Bradstone has recently delivered its fifth annual Training Academy series, with stockists able to visit a choice of the company’s sites to undertake product training sessions.
The series also allows attendees to participate in Q&As with the supplier’s expert advisors, take away support tools and at certain locations, enjoy a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the production facilities. PBM reports.
Now in its fifth year, the Bradstone Training Academy ran from 25th February to 13th March and welcomed merchant stockists looking to expand and improve their knowledge within the “ever-evolving” hard landscaping sector. The training was designed to cover a wealth of useful information, from understanding Bradstone’s business through to the customer journey, including product training and ‘top tips’ on upselling.
To facilitate access and attendance for merchants across the country, sessions were held at the supplier’s sites in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire; Uffculme, Devon; Brentwood, Essex and Ashington, Northumberland. For those that booked onto training days at the Hulland Ward site in Derbyshire or North End, Wiltshire participants were also able to sign up for a behind the scenes tour of the factory and quarry.
Speaking ahead of the sessions, Heather Foo, Regional Sales Manager for Bradstone, commented: “The Bradstone Training Academy is a key event in the merchant calendar and this year we’re opening it up to merchants across the country so they can better understand our industry.
“We have seen a noticeable shift in consumer attitudes towards investing in the outdoors for the long term which is driving desire for premium paving and, consequently, creating a significant opportunity for merchants. We want to give merchants the tools and training required to confidently advise their customers on the latest products and installation methods to empower them to continually grow and improve their business.”
Discussing on the sessions held at the manufacturer’s Hulland Ward location, Julie Chandler, Managing Director at Chandler Materials, said: “Our staff had a productive day taking part in the Bradstone Training Academy. To get face-time with those that know the product best gives us the confidence to supply our customers with not only a premium product, but installation advice and value added services. I would highly recommend it to any stockist looking to increase their knowledge of what is possible in the world of landscaping.”
Louise McCoy, Regional Sales Manager at Bradstone, added: “In the ever-evolving landscaping industry, it is important to stay abreast of the latest trends, materials and services available to the end customer. We’re delighted that a number of professionals from across the industry have taken part in our Training Academy — proof that we are all committed to being at the forefront of new developments.”
In further news from the company, Bradstone has partnered with the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) as an independent accreditor. Under the partnership, new and existing Bradstone Assured installers will have the opportunity to join the APL and benefit from an independent inspection covering not only the technical aspects, but also accrediting and supporting members with checks on health and safety, paper work and processes.
Peter Montgomery, National Sales Manager at Bradstone, said: “By engaging the services of the APL we are backing up our own stringent processes with a transparent and independent inspection that is one of the toughest in the industry. We hope this will help create something truly special for the customer, emphasise that we are not just inspecting ourselves and ensure an exceptional level of service.”
Bradstone has published its new brochure and compact trade directory for 2019, featuring full details of the company’s comprehensive portfolio of landscaping products including details of six new paving ranges, one new porcelain coping product and three range extensions.
The 2019 brochure has been designed to “get homeowners’ imagination running wild with ideas on how to create the outdoor space they’ve always dreamed of”. As such, it contains aspirational imagery of actual garden transformations carried out by professionals from within the Bradstone Assured network.
Now in a compact size, installers and stockists can carry the brochure and handy trade directory around much more easily, making it a practical and valuable sales tool when dealing with their customers.
From the supplier’s Porcelain Collection, Romeli is a completely new range for 2019. Intended to give any garden a “contemporary but refined feel”, it is available in two shades — Buff blend and Grey.
Also new for 2019, is Moordale Textured from the company’s Concrete Collection. Described as a superior textured flag paving that contains Yorkstone and limestone aggregates to give an enhanced, coarse look, the paver is said to be ideal for creating large areas of warm solid colour and is available in Buff and Natural.
For more information on Bradstone’s range of products and support services for merchants, visit www.bradstone.com.
