Navigating Brexit: What UK Builders Merchants Need to Know About E-commerce

Brexit’s impact on UK builders merchants

Brexit has brought a whirlwind of changes for UK builders merchants. The new trade rules, tariffs, and customs checks have made importing materials more complex and costly. According to the Federation of Master Builders, 83% of builders have experienced delays due to Brexit. This has led to increased prices and longer lead times, affecting project timelines and budgets.

Moreover, the uncertainty surrounding Brexit has made it difficult for builders merchants to plan for the future. Many are unsure about the long-term impact on their supply chains and customer demand. This uncertainty has made it crucial for builders merchants to adapt and find new ways to stay competitive in the market.

Adapting to new trade regulations

Navigating the new trade regulations post-Brexit is no small feat. Builders merchants must now deal with additional paperwork, customs declarations, and potential tariffs. The British Chambers of Commerce reported that 49% of UK firms have faced difficulties with the new customs procedures. This has made it essential for builders merchants to stay informed and compliant with the latest regulations.

One way to adapt is by leveraging technology. Digital tools can help streamline the customs process, reducing the time and effort required to manage paperwork. For instance, iWeb’s e-commerce expertise can assist builders merchants in integrating their systems with customs software, ensuring a smoother and more efficient process.

Leveraging e-commerce to stay competitive

In the face of Brexit challenges, e-commerce has become a vital tool for builders merchants. By embracing online sales, merchants can reach a wider audience and reduce their reliance on traditional supply chains. According to the Office for National Statistics, online sales in the UK grew by 46% in 2020, highlighting the potential for e-commerce.

Here at iWeb, our expert solution architects can help builders merchants create a robust e-commerce platform. With iWeb’s 29 years of e-commerce experience, we can design and develop a user-friendly website that meets the unique needs of builders merchants. This includes features like real-time inventory updates, seamless payment processing, and personalised customer experiences.

Enhancing customer experience through digital transformation

A key aspect of successful e-commerce is providing an exceptional customer experience. Builders merchants must ensure their online platforms are easy to navigate, with clear product information and efficient customer support. A study by PwC found that 73% of consumers consider customer experience a crucial factor in their purchasing decisions.

Our talented team at iWeb can help builders merchants enhance their customer experience through digital transformation. By integrating tools like Adobe Experience Manager and Adobe Analytics, we can provide insights into customer behaviour and preferences. This allows merchants to tailor their offerings and improve customer satisfaction.

Integrating ERP systems for seamless operations

Efficient operations are essential for builders merchants to thrive in the post-Brexit landscape. Integrating ERP systems can help streamline processes, from inventory management to order fulfilment. Epicor BisTrack ERP integration, for example, can provide real-time data on stock levels, helping merchants avoid stockouts and overstocking.

iWeb’s e-commerce expertise includes end-to-end BisTrack integration, ensuring a seamless connection between your e-commerce platform and ERP system. This integration can improve efficiency, reduce errors, and provide valuable insights into your business operations.

Utilising PIM systems for better product management

Managing product information is crucial for builders merchants, especially when dealing with a large inventory. A Product Information Management (PIM) system can help centralise and organise product data, making it easier to update and maintain. Akeneo PIM, for instance, offers a user-friendly interface and powerful features for managing product information.

iWeb are expert Akeneo PIM Integrators, and our talented team can help you implement and integrate a PIM system tailored to your needs. This can improve the accuracy and consistency of your product data, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Exploring new market opportunities

Brexit has opened up new market opportunities for builders merchants. With the right e-commerce strategy, merchants can expand their reach beyond the UK and tap into international markets. According to the Department for International Trade, UK exports of building materials and components were worth £8.5 billion in 2020.

Our talented in-house team at iWeb can help you explore these opportunities by developing a scalable e-commerce platform. With features like multi-currency support and international shipping options, you can attract customers from around the world and grow your business.

Partnering with an experienced e-commerce agency

Navigating the complexities of Brexit and e-commerce can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Partnering with an experienced e-commerce agency like iWeb can provide the expertise and support you need to succeed. With our track record in e-commerce and our talented UK team, we can help you overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by Brexit.

Whether you need help with Magento development, ERP integration, or enhancing your customer experience, iWeb – an enterprise e-commerce agency – is here to support you. Reach out to iWeb today to learn how we can help you navigate the post-Brexit landscape and achieve your digital transformation goals.