Conservatories
New investment in augmented reality conservatory software start-up
» ANDREW SCOTT , FOUNDER OF Purplex Marketing , has taken a significant stake in Augmented Reality Creations Ltd , a 3D and AR technology company that helps installers improve customer experience and sell more conservatories .
The firm was established by three Exeter University computer science graduates and gained backing from Andrew Scott ’ s venture fund , Knightstone Capital .
The ARC Design platform sits within an installer ’ s website and helps consumers design and experience their conservatory within seconds , and then request a quote .
But that ’ s only the start – the homeowner can then save the design to their mobile phone or tablet , and view the conservatory in immersive augmented reality while walking around their garden and home .
Andrew Scott commented ; “ This is a new technology that will disrupt the conservatory industry . The platform enables homeowners to create their dream conservatory within seconds and walk in and around it in full 3D augmented reality , all within the installer ’ s website .
Sales people can also use the technology in their showroom or a consumer ’ s home , creating an incredible sales opportunity to become a trusted advisor and increase conversion rates . The technology requires no technical knowledge and can be used within seconds .”
Andy Clear , co-founder of Augmented Reality Creations , commented ; “ This technology will transform how homeowners design and buy conservatories . It operates seamlessly within the installer ’ s website , and anyone can design a full 3D conservatory within seconds with no knowledge , then walk around it on the back of their house in augmented reality for a fully immersive experience .”
Andrew Scott added ; “ Purplex is the industry ’ s leading technology marketing
agency and we ’ re working on a number of really exciting projects designed to help the industry with digital transformation . This significant investment in 3D design and augmented reality will relegate old conservatory software to the past , as we move towards a new digital world .”
www . arc-solutions . co . uk
£ 100,000 DIGITAL MARKETING INVESTMENT BUILDS ON SALES BOOM
» WAKEFIELD-BASED Conservatory Outlet is working with DigitalKOG to develop the latest lead generation focused websites that will be tailored to all 27 retailers that exclusively sell their conservatories , extensions , doors , windows , and orangeries .
These sites will feature enhanced product collections , improved navigation to support the customer journey and a clearer insight into company values such as quality standards , manufacturing processes and helpful guides . They will also have a dedicated ‘ careers ’ section that will help the sector overcome the significant recruitment issues it is facing .
“ The pandemic has really highlighted how important digital marketing can be to our business , with more than a third of our £ 28m sales generated through email or website enquiries for our network ,” explained Karen Clough , Marketing Director of Conservatory Outlet .
“ Last year , our collaboration with DigitalKOG and our retailers generated over 46,500 enquiries , a 7 % rise on 2020 and a massive 150 % increase on
2019 . Website hits also registered 1.8million for the first time in our history , as more consumers decided to spend their time and disposable income on improving their homes .
“ Interestingly and proving that people still crave human interaction ( especially during Covid-19 ), over 73,035 potential sales calls were received , whilst showroom visits were also significantly up .”
Conservatory Outlet , which recently secured the ‘ We Invest in People ’
accreditation for the first time , focused on seasonal offers and specific dealer advantages , such as new products , showrooms , finance and living experience case studies . Individual customer brands were also strengthened , whilst social media campaigns explored Instagram more and split tested different Facebook approaches , including lifestyle animations and real-life video case studies .
Karen went on to add : “ We firmly believe that leads are best generated directly and exclusively for our individual customers . The past two years have taught people that their homes are more important than ever ; they ’ re willing to spend on improving them . We believe this trend will continue . Although the industry has been hit with multiple significant price increases and extended lead times … it ’ s all about buying from the right company , so trust and service are very important .”
www . conservatoryoutlet . co . uk
48 FEBRUARY 2022 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM