Training manager for Grohe UK Michael Gray talks about the need for Trade Club

Q: There seems to be a lot of focus by bathroom manufacturers to embrace and help the installer, why and why now? 

A: Grohe recognises the important role installers can play in the decision-making process. Customers can rely on their installer’s knowledge when deciding and choosing which products to place in their bathrooms or kitchens. We also recognise installers will promote and install products they are comfortable with, installing often through knowing how long it takes. As customers are becoming more discerning, through self-selecting products, installers also need to adapt and install products customers have spent considerable time researching. Grohe is on hand to help to improve installer’s knowledge of our products through hands-on training sessions, which aim to demonstrate the ease of installation.

Q: Why are manufacturers taking it upon themselves to do training, rather than supporting more established and more conventional plumbing paths, such as colleges? Are colleges not doing enough?

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A: In the past Grohe has approached colleges and found attendees are learning about Water Regulations and UK water systems, for example. For this reason, we have been advised dedicated product training is not as important when giving future installers the tools necessary to be competent upon completion of their course.

Q: What is the standard of bathroom fitting/plumbing in the UK and how does it compare to, for example, mainland Europe?

A: Installers in the UK have a far greater array of water systems to deal with and because of this, in my opinion; UK installers are more highly skilled as they need the knowledge base to meet these different installation requirements.

Q: Can you explain what the Grohe Trade Club is about, who it is targeted at, and the benefits for attendees?

A: The Grohe Trade Club offers training courses designed to provide installers with all the knowledge required to fit Grohe products correctly. These courses allow for practical hands-on training, being able to see the products and discuss installation scenarios and often through the installers experience they can bring their examples of situation, which in turn allows for them to learn new ways and methods of installation. As well as training, Grohe Trade Club members can benefit from a cash back reward scheme, with all products coming with a 2% rebate which are claimed back each quarter, eligiblity to claim 10% off their next Grohe order, listing on our website as a recommended installer , regular new product updates and the latest training dates through our dedicated newsletters, and access to frequently asked questions about Grohe products and services.

Q: What training is available through the Grohe Trade Club?

A: These cover a variety of products from our digital shower offering to Grohe’s filter water tap.To sign up to any training installers can visit our Grohe Trade Club website. Grohe Training is free and we are offering dates up and down the country to reach as many installers as possible.

Q: Can bathroom and kitchen showrooms suggest their own fitting/sub-contracted fitting teams?

A: The training is firstly aimed at supporting the self-employed installer or small companies, however, we are able to train fitting teams or sub-contractors at kitchen or bathroom showrooms. There are even incentives for showrooms if they have more than 10 installers/fitters/sub-contractors attend.

Q: How many plumbers have joined the Grohe Trade Club and what is your target?

A: To date we have over 3,000 installers signed up as members. Our aim is to reach as many installers as possible. Our long term goal is to be the preferred brand of choice for any installer, with ongoing training and support to encourage them to recommend and fit Grohe.