INDUSTRY VIEWS Staying Optimistic
Although we are entering a new period of economic uncertainty I am cautiously optimistic about 2021. Possibly less optimistic beyond next year. I think up until Easter ’21, demand for baths will remain strong, especially with another national lockdown for the foreseeable future. Brexit will cause some issues but will be a short term challenge, unlike the financial hang over from COVID. There will be an initial readjustment as the government tries to balance borrowing whilst continuing to support some sectors of the economy. The good news for our industry is that there is a commitment from the government to build 300,000 houses a year by the mid-2020s and large infrastructure projects will continue. These will keep the construction industry and supporting ones moving forward. History tells us that it can be few years after a world event that the horizon can be seen more clearly and the challenges that are waiting but for now we are grateful for a healthy workforce and continued demand for our products.
Comment by Wayne Dance, Managing Director, InHouse Inspired Room Design
Opportunity Is Now Here
There’s no getting away from the fact that life – and business – is tough at the moment. Lockdowns and showroom closures are taking their toll. But there is always an upside. People are stuck in the homes and
they’re bored. With no holidays and few luxuries to spend on, people are wanting to improve their home environment. And what better way than a new kitchen to kickstart a new year. Retailers have stepped up their
digital game. Social media updates with beautiful kitchen designs fill up my feed and provide daily inspiration. Kitchen manufacturers have launched new collections for 2021 so there’s plenty to communicate. Your customers have time to dream
and time to plan. The opportunity is now here to provide that inspiration and build those connections. To reinvent how we do business, so we come out stronger and better for it.
Business as new normal
Comment by David Mosley Managing Director, Trojan
The market has a more positive outlook as we enter this lockdown, in comparison to back in April last year. The industry and end users are in a better place to crack on, despite COVID19. Retailers and studios have made practical changes, adopted digital solutions and found ways to keep business moving – even if customers can’t come into showrooms for a while. January might see a tough start, but consumer confidence is on the rise after the Brexit deal (of sorts) was agreed. It will get easier, as both retailers and consumers get more comfortable with the ‘new normal’. The cocooning effect of the lockdown means our audience is at home, looking around and considering home improvements. Canny retailers will be investing time in reaching out to them. This doesn’t mean spending big, but being present; on social media, local group pages and forums – let people know you are open and here to help.
INDUSTRY VIEWS
Comment by John Robinson Marketing Manager, BLANCO UK
BKU JANUARY 2021
7
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
