An Introduction to Ponsceramics

Written by Steve Collinge - International speaker, thought leader, retail influencer and commentator, MD Insight Retail Group & Executive Editor Insight DIY.

From time to time I like to raise the profile of certain businesses that I feel are making a real effort to deliver a point of difference in the world of Home Improvement. One such business that I’ve come across recently is Ponsceramics, a Spanish based company that has been representing Spanish and Italian Ceramic tile factories in the UK and Ireland since 1998.

The company is owned and run by George Pons who before establishing the company, worked in a ceramics factory for 4 years covering markets across all 5 continents. Since 1998, Ponsceramics has been developing a loyal base of more than 400 customers in the UK and Ireland offering an exciting range of products from four leading factories. Over the last 22 years George has focused on helping the customers to find the right products to cover their needs and delivering a tailored range of products for groups when requested to do so.

The Market

UK imports of Ceramic Tiles from Spain grew 6% in 2019 compared 2018 from ￡166m to ￡176m. However, during the period January to August 2020 YTD versus 2019, Spanish exports to the UK declined by 15%, according to data provided by ASCER, The Spanish Association for Spanish Producers of Ceramic Tiles.

Despite this decline, Ponsceramics have delivered significant growth in 2020, increasing their business over 23% year to date. In Ireland, imports of Spanish Ceramic tiles between Jan to Sept 2019 were €26.2 Million while Jan to Sept 2020 they reached €27.2 Million, an increase of 4%, however Ponsceramics sales in Ireland have grown 24% on last year.

I asked George what Ponsceramics has done differently in 2020 to out-perform the market so significantly during a period of huge challenge for many suppliers and retailers.

George told me “We had some very bad months this year specially April and May due to the Covid-19 lockdown, but we have seen a huge boost in sales over the summer months. With consumers having to stay home for two months, they realised that their homes needed improving and as soon as the lockdown was over, they have been investing in their homes again”.

In terms of the service they offer to their customers, George went on to say ‘We genuinely service our customers 24/7, 365 days a year, with a dedicated customer service team and with the support of the largest factories in Europe and the 4th largest worldwide in terms of the production and supply of Ceramic Tiles”.

With the COVID challenges of 2020, keeping in regular contact with customers and developing business with new customers in the UK and Ireland has been much tougher. Not to be put off, George has very effectively used virtual meetings to discuss and develop product opportunities with customers and combined with a 48hr sample service, has led to winning business with a number of new customers.

Ponsceramics, has been representing leading and Italian Ceramic tile factories since 1998 and here’s a flavour of the companies they represent.

Tau Cerámica

Tau Cerámica is a leading European tile manufacturer, supplying a stunning range of ceramic floor tiles, porcelain tiles and wall tiles. The tiles are available in a wide range of textures and finishes, including wood, metal, marble-effect, stone, textile and more.

Established in 1967, Tau is a leading brand with cutting-edge facilities, excellent distribution network and innovative products. You can see the broader Tau range at their website here. 

Geotiles

Combining elegant design with high functionality, Geotiles manufacture and supply a range of tiles fit for any beautiful interior. The range includes wall and floor tiles, in a wide range of finishes and options – including super-polished, polished, semi-polished, gloss, matt and a high shade variation.

Sustainability and innovation are key for Geotiles, where the tiles are manufactured using the latest automation technology in an environmentally friendly way. You can see the broader Geotiles range at their website here.

Edimax Ceramiche

EDIMAXASTOR produce high quality, innovative glazed porcelain wall and floor tiles. Expertly crafted in Italy, the collection includes a wide range of surfaces, colours and sizes for elegant interiors. Each collection is heavily influenced by various trends and styles from around the world. This means interior designers and specification professionals have a huge range to choose from, combining durability with stunning aesthetics.

The production process is 100% eco-compatible and includes recycling of water and raw materials, a mega photovoltaic system and a thermal entity with controlled CO2 emission. You can see the broader Edimax range at their website here.

Mosavit Mosaics

Mosavit was founded in 2002 as a family run business, with the clear objective to develop and create an original and design led product offering, whilst prioritising the use of locally sourced recycled glass. Almost two decades later, they remain loyal to this philosophy and continue to focus on innovation and quality, marking new limits in the industry. As a brand, Mosavit is now recognised as one of the leading manufacturers of high quality glass mosaics on an international level, exporting globally.

Contact Details

If you’re interested in finding out more about George and his company Ponsceramics, you can visit the Ponsceramics Website here , or simply contact George today at [email protected] or call him on +44 (0) 7479 474 769.

Steve Collinge is an international speaker, influencer, retail commentator and is Managing Director of Insight Retail Group Ltd and executive editor of Insight DIY. You can follow Steve on LinkedIn here and Twitter here.