Shading Products UK explains how an awning can help your business and why autumn is the time to invest in one.

As the economy starts to see signs of recovery, many businesses are beginning to feel a little more confident about investing once again.

An awning can be a great addition to a business, increasing its presence on the high street and making it more eye-catching to passing trade. However, whilst an awning may not seem to be the natural choice with the onset of autumn, it can be a great time to buy and it is important that retailers communicate the value of awnings to potential businesses.

It is a great entry-level choice and can provide increased seating for delicatessens and cafés by covering the business forecourt area. As the days get chillier, it can offer a useful shelter, helping cafés to elongate their alfresco season.

Duncan Chapman, managing director of Shading Products UK, says: “We always see a real uplift in enquires in September and October and at Shading Products UK we understand the importance of assisting our retailers throughout the year. This autumn, we will be stepping up our retailer support with our retailer manual. It provides useful details on our service package and also informs retailers of our retailer and marketing support package. We know that marketing any business to potential customers is key and with this in mind we have put together a range of tools to help retailers promote our products to their customers.’’

The marketing tools include pop-up stands; direct mail and E-shot templates to send to potential customers; and an advertising template.

Shading Products UK has over 17 years’ experience in providing outdoor solutions for homes and businesses. Working closely with manufacturers from across Europe, it offers a wide range of products from awnings to terrace covers, which are both stylish and aspirational, and functional and practical.

To assist retailers, Shading Products UK has launched a complete sales package to aid selling including a customer brochure, a training manual, and technical information on the entire range.

Recognising that the needs of domestic and commercial customers are very different, the company has produced two separate brochures, one targeted specifically for domestic and one for commercial customers.

• For a free SPUK brochure, call the sales team on 0870 803 0599.