feature: Sirius Buying Group How Awards can boost your business
Sirius Buying Group discuss how independent electrical appliance and kitchen retail specialists can create new opportunities through industry Awards.
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aising your profile is a big part of long-term business success so having
the right support in place to ensure you are aware of all the opportunities available makes sense. Given that every independent retailer has a unique business model, the Sirius team are well-placed to work alongside you to help you decide which strategy will work best for you in the long term in addition to quicker wins. As the kitchen provides a multi-functional family living space, the ability to offer the full kitchen solution to the end-user is proving lucrative for a growing number of Sirius members – from toasters and coffee machines to laundry appliances and worktops to custom furniture. As technology advances and consumers
require knowledgeable experts to help them navigate new functions, the world of appliances is becoming increasingly diverse. Deciding how you want to define yourself in your market and determining what you want to be known for is fundamental to your bottom line and longevity. Establishing your reputation and growing it via entering industry awards is a very good way of cementing your expertise, both internally and with your customers, and is one of the many ways in which Sirius can help you thrive and prosper. Darren Scott, National Business Development
Manager at Sirus says, “We always encourage our Members to put themselves forward for industry awards. As we see it, nominating yourself is a measure of your own confidence in what you are already delivering. The full process of putting together an awards entry is a great way to reflect on business achievements to date and helps you to establish your next goals.” Awards are seen as a mark of quality and commitment to being best in class. Securing an award and highlighting this to your target audience is a great way of giving you a competitive advantage and demonstrating your professionalism to your peers. An award win can help you to build trust and grow your community with new customers, new partnerships and national or regional recognition for your team. Having endorsement from a reputable third-
party organisation is hugely important to many leading brands and retailers in our industry. It pays to do your due diligence to make sure that the awards you enter are well-established,
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www.ierdaily.co.uk Above: Best Independent Retailer - Crampton & Moore
Powerhouse says, “The IER Awards deliver a prestigious event that gives independent retailers the chance to shine on a national stage. We were highly commended as the ‘Best Large Independent retailer- Major Domestic Appliances’ and we also won the ‘Best Independent retailer focussed on sustainability – Consumer Electronics’. Emma Needham also won the Best Rising Star. Her dedication to learning, passion for the industry and outstanding customer service make her a true asset to our team.” Crampton & Moore celebrated winning ‘Best
Overall Independent Retailer’ in recogition of its sterling efforts serving Yorkshire. The company has high street stores in Leeds and Harrogate well as a superb store online and its Rotherham superstore secured Highly Commended in the ‘Best Independent Retailer Superstore’ category. As Sirius continue to help kitchen retailers
Above: Best Independent Retailer for Repairs Service Spares - Abbey Appliances
provide the full package with new suppliers, exclusive products and discounts, Compton Kitchens in Kent won ‘Best Independent Retailer Kitchen Showroom’ thanks to the welcoming and stylish ambience of its Faversham shop, offering a range of kitchens to suit all budgets and preferences.
Abbey Appliances in Evesham was judged
Above: Best Independent Retailer: Sustainability CE Powerhouse - Jersey Electricity
have industry credibility, plus promotional and networking opportunities. Steve Jones, Managing Director at Sirius says
“We are very proud to be a continued sponsor of the IER Awards. As a strong champion of excellence in our sector for over three decades, the IER Awards recognise the very best products, brands, retailers and industry professionals that have been influential in shaping the consumer landscape and electrical retail market in 2024.” Sirius members took home seven awards at
this year’s IER Awards, with leading electrical shop in Jersey, Powerhouse, collecting three awards. Gavin Murphy, Head of Retail at
PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
the ‘Best Independent Retailer for repairs, service and spares’ with company director and Sirius group board member, Lyn Knight delighted to be a winner. Lyn says, “Our team have won several awards over the past few years and we are nationally recognised within the industry for our expertise, experience, and exceptional customer service. I strongly urge independent retailers to enter more awards, whether local or national, so they have the potential for even more authority with their customers and suppliers moving forwards.” The beauty of being an independent retailer is
that you can make your own decisions and grow your business your own way so it’s important to see how you can benefit from specialist awards which are unique to our industry and dovetail with your longer-term goals. As an industry which thrives on connection, innovation and anticipating consumer lifestyle needs, being recognised as an expert can be a springboard for success. As per previous years, the IER Awards 2024
drew a fantastic crowd of independent retailers and suppliers for a celebration of our industry at a great networking event.
Autumn 2024
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