Irish Hardware vol2/iss1

IRISH

Vol 2 / Iss 1

HARDWARE Ireland’s hardware journal since 1938

hardware * diy * home & Garden * Trade Counter

Return to Building Growth?

News * Blogging * Technology * Garden Centres

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ROI: 1800 22 33 66 or hss.ie NI: 08475 28 28 28 or hss.com

contents

6

NEWS

13

Business Blogging

15

Merchandising

17

Cover story

We bring you the latest hardware and construction industry news from across Ireland and the UK.

Conor Forrest examines the benefits of online interaction for Irish hardware stores and seeks out the opinion of the Irish Internet Association.

How you display your products is just as important as what products you have on your shelves. Irish Hardware offers a few visual merchandising tips from across the globe to make your store more enticing.

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) have predicted growth in both the value and level of construction activity in Ireland in 2014. But is this a concrete forecast? Conor Forrest talks to industry figures to discover more.

20

BER

Some home insurers will begin to take BER ratings into consideration when calculating insurance premiums. Benjamin Larkin takes a look, and reminds store owners regarding the products they should have in stock.

21

Store Profile

In our first in a new series of hardware store profiles, Conor Forrest visited Topline member Griffin Hawe Ltd. in Athy, Co Kildare, to discover how they've weathered the past few years.

25

Technology

27

Product News

29

Garden Centres

Irish Hardware looks at new and innovative technological solutions across the construction and hardware industries.

We highlight some of the latest products available for hardware retailers.

Garden centres have been making something of a comeback of recent.

Irish Hardware examines the top tips to make a good garden centre great, and enlists the advice of celebrity gardener, Diarmuid Gavin.

Editor: Conor Forrest

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IRISH HARDWARE

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editor's letter

W

elcome to issue two of Irish Hardware magazine.

Despite some true hardship in recent times, the construction industry is showing some faint signs of recovery. Speaking with the Construction Industry Federation and retailer Woodie's DIY, the mood on the ground is veering towards positive, though sprinkled with a hefty touch of caution.

As discussed in the previous issue, garden centres have become a major area of growth for our industry, in terms of sole operators and hardware retailers who have incorporated horticultural offerings within their businesses. In this issue, we examine what makes a great garden centre tick, and enlist the advice of celebrity landscaper Diarmuid Gavin, who shares his thoughts on trends for 2014.

In our first of a new series of hardware store profiles, we travelled to Griffin Hawe Ltd in Athy, Co Kildare, to discover how this Topline Group member have weathered the building storm of recent years, their thoughts and hopes for the future, and the unique attributes which have made Griffin Hawe successful over the past 40+ years.

In terms of the business of business, merchandising is a large aspect of successful retail outlets, presenting the best possible face to the public. Irish Hardware presents merchandising tips from around the globe, and speaks with Rowena Doyle, Managing Director of Irish merchandising firm, Visual Sense. We will also cover the latest hardware and construction news from across Ireland and the UK. In this issue we also look at a variety of topics, including developing technologies, how to make use of blogging platforms, the latest in product news, and how the hardware industry can capitalise on the latest developments in Building Energy Rating (BER).

As always, let us know about any new services that you are introducing to the market, any news you would like to share with our readers or feedback on any of the item we've covered.

Conor Forrest Editor, Irish Hardware Email: conor.forrest@ ashvillemediagroup.com

4 | IRISH HARDWARE

NEWS

Irish News Construction industry back on track

The most recent CSO report revealed that the volume of construction activity had increased by 15.5 per cent in the same period last year, while a 1.9 per cent increase between Q2 and Q3 2013 was also recorded.

Discussing the statistics, CIF Director General Tom Parlon said, “This is the fifth consecutive quarter that the CSO have recorded an increase in volume of construction activity. Over the course of the calendar year the level of construction activity in this country has grown by over 15 per cent. This tallies with reports throughout the industry of increased levels of tenders and more on-site work taking place.

There has been a marked increase in activity and confidence has been consistently improving. The overall numbers point to a growing industry. ” Figures from the CSO's Production in Building and Construction Index also show an increase in civil engineering activity alongside a 6.9 per cent increase in non-residential activity.

Unfortunately, there was also a

7.4 per cent drop in the volume of residential building.

“Taking all this into consideration, along with the increase in construction employment of 9,100 between Q1 2013 and Q3 2013, I think we can now safely say that the construction sector on a national basis is officially in recovery,” Parlon added. “It should be noted that the recovery is being more acutely felt in the urban parts of the country and the pick up has not been felt nationwide.”

Parlon added: “There is still work to be done to encourage construction activity in all parts of the country.

It’s also clear not all sectors of the industry are following the general trend with residential activity down in the latest report.

“Hopefully the demand for more housing in certain parts of the country will help boost residential construction activity.

“The overall message is very positive for the industry. We are delighted to see the Irish construction return to growth and we hope this trend will continue over the coming year,” Parlon concluded.

€30m for Local Authority Homes Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan TD, recently announced that €30m will be invested in the upgrading of the energy efficiency of local authority homes in 2014. 25,00 local authority homes are due to receive the upgrades, which comes as part of a three-year jobs stimulus programme. “This funding should substantially complete the first phase of the insulation programme announced in June 2013 and ensure that every local authority house will have at minimum draught proofing, attic insulation and, where appropriate, cavity wall insulation,” said Minister O'Sullivan. 13,000 homes benefited from the upgrades in 2013.

6 | IRISH HARDWARE

When Phase 1 is completed, a further €15m will be allocated for more intensive measures that focus on external or internal insulation for houses with solid or hollow block construction. “This programme is delivering warmer homes and lower energy bills to thousands of local authority tenants,” Minister O'Sullivan added. “It is also supporting hundreds of jobs in the green energy sector, with many community-based organisations delivering the works and providing valuable training and experience to people who were unemployed. Local authorities are driving this programme on the ground, and they deserve credit for making this initiative a great success.”

©istockphoto.com/dimdimich

According to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), the Irish construction sector is officially in recovery.

©istockphoto.com/lucato

NEWS

Grafton Group Results Merchanting and DIY retailers Grafton Group have announced their full results for 2013.

Highlights include an eight per cent increase in revenue to £1.9bn, growth in underlying operating profit, Group operating profit margin and adjusted basic earnings per share.

Amongst their operating highlights, the results noted the stabilisation of the DIY market here in Ireland, while the merchanting side of the business returned to growth in the second half of 2013.

“The Group recovery is making good progress in markets that are still challenging. We are maintaining the disciplined approach to costs and margins demonstrated by these results,” said Gavin Slark, CEO. “Grafton continues to develop a balanced growth strategy combining both organic growth and acquisitive growth where appropriate. Trading in the current year has been encouraging and, while we expect recovery in our markets to be gradual, the Group is confident of building on its strong 2013 performance in 2014.”

View from the ground According to Hycraft Managing Director, Larry Dolan, the maintenance and home improvement sector is doing well as the new year progresses. Hycraft are Ireland's premier manufacturers of draught excluders, based in Coolock on Dublin's northside.

Over the years, the company has invested in the latest machines for producing their own seals for their draught excluders, and their products – including plastic angles, tile and bath trims, step nosings and floor trims are supplied to hardware and builder's merchants outlets.

National Radon Strategy Phil Hogan TD, Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, recently launched the National Radon Control Strategy for Ireland at the eleventh National Radon Forum in Kilkenny in February.

The strategy aims to tackle the problem of radon gas by reducing the number of lung cancer cases caused by the gas. Speaking at the launch, Minister Hogan said: “Successful implementation of this strategy will require action from a range of Government Departments, public bodies and other stakeholders and so will require clear identification of responsibilities, good coordination between the various stakeholders and effective monitoring of progress.”

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COmmercial Profile

WHITERIVER FLOORING - NEW 64 PAGE BROCHURE LAUNCH Wogan distributors are delighted to announce the launch of their new 64-page Whiteriver engineered wood flooring brochure.

As well as covering all existing floor ranges, the brochure will also see the introduction of a new range of extra wide plank 220/260mm wide floors which are carried ex stock.

The net effect is going to make choosing a new floor much easier for the end consumer.

Iain Wogan states: “a good quality brochure for the end consumer has been missing from the flooring market and we see this investment leading to increased demand in Whiteriver products for our customer base. It will also leave it easier for sales people in-store to close sales as well as providing information and lifestyle images to the consumer. It will become an invaluable sales tool for retailers throughout the country.”

Wogan Distributors’ success has been built on service and being customer orientated; this is supported by large stock levels and warehousing of over 100,000 sq.ft.

Wogan Distributors are now FSC and PEFC certified and are growing the range of products that can be offered with certification.

8 | IRISH HARWARE

NEWS

Fakro Cancer Aid Fakro Roof Windows have announced that they will be helping raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society over the next three years. Throughout this period, every roof window sold by the company in Ireland will be accompanied by a contribution to the Irish Cancer Society by Fakro.

The Irish Cancer Society is the national charity for cancer care, dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem and to improving the lives of those living with cancer.

»

The Society’s services, which range from nursing to counselling and financial services, are designed to inform and support patients, their families and people concerned about cancer.

Naomi Fitzgibbon, Irish Cancer Society and Dermot Foster.

Screwfix moves into Northern Ireland Hardware and DIY supplier Screwfix has opened its first stores in Northern Ireland. Three stores in Ballymena, Belfast and Newtownabbey were opened on January 13th and a fourth was opened in Bangor on January 27th.

The openings are the latest launches in the organisation's increasing network, with 300 stores already in operation across the UK. Andrew Livingston, CEO of Screwfix, comments: “We are excited to be launching our first stores in Northern Ireland, giving local tradesmen, handymen and serious DIYers the chance to purchase products at a time and place that suits them. Customers in the area have been shopping online at Screwfix.com for many years, and we are delighted to now be able to offer them the Screwfix store experience for added convenience and speed.”

“The partnership between Fakro Roof Windows and the Irish Cancer Society is an exciting initiative and everyone involved with Fakro is proud to be involved,” said Dermot Foster, Managing Director of Tradecraft Building Products Ltd. who market and distribute Fakro Roof Windows in Ireland.

“This type of continuous commitment is essential to allow the Irish Cancer Society to plan our services to the best advantage of those we help.

We are extremely grateful to Fakro and everyone who supports this campaign,” said Emma Barrett from the Irish Cancer Society.

Europe: Ray Colman to receive European DIY Lifetime Award The ex-Chief Executive Officer of Woodie's DIY Ireland, Ray Colman, has been selected to receive the European DIY-Lifetime Award 2014 for his almost unparalleled contribution to our industry over the past 46 years. The laudatory speech will be given by Carl

Otto Løvenskiold, CEO & Owner Løvenskiold - Vaekerø AS, Norway, at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Real Madrid C.F.) during the Gala Dinner of the 3rd European Home Improvement Forum 2014, which takes place on 5-6 June 2014.

IRISH HARDWARE

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NEWS

Aventas Investment Aventas Group subsidiary Quinn Cement recently announced the appointment of PJ Carey Contractors as the main contractor to its solid recovered fuel (SRF) project at the Ballyconnell cement works in Co Cavan. Quinn Cement described the commencement of the construction phase as a key milestone in its investment in the project, which will allow the plant to use alternative fuels, reducing dependence on coal.

©istockphoto.com/simazoran

The use of SRF will bring the cement plant at Ballyconnell into line with competitors in Ireland and mainland Europe, and is a critically important aspect to Quinn Cement's investment plans.

In total, 100 jobs will be created througout the construction process, which is due to be completed this summer, while the development should also impact on long term job creation.

“It is a critically important part of our programme to develop this business, to be competitive and to maintain employment in the local area,” said Bernard Farrell, managing director of Construction Industry

Supplies Division. Paul O'Brien, CEO, Aventas Group added: “This is the first significant investment in our cement business for many years

and it reflects our confidence in the business and our determination to grow it. The investment is fully funded from our own resources.”

Renewable Energy Remains On the Agenda According to Dr Brian Motherway, CEO of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the recent announcement by the EU Commission regarding new climate and energy goals for 2030 is a reinforcement of the need for continuous investment in Ireland's renewable energy capacity.

“Speculation that resolve would be weakened is far from the truth – the EU Commission today announced its ambition to impose a more demanding target for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as part of an ambitious energy policy, which includes a binding EU target for renewable energy,” he said at the time. “We welcome the strong signal from the EU that its collective drive towards decarbonisation and renewable energy will continue. A 40 per cent CO2 reduction is very challenging and it will only be met with a continued shift to renewable energy. This is strengthened by the inclusion of a binding 27 per cent renewable target for the EU as a whole,” he added.

Dr Motherway continued: “While there are very different views across Europe as to how far strong climate and energy targets should go, Ireland's excellent renewable energy resource puts us in a strong position. Fortunately, Ireland has a considerable comparative advantage in terms of the renewable energy resource available to us, and we are already making great inroads in its use. Our analysis shows that renewable energy in Ireland in 2012 reduced our emissions of CO2 by two million tonnes. That is being done without raising electricity prices.”

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COmmercial Profile

Irish International Trading Corporation - Delivering Value Currently employing close to 100 people, good personal relations with customers, suppliers and a dedicated and experienced staff are, in the company's opinion, a cornerstone for continued successful longterm business. Through its long history and having weathered many economic cycles, IITC always kept its feet on the ground with steady growth and expansion. A diverse wholesaler and steel stockholder, serving the Agricultural and Building sectors along with many more aligned trades, the emergence of a fastchanging world presents opportunities and challenges which the company is well geared towards.

Customer Care

With nearly a century of business acument, IITC recognises and values the importance of our customers. Our experienced staff in each department are always on hand to offer you a quality service, coupled with our team of sales

representatives who will meet with you and discuss your individual requirements.

IITC endeavours to supply a range of competitive and quality products that brings value to you the customer.

We at IITC would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued custom down through the years and look forward to helping you with the growth of your business.

Irish International Trading Corporation As a leading distributor of hardware throughout Ireland to both the building and farming sectors IITC have a well-stocked warehouse.

Our hardware shop on Tramore Road is open to all looking for quality gardening, painting and decorating, paints and trade, DIY and engineering tools.

Our Agri. wholesale division supplies Silage covers, Silage wrap / netting, twine, and a complete range of fencer products and weed control.

Irish International Trading Corporation, Tramore Road Cork Cork: T: 021 4705800 | F: 021 4705880 | E: info@iitc.ie We also have a Branch in Ballymount, Dublin Dublin: T: 01 4501588 | F: 01 4501815 | E: info@iitc.ie www.iitc.ie

IRISH HARDWARE

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UK NEWS

UK NEWs

Leyland Paints Sponsorship

A garden shed made from TPR – an alternative to concrete which is manufactured from landfill diverted waste – has been awarded the Secured by Design security certification. Inventor Nigel Broderick came up with the idea for the shed when his own wooden shed was broken into, and his bicycle stolen.

Trade paint brand Leyland Paints is hoping to capitalise on the success of newly-crowned world darts champion Michael van Gerwen. Already sponsoring top darts players Simon Whitlock and Mark Webster, van Gerwen has also been added to the stable of brand ambassadors.

Secured by Design is a UK police initiative with the intention of using design to thwart crime, using high quality and innovative products, and rigorous standards are applied. Broderick's design is the first garden shed to receive the award.

The 24-year old Dutchman is one of the hottest properties in darts right now, his most recent momentous victory on New Year's Day as he defeated Peter Wright to claim the World Championship, his first.

TPR – Thermo-Polymerised Rock is a new building material which is being produced as an alternative to concrete. Plastic which would normally be sent to landfill is instead used to construct TPR products, which are claimed to last for 80 years.

“It's been an absolutely incredible period for me,” said van Gerwen. “To win the World Championships was a dream come true, and I'm now delighted to confirm the sponsorship with Leyland Paints for 2014.

Leyland is a huge paint brand and has become a massive part of darts over the last couple of years.”

Kingspan Energy Launches Solar Solution

Scotland to get retail boost

Kingspan has launched Kingspan Energy in the UK, a full-funded solar energy solution provider.

Kingspan Energy will enable more companies to benefit from the lower energy costs and environmental credentials associated with photovoltaic (PV) solutions, with the risks associated with capital, installation or maintenance.

Good news for retailers in Scotland: the overall boost to the UK sector should have a measurable effect on trade as some 29,800 additional construction jobs are to be created in the country over the next five years.

In return for a 25-year lease on the roof space, Kingspan will design, project-manage, install and maintain a bespoke PV solution. Electricity generated by said system will be available to the host company at rates lower than the grid.“We've launched Kingspan Energy to allow businesses and building owners the opportunity to maximise the use of their roof space to generate rooftop power for their own benefit, thus reducing their energy costs and enhancing the value of their property without the need for any upfront capital outlay,” explained Gilbert McCarthy, managing director of Kingspan Insulated Panels.

According to research released by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), private housing is expected to be the fastest growing sector in Scotland between now and 2018, with an average annual output of 4.7 per cent.

12 | IRISH HARWARE

©istockphoto.com/Ljupco

Award-winning...shed

Business Blogging

Blogging for Business For the uninitiated or the unsure, successful blogging simply consists of opening an account and putting words to screen. In reality, however, it's a little different. Conor Forrest examines the benefits of online interaction for Irish hardware stores and seeks out the opinion of the Irish Internet Association.

©istockphoto.com/zentilia

While complete adoption hasn't exactly been achieved as of yet, more and more Irish businesses of all shapes and sizes are embracing the Internet as a medium, recognising the importance of an online presence. Getting your business online is the easy part however, setting up a website with some general information and a shop perhaps; maintaining an active, and, more importantly, an interactive presence is the difficult part. Gone are the days when a website is the ultimate in an organisation's web presence – these days, virtually every business has a website, and the key now is to take that extra step into the world of blogging. There are many benefits for those businesses who use the medium effectively to gain an advantage; new connections with partners or customers, traffic generation, the opportunity to establish yourself as an authority, increasing your business reach through your website, cultivating

a new voice and brand, and the chance to receive feedback and reviews.

» Eoin Kennedy.

Ireland on the Internet

The Irish Internet Association (IIA) is the professional body for those who conduct business from Ireland, over the internet. Four needs of the Irish business sphere are the driving force behind the operations of the IIA; the need to educate businesses on the benefits of the Internet as a medium, to provide practical results, to bring about an environment which leads to speedy adoption of Internet technologies, and to ensure the enhancement of Irish competitiveness online.

Eoin Kennedy is a freelance communications consultant who is also chair of the Irish Internet Association's social media working group. Kennedy believes that while Irish organisations should theoretically

be well able to take advantage of the Internet and utilise online resources, the reality is a little more complicated.

“Blogging is time-consuming, as is social media in general. It also takes a while to find one's voice and, outside of technical know, confidence to embrace platforms is a serious barrier,” he explains. “Outside of being geared to manage their own presence, blogger outreach and influencer management is rarely well-deployed in Ireland. It's very easy to get wrong, and very timeconsuming to get right. For many Irish companies there was a rush to get online, especially with social media sites with the lure of free platforms.

This has led to many social media tombstones. In theory, Irish companies should be well-positioned for online and social media as they are natural story-tellers and community-driven.

Harnessing this and replicating it online has alluded many,” he adds.

Still, for those who do manage to develop a well-oiled online presence, the results can be quite positive.

“Maintaining a solid online presence can be extremely time-consuming and expensive, so having a presence that does not contribute to the company's

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business blogging

goals is probably a luxury that few Irish companies can afford,” Kennedy says. “On the flip side, results can be very tangible and a real impact can be achieved, but rigour must be applied to measurement e.g. Google Analytics, which gives real-time results. This constant process of doing, watching and adjusting can produce very focused campaigns that deliver.”

Platforms

There are a huge amount of platforms and options available to businesses seeking to extend their reach into the digital world through the use of blogs. Tech giant Google offer 'Blogger' while others make use of its Google Plus network; Wordpress is consistently popular amongst the blogging populace while Tumblr and Squarespace are all on the list of readily-available and easy to use blogging destinations. The great thing about platforms like these is that they don't require a masters in graphic or web design; a few simple clicks can set you up with a nice-looking design, leaving you to focus your time on creating quality content.

Securing the best platform, however, is only part of the battle, as Kennedy explains. “The key to success is to take a strategic approach rather than rushing out to set up profiles.

This means starting with the overall business objectives, making sure the social media objectives contribute to these before drilling further down into defining success, measurement, reporting, resourcing requirements – all before a single profile or account is opened.” Preparation, Kennedy maintains, is vital to success. Competitor analysis, content schedules, platform analysis, target audience - these are all things which should be considered fully before moving into the world of digital thoughts. “The company should keep asking itself what is its social media currency, and why should anyone care about it in online platforms.

Full teams should be established and responsibility shared throughout the company as this is probably where most of the content will be found,” Kennedy adds.

If you're new to the concept of business blogging, or have already been considering the prospect, don't

14 | IRISH HARDWARE

be put off. Despite the fact that the initial stages can be somewhat time-consuming, and require a lot of work, the fact is that there are great benefits in entering the online world (providing you have something interesting or genuinely useful to say). Ultimately, a business blog is about creating a connection. While a website can act as a portal into your organisation, and provide a lot of useful information, they are one-sided

relationships. Blogs, however, can provide actual interaction between a company and a potential consumer, encouraging interaction, feedback and comments on your business, allowing you to learn from consumers and vice versa. With the right preparation and investment, you can develop your brand, drive more consumers to your website and business, and, ultimately, harness the unlimited power of the internet to expand your reach.

CongRegation Aside from taking tips from successful bloggers and developing internal strategies to ensure relevant content, there are also a number of events hosted in Ireland each year by organisations like the IIA, and individuals such as Eoin Kennedy. Kennedy is the brains behind CongRegation, for example, a one day event with a difference held in Cong, Co Mayo (of 'The Quiet Man' fame) last November, which he hopes will evolve into an annual event. There's no entry fee, at least not in monetary terms – attendees pay through sharing their insights on social media and the creation of quality content.

» Congregation 2013.

Blog Awards Each year, the Blog Awards celebrate the best in Irish blogging, recognising both the sheer numbers of people who blog, and the influence blogs can have upon the public, when done well. Last year's winners include Chill Insurance for Best Corporate Blog, Foxglove Lane Studio for Best Photography Blog and Molly Moo, for Best Craft Blog. It could be your name up there some day.

MERCHANDISING

Visual Merchandising – Why? How you display your products is just as important as what products you have on your shelves.

Irish Hardware offers a few visual merchandising tips from across the globe to make your store more enticing.

An often underrated yet effective way of getting customers into your hardware store and buying your products, the concept of visual merchandising originated in the fashion and homeware industries, but has grown into use right across the retail sector. Basically, the retail space should be presented in the best possible way, from store layout to window and shop displays, and how they are organised and rotated throughout the store. Here are some tips to take advantage:

First impressions

Window displays are a great way of highlighting your products and drawing customers in from the street, particularly if they are bright, colourful and attentiongrabbing."

©istockphoto.com/Tetra Images

Before you start making changes, take a few minutes to examine your store from the customer's perspective before or after the day begins, both inside and out. Is the entrance appealing?

Are there weeds or rubbish strewn around the path? Are the corridors inside dark and do they allow enough room? Is stock overspilling or are there gaps on your shelves? Once you get into the habit of doing this, it becomes easier to see your shop from the customer's viewpoint, and makes it more accessible and attractive.

Creating Zones

Hardware stores by nature have a large range of products, which can lead to difficulty in maintaining several displays in between serving customers.

Particularly for larger stores, divide the floor into zones and assign responsibility to a member of staff for each one.

Home Display

Particularly useful with homeware or furniture, set up your displays to show your customers what your products would look like at home. A table and set of chairs on their own are far less effective than when placed into a display, alongside a cooker, countertop and kitchenware arranged effectively on the tabletop. For summertime, set up a barbecue and some outdoor furniture.

Potted plants add colour and make the whole scenario more attractive, as

customers can now actually visualise the product in their own homes.

Promotions

When designing your displays, always keep a particular theme in mind, such as the seasons or holidays like Father's Day or Christmas. If you're stuck for ideas, you can always run a sale, and contact suppliers to see if they would be happy to partipate in a promotion.

Window Dressing

Window displays are a great way of highlighting your products and drawing customers in from the street, particularly if they are bright, colourful and attentiongrabbing. Avoid clutter and excessive numbers of products, and choose items which are large or solid, such as lawnmowers or outdoor furniture, which can have a strong visual impact. Change the window displays every week or two – too long and they will lose their impact.

Lighting

A key aspect of visual merchandising is

IRISH HARDWARE

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MERCHANDISING

Things to Remember ©istockphoto.com/78460186

Engagement: A key aspect of visual merchandising, customers love to be engaged, whether it's the ability to demo a product, flick a switch or otherwise see something in action.

Make sure that your customers can actively engage with your products, pick them up and use them. increasing the visibility of your products.

Spotlights can be used on displays to draw the eye and to highlight certain merchandise. Avoid using harsh lighting, however, particularly when a customer first enters the store. Matching lighting with subtle paint tones can also make your store appear more airy and less congested.

Signage

Use signs to display everything clearly, from the name of your store to different departments and categories. Customers are often in a hurry, and will appreciate being able to find what they're looking for without hassle. Having everything signposted will not only alert customers to what they need, but could also inspire further purchases.

On the Outside

Taking displays outside can be a tricky move in Ireland, considering the weather's ability to change on a

moment's notice. Still, if the weather's good and you've got a theme in mind, it can work to your advantage.

Tackle the Senses

Many stores' merchandising efforts will tackle the eyes, with colourful and interesting displays, but working on the customers' other senses is a great idea too. Music and smell can be a great influencer, subtly putting customers in a better mood, which is always a positive step.

Rotation

Always remember to change your displays often, generally on a weekly basis. For the best displays, the greatest impact is when the customer first sees it, and i lessens after that until it becomes mundane. If coming up with an effective display on a weekly basis is difficult, you can always revert to the internet and take inspiration from other hardware stores across the world, or try Pinterest!

Simplicity: When it comes to arranging displays and products, simplicity is the name of the game. Too many products result in a cluttered display, which will put your customers off. Displays should be neat, clear and visible, drawing the customer further into the store.

All of this can seem like a lot to handle, particularly when the best option is to update your displays on a weekly basis. However, once you get into the rhythm, it won't seem like such a great task, especially if the responsibility is spread. It might even become fun!

Always remember why you're doing it: stores which employ effective visual merchandising – which impacts on their customers without them even knowing – are automatically placing themselves in a better position to succeed.

Ask the Expert – Rowenna Doyle, Managing Director, Visual Sense Can you tell me a little bit about your company, and what it is you do?

We are a creative visual merchandising company based in Dublin, we work with retailers to add value to their products and services. Our main services include visual merchandising solutions, window displays, graphic design and staff training.

When it comes to visual merchandising, what are the key points to remember?

The most important one is to keep things simple for the customer; don’t over dress it, or over complicate signage. You need to make an impact in seconds so adding unnecessary items to displays can kill this impact.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Visual merchandising is a form of marketing, it's vital to communicating your brand, product or services. It’s a good idea to take images of your store, viewing them in this way can help see things from a customer’s perspective.

Rowena Doyle, Managing Director, VisualSense.ie

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Cover Story

Light at the end of the Tunnel?

In some good news for the hardware retail trade, the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) have predicted growth in both the value and level of construction activity in Ireland in 2014. But is this a concrete forecast? Conor Forrest talks to the CIF's Jimmy Healy, and Declan Ronayne, CEO at Woodie's DIY and Garden centres, to discover more.

For the past seven years, the Irish construction industry has been at its lowest ebb, barely ticking over in a dramatic reversal of fortunes when compared to the boom years of the Celtic Tiger. However, the Construction Industry Federation has recently estimated that the value of construction activity in Ireland will grow by approximately €1 billion to €11 billion in 2014, creating up to 10,000 new jobs in the process.

“We're expecting to see a strong increase in construction activity during the course of the coming year,” said Tom Parlon, Director-General of the CIF. “For the first time in seven years there are a lot of reasons for the construction sector to have a positive outlook for the upcoming year.”

The organisation has pointed towards several factors behind the expected increase in activity in 2014. Nearly €7 billion worth of large and medium-scale projects have already been scheduled for this year, according to figures from Construction Information Services.

Further projects under the banner of the National Stimulus Plan are also underway, coupled with a commitment on behalf of the Government to bring forward any projects if possible. “The Construction Contracts Act will take effect from the spring which will boost the flow of payments around the industry,” said Parlon. “The new building regulations will come into effect on 1st March 2014. The new register of Irish construction companies will be launched in March. Government has begun undertaking a review of the Government form of construction contracts, while a review of public procurement [is] also likely. All these various measures will all help the construction sector.”

©istockphoto.com/gpointstudio

Stimulus

Speaking to Chartered Accountants Ireland at their annual event in the National Convention Centre, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said of Government efforts: “House building is currently at a level that is well below the long-term demand. We are now building about one-third of the number of houses required to meet our needs. Getting residential construction up to what is the normal level of demand could create an

extra 12,000 jobs, and Government is now making residential construction a priority.”

Also due to impact on this projected growth is the state agency NAMA, which is in the third year of a four-year rollout of both €2bn in working capital, and €2bn in seed finance. €1bn has already been approved by the agency for the purposes of completing construction

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Cover Story

projects already in progress, and to develop new projects which will “meet prospective supply shortages in certain sectors.” Approximately €500 million of these funds have already been drawn down. In its end of year review for 2013, NAMA also stated that it is “prepared to invest an additional €1.5bn in funding for Irish projects over the next three years. This will include the construction of 4,500 new houses and apartments in Dublin, in addition to office accommodation in the city centre and investment in commercially-viable projects.”

Further stimuli to growth include other, smaller, construction projects propelled by the Home Renovation Incentive scheme, a return to commercial activity predicted by CBRE in their Irish Commercial Property Outlook, increased demand for Dublin city headquarters, and an overall substantial increase in tenders which the CIF have recorded being made available to their members.

“You can see a wide variety of reasons why we expect the industry to grow on a macro level in the next 12 months.

The sector turned a corner in 2013, and all the expectation is we will see further growth during the year,” said Parlon.

“Given the number of factors in play that will generate activity during the year, we predict that the sector will grow by approximately €1 billion on a national level. This will bring the overall value of the sector to an estimated €12bn.”

House building is at a level that is well below the longterm demand. We are now building about one-third of the number of houses required to meet our needs."

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Optimism

Such positive expectations for the construction industry this year have not been shared right across the board. Paul Mitchell, AECOM Ireland director, while recognising the positive developments in the sector, has urged caution against coming to the conclusion that the construction industry is on the brink of a recovery.

Speaking at the recent launch of his firm's annual review earlier this year, Mitchell said: “It is still too early to say whether there will be a recovery in the Irish construction industry.

The reason for this caution is that any recovery is starting from a very low base, and there are a number of downside risks. One of these risks arises from the fact that the public capital programme will decline by 2.8 per cent in 2014

and a further 2.5 per cent in 2014.

When tender price inflation is taken into account, the reduction in public-sector construction activity is even greater still.”

Impact

The impact such growth would have for the Irish construction industry is clear; more investment means more jobs in the industry, with the usual knock-on effect across the Irish economy. As always, the hardware retail sector will also benefit from such growth. “More growth across the industry will mean more supplies are needed. In theory, it should have a noticeable impact on the level of provisions required by construction companies through hardware providers and builders' merchants,” says Jimmy Healy from the CIF. “There's also particular areas that will help boost the level of supplies required. Take, for example, the Home Renovation

Cover Story

Incentive. This should encourage more members of the public to undertake construction projects within their own homes. If they want to make use of the tax back provided then they will need to hire tax-compliant construction companies or sole traders. These type of businesses are more likely to use hardware providers and builders' merchants. Basically, the growth of the construction sector can only benefit hardware suppliers and builder's merchants.”

capital. Both of those issues will be dependent on the strength of the Irish economy. However in the short term, the outlook is certainly very positive.”

Its easy to become swept up in such positive news, however caution must be practiced. Following seven years of decline, a small push was all that was needed to lift the industry from a

very low base, and when combined with certain issues such as tender price inflation and a reduction in public sector construction activity, some of the shine is taken off the news.

As Healy says: “the CIF certainly hopes it is the start of a concrete revival, but obviously only time will tell.”

Q&A with Declan Ronayne, CEO at Woodie's DIY

Healy also offers his advice on what could be done to assist in any forward momentum the industry might experience: “If the industry is to keep growing and reach a sustainable level of 12 per cent of GNP, then we will need to see the private sector putting more investment into construction activity and the banks providing development

»

Declan Ronayne

Grafton Group, which includes DIY and homeware chain Woodie's, have recorded positive growth in their Irish operation, but remain cautious about long term prospects.

Woodie's CEO Declan Ronayne explains: was 2013 a positive year for grafton group?

Retailing and Woodie’s ended the year on a positive note. The start of the year was somewhat scary due to the adverse weather conditions but we were successful in the second half.

are the positive figures from ireland in line with expectations?

The start of a recovery is not entirely unexpected but it does need to be seen in a somewhat cautious context. We don’t see any high growth retail scenario in the offing.

is it too early to begin considering store openings once more??

It is a little early to get into expansion mode quite yet. We can look to get more initially out of the assets which we have and make the appropriate investments within those assets.

Would you be positive concerning growth in the hardware retail sector in 2014 - both in Ireland and across the group as a whole?

Optimistic, yes but with an element of caution built in nonetheless. When we start hearing talk of potential tax cuts on the hard pressed middle it has to be good for consumers as they know that more pain is unlikely. This has to be good for sentiment. But then the property tax full-year bills will arrive.

Do you think this is a reflection of decreased consumer caution? ©istockphoto.com/sculpies

Probably but we need to keep a sense of perspective.

Finally is there anything else you would like to mention?

Nothing other than to wish all retailers a successful 2014.

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BER

Report: Home Insurers to Consider BER Ratings as noted in The Irish Independent earlier this year, some home insurers will begin to take BER ratings into consideration when calculating insurance premiums. Considering the potential for increased business in energy efficient products, benjamin larkin takes a closer look, and reminds store owners regarding the products they should have in stock.

Originally, the main advantage of displaying a strong BER rating came when you were looking to sell or invest in a property, but in recent times insurance companies have been paying more attention to BER ratings when calculating insurance premiums.

While still relatively new, several insurance companies are now offering discounts on their premiums for having a strong BER – as mentioned in a recent article in the Irish Independent by Charlie Weston – appearing as an individual field on

20 | IRISH HARDWARE

websites like insuremyhouse.ie. And though this is something of a new phenonmeon – major insurers in the Irish market such as Aviva or FBD are not currently taking BER ratings into account – it's something that hardware retailers should be aware of in the future.

Stocking the Shelves

So, in future, what products can consumers use to benefit from improving their BER rating? The SEAI provides a comprehensive list of measures which can be taken.

The list below is provided by the SEAI website as well as one of its registered assessors, Brian Cashman: • Increasing the insulation in the walls/attic/floor • Use of lagging jackets in copper hot

water cylinders to ensure that water remains hot for longer periods • Modern, digital, seven-day time and temperature control systems for central heating. According to Brian Cashman, this appears to have the biggest impact on one's BER. • Replacement of an oil or gas boiler with a condensing oil boiler.

The SEAI offers grants for many such upgrades, such as boiler replacement (€560), having cavities pumped with bonded bead (€250), internal dry lining (€1,800), external wall insulation (€3,600), attic space insulation, and installation of new heating controls (€400). Products which hardware retailers should stock or consider stocking include draught sealers, airtight vents, argon double-glazed windows and bonded bead for sealing cavity walls.

©istockphoto.com/ valigursky

From January 1st 2009, the BER or Building Energy Rating was brought in to help homes and businesses improve their energy efficiency (insulation and heating, energy usage, CO2 emissions, etc).

Both new and older homes could benefit from an assessment, offering the owner a scaled rating to display. All homes for which planning permission was approved on or after December 31st 2006 must undergo a BER assessment. According to greencircle.ie, buildings that underwent significant work or were completed before 2008 are exempt from an initial assessment, as well as temporary, stand-alone buildings, buildings intended for worship, and some others (see FAQ section on the site).

Store Profile

Solid Foundations In our first in a new series of hardware store profiles, Conor Forrest travelled to Topline Group member, Griffin Hawe Ltd, in Athy, Co Kildare, to discover how they managed to weather the financial storm, the importance of putting the customer first, and the things which make their store that little bit unique.

» Griffin Hawe Ltd The events of the past seven-odd years have been covered in numerous ways and in numerous pieces, and by now everybody is aware of how tough those intervening years have been across the business community here in Ireland.

Founded by Dermot Griffin, Mervyn Griffin and Wesley Hawe in 1969, Griffin Hawe has evolved over the years to cement its position in the business community in Athy, and has witnessed these events from the front lines, as part of a chain of suppliers to the building industry when everything finally went south.

“You went from a quiet time to a mad and busy time, and then back to a very quiet time,” George Griffin,

younger son of founder Dermot, puts it succinctly. The housing trade that was there is not there anymore. It's totally wiped out.”

Diversity

However, while things are undoubtedly less positive than they may have been at one stage, one key element of Griffin Hawe's operation turned out to be a salvation of sorts – keeping the ordinary consumer in mind with the diversity of products on offer at the store. “A lot of the larger hardware stores were really aimed at the builder.

The builder disappeared off the face of the earth,” says Stuart Griffin, another of Dermot Griffin's sons and the managing director of the company.

“And then they had to encourage the

ordinary consumer to come in and do their shopping. We were different – the pound of nails was always as important as the house of timber. So it worked out to our advantage. That was why turnover didn't go down a staggering amount – it went down, but we didn't have a massive increase to come down from.”

Whereas Griffin Hawe's turnover may have climbed 20, 30 or 50 per cent during the boom years, other merchants saw increases of perhaps 200 per cent. And, the bigger the climb, the further the fall. A number of departments make up the store; general hardware, plumbing, fancy goods, nursery items, furniture and bedding and sporting and fishing.

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Store Profile

The diversity helps to entice a wider customer base than would be possible if it were only hardware goods on offer, and each department makes up for any of those lagging behind at any particular time. “It's the overall package that keeps the place going,” says Stuart.

This isn't a new development, but one which has underlined the way in which the business has operated since the very beginning. “We've never changed,” Stuart states. “That's really what it's been like since the first place opened.

We’ll gladly source new goods for our customers if we don’t have what they want in stock, whereas most stores are very defined on what they sell.”

Stability

Developing a mutually beneficial relationship with their customers has been a key aspect of the business since its foundation over 45 years ago and many of its customers have been dealing with Griffin Hawe for quite a long time. Athy is a small town, and while Carlow and Portlaoise aren't too far away, Stuart believes they are continuing to hold their own.

“We've got a good reputation, we're here a long time. Looking after our customers is most important. They're number one, they're the ones who are paying our wages! Good customer service before and after the sale is paramount to us and building up good relationships to ensure customers return. It's how you approach people.”

We've got a good reputation, we're here a long time. Looking after our customers is most important. They're number one, they're the ones who are paying our wages!

22 | IRISH HARDWARE

The shop itself is also unique, something which Stuart is quite proud of. The plumbing section, for example, is housed in the old cockpit of the Archduke of Athy, one of the few examples still-standing in the country.

Not something you'd tend to see when visiting your local DIY chain store.”

This flexibility has become more and more a part of life at Griffin Hawe, as it seeks to adapt in new ways to entice new and return customers. Alongside the draw of things like free delivery, key cutting, lawnmower servicing, gun repairs, Sky agents and an experienced staff, customers who may need a little flexibility outside of regular opening hours are accommodated. “Its not unusual to get a phone call from a customer who says he can’t make it to Athy till after 7pm and they need something urgently. Would we wait – yes, if possible this is never a problem.

And with this flexibility comes business that may not have materialised otherwise.”

Setting

The shop itself is also unique, something which Stuart is quite proud of. The plumbing section, for example, is housed in the old cockpit of the Archduke of Athy, one of the few examples still-standing in the country.

» Stuart and George Griffin.

Not something you'd tend to see when visiting your local DIY chain store. And, when you step through its doors, there is something of an old-world feel to its interior. “It's an old building,” Stuart says with a smile. “But a lot of people love the charm when they come in – it's not the same as every other store. It has its own character.” And the way Stuart operates undoubtedly contributes to the charm of their surroundings.

“When someone comes in looking for a paintbrush, we run and get it for them we don’t just point them in the right direction - 'they're over there, on the third aisle, down the far end.' We would be the opposite, we would go find it for you,” he explains. “You have to be a people person, especially in the hardware trade. Most of them want the assurance that they're buying the right thing more than anything else.”

The Online Generation

As much of the business world moves online in some capacity – even to the

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Phone: 847 0095 Fax: 848 4896 Email: hycraft@eircom.net

Bosch Power Tools and Lawn & Garden products available from Griffin Hawe

Distributors of Quality Branded products to Builders, Merchants/ DIY & Hardware Trade

Dolmen Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Joseph Murphy Ltd are leaders in wholesale hardware offering a wide range of products to suit the agric, gardening, building, household, and DIY sector.

With over 75 years experience and a very loyal customer base. We pride ourselves on focusing on our customers’ requirements, offering them a wide range of quality products, good stock levels, competitive prices and efficient delivery service.

Contact us for more information Phone: 096 21344 Fax: 096 70549 Email: info@josephmurphy.ie Websire: www.josephmurphy.ie

Griffin Hawe 22 Duke Street, Athy, Co. Kildare 059-863 1221

7073 Bosch Advert 88x130.indd 1

21/03/2014 11:57

Store Profile

point of moving their entire operation into the digital world – Griffin Hawe has joined in the march, though remains wary of where that march will lead. “It's free!” says Stuart of Facebook. “You'd be mad not to use it, but it doesn't pay the bills. It's not there yet. Our online webstore produces sales, but it’s there mostly as an advertisement tool and it has generated enquiries both local and national.”

According to the results of a Eurostat survey released last October, 57 per cent of Irish internet users shopped online within the previous 12 months, while the EU average is 60 per cent, a figure which is likely to rise as more people become computer-literate, more businesses move their operations online and as the younger generations grow up, having spent their childhood and teenage years completely at home with the digital world, now with a more substantial disposable income. People are reading and sourcing products online more and more these days and Stuart feels that while it's possible that this trend may make the jump from the likes of consumer electronics to hardware products, there will always is key at griffinGriffin hawe. Hawe Ltd, »»Diversity Topline Group member, in Athy, Co Kildare

24 | IRISH HARDWARE

be a place for the physical store. “Do you go completely computerised and forget the street shopper? Yes, it would probably make my job easier, but the very nature of the hardware store is interaction with the customer, nine times out of ten the customer needs advice, online sites don’t really cater for this – maybe in the future who knows!

What is important is keeping up with trends and using them to enhance our business rather than replacing the core of our business.”

Looking Forward

Predicting the future is never an easy task, despite what some psychics may have you believe, and Stuart and George are mindful that there are many factors at play, factors which prevent the solid prediction of a good year, particularly in relation to the ever-changing weather. “I think it's improving,” Stuart acknowledges, “but every time we get a weather change, trade changes as well.” Any jobs people might have done during the winter were dogged by incessant rain, while breaks in the usual cold spells resulted in a dip in trade for fuel and gas. “Whether come April, May, June,

July, we'll get a lot busier, time will tell.

Weather and seasons have an awful lot to do with the hardware trade. We pray for a good season!” says Stuart.

Having moved from father to sons, the Griffin name continues to live on in Griffin Hawe. In another 45 years' time, as Stuart acknowledges, it's hard to know what will happen: “It's interesting what's going to happen in the next few years. For us here – this is the second generation. Will it go to a third, or fourth? Who knows?” For now, at least, with Stuart and George at the helm, the business remains in very capable hands.

Technology

Technological

Tools

Irish Hardware looks at new and innovative technological solutions across the construction and hardware industries.

The University of Sheffield has developed a cheap and simple technology for use in repairing earthquake-damaged buildings, reducing the delays in making those buildings fit for human habitation once more. The technology involves wrapping metal straps around each floor, tensioned either by hand or compressed air tools. It's designed for use on reinforced concrete frame buildings, a common method used across the world, including in Haiti. It doesn't require expensive materials or high levels of technical knowledge, which makes it ideal for use in the developing world.

» Nest protect.

“The strapping works very much like a weight-lifter's belt, by keeping everything tightly compressed to reduce tension on the concrete columns of the structure,” explained lead researcher Professor Kypros Pilakoutas. “Concrete works well under compression, but not when pulled under tension, and this is why it has to be reinforced for use in construction. When the reinforcement is faulty or damaged, it can be very expensive to repair.”

Recent tests have shown that a damaged building which has been repaired using the technique could withstand a major earthquake similar to the magnitude 7 earthquake experienced in Haiti four years ago. “Our method not only makes the building stable again, but it increases the building's ability to deform without breaking, making it more able to withstand further earthquake movement.”

Light-Controlled Curtains

A research team from the University of California, Berkeley, has developed a material that responds quickly to light, and could be used to manufacture lightcontrolled curtains, amongst other uses. In lengths of time measured in fractions of a second, nanotubes absorb light, convert it into heat and transfer this heat to the

surface of a polycarbonate membrane.

This plastic membrane expands as a result, though the nanotube layer doesn't, resulting in the bending of this two-layered material.

“The advantages of this new class of photoreactive actuator is that it is very easy to make, and it is very sensitive to low-intensity light,” said Ali Javey, associate professor of electrical engineering and computer sciences. “The light from a flashlight is enough to generate a response.”

The material the researchers developed, which has been dubbed 'smart curtains', could bend or straighten in response to light. “We enivsion these in future smart, energy-efficient buildings,” said Javey.

“Curtains made of this material could automatically open or close during the day.”

Nest Protect

Recently brought onto the market is the Nest Protect, a smart smoke detector from the company which was recently acquired by internet giant Google. The Protect is full of sensors; smoke, carbon monoxide, heat, motion, ambient light and humidity sensors are all encapsulated within.

The device also includes a dual wireless radio, allowing you to connect to your home network, the internet, and any other of these smoke alarms you have in your house. Because they're connected to the internet, you can monitor the alarms online, and receive notifications on your phone or tablet. In addition to a loud siren, a voice will also sound the alarm, alerting you to the location of the emergency as long as you have set the location beforehand. For small amounts

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Technology

of smoke - when you're cooking, for example - all you have to do is wave your hands beneath the sensors, which silences the alarm. This feature is deactivated with larger amounts of smoke and heat.

Considering the level of technology within the Protect, the standard for smoke detectors has been firmly established.

Giant 3D House Printer

The University of Southern California has been testing a giant 3D printer which could be used to build a whole house within 24 hours. A robot featuring a nozzle on a gantry, the printer can squirt out concrete and build a house according to a computer pattern.

Known as Contour Crafting, the technology has been heralded as one which could revolutionise the construction industry, with particular usefulness in disaster or poverty-stricken areas. “At the dawn of the 21st century, [slums] are the condition of shelter for nearly one billion people in our world,” said Professor Behrokh Khoshnevis, the man behind the design of the robot. “These buildings are breeding grounds for disease, a problem of conventional construction which is slow, labour-intensive and inefficient.”

»

Damaged buildings in Haiti. Photo Marco Dormino/The United Nations.

26 | IRISH HARDWARE

The University of Southern California has been testing a giant 3D printer which could be used to build a whole house within 24 hours. [...] the printer can squirt out concrete and build a house according to a computer pattern.”

Khoshnevis compares the process to CAD and CAM – computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture, essentially a scale-up of the automated product manufacturing process, where a machine automatically produces a design input. Each building can be different, Khoshnevis has stressed, and homogenity is unnecessary. Khoshnevis also claims that the process would offer entire neighbourhoods for a fraction of the cost – both in terms of safety and money. “It is a way of essentially streamlining the process of construction by benefiting from the experience we have gained in the domain of manufacturing.”

Implications for builders are of major concern, as construction has largely escaped the large-scale automation many other industries have experienced. To this, Khoshnevis says: “At the beginning of the previous century – around 1900 – 62 per cent of Americans were farmers. Today less than 1.5 per cent are involved. The world did not come to an end as a result of the utilisation of agricultural technologies.

And the same will be true in [the] case of construction. This technology is like a rock that we have rolled to the top of a cliff, just one little push and the idea will roll along on its own.”

Business Matters

Tools for the Trade Essential Product Knowledge

Everbuild Geofix Aimed towards fixing the problem of applying jointing compound in wet weather, Everbuild have launched Geo-Fix All Weather, supplied in ready-mixed, vacuum packed sealed foil bags, ensuring that the compound is both fresh and easy to brush into joints and point up.

Easily finished by a compacting tool, GeoFix All Weather can be used on joint widths of at least 6mm and minimum depth of 25mm, forming a solid joint that resists weed and plant growth, but remains permeable, allowing water to escape.

The compound is available in 14kg packs in three colours: natural stone, slate grey and anthracite.

For more information, visit www.everbuild.co.uk

Hilti Combihammer With over 40 years' experience in developing combihammers, Hilti have developed the new TE 80-ATC AVR Combihammer, which according to the manufacturer offers an expectionally high performance-to-weight ratio.

Active Vibration Reduction (AVR) lowers vibration levels to 7.5m/s2 before exposure limit value is reached.

Further innovations include Active Torque Control (ATC) which involves two sensors working to detect drill bit jamming; in case of such an event, the motor is decelerated in a fraction of a second by an electronic safety cut-out.

A complementary dust removal system improves safety and working comfort, making jobs virtually dust-free.

Visit www.hilti.ie

Rodo Floor Protecta New from product supplier Rodo, which also offers its own brands, is a tough adhesive polythene film which can be placed on hard surfaces such as laminate flooring and tiles to provide protection in the event of spills or dirt.

Coloured light yellow, walkways for dirty boots can be easily identified.

Reverse-wound, the floor protector is easy-peel, and leaves no adhesive residue in its wake. The film can be supplied in 25m and 50m rolls, and comes in display units of nine rolls.

Available from www.rodo.co.uk

AP ProSeries 100 Lumens head torch One of the latest products from Active Products' line of high performance head torches is the ProSeries 100 Lumens head torch, which features in-built motion sensor technology, allowing users to activate the torch by a simple wave of the hand. Deactivation only requires another wave.

Designed to be durable, the torch is waterresistant and highly flexible, with a tilt-adjustable body and an elastic headband. It also includes a flashing red LED SOS flash mode in case of emergency, eight hour battery life, 55 metre beam distance and a three-year guarantee.

Visit www. approseries.com for more details.

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Business Matters

Takker Wall Tool Woodie's DIY have become the first retailer to stock the brand-new Hardwall Takker throughout their stores in Ireland. Following on from the success of the orginal, the new patent-pending Takker is a hand-powered device that allows you to hang anything from pictures to mirrors and bathroom hooks across a range of surfaces including brick, concrete, mortar and plasterboard. The Takker is designed to simplify the hanging process, remove any stress from wall-mounting objects and avoid hazards such as unsightly holes, cracked walls and broken tiles.

Also designed to be versatile, the Hardwall Takker can be used both inside and out, in a wide variety of settings and uses. It's simple to use, operated by turning a handle to drill a 3mm hole in any surface, which takes just 30 seconds. The Takker also features an in-built dust collector to keep the operation dust and debrisfree.

Each kit includes one Hardwall Takker, one multipurpose drill bit, 24 wall Takks, four picture hooks, four canvas hangers and two medium multipurpose hooks.

More on www.takker.com

Snickers 'Third Layer' A soft polyester layer in Snickers Workwear's First Layer range is aimed at keeping the wearer warm and dry, while the Second Layer clothing range creates a pocket of air around the body, insulating the wearer.

For usage over and above these two layers of clothing, Snickers have added a 'Third Layer'; waterproof, strong yet breathable, which will allow the wearer to keep warm, dry and comfortable, no matter the conditions. A roll-in protective hood made from lightweight GORE-TEX fabric can be worn over earmuffs for extra warmth, advanced body-mapped lining combines with mesh lining for ventilation, front quilt lining provides extra warmth to core organs such as the heart and lungs while overall, the two-layer GORE-TEX jacket has sealed seams, and is 100 per cent windproof and waterproof.

All of these garments are designed to work together, ensuring that users are prepared no matter what the weather.

To contact, visit www.snickersworkwear.ie

28 | IRISH HARWARE

Gardening

Garden Centres The Top Tips as Garden centres have been making something of a comeback of recent, Irish Hardware examines the top tips to make a good garden centre great, and enlists the advice of celebrity gardener, Diarmuid Gavin.

Using the internet to purchase goods has surged in popularity in recent years, with everything from tanks to daisies available with just a few clicks and a credit card number.

Garden centres have faced increasing levels of competition from online nurseries, with items delivered straight to your door. There's one thing which can never be replaced by the internet, however – examining plants in person and picking the best option. First things first, you need the customers. We have a few tips to entice them in.

Great plants

Something which every retailer should have are great plants, also in great condition. Guard against plant dessication and don't overpack your displays. Variety is also the name of the game and stocking a range from the common to the less well-known will earn you brownie points from all ends of the gardening enthusiast spectrum.

Space Management

If you don't have the space, then you can be limited to what you can and cannot do. For example, the Arboretum in Co Carlow sits on a ten-acre site, and combines a pet store, café, home and gift and furniture areas under the one roof. It's not just about having space, however, but using it effectively. In-store displays are a great idea – arranging your products in the manner they might find themselves in people's homes could be beneficial.

Stand Apart

This one is a little obvious, truth be told.

Standing apart from the competition is something a great deal of retailers have on their mind at all times, whether it relates to products on offer, or a service other stores can't provide. The same can be said of garden centres. Try and think outside the box; Coolings Garden Centre in Kent, for example, offers a plant hire service for special occasions alongside courses on topics from horticulture to garden design, while Merrifield Garden Centre in Northern Virginia incorporates a live educational television show, free seminars on Saturday mornings and a 2,500 square foot dog park where owners can bring their pets for a runaround. You don't necessarily need to launch a programme on RTÉ but on-site cafés in beautiful surroundings, gardening talks and tours can all attract potential customers.

Sourcing Information

Customers won't always be professional gardeners, and staff should be onhand to answer any queries in a helpful and professional manner. A dedicated

information booth is a handy solution, and having qualified horticulturists on-site to answer plant-specific questions is a bonus.

A website is also always a great touch, with updated product details, contacts and other useful information. Websites should be well laid out and easy to navigate, complementing your garden centre. Including a blog can let you connect with your customers on a more personal basis – sharing information and advice for green-fingered enthusiasts and allowing them to reciprocate. Johnstown Garden Centre in Co Kildare is a great example, with dedicated sections which are easily navigated, special offers, gardening advice and a dedicated blog.

If you're looking for information yourself, try consulting the Garden Centre Association of Ireland (GCAI), a member-owned organisation which provides services to independent Irish garden centres. The Association provides a range of services including promotion, support and marketing, all specially tailored towards independent centres.

©istockphoto.com/Minerva Studio

Put up a small section of garden fencing with a flower bed right in front, fill a wheelbarrow flower planter with complementary plants, or construct a flower display around a water feature.

The possibilities are endless, and there's plenty from which to take inspiration.

A good display not only attracts the customer's eye, but lets them know that you know what you're doing, and what plants look well together.

IRISH HARDWARE

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Gardening

Diarmuid Gavin Garden designer Diarmuid Gavin shares what he likes to see when he visits a garden centre.

The secret to a good garden centre is its staff. The garden world is full of evangelical plants people; passionate gardeners who know their stuff and who wish to share the information with other gardeners.

When customers visit a garden centre they are often confused by the quantity of choice of plants and put off by the Latin names of the various species. Having well-informed members of staff who take an interest in what the customer wants, who listen, quiz and guide to exciting choices, pays huge dividends.

Irish garden centres are in for a bumper and exciting year as the economy warms up and people invest once again in their homes and gardens. It's a time for the garden centre trade to show off to our friends from abroad as the world's garden centre owners visit us.

Led by the wonderful Arboretum Garden Centre in Carlow (which holds its own with any establishment I've visited abroad) our industry will demonstrate the wonderful range of plants we can use in our gardens, much of it home-grown by a strong nursery industry.

Product Spotlight

Interesting and innovative products are always a great way of piquing customer interest.

TogetherFarm's garden blocks certainly fall under this category – resembling oversized Lego pieces, the blocks are a interlocking modular garden box system constructed from recycled plastic, and are food-safe.

Easily assembled and dissasembled in whatever space is available, they also feature specially-designed holes to allow for anchoring in the ground.

Kits come with 24 blocks, enough to construct a 2 foot x 2 foot garden box.

30 | IRISH HARDWARE

Trends will continue to include ornamental grasses, lots of lovely vegetable growing and the onward march of everything to do with outdoor living...furniture, barbeques, lighting and pots and planters.

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