Adapting in times of change

The economic impacts from COVID-19 have only just begun and while we’re already seeing staggering changes across the country, the full extent of what this might do has yet to be realised. Whilst there are widespread furloughs, some redundancies and doors closing it isn’t all doom and gloom – there is some positivity to be found if you know where to look for it.

Customer behaviour has changed

Since mid-March, homeowners have spent the majority of their spare time relegated to the confines of their properties, whether inside or out in their gardens – thanks to the long runs of unseasonably warm weather and sunshine we’ve been afforded. Because of this, there’s been a surge in demand for products which enhance our green spaces – fencing and decking. Industry-leading systems company Liniar reports that even during its temporary closure in April and May, it saw a marked increase in homeowner-driven enquiries into its decking and fencing range.

The current unstable economic client has made many consumers uncertain about financial futures, leading them to put plans for large-scale projects on the backburner for when the economy balances itself. Whilst these projects have been put on hold until confidence returns, in their place we’re seeing smaller projects which still offer the ability to transform living spaces without breaking the bank.

How we fit into this picture

For the foreseeable future, the coronavirus will continue to impact everyone’s daily lives – from spending on projects to travelling abroad for holidays. With this comes much more time within our own homes – which should translate into continued outdoor product enquiries to revitalise these spaces for our very own ‘staycations’.

For Liniar’s fabricators, this renewed perspective on gardens is welcomed news. With a full outdoor range to offer homeowners, they can fulfil the abundance of outdoor product enquiries that continue to come in every day. Whilst these projects aren’t our ‘bread and butter’ they are an avenue for a new customer relationship – which may provide valuable leads for these more large-scale projects in the future when customer confidence returns to the economy.

Have you expanded your product offering?

Jake Stephens, a Liniar fabricator, explains why they’ve always offered Liniar’s secondary product line, and how this change in customer behaviour impacts its plans for the future:

“Ensuring we can provide customers with the products they want when they want them is crucial to building a solid, long-lasting business/customer relationship. In terms of our outdoor range, it was about limiting the disruption to homeowners during renovations and offering them a single point of contact for all guarantees.

“With many families choosing ‘staycations’ and using their gardens more than ever before, these typically neglected parts of a property are receiving much needed attention. In the past, products like fencing were only replaced when worn out or because of storm damage but we’re seeing a shift in consumers wanting to make these spaces more aesthetically pleasing. Our fencing range offers three different finishes and requires none of the ongoing maintenance that timber fencing requires – making it an easy choice for homeowners.”

“Whilst fencing is receiving the majority of enquiries, we’re also seeing an uptick in PVCu decking, bi-folding doors, French doors and lantern roofs,” comments Jake.

“If you haven’t already, now is the time to expand the range of products you’re offering homeowners. The stability of the economy will return and if you’re able to fulfil homeowners’ projects for their gardens, it could provide potential work in the future for larger, more costly fenestration projects.”

Liniar is prepared for the future. It’s the only systems company which manufactures, foils and stocks its outdoor products in the UK, meaning the lead times are incredibly short versus those that order in from other countries. For more information about Liniar’s outdoor product range, visit https://www.liniar.co.uk/outdoor-range/.