January 2014
6
A happy and prosperous new year to everyone
It is said true love never runs smooth. Business performance
will never increase in a straight line. There will be factors
beyond your control which will affect confidence, cost, supply,
and then there is likely to be the up or downside of Political
Decisions, National, Regional or Global.
We have enjoyed success over the last five years mainly
by being in front of the market, by innovation, by providing
solutions, by partnership with World Brand Leaders. These
actions have given us the edge and have grown our business
ahead of the market and thereby increased our market share.
Within our customer profile I have seen changes, not just
customer change by trading title, but change and recognition
that they must change their trading style. The basic route of
manufacturer to dealer to user/customer now has different
dynamics. The identification of need is different.
Currently the need is for unique differing finishes, wider
colour palettes, quality to provide longer durability. Nairobi
traffic flow or lack of it has changed the distribution routes;
growth in Ongata, Athi River, and the new Southern Ring Road
has seen the emergence of new but strong ‘Locality Dealers’.
Within the commercial and manufacturing sectors of our
economy, great stress is on Environmental matters, Health &
Safety.
Training is now a major investment to raise standards, to
encourage people to take leadership; to move away from
family only managed businesses.
This issue of Brushstrokes proves to the maximum our
leadership skills. It demonstrates the width of product
offer in line with the changing demographics and lifestyle
expectations. The new product launches have varied from
pre-finish products which will never be seen, but set the scene
for optimum quality finishing.
Message from the
Group CEO
Rakesh Rao
From Armourcoat U.K, comes a range of polished plaster and
sculptural designs which will bring to Kenya finishes normally
associated with Kings and Presidents. In the next issue I will share
with you a plan that the directors, managers and myself are now
evolving towards. To change product qualities, the enlargement
and enhancement of providing customer education, advice and
choice.
Crown Paints security seals have been developed to reduce
criminal elements and the effects, are working. It was action taken
to link us directly to our dealers and the final customer.
The year end did as forcasted produce volumes 20% ahead of
2012. We have set ourselves new goals for 2014. There is always
room to re-focus and achieve more. How many of you achieved
20%? and whether your business did or did not have you set new
targets? We look forward to working with you all in 2014 - another
20%. Growth wold be an ideal target for us all.
