a fine spray that cocoons the body. The quietness of the spray elevates the feeling of relaxation and the increased water droplets make showering gentle and effective when washing out shower gel and shampoo.

Working together

Hansgrohe understand that offering your customers reliable products and excellent service is of key importance. They have been working closely with The IPG, offering us competitive pricing and exclusive promotions to help you generate sales of their products.

Content for your digital screens, websites and social media platforms is updated on a regular basis. There is even live data for over 400 hansgrohe products on The IPG e-commerce websites.

This supplier provides some excellent product displays which are available to IPG members –they are sure to look great in both showroom and trade counter settings. They can also provide you and your employees with in depth technical

training. By visiting their mobile training vehicle, you can experience hansgrohe working water first hand, feel the difference between eco and standard products and get top tips on how to fix any installation difficulties.

Hansgrohe will also be joining us at The IPG Conference in November as a key sponsor.

If you would like any further information on products or to discuss becoming a stockist, please contact: Rob Ashurst on 07442 361443

For more information on our digital packages, including screens, websites and social media support, please contact: Kieran on kieran@the-ipg.co.uk or 01903 771699

Supplier feature: hansgrohe

“We are very much looking forward to building our relationship with the IPG members, exchanging knowledge and experience and generating some new ideas for 2024.”

Member feature

ASE Plumbing and Heating Supplies is a well-established family run and owned business that first opened its doors in 1988 in Ludlow Shropshire. In July 2023, ASE celebrates its 35th Anniversary, so we spoke to Barney Jones their Showroom Manager to find out what he thinks their secret is to a successful business.

What do you think is the secret to ASE’s longevity?

There are 5 key aspects:

• Putting customers at the forefront of everything we do, for example, providing the best service throughout our departments, driving processes internally to manage enquiries, service tickets and after sales installation warranties. These business processes have been developed over years of experience.

• Building lasting relationships, we have the unique ability to service the trade and mid to high-end retail customers. Each customer type has a wide range of demands, and it has been vital for us to learn to adapt things overtime to manage their expectations. We never stand still.

• Our trade counter setting allows customers to walk-around, we encourage customers to seek friendly personal advice from our experienced staff.

• Our Bathroom Showroom strives to stand out for having the highest quality and standard locally.

• The installation service we offer is project managed in house and any labour is backed by a guarantee.

All these attributes have been driven by changes in our local market over the years and our desire to give customers the best experience and service.

What is your secret to a successful business?

Investment – we move quickly to meet our customers’ demands. Whether it’s updating our showroom or increasing

our workforce, we constantly evaluate things and make quick decisions as and when required.

Empowerment – allowing our team to make their own decisions. We employ great people, and we allow them to make their own decisions.

How are you celebrating your anniversary year?

We are holding an open day in July this year to celebrate. We see it as an opportunity to not only show new customers that we are a dependable family run business, but to say thank you to all our existing customers. We will be serving food and drink all day and having some fun with various competitions planned. Several of The IPG suppliers will be invited to the event to assist in demonstrating their products.

How has the industry changed since you started?

The information the customer has access to over the years has increased dramatically. It is our job to manage their expectations, with our wealth of experience, we feel that we are very well equipped to offer the best advice.

There has been an increase in local competitors. ASE strives to stand out by giving the best service, honest advice and allowing our customers the time to make decisions.

In this digital age, the tools we have access to have increased. Online, portals, data, software, digital screens, etc all help to make us more efficient and more accurate.

What are the business challenges that ASE are facing in 2023?

We feel there is a shift in the market regarding who is more comfortable in spending money. This seems to be steered to the mid and high-end market or the good quality house builders. It is our goal to be proactive in this sector, to capitalise on this audience and develop relationships with more local house builders who are aiming for a mid to high-end market. The lower end of the industry I feel will be hit more.

Another challenge is ensuring we get more out of all our enquiries. We have seen a drop in qualified enquiries compared to this time last year. We must focus on quality not quantity here.

Is there any exciting development to the business that you would like to share?

The promotion of my colleague Adam Wilks as our General Manager has seen a growth in our already strong foundations. Adam has been with us for 6.5 years and is very well respected. He is playing a vital part in overseeing ASE’s

operations and driving us forwards this year. His character is key in boosting staff morale, and we wish him all the very best in his new role.

We have welcomed a fourth designer to our showroom; this will allow us to facilitate the contract leads we hope to gain from building relationships with high quality house builders and allow us to further strengthen our customer service goals.

Finally, renewables will be introduced on our plumbing and heating counter.

How has being a part of the group helped ASE?

The introduction to new suppliers has had a significant and positive impact.

The focus on collaboration is key to allow us to make the most of the member benefits, this is more important than ever to ensure that we can remain competitive and profitable.

Support and advice – Stronger Together!

Product feature

Exclusively created for The IPG members, indi offers reliable products at a quality you can trust. Sourced from a selection of our dedicated supply partners, each product has been chosen with our membership in mind.

The indi offering has grown rapidly since its launch. Starting with a small range of toilet seats, indi now has over 650 products in the plumbing, heating and bathroom categories. Varying from central heating chemicals to freestanding baths, indi is flourishing into a range of essential and desirable products that are unique to you.

The collection continues to grow, with one of the most recent launches being Doc M toilet and shower packs supplied by NYMAS. These packs contain all the items needed to create a fully equipped accessible washroom space in one box. Available in a selection of colours and with a variety of different toilet options including low-level and wall hung, there is a pack suitable for every customer. As specification is an important factor when installing Doc M, a detailed guide has been created for ease of selection. This can be found on the dedicated indi page on The IPG portal. This is just the beginning for indi and future launches are planned throughout the year. This includes a variety of plumbing and heating consumables such as a pipe freeze kit and leak detector, as well as a range of shower enclosures.

indi is your brand and has been created to provide you with a unique offering for your customers. With the support from you and your team the range will continue to evolve and grow.

If you have any feedback on current products or suggestions on what you would like to see next, please email: indi@the-ipg.co.uk

indi Plumbing & Heating: Chemicals

Reliable

Missing People #FindEveryChild

Celebrating a successful 5 year partnership with our charity partner

Having fun whilst raising money for your community

Since 2018, The IPG has supported and raised funds for its charity partner Missing People #FindEveryChild. A UK charity which provides specialist support to people who are or at risk of becoming missing and the families and friends left behind.

When we began our partnership, the charity was a lesserknown charity and we were shocked to learn that 70,000 children were reported missing in the UK every year.

With over 200 member locations across the country, The IPG’s geographical reach, made us a perfect partner for the charity and meant that each member could play an integral role in their local area – assisting Missing People to #FindEveryChild. The IPG members form part of the network which alerts the community to a missing person by sharing social media posts and participating in group initiatives, significantly extending the visibility of the charity.

Fun at the Trade Counter and beyond!

Throughout the partnership, the group has helped to fundraise via the vibrant pink collection tins on member trade counters and with fundraising events either instore or at company events.

The partnership launched with a national PR campaign #NiceVanMan which highlighted the fact that the group and its members were the plumbing, heating, and bathroom industries local heroes for the charity, searching for missing children nationally.

Since then, we have ridden bikes from London to Brighton, Orbited the Moon on static bikes instore, raffled food hampers at Christmas, held 2 silent auctions at our biennial conference, enjoyed darts at the trade counter, played fantasy football across the group and created a supersized scratch card advent calendar for some festive fun in store. The IPG marketing team has also supported by volunteering at the G4 Christmas Concerts.

All these fun and sometimes mad events have allowed us to create positive marketing content for the charity and the group. And, those supplier partners who have sponsored our innitiatives have seen themselves promoted across social media and in the trade press.

The IPG members can boast that they have effectively utilised the groups national member network and supplier partnerships to make a positive impact on the charity and to raise an amazing £48K over the 5-year period.

We have always been extremely lucky to have the support of our membership and receive regular sponsorship and participation in the fundraising events from our suppliers reflecting the supportive ethos across the group.

Thank you – your help and generosity has had an impact on children’s lives. We will be announcing our new charity partner in the near future.

Registered charity in England and Wales (1020419) and in Scotland (SC047419)

Save the date

Key dates and events for you to put in your diary.

Have your say

We are inviting members to have their say. Share your thoughts and opinions about business and industry issues. The first 10 members to respond will receive a £25 JustEat voucher – we welcome any photos you’d like to share

What do we want to hear about? Everything!

This will be a great forum to discover whether you share the same business highs and lows as other members. Discover how we can help each other to continue to grow and thrive.

Nothing is off the table, if you have any new ideas for the group, and/or suggestions about how we can support your business, we would be thrilled to hear them.

Do you have any product wants and needs? Are you struggling to recruit experienced staff or looking for assistance with staff training? Do you want to improve your internal IT systems and need advice? Or maybe you are trying to attract new customers? Please share your thoughts with us.

Keep us informed of what is going well or not so well for you and if you have any hints and tips about your store or business model.

We want to see your pictures of new bathroom showroom and trade counter displays, signage and open day events. Other members may find these useful if they are looking for ways to boost or improve their business, especially during challenging economic times.

Whether you have made small or large changes, if they have enhanced your business and/or attracted new custom then we would like to hear from you so we can share your knowledge.

The idea is that we can help each other to become stronger together!

Get in touch and your views could feature in next quarter’s issue!

marketing@the-ipg.co.uk

Time out

Sponsored by PJH

PJH is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of bathrooms, appliances and sinks & taps. With well-known and exclusive brands, such as Bathrooms to Love, RefleXion and Prima, you have access to one of the most comprehensive ranges of products, styles, designs and features to suit your customers’ needs and budgets.

With a vast stockholding, its own fleet, next day delivery option – to home or store – and excellent customer service and technical support, PJH adds true value to your business and helping you succeed in today’s highly competitive marketplace. Its Bathrooms to Love ranges are continuously refined and updated to ensure you can always offer the very latest on-trend styles too.

You also have access to its best-in-class Partners Portal™ online sales channel, which gives you instant access to product information, prices, stock availability and order tracking.

With marketing support packages available, a desire to work in partnership with you, and a commitment to continuous improvement of both product and service offerings, we aim to be our ‘Customers’ First Choice.’

Crossword

Solve this crossword for your chance to win dual branded polo shirts for your team and a crate of beer. Plus two runners up will also receive a crate of beer.