Wakefield-based fabricator Conservatory Outlet marked the power of collaboration last weekend by saying ‘thank you’ to its 27-strong network of retailers.
The multi-day event, which culminated with a Gala Dinner at the historic Tower of London, recognised the achievements of companies that have overcome the many challenges of the pandemic to post record sales and harness new technology to improve the customer journey.
The evening began with a tour of the historic palace, which included a private viewing of the Crown Jewels and a guided walk along the Line of Kings, followed by a three-course meal and awards ceremony in the White Tower.
Greg Kane, CEO at Conservatory Outlet Group, opened proceedings by thanking the Network members for their support over the past two years before commemorating several key achievements that have took place during what has been a very testing period.
“Most of us have grown up in this sector, it’s our sector, and in our respective regions we have reached the top spot, leading the way in traditional market conditions we know so well.
“All of our businesses, people and systems are finely tuned to succeed in these conditions, but then it changed… almost overnight, demand is everywhere but supply became very difficult to manage.
“The last twenty months have proven time and time again the fantastic innovation and resilience of the Conservatory Outlet Network and this is something we will tap into as we meet the current challenges head-on.”
He continued: “We are investing time and money into developing our operational systems, creating a customer journey that ensures we can thrive in current market conditions and thrive in the future, as the world changes rapidly again!
“Our IT systems have been transformed, we’ve beefed up our board, retrained our staff and are committed to launching new products, supporting all of our network members as we all adapt to the ‘new normal’.”
Speedy Home Improvements was formally welcomed as the newest member of the Conservatory Outlet family and, as part of the celebrations, owners Greg and Leighanne Cox were presented with the ‘Newcomer of the Year’ Award for their outstanding start to life within the Network.
The father-and-daughter pair has achieved a 30% increase in sales and invested £100,000 into its first ever showroom in Horsham since joining.
Long-standing Network member Joedan was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award to honour the company’s founding partners, John and Nicky Purcaro’s, 38th year in the sector.
Other award winners on the evening, included:
- 5 Star Windows/Eden/Hazlemere (10 Years as Network Members)
- Amber/County/Planet/Trademark (Outstanding Customer Satisfaction)
- Bon Accord/TWC (Outstanding Digital Innovation)
- ERG (Exceptional Growth)
- Pennie Home Improvements (Revolutionary Sales Approach)
- Premier (Next Generation Achievement)
- West Yorkshire Windows (Inspirational Transformation)
Michael Giscombe, Conservatory Outlet Managing Director, said that the event showcased the group’s resilience.
“The weekend has been a phenomenal weekend, arguably the best we’ve ever held. Being a Network allows us to host events like without any fear of competition between our members.”
He continued: “Given how the last 20 months have been, our collaborative approach to sales and marketing has been invaluable, allowing companies to flourish where others have floundered.
“We pride ourselves on this close-knit and collective relationship across the Group and will continue to leverage this ‘togetherness’ as we emerge from the shackles of the pandemic and a difficult supply chain environment.”
