50 FEATURES
In the pipeline
Plumbing Africa chats to plumbers, merchants, and manufacturers about business in 2017 and the prospects for 2018.
By Tristan Wiggill
Photos credit: Pixabay
1. Many in the industry are concerned about technical competencies.
2. The construction sector is underperforming, creating a knock-on effect.
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For many, the plumbing industry in South Africa has been tough for some time now. David Olivier, director and group franchisor at Drainmen Services Group, believes much of the reason for this is due to the poor way in which the economy has been run in recent years.
“ This has affected all industries. High tax rates, inflation, and corruption are hurting the economy. Fewer people are paying for services, even critical ones. In a thriving economy, it is not even a thought as to whether services should be rendered at the price intended and demanded for,” he says.
ROCKY ROAD Olivier recommends cutting back on unnecessary expenses and looking after staff, as he believes 2018 will be another tough year.
“ Suppliers need to look after plumbing companies, especially those who have been around for many years. Plumbing companies need to look after their employees and their customers.
“ Suppliers should get involved in company training. When new products come onto the market, they should be‘ individually company focused’ and give free halfday training.
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“ Individual company training assists with morale within plumbing companies. Both owners of such companies and their staff draw closer, knowing that it is something focused on them. By extension, trust and loyalty are developed towards that supplier as a result.”
He says suppliers should also consider having‘ mobile training centres’ and the need exists for more collaboration.“ Platforms such as IOPSA offer the environment by which entities are able to freely put ideas together and implement strategies to work more collaboratively.”
SLOWDOWN Gerard de Fine, owner of Independent Plumbing Suppliers, says the lack of infrastructure and government spending has had a big impact on the sector.
“ Generally, most plumbing contractors and plumbers are undercapitalised and are battling to get finance from the banks to finance projects. This has a big effect on our industry and on us being paid.
“ We believed that 2017 was going to be a lot better than 2016; yet, it has fallen way short of that. If we have a couple of changes in government, which leads to a bit more confidence, then projects can begin again.”
November 2017 Volume 23 I Number 9 www. plumbingafrica. co. za