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THE NEED TO INVEST IN INSTALLERS - HÄFELE
2020: THE YEAR WE MUST ALL DELIVER FOR INSTALLERS!
Natalie Davenport, Head Of Marketing, Häfele UK
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Natalie Davenport, Head of Marketing for Häfele UK explains the necessity for KBB manufacturers and distributors to invest in installers over the coming year and beyond: The skills shortage in the industry has cemented itself back onto the mainstream news agenda, thanks to a flurry of trade research revealing some stark findings, and the promise of investment in construction training from the Conservatives ahead of the recent General Election. According to the Federation of Master Builders, 56% of SMEs faced significant difficulty in hiring carpenters and joiners in quarter three of 2019, overtaking bricklayers (54% ) as the trade that is the hardest to recruit for . Add to this recent research from BiKBBI, We’ve invested in a number of products, resources and services to help tradespeople and fitters streamline installations."
which revealed that the skills shortage is one of the main reasons behind a perception of unprofessionalism in the industry , and we have a vicious cycle ensuing.
Overturning these issues is a collective venture, something all businesses in the supply chain play a role in. But the industry also needs support from local and national authorities, so it’s promising to see the government is making plans to launch a new National Skills Fund worth £3bn .
But there is also a huge onus industry side, not only to attract more people into the sector, but to do what we can to help existing installers showcase their talent by providing the products and services needed to create great looking, highly functional kitchens and bathrooms alongside the highest levels of customer care.
In 2019, Häfele spent time analysing these challenges for the KBB industry in depth and considered what we could do to address them. As such, we’ve invested in a number of products, resources and services to help tradespeople and fitters streamline installations, bridge the skills gap and envision a lucrative future based on positive customer feedback.
One such example is AluSplash, a highlystylish yet practical alternative to glass, acrylic and tiled splashbacks, distributed exclusively through Häfele in the UK.
AluSplash is simple and straightforward to fit, thanks to a cleverly designed aluminium core that means it can be v-grooved and folded around corners without joints, as well as cut for sockets with ease. Its seamless design means it’s easy for customers to keep clean and maintain, and comes in a range of colours and finishes, tying into popular kitchen trends as well as user demand for hygienic fixtures and fittings. It can be installed with readily available tools and without specialist experience, making it an easy extra profit stream for all trades, while also providing a cost-effective, stylish décor option to the customer who, ultimately, gets to enjoy a fantastic looking kitchen.
However, simply offering groundbreaking products isn’t enough. Manufacturers and suppliers should look at what they can do to streamline an installer’s day-to-day role, so they can focus more time on building their business and sourcing new talent. Häfele to Order was launched for this very reason.
AluSplash is simple and straightforward to fit, thanks to a cleverly designed aluminium core that means it can be v-grooved and folded around corners without joints, as well as cut for sockets with ease. Its seamless design means it’s easy for customers to keep clean and maintain, and comes in a range of colours and finishes, tying into popular kitchen trends as well as user demand for hygienic fixtures and fittings."
AluSplash Metalic Blueberry
For those working on either higher volume projects or in spaces that require cut-tomeasure components, Häfele to Order offers a bespoke service which allows installers to specify products to exact size, quantity and finish. Any product, whether rails, panels, plinths, LED furniture lighting and more can be cut, packaged and delivered to exact requirements, meaning an installer must only purchase exactly what they need. This minimises the waste of unused product and time spent cutting to a space’s precise measurements – savings that can be passed on to the end user, resulting in happier customers who are more likely to make recommendations.
We’re also working to make it easier for tradespeople to source training, something which we know is in demand. For example, our Häfele Training Academy, based next door to our head office in Rugby, delivers face-to-face courses and workshops for installers to teach new skills, improve best practice and make sure they’re up to date with the latest knowledge and product innovations. Additionally, we’re working on launching several e-learning modules covering topics such as how to install
AluSplash and install Loox LED lighting.
Häfele to Order offers a bespoke service which allows installers to specify products to exact size, quantity and finish. Any product, whether rails, panels, plinths, LED furniture lighting and more can be cut, packaged and delivered to exact requirements, meaning an installer must only purchase exactly what they need."
Our plans for 2020 are to refine and improve our training programme so we can reach as many tradespeople as possible, so we can play an integral role in helping them maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and maximise the growth of the KBB market.
Our aim is to deliver a solution-based package of products and services, which drive professional installations, streamline operations and teach best practices. This will not only serve to increase recommendations of high quality handywork amongst communities, but it will also drive more young people towards the sector, positioning it as somewhere they can be proud to work.
We hope 2020 will be the year we see manufacturers, distributors, trade bodies and government alike, collaborate to improve the resources and options available to installers and tradespeople, so they can look forward to a future where they are recognised for their talent.
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