PermaGroup has experienced three consecutive record-breaking months thanks to a strengthening market.

In addition to favourable market conditions, the company credits the success already seen this year to investing in marketing and boosting customer retention with the launch of its PermaGroup brand. Its many sub-brands now sit clearly underneath the main name, making it simple for customers to navigate its growing range of products.

The record-breaking start to the year follow 2020’s results that showed the most profitable year for the business since it began two decades ago.

Adrian Buttress, Managing Director of PermaGroup and its associated brands including PermaRoof UK, expressed his confidence in the market strength in 2021 and believes the consumer focus on DIY and home improvement will only continue to bolster the sector.

He said: “I believe the vaccination programme is fuelling positivity with the glimmer of things starting to get back to some sense of normality within the year. We have seen an upsurge in homeowners wanting garden rooms and I’m sure the same will apply to fencing and artificial lawns as the sun continues to shine – all backed by surplus funds from cancelled holidays to invest back into their property and gardens.”

Despite this positivity, there are, of course, likely to be challenges ahead. He said: “In the final quarter of 2020, I predicated that this year was going to be turbulent and yet stronger due to the work already done to build solid foundations and put business plans in place. I think this has proven to be accurate so far in relation to our own business as well as those contractors we work with daily.

“For others in our customer base, from merchants to commercial and domestic contractors, our recommendation is to continue diversifying where possible – look for opportunities where demand is, or is likely to become high, and make the most of it. For us, that has meant the launch of our commercial offering and upcoming additions to our ranges such as a kit builder for PermaFence or a composite decking system, especially in time for summer.

“Secondly, I think all businesses have learnt that customers must be at the centre of everything they do – whether that’s services or added incentives. For us, we’re even taking it as far as launching a lead generation programme for our contractors.

“Finally, continuing the work that all successful businesses did during the first lockdowns to bolster and strengthen operations – again for us that means upgrading IT systems, improvements to the efficiency of ordering systems, and investing in logistics software to streamline deliveries.”