Pro Installer May 2020 - Issue 86 | Page 23

MAY 2020 | 23 News Read online at www.proinstaller.co.uk LETTER TO THE EDITOR As an industry that relies on selling to people in their homes, Covid-19 and a nationwide lockdown threatens installers everywhere. And because it threatens installers, it threatens the industry that supplies them. The situation is changing day by day, and we’re all trying to adapt as quickly as we can. But if installers stop selling completely, the indus- try will grind to a halt very quickly. Many small firms and companies who supply them will go out of business. However, not being able to physically visit a customer at home doesn’t mean they can’t sell, and it doesn’t mean business has to stop. Mod- ern presentation technology allows installers to continue to contact and sell to home- owners remotely, and those that do so now will set their companies up to succeed when the lockdown is over. Homeowners (or installers) can take photos of the house and – remote from each other – design the windows and doors together, discuss- ing the details via email, over the phone or even video calls, screen-sharing photorealis- tic images and quotes. Most industry visualisers fall well short of this capability, but most of us carry an intui- tive, very smart phone in our pockets and take that level of sophistication for granted. Software shouldn’t dictate how you sell or inhibit you because it’s slow or clunky – it should enhance the way you want to sell. I loved selling in the home for our family business, and selling quality windows and doors to homeowners under- pinned the success we had at TimberWindows.com and at Jack Brunsdon Ltd. But I also love tech and being able to inspire homeowners with visions of how their property could look, wherever they are. I believe remotely-enabled installers will soon take it for granted that they can also sell without leaving their showrooms, and homeown- ers will take that benefit for granted too. For more on remote selling – and my experience in adapting my own business to sell this way – visit www. tommytrinder.com/remote- selling. Chris Brunsdon, CEO of TommyTrinder.com Ltd WINDOWS PLUS STEPS UP TO SUPPORT THE NHS Profile 22 fabricator Windows Plus is fitting infection control doors and privacy screens in Warwick Hospital to support the efforts of the NHS in caring for Covid-19 patients. The doors and screens will enable staff to safely put on and take off protective clothing before entering or leaving wards. Gary Hampton, Managing Director of Windows Plus, said: “Like everyone, we have been in awe of the amazing work NHS staff are doing in caring for patients with Coronavirus. Having previously carried out work at Warwick Hospital, I got in touch to find out if there was anything we could do to protect and support staff in the hospital at this critical time. When they confirmed the need for infec- tion control doors and privacy screens, we were more than happy to support them.” Clare O’Hara, Managing Direc- tor of Epwin Window Systems, said: “I know everyone at Epwin Window Systems will be proud to know our systems are being used in such a positive way and delighted that Gary and the team at Windows Plus were able to support Warwick hospital. Undoubtedly, NHS staff are the heroes of this crisis and we owe them a debt of gratitude.” The doors and privacy screens are being manufactured using the Optima QS70 system from Profile 22. So far, Windows Plus has installed screens and doorsets in the Covid-19 ward and the baby care ward of Warwick Hospital. The next phase will be the hospi- tal’s canteen, with work continu- ing across the hospital thereafter. Installers are using PPE to protect themselves and others. They are also taking all possible hygiene precautions. Windows Plus is a leading manufacturer and installer based in Coventry. It’s a family run com- pany and a longstanding Profile 22 fabricator. As well as a repu- tation for quality and service, the company is also renowned locally for its commitment to charity and it carries out numerous fundrais- ing initiatives every year. Its es- timators are working from home so if customers require a quote for any future works or items for their local NHS, the company can be contacted on 024 7623 0222 or at [email protected]. Gary concluded: “It has been a privilege to provide practical help at this critical time and give something back to the NHS for everything they’re doing.” www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk