Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
National Home Improvement Month (NHIM) concluded at the end of April, following a countrywide campaign to get consumers improving their homes.
The initiative was introduced in response to the findings of 2018’s National Home Improvement Week, which revealed that almost three-quarters of consumers (69%) across the UK were found ‘not to love’ their homes, only 21% felt proud of their homes and 10% reported feeling embarrassed by their homes.
BHETA (British Home Enhancement Trade Association) launched the 30-day promotion for the first time this year calling upon home-dwellers to #makeonechange – big or small.
Backed by ambassadors Julia Kendell (the former host of BBC One series ‘DIY SOS’ and ITV’s ‘60 Minute Makeover’) and Georgina Burnett (TV presenter, DIY enthusiast and property developer), the public were encouraged to get started with home improvements by noting all the benefits that home improvements can bring.
Georgina commented: “It’s been so rewarding hearing about and seeing the efforts that people have made to their flats and houses, having been inspired by NHIM. They’re still coming in, so hopefully the motivation will last the year!”
Julia added: “It’s been a phenomenal month of DIY and home improvements and I’m thrilled to see so many people pulling their sleeves up and getting stuck-in. NHIM has provided a kick-start for people to undertake exciting refurbishment projects and I hope the momentum will continue.
“There is so much to be gained from learning new DIY and decorating skills to produce rooms in your home that support and inspire you. I encourage everyone to consider tackling their own home improvements to achieve a huge sense of satisfaction and create a home they love!”
A total of 17,346,416 people across the country were reached, fuelling a national movement. NHIM also featured on national radio stations and national publications specialising in homes such as ‘Real Homes’, ‘Modern Homes’, ‘Ideal Home’, ‘Homestyle’ and the home edition of ‘The Telegraph’.
Focusing on four themed weeks of home improvements, from gardening to smart home technology, NHIM included with a competition that offered the chance to win £750 worth of home improvement goodies from NHIM sponsors L G Harris, Valspar and Schneider Electrics. The contest was won by Caroline Cordery of Birmingham, whose prize will help her revamp her stairwell.
BHETA chief operating officer Will Jones said: “We’re delighted that we successfully evolved Home Improvement Week into Home Improvement Month this year and have inspired millions across the UK to make one change to their homes to help them love the home they live in’
“With house sales in the UK stagnant, the trend to improve rather than move gathers pace as consumers are exercising caution about significant investments. NHIM has been a shot in the arm for retailers, persuading homeowners and renters that home improvement can be fulfilling with the right information, knowledge and tools to help them with their tasks.”
For further information visit the National Home Improvement Month website. More information on the ambassadors is available via the respective websites for Julia Kendell and Georgina Burnett.
