“ But we are a resilient bunch in South Africa .”
FITTING THOUGHT
ANNUAL DIRECTORY 2024
As mentioned in an earlier online comment about the value of the annual directory , it is surprising that there are still those purporting to be suppliers to the industry and not taking advantage of the free listing .
The effort by IMD to encourage past ‘ non updaters ’ to update their information has been rewarding – making the directory more useful and valuable to readers and users . Whilst the listing has value , the inclusion of the logo makes it so much easier for the user , who simply needs to click on the logo to be taken to the supplier ’ s website , without having to enter the website address . Apart from reinforcing the brand , which is the ROI some chatter about in the wrong context , the brand receives the exposure it is entitled to , and part of the very investment built up over years and decades .
Past surveys have shown that the directory is referred to at least three times a week , and it is often seen on the readers desk for immediate reference . Its value is doubled with print and digital formats available , and the immediacy of establishing who ’ s who and what ’ s available from who , saves time .
We have no doubt that the 2024 directory will serve that purpose again , especially through the difficult times we will face in 2024 – with infrastructure problems and the effects we are now feeling in terms of the Russia / Ukraine war . The USD / ZAR will continue to remain volatile and BRICS – well who knows where that is going , especially as some oil countries are now wanting payment in BRICS or local currency , indicating that this is merely political football , rather than establishing a real meaningful alternative currency .
But we are a resilient bunch in South Africa and will continue to work our way through the mess that the world has created for itself , and our industry will recognise the need to look for alternatives in the plumbing , gas and water space .
The focus must be to push compliance ; use only qualified plumbers for plumbing , solar and heat pumps ; and have the industry speaking with one voice – of which there were encouraging signs being mentioned and discussed in late 2023 . It is in this way that we can take control of our industry .
Whatever 2024 brings , may it be because you made it happen for yourself and the industry .
Rory Macnamara
Twitter : @ plumbingonline
Facebook : @ plumbingonline
Linked-In : @ PlumbingAfricaOnline
“ But we are a resilient bunch in South Africa .”
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