HAI’s Above the Shop research highlights need for stronger financial incentives
March 3, 2025
HAI Certificate Latest – Students reach final stages of learning
April 30, 2025
In our latest update on the HAI Certificate, students and mentors give their feedback on their experience to date, while students continue their learnings by completing sessions in Merchandising and Digital Marketing.
In February Padraig Cronin led key discussions with the students on various merchandising strategies, including the power of suggestion, effective communication, and the importance of clear pricing and value for money perception.
Brett O’Sullivan provided an overview of Kingspan Insulation’s product range and recent developments, highlighting their focus on non-combustible mineral wool products for rainscreen applications.
In March, students enjoyed a highly interactive session covering all the latest in Digital Marketing & Social Media, including discussions on the newest tools in AI and communications to help with instore and online promotions.
Following this session, Brian Monaghan from Bostik delivered an engaging presentation of their sealing & bonding products, including demos of their applications, and debunking myths about silicone products.
Students and Mentors have their say
Earlier this year, HAI sought the feedback of this year’s students and mentors to gauge their experience to date. Feedback at this stage of the programme has been glowing, with both students and mentors pleased with progress to date and the opportunities for growth it provides:
“I have gained valuable insights into how different areas of a business operate and how small changes can make a big impact on quality of service and customer experience overall.”
Mark Reilly, Brooks Bluebell – HAI Certificate Student
“I have learned a lot from the course so far. Particularly how many areas in business are more closely tied together than people might expect. I have learned how best to approach and deal with customers and how to make a sale. I learned a lot about stock control and stock take.”
Vytas Preskaitis, Morris DIY – HAI Certificate Student
“The course has been very beneficial to all Brooks and MBM participants over the past number of years and has assisted the participants in securing promotions”
Brendan Sammon, Brooks Bluebell – HAI Certificate Mentor
“This is a very useful tool for staff trying to take the next steps towards management.”
Shane O’Dwyer, McMahons Builders Providers
Upcoming Site Visits
Octabuild Members Glennon Brothers and Grant Engineering are both delighted to invite HAI Certificate students, mentors and colleagues to join them at their sites this April for a detailed visit and overview of their production and other operations.
Octabuild Continue Sharing their Product Knowledge
We’re excited to continue our partnership with Octabuild and its esteemed members: Bostik, Dulux Paints, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement and Kingspan Insulation. Together, we’re gearing up for an incredible year ahead, featuring Octabuild’s specialised Product Knowledge modules and exclusive site visits to Octabuild member locations across the country, where students can get more in-depth information on their products and the industry.
Building on Success: Octabuild Continues Support for HAI Certificate Programme
As the 2024/25 HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail & Merchanting continues, Octabuild and its eight members— Bostik, Dulux Paints, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement and Kingspan Insulation — remain committed to supporting the next generation of industry professionals.
As the programme progresses, participants have the opportunity to engage in Octabuild’s specialised Product Knowledge modules and exclusive site visits to member locations across the country. These hands-on experiences offer invaluable insights into key products and industry best practices, ensuring a deeper understanding of the sector.
Commenting on Octabuild’s continued involvement, chairperson Mike Glennon of Glennon Brothers said: “Octabuild is proud to support this programme, which plays a vital role in developing talent and fostering excellence within the hardware and merchanting industry. In a time where continuous learning is more important than ever, our Product Knowledge modules provide participants with the practical expertise needed to stay ahead in this evolving sector.
“By investing in education and skills development through the HAI Certificate, we are strengthening the future of our industry and empowering the next generation of professionals to succeed.”
Stay tuned for further updates as this year’s programme continues to deliver valuable learning experiences for participants across the sector.
Have any queries? Contact [email protected]
