PREMIUMRETAILER #01 APRIL 2024 THE CONSERVATORY OUTLET NETWORK
With our forward-thinking retail support you can TAKE YOUR BUSINESS ON THE JOURNEY TO EVEN MORE SUCCESS
NETWORK COMMUNITY Premium Retailers came together to conquer the National Three Peaks. Page 04
FROM WEBSITE DESIGN TO LEAD GENERATION, CONSERVATORY OUTLET GIVES US NICHE-END MARKETING SUPPORT THAT’S TOTALLY RESULTS DRIVEN. Page 11
UNRIVALLED PRODUCTS New Forte Solid Core Composite Door Collection. Page 13
ABOUT US
know more about us
Karen Clough
At Conservatory Outlet, helping their Network of Premium Retailers stand out from the crowd is what they’re all about. They don’t just supply exceptional products, they deliver forward- thinking retail support to propel Premium Reatilers to the next level. They understand retail, and know it’s not just about passing on whatever benefits the supply chain throws at them. If you want to compete, you need to be different, to adapt, to innovate, to offer something extra. That’s what Conservatory Outlet offer to their Network of Premium Retailers.
Group Marketing Director karenclough@conservatoryoutlet.co.uk
After a successful 2023, there’s plenty of optimism across the Conservatory Outlet Network for 2024 and beyond.
We’ve seen some real success stories over the past 12 months. Despite the gloomy market sentiment and a tough start to 2023 with inflation rising and rising, many of our Premium Retailers have posted strong - if not record - sales results last year. It hasn’t been easy but many of them are reaping the reward from Network innovation and sheer hard work. What makes us unique is that we are a Network of fantastic businesses. We look forward to bringing them all together for more best practice events, and dedicated training courses, and we have several product advancements and launches in the pipeline. “By working together, we’ll all continue to grow. 2024 looks to be a very promising year indeed.
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Operation Conferences
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C O N T E N T S
CONTENTS
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THE NETWORK TAKE ON THE NATIONAL THREE PEAKS
PREMIUM RETAILER TRAINING ACADEMY 08
INSIDE THE M25 11
HAZLEMERE TO EXPAND
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PREMIUM RETAILER RECORD ANNUAL SALES FIGURES
5 STAR’S TRADE COUNTER PRODUCES 5 STAR SALES 12
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PREMIUM EVENTS
National Three Peaks LAST SUMMER, MEMBERS FROM ACROSS THE CONSERVATORY OUTLET NETWORK COMPLETED THE GRUELLING NATIONAL THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE IN AID OF MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT.
The National Three Peaks is a demanding challenge that sees participants attempt to scale the three highest mountains of England (Scafell Pike), Scotland (Ben Nevis) and Wales (Snowdon) within twenty-four hours. The group is led by Conservatory Outlet CEO Greg Kane and features participants from Conservatory Outlet’s Premium Retailers. “We had a fantastic team who took part in this challenge,” begins Greg Kane. “It shows the strength and camaraderie across the Network that we’ve joined together to take on this monumental task and raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.” The team, comprising members from Conservatory Outlet’s English and Scottish Premium Retailers, set off from Fort William at 8am on Tuesday 13th June and first climbed Ben Nevis via the Glen Nevis route.
Once completed, the group headed down to and completed an evening ascent of Scafell Pike before driving to Wales to climb Snowdown in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Combined, the group hiked over 23 miles and ascended over 3,000 metres. Out of all those who start the challenge, only around 40% of people complete it within the allotted time period. “Climbing one mountain is a tough task in its own right, but tackling the biggest peaks in each of England, Scotland and Wales in one day was something else,” Greg added.
“It was as much of a mental challenge as a physical one – but it’s one that we all relished and trained hard for.”
Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the UK’s biggest charities and helps support everyone impacted by cancer by providing
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PREMIUM EVENTS
£13,000 RAISED FOR MACMILLAN.
specialist health care, information and financial support.
Founded in 1911, the charity also looks at the social and practical impact of cancer and actively campaigns for better standards of care. Speaking about the decision to do the challenge for Macmillan Cancer Support, Greg said: “Cancer can affect lives in so many different ways. “One in two people will, unfortunately, develop some form of cancer during their lifetime and many people across our wider community have had their lives impacted by this condition.
“So doing this challenge in aid of Macmillan, given their work, was an easy choice for us all.”
23 MILES 3,000 METRES ONLY AROUND 40% OF PEOPLE COMPLETE IT!
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PREMIUM EVENTS & TRAINING
Not one but two successful Operations conferences....
Conservatory Outlet hosted two operations events for their Network of Premium Retailers.
The events, held in both Glasgow and Birmingham, allowed Premium Retailers to come together to discuss industry-specific challenges, changes to Building Regulations, regional legislation, and other topics relating to their businesses. As part of the round-table forums, Conservatory Outlet invited several guest speakers to present on a range of topics, including innovative
new construction methods and other operational matters.
GREG KANE - CEO
Internal feedback scores from the two events have reached a 96% satisfaction level, with the attendees praising the organisation, locations and discussion topics. One such attendee was Stewart Kelly, the Managing Director of Eden Windows, who said: “It was another fantastic example of the support that Conservatory Outlet Network provides.
“Our unique model allows for events like this to take place where everyone comes together without the fear of competition. The turnout for this year’s events in Glasgow and Birmingham was phenomenal, with over 90% of our Network represented by key personnel.
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PREMIUM EVENTS & TRAINING
“CONSERVATORY OUTLET ISN’T JUST A MANUFACTURER OR SUPPLIER – IT IS SO MUCH MORE
“THESE EVENTS ALLOW EVERYONE TO SHARE THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE AND WORK AS ONE TO PROVIDE SOLUTIONS THAT BENEFIT ALL INVOLVED. THEY ARE AN INCREDIBLE TOOL AND HAVE A WIDESPREAD POSITIVE IMPACT ACROSS OUR NETWORK OF PREMIUM RETAILERS.
“The guest speakers were informative, and the wide range of topics that we discussed covered everything from product design to health and safety to the structure of contracts. Being able to ask questions, get answers and see what similar companies are doing is extremely beneficial. It gives us attendees the chance to learn from each other, share best practices and help each other improve.
Richard Manser, 5 Star Windows
Stewart Kelly, Eden Windows
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PREMIUM TRAINING
PREMIUM RETAILER TRAINING ACADEMY
18 PREMIUM RETAIL BUSINESSES FROM CROSS THE CONSERVATORY OUTLET NETWORK HAVE BENEFITTED FROM OUR INVESTMENT INTO TRAINING. Last year, Conservatory Outlet launched its Training Academy. This pioneering programme helps to equip salespeople within the industry with a mixture of product knowledge and both hard and soft skills to allow them to flourish in the current market. We recently decided to expand the scope of our courses, creating new modules focusing in on current trends and wider market and economic conditions.
135 PEOPLE A total of 135 Premium Retailer Sales Professionals took part in our fully funded digital training course. In total, there was 135 people from 18 of the Premium Retail businessses that benefitted from this three-month training plan. Bon Accord Glass, based in Aberdeen, were one of the many Premium Retailers to benefit from the expanded Training Academy. Martin Allan, Director, said: “We’ve been working with Conservatory Outlet for five years now and we continue to be impressed by the team’s commitment to developing our staff and the wider business. “I’m delighted that Bon Accord Glass took advantage of the extra training opportunities as they’ll benefit our staff members and ensure that we remain ahead of the competition.”
GREG KANE - CEO
Our unique retail network model is all about adding value to our customers and our unique Training Academy is a great example of this. “2023 was a year of change. Interest rates have spiralled over the past twelve months, which has had a profound impact on the wider economy. Yet despite this, consumer demand across the Network remains high, with many homeowners still exploring the idea of improving their home.
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PREMIUM TRAINING
A GENUINE STRATEGIC PARTNER
• Because no two Premium Retailers are in competition within the network, they can work together collectively to benchmark and share best practice.
• The Network has an exceptional pool of knowledge and industry experience with over 1,500 people employed by companies involved with Conservatory Outlet.
• Conservatory Outlet has strong purchasing power – meaning they have competitive prices, favourable supply agreements, and are first to the market with new product innovations.
• They proactively seek feedback from The Network through their Customer Journey Survey and use ideas from Premium Retailers to shape the Networks future continuous improvement plans.
• Network deals are negotiated for things like Finance Agreements – giving Premium Retailers access to market leading retail finance options with no fees attached.
PREMIUM RETAILERS GET ACCESS TO MARKET LEADING FINANCE OPTIONS AT NO COST.
“THE SUPPORT WE GET FROM THE CONSERVATORY OUTLET TEAM HELPS US TO FORMULATE OUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE. WE ARE PARTICULARLY APPRECIATIVE OF THE HELP AND INFORMATION SHARING THAT IS AVAILABLE FROM EACH OF THE INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES IN THE GROUP WHO ARE ALWAYS WILLING TO SHARE EXPERIENCES AND IDEAS.
No two Premium Retailers are in competition.
“The market today is radically different to the market of last year. With this in mind, we have expanded our Training Academy to address the changing financial climate and ensure that salespeople have the tools, knowledge, and resources to work in these conditions. “It also gives us a great opportunity to further evolve some existing sessions that focus on our core range of products and the enhancements that we’ve made to them in recent months.
Steve Stockley, Amber Home Improvements
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PREMIUM CASE STUDY
ERG
ERG TURNOVER
Scotland
UP 5% FROM 2020
PREMIUM RETAILER ERG SCOTLAND HAS POSTED RECORD ANNUAL SALES FIGURES OF £5.8M FOR 2023, MARKING THE END OF ANOTHER FANTASTIC YEAR OF TRADING FOR THE INVERGORDON-BASED BUSINESS.
UP 12% FROM 2021
UP 30% FROM 2022
Covering the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, ERG has grown 30% YOY and broken the £5.5m barrier for the first time in the company’s 50-year history. Headed by the husband- and-wife duo of Ian and Greer Joy, ERG is now firmly established as one of the region’s largest home
improvement companies. “We couldn’t be prouder of our team,” begins Ian Joy, ERG’s Managing Director. We set an ambitious target to raise our
business further. I’m delighted to say that
everyone associated with the company has done a fantastic job in ensuring that we all have a record- breaking year.
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Together with the excellent operational advice, and marketing expertise from the teams at Conservatory Outlet, we’ve had a fantastic 2023
Key to ERG’s monumental growth this year has been the adoption of new marketing strategies and continuing to work closely with the teams at both Conservatory Outlet and DigitalKOG on several bespoke marketing and lead generation campaigns. The Scottish retailer has committed to growing their presence on social media, and has undertaken several localised campaigns to help further increase brand awareness across
the Highlands and Islands. “We’ve leaned on Conservatory Outlet for support and guidance.” continues Ian. “ERG Scotland enjoyed a strong end to 2022 and their team has allowed us to build on that through 2023 and give us the advice and tools to succeed. “Our accomplishments this year are a testament to the hard work, tenacity, and dedication of our team. Together with the
excellent operational advice, and marketing expertise from the teams at Conservatory Outlet and DigitalKOG, we’ve had a fantastic 2023. “The support that we receive for being part of the Conservatory Outlet Network has meant that we’ve been able to quickly pivot our plans to react to ever- changing market conditions, and stay ahead of the competition.
“Next stop £6m!”
CONSERVATORY OUTLET LEADING MARKETING SUPPORT
By virtue of the fact that a Premium Retailer’s trading area is exclusive they never come across the same set of marketing materials, so their proposition immediately stands out.
Conservatory Outlet support in the development of each Premium Retailers marketing plans to support their own growth and business plan.
• We design, pay for and continually update a bespoke, responsive website for you that’s designed to capture high-quality leads.
• Premium Retailers get access to a stunning suite of printed and digital brochures featuring the latest exclusive photography, which are fully customisable throughout to showcase your brand identity. We have an in-house graphic designer, on-hand to create personalised leaflets, door-drops, adverts and point-of-sale materials at no cost to you.
• We’re happy to help with marketing strategy, planning and campaigns using our in-house marketing team – anything you need, just ask.
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PREMIUM CASE STUDY
HAZLEMERE TO EXPAND INSIDE THE M25
Benefitting from its involvement in the Conservatory Outlet Network, the family- run company has seen sales rise despite the tough trading conditions and is hoping that the launch of its third showroom will further increase sales and act as a geographic bridge between existing locations in High Wycombe and Welwyn Garden City.
everything out and Conservatory Outlet supported us with the refurbishment and new products.
“We now have a modern space that features a 30-strong range of windows and doors, with experts on hand to talk potential customers through ‘on trend’ options and energy efficiency savings.” Greg Kane, Chief Executive of Conservatory Outlet, concluded: “We are pleased to see Rachel and the team expand into an important geographic area. “Rachel and her team have so much energy to succeed and we’re looking forward to continue to support the firm as it continues to grow and position itself as one of the leading retailers and installers in the country.”
“This is a really important move for the business and gives us an immediate footprint inside the M25,” explains Rachel Braham-Hill
“Ickenham is very affluent, and we had noticed we had started to pick up customers from this area, even though they were travelling to our other locations. It had been a home improvement showroom before but needed a lot of work, so we decided to rip
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PREMIUM CASE STUDY
5 STAR’S TRADE COUNTER PRODUCES 5 STAR SALES
5 Star Windows & Conservatories’ has seen an explosion in trade sales since they made the permanent switch to using Conservtory Outlet as their full-time trade product supplier. Trade sales for the West Midlands-based Network member have risen year-on-year by nearly 150%.
Leading 5 Star’s Trade team is Les Haddleton. Both Les and 5 Star’s MD, Richard Manser, are glowing of the service and support that they’ve received. As longstanding Network members, they know full well of the level of service Conservatory Outlet provide for the Premium Retailers, but they’re seeing what a difference maker we can be for other aspects of their business.
With a bespoke product, specifically manufactured for the trade sector, coupled with our support services, they’re flying high. The sky’s the limit.
Conservatory Outlet not only manufacture and supply exclusive products for Premium Retailer but also extends a range of budget-friendy offerings for trade counters. Also providing invaluable expertise and guidance for those venturing into the trade market.
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PREMIUM PRODUCTS
The Forté Composite Door
After a successful launch last year, Conservatory Outlet started 2024 by expanding their Forté composite door range.
NEW FORTÉ COMPOSITE DOOR COLLECTION, MORE COLOUR, MORE GLASS OPTIONS AND EVEN MORE DOOR DESIGNS
The collection now holds several new slab styles, colours and decorative glass designs.
THE CORES
Plus, a new Extreme Solid Core upgrade. Made from foam, timber and aluminium, this super-strong core offers even more security and performance than standard cores. Plus, the Network will soon be able to sell the Forté Stable Door and utilise the unique Door Builder on their websites. Exclusively manufactured by Conservatory Outlet, the Forté Door range gives Premium Retailers customers more flexibility when improving their homes.
A choice of two high performance cores. Our PU foam-filled core is built with maximum thermal efficiency in mind. Or, for added strength and security you have the option to upgrade to our Forté Solid Core for ultimate peace of mind.
THE STYLES
Whether you want a classic door that replicates the look of timber doors or a modern one with continental influences, you’ll find your perfect door in our Forte collection.
THE QUALITY
Our exclusive collection of doors mix beautiful design, superior strength, exceptional performance and reassuring levels of security. You won’t find quality like this anywhere else.
PREMIUM RETAILERS ARE ABLE TO MARKET, SELL AND INSTALL EXCLUSIVE LEADING PRODUCTS.
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PREMIUM PRODUCTS
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T H E
P R E M I U M R E T A I L E R
If you’re interested in becoming a Premium Retailer and would like further information please get in touch.
karenclough@conservatoryoutlet.co.uk conservatoryoutlet.co.uk 07398 251791
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