comment MICHAEL J SIMMONDSDirector/Owner of Delfinware Household Products at Hythe in Kent On the Board Ruth and Michael Simmonds
What’s your career background? I joined Delfinware on January 4 1970 as a machine operative and was promoted to director in 1985 and managing director in 2004.Having worked in the business for 49 years, when the opportunity arose to buy the company from its owners – and having no intention of retiring – I decided to move into a new era with Delfinware. I have created a new company, Delfinware
Household Products Ltd, of which the two directors/owners are myself and my wife Ruth. We have retained all the current loyal staff and continue to operate from the same building in Hythe.
Tell us a bit about your company. Delfinware was originally set up back in 1969 to cater for High Street independent retailers, allowing them to place small regular orders, thereby utilising the limited storage space available to them. As the years have progressed, we have
developed the business and now work with larger store groups, and independently-owned department stores - although we still maintain our origins of supplying High Street retailers, many of whom have been customers of Delfinware since its inception.
What’s your working week like? Diverse is one word you could use! From appointments with major stores and overseeing the business in general to dealing with supplier issues - and even buying a pint of milk for the canteen when necessary.
What’s on your agenda? Development of the business is the number one priority. You cannot stand still; otherwise you can quickly find yourself going in reverse. Our goal is to further increase the awareness of Delfinware across the UK, and give new potential retailers the opportunity to offer their customers UK manufactured products of the highest quality at competitive prices.
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We are looking to expand the horizons for Delfinware by increasing our coverage of retailers across the UK, designing and manufacturing in-house new product ranges, and developing a wireware range which will push us over into the bathroom/shower market. We need to move forward and we are already designing a new range of dish drainers and a range of shower tidies to complement the Delfinware offering to the trade.
Most rewarding aspect of your job? Employing staff comes very high on my list. I find nothing more satisfying than giving someone an opportunity to earn a living. I was given that opportunity years ago, and will always be grateful for the chance that was offered to me.
Most challenging aspect of your job? With many big High Street names feeling the pinch in recent years, the challenge is to continue to have a strong product presence in the High Street and to develop sales in the growth area of online.
During your time in the housewares industry, what products have impressed you most and why? Technology has obviously advanced greatly over the years, and one can only be impressed with the array of kitchen electrical goods now available. There seems to be a machine for everything!
During your time in the housewares industry, which retailers have impressed you most and why? 25 years ago the general opinion was that the independent retail trade would not survive. Contrary to that belief, the independent retail business is still going strong - and I applaud all those retailers who we continue to supply after many years of association.
What’s the biggest challenge facing housewares retailers? To continue to keep their heads above water in the current climate.
What’s the biggest opportunity facing housewares retailers? The opportunity for retailers to ‘Buy British’ has always been there.
What’s the biggest challenge facing housewares suppliers? To continue in the quest to find new ideas and
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new innovative products that will appeal to the public.
What’s the biggest opportunity facing housewares suppliers? The opportunity to ‘Buy British’ in these uncertain times of Brexit.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen since your joined the housewares industry? It’s got to be the development of online sales. No such thing in my early days… and the strides forward have been massive.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the housewares industry? Always have 110% faith in your products and always be upfront and honest.
What do you do to relax? I dare to say that I’m a Millwall supporter and visit The Den [a football stadium at Bermondsey in south-east London and the home of Millwall Football Club] fairly often. Both my grandson and I have season tickets for our local National League side Dover Athletic and spend much of our time supporting the ‘Whites’.
Available in white, black, cream, grey, red and stainless steel, this large family-sized Dish Drainer is one of the company’s most popular products
Delfinware’s top of the range Harmony 3-Tier Storage Rack is finished in bright chrome and black
• For more details visit
www.delfinware.co.uk •
twitter.com/Housewaresnews July/August 2019
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