Canadia launch new laminate collection

Leading Irish floor specialist Canadia has introduced 73 new laminate floors as part of its Egger flooring collection. Available from 1st April to view at the Canadia Design Showroom in Tallaght and through builders’ merchants and partner retailers nationwide, the new collection is available in a variety of thicknesses, board formats and styles. Out of the 73 new floors, 54 are new décors across Egger’s PRO Laminate range. It offers an unrivalled range of choice and flexibility, providing a flooring solution for nearly all aspects of interior design. Highlighted styles include: Future Retro, with marble, terrazzo and walnut making a powerful comeback; Pure Nature, offering a series of natural, cracked and knotted oaks; Perfect Imperfection, combining rustic and industrial designs with traditional and herringbone styles to create impact; and Light Urban, providing fresh and light designs that fit with the ever-popular Scandinavian style. The 73 new floors include upgraded products, realistic textures and a new flexible CLIC it! installation system. They all have bespoke benefits that contribute towards a safe, long lasting, comfortable, and functional floor. This laminate is an all-rounder with key features including easy-care, hygienic, and durability. Available with Aqua+ technology for areas that require water resistance such as the kitchen and bathroom. All these floorboards are manufactured using sustainably sourced, PEFC certified wood fibres, from timber harvested from sustainable forests, and are 100% PVC-free with no softeners or toxic dyes. Charlie Hamilton, Managing Director, Canadia comments “We are really excited to hear what our customers think of the new collection. Our laminates are now better than ever with improved benefits and a greater variety of colours and styles to choose from.” Further information at www.canadia.ie, info@canadia.ie and 01 4610997.

LcMS LtD - cReDit ManageMent anD caSh-fLoW SoLUtionS

LCMS Limited is an Irish company based in Naas that provides services in areas of credit control and overdue account collections to individuals, partnerships, companies, and government bodies/agencies. They operate in the most efficient and professional way and this has allowed them to build a portfolio of satisfied clients from a spectrum of industries. They also pride themselves on their ability to maintain a professional and quality relationship between their clients and their clients’ customers. This assures future business and helps their clients to grow by successfully unlocking their money. LCMS are certified compliant to international standards ISO27001 and ISO9001 so their clients are assured that their data is handled and processed to the highest international standard. They are members of the Credit Services Association in the UK and were recently recognised for Excellence in Credit and Debt Management services for the public sector. LCMS now offer a highly efficient outsourced credit control service where they can contact your current customers in your company name remotely, using your phone number to ensure efficient payment of your invoices with all the administrative pressures taken away. Their friendly and highly trained credit controllers increase your cash-flow while saving you in areas such as staff time, annual leave cover, phone, letter costs and PRSI etc. while allowing your business to expand.

HAI Members are offered an initial free one to one consultation. You can contact Billy Nolan, Director of Operations at LCMS at 045 431143, www.lcms.ie

US hardware at its coolest

In 2014, The Hardware Journal talked to ‘rock star’ Ace hardware retailer, Gina Schaefer, (July/August issue), who took her US company, A Few Cool Hardware Stores, from one to nine stores in the Washington DC and Baltimore region in just nine years. We recently reconnected with Gina, now CEO of a 13-store operation, and holder of multiple awards in retail, hardware and business, for fresh insights into embracing ‘why not!’ with enthusiasm.

Our “a-ha” Moment

We were living in Washington DC’s Logan Circle neighbourhood which was full of big old beautiful houses starting to be purchased and renovated, including our own condo that needed some love. We’d joke that “our toilet was always running, we lived in the dark, and our artwork was on the floor” because we were too lazy to drive out of town to the closest hardware store. That was our ‘a-ha’ moment. Logan Circle had been scary since 1968. After Martin Luther King was assassinated, riots swept through decimating stores.We bought into that neighbourhood because we were young and could afford it, and because we really believed the community could turn around. Today it is one of the most popular places to live in Washington (and expensive!). When I decided to open our first store, many people thought I was crazy. Logan Hardware was 20 feet wide, 100 feet deep and had three levels, but no parking. Why on earth would anyone open in that location? However, I was in love with the neighbourhood and its potential. Wonderful houses ready for renovation, a strong sense of community support and a severe lack of shopping opportunities for the urban dweller.

it starts with Main Street

Our philosophy for choosing new locations for A Few Cool Hardware Stores began there. We pick urban neighbourhoods with a strong identity, walkability and sense of shop local, with business or community organisations. Parking isn’t as important when your customers prefer to shop in their immediate area or on their dog walk. The ‘return to main street’ sentiment is really strong in some pockets of the US; not just big cities but small towns and rural areas. I like to think the neighbours in DC led the charge.

Favourite word: ‘local’

Big box stores have their place but it’s small and local that create uniqueness and character.

Ironmongery range.

Main streets will be more mainstream when customers realise there is nothing personal about Walmart or Amazon. As a small business owner, I believe we make up the fabric of a community, giving towns and neighbourhoods personality. Think about places you travel to and really enjoyed. I bet you won’t say, “it was the town with a Walmart or Target”. You’re going to remember a great local bookstore or iconic diner or that one-of-a-kind boutique. As A Few Cool Hardware Stores grew, we were looking for character, something lacking for a long time in American retail. We grew organically, expanding as soon as we could afford to and when we found the right space. We have been very creative in our space-making: multi-level buildings, underground parking garage (great rent) and an old warehouse. We aren’t looking for four walls that all look the same.

Keeping independents growing

After starting up in such a ‘dumb’ location, opening store two was a cakewalk. We currently have 13 A Few Cool Hardware Store locations ranging from 4,000 to 13,000 square feet, expanding from Washington into Baltimore, Silver Spring, Maryland, and Alexandria, Virginia. We purchased four and built the rest from scratch. In 2018 we closed one store due to underperformance; it wasn’t in a location that had a strong sense of identity. Our revenue ranges from $1.5 million (¤1.25 million) to $6 million (¤5 million) depending on location. We have 250 employees and will add 50 - 80 more when our spring season starts.

Nine cool values

We managed growth by playing on the strengths of our culture. By promoting people from within who best exemplified the values we wanted to portray, we’ve been able to expand our culture in multiple locations. Our values couldn’t just come from the very top. For many of our programmes and processes, we gathered our managers, assistant managers and back office team and asked what they thought we exemplified. A business coach helped us identify nine core values we live by: • be helpful • be a good neighbour • create raving fans (who absolutely love us, shout on social media how great we are, send wonderful compliments, shop continuously with us and bring out-of-town friends) • be vibrant and enthusiastic • be an awesome team member • communicate respectfully • always grow and share • embrace and drive change • be nice

We have infused these values into our everyday operations. All interviews and counselling conversations start with questions or comments that relate back to our values, as do giving awards and managing underperforming associates. We teach our team what these values mean to us; how they affect their work and our customers and how they can facilitate moving up within our company or on to better things elsewhere. One of the hardest things about growing a good culture is finding commonalities and sticking to them. Values must become living, breathing ‘things’. That’s not easy. Owners must believe in them and use them as well as folks up and down the leadership chain.

Be a good neighbour

This is at the heart of being a community store. When you treat customers like neighbours, they aren’t afraid to ask for advice, or take your suggestions, or buy the items you say they need to get their project done. The more we invest in our surrounding streets, the more the community calls us ‘their hardware store’, the more likely they are to support us. I’ve been passionate about community service since I was in high school. Philanthropy is a big part of our business, within our community and our team. We’re not just hiring associates; we’re helping remove the obstacles to employment for people who need a chance. Giving people jobs when nobody else wanted to.

Pandemic relief

Throughout COVID-19, small businesses have helped keep communities connected and safe. As local retailers, we’ve been accessible to our customers and enabled healthy shopping without the necessity of going into massive stores and being around dozens of people. I hope we’re perceived that way. We’re killing it with kindness and camaraderie. Spoiling our team so they’ll be extra nice to customers. And continuing to be all about the community, despite Covid. We’re helping tell local stories about businesses we love and support. That can mean stocking local products or teaming up with neighbourhood businesses to hold safe community events. During this crisis, I’m so grateful for my team and all they’ve done

Tool range.

Associates always willing to help.

to keep each other and our guests, as we refer to our customers, safe. No commerce would have been transacted without their dedication and hard work. To support our associates, we gave out over $750,000 using US Internal Revenue Code 139 which ensures disaster relief payments are available if a local, state, or national emergency is declared. Funding went towards PPE purchases since our staff encounters the public all day, help with increased commuting costs (in case of limited public transportation), and cleaning supplies (staff now need to clean at home/do laundry more often). For many months we also gave every associate $10 each week in the hopes they’d buy food from a local restaurant to help keep others employed. Some used it to supplement increased transportation costs too. We didn’t require that it be used in any specific ways, but made suggestions about optimising the benefits to our team and the local area. In addition, we retained our match and management bonus programme for staff pension contributions.

Hey, why not?

In my previous profile, I confessed to driving my leadership team crazy at times. I still do. But if we aren’t changing and innovating all the time, we won’t grow as a business or individuals. When you say ‘why not’ instead of ‘why’, you never know what you’ll end up with. 18 years ago when nobody thought a woman could successfully run a hardware store in a rundown urban area, I said ‘why not?’ It’s so easy as a CEO to make all the decisions and always say no. I want my team to realise why every opportunity should be evaluated and discussed. We should be saying ‘why’ and try things more often than ‘no, we can’t do that’, or “no, we tried that once and it didn’t work”. New teammates might tweak an old idea and magic could happen! It comes down to everyone’s personality and how they manage change and a fast-paced environment. I don’t think we innovate as much as we should, but we do keep a steady stream of projects going, so there is no time to get bored.

get outside our walls

Hardware is an old-fashioned business; that is where a lot of our charm comes from. But to compete, we can’t think or act like an old-fashioned business. We can keep some traditional values but have to move away from our sector’s narrow focus. I want my team to know what’s happening in other industries in case there is cross-over or something we can learn. Product selection is easy. I ask our buyers to go to trade shows outside the hardware channel. I also ask my marketing manager to keep up on developments in many industries. What’s going on in fashion? What are they doing in the financial services world?

Data and diversifying

We sometimes get overwhelmed by all the numbers to crunch, review, and act on. So we only create reports that we know might move the needle on an initiative or keep us informed on our progress. Data helps us work faster and smarter. I believe offering handyman services and general services will be a growing revenue stream for hardware stores. Until last year though, we weren’t tracking or making revenue goals for this important line of business. Now we do. I can tell you how much glass we cut last year, what sales looks like and our 2021 growth targets. This helps our marketing manager create her annual advertising plan and alerts us to which locations are taking the programme seriously or could use help. Also, we must be willing to report on business aspects outside of sales and inventory. We use data for the people side of operations. For years I’ve been telling everyone we’re a fantastic place to work. However, retail staff turnover is notoriously high and we weren’t tracking it. We are now. We have a quarterly strategy meeting just about turnover. To ensure we’re on the right track, we use employee engagement surveys and ‘stay interviews’. People are asked why they leave, but when is the last time you asked someone why they stay? We track pay equity and diversity metrics too.

‘Cheerocracy’

I was a cheerleader for years in high school, so being cheerful is in my blood. I’ve been accused of ‘leading by cheerocracy’ because I want to create and lead a positive, supportive workplace. I embrace it! I tell new hires that if I have to be somewhere eight hours a day, I want it to be a happy place and it takes all of us to make that happen. The downside is that I’ve been told by my leadership team that no one wants to tell me about negative things that happen. I recognise this as unhealthy to our success so I’m working on that. Keeping independent businesses growing takes one person at a time, one store at a time. Customers and businesses, don’t give up on local!

gina’s gems (unchanged since 2014)

• I tell small business groups, particularly women’s groups, that fear can be a powerful motivator, but can also stop us from acting on our entrepreneurial dreams. There is no harm in trying, no shame in failing and no ‘I wish I had’ if you at least try.

• I’m a shameless self-promoter, constantly finding ways to highlight our business to the public. I talk about urban retailing, customer service, our company culture; a whole host of topics that bring attention.

• Consider the lifetime value of your customers. We’ve learned if you upset a customer, she could tell 15 people. With social media, that’s potentially millions. Make sure the experience is good. A customer spending $5 one day may spend thousands over their lifetime with you. Make every interaction count as if $1000 is being spent with you that day.

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a golden age of home improvement?

Written by Steve Collinge - International speaker, thought leader, retail influencer and commentator, MD Insight Retail Group and Executive Editor Insight DIY.

2020 was a tumultuous year for retail, with many sectors decimated by lockdown, forced store closures and declining footfall. However, within the many challenges faced by retailers and individuals last year, there were a few surprising bright spots and one of these was the resurgence of the Home Improvement industry. Being forced to stay at home and confront the home and garden projects that we’d just been too busy to take on in previous years, acted as a catalyst for growth. Combined with a new found enthusiasm to improve our homes and gardens, a sector which had been in decline in the UK and had witnessed over 250 store closures since 2014, experienced growth not seen since the 1980’s. Trends that had been building over the previous few years accelerated rapidly in 2020 and others emerged for the first time. So, with 2021 already well under way, which of these trends are here to stay and which are likely to play a key role influencing retailers and manufacturers strategy in the decade ahead?

Younger generations enthusiasm for Home improvement

With time on their hands and money in their pocket, the enthusiasm that we have seen for the younger generations to begin tackling DIY tasks is likely to continue. The latest UK lockdown combined with the established retailers’ efforts to engage directly with the under 30’s on platforms such as TikTok will only fuel this further. With four new Home Improvement TV programs all launching in 2021 including the return of Changing Rooms on Channel 4 with Davina McCall and Laurence Llewelyn Bowen and the new series Flat out Fabulous on BBC3, this is likely to have a further significant impact on the overall market and encourage even more younger generation home owners and renters to try DIY for themselves.

On-going Home improvement

Lockdown has taught us that we can make very positive changes to our living spaces, quickly and cost effectively.

We have seen how decorating our rooms, improving storage or simply creating an organised workspace can have a positive impact on our mental health. As a result, homeowners are now searching for makeover ideas more than ever before and the availability of inspiration and ideas on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest are providing the much-needed trigger to engage consumers. I predict that whereas pre-pandemic, the inclination for consumers was to decorate or update their living spaces every six to seven years, home improvement is now becoming more of an ongoing process, where we are continuously searching and investing in new ways to improve and update our homes and gardens.

it’s all about the project

With a greater number of women and now the younger generation both purchasing and using home improvement products, there is a real need for the established retailers to engage more successfully with these shoppers and move away from the functional retailing of products. All home improvement purchases are project related and it’s critical that the physical retailers understand this and begin merchandising their product by project, with aspirational displays, inspiration and advice, showing what can be achieved. With the very latest format B&Q and Homebase stores moving in this direction, the expected success of these I believe will lead to a significant change in store layouts and ways of merchandising. As the most powerful way to differentiate the physical store from online competitors, I predict that engaging and inspirational instore displays will bring the home improvement categories to life in 2021 and ignite further interest in new ways to improve our homes.

The growth in transformative technology

In 2020, retailers had to adapt and change their business models rapidly and adopt new and interesting ways to engage with their consumers. A good example is the move to virtual kitchen and bathroom appointments when consumers were reluctant to visit physical showrooms. Transformative technology has been available for some time, including augmented reality, machine learning and artificial intelligence but retailers have appeared reticent to use or even trial it. For retailers with physical locations, it’ll be even more important to differentiate themselves from online competitors by providing unique in-store experiences. There is a ‘wealth of tech’ available for physical stores as well as digital tools that can be adopted by retailers to deliver a significant improvement in the customer experience and it’s critical that retailers understand the range of technology that is available. I predict that the forward-thinking businesses will be keen to adopt and trial this new technology, both in-store and online, delivering new and engaging experiences for their shoppers, personalised to their needs and their home improvement requirements.

The growing importance of influencers

Influencer marketing has grown rapidly during 2020 and we predict further significant development of this in 2021 and beyond. But it’s no longer about edited product images and carefully crafted content. The Home Improvement audience is looking for authentic voices, individuals like you and I, taking on projects in the real world and showcasing what can be achieved. I predict that the retailer and supplier brands that recognise this and prioritise authenticity in their influencer partnerships with unique content will deliver engagement and returns well beyond their competitors. There’s no doubt that 2021 will continue to provide a set of unique challenges that will test businesses within every sector. But for retailers and brands within the Home Improvement sector, it’s possible that we will look back at 2020 and see it as the catalyst for a golden age of home improvement. A sector revitalised by a new breed of engaged consumers, motivated by social media and influencers and stores completely transformed by project driven, inspirational displays and technology.

the hardware Show 2021 looks set to be another sell out show with over 85% of stand space booked to date

Rescheduled from February 2021 until November 2021, the official show of Hardware Association Ireland - The Hardware Show 2021 – will now run from 14th – 15th November 2021 at the Citywest Hotel and Conference Centre, Saggart, Co. Dublin.

Industry support for The Hardware Show has been overwhelming, with over 85% of the total stand space allocated to date. There is an obvious pent-up demand from suppliers to have the opportunity to meet face to face with their customers and The Hardware Show offers them this unique opportunity. Commenting on the importance of the event to suppliers, one exhibitor, Niall Nugent, Sales and Marketing Director for Ames True Temper says, “The Hardware Show has become the single most important event in our calendar. Since its creation in 1971, The Hardware Show has become the single biggest and best event offering exhibitors the best possible opportunity to stage their products and meet with both existing and new potential customers.” Government clarity has now been secured by The Irish Exhibition Organisers Association (IEOA) which outlines that trade fairs and exhibitions may run under levels 1 and 2 of Covid-19 Government guidelines. This is an important milestone and signals that planning can re-commence for the organisation of the event. Robert Troy, Minister of State, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with responsibility for Trade Promotion, acknowledged his support for enabling trade fairs and exhibitions to recommence in 2021. Minister of State Robert Troy said: “I am delighted to see first-hand the level of preparedness that venues are making to ensure that they can reopen safely when permitted under public health guidance and the Government’s Living with COVID-19 Roadmap. A significant effort has been made by the industry to develop protocols for the safe return to business. I envisage no reason that trade exhibitions cannot reopen in Level 2, subject to a decline in trajectory of the virus. “As Minister for Trade Promotion, I recognise the value of face-to-face engagement and business networking and I look forward to the reopening of the business events and trade shows in the coming months. 2021 is the year we make trade a priority, and I will continue to work with my Government colleagues to see the safe return of trade exhibitions which give businesses the space to make connections and work together.” Under levels 1 and 2 of Covid-19 Government guidelines, IEOA-drafted Covid-19 protocols will be in place at The Hardware Show to ensure best practice health and safety standards are delivered once trade fairs and exhibitions recommence. The IEOA protocols ensure the safety of all exhibitors, visitors, and staff, and have been reviewed by the Health and Safety Authority and the Department of Health. They are an important document in contributing to make trade fairs one of the safest indoor environments possible. Another long-standing exhibitor, Cathy Orr, Marketing Manager Helske Energy Save Ireland, comments, “While I have had the privilege to work as an exhibitor at The Hardware Show many times over the past 25 years, I can certainly say this year’s Show is the one I am looking forward to the most! Now, more than ever, we recognise the importance of physically exhibiting our Brand and Product Innovations to our customers, something that Covid-19 has restricted greatly over the past 12 months.

The Hardware Show is taking place at the Citywest Hotel and Conference Centre, Saggart, Co. Dublin on 14th - 15th November 2021. Contact Margaret Andreucetti for further information on margaret@eventhaus.ie.

See www.thehardwareshow.ie

EXHiBiTOR LiSTiNg 2021

• Allgrip • Ames True Temper • Arc Building Products • Ard Ri Marble • Ashtown Trading • Axus Décor Ltd • B&G • Basta • Blaklader Workwear Ltd • Bluewater Filtration • Bolle Safety Ireland • Bolton Adhesives • Bord Na Mona • Bostik • Botament Systembaustoffe - MC-Building Chemicals • Brett Martin • Bryko • Build Box • Calor Gas • Canadia Flooring • Cardboutique.ie • Classic Hardware • CPL Fuels Ireland Ltd • Credit Risk Brokers • Crown Paints • Cromar Building Products • Curust • Dargan Tools • DEFE Flood Barriers • Dosco • Draper Tools • DS Supplies Ltd • Dulux • ECC Timber Products • Elite Fence • Fleetwood Paints • Flogas • Galco • Glennon Brothers • Gold Crop • Green Equipment Ltd. • Guardian Distribution • Halo Ltd • Helske Energy • Henkel Ireland Dist. • Herron & Son • Hightower Painting • Homeline • Hultafors Group Ireland • Hygeia Group Limited • Instantor • Intact Software • International Tools Industries • Irish Abrasives • Irish Cement A CRH Company • Irish International Trading Corporation • Irish Wire Products • I S Varian • Jefferson Professional Tools & Equipment • Johnston Shopfitters • Joseph Murphy Ballina Ltd. • John Murphy (Castlerea) Ltd. • Kaercher Ireland • Kerridge Commercial Systems • Kilsaran International • Larsen Building Products • Laydex Building Solutions • Locks & Hardware • Mercer Agencies • Mannok • Mascot International • OHRA Packing Systems • O’Neill Wholesale • Origo • Passive House Systems • Paul Small Wallcoverings Ltd • Pipelife Ireland Ltd • Portwest • Power Providers Ltd. • PVC Fabrication • Reisser Ireland Ltd • Rhino Distribution • Ronseal Ireland • Saint-Gobain Construction Products Ireland • Solvall Ltd. • Stafford Fuels • Sterling Safety Workwear Ltd. • South Coast Sales • Tec7 - Contech Building Products • T.I.Midwood & Co Ltd (TIMco) • Toolbank Ireland • Tucks Fasteners & Fixing • TW Clarke Ltd. • United Hardware • Uppercross Enterprises Limited • Unilin Flooring • Vendek Ltd. T/A Powerline • VF Corporation • Wavin • Westaro Hosing Limited • Westland Horticulture • Whiteriver Group • Wood Mouldings • Xtratherm

hai Launches eco-Webinar Series

In February HAI launched a new webinar series focusing on Ecological and Sustainable Products. A number of key players present their product solutions in a ‘shop- floor’ format, presenting best use and application, giving retailers and builders merchants the information they need for their customers. They will run over the next few weeks and culminate in a half day conference. Those who recently presented include:

The velux Company

David Reid from The Velux Company presented how their roofwindow products help create better living, learning and working environments and go towards making a building more efficient.

Mannok

The Mannok team demonstrated best use and application of the Mannok Aircrete Thermal Blocks range.

Ecological Building Systems

Ecological Building Systems presented Airtightness and Vapour Control for Energy Efficiency, Mould Prevention and Comfort featuring their range of Intelligent airtightness and Windtightness solutions on the market. Recordings of the above webinars are available FOC to HAI members. If you would like access email aoife@hardwareassociation.ie.

Waterford Stanley

The Waterford Stanley team presented their Heat Pump and associated Appliance Solution.

View the upcoming schedule of HAI’s Eco-Webinars following:

Thursday 1st april Saint-gobain

Saint Gobain will be presenting their Isover Optima internally insulated drylining systems and its associated product components.

Thursday 8th april Helske Energy Save

Helske Energy Save will introduce their HELSKE NANO COAT HOME® Thermal Insulating Plaster, new to the Irish market. They will also give an overview on Helske Group’s primary focus on providing innovative and sustainable building solutions to the construction sector.

Tuesday april 13th Kilsaran

The Kilsaran team will explore sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) and the fundamentals of permeable paving & porous asphalt.

Thursday 15th april KORE insulation

Kore will be presenting their KORE Floor, KORE Lock and KORE Loft products. They will also provide an overview of KORE, their products, EPS and some case studies and costings.

Wednesday april 21st Solus Lightbulbs

SOLUS’s upcoming webinar will cover the new European Commission Energy labelling and ecodesign regulations which will be in place in September.

Thursday 22nd april Partel

Partel will be presenting their ‘Methods and Applications to Improve Air & Windtightness’. They will discuss the value behind choosing the appropriate internal and external membranes for different situations, as well as their sealing, then an overview about correct installation featuring some recent projects.

Thursday 29th april Tec 7

The Tec7 team will explore and demonstrate using sealants/ adhesives more effectively to make homes more energy efficient.

how to self-create customs declarations

Declaron is a customs clearance solution that lets you save time and money by creating and self-managing your own customs declarations online and steps in to act as a customs clearance agent on your behalf to Revenue, in the event of any delays.

MiCHaEL NOLaN

Declaron CEO

This means you can save time on paperwork, clear your goods faster, while being sure you are compliant and audit ready. If you are looking for a customs clearance agent in Ireland, then you and Declaron could be a better way to self-create customs declarations. Declaron is a new Irish start-up launched in 2020 by BDO and Fexco. They are working to make things a bit easier on Irish businesses and encourage people to get their customs processes and procedures fit for purpose. The company was specifically set up to address the lack of available agents in the Irish market, with a focus on ensuring compliance and the accurate completion of declarations. This minimises the risk of delays at ports and prevents the risk of audits later on. They support their customers by providing webinars, practical guides and educational initiatives focused on customs clearance requirements. They’re also offering free helpful information on their website for all Irish businesses. Confusion amongst Irish businesses around Brexit continues, as the promised clarity of the detail of the deal between the UK and EU has failed to materialise. This is, unfortunately, leading to further delays at ports. Customs paperwork is complicated and it can be hard to know just where to start - especially when the clock is already ticking - so they suggest beginning by addressing the following checklist of questions to your business and going from there.

• Have you agreed INCO terms?

INCO terms are the roles and responsibilities) between you and your connected 3rd parties, specifically who is responsible for creating and managing declarations and when? This will play a big part in understanding what you need to do next. • Do you have an EORI number set up?

The EORI online registration service allows you to register for an EORI number online. If you are a trader who imports or exports goods into or out of the European Union (EU), you will need an EORI number. This number is valid throughout the EU. It is used as a common reference number for interactions with the customs authorities in any Member

State. To use the service, you will need your Revenue Online

Service (ROS) login details and a valid ROS digital certificate with a registration for customs and excise in ROS. • Do you plan to use a cash upfront (TAN account) or a deferred account method for payment of your duties?

Once you are registered for an EORI number, you will be assigned a Revenue Trader Account Number (TAN). This is a secure channel through which you can make payments, for example pay import duties.Your import duty payments must be made online through the Revenue Online Service (ROS).

You can do this by selecting the ‘Customs and Excise’ payment option and either:

- provide the required details of your credit or debit card or - use the option to transfer money from your (the payer’s) bank account by Single Debit Instruction (SDI).You may allow your customs clearance agent to use your TAN account on your behalf. If you wish to do this, you should complete the Customs and Excise clearance agent form at www.revenue.ie.

The customs deferred payment system (bank direct debit scheme) is a facility whereby you or your agent is authorised to defer payment of Customs Duties. Authorisation will require provision of a bank guarantee or cash deposit and compliance with the conditions of the authorisation. Once approved, payment of taxes and duties arising may be deferred for payment by direct debit to the 15 day of the following month. • Do you know the correct tariff classifications for your goods?

Declaron have a handy recorded webinar on tariffs available on their website. Registered Declaron customers have access to a more detailed one during onboarding. • Have you appointed a customs agent to act on your behalf, or taken the relevant steps to assess the financial impact and implemented the resource requirement of an in-house solution?

You can find the relevant Customs Clearance forms at www.revenue.ie. Details on how this would work with

Declaron specifically are available on their website.

You can contact Declaron here for further information info@declaron.ie or at www.declaron.ie

NOEL BuRKE

Kerridge Commercial Systems

future-proof your business with the right eRp solution

Builders merchants have had to adapt to changing circumstances over the past year - and in many cases their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution has been integral to making this happen.

The simplest way to define ERP is to think about all the core processes needed to run a company, finance, manufacturing, HR, supply chain, services, procurement etc. At its most basic level, ERP integrates these processes into a single system. Business management software from Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) has helped many builders’ merchants adopt new ways of working. Several key features of its software have made this possible by equipping users with the functionality they need to future-proof their businesses.

achieve flexibility and scalability with cloud-based solutions.

It’s essential to be able to add users to an ERP system, which is made much simpler with KCS’ cloud-based software. The cloud eliminates the need for a business of any size to buy physical servers. It’s quick, easy and affordable to increase capacity by adding extra user licences without the need to invest in additional hardware. Not only this, because the IT infrastructure is outsourced, there is no requirement to invest in local skills to maintain the systems, as the experts will do it on your behalf. Over the past year, it has never been more important to use flexible builders’ merchant’s software. Remote access is made much simpler by using a cloud-based ERP, as users can all log into the same system regardless of their location. Haldane Fisher is one company that has reaped the benefits of upgrading its cloud-based software to KCS. Group Managing Director Ian Haldane explained: “We have been working remotely with the team at KCS on a weekly basis to get ourselves settled into the system and make sure it’s working the way it should be. We have also signed up to a number of training programmes to see how we can fine tune and develop the system to improve operational and processing efficiency. “Remote working has delivered a great degree of flexibility and timeliness; you don’t have to get on a plane or in a car to attend.”

Data security handled by experts.

Builders’ merchants deal with large volumes of information, meaning data security should never be overlooked when choosing ERP software. Selecting a reputable provider will ensure that best practices are followed for data authentication, access control and encryption. KCS follows the strictest possible standards when it comes to data security, providing customers with the reassurance and confidence that their information is safely stored on its cloud-based servers. This enables merchants’ IT departments to focus on other areas of the business and eliminates the need to regularly back up data.

Prepare for a digital transformation.

Builders’ merchant software opens many opportunities for businesses to expand into new digital trading environments. KCS recently launched a range of solutions, including apps and fully integrated ecommerce platforms, to help facilitate new digital ways of working. One example is K8 ePOD, an electronic proof of delivery solution, which expands on the already feature-rich functionality of KCS software. Hevac Limited, Plumbing & Heating specialists have started using K8 ePOD during lockdown. Operations Director Aidan Grogan explained: “All the set-up and training was done online. This app is very easy for our drivers to use, and it gives us huge gains in efficiency and customer service. Where needed, we will now hold the signed proof of delivery and any photos taken at delivery on K8. This is just brilliant for query resolution and credit control.” As the industry adapts to its new normal, it has become evident that digital technologies are here to stay. Merchants that have adopted these tools have become more flexible in their approach to trading and in doing so, are future proofing their operations.

Join the Kerridge CS team on Wednesday 28th april at 11am for their K8 webinar to find out how you can Streamline your processes, protect your margins and help grow your profits with KCS`s sophisticated, sustainable and scalable

ERP solution, K8. Contact aoife@hardwareassociation.ie to book your place or for more information.

For more information on cloud-based builders’ merchant software, visit www.kerridgecs.com. Noel Burke can be contacted on +353 (0) 87 1405483 / +353 (0) 1 545 7100 or email: Noel.Burke@kerridgecs.com

Brexit Update from Revenue

Customs and the new trading environment. What does it mean for your business?

Since January 1st 2021, a range of customs and other regulatory formalities apply to goods moving to, from or through the United Kingdom, excluding Northern Ireland. Currently approximately 80% of inbound Great Britain (GB) to Ireland movements are being green routed on arrival meaning they can leave the port without the need for additional interaction with Customs or other State agencies. For the remaining approximately 20%, certain goods are orange routed meaning they need a documentary check or similar control, and some goods are red routed meaning there is a requirement for a physical examination or inspection of the goods. The submission of relevant documents and the required customs import and safety and security declarations for all consignments on board a vehicle coming from GB to Ireland significantly enhances the ability of Revenue and the other agencies to carry out risk analysis and complete documentary checks when the goods are en route to Ireland. If the information provided on customs declarations is incomplete, or the required documentation is not available, goods will be held up at the port. Timely and accurate information and data is essential in all aspects of dealing with customs and other regulatory formalities.

Some of the common issues Revenue has encountered in the first two months include:

• Pre-Boarding Notification (PBN), which requires the

Master Reference Numbers (MRNs) from the customs declarations for all the goods on a vehicle, was not completed correctly. For example, not all goods on board had customs declarations associated with them. • Entry Summary Declaration (ENS): Businesses lodging the

ENS declarations experienced issues including incorrect data entry and difficulty with accessing the relevant software. Revenue has a temporary easement in place to allow businesses to engage with Revenue to assist them with issues they are encountering with the submission of the ENS. • Pre-notification and/or supporting documents not provided to the relevant State Agencies - Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine - Health Service Executive - Environmental Health Service • Insufficient funds in the payers Revenue account to cover the payment of duty and VAT due at time of import.

Businesses need to ensure the relevant codes are entered on import declarations when they intend to avail of postponed accounting and claim preferential duty. • GB distribution hubs: The duty implications of EU goods imported through GB distributions centres has led to unexpected duty liabilities for Irish businesses. Revenue has outlined scenarios relating to goods that pass through the UK on their way to Ireland and their treatment on arrival in Ireland under the Union Customs Code and the

EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. You will find further information in eCustoms Notification 14/2021.

Businesses experiencing difficulties need to look closely at their supply chain and talk to the other key players in it. It is essential that everyone in the supply chain - from the exporter, to the customs agent, to the importer, to the logistics, freight forwarder or haulage business, to the driver - knows and understands the role that each person or business in the supply chain will play. The supply chain needs to operate and function as an integrated whole and the relevant customs and other regulatory formalities need to be completed on a timely and efficient basis. When goods are held up, hauliers are dependent on either the importer or exporter or their agent to fix the shortcomings in documentation before the goods can be cleared and moved from the port. Sharing of the relevant documentation and / or information ensures faster resolution of outstanding issues and enables the goods to move out of the port as quickly as possible. Revenue is happy to work with businesses in whatever way possible to support and assist them to be able to comply with the relevant customs formalities. The Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol ensures that there is no hard border on the island of Ireland which means goods can move throughout the island without the need for customs declarations or other customs formalities, this includes goods moving from IE to NI and from NI to IE. More information can be found here: Trade with Northern ireland - Excise

issues (revenue.ie)

Further information on Brexit or any of the above is available on the Revenue website Brexit page. Any queries not covered by the material available can be emailed to brexitqueries@revenue.ie.

Brexit, the new reality

The National Standards Authority of Ireland provided the following update. The Brexit transition period ended on 31st December 2020 and the UK became a ‘third country’ where EU law no longer applies. The EU-UK Trade & Cooperation Agreement (TCA) agreed came into effect.

While the TCA provides for tariff and quota free trade in goods it does not replicate what went before. The seamless trade which existed up to 31st December 2020 has generally ended. This means changes for business buying products from the UK or using UK manufactured products.

What has not changed

All the EU rules that applied to products in 2020 continue to apply unchanged in 2021. UK products must meet any specific requirements set out in Irish Law. Remember that it is the rules where the product is placed on the market that apply, not where it is manufactured.

Can i continue to sell British products?

Yes, once they have been certified in accordance with EU and Irish legislation. This means that any construction products manufactured in Great Britain can be sold once they meet the requirements of the CPR, including being CE marked if required by the CPR and having a valid EU declaration of performance. Any electrical devices imported from GB that meet the requirements of the relevant directive (RED, EMC or LVD) can be sold in Ireland if they are CE marked and have a valid EU declaration of conformity. Compliance for products which are not covered by specific EU regulations e.g., sockets are not covered by EMC, RED or LVD, is determined by other reference documents such as National Standards. The General Product Safety Directive and relevant Irish legislation and standards apply to any of these products imported into Ireland from Great Britain. Products that only have the new ‘UKCA’ mark and a UK Declaration of conformity cannot be placed on the EU market, so make sure that you only buy CE marked products from your British suppliers. If you import products from GB, you are now an importer and have additional responsibilities that you did not have before, and you should become familiar with these as soon as possible. You can get more information on the responsibilities of an importer in the EU Blue Guide https://ec.europa.eu/growth/

What about Northern ireland products?

Under the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, EU product legislation continues to apply in Northern Ireland (NI), and NI continues to be treated as if it is part of the EU Single Market. Goods moving between NI and the EU can continue to do so with no significant changes and the responsibilities of economic operators in the EU remain the same as if they are trading within the EU Single Market. But beware of products bearing a ‘CE UK(NI)’ mark. These products can only be sold in Northern Ireland and cannot be legally placed on the EU market.

Can i sell products that have been certified using British Standards?

There are areas where it is no longer permitted to use a British Standard (BS) to demonstrate conformity or performance. There are other areas where there has been no change in the use of BS. As a general guideline, in areas where member states have competency, there is no restriction on the use of BS’s once they are permitted under national legislation. A range of standards are referenced in Irish legislation including International standards (ISO), European Standards (EN), Irish Standards (I.S.), national standards from other countries (including BS). The EU Commission has indicated that the use of a BS on an EU declaration of performance where a harmonised European Standard must be used for product certification is no longer permitted. Where Irish legislation permits or mandates the use of a British Standards for areas not covered by EU law there should be no change to their recognition use in Ireland.

What else?

If you import products from GB based suppliers, you will need to consider the impacts of customs processes and potential supply chain disruption. If your suppliers rely on certification or conformity assessment from UK based certification bodies or UK accredited test laboratories, you will need to check that their certification is acceptable under EU or Irish law.

Where can i get information?

For general information on Brexit readiness in the area of standards and certification - www.nsai.ie/brexit/brexit-readiness/

Important EU rules for products sold in hardware trade:

• EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR) applies to construction products

Electrical products are covered by • Low Voltage Directive (LVD), • EMC Directive (EMC) and • Radio Equipment Directive (RED)

Other products which are not covered by specific EU product legislation must comply with the • General Product Safety Directive (GPSD)

Bathrooms, a space for wellbeing, relaxation, and recovery

Heating and Plumbing Magazine in the UK recently reported on a Grohe survey commissioned in June 2020 on consumer showering habits. Some of the latest results and showering trends are outlined below.

The bathroom has become increasingly considered a tranquil retreat. The results of Grohe’s showers survey in June 2020 highlighted that almost half of consumers are now viewing the bathroom as a space for wellbeing, relaxation, and recovery whilst 40% also agreed that the bathroom is a place of isolation where they go to seek some time alone. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will have accelerated this trend over recent months as more and more homeowners try to create an at-home sanctuary or space for wellbeing within their immediate living space. Another key trend that is rapidly growing in the bathroom market is the growing awareness around water consumption and consumers becoming more eco-aware, understanding how their individual lifestyle can impact the planet. The survey highlighted that 42% of consumers like to enjoy long showers so there is a definite demand to provide solutions that enable a luxurious experience that uses less resource and are kinder to the environment. Personalisation is also a growing area of the showering market. The survey predicts this will grow exponentially as the trend for wellbeing inspired bathrooms continues to soar. Consumers are using the shower to help improve physical and emotional wellbeing so having enhanced features that allow them to tailor their shower experience every time to suit their needs will become increasingly important. According to the survey the top five features homeowners value most in a shower are:

• Cool surfaces: 78% want a shower with a surface that doesn’t get too hot whilst showering • Safety: 73% want a shower that is safe for all the family to use • No more drips: 69% consider it important that a shower doesn’t drip once turned off • Thermostatic: 61% like thermostatic showers so they don’t have to put up with temperature fluctuations • Rain showers: 54% want a larger shower head that offers full body coverage when showering, such as a rain shower.

Source: phpionline.co.uk/feature-articles/2021-shower-trends/

Botament introduces a whole range of innovative product solutions

Botament leads the way in converting your customer’s bathroom into a space for wellness, relaxation and pure quality of life. With Botament, even small bathrooms can have beauty and comfort. As the specialist for system building materials, Botament introduces a whole range of innovative product solutions for the design, renovation and modernisation of bathrooms and wet-rooms. The Wetrooms Solutions range offers the complete package to the market all from the one source with ETAG certification, giving your customer every product from start to finish for their wet-room project. Botament’s Wetrooms Solutions range is a comprehensive package offering high quality, value added, innovative building systems that are fast, safe, easy to install and totally waterproof for both new builds and renovations. The Wetrooms Solutions range includes Botament Building Boards, Botament Shower Trays, Botament Water LD Linear drain systems, Under Shower sound insulation boards Botament TE Plus, Waterproofing Tanking and Sealing Tapes. In addition to the full range of Tile Adhesives, Grouts and Silicone Sealants, making them the one stop shop for wet rooms. Botament Building Boards are suitable for countless substructures, such as plaster, tiles, studding, paint and many

more, making them the natural choice for wet-rooms. Available in a wide range of sizes and thicknesses, they open-up a limitless array of design possibilities. Extremely strong, 100% waterproof and the perfect background for tiling. Building boards key benefits are speed of application and ease of use. Botament DUB/LD shower trays are preformed shower trays that have built-in stainless-steel drains and a factory set gradient. Total waterproofing is achieved by the superior protective coatings. They are easy and quick to install and come ready to fix tiles, hence the ideal choice for bathroom renovations. Produced in many sizes, with options for central, offset or line drainage. Botament Water LD stand-alone Linear drains are now an added solution to the Wetrooms range. Botament LD comes in four different widths, made entirely from stainless steel, offer five different height adjustments, and have secondary drainage levels. The overlapping seal is factory mounted to ensure water tightness. Botament TE Plus sound insulation is an innovative mat installed under shower boards to create a noise barrier. TE Plus reduces impact sound by 35 dB so your customer can shower in peace. This is one of the few sound insulation materials suitable for wet areas. This comprehensive range provides designers, contractors, and customers with optimally performing wet-room solutions.

For details see www.wetroomsolutions.eu or contact info@botament.ie MC Building Chemicals, Castleblayney Co.Monaghan 042-9751520.

Before

SOLUTIONS FOR WET SPACES

Wetroom Solutions (WRS)

Building and shower boards - watertight without the need for additional sealing

BUILDING BOARDS & CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS

THE ETAG-CERTIFIED, ONE-STOP-SHOP-SOLUTION

Botament WRS (or Wetroom Solution) - the reliable solutions for any wet space!

Why? Why?

Building boards and shower boards Building boards and shower boards

= 100% watertight! = 100% watertight!

Botament is currently the only company Botament is currently the only company that manufactures ETAG-certified conthat manufactures ETAG-certified construction chemicals and building boards struction chemicals and building boards inhouse - truly a one-stop-shop! inhouse - truly a one-stop-shop!

The benefit: The benefit:

full warranty protection for developers full warranty protection for developers and tradesmen alike! and tradesmen alike!

iDEaL STaNDaRD aND aRMiTagE SHaNKS:

SUPPORTING MERCHANTS WITH A MARKET-DRIVEN PROPOSITION

Martin O’Reilly, Director of Ideal Standard Ireland.

an update from Director of ideal Standard ireland, Martin O’Reilly, on the leading washroom and bathroom product manufacturer’s exciting product pipeline:

As offices and other commercial spaces start preparing to open up again around Ireland, there is a sense of cautious optimism about the future. At Ideal Standard International, we know how vital it is to support the construction sector with a robust and reliable product supply chain, and we’ve worked hard to continue to provide an uninterrupted supply to the market throughout the pandemic. Ideal Standard and our expert washroom brand, Armitage Shanks, will continue to support merchants and those serving the construction industry with an exciting product pipeline over the year ahead. So, with that in mind, we’ve pulled together a guide for a number of new and existing product ranges designed to meet the needs of your customers as the commercial world begins to open up.

HYgiENE-FOCuSED SOLuTiONS

Those who are already working with washrooms as products will know their customers are looking for products that can protect their occupants with smart ways of combatting the spread of infection. Touchless brassware and flush plates from Armitage Shanks, for example, will be a familiar sight to them. But the brand’s Sensorflow 21 collection takes this up a notch, as these hands-free, electronic taps have remote sensors which detect the user and control the on-demand water flow. This controlled release of water makes for a much more efficient product, by reducing water usage and ultimately running costs. End-users can also programme these taps to run for however long they want when activated, which is a great way for them to encourage users to wash their hands for a full 20 seconds. Another very exciting development coming soon to the Irish washroom market is Ideal Standard’s new Intellimix smart tap, a revolutionary and completely touchless product designed to make the hand washing experience easier, more comfortable, and more efficient. The innovative tap features a unique smart screen, and offers touchless soap and water dispensing for end-users. Intellimix actually helps save end-users between 30 per cent and 80 per cent on soap usage and up to 85 per cent on water costs, when compared to a traditional tap. The product is due to be released in April 2021.

HYgiENE aND aCCESSiBiLiTY

To support those working on accessible washrooms, Armitage Shanks has also brought a range of new grab-rails and Doc M packs to the market which are the only ones of their kind that are compliant with all Irish Part M legislation. The 60cm and 45cm rails are designed to help the most vulnerable in our society use the washroom as safely and hygienically as possible. The rails are available in five distinct colour options (white, blue, grey, charcoal, and stainless steel), supporting different colour schemes in properties which cater for the visually impaired. The Doc M packs are offered in both close coupled and wall hung variants, with left- and right-hand options. This level of flexibility allows contractors to order first fix and second fix elements separately if they want to.

EaSiER iNSTaLLaTiON

We know that keeping installation and maintenance turnaround times down is also a priority for your customers, as we continue to live with the impact of the virus. Our recently released ProSys®, installation system has this covered and is designed to be quickly installed with wall-hung toilets, basins, and accessories. ProSys includes frames, cisterns and flush plates, offering the complete one-stop installation solution for your customers. The new range is the perfect match for Ideal Standard’s collections of toilets, washbasins and urinals and works seamlessly across all of Ideal Standard International’s brands – including Armitage Shanks products. The ProSys collection of WC frames comes in a variety of depths and heights. Full frames are available in 1150mm and 820mm heights. The 820mm frames are perfect for use in furniture applications or under windows, and have the choice of either front or top flush plate installation. There is a huge collection of 50 flush plates to choose from, offering a wide range of shapes, colours, functions and materials to suit your customers’ needs. They are available with either mechanical, pneumatic, or electronic actuation and are compatible with most WC ranges from Ideal Standard International.

ProSys was developed with the installer in mind, with a straightforward three-step fitting process. Maintenance typically proves more difficult with in-wall frame systems, but with this range it has been made simpler and easier with toolfree access to the ProSys cisterns. launched to the market in March, offering a range of beautiful products for those working on premium commercial or residential environments. The ranges, created in collaboration with renowned Italian studio PS+A draw inspiration from iconic Ideal Standard products of the past to create exciting new collections for the present. At the centre of the new collections is the Conca range, which nods towards the iconic Ideal Standard basin, offering stunning minimal designs. The Blend range of WCs has been created to perfectly complement these basins. Both Conca and Blend are inspired by Ideal Standard’s leading product lines from the past. Core to the Atelier collections is colour. PS+A have created a new, bold colour palette, some of which draws on colour influences that can be found in Ideal Standard’s design heritage, and others which reflect and define new colour trends. The colours have been applied to the Ipalyss range of super slim washbasins, designed by Robin Levien. Incredibly striking in colour and design, new shapes and sizes are also being introduced, creating an extremely durable and versatile range, made possible by Ideal Standard’s Diamatec® technology.

ProSys is compatible with a range of flush plates

DESigN-LED PRODuCTS, FOR PREMiuM ENviRONMENTS

Ideal Standard’s new design-led range, Atelier Collections, created in collaboration with renowned Italian studio PS+A

ipalyss Colour Selection

In Ireland, the Atelier Collections are available exclusively through independent retailers, with Ideal Standard committing significant investment into showroom and marketing support for the range.

SuPPORTiNg YOu aND YOuR CuSTOMERS

At Ideal Standard, we’re confident about the future of the industry and we’re encouraged by the response and level of resilience we continue to see across the construction sector. Whatever the project your customer is working on, Ideal Standard is here to help with a continual stream of exciting, market-led products.

niko Bathrooms launches 2021 catalogue

The Niko Bathrooms 2021 catalogue features brand new products across a variety of product categories. The new catalogues are currently being distributed to retailers across the country and are jammed packed with new and exciting product ranges. If you require new catalogues, please email marketing@uel.ie. A digital version can be viewed and downloaded from their website www.nikobathrooms.ie. Marketing Manager, Sarah O’Loughlin, says “The bathroom is the room in a home that needs to work hard in the space allocated. Encourage your customer to create a luxurious bathroom experience by optimising storage where possible so that pampering time is at their ease with all products easily to hand. Niko Bathrooms new catalogue will help those customers tackling a bathroom renovation or new build to think about their use of space, colour, light and most importantly encourage the power and advantages of having a clear renovation plan”.

Designed with the user in mind, these elegant slate trays are a welcome addition to their range. These beautiful matt effect slate shower trays feature slip resistant technology and Bactiblock® Antibacterial Protection.

Italian manufactured shower accessories that will complement all other bathroom fixings! It really is the small things that can make a big difference when it comes to design. Introducing the new Ezra vanity unit, this elegant vanity unit is sure to add that wow factor to a new bathroom interior. If your customers are looking for something that makes their new bathroom effortlessly unique, look no further than this furniture range.

Italian manufactured bathroom accessories are characterised by practical design and stylish elegance. Designs that skilfully balance straight lines and soft rounding shapes. These accessories are available to purchase in a handy box set that has everything you need including soap dish, toothbrush holder, robe hook, towel rail and more.

If you would like more information, visuals, or to arrange display models for your showroom contact Marketing Manager, Sarah O’Loughlin on marketing@uel.ie / sales@nikobathrooms.ie or Sales Director, Ken Greene on

kgreene@nikobathrooms.ie

introducing ayo - flair’s award winning wetroom collection

Since 1952, Flair Shower’s have built up a trusted reputation in the production of quality shower doors, wetrooms and bath screens. The company strive to provide meaningful product designs that will stand the test of time. Their latest innovative AYO wetroom collection is no exception to this rule and has just received a prestigious Good Design Award, which is testament to the design excellence of the range. The emphasis of the GOOD DESIGN® program is on “quality design of the highest form and function, with aesthetics a standard beyond ordinary consumer products”. AYO is crafted to create a truly personal showering experience every time. With a focus on versatility, this modular glass walk-in range offers an infinite choice of wetroom layout options to the precise dimensions that the client requires. Each AYO design detail is carefully considered to enhance user experience every day.

Harmony created from every angle.

AYO wetroom panels stand at an impressive height of two metres. Each screen is available in 10mm toughened safety glass that has been treated with a hydrophobic coating to resist the build-up of lime and grime. All AYO sub-assemblies such as glass size, seals, wall profiles and stabilising bars can be selected in accordance with customer preference. A suite of mounting fixtures and minimalist stabilising bars are designed to accentuate the glass structure, whilst also ensuring a robust wetroom structure for the busy bathroom environment. AYO is available in black or silver profile finishes, ensuring flawless integration in any bathroom environment. April 2021 will see an extension of the AYO collection, with exciting new surface finishes such as brushed brass, brushed nickel, stainless steel and polished gold launching within the range. AYO by Flair - Creating Perfect Harmony.

For more information on the AYO wetroom range please visit

www.flairshowers.com

new matt black additions to aqualisa bar shower mixer range

Leading shower manufacturer Aqualisa has introduced a new range of matt black bar valve mixers under the Aqualisa Deco branding. Mixers account for around 40% of the total shower market in the UK and Ireland and have always offered a wide range of styles. Consumer demand for pleasing aesthetics and performance has led Aqualisa to add to its already strong line up of showers created for this segment of the market. For more stylish bar valve mixer showers, colour has become a differentiator with matt black now established as an increasingly popular colour finish for modern bathrooms and wetrooms, these are now available from Aqualisa’s contemporary Deco range. Launched in 2020, Deco is now available to the Irish market in which the Aqualisa brand already has a strong foothold, with a strong reputation for quality and service. The Deco range offers both round and square shower options in chrome and a stunning matt black finish. Gemma Doran, Aqualisa’s Sales Manager in Ireland, expects Deco mixer showers to quickly make an impact for a number of good reasons: “We know that Aqualisa branding already sets Deco apart from other bar valves, offering a premium in terms of quality and reliability, as well as being supported by unrivalled customer service. With the popular option of matt black alongside the standard chrome, this range becomes even more compelling.These new showers are competitively priced and can be easily installed as a dual outlet upgrade, offering more shower variations for family bathrooms or en-suites.” The dual outlet - offering two completely different showering experiences - works with an integrated diverter that switches the shower between a single mode handset and the drencher head. Other features include cool touch and temperature override button for added safety. Metal handles give a quality feel and the 109mm matt black or 120mm chrome plated handset and the 225mmm fixed head provide a great spray or drench alternative. For the square bar valve, a 70mm single mode matt black or 93mm single mode chrome finish handset is specified, both with a 225mmm drencher unit. These exciting new showers come with a five-year guarantee on the valve and a two-year guarantee on the shower kit.

Visit www.aqualisa.co.uk for more information or contact Joe Timmins at MT Agencies, 01 864 3363 / mobile 087 2861793. www.mtagencies.ie

SonaS Bathrooms introduce eye-catching new products

SONAS Bathrooms have launched their 2021 brochure which features some eye-catching new products bringing bathroom colour to the fore and visually displays product highlights to help with your customer bathroom inspiration. SONAS has expanded their Furniture Collection to include the Malmo, Vágar, Stockholm Cloakroom units and the beautiful countertop units from the Finland, Fjord and Stockholm range. The minimalist design of these ranges offers natural and stable colours which invites your customer into a peaceful and relaxing environment. This beautiful Collection has been designed with clean simple lines to give your customer that minimalist feel without compromising on storage.

Basin Mixers

SONAS Bathrooms know that there is an emphasis now more than ever on sustainability. That is why they have introduced the ECO range of basin mixers to help integrate sustainability into everyday life. The patented technology helps reduce water consumption without compromising on performance and the mixers also include a temperature limiter, saving further on energy costs. SONAS Bathrooms have expanded their Norfolk and Contour Tap Ranges, some of which are featured in the ECO Range. These beautiful additions are available in Brush Gold and Matt Black and can add that perfect finishing touch and a dash of luxury to your customers bathroom.

Mirrors

Mirrors are not only used for vanity purposes but can maximise the perception of space and reflect light around the room. The new Astrid Range of stylish LED mirrors from SONAS Bathrooms offer colour temperature changing illumination. The fresh cool white light is perfect to energise your customer in the morning and when the day is done, they can switch to a warm white light to create a sense of relaxation, helping them to unwind. For more information on SONAS Bathrooms please visit

www.sonasbathrooms.com

adhesives and Sealants market in europe is set to grow

The European market for Adhesives and Sealants is currently worth more than ¤17 billion euros and forecasted to grow to nearly ¤20.4 billion by 2024, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0% (European Adhesives and Sealants Market Report).

Four key areas that may influence the adhesives and sealants market have been identified and are highlighted in FEICA’s European Adhesives & Sealants Market Report for 2019-2024 (www.feica.eu). Technological innovations: Analysis reveals that hybrid systems, combining the beneficial characteristics of two different adhesive systems, are being used in more and more applications. The construction industry, for example, has traditionally had a plethora of adhesive and sealant products, and this is expected to change. Environmental consideration: Sustainability is high on the agenda for both consumers and authorities, principally driven by key global issues such as global warming, CO2 emissions, plastics pollution, and the limitation of natural resources. Research confirms that solvent-based systems will continue to decline and will be eliminated as alternatives in price and performance are found. The driving force for sustainability is not only legislation, but also the demand from consumers. Economic Trends: The industry has been growing at GDP or slightly above, which is what you would expect from a mature industry. However, with Brexit and the US/China trade disagreements, the future is difficult to predict. Europe is leading adhesives and sealants growth, but because of its minority share worldwide, its impact on Europe as a whole is still limited. This trend will also be affected by the global quest for a circular economy. Chemicals legislation: Change in legislation is driven by rising protectionism, the circular economy and health and safety. Numerous regulations exist in Europe, such as REACH, CLP, the Biocidal Products Regulation, as well as circular economy initiatives. Global adhesives and sealants end users increasingly ask for global standardisation of the products they purchase, partly driven by increasing legislation and regulation. This will obviously also impact the industry.

BoStiK delivering innovative, high performance products

As one of the world’s leading manufacturer’s of adhesive and sealants, Bostik is committed to delivering innovative, high performance products to the marketplace. The adhesive and sealant market has always been an important market and is currently in growth worldwide. Bostik have recently launched a new all-weather wide jointing compound. The new compound is quick and easy to apply, in all weather - even in the rain. It requires no mixing so - is ready to use, it will not shrink or crack, it resists weed growth, dries to a tough and durable finish, and cuts down on waste. It is also water permeable, allowing the paving to drain.

The all-weather wide jointing compound is simple and easy to apply with water and a squeegee. It is suitable for most types of domestic paving and can be used on paths and patios of natural stone, concrete, slate, granite slabs, terracotta and clay. It is suitable for joints from 5mm – 30mm and minimum depth of 25mm. This is the perfect product for your customer`s patio pointing – no matter what the weather has in store. It leaves an attractive finish in next to no time. The compound is available in three colours, natural, grey and basalt. Bostik All Weather Wide Jointing Compound – ‘the quick and easy way to a perfect patio’. Bostik has also recently launched their new Bostik Express Pointing Mortar. Cracked or damaged masonry joints look unsightly and can be the source of leaks and damp resulting in expensive repairs. Bostik Express Pointing Mortar quickly and easily repairs damaged masonry joints in brick and stonework – without having to mix mortar. It is ready to use and quick and easy to apply with a cartridge gun meaning no mixing required and virtually no waste. Express Pointing Mortar leaves an attractive finish in next to no time. It produces durable, weather resistant joints, which are over paintable and easy to clean. It can be used internally and externally. Bostik Express Pointing Mortar comes in a 310ml cartridge, in cement grey colour. The adhesive and sealants category is showing a shift towards chemical fixing and away from traditional mechanical methods, (screws, rivets, nails etc.) which is increasing demand for grab adhesives. This offers advantages in terms of time savings, performance, strength and aesthetics. Advantages have been acknowledged for years in industries such as the aerospace industry and the automotive industry – but the benefits are steadily gaining recognition in construction applications also. There is also a shift from some of the more traditional sealant technologies such as silicones, to more high-performance formulations such as SMP (Silyl Modified Polymers) and hybrid technology. These offer many advantages in terms of performance including reduced curing times, compatibility with diverse building materials, flexibility and bond strength. Bostik has the product range to answer this shift. These products are flexible, strong, and fast and will stick most surfaces and substrates - even under water. Bostik’s next generation products answer the needs of trade professionals in construction, renovations, bathroom, and kitchen makeovers. Bostik MSP 107 SEAL BOND is flexible, MSP 108 XTREM BOND is strong and MSP 109 TURBO BOND is fast. Quality products as good as you are, that deliver Flexibility, Strength and Speed.

Help your customers ‘Take the pain out of pointing’- with NEW Bostik Express Pointing Mortar. Contact your Bostik representative, or the Bostik sales desk on + 353 1 8624900, for further details.

geocel launches new MS polymer range

Geocel has launched THE WORKS PRO sealant and adhesive and THE WORKS PRO X high grab adhesive, formulated to ensure trade professionals achieve the best quality results, without the risk of callbacks. THE WORKS PRO is a multi-use sealant and adhesive that can seal, fill, and bond virtually any surface, wet or dry – inside or out. For the perfect finish, THE WORKS PRO is available in a ‘whiter’ white and an improved clear formulation that can be over-painted. Fast curing, it achieves results that last, fast. THE WORKS PRO X is a high grab adhesive, offering instant grab and bond. It can be used on virtually any wet or dry surface and in both interior and exterior applications. Due to its superior adhesion and fast curing, the formula is ideal for projects that require a strong lasting bond quickly. Andrew Cummins, Senior Product Manager from Geocel said: “Geocel were pioneers of MS Polymer Chemistry and THE WORKS PRO and THE WORKS PRO X are the latest in a long line of high-quality solutions. “MS Polymers offer excellent workability and strong final bond strength, with excellent UV resistance and no shrinkage over time. For those in the trade who demand a superior formulation that won’t let them down, THE WORKS PRO and THE WORKS PRO X are ideal.” THE WORKS PRO is now also available in foils as part of the ecoSEAL system - Geocel’s environmentally friendly alternative to single use cartridges.

Laydex launch nSai Certified 1200 Gauge DPM

Following the amendment in December 2020 to Technical Guidance Document C of the Irish Building Regulations, Laydex engaged with the National Standards Authority of Ireland, to create and launch POLYBASE 1200 Gauge (min 300 Micron) Damp Proof Membrane. This product is a minimum of 300 micron in thickness and fully meets the criteria as set out in Technical Guidance Document C as assessed by the NSAI. The December 2020 edition of the Irish Building Regulations Technical Guidance Document C, “Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture” contains specific and detailed instructions about the type of Damp Proof Membrane which must be used underneath floors in construction. The important point is that the material to be used is a minimum of 300 micron with no tolerance. POLYBASE is currently the only 1200 Gauge (minimum 300 micron) Damp Proof Membrane on the Irish market which fully conforms to the Building Regulations and Laydex have rolled out a large scale product awareness campaign with the relevant regulatory bodies and specifiers nationally. The outer sleeve of POLYBASE is completely branded and the face of the material itself is now printed showing the NSAI logo and certificate number allowing for clear identification on site. Laydex are delighted to now offer their customer’s POLYBASE as the only 1200 Gauge Damp Proof Membrane they need to stock. Customers can supply this product with absolute confidence knowing that it meets the current Building Regulations giving maximum confidence to Assigned Certifiers including Architects, Engineers, Home Bond, Building Control or any similarly approved professional.

Ceraficate No. 20/0420

Compliant with Technical Guidance Document C of the Building Regulaaons as updated in December 2020

Ireland’s first NSAI cerafied Damp Proof Membrane

Membrane printed for easy idenaficaaon on site

Stronger minimum 300 Micron

For further information please contact Laydex Building Solutions, 01 642 6600, www.laydex.ie

join the hai upcoming online conference: Rebuilding Our Future - Retrofitting

This half-day morning conference will take place via Zoom on May 6th and will include an exciting line-up of key-note speakers. These will include William Walsh from SEAI, Cathal Tyther, Solution Centre, Credit Union Development Association and Paddy Sweeney of REIL. The focus of discussions will be on the latest considerations on ecological and sustainable products and home retrofitting trends and insights that the industry should know about. Local Credit Unions have a number of products and services available for consumers borrowing for renovations/energy retrofits. HAI are having exploratory talks with local credit unions about how they can work with local retailers and builders’ merchants. In the meantime, it may be worthwhile to get to know your local Credit Union loan officer and manager to explore mutual opportunities. More information to come soon, so watch this space! For more information contact HAI: info@hardwareassociation.ie or call 01 2980969.

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To advertise to key decision makers in the industry, contact Jim Copeland at 01-298 0969 or email jim@hardwareassociation.ie Classified advertisements (text plus logo) can be emailed to: jim@hardwareassociation.ie and are to be prepaid, at least two weeks prior to publication.

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To advertise to key decision makers in the industry, contact Jim Copeland at 01-298 0969 or email jim@hardwareassociation.ie Classified advertisements (text plus logo) can be emailed to: jim@hardwareassociation.ie and are to be prepaid, at least two weeks prior to publication.

DO YOU Bottom wall: Almendra | Top wall: Peony Rose from Midnight Dream Capsule Collection

HAVE A LOGISTICS HEADACHE?

• Are you experiencing customs or transport delays? • Are you wasting time on additional admin? • Are the new processes causing confusion? • Are the new duty rates making your product uncompetitive? • Are you looking to source products from another country? • Are you experiencing high freight rates?

Admin increase Confusion over rules and new regulations

Shortage of stock and decline in sales Customs delays

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