Garden building brand Powersheds is stepping up its expansion into Ireland, supported by logistics specialist Expect Distribution, as it responds to growing demand for adaptable outdoor buildings. The venture builds on the successful relationship between the two businesses, starting in 2019, with Expect also set to launch a fleet of Powersheds branded delivery vehicles in the UK as the company increases its presence.
Alongside selling direct-to-consumer, Powersheds products have recently launched in B&Q Ireland, offering another major route for customers to purchase their high-quality sheds and garden buildings, with further large retail partnerships expected to follow.
For Powersheds, strengthening its logistics operation through Expect is a key part of its Irish growth strategy, ensuring its large and heavy products can be transported seamlessly from its Yorkshire manufacturing base to customers throughout Ireland.
Powersheds is expanding in Ireland as new planning rules make it easier for homeowners to create additional garden space. Where the previous limit was 25m², since July this year, larger detached garden structures like sheds of up to 30m² can be built without planning permission, subject to conditions.
The Irish government has also indicated that it is considering how its existing ‘rent-a-room’ tax relief scheme could interact with these newly permitted garden buildings. While no policy has yet been confirmed, the combination of greater planning flexibility, possible future financial incentives, and increased demand for storage and leisure space provides a compelling backdrop for Powersheds’ expansion into Ireland.
Powersheds launched as a direct-to-consumer start-up in 2019, with a mission to do things differently. The business was designed to challenge the industry’s complexities, with a product that was simpler to make, stock, purchase, deliver and build. Capitalising on unprecedented demand for garden improvements during and after the pandemic, Powersheds quickly became a disruptor in a traditionally stagnant sector. Since then, the business has scaled to a leading brand in the industry, boasting partnerships with huge retailers like B&Q Ireland and Travis Perkins.
Jack Sutcliffe, CEO and co-founder of Powersheds, said: “Ireland is a really exciting market for Powersheds, and we see a huge opportunity to grow here over the years. We’ve recently gone live with B&Q Ireland, we have more conversations taking place with major retailers and, importantly, we’re now able to make more of our range available to Irish customers.
“Getting the logistics right is a huge part of making that possible. Our products are large and heavy, so getting them from our Yorkshire factory to customers in Ireland requires a logistics partner we can rely on. Expect have become a fantastic partner for us, taking the time to understand our business, products and customers. They’re helping us put the infrastructure in place to enter and grow in new markets, which is exactly the kind of partnership we need as Powersheds continues to expand.”
Andy Taylor, operations director at Expect Distribution, said: “Entering the Irish market was a new challenge for Expect, but it was exactly the kind of complex challenge we relish. Finding solutions is at the heart of what we do, so working with Powersheds to support their expansion into Ireland was a great fit. We’re delighted to have played a part in their growth and look forward to continuing to support Powersheds as they go from strength to strength.”
