Members of Hardware Association Ireland, the national representative body for over 370 hardware and DIY retailers, builders merchants, and manufacturers and distributors across Ireland, have reported average year-on-year revenue increases of 8.7% for 2018. This follows a 9% increase in Q4, compared to the same period in 2017.
In what was a standout year for the industry, Q2 and Q4 of 2018 showed the highest levels of year-on-year growth for the sector, with 69% of members reporting an increase in profitability for Q4, up by an average of 16.1%. This is according to the Hardware Association Ireland Business Index, which provides quarterly updates on the total value of the market.
The Index also contains a detailed regional and monthly breakdown of members’ responses, with particularly strong growth in Munster, where revenues increased by an average of 12%. Members in Dublin saw revenues rise by 8%, with the rest of Leinster and Connaught/Ulster recording increases of 10% and 5%, respectively.
Following increased activity in both the commercial and residential building sectors over the past twelve months, as well as continued growth in the renovation and maintenance industries, over 150 manufacturers and suppliers from across Ireland are set to exhibit at the 2019 Hardware Show, taking place at Citywest, Dublin on 17-18 February.
The event will also host the Hardware Association Ireland Innovation Awards. Entrants are grouped into one of four categories – Best Build Product, Best Garden Product, Best Hardware/DIY Product and Best Home Product – and will present their products to a ‘Dragons’ Den’ style panel of industry experts. The judging panel includes:
Competition in the Best Hardware/DIY product is set to be particularly fierce, with entries from Dulux Paints Ireland, Henkel Ltd., and global manufacturer and distributor of work and safetywear, Portwest. The winners in each category will be presented with their awards at the President’s Ball on the evening of Sunday 17 February.
Ahead of the 2019 Hardware Show, Sean Moran, President of Hardware Association Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to see our members going from strength to strength and reaping the rewards of increased activity in the construction industry. The Hardware Show is an excellent opportunity to build and enhance relationships and continue to take our industry forward.
“New products and innovative ideas are essential to the health of any sector and ours is no different. This year’s show continues to promote and drive innovation in the industry, and we’re proud to be able to showcase the latest developments in new products and services as part of our Innovation Awards.”
Hardware Association Ireland represents over 370 members at all levels of the supply chain, from national and international companies, to multi-branch retail chains and smaller independent hardware businesses. The sector generates employment of 19,000 persons, and contributes nearly €377m in tax to the Irish economy each year.
Hardware Association Ireland produces an award-winning bi-monthly magazine called The Hardware Journal. For more information on The Hardware Show, please see www.thehardwareshow.ie.
