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Platform on sun and daylight control, shutters, patio covers and closures
It is almost a tradition already: the Romazo Branchedag! In early November, the Rijtuigenloods in Amersfoort hosted the fourth edition of this biennial event. The interest was good (although of course it could always be better), the program interesting and the opportunity to meet each other in a relaxed atmosphere more than sufficient. In short, a successful event.
The industry day is organized in a joint effort by Romazo Professionals and Romazo Manufacturers and Suppliers. An important role was also played by branch manager Jeroen de Roos, who attended his first branch day as successor to Martin Straver, who stepped down last year.
Led by Buzzmaster and based on statements, the sun protection specialists engaged in a discussion with each other and with a panel.
’In the morning, members of Romazo Professionals had first held vigorous meetings in private. The ensuing, extensive lunch for members and non-members of the trade association marked the start of the afternoon program. While the inner man was fortified, there was ample opportunity to visit the stands of the members of Romazo Manufacturers and Suppliers, making the industry day a kind of mini-exhibition.
It is sometimes said that the awning industry is rather conservative, but that notion was immediately belied by the interactive panel discussion led by Buzzmaster, in which polls among attendees could be brought directly into discussion. From the questions posed to the audience, propositions emerged that were then discussed with a panel including Chris Kollen, director-owner of Sunmaster, Dennis Schoormans, director-owner of Schlappi Marquees, Frank van Kerkwijk, owner of Ambiance IJmond, Remco Roelofs, owner of Siemar Zonwering, Garagedeuren and Overkappingen and president Eddy Hillebrand of Romazo Professionals were discussed. “That leidde to heated discussion, but also to funny situations,” Jeroen de Roos said.
Led by Buzzmaster and based on statements, the sun protection specialists engaged in a discussion with each other and with a panel.
One of the issues raised, and generated much discussion, was direct supply by manufacturers. Taking the dealer out of it would mean that today's sun protection specialists would increasingly transform into assembly companies. Most of the manufacturers and suppliers present kept a low profile in the discussion, but Toon van Osta of ROMA Benelux had an outspoken opinion: “As a sun protection specialist, I would immediately throw a manufacturer who delivers directly out of my showroom!” But the sun protection professionals present did appear to see direct delivery as a real direction of development, and many expected at least half of them to be direct suppliers within ten years.
Romazo Branch Manager Jeroen de Roos.
What may then also play a role is the fact that the group of awning professionals is aging. It was one of the issues that emerged from the questions put to attendees by Buzzmaster. Also not to be underestimated in this context is the increasing lack of technically skilled personnel, a development that all of the Netherlands is complaining about. Solar shading mechanics are increasingly difficult to find, and solar shading professionals are struggling to get their work done.
Another issue presented to the room was summer closing. What does the awning professional do? Does he keep his business open through the summer or does he close for a few weeks, then take the pain, only to resume full steam ahead. This issue also generated interesting discussion, with no real outcome, as whether or not to close completely seems to depend more on personal preferences and local conditions anyway.
After the panel discussion, Boudewijn Goedhart of Bouwkennis spoke about the development of new construction in the coming years and the consequences of the nitrogen issue. Important for sun protection professionals in the Netherlands and Belgium, because after all, more construction activity means a larger market for sun protection and outdoor living products. Goedhart expressed the expectation that - despite the still rising housing demand - growth in building production will level off in the coming years: from 71,000 houses in 2018 to 68,000 in 2019 and 67,000 in 2020. Given the large housing additions in the recent period, this is not so surprising. Moreover, the nitrogen crisis will also make its mark. It is true that the government is trying to take the pressure off by lowering standards, but in spite of this, (housing) construction projects have already been halted due to excessive nitrogen emissions, a development that is certainly expected to affect construction production in the coming years.
SME foreman Jacco Vonhof captivated the audience.
The presentation by Jacco Vonhof, president of MKB-Nederland, was a hit, according to Jeroen de Roos. “Vonhof is a born speaker - everything by heart - and knew immediately how to hit the right tone. He proved to have an exact feel for what SME entrepreneurs find important, but also what is going on in our industry,” the Romazo branch manager summarized the SME chairman's performance succinctly. “He also shows that he can offer sufficient counterbalance to VNO-NCW, which mainly stands up for big business.”
A playful quiz concluded the program.
Vonhof spoke, for example, about the Balanced Labor Market Act (WAB), which will take effect January 1, 2020. This law is intended to give flexible employees more security and make permanent employees more flexible. Employers will start paying a lower WW premium for employees with a permanent contract as of January 1. Payroll employees will get a better legal status and conditions of employment, and on-call workers will get more job and income security. At least that is what the government claims, but Vonhof thinks otherwise: “Employers don't like it and employees don't like it, so in that respect there is balance,” was his cynical response to this law. And, “The consequence is that the personnel costs for employers will continue to increase and it solves nothing else.” A painful conclusion from the SME foreman that I hope politicians will do something with.
Because the bow cannot always be tight, the afternoon program ended in a playful way with a funny quiz, in which teams had to be worked on. To keep it still a bit educational, the questions were industry-related. The drinks and closing walking dinner - every opportunity to network, share experiences and so on - were enlivened by a table magician.
During the Romazo Branchedag, Wonnink from Amersfoort was named Zonvakker van het Jaar.
“All in all, another very successful day,” evaluates branch manager Jeroen de Roos. “The Romazo Branchedag is informative and entertaining, and an excellent networking event.” However, the branch manager and the organization are thinking about a new name. “The Romazo Branchedag is expressly intended for the entire industry and not just for Romazo members, but the name seems to cause confusion about this among many awning specialists. We should look into that ahead of the next Branch Day in two years.” Not only does the industry continue to evolve, so does the industry association and the industry day.
