ERT AWARDS 2024
Best Independent Domestic Appliances Retailer – Small Winner
Empire Kitchens & Appliances Based in Cannock near Birmingham, Empire Kitchens & Appliances operates a huge showroom with over 350 products on show across two floors. This year the retailer
Sponsored by 26
opened a new Smeg Premio zone and it went live with a brand new website; it offers click and collect or delivery services on all of its online products, and the site has a live stock system so customers can get real-time updates on product availability. “Our commitment to our customers with the latest models from a group of trusted manufacturers has always set us apart from our competition,” says Phil Cox, Director of Empire Kitchens & Appliances. “Add to that the indepth product knowledge our staff have, we have a winning formula. Mr Cox says that he and his team work tirelessly to ensure the business is the best it can be, supporting the wider community by sponsoring the local under-11s football team – which was in need of a brand new kit. “We are well aware as an independent retailer that we have to be better than the rest to progress in this industry,” Mr Cox goes on, “and when you look at our competition – both online and instore – that’s no small task! “So we are absolutely delighted to have won the award for Best Independent Domestic Appliances Retailer – Small, especially in such challenging times for independent retailers. We always love attending the ERT Awards and it’s always such a brilliant event! We find it a great day, not only for networking but for catching up with old friends and making new ones.” Talking about the importance of such industry events, Mr Cox adds: “Every business owner understands how difficult the market can be. But from a retailer’s perspective, to get recognition for all our hard work is a truly great feeling!”
L-R: Paul Tyler, CIH/Euronics CEO, Empire’s Paige Cox and Amanda Cox, and Shaun Williamson
A&B Smith Domestic Appliances was awarded Highly Commended in this category
L-R: Paul Hide, CEO of AMDEA, Matt Renaut from Dacombes, and Shaun Williamson
Best Sustainable Independent Electrical Retailer Winner
Dacombes of Wimborne Sponsored by
It’s been an interesting couple of years down at Dacombes of Wimborne in Dorset; the family-run retailer has been turning to solar energy to help power its hundreds
of domestic appliances, TVs and state-of-the-art home cinemas. Working in conjunction with Low Carbon Dorset, a green grant initiative for businesses run by Dorset Council, Dacombes installed 100 solar panels on its roofs, creating a 41kw system which generates enough electricity to power the whole store during opening hours before it recharges overnight. MD, Matt Renaut, says: “With air conditioning, lighting, TVs and displays, our electricity drain equated to having three kettles boiling all day long! And I used to have to sit down before opening our monthly electricity bill! But now we’re enjoying independence from the grid; we’re in control of our own usage and costs alongside helping to reduce our environmental impact. “It was a complex project utilising five roof elevations, but the challenge was certainly worth it and now we’re reaping the benefits.” In addition to the solar panels, Dacombes now also has two electric van chargers and it also uses a heat pump for all heating and cooling, plus it had all new energy-efficient lighting installed throughout the store. Mr Renaut adds: “Phase two of our green energy initiative is to eventually have electric delivery vehicles so we can reduce our carbon footprint further. I’m proud that we’re on our way to running an eco-friendly business.” Away from the store, Dacombes also sponsors the local Green Festival, organised by the eco-group Planet Wimborne. The company runs a competition for the winner to receive a full house makeover and upgrade of all their bulbs to energy-efficient lighting. “We take a proactive approach to promote energy-efficient products and address customer concerns about energy usage and associated costs, especially amid the increased costs of living” says Mr Renaut. “And we take pride in our commitment to sustainability and community support by recycling and repurposing old products where we can.”
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