Five year roadshow to help builders tackle testing conditions

Housing Tue, Mar 22, 2016 5:35 PM

SME builders should expect to see some unusual sights over the coming months, as trips to the builders’ merchant become anything but ordinary.

Pink camouflage branding, expedition – themed base camps and pink yetis will be taking merchants nationwide – including Buildbase - by storm as plasterboard manufacturer Siniat launches a five year, nationwide roadshow.

The mission: to help small to medium sized builders gain the knowledge and skills they need to tackle extreme conditions, enhance reputation and increase revenue.

The expedition-themed roadshow will tour builders’ merchants across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, offering practical support and guidance on how to tackle issues such as fire, noise, moisture and impact, meet building regulations, and educate property owners about the long-term benefits of higher specification products.

SMEs stopping in at the roadshow will benefit from expert in-person advice, and practical field notes on how to manage demanding clients and testing conditions, as well as the opportunity to test their drywalling knowledge as part of a unique iPad game. Peak performers will win spot prizes including Stanley drywall tools; whilst other perks include free WiFi, and the chance to get a mug-shot with a mate as either a pink yeti or intrepid explorer.

Steve Brown, Trade Marketing Manager at Siniat, explains: “We’re taking a light-hearted and eye-catching approach to try and make sense of the complex issues facing SMEs. For us, the key is doing this in a way that really captures interest and makes builders want to take five minutes out of their day to improve their knowledge.

“The reality is that Government policy, changes to building regulations and increasingly savvy property owners are all combining to put SME builders under growing pressure to find new solutions to testing conditions such as cold, noise and damp. This roadshow is all about providing practical knowledge and training, and ensuring builders have the confidence to recommend the best solution to the challenge at hand, not just the cheapest.”

David Palmer, Customer Marketing Director at Buildbase, comments: “Many of our customers have busy schedules and limited time for training. By setting up at our sites, Siniat’s roadshow approach recognises this, and takes the training and practical support direct to the builder. We’re sure there’ll be significant demand from SMEs for this type of hands-on, easy access support that helps them get the job done – and the photo opportunities should be good fun too.”

Building on the expedition theme, the roadshow truck features a striking pink camouflage design matching Siniat’s brand colours. It will set up ‘base camp’ at each builders merchant, offering expert dry-walling knowledge, as well as creature comforts such as free Wifi and air conditioning.