"The tile industry is, like many sectors, feeling the squeeze. It is during difficult trading conditions that the strongest players demonstrate their strength by succeeding in their continued growth. The market will continue to be driven by the demand for quality - both in product and service. Consumers and specifiers will often look at reducing their budgets but without sacrificing the quality of the product. By maintaining and improving standards, members can take a stance and justify higher prices by proving that their work is carried out to a recognised fixing standard, and that their products conform to manufacturing standards.                                                                              

TTA can financially assist companies and individuals by continuing to provide the well-publicised member benefits, which include cheaper credit card handling rates and cheaper insurance. Members also have access to legal and technical helplines, to help them on more challenging occasions.

 TTA is also continuing to promote ceramic tiles and stone as a preferential surface over its rivals. We have recently launched a television advertising campaign which is currently being shown on the UKTV Style channel. We have also attended The National Homebuilding & Renovation Show, providing a source of information to consumers whether they be enquiring about technical installations, or wanting to know their nearest TTA retailer.

The fixing sector is being challenged by a new breed of tile fixer who has attended a short-term fixing course. I want to understand the needs of these newcomers to the industry and help them improve their standard of tile installation by encouraging a programme of ongoing training and assessment. I believe that we should be an inclusive, not an exclusive, Association. We shall soon be offering a revised training plan for the retail sector. Likewise, we should be widening our training opportunities for tile fixers".

For further information contact a TTA member tile supplier, phone 020 8663 0946 or look on TTA website at http://www.tiles.org.uk/.

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