New
Chair for TTA
Ashley
Heath took over as Chairman of The Tile Association on 19th April.
‘The
tile industry is, like many sectors, feeling the squeeze. It is during
difficult trading conditions that the strongest players demonstrate their
strength by succeeding in their continued growth. The market will continue
to be driven by the demand for quality - both in product and service.
Consumers and specifiers will often look at reducing their budgets but
without sacrificing the quality of the product. By maintaining and improving
standards, members can take a stance and justify higher prices by proving
that their work is carried out to a recognised fixing standard, and that
their products conform to manufacturing standards.
TTA can financially assist companies and individuals by continuing to
provide the well-publicised member benefits, which include cheaper credit
card handling rates and cheaper insurance. Members also have access to
legal and technical helplines, to help them on more challenging occasions.
‘TTA is also continuing to promote ceramic tiles and stone as a preferential
surface over its rivals. We have recently launched a television advertising
campaign which is currently being shown on the UKTV Style channel. We
have also attended The National Homebuilding & Renovation Show, providing
a source of information to consumers whether they be enquiring about technical
installations, or wanting to know their nearest TTA retailer.
‘The fixing sector is being challenged by a new breed of tile fixer
who has attended a short-term fixing course. I want to understand the
needs of these newcomers to the industry and help them improve their standard
of tile installation by encouraging a programme of ongoing training and
assessment. I believe that we should be an inclusive, not an exclusive,
Association. We shall soon be offering a revised training plan for the
retail sector. Likewise, we should be widening our training opportunities
for tile fixers’.
Ashley Heath
Chairman of The Tile Association
Joint Managing Director, Albert & Michael Heath Ltd
