Wi-Safe Connect is a professional “B2B” management system comprising Sprue's own FireAngel and SONA branded Wi-Safe 2 enabled products* connected to the internet via a small gateway plugged into a hub via an Ethernet cable. Sprue's products store unique diagnostic information which is sent over the internet to a laptop or smart phone where a personalised dashboard provides instant alerts to the user.
Wi-Safe Connect is ideal for customers who require real time monitoring and status notification of single or multiple networks of alarms. Networks are easily scalable and can be expanded by adding additional devices.
Commenting on the launch of Wi-Safe Connect, Graham Whitworth, Executive Chairman, said:
“Wi-Safe Connect provides customers with significant cost savings from being able to remotely monitor installed networks of products rather than having to physically inspect alarms annually during the ten year life. This new product proposition moves Sprue into the connected homes market for the first time and I am delighted to hear such positive customer feedback following the show.”
Products* include both mains and battery powered smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms, plus Sprue's own hearing and visually impaired devices
LAUNCH of carbon monoxide awareness campaign in france
Sprue recently launched “Un Cri d'alarme”, an integrated television, radio and digital regional and national marketing campaign to raise awareness of CO in France. The campaign was developed “in-house” by the Company's Marketing & Creative Team.
In the first week of the campaign, and albeit from a relatively low sales base, weekly sales “through the till” of Sprue's CO products doubled.
“Un Cri d'alarme” is supported by a number of leading French retailers, including Carrefour and Castorama, who, together with Sprue, are seeking to significantly increase awareness of the dangers of CO across approximately 21 million homes in France. The campaign follows on from the Company's highly successful “Project Shout” and “Go with CO” campaigns in the UK which increased awareness of the danger of CO in the home and contributed to the 68% increase in the Company's UK Retail sales in H1 2016 to £7.5m (H1 2015: £4.5m).
Commenting on the launch of the marketing campaign in France, Neil Smith, Chief Executive Officer, said:
“We estimate that only 5% of the 26 million homes in France currently have a CO alarm installed compared with approximately 28% of homes in the UK. We are optimistic that the increased marketing activity combined with our leading brands in France will significantly drive CO sales in this important emerging market. By increasing the awareness of the dangers of CO, there is no doubt that our products will continue to save lives by protecting people from the odourless, tasteless and invisible killer, which is CO.”
Germany update
As expected, Sprue recently secured further orders with an aggregate value of €1.7m which will be shipped before 31 December 2016 to its principal German customer, EPS. The Board is pleased with the sales growth into Germany since the introduction of Sprue's certified products with a Panasonic battery which is driving revenue and building on Sprue's reputation for high quality products. The Board believes that Sprue is well positioned for further sales growth into Germany.
SPRUE'S RANGE OF FIREANGEL CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS SECURES WHICH? Magazine BEST BUY STATUS
The widely read and respected consumer magazine Which? has tested a wide range of 16 different CO detectors in the UK across various brands with Sprue's range of FireAngel CO alarms all receiving Best Buy status.
Graham Whitworth, Executive Chairman, commented:
“We are delighted at the recognition from Which? magazine which reflects our continued commitment to design and manufacture products to the highest possible standards and performance.”