Hardware Association Ireland Releases Strategic Review Results

Hardware Association Ireland has today released the results of its Strategic Review, which provides insights on the hardware/DIY industry’s market sentiment and the key challenges facing the sector. 

Earlier this year Hardware Association Ireland conducted a major Strategic Review of the sector and of the value proposition of HAI. During the summer we engaged Lionheart Corporate Governance to assist us in conducting an extensive piece of research amongst our members. With thanks to Lionheart for their support.

The survey sought to enquire about market sentiment, identify and quantify the key challenges facing the sector and to outline the responses of the sector to these challenges. Another aim was to help HAI understand and improve its level of membership focus and its value proposition. The insights obtained provide HAI with a reliable focus on priorities and future trends. This will enable HAI to focus on the key drivers that will lead to better co-ordination of services and communication within the organisation.

Key trends revealed in this research:

• 70% are expecting the market to increase in the next 3 years.
• Recruiting and retaining staff and staff costs are the most significant challenges facing the sector— cited by 93%.
• 95% of merchants say that a shortage of trades professionals is postponing building projects
• 64% of merchants and 73% of manufacturers plan to upskill and train staff.

The results of this research will help inform strategy and future resource allocations. More than seventy members and the board of HAI participated in the survey via email and phone interviews in September, with thanks to all.

Click here to see the summarised report

If you would like access to the full report please email Aoife at aoife@hardwareassociation.ie or Martin at martin@hardwareassociation.ie and this will be sent to you by email.