INDUSTRY COMMENT: YEAR IN REVIEW
A REAL ROLLERCOASTER OF A YEAR Mike Smith
Head of Commercial, EFG Housewares
BHETA SEES MEMBERSHIP UPTICK
for us, having seemingly taken a good market share from the more established delivered wholesale ‘names’ and we will obviously strive to make sure that continues into 2025 and beyond.
This has been a real rollercoaster of a year for us at EFG, with plenty of highs and several lows. But overall we will happily remain in positive territory due to the very nature of the everyday essential products we sell.
This will allow us to ride out the
more turbulent times we face in the UK market, but with strong sales from our export division, this puts EFG in positive territory when compared to 2023.
The ongoing major successes for EFG does continue to be our DIY department and since the pandemic it’s been a shining light
The biggest issue we see next year is the massive costs the new Labour government have foisted upon on us all; with the rise in the minimum wage, the huge increase in National Insurance contributions that arrive in April, all of which affect us. However, with the work our buying team are putting in to buy more key items in much larger volumes, we hope that we will be able to mitigate most of that impact and continue to offer excellent service and most importantly keen pricing. With all that said, with the
improvements we continue to make to www.efghousewares.
co.uk, our back office system and trying to drive efficiencies, we will certainly be here in 2025 and fighting our corner as we continue the move from a wholesaler to national distributor and into our 48th year of trading!
Will Jones Chief Operating Officer, BHETA
how many actual or proposed legislative issues affecting the home and garden sector have been brought to the table by members, and then taken to campaign level by BHETA, talking direct to Government and marshalling and enabling support at constituency level.
In 2024 BHETA has welcomed 28 new members and while the motivation of retailer exposure, opportunity and advice have remained key to joining, the ‘stronger together’ lobbying potential of BHETA membership has become an ever more persuasive factor. BHETA is good at lobbying especially at the most practical level, saving members collectively around £4.1 million across all its membership sectors, DIY, garden, housewares, small domestic electricals, and gift. But a massive factor this year is just
Retailer events with the likes of ‘marketplaces’ like eBay, Amazon, B&Q and Allegro, as well as traditional retail channels like JLP, Tesco and Dobbies remain huge galvanisers of supplier attention, but it is BHETA campaigns (and associated advisory webinars) on issues such as extended producer responsibility (EPR), small parcel imports, and bladed articles retailing that have attracted most attention from suppliers and media. BHETA has some other serious issues on its lobbying agenda including product safety and related legislation, and the inheritance tax implications for family supplier and retailer businesses.
In challenging and changeable times, BHETA is seeing supplier companies engage with its valuable collective resources.
some disruption along the way. Meanwhile, the ongoing cost of living crisis dampened consumer appetite for big-ticket purchases, leaving some suppliers feeling deflated. However, gardening proved to be a constant passion for many, with core gardening products continuing to thrive as consumers refused to compromise on their hobby. Let’s hope 2025 offers fresh opportunities and brighter prospects for the full breadth of products under the banners of garden and leisure. This year also marked significant milestones for the industry. Glee made a triumphant return to its September date, and the recent GIMA Awards showcased just how important innovation – and celebrating it – remains to us all. Personally, 2024 has been a big year for me as well. I launched my own PR agency, crafted entirely from my vision. Our offering is tailored to provide the perfect package for suppliers, retailers, and everyone in between. Hornby George PR, the culmination of 20 years in this industry and we’re excited to see what 2025 brings.
www.diyweek.net
A YEAR OF REMARKABLE GROWTH AND ACHIEVEMENT We were honoured to win four
Vijay Sahdev Managing Director, Avron
prestigious awards and receive seven commendations at the DIY Week Awards. These accolades are a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation, further establishing Avron as a leader in the industry.
Despite the disruptions caused by the recent Budget and the increasing burden of operating costs, 2024 has proven to be a year of outstanding growth and success for Avron. We have achieved key milestones that lay a strong foundation for the future, and we’re excited to share the standout moments that defined our year.
In alignment with our strategic objectives, we opened a new office in Shanghai. This expansion is a key move in streamlining our logistics and enhancing our competitiveness, particularly with FOB customers. With a stronger presence in Asia, we are well-positioned to improve operational efficiencies and better serve global markets. As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our DIY offering, we successfully expanded our product categories. This diversification allows us to meet the evolving needs of our customers and strengthens our position in capturing a larger share of the DIY market.
Our focus on range planning and
merchandising has been integral to our success. By aligning our product offerings with market
trends and customer preferences, we’ve seen significant improvements in sales and customer satisfaction. Avron has experienced double-
digit growth for the past three years, and we remain optimistic about continuing this momentum. With a solid foundation and clear strategic goals, we are poised to achieve even greater success in the coming years.
The Dekton brand has rapidly gained recognition and is becoming a key player in the DIY market. Its innovative products and exceptional quality are resonating with both trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts, cementing Dekton’s position as a trusted and sought-after brand. As we reflect on a successful 2024, we are more excited than ever about the future. Our commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence will continue to drive our growth and help us deliver even greater value to our customers in the years ahead.
DECEMBER 2024 DIY WEEK 17
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