trade comment The TV future – now (part two)
Confederation of Aerial Industries Ltd (CAI) senior executive Tim Jenks gives the second part of his view of the next generation of TV viewing catering for the ‘view-when-you-want’ market
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here is no doubt that buying a TV is not a simple as it was 10 years ago. As far back as 25 years there were
only four channels to choose from – five if you were lucky. There was a row of tuner buttons you could press – or if you were posh you had a remote control that selected channels and allowed you to change the volume. The dawn of satellite direct to the home in the 90s opened the floodgates for multi-channel viewing, but no one predicted what we have now. The broadband that dominates life as we know
it is attempting to take over the way we watch TV. However, against a lot of pundits’ wishes – not to mention the push to dominate airwaves with mobile phone usage – there are signs we are not all clamouring to ‘go online’ for our British TV big sellers. A recent conference held by Digital UK (DUK) revealed that TV viewing in the main lounge at home (on an even bigger TV than previously) is what grabs most of our attention. The simple approach of a TV remote where we press button number one on the remote to
watch BBC One is still a firm favourite. The faff of logging on and wading through menus to get to the 6 o’clock news is not catching on as well as predicted. We generally want an instant ‘hit’. Couple this with the escalation of prices for
pay TV via the usual satellite or cable providers and we have a defined churn of viewers looking elsewhere for multichannel viewing – away from the subscription price-hikes that have just been announced. The exception would seem to be Premier League football, which will continue to dominate TV sport channel schedules. TV could almost become like a utility company. In order to keep prices held a little, some of us ditch our TV deal and shop around. Broadband giants BT and Virgin Media continuously slug it out if you take any notice of the mail the postman brings you – or you bother reading your junk emails. BT has recently told us our phone bills are going up. They have also told their TV viewers (YouView box watchers) that subscription channels prices are rising. The effect is still to
be recognised. But do you need fibre optic or ADSL? Should you combine your phone, broadband and digital TV into one bundle? Is unlimited the way to go? Sometimes even seasoned broadband users
are bewildered and stick to their current supplier. The pesky meerkats are already involved. You can ‘compare your broadband’ now. But don’t believe it when they say it’s easy - the small print in subscription packages contracts requires a magnifying glass. Alexandr and Sergei will give help sorting through the plethora of delivery methods available in your area – although no two metropolitan areas are alike, never mind what is obtainable in a rural spot. Which brings me to my favourite quotes
about TV… ‘Televison’ – the word is half Greek and half Latin – no good can come of it. (C P Scott) But the best yet… I was going to watch Big Brother but I had all
this sweetcorn to glue back onto a cob. (Sean Lock)
Your right decision isn’t everybody’s choice
‘Correct’ decisions are made by us all – let’s face it, we would not knowingly make a wrong one, writes Sirius Buying Group events director Stuart Hopwood
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his scenario may be familiar to many. Going to work or returning home, as the leading driver, you oſten make
the ‘right’ decision not to frustrate fellow vehicles following you for miles along the A roads or through country lanes. Steady 50 or maybe 60mph you are confident and happy to lead the following traffic. Arriving into a 30mph, you make the right decision and slow down to the correct pace and straight away, it’s clear to see, this is not everybody’s choice. Ignoring the fact of a pending speed camera, what is your decision? Independent electrical retailers have
opportunities in choosing with whom they wish to associate and have as a ‘support partner’ – to fulfil business plans, continue growth and produce a return on investment. Realising market changes, benefits and
potential, for more than 150 astute, innovative, independent electrical retailers, their choice has been to benefit and take advantage of the Sirius Buying Group support. That said, ‘no one size fits all’. The decision to purchase a particular brand
from a particular supplier at a particular price to ensure sufficient profit margin is the retailer’s prerogative. This right decision is to entice
March 2017
more customers to make their right decision to purchase from you. Sounds simple? Of course not. For the consumer, they have a multitude of choices on which brand to choose, at what price and from a multitude of retail outlets. The actual selling process for the retailer is
where the greatest decisions are made and this is where the independent has many attributes to attract and entice customers. It’s not easy being an independent retailer, so beneficial support with added profit margin is paramount to aiding success. It is also important to have knowledge of having made the right decision confirmed by peers and other successful independent retailers. Let’s face it, sometimes running a business,
making loads of decisions, can be a very lonely occupation. Attending events and talking with like- minded retailers always grants beneficial information and understanding. Guess what? You’re not alone. The forthcoming Sirius BG Conference in
Vilamoura, Portugal, taking place May 21 to 24, is such an event which demonstrates the successful sharing of useful information. Not just the official presentations but the
shared chats throughout the days. While serious about business, business should also be enjoyable.
Heading a business, however large or
small, is not easy but we all do it because we love it and enjoy it. Calculating or planning for opportunities to make it easier and more enjoyable, then the right decisions are made accordingly. Taking a chance is not an option. Now back to the 30mph zone. This scenario
was part of an HR interview program for high level chief executives. As a leader, what decision would you make? Answers are subjective but irrespective of the law, in the eyes of high level business ethics, it is said there is only one correct answer. Irrespective of a police camera, the correct decision is 30mph or less. Someone having the trait of taking the very simplest of chances can be the downfall of a company? Not too sure on this – but I’m no HR expert.
Though not condoning exceeding the speed limit, thank goodness this industry is full of independent retailers and suppliers who take many chances and make right decisions. Looking forward to seeing you at The Lake Resort in Vilamoura.
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