Listers to host ‘supercharged’ open days

Listers is hosting a series of ‘supercharged’ open days in April in a bid to give visitors valuable insights into product development, alongside business advice and market insight, which will prepare them for 2023 and beyond.

Held on 25-26 April at Listers’ Stoke showroom, the open days will take place across several ‘zones’, and promise a modern approach to continuous product development. There will be talks, demonstrations, workshops and factory tours.

There will also be opportunities to network in Listers’ large canteen area where many systems companies will have exhibition-style stands and break-out areas – all while making most of the free catering.

“Our open days last year at Tottenham Hotspurs’ new stadium and our Stoke showroom were a tremendous success, and the feedback we received was encouraging,” said Listers’ MD Roy Frost. “Existing and potential new customers took time out of their busy schedule to attend the events because they walked away with valuable information on Building Regulations, product updates, new opportunities, and advice on best business practice.

“At our open days in April, we want to use that as a starting point and supercharge the experience. In fact, these events will more resemble an exhibition than a day out meeting your supplier!

“Giving our customers the best possible service is our number one priority, and these open days are an extension of that. You will be hard-pushed to find so much product information and valuable advice all held under one roof in the UK.”

Modern exhibition

All of Listers’ customer-facing staff will be on hand to talk about the latest product developments at the national trade fabricator, including: the Sheerline Classic Window; the new Gallery 44 Gripcore door; the latest Kubu smart technology; two new aluminium doors; the S1 Sheerline Lantern; the Eurocell Luma tiled conservatory roof; new fully adjustable hinges for Residence Collection doors; and the new high-quality handle and escutcheon from VBH.

“We will also be giving a sneak peek of the highly anticipated Sheerline lift and slide patio door, which will bring all the much-loved thermal benefits found on Sheerline’s other products – excellent thermal performance, knock in beads, full SBD accreditation – to the nation’s favourite home improvement product: the slider,” Roy said.

“This will be alongside the new Sheerline Prestige casement window that offers a flush sash option and a U-value of 0.9W/m2K when triple glazed.

“We know that demand is shifting towards the high-end section of the market, and having a supplier that can deliver a range of flush PVC-U and aluminium products in a wide range of colours on the same lead time is key to winning new business. And we’re excited to be demonstrating some of these products at the open days.”

Representatives from all of Listers’ suppliers will be on hand to discuss how their products and services are designed to create opportunities as the market is expected to slow in the first half of 2023.

Specifically, visitors will see a large collection of energy efficient PVC-U, timber alternative and aluminium windows and doors – all under on roof. There will be representatives from some of the country’s leading systems houses – Residence Collection, Veka Halo, Sheerline, Reynaers and Eurocell – all available to talk about specific product development and regulation compliance.

Many of the industry’s leading brands will also be represented, presenting talks on the latest industry issues, and will be free to discuss pressing concerns over lunch or a coffee. These include: Kubu Smart; Gripcore (DoorCo); Glazpart; Ultion; Quickslide; Lasco PR and Marketing; Full Circle Marketing; and Business Pilot.

Knowledge Quarter

New for 2023 is Listers’ ‘Knowledge Quarter’, a dedicated area that will host specialist seminars and bootcamps on a range of services from the trade fabricator, including Listers’ very own pricing and ordering software, Easy Connect.

Listers’ marketing partners – Lasco PR and Marketing and Full Circle Marketing – will explain how retail companies can supercharge their marketing package. Seminars will cover SEO, Google AdWords, social media, and Listers’ Easy Marketing service.

“Understanding all the major pitfalls and opportunities retail companies face when talking to customers online can really mean the difference between success and failure,” Roy said. “We have engaged with the industry’s leading digital marketing companies to ensure that our customers have the tools at their fingertips to make online commerce a success.”

Other seminars will focus on the latest integrated CRM and ERP system from Business Pilot, and the latest updates on U-values, ventilation and UKCA Marking, with a presentation by John Vanstone from Certass.

Listers will also introduce Jag Jeer from Maven Services who will give advice to those business leaders who recruit the services of a large self-employed workforce – namely fitters.

Practical Quarter

For those visitors who want practical advice on how to improve the quality of service they offer their customers, Listers has created a ‘Practical Quarter’ for the open days. Here, hands-on ‘how-to’ sessions will guide visitors through some of the frequently asked questions that cross the technical department’s desk, such as how to build a Sheerline Lantern most efficiently before installation, and how to adjust a glass-bonded door.

There is also an opportunity to learn about the latest technologies that will help you complete projects to the highest possible standards.

“Have you ever completed an installation and found a scratch or a dent in the frame or sash, which could cause you problems when you hand over to the homeowner?” Roy asked. “Everyone in the supply chain – right down to the installer fitting the product on site – takes every precaution to avoid damaging the windows and doors, but occasionally one slips through the net.

“Rather than replace the whole product, wouldn’t it be easier if the damage could be repaired, leaving no evidence whatsoever? Well, you can, and we will be hosting wax repair sessions to show you how. Not only that but the first ten registered attendees will walk away with a free wax repair kit worth £50!”

Freebies

Listers will be providing free breakfast and lunch to everyone who turns up, and all those who register beforehand will take away a Listers’ goody bag, which will include giveaways from each of the trade fabricator’s suppliers.

Customers are also advised to book for specific seminars at the time of registering to avoid disappointment.

Everyone is invited to attend from across the UK, and staff will be on hand from both the Stoke and the Essex branches to talk through specific opportunities with existing and new customers.

“We are throwing absolutely everything at these supercharged open days, and we expect interest to be very high,” Roy said. “Register your interest soon to avoid disappointment, and to secure your place on those valuable seminars.”