Bradstone announced significant 2014 investment plans at its first national conference for Bradstone Assured installers at St George’s Park, Burton-on-Trent this month.
Over 100 professional landscapers attended the conference, where Bradstone announced the launch of its new products, an incentive scheme for Bradstone Assured members and the creation of a team of Bradstone Assured managers to provide additional installer support.
Mike Leeming, sales director at Bradstone, said: “We were delighted to bring together so many of our approved Bradstone Assured installers to meet the Bradstone team and brief installers on our marketing plans and additional support for 2014.
“Significant investment has been made in Bradstone Assured for this year with the launch of a new loyalty scheme, plus the recruitment of a national team of specialist Bradstone Assured managers. These managers will provide on-the-ground sales support for installers to maximise lead conversion and contribute to Bradstone promotion through a branded vehicle fleet. Both important initiatives have been designed to maximise sales pull-through for our distributors.
“In addition, we have made a multi-million pound investment in our factory at Leighton Buzzard, which will allow us to make improvements such as expanding our value-added block paving range.
“We also continue to invest in new product development to challenge the boundaries of garden landscaping design, and are very proud of our latest innovations. They include Layered Slate Effect paving which replicates the intricate effect of layered slate, and Natural Porphyry, a beautiful Indian natural stone which is available in a distinctive range of pinks, purples and reds. Full marketing support plans are being delivered to promote both our new and existing product ranges.”
Hosted by Sky Sport’s Ben Shephard, the interactive conference also involved sessions with Dr Dorian Dugmore (PhD), a football tournament refereed by FA Cup Final referee Alan Wiley, and a paving challenge and master class with TV gardening personality David Domoney.
The national conference was also used as an opportunity to present the first Bradstone Assured Installer Awards. Launched last year to celebrate the achievements of members, awards were presented across six categories in recognition of members who had demonstrated excellent levels of workmanship, design expertise and customer service.
