contents


Better times ahead W


elcome to the latest issue of IER. After a turbulent 2020, 2021 could


EDITORIAL


Managing Editor: Jonathan Swift jswift@datateam.co.uk


SALES


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Business Director: Carl Hearnden chearnden@datateam.co.uk


Artwork Editor Claire Noe cnoe@datateam.co.uk 01622 607963


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not have got off to a worse start, with a new national lockdown imposed and all non-essential businesses closing their doors for the third time in a year. In the dark days of January, one could be forgiven for thinking that the pandemic would never end. However, thanks in no small part to the magnificent work the NHS has undertaken, there is now light at the end of the tunnel, for our sector as for many, and there are now numerous reasons to be hopeful that 2021 will be a much better year than its predecessor. The IER Awards 2021 are now in full swing and,


after being reviewed by our panel of industry experts, we’re delighted to reveal those that have made the shortlist (check out pages 24-28 to see who made the cut) – and hand the power over to you, electrical retailers, to determine who wins in the Manufacturer/Supplier categories. Voting is open until Friday 26th March so make


sure you head to the IER Awards website to cast your votes and put yourself in with a chance to win some amazing prizes from EPE International


REGULARS 4 News 10 The Big Interview: Colin Rodgers


12 Comment: with Steve Macdonald, Hoover Candy business director


14 Comment: with Charmaine Warner, Indesit Brand Manager


30 The Final Word: Lessons from lockdown with Paul Laville, Managing Director, T21 Training


FEATURES


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6 Question & Answer: with Ed Sawday, Head of Sales for new satellite broad- band service, Konnect


16 Laundry: featuring the best of the big brands’ products


20 Recycling: Valpak’s Stephanie Simpson looks ahead to a year of recycling challenges for retailers, with the end of Distributor Take-Back and the shake up of EPR


February 2021 www.innovativeelectricalretailing.co.uk | 3 14 16 10 20


(for more information head to page 14). We’ll be revealing this year’s winners during the annual IER Awards ceremony on Wednesday 14 July, so make sure you save the date and keep an eye out for further details in the coming months! Moving on to the magazine this month, in our first feature we showcase the best the industry has to offer in the laundry sector, with some great appliances on show, while in our second, Stephanie Simpson, Strategic Account Manager at Valpak, examines why this is a big year for electrical waste. Stores not only have to provide in-store collection points for the first time, retailers are also facing major challenges under impending extended producer responsibility for packaging. Even if you think this doesn’t apply to you, read the article – it may just change your mind! Enjoy the issue!


Jonathan Swift Managing Editor jswift@datateam.co.uk


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