AO plugs into lettings market
ONLINE electrical retailer AO is continuing its push into the business market with a new team focused on the student lettings and UK holiday let sectors.
The team has been launched with the appointment of domestic appliances sales director Phil Smith.
Phil has more than 20 years’ experience in electrical sales and retail, including 15 years with Domestic Appliance Distributors as director of sales for the UK and Ireland.
AO’s B2B division, AO Business, has continued expanding its business model this year, including the autumn launch of a housebuilding sector team, with a pitch based on offering developers a new way to buy electrical appliances for new-build housing.
Phil will build a team to open up opportunities with developers of student accommodation and holiday lets and parks.
Both markets are expected to see continued expansion in the coming years with increasing student numbers and more people staying in the UK for holidays.
Mr Smith said: “These are two potentially hugely lucrative markets for a businessfocused retailer which is willing to do things differently.
“There is a significant opportunity for an online electrical retailer like
AO to transform the way we sell to the business sector. Firms buying multiple appliances want to be able to take advantage of bulk deliveries and discounts – but they also want a great service, reliability and a good track record on energy efficiency and sustainability.”
AO Business MD Anthony Sant said: “AO Business continues to expand with the appointment of Phil Smith and our push into these new and promising markets. We’re confident businesses will welcome the AO way of doing things in these sectors and will reap the benefits when it comes to price, range, convenience, reliability and service.” He added: “When AO entered the domestic appliance market 20 years ago we were on a mission to disrupt and to give consumers more choice, more options and lower prices.
“Now we’re bringing that approach to business customers.”
These are two potentially hugely lucrative markets Phil Smith