arriving in September, these will have super slim install depths of 18cm allowing two full working pan drawers underneath, yet the extraction rate is still very powerful at over 670m/3hr. We have recently introduced the new 90cm 6 flex zone induction hob with hidden white Led controls under Schott Ceran glass. We exhibited this at a recent trade event and the feedback from the members was very encouraging, many told us we needed to put the price up!!!!!!!
Q. How else will you be supporting the Trade to develop the brand? A: The independent retailers’ recommendation is key to any brands longevity, we have to make it easy for them to buy from us and give them confidence in the brand. Recognizing this, we have made several changes recently, we have invested in Tradeplace to make it easier for our retailers to place orders and check stock. We are just about to launch our new comprehensive 150- page Appliance catalogue which is a step change from the previous 32 pages, this will be much more detailed providing the retailers with far more knowledge and will be available across print and electronic mediums. We are investing significant sums in expanding
our Field sales team over the next 6 months to provide better UK coverage. I work off the old adage that people buy off people and as an independent retailer it’s essential to know that the manufacture offers support in a variety of different ways, none more so than having an effective local Area Manager that can be a conduit between head office and themselves in a multitude of ways and offer support in terms of product training.
Catas new 600 wide slim depth vented Flex Induction hob with Hidden white Led controls
Catas new 770 wide slim depth vented Flex Induction hob with Hidden white Led controls
Q: There are several key changes in the industry at present from “connected appliances” to Sustainability what are Cata’s plans on these fronts? A: Sustainability is a growing focus, at CNA group we work with many large multinational organisations, and we sell in over 100 countries, these customers and indeed ourselves are very aware of the need for products to become more sustainable and we have serval key projects underway from production methods to packaging constantly striving for improvement within the manufacturing process. As we manufacture & sell products across the CNA group within the EU market the “right to repair” directive forms part of any new products development, ensuring access to spare parts and ease of repair to extend a products lifespan. Connected appliances is an interesting concept, there are undoubtedly some appliances where the technology is more suited with clearer benefits to the end consumer. Traditionally due to the sector of the market we operate in we haven’t engaged with connected appliances but as we look to expand the product range with more premium products, we are investigating Smart appliance offerings. There is a balance we have to strike between offering a reliable quality product with the essential features at a competitive price point and overloading it with features that may or may not add real value to the end consumer.
Q: What is your vision for the Cata brand? A: For me it’s about people and product, after working in the industry for so long my belief is that personal relationships form the bedrock to a successful partnership, our customers
Summer 2025 PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
need to be able to trust us as a business and as people they want to work with and that is very much based on the support we offer to them at all levels. Those personal relationships are what drives this trust. As a business we are seeing growth in what is a very challenging market, we feel that this is being driven by consumers who are far better researched these days and are looking to secure the best value for money on spend, this is where the Cata product can step in and fill a gap offering value for money with low failure rates and all the infrastructure of a much larger business. To maintain this, we need to work hard to ensure our product offering stays relevant and on trend. With our manufacturing capabilities my goal is to continue to extend the more premium range of products we can offer with innovative technology such as Non-Drip Angled Glass Cooker Hoods with air sense technology but at a price point that would be far lower than an alternative premium brand.
Q: Last question – What’s the best part of the new role? A: Difficult to name a “best” part Stuart, there’s been so much behind the scenes activity as we reposition current product, launch new product (32 new or improved products) so far this year, developing the brand strategy and look, however if you really want to pin me down the “best” part is the part that never changes and that’s the people, whether its new colleagues that I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know and work with over the past 14 months or indeed those I’ve known for many years, people are what makes this industry and that’s why so many of us never seem to leave.
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