The Hardware Journal has spoken to Michael Cronin, Managing Director, Green Heat & Bathrooms Limited. He was pleased to recognise the value of partnership, collaboration and support in the future successful development of his business.
At Green Heat & Bathrooms, we have always prioritised quality products, outstanding customer service, and expert industry knowledge because collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Collaboration and working together with customers, suppliers, and within the wider networks of United Hardware is a key part of our operation. Partnerships provide us with opportunities to navigate the complexities of a changing market and improve our offerings for longterm success. We joined United Hardware in March 2024, an affiliation that has already proven to be a game-changer for our business.
Strength in Numbers: The Benefits of United Hardware Membership
For any independent business, the ability to source high-quality products at competitive prices is crucial. By joining United Hardware, we have gained increased purchasing power, allowing us to access a broader range of suppliers and products at more competitive rates. Since joining, we’ve been able to increase the blended margin of our business and better realise our growth potential. This in turn, enables us to pass savings and benefits on to our customers, ensuring they receive the best possible value without compromising on quality.
Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com
Beyond pricing, being part of the United Hardware network has provided us with a level of security and support that is invaluable in today’s challenging economic climate. We have access to United Hardware’s Distribution Centre in Citywest which carries over 6,000 products covering all categories from heavy build, light hardware to a full range of seasonal products including garden and christmas. The collective strength of independent businesses working together under a shared framework gives us access to market insights, promotional opportunities, and shared resources that would be difficult to attain independently. We also have access to direct member engagement, tradeshows, store awards, conferences and training as added benefits of being members of the United Hardware network in addition to a generous loyalty bonus scheme for members. As members of a cooperative and as equal shareholders, we have an equal say on the direction of United Hardware and our voice and the needs of our customers in Tralee and the surrounding area are all prioritised and valued.
A Commitment to Quality and Customer Service
At Green Heat & Bathrooms, we have always prided ourselves on our commitment to excellence. We are passionate about delivering top-quality heating and plumbing products, bathrooms and bathroomware, and we know that our customers value not just the products we offer, but the expert guidance and support we provide. Our team of specialists have extensive experience in the heating and plumbing industry, and we make it our mission to share that knowledge with every customer who walks through our doors.
We serve both trade and retail customers, offering tailored advice that helps them find the right solutions for their specific needs. This focus on personalised service has earned us a loyal customer base, and we are proud to be recognised as a trusted supplier within our community.
Expanding Our Offering to Better Serve Our Customers
As part of our ongoing commitment to growth and improvement, we made the exciting decision to expand our showroom in August 2024. This expansion has allowed us to showcase a wider range of products, giving our customers even more options to choose from. The response from both trade and retail customers has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing our belief that investment in our business ultimately benefits our customers.
By working closely with United Hardware, we have been able to source new and innovative products that align with the evolving needs of our customers. The demand for energy-efficient heating solutions continues to rise, and we are committed to providing the latest in sustainable technology. From high-efficiency boilers to state-of-the-art heat pumps, we are continually updating our product range to ensure our customers have access to the best solutions on the market.
Supporting Local Business, Strengthening Local Communities
As an independent business, we understand the importance of supporting the local economy. Green Heat & Bathrooms has been proudly serving customers in Kerry and beyond since 2012, and our fleet of delivery vehicles ensures that we can provide timely service to customers both near and far. We are deeply invested in our community and take great pride in being a locally owned and operated business. This is echoed in the values of United Hardware, who empower local businesses like us to thrive, maintain our independence, while also allowing to contribute as part of a collective national network, bring value and remain competitive. All of which in turn supports local employment and contributes to the economic vitality of our community here in Tralee and beyond.
Looking to the Future
Looking to the future, we are prepared and ready to meet the demands and emerging trends in the plumbing and heating sector, head on. This includes the increasing demand for energy-efficient and smart home solutions, the rise of e-Commerce, direct-to-consumer sales, and growing sustainability regulations that favour eco-friendly products. These are all areas where we as an independent retailer, with the support from United Hardware, believe we can support the current and future needs of our customers. Whether they are looking for smart thermostats, heat pumps, water-saving fixtures, or environmentally friendly materials. Our focus remains on providing the best products, the best service, and the best value for our customers. This means better pricing, a broader selection of products and the continued expert service that they have come to expect from Green Heat & Bathrooms. We are excited about the journey ahead and look forward to continuing to serve our community with excellence and integrity.
Final Thoughts
As the heating and plumbing industry continues to evolve, independent businesses must adapt and innovate to stay competitive. By joining United Hardware, we have positioned ourselves for long-term success, ensuring that we can continue to provide the high-quality products and exceptional service that our customers rely on. We believe that strong partnerships are key to navigating the
challenges of the modern marketplace, and we are proud to be part of a network that is dedicated to supporting independent businesses like ours.
At Green Heat & Bathrooms, our customers remain at the heart of everything we do. Whether you are a tradesperson looking for the best tools and materials or a homeowner seeking expert advice on a new heating system, we are here to help.
