CURRENT CLIMATE COMMENTS
CURRENT CLIMATE COMMENTS
Current Trading Climate Comment by Dave Cullen, CEO Roxor Group
“It would be wrong not to acknowledge the difficulties we are all facing at the moment and equally be sympathetic to them, but unlike the economic crisis of 2008, which was a long and protracted haul back to growth, the current COVID-19 situation should be a very short, sharp, shock to trading, followed by a much quicker and shorter recovery period. If the sector has been mirroring our own [Roxor Group] growth
curve, then it was in pretty good shape pre-COVID and this means it is in a great position to bounce back when we emerge from lockdown. Government will want industry to bounce back quickly too and I
hope there will be the economic incentives in place to facilitate this. There will be challenges of course, but opportunities pre-COVID remain, such as home improvements and with the housing sector looking to contract temporarily, the ‘improve not move’ revenue channel looks extremely promising. Closer to home, whilst it is not exactly business as usual for us here at
Roxor, for everyone’s safety we are still providing support by phone and email, even if we cannot visit retailers, and we are well stocked to provide product as required in the future. We are also still continuously developing and introducing new on-trend products across our Nuie, Hudson Reed, Old London and Asquiths bathroom brands to give us and our retailers the commercial edge they will most surely need.”
Planning for the Future Comment by Robert Ginsberg, Managing Director, HiB
“We have split the impact of Covid-19 into a number of phases at HiB. The first phase was the immediate response, set up an impact team, who have met every day to ensure clear communication to all stakeholders. Priority was given to the wellbeing of our staff and reorganising the business to a remote workforce. Once this was achieved, phases 2 and 3 involved turning our attentions to the future, in terms of the business environment when restrictions are lifted and the long-term impact. Once business resumes, we know that the world will be a different
place and we have prepared plans concentrating on how we will interact with customers and streamline processes. Equally, for the longer term, we have been using this time to focus our
attention on business strategies and new product designs and innovations, which we are looking forward to further developing. Despite the current situation, we are excited for the future and I
believe the industry can bounce back and thrive in the months ahead. From a business point of view, a moment like this gives you the opportunity to take stock and prepare for the next stage of our journey.”
Together we will make a difference Comment from Peter Rush, Chief Executive Officer, BA
What a rollercoaster ride the last few weeks have been. We had the experience of a great KBB show demonstrating our new products including the Clic bedroom range, new on trend designs and colours for our kitchen door range and finally the launch of our kitchen studio brand Blossom Avenue. It seems a million miles away as we enter our seventh week of lockdown. Our lives have been turned
upside down by these events, yet I am encouraged by the human desire to find the good in people and the support that is being shown. The message has been one of protecting the wellbeing of our employees but also getting the business in the right shape for the challenges ahead. These are unprecedented times;
but we will get through it if we all play our part. Key workers across the country are; ensuring that patients are being looked after, that food and other essential deliveries are being made, that public transport is still providing
4 BKU MAY 2020
that essential service; in many cases they are putting their own lives at risk, all we have to do is stay at home. At BA we are actively preparing
ourselves for the period when the lockdown is lifted, and life can return to some level of normality. We continue to invest in design and innovation which ensures that our customers can be confident of always staying ahead. We are also ensuring that our digital marketing support and assets available on MyBA are current and available to all our customers. Unlike many businesses we are
still taking orders and manufacturing product at our Doncaster and Rotherham facilities; making sure that we provide support for our customers for them to keep the promises they make to their clients. In maintaining this service, we are ensuring that social distancing is in place on these sites and that every precaution is being taken to keep our employees safe. Our sales team, Anthony McCabe
and I are also available to take any calls and answer any questions that our customers might have. Finally, we hope that all our customers are able to stay safe
and well during this period, be assured we are here for you and will do anything we can in our control to support you; together we will make a difference.
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