Nigel Palmer, head of communications and marketing, House of Rohl
Q: What would you say are the main challenges facing your sector and how are you tackling them?
A: Although competition continues to increase, we are heartened to see a resurgence in the appreciation of high-quality, artisan kitchen and bathroom fittings. Sustainability is becoming a higher priority for many buyers, and choosing products that are made to last, and that can be maintained without the need to replace, is key to reducing waste to landfill.
Q: How do you think the relationship between suppliers and retailers has changed over the past few years?
A: There are now so many aspects to running a successful kitchen or bathroom showroom, and the speed of change can be bewildering. In a complex world, manufacturers and suppliers need to make things simple and effective for their retail partners, and help with presentation, marketing and digital content wherever possible.
Our own House of Rohl family has been established for precisely this reason – to offer a portfolio of luxury brands that work well together, with exceptional marketing materials and support, backed by a single organisation.
Q: How do you view the health of the UK market? In what ways could it improve?
A: We are investing tens of millions of pounds into manufacturing in the UK, with a purpose-built new site in the West Midlands opening shortly. Our US parents recognise the exceptional design and manufacturing skill-base there is in the UK, and see the demand for high-quality kitchen and bathroom products increasing across international markets. The challenge, as always, is to spread the word!