62 Have any styles taken you by surprise with their popularity? Shortly after the launch of our Tide Clock we received customer feedback suggesting a more traditionally worded ‘High Water / Low Water’ edition would be welcomed. We really loved this idea and worked with customers to develop and launch a limited edition alongside our standard Tide Clock, which has proved so popular it has taken a permanent place in our dial line up. How do you keep your designs fresh and current? Do you follow trends? We have a few ways to make sure we stay on trend or fresh for our customers. One element is creating designs in house. By designing in house our staff (from every area of the business) can contribute, give their input whilst feeling they have added something special to our company. Our products then become a showcase of our staff’s craft and passion, which can’t be replicated anywhere else. What sets you apart from your competitors? Our business is different to our competitors because of the team behind the name ClimeMET. Each member of staff has a wealth of product knowledge and we are very proud of the great customer support we are able to offer because of this. How are you finding the current climate in the UK? Is it affecting business? Changing shopping habits as the result of the pandemic and increasing costs worldwide for both customers and business undoubtedly makes for a difficult trading environment. But, as has always been the case this can allow for small business creativity and ingenuity. How do you view the future of independent retail post-pandemic? We very much feel that customers are eager to get back out into the community and re-connect with small businesses. The social interaction shopping on the high street and with independent retailers offers is in itself of high value after the restrictions we have all experienced. Are you active on social media? How is this important for the business? We are on most social media platforms and we try to be as active as possible without bombarding our followers. We serve a large demographic and understand that some of our loyal audience can only be reached through magazines, leaflets and more traditional methods. That’s why we aim for a healthy balance of them all whilst also understanding that our business needs to ensure it keeps up with latest methods. Do you have any advice for new businesses starting out in the world of gifts? It would probably have to be an endless passion for your product and the USP behind it. Seek advice from those around you. ClimeMET has been incredibly lucky to work with a network of Suffolk small businesses – sharing knowledge and experiences can really help you on the road to success in those early days. What can we expect in the future from the company? With ClimeMET we are always looking to innovate and create a company that leaves a lasting legacy. We work hard to support our surrounding environment and as part of this are a Platinum member of the Green Business Bureau. In terms of what our customers can expect from our products, we would have to say expect us to continue bringing you high quality, eco-friendly, creative weather equipment. CLIMEMET T: +44 (0)1787 883 138 www.ClimeMET.com
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