Pro Installer September 2014 - Issue 18 | Page 13

13 PRO INSTALLER SEPTEMBER 2014 PRO NEWS @proinstaller1 Roca joins BMF Roca UK is the latest supplier member to join the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF). The manufacturer includes sanitaryware, baths, shower trays, shower columns, taps, bathroom furniture and ceramic tiles among its product portfolio. Alan Dodds, MD of Roca UK, said: “We are looking forward to playing a full part in the BMF. A large part of our business is with merchants and we remain totally committed to the merchant as one of our main routes to market. I am impressed with John Newcomb’s plans to drive the BMF’s plumbing and heating sector forward as the specialist group representing this market place, and Roca would like to support him in this initiative.” John Newcomb, MDof the BMF, added: “I am delighted that Roca is joining the BMF as our first major sanitaryware manufacturing member and backing our project for the plumbing and heating sector. This is a vibrant and thriving business sector, which will go from strength to strength as the housing market continues its recovery. “We are building the broadest cross section of merchants and suppliers serving the plumbing and heating sector and will ensure their voice is heard by policy makers and other key industry influencers. The next plumbing and heating sector meeting will be on 27 November in Yorkshire and promises to be our best yet with a full and varied agenda covering all aspects of the market.” ‘a vibrant and thriving business sector, which will go from stength to strength’ CIN ADDS 14 NEW MEMBERS TO NETWORK The Certified Installer Network (CIN), launched just a few weeks ago at a high profile industry conference, has now added a further 14 retailers to the network, taking the total number to 74. The CIN, brainchild of A&B Glass Group MD, Dave Barrett is confident that the number of retailers signed up to the ‘Charter of Excellence’ will exceed 100 by the year end with other regional launches planned. The CIN is a unique concept, according to Dave Barrett. He explains: “When we launched the CIN we positioned it as the ‘first’ of its kind – a group of leading retailers signing up to a Charter of Excellence with the primary objective to deliver absolute peace of mind and reassurance to the consumer that the choice they have made is based on proven quality in products and installation, all backed by a guarantee. “Whether we are first or last coming to market with CIN is irrelevant; it differs to anything else in the market because it covers a broad range of prod- ‘its USP rests in the customer service and product excellence delivered by our members’ ucts, it’s not about any one business or any one profile – its USP rests in the customer service and product excellence delivered by our members. GATHERING MOMENTUM “From a member’s perspective they can now access a broad range of business services from leading companies – from web development and PR right through to sales training.” The CIN is gathering significant momentum with plans to launch a range of initiatives in 2015 to raise the profile and relevance of CIN retailers among home owners. A&B Glass Group marketing manager, Shaun Croft is confident that consumers will embrace a certified installer scheme. Shaun comments: “From a home owner’s perspective, choosing new fenestration can be a minefield when it comes to deciphering the merits of one system over another, but in reality the biggest challenge is often in choosing an appropriate company to deliver the installation. That’s where CIN comes in. It’s not about recommending one particular profile or system, it’s about providing absolute reassurance to the home owner that they are in safe hands with a CIN member.” ‘providing absolute reassurance to the home owner that they are in safe hands’ To learn more about the Certified Installer Network please contact: South: Shaun Croft at A&B Glass: shaun.croft@ abglass.co.uk / 01787 880099. North: Steve Darkins at John Fredericks Plastics: steve@jfpl. eu / 01422 314100