84% of tradespeople said they had never undertaken any training in smart home technology, according to a recent poll carried out by the UK’s largest online supplier of ironmongery, IronmongeryDirect.
Conducted in the lead up to Smart Home Week (21- 27 May) the poll revealed that despite the rise in popularity of smart home products, many tradespeople are still unprepared for the increasing customer demand.
Nearly 30% of UK homeowners now own at least one smart home product[1]. This increase is reaffirmed by IronmongeryDirect expecting sales of smart technology to more than double this year. This is in addition to previous national research carried out by the leading online ironmongery supplier, which showed that almost 90% of tradespeople are not confident when advising customers on smart products.
Only one in ten tradespeople said they felt “very confident” when it comes to offering guidance on smart products, including products such as smart cameras, smart alarms and locks which can be connected to smartphones.
Now in its second year, Smart Home Week aims to raise the profile of smart home technology and to inform, educate and reassure consumers about the benefits and opportunities of living in a smart, connected way.
Wayne Lysaght-Mason, Managing Director of IronmongeryDirect, said: “Smart products are redefining the way that a property functions, and there is a clear need for tradespeople to keep abreast of the developments involving smart technology. With basic burglar alarms now enhanced to monitor, control and interact with a home or business premises from a smartphone or tablet, we are just at the beginning of this smart tech revolution.
“There is still a demand for traditional products, but these new smart alternatives should not be ignored. There are some fantastic products on the market, whether you want to specialise in security, lighting, heating or household appliances.”
Training organisations around the UK offer courses in smart technology, including the AWE Smart Home Academy in Surrey, which equips tradespeople with the skills and confidence they need to advise customers on the technology. For instin Surrey, which equips tradespeople with the skills and confidence they need to advise customers on the technology. For instance, its Foundation Workshop is aimed at the less experienced residential smart technology installer and focuses on the fundamentals of custom installation.
IronmongeryDirect stocks a variety of products including the The Yale® Easy Fit Telecommunicating Alarm, a top-of-the-range house alarm, the Yale® Smart HD1080 4 Camera CCTV Kit a durable and hard-wearing product that can monitor a property with its high definition video quality camera and the Yale® Conexis L1 Multipoint Smart Lock.
The customer service team are available from 7am-8pm 7 days a week and can help with any questions or queries you may have about smart home technology.
IronmongeryDirect has over 16,500 products available and in stock. Orders can be placed as late as 8pm for next day delivery from Sunday through to Friday and by 4pm on Saturdays. Free, no quibble returns are available on all products.
For more information, visit IronmongeryDirect.com or call their team of specialist advisors on 0800 168 28 28