Steve Scogings
CIH/Euronics wrapped up the year with its annual Suppliers’ Christmas Lunch last week, where Chairman, Steve Scogings, reviewed the events of 2024 and bid a fond farewell to outgoing CIH Chief Executive, Paul Tyler, who steps down in April.
“This has certainly been a year of change,” said Mr Scogings, addressing his Lunch guests. “We now have a new Labour government and they have certainly not stood still. The challenges we will face as retailers next year will be harder than ever, with increases to our rates, minimum wage hikes, and additional National Insurance costs…
“However, while these challenges are real, this year has also laid a solid foundation for what could be an extremely successful year for CIH and its members.”
In the prestigious Ballroom at Claridge’s in the heart of London’s Mayfair, Mr Scogings spoke about the two new brands that CIH created this year, highlighting how some manufacturers continue to invest in their Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) offerings, and he acknowledged how this move could be seen as competition to existing brands within the group…
“But remember, CIH is here to work with you, not against you, to drive your brands forward,” Mr Scogings said. “We see the value in collaborating with those who recognise the benefits we bring, while also securing our future by offering our own products alongside yours.”
Claridge’s in Mayfair
He pointed out that Euronics does not own its own factories, and as such, it relies on manufacturing partners to help it create future product lines. Mr Scogings said he is always open to meeting with any existing brand partners to discuss how they can work better together…
“In short, this should not be seen as a negative,” he added. “If we approach it proactively, it can lead to fruitful partnerships for both sides. We truly have the best group of members in the industry, and we are eager to prove that to you at every opportunity.”
Moving on, Mr Scogings revealed details of a new partnership between CIH and Domestic & General, with the aim of facilitating a new insurance provider for the group’s members. The companies have developed a unique offering that will not only provide CIH members with a market-leading insurance product but also help the group to establish a CIH service network. This network will be able to handle both insurance and manufacturer-related repairs, but it will also be focused on addressing the pressing need to train the next generation of engineers for the future.
In addition, Euronics will be making further enhancements to its website throughout 2025 and it will be adding finance options too with the inclusion of Klarna, and as well as that, next year will also see the creation of a new learning platform for CIH members and staff.
“This platform will ensure that we maintain the highest levels of professionalism for our mutual consumers,” said Mr Scogings. “A special thank you to Paul Laville from T21 Group for his work on this project to date.”
Clockwise from top left: Steve Scogings and Paul Tyler from CIH presented the awards to Beko, Sony, Beko and BSH
As part of the festive lunch, CIH also presented its supplier awards – to recognise the brands that have best supported CIH members over the past year…
White Goods Supplier of the Year went to Beko Group – “which has shown a willingness to work with CIH and increase its average margin”.
The award for Brown Goods Supplier of the Year went to Sony – “which has consistently maintained good stock levels and provided a higher-than-average margin opportunity while showing professionalism and collaboration with CIH”.
The winner of the Supporter of the Independents award was Beko – “for its commitment to the independent electrical retailers. The brand has continued to keep our members’ needs foremost in all they do, and they have also looked at how we can further improve the relationship to encourage an even better working in the future.”
The final award – the Members’ Choice Supplier of the Year – was voted for by the members. “This award truly reflects the hard work and dedication of your field teams; it demonstrates that you are working well with the members, and have not become complacent.” The winner of this award for 2024 was BSH.
