Exhibitor interview: Daniel Hughes, marketing director, Getley UK
Q: Why are trade shows such as this one important for your business?
A: Business lives are always hectic and sometimes it is hard to schedule appointments with retailers to keep them up-to-date on new products and services. The exhibition provides a more relaxed atmosphere allowing us to catch up properly with all our customers.
Q: Why should retailers come to shows like this? What are the benefits to them?
A: We always work hard to stay on-trend and ahead of the curve, but it’s often difficult to show developments in products. Exhibitions like this give us the opportunity to showcase future products and in turn allows retailers to stay up-to-date with the latest information.
Q: How’s business compared with last year?
A: Business is up 8% on 2018/19, which met our expectations, and the start of 2020 seems to be following the same pattern. With the introduction of our new complete offering, we are forecasting double-figure growth in 2020.
Q: How do you view the health of the UK KBB market? In what ways could it improve and how can the industry improve it?
A: The UK market has long being dominated by the German manufacturers with little confidence in British companies to supply high-end product. We as an industry need to show that we can provide the same service as the Germans and that our quality is just a good now.
Q: How do you think the relationship between supplier and customer is changing?
A: The customer has much more choice than ever before when choosing a supplier. The secret now is a customer/supplier partnership with an emphasis on service
Q: What are the main challenges you will face as a business this year and how will you overcome these?
A: Introducing new products and services will be our focus for 2020. A controlled carefully-managed road map will overcome any hurdles.