Plumbing Africa June 2022 | Page 14

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BUSINESS AND TRAINING
Charles , “ Our sales focus has been on the independent plumbing merchants in the country where there are many more than one gives credit for . By doing so we have provided assurance to this group that we are there to serve them with the right quality products at the right price .”
Ben Botha Sunridge © Plumbing Africa Rory Macnamara
A section of the showroom .
Sunridge aerial view .
Gavin , “ We want to remain independent to serve the independent market and strengthen the market as best we can by keeping close to the customers and changes happening in the marketplace . Our size allows us flexibility and the ability to manoeuvre ; as well as finding solutions form our depth of design and re-engineering experience .”
Charles , “ Independence is in our blood , it is in our makeup . That brings with it the usual business challenges in our ‘ family ’ business . Our structures are right , and the business is run professionally . Independence provides security for our customers who experience the same business issues as we do .”
Plumbing Africa : Do you see changes in the industry due to high commodity prices and supply chain issues from around the world and will you agree that changes / adaptations in the market are happening faster than in the past ?
Charles , “ It is , and it is challenging . But one must steer the ship in the direction one aims at and with an unclouded vision and with the wealth of knowledge and experience we have been able to navigate the rough waters .”
Gavin , “ As mentioned previously we have grown the business substantially through the efforts of our staff and we are pleased that we have grown our staff complement from 37 in 2020 to 73 in April 2022 . Some key positions – particularly specifiers – still need to be filled .”
Charles adds : “ We are particularly proud of the fact that since I took over the business there has not been one resignation . I believe
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