Over the last couple of decades, the building and construction industry in Kenya has seen enormous growth brought about by several factors, among them increased demand for housing motivated by population growth, and an emergence of a lifestyle-driven middle class.
This has in turn attracted many enterprises dealing in the manufacture and distribution of building materials out to cash in on the demand. Indeed it has become a multi-billion shilling industry. The challenge though, has been quality and professionalism, which has in recent times been blamed for collapsing of buildings leading to loss of lives and revenue.
Space and Style Ltd is a building products solutions company born out of the desire to bridge this gap and insatiable business acumen. Pricked by the awareness of the disappointment suffered by many people who used inferior products, Winnie Ngumi set out on a search for a remedy that would answer the call for quality, durable yet affordable building products. Her initial research led her to the discovery of stone-coated Decra roofing tiles.
At this time, she had just learnt about stone coated metal tiles manufactured in New Zealand. Inspired by a nagging urge to change the roofing solutions landscape in Kenya, she contacted the manufacturer to propose a distributorship deal. In 2002, Space and Style took the Kenyan roofing solutions market by a storm after clinching the deal with AHI Roofing New Zealand. This put Winnie on the path to success as her company became the sole distributor of the Decra range of products in Kenya.
Although the new products were initially received with some resistance (like most new innovations), Winnie worked closely with building consultants who understood and appreciated the quality and benefits of Decra roofing tiles. They supported her by changing design specifications in their designs and bills of quantities and recommending Decra roofing solutions. Another initial challenge Winnie faced was the long-held perception that heavy roofing was synonymous with stability and strength. That’s what she had come to disrupt, and with resounding success. The light weight roofing products eventually gained traction in the market and demand grew.
To improve the supply turnaround times for her customers, Space & Style Ltd began stocking the Decra range of products to shorten the supply chain and deliver on customer expectations.
The boom in the construction industry between 2003 and 2013 was God-sent for the nascent company that was battling it out with the well established local manufacturers. To carve out a niche for herself, Winnie focused on nurturing strong relationships with contractors, installers and developers who became her brand ambassadors as they highly recommended or purchased her roofing products.
Started about six years ago, the program has graduated over 1500 technicians from across the country. Due to continuous improvement and introduction of new products, the company conducts continuous skill upgrading trainings for both old and new technicians at its own cost. Upon completion of the training, the technicians are then certified and accredited. Through this programme, Space and Style ltd has contributed immensely to the promotion of quality and compliance in the industry, winning itself numerous accolades.
Space and Style ltd has had a fulfilling relationship with ABC Bank since 2011. Winnie describes that relationship:
“Our relationship has been built on a strong mutual understanding. ABC Bank understands our business and is very versatile and responsive to our financial needs. We have developed a personal relationship with our Relationship Manager and our issues are handled with speed and professionalism”.
Space and Style Ltd can be reached on: Email: info@spaceandstyle.co.ke; Tel: +254 20 208 6700 Web: www.spaceandstyle.co.ke