NEWS | Round-up
VIEWPOINT Are we resetting the
moral compass? TKC CEO Roy Saunders looks at the impact of Covid-19 and how individuals and companies have been coping with lockdown and business struggles
I’VE DEFINITELY kept my promise this year not to mention the ‘B’ word, but that subject has now paled by comparison as we face the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. I am an eternal optimist and out of what is undoubtedly a challenging and frightening time, I believe good will come. We will be left with a better sense of what matters, what is important and better ways of using our time, both personally and in business. While lockdown is challenging, people are adapting to it. They are recalibrating their lives to be resourceful with their time and resetting their connection with the community and appreciating their family and long- lost friends.
I’ve not had to reprimand anybody for still being in their PJs at 9am
In its iconic advert, BT used to tell us it was ‘good to talk’, but the past decade has seen that overtaken by e-mail, text and social media. Yet, how many of us are now finding that we have the time to talk to friends and family and more importantly want to? Good deeds abound in the community with neighbours looking out for each other and the NHS volunteer numbers are growing rapidly. I’m a great fan of technology, but many have had to ‘get down with the kids’ and get over their fear of it and have learnt that it’s brilliant for keeping us connected and preventing isolation. There’s a new resourcefulness evident
with choir practices, pub quizzes, plays and exercise classes taking place on Zoom. Whole families appearing on the one screen together for a chat is great fun.
At TKC, we’ve been using both Microsoft Teams and Zoom and I’ve genuinely enjoyed both of them. The commitment of the team has been remarkable and I’ve not had to reprimand anybody for still being in their PJs at 9am.
When we eventually emerge from this situation, I believe that the public will remember how companies behaved during this time and how they chose to interact with them. I hope they will continue to support all the small greengrocers, butchers and farm shops that stepped in with organising home deliveries. What does it mean for our sector? Will we bounce back immediately or will it be a slower burn? How will consumers’ buying habits have been changed and how can we alter our approach and processes to support this better?
I think one lesson for us all, whether it’s personal or business, is the importance of ‘rainy day’ money. Anyone living or working too close to the edge is going to struggle and having the backing of your team will be vital when things do return to normal, or the ‘new normal’.
Stay positive and stay safe. 10
V-Zug forges ahead with UK relaunch despite coronavirus uncertainty
PREMIUM SWISS appliance brand V-Zug has said it remains committed to its UK relaunch strategy despite the ongoing worldwide coronavirus pandemic. The brand – which withdrew its retail operations from the UK and Ireland in May 2018 due to “negative prospects created by Brexit” – recently announced details of its plans to re-enter the UK and Ireland market, as part of its global growth strategy.
Speaking to kbbreview about the brand’s new UK direction, Alberto Bertoz (pictured right), global managing director of V-Zug, said: “In hindsight, it was obviously a mistake to leave the UK retail market in 2018. The UK and Ireland are significant markets, so we have reviewed that decision and are keen to re-establish the brand’s presence here. “The way we started the business originally in the UK wasn’t quite right. We didn’t invest enough and, therefore, didn’t have the right set-up for us to succeed. This time round, we are back with a new structure, a new team and are investing in a long-term journey. “The new structure that will enable us to
lead and support the project and kitchen channels, alongside the already established service network. “We also plan to establish a Zugorama showroom in London to help strengthen our presence in the market and give the UK team and our retail partners the support they need.” V-Zug UK will be headed up by managing director David Knight (pictured left), who was keen to reassure the market it would continue to rebuild its presence in the UK despite the global challenges of coronavirus.
“As you’d expect from a prudent Swiss-led business, we have a robust financial contingency plan that ensures the business locally and globally will manage through this business jolt. We have built additional stock, our production is still running and we are fulfilling all orders.
“The big factor for me is about building and regaining trust. I have a five-year plan for the brand in the UK. We are looking to establish ourselves here for the long-term, work with premium kitchen retailers as well as build our presence in the projects market.”
Hettich opens online digital trade exhibition
HETTICH HAS launched a digital trade fair where customers can learn more about products and access online tools.
The focus is on new products for drawers, runners and sliding door systems. Each new product has a data sheet with many lifestyle photos as well as videos explaining the product and providing information on installation. The products that feature are the AvanTech YOU drawer system, the Actro 5D drawer runner, and the Sliding door system TopLine XL.
Videos within the site include an introduction to the exhibition, two videos on how Hettich products can be used in furniture for the kitchen and living room, plus a virtual tour of a showroom, showing the variety of products in practical settings. Further down the page, there are separate sections for retailers, designers, architects and fabricators, which give specific information for each sector’s needs. This includes a retailer portal, technical specifications, a list of CAD partners, installation aids and details on trends. It also includes digital flip- through versions of the catalogues: The Hettich Ideas Book and ProDecor – Inspired by Life – UK Handle Collection.
· May 2020
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