Steve Scogings, chairman of electrical buying group Combined Independents Holdings (CIH), has outlined plans to bolster the group’s market position, saying he wants the organisation “firmly competing at the top table” of the industry.
In his official speech at the group’s annual lunch, which took place earlier this week, Scogings said it was “important [to] recognise the scale of the opportunity ahead of” the group.
He explained: “The independent electrical retail sector is evolving rapidly, and our competitive landscape continues to grow. We are operating alongside some of the most recognised names in retail — Currys, AO, John Lewis, Argos, Amazon — and we are now seeing Costco becoming increasingly visible in our sector, as well as newcomers such as Joy Buy entering the UK market.
“Despite this increasingly crowded field, the independent channel continues to demonstrate its strength. Local knowledge, trusted relationships, personal service, and community presence give our members an edge that cannot be replicated by scale alone. But to maximise that strength, we must continue to grow — in numbers, in capability, and in influence.”
Scogings explained that the company’s ambition is to not only represent the independent sector, but also to be at a position “where we are firmly competing at the top table of this industry”.
To achieve this, Scogings said that Euronics-owned CIH plans to grow its membership to make the buying group more compelling to independent retailers, as well as increasing the group’s turnover and strengthening its offering. He also said CIH plans to further use its scale and market share to give a stronger voice to the independent sector.
Scogings also said that alongside this growth, the importance of having a single, strong electrical buying group was becoming more important than ever.
“CIH has the foundation, the membership, the leadership, and the momentum to be that group,” he concluded, telling attendees: “With your continued support, I am confident we will achieve precisely that.”