Annual Predictions
Onwards and upwards in 2021 ; investment will be key to success
Dave Jackson , Icotherm
» AFTER A LITERAL ROLLER coaster year , from the March lockdown leaving us ( and many businesses out there ) fearing the worst , followed by some incredibly busy months allowing us to finish on a high , despite continuous supply problems and extended lead times . There is no denying that we will be glad to see the back of 2020 . We all like a little excitement , but when it comes to dealing with what effectively mounts up to our livelihoods most of us prefer somewhat quieter waters .
The coming months are going to be a test of resilience , planning and management skills , something that a young business like Icotherm ( with now six years under our belt ) knows is an essential part of growing and success .
Icotherm will be focusing on planning and implementing some important developments within the business . We will be pushing for business growth , which will be driven and supported by investment in several areas :
Machinery : we will be commissioning the installation of a new machining centre in Q1 , as we are moving towards automating our production line .
New product development : we have a range of new products and product improvement projects planned . Over the years we have gone from having just the standard pitched Icoroof , to now being able to cater for low pitch ( Ico600 )), hybrid ( Icoview ) and flat ( Icospan ) roof requirements . It is now time to move on to launch exciting additions to our “ solid ” range … But we don ’ t want to say more just yet .. Just watch this space .
Personnel : we have brought in new key staff in the last 2020 quarter , in preparation for growth . Darren Lahera , who spent nearly two decades at K2 / Synseal , reputed for running efficient manufacturing operations , has joined Icotherm to prepare our production operations for increase capacity and efficiencies . In the office , Debbie West has joined us as the Admin Office Manager . Debbie has honed her skills in a different industry ( Office furniture manufacturing )
and brings with her many years ’ experience running admin functions for growing companies like Icotherm .
Marketing Communications : as well as carrying on promoting our brand , we will be launching a new website , a video animation , and develop our installer network . All of these projects had been held up because of the pandemic .
Safety and compliance : one of the things that we believe makes Icotherm stand out from other solid roof systems is the attention we give to ensuring all our products are designed and manufactured to be safe and compliant with building standards . This translates into a continuous investment programme in areas including structural calculations . We too often hear of companies targeting the “ cheaper ” end of the market and cutting corners in the process . From the infamous “ wrap-around ” solutions to those companies offering low priced solutions for an apparently “ full package ”. However these generally come without the reassurance and backing of structural calculations . We urge installers and homeowners to question the value of selecting those products . They could be at risk of moving or even collapsing . We have been contacted on many occasions to
ABOUT ICOTHERM : Icotherm Roof Systems is a trading name of Iconservatories Limited . Icotherm Roof Systems designs and manufactures a range of timber framed warm roof solutions for the trade . Our most popular solution , Icoroof – the original pitched roof , has sold in the thousands since its inception in 2014 .
replace wrap arounds ( which on one occasion had stopped a house sale going through ), or help find suitable solutions for apparently sound roofs that simply did not have adequate structural supports and had started to move .
We anticipate the start of 2021 to follow the traditional trends and be quieter ( although our order book is at full capacity for the week we come back )…. We look forward to making the most of this period to finalise and action our plans and get off the starting block ready to move forward at full speed .
We will be looking to build further relationships with retailers throughout the UK , to make our roofs available to homeowners all over the mainland , ….. and maybe across the water as well … who knows …?
If you wish to discuss introducing the Icotherm range of roofs to your product offering , contact info @ icotherm . co . uk
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