MERCHANT FOCUS: JEWSON JEWSON A


fter what has been a challenging year for so many, the


government’s announcement that it is extending the Green Homes Grant scheme until March 2022 should have been music to the ears of the building trade. In the short term, it means the potential for more work, part paid for with vouchers provided by the government. In the long term, it opens up a whole host of possibilities for tradespeople to build on their skills – in particular eco- friendly retrofitting measures - while helping homeowners reduce their impact on the environment. But for this to succeed, it needs merchants and the wider construction industry to support, inform and educate trades so they can easily access this work.


But before we get onto the trade, we need to take it back to the homeowner. They need to want to carry out this work in the first place, or at least be convinced it is a sound investment. Their motivations to carry out work under this scheme will vary – from saving money, upgrading their homes or doing their bit for the planet – but no matter what their motivation, they need to be assured of its worth. Not only do they need to want to carry out the work, they need to know how they can access it. That’s where the relationship between merchants, suppliers and tradespeople is of paramount importance – sharing information, skills and helping get the message across to the public.


The majority of the country has spent more time at home this year, so making these spaces more comfortable has become a top priority. That could be as simple as bringing more natural light to those dark corners, finally getting rid of a draught, extending the home to create more space for home working, or making sure your home gets warm quicker and stays that way. For many people, saving money will be an important factor. Do these measures


18


HOMES IN ON GREEN GRANT POTENTIAL


With the Government’s Green Homes Grant now launched, the potential for merchants to reap the benefit is huge if they target it right. BMJ talks to Jewson’s Customer Director Andrew Cushing about the options.


save them cash in the long run? For some it will be about doing their bit to protect our environment by becoming more sustainable. Whatever the reason for doing the work, tradespeople need to be able to confidently talk about these solutions to their customers (who may well not even be aware of the possibilities), have the right accreditation to undertake the work in the first place and merchants need to be there to support them with products and advice to get the job done. Working with


various relevant bodies, organisations and suppliers, we’re making it as simple as possible for tradespeople to access everything they need to embark on the extra work.


Supporting the trade Just as it’s important for builders to improve their skillset and portfolio, the same goes for merchants. As times move, we must enhance our knowledge of environmentally friendly products and energy efficient measures,


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net December 2020


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