NEWS
Horticultural businesses optimistic but cautious for 2021, says HTA’s new Business Confidence Index
Business confidence is returning to the UK garden industry after the record crash in confidence in spring, says the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), as shown by its new Business Confidence Index survey of members and supported by positive garden centre sales in October, with 17% growth on October 2019. The Business Confidence Index assesses members’ confidence in sales and areas of investment in the business over the next 12 months and will be used to demonstrate the pulse of the industry during these times of uncertainty. Business outlook crashed in Q1 2020 when the impacts of Covid-19 began to take effect. However, both short- and longer-term business outlook have steadily increased to Q3 2020, albeit remaining at lows not seen since 2013. The Index reveals that most members are feeling comparatively optimistic about their future sales and many are looking to target new customers. The fragile market environment though is limiting their willingness to make more significant business investments, such as buildings or new premises. David Denny, HTA Futures and Sustainability Manager, commented:
“The Business Confidence Index is a barometer of industry opinion and potential actions. After an incredibly challenging year, it is encouraging to see some measure of confidence return to horticultural businesses.”
TWITTER TRADE TALK
@duluxacademy It’s been a challenging year. But while some celebrate Thanks Giving it’s important to find things to be thankful for. We thank all of you who have attended courses in person or online. We’ve enjoyed meeting you all!
@HenkelUK
A handful of companies have pledged to go beyond achieving net-zero carbon
emissions.In our campaign with @guardian we explain our plans to do it without offsetting: https://bit. ly/2HPpzDq #HenkelUK
@DickiesEurope
NEW for 2020. The Dickies FLEX Women’s Everyday Trousers are a modern work trouser. Featuring multiple pockets including a ruler pocket and a practical cargo pocket with an internal mobile phone pocket.
@ERASecurity Day or night the ERA Protect outdoor camera has got you covered! Trade store - http://
eraeverywhere.com Public - http://
erahomesecurity.com (click buy online at the top of our homepage) #ERAprotect
@biradirect In light of the restrictions and tough lockdown measures in place,
#captivatebrands would like to offer a reduced minimum order value for carriage paid deliveries for Bira members until Christmas.
www.diyweek.net
Covid-19 has been relentless in its determination to throw a spanner in retailers’ plans throughout much of 2020, but despite the economic uncertainty, come rain or snow, over the next few weeks shoppers will be flocking to
2020 is declared a ‘record year’ for compost by The Greener Gardening Company
of 2019’s entire turnover within the first six months of 2020, as demand for compost skyrocketed due to the soaring popularity
of gardening during
lockdown and throughout the on-going pandemic. The
Greener Gardening
Leading growing media supplier, The Greener Gardening Company has hailed 2020 as a record year for sales of its portfolio of peat-reduced and peat-free growing media, despite the immense challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The company behind the innovative Happy Compost, Growise and Richmoor growing media brands hit the equivalent
Poinsettias hold the key to supercharging houseplant departments this festive season
garden centres in their droves to snap-up that much-loved festive favourite: the poinsettia. With these iconic Christmas emblems presenting an ideal opportunity to keep tills ringing, the experts at Stars for Europe, the leading poinsettia marketing agency, focus on techniques footfall in
to maximise poinsettia sales
areas this season. Garden retailers are masters of linked sales: bottles of tomato food next to young veg plants in spring, and display units of seed compost conveniently positioned beside flower, veg and herb seed racks are two classic examples. But how can retailers up basket spend when poinsettias are often purchased as a throwaway item? Although these festive favourites can thrive as houseplants, millions will be composted in the New Year when their trademark coloured bracts are past their prime. And here lies
Company’s National Sales Manager, Jason Pike, said: “We have witnessed a massive increase in demand from not only from our existing customer base, but from new customers who are eager to stock the 100% peat-free Happy Compost brand, which is being doubled in size for 2021 to help retail outlets drive growth. Pre-season orders have been exceptionally strong, already double the number of orders that we would normally receive at this point in the calendar.”
the dilemma: poinsettias are less likely to drive sales of plant food and houseplant compost for repotting, as consumers are unlikely to keep plants for long enough to administer a little TLC. In fact, it is the poinsettia’s
unremarkable plastic pot that holds the key to generating linked sales. Christmas is all about bringing sparkle into homes, and a drab plastic pot is a world away from the magic of a winter wonderland. Step forward pot covers: retailers’ secret weapon to turbocharging basket spend. Take a number of premium poinsettias and display in dynamic pot covers that compliment or contrast the colouring of plants’ bracts – think classic Christmas hues of red, gold and silver, as well as en-vogue tones of grey and charcoal that enhance contemporary living. An enticing assortment of pot covers located right next to poinsettia displays will fly off the shelves, significantly upping spend as consumers seek a fast and convenient way to add wow-factor to their festive favourite. To find out more about Stars for
Europe, and to access its library of advice, imagery and content, visit
www.starsuniteeurope.eu/en
Choose the right radiator with MARC’s Heat Calculator
The Manufacturers Association of Radiators and Convectors (MARC), has launched an online ‘Heat Calculator’ to help consumers choose the right radiator for each room in their home.
The handy tool is part of
the ‘You are What You Heat’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the need to have quality, CE marked radiators, in order for your heating systems and home to be fit and healthy. Isaac Occhipinti, Head of External Affairs, MARC said:
“MARC is committed to product satisfaction and consumer assurance. Members have pledged to raise standards and compliance. “MARC
wants to help
consumers to find the right product. Factors such as room dimensions, window size, and wall material are used to calculate the required outputs of radiators, to adequately heat a room. The MARC calculator can be used to determine the heat requirements of your room. Simply enter the details in the
corresponding fields and it will show you how many Watts and ‘British Thermal Units’ (BTUs) you need to ensure your space is always warm, cosy and inviting.” The MARC calculator can be found online at
www.marcuk. com/heat-loss-calculator
PEOPLE NEWS BCF Technical
Director awarded UK coatings industry’s highest honour
Wayne Smith, previously Director of Regulatory Affairs
at the British Coatings Federation, has been awarded the coatings industry’s highest honour, the Silver Medal. This award was instigated by a member, Leslie Silver, on his retirement as President of the Association in 1980. It was created to recognise outstanding individual service to the paint industry in the UK and those who have contributed to its growth, health and reputation. The Silver Medal is not normally awarded to BCF staff members, but the BCF Board of Directors unanimously agreed Wayne’s was a special and exceptional case. Having worked at the Paintmakers Association and the BCF for 29 years, he has dedicated his working life to the coatings industry.
New Manufacturing Director for What More UK
Leading Lancashire housewares manufacturer, What More UK,
has appointmented Rob Walker as Director of Manufacturing. Walker joined What More UK in 2014 as Manufacturing Manager. Six years later he’s overseen some big projects and changes in infrastructure. The company frequently brings out new products, often requiring new moulds. There’s an impressive collection of machinery too, all of which needs skilled workers to maintain and operate. Walker left school to work for a plastic mouldings company. He made the most of his time learning as much as he could about the materials, the processes, and the sector. After 17 years he’s become an expert in his field through hard work and determination. Walker commented: “I’m
extremely grateful to everyone at What More UK, there are so many people who have helped and guided me.”
NOVEMBER 2020 DIY WEEK 7
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