news
CIH chairman calls for greater engagement between suppliers and retail
T
he annual CIH Suppliers’ Lunch was held at the Dorchester Hotel in London on December 5. CIH chairman Steve Scogings cited some of the changes at the buying
group in recent months, and looked to the future while calling for greater industry collaboration. “Change is not an easy thing to embrace, but it is necessary in the
current retail landscape,” he said. “CIH has undergone a major change in the past two years with the implementation of a brand-new SAP System and the launch of our new online platform. Both of these vital additions have given us the foundation to build our future business on. “We have many changes happening over the coming months including; the rebranding of Euronics, the advancement of our new look website and the full launch of our new associate membership. All three will hopefully increase our awareness to the consumer as well as strengthening our business with new associate members.” He added: “Over the coming years it is my ambition to make CIH members the best retailers in the electrical industry. That will mean engaging with suppliers and creating a mutually beneficial relationship for both of us. For too long we have both been reducing our margins and haemorrhaging profits for the sake of the consumer. This has to stop if we want to have a sustainable business moving forward.” Steve also announced the winners of the supplier awards, with the title of ‘Supporter of the Independents’ awarded to LG for the work of its brown goods team, while the title of ‘Supplier of the Year’ went to Blomberg.
Pure announces appointment of new chairman
P
ure International Limited has announced the
appointment of Henrik Lorensen as a non-executive director and chairman. Henrik officially assumed his position at the company from November 2018 following a planned transition. Sir Hossein Yassaie, the outgoing chairman, welcomed Henrik joining the team and remains fully committed and supportive of the business. He continues in the capacity of a shareholder and board director. Henrik arrives at Pure with a wealth of experience in the global audio market, notably playing an integral role in the conception and development of B&O PLAY where he served as CEO. Henrik commented: “It is an honour to become chairman of this
respected British company and I look forward to the challenge of guiding Pure into an exciting new chapter. The business has a highly skilled team with the talent and passion to make a difference to an established organisation, whilst loving the brand and respecting its heritage.” Pure chief executive Rob Haycock added: “We are delighted that
Henrik is joining Pure as chairman at such an exciting time for the company. His experience and knowledge of the market, combined with his formidable reputation within the industry, will be a huge asset for Pure’s continued growth as a global audio brand.”
Beko plc recognised for fire safety by UK’s leading electrical safety charity
B
eko plc has won this year’s Safety Innovation Award at the Electrical Product Safety Conference 2018 for adding flame-retardant back panels to all of its refrigeration
models. The award, given by Electrical Safety First, the UK’s leading charity on electrical safety, honours products or projects that have made a measurable difference to improve consumer safety. Following a rigorous assessment of its safety benefits, Beko plc’s flame-retardant refrigeration back panel was selected as this year’s winner from the six shortlisted innovations, due to the way in which it protects against fires spreading in consumers’ homes. The panels have been applied to Beko plc’s full range of built-in and free-standing refrigeration models, making it the first mass market manufacturer to do this across the whole range. Beko plc UK and Ireland quality manager Andrew Mullen said: “We are thrilled to have been
awarded with this year’s Safety Innovation Award. The fact that our work to improve customer safety has now been recognised by Electrical Safety First is an achievement that we are really happy and proud of. We continue to build on this work through our research centres both here in the UK and in Turkey to ensure we can deliver cutting edge and stylish appliances with the highest safety standards.” Electrical Safety First chief executive Phil Buckle added: “We established this award to
acknowledge those companies which are putting safety at the heart of their product development process and Beko plc are worthy winners. They have developed a solution that reduces risk of fire and increases consumer safety. And they have done so in advance of expected changes to the product standard in this area, which must be applauded.” • For further details on this year’s Electrical Product Safety Conference, turn to page 22 of this issue
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www.innovativeelectricalretailing.co.uk December 2018 / January 2019
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