New programme is a win-win-win for Talasey, merchants and landscapers  

Let’s be very clear about one thing: Talasey has, and will continue to have, a merchant-only supply policy. We have no interest in selling our products through any channels other than directly to or through our merchant customers. We have no interest in setting up websites where landscapers and contractors can buy direct, and we have no intention of having nod-and-wink relationships with contractors who are currently members of our Designer & Installer Network. 

But what we have done is looked at our Designer & Installer Network and thought how we could do this better by bringing merchants into the equation. 

The current situation 

Currently, our network is a select group of independent professionals who we have partnered with to deliver high-quality design and installation of our Talasey ranges.  

There are no associated fees, and we work closely with members and their preferred merchants. We also add value through a series of exclusive benefits – such as having the support of our dedicated landscape consultants – as well as providing marketing and lead-generation support. 

The scheme has worked well and the network has grown steadily over the years, but it has leaned more towards landscapers and contractors than it has merchants.  

On reflection, the stumbling block with merchants was that although they stock our core ranges, their ability to signpost our full array of accessories, which includes high-margin, premium landscaping products, was often overlooked. Yes, they are readily available in the annual catalogue that we produce, but this is not always front of mind for counter teams in merchants.  

Why the Partner Programme and why now? 

In short, why now is because we recognise the untapped market potential of Talasey products and the opportunity to drive sales of non-core, premium landscaping products without requiring merchants to take in stock. Let me repeat that: the Partner Programme doesn’t require merchants to take on the risk of additional stock. 

How will it work? 

The Talasey Sales Team (which includes our Area Sales Managers for each region) will be the primary drivers of the programme by increasing engagement with both existing and new landscapers, contractors, builders, designers and architects in a bid to create a greater sense of community where loyalty, excellence and growth are recognised and celebrated. 

As part of the engagement with Partners, the Talasey Sales Team will signpost our in-house support – such as design services – which can help Partners to create plans for stunning outdoor spaces using an array of materials and products (often including materials that contractors and homeowners won’t see on display at their local merchant). To support the merchant, we can then fulfil orders with the non-core items required to make up a complete inventory of materials that they can sell to their contractor customers to complete installations. 

Strengthening relationships with merchants 

We liken the new Partner Programme to merchants having an additional specialist landscaping member of the team in each branch, who can make recommendations to the merchant’s customers so that they have everything they need to place an order. This, in turn, means merchants have more opportunities to generate additional revenue without increasing stockholding – as in many cases, the materials can be sent direct to site. 

Benefits for landscapers and contractors 

As Partners’ sales and loyalty increase, so does their benefits package. This gives them increased access to training and business development materials, exclusive promotions and awards. Sales are also converted into points for leaderboard positions to win trips. All of these benefits and more will be accessible through a new portal exclusively for Partners. 

Launching in Spring 

We’re thrilled about the new Partner Programme because it is a win-win-win for everyone – merchants, their customers, and Talasey. But perhaps even more exciting than building a strong community of landscaping professionals and likeminded merchants who want to grow is the chance to showcase some incredible products that don’t usually make it to the branch shelves but have the power to transform outdoor spaces into truly stunning designs.

First published in Builders Merchant Journal in March 2025 (BMJ March 2025 :: 44)