Collaboration recognised
Conservatory Outlet recently thanked its 27-strong network of retailers with a multi-day event, which culminated with a gala dinner at the Tower of London.
The event recognised the achievements of companies that have overcome the many challenges of the pandemic to post record sales and harness new technology to improve the customer journey, the company said.
The evening began with a tour of the historic palace, which included a private viewing of the Crown Jewels and a guided walk along the Line of Kings, followed by a three-course meal and awards ceremony in the White Tower.
Greg Kane, CEO at Conservatory Outlet Group, thanked network members for their support over the past two years before commemorating several key achievements.
“Most of us have grown up in this sector, it’s our sector, and in our respective regions we have reached the top spot, leading the way in traditional market conditions we know so well,” he said.
“All of our businesses, people and systems are finely tuned to succeed in these conditions, but then it changed. Almost overnight, demand is everywhere but supply became very difficult to manage.
“The last 20 months have proven time and time again the fantastic innovation and resilience of the Conservatory Outlet Network, and this is something we will tap into as we meet the current challenges head-on.”
Greg said the company was investing time and money into developing operational systems, creating a customer journey that ensures the company can thrive in current market conditions and thrive in the future.
“Our IT systems have been transformed, we’ve beefed up our board, retrained our staff and are committed to launching new products, supporting all of our network members as we all adapt to the ‘new normal’,” he said.
Speedy Home Improvements was formally welcomed as the newest member of the Conservatory Outlet family and owners Greg and Leighanne Cox were presented with the ‘Newcomer of the Year’ award.
The father-and-daughter team achieved a 30% increase in sales and invested £100,000 into their first-ever showroom in Horsham since joining.
Long-standing Network member Joedan was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award to honour the company’s founding partners, John and Nicky Purcaro’s, 38th year in the sector.
Michael Giscombe, Conservatory Outlet’s managing director, said: “We pride ourselves on this close-knit and collective relationship across the group and will continue to leverage this ‘togetherness’ as we emerge from the shackles of the pandemic and a difficult supply chain environment.”