NEWS


HTA sets out £134 million bill and triple hit of the Autumn Budget on environmental horticulture


The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, asking for a pause for consultation before implementing the measures announced in the 2024 Autumn Budget, which will be extremely damaging to many horticultural businesses. The triple effect of a significant rise in the National Living Wage, increases imposed on


employers’ National Insurance contribution and the decision to change the rules on Agricultural and Business Property Relief have come with inadequate warning and little consideration as to the impact they will have.


In a year that has seen changes to border controls, leading to uncertainty of timings and hikes in the cost of importing plants combined with poor weather, the environmental


horticulture sector has already had to deal with extremely challenging conditions.


In her letter to the Chancellor, Campaigning Colchester businessman wins award


Campaigning Colchester businessman Rob Nezard, Managing Director of UKRadiators.com, has been named a winner at the Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Purpose Entrepreneur of the Year category.


The East of England award


recognises Rob’s efforts to expose radiator efficiency fraud in the UK. His ground


PEOPLE NEWS New boss at Kent Blaxill Builders Merchants


Gavin Welch has been appointed branch manager at the Bury St Edmunds’ branch of Kent Blaxill Builders Merchants. Following six years with Grant & Son, firstly in Pinner, North West London and latterly in Slough, he brings a wealth of experience to the role.


The Bury St Edmunds’ branch, along with Kent Blaxill in Colchester, was acquired by the Independent Builders Merchants


Group (IBMG) 12 months ago. Since then, it has expanded its product offering to include extensive heavy side building products, hardware and landscaping, as well as introducing an entirely new roofing line. A new bathroom showroom is also being unveiled in July. Welch said: “I’m delighted to lead a fabulous team of 11 here at the Arras Road branch. There is plenty of opportunity for growth, and customer feedback on the developments we’ve made so far has been hugely positive.”


ERA announces appointment of new Window Product Manager


ERA, a leading manufacturer of fenestration and home security solutions, has announced the appointment of its new technical window product manager, as part of its commitment to delivering innovative and market-leading hardware solutions. Rishi Harbias joins ERA with over 14 years of expertise within the security industry, as well as a diploma from the Guild of Architectural Ironmongery and degree in Engineering. He specialises in the


development of products such as access control, mechanical locks and home security solutions. In his new role, Harbias will oversee the development of ERA’s window hardware products.


Commenting on his new role, Harbias said: “As the industry evolves, we expect to see windows change and advance, driven by regulatory reforms and consumer demand for enhanced convenience and security performance. This is an exciting time to be leading the development of ERA’s window hardware products, and I’m thrilled to be joining such a talented team of technical experts to deliver innovations that provide homeowners with added assurances on the security of their homes.”


6 DIY WEEK NOVEMBER 2024 Saniflo welcomes Wendy Shore as NSM


Saniflo is delighted to welcome Wendy Shore to the sales team. After 18 years in key accounts and regional sales roles at Baxi, Wendy joined Saniflo as National Sales Manager in July 2024 and is responsible for driving growth of Saniflo products through a team of Area Sales Managers. Shore’s previous roles – which included 12 years at British Gas prior to Baxi – means she’s been able to bring extensive


experience within key accounts and national merchants to the role, as well as contacts in distribution, independent merchants and specifiers. She’s looking forward to supporting the team in their daily roles as well as ensuring customers remain right at the heart of the business.


“I am very focused on making sure we provide the right solutions for customers at all times and I am tasked with supporting and empowering my team to deliver that. We have a great team and amazing customer service; all the tools we need to deliver business growth,” said Shore.


Steven Holt Appointed Procurement Director at ERA and Zoo


Security and hardware specialists ERA and Zoo have recently appointed a new Procurement Director to lead the continuous development of product procurement, processes and sustainability commitments across the UK organisations. Steven Holt, who has more than three decades experience in various areas within the hardware industry and has also worked across numerous roles within both UK businesses since 2019.


Holt’s new role encompasses working with suppliers and the internal teams at ERA and Zoo, with a focus on ensuring the best solution for the required product performance, including quality, delivery and price package, in particular on new product developments and customer solutions, whilst delivering a sustainable and resilient supply chain for both brands In a role which requires daily communication with suppliers on multiple levels, Holt, has said: “I’m really excited by the opportunity I have to contribute towards ERA and Zoo’s growth and development across a number of key areas.”


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breaking campaign has prompted government action and raised awareness about misleading practices in the heating industry. Rob’s independent investigation revealed that many radiators sold in the UK had inflated heat output ratings, breaching British Standards. These findings, backed by independent testing, sparked a government review.


In response to Rob’s campaign, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is now contacting major retailers about their efficiency claims, marking a significant step toward protecting consumers. “I’m honoured to receive this


award,” Rob said. “It highlights the importance of standing up for transparency and ensuring consumers get what they pay for in such a critical sector.”


HTA Chief Executive Fran Barnes expressed significant concerns over how the Budget’s measures will have a ripple effect on employment and investment and could be inflationary. The HTA found in its November survey that the majority of members will look to pass costs back through the supply chain, and over half still plan to freeze recruitment, with the same number again looking to reduce or postpone capital investment.


Fran Barnes commented: “Our members recognise the context of the Autumn Budget; however, the impact of huge cost hikes within such a short timescale when business budgets have already been set, and buying has been agreed for the next year will inevitably impact jobs and investment. Sector businesses themselves have had difficult operating conditions, which have mounted over recent years.”


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