A recent poll conducted in the lead up to Smart Home Week (21st – 27th of May) by the UK’s largest online supplier of ironmongery, IronmongeryDirect, showed that despite the rise in popularity of smart home products, many tradespeople are still unprepared for the increasing customer demand.

Nowadays, nearly 30% of UK homeowners own at least one smart home product and the sales are expected to more than double this year. A previous national research showed that almost 90% of tradespeople are not confident when advising customers on smart products. Only one in ten said they felt ‘very confident’ when it comes to offering guidance on smart products.

“Smart products are redefining the way that a property functions, and there is a clear need for tradespeople to keep abreast of the developments involving smart technology. With basic burglar alarms now enhanced to monitor, control and interact with a home or business premises from a smartphone or tablet, we are just at the beginning of this smart tech revolution,” said Wayne Lysaght-Mason, Managing Director of IronmongeryDirect.

“There is still a demand for traditional products, but these new smart alternatives should not be ignored. There are some fantastic products on the market, whether you want to specialise in security, lighting, heating or household appliances,” he continued.

Smart Home Week is now in its second year and it aims to raise the profile of smart home technology and to inform, educate and reassure consumers about the benefits and opportunities of living in a smart, connected way.

To help themselves with the ever changing nature of the market, tradespeople can take part in courses in smart technology, offered by training organisations around the UK. AWE Smart Home Academy in Surrey, for example, equips tradespeople with the skills and confidence they need to advise customers on the technology. Its Foundation Workshop is aimed at the less experienced residential smart technology installer and focuses on the fundamentals of custom installation.