Omega Kitchens says it is continuing to invest in product development, operations and retailer support after signing 90 UK independent retail partners to its In Frame collection.
The manufacturer said it has invested more than £3m across the business over the past two years, covering product development, stock, operational infrastructure, showroom facilities and retailer support. It said the investment is intended to help independent retailers compete in the premium kitchen market.
The programme has included further development of the company’s In Frame collection, which is manufactured in Yorkshire. The range combines traditional glued and dowelled cabinetry with a choice of 26 painted colours and is designed for both traditional and contemporary kitchens.
The company has also expanded its retailer support package, including partnerships with TruBlue, Cyncly and ArtiCAD to provide access to an In Frame design catalogue with live product specifications and pricing.
Technical support is provided through design operations manager Ashley Gerrard and includes plan checking, quote checking and product guidance using Cyncly Winner software.
“One of the biggest challenges retailers face when introducing a new furniture range is developing confidence in the specification and ordering process,” said Gerrard. “Our plan checking and quote checking service is designed to remove that uncertainty.
“We work closely with retailers to review designs, identify potential issues before orders are placed and help ensure projects run smoothly from order through to installation. It’s about providing an additional layer of technical expertise that reduces risk, avoids costly errors and gives retailers confidence.
“And that support doesn’t stop once the initial training is complete. Through our Customer Service team and Area Managers, retailers have direct access to experienced people who are there to help whenever they need us.”
Omega said its business development managers support retailers with onboarding, product training, design guidance and commercial advice.
Stephen Flower from retailer Ashford Interiors said: “Having direct access to experienced people who understand our business helps us deliver a better experience for our customers and strengthens our reputation.
“Since introducing Omega In Frame, we’ve seen a real impact in how efficiently we can deliver more complex projects. The combination of product quality, technical support and the accurate Winner In Frame catalogue has given us the confidence to approach these installations with the same efficiency as our standard kitchen projects.”
Omega has also invested more than £250,000 in redeveloping its headquarters showroom to create new lifestyle displays featuring the In Frame collection, including utility rooms, boot rooms, walk-in pantries and kitchen settings.
The company said the space has been designed to give retail partners opportunities to view products, finishes and design options.
Commenting on the company’s investment programme, founder and chairman Sir Bob Murray, said: “We’ve always believed that standing still isn’t an option. You can’t run a business in survival mode and expect to come out stronger.
“At Omega, we’ve continued to invest because we believe our retailers deserve a partner that is constantly improving, evolving and looking for ways to help them succeed.”
He added: “Retailers don’t need another supplier; they need a partner they can rely on. That’s why our investment has gone far beyond the product itself. We’ve built a complete package of support around our In Frame collection – from specialist design expertise and technical guidance to training, marketing tools and dependable lead times.
“Our aim is simple: to help independent retailers compete successfully in the premium kitchen market while giving them complete confidence in the team supporting them. When our retailers grow, we grow. That’s why everything we’re investing in today is focused on helping our partners succeed tomorrow.”