Expect Distribution’s partnership with Yorkshire-based Powersheds has been expanded to support the manufacturer’s drive into the Irish market.
The move follows the launch of Powersheds’ garden sheds, summer houses and storage products through B&Q Ireland. Powersheds is also in discussions with other major retailers as it looks to increase its presence in the Irish market.
Expect, which has worked with Powersheds since the company launched in 2019, is providing the logistics infrastructure required to support the expansion.
The partnership is also set to extend into the UK, with Expect preparing to launch a fleet of Powersheds-branded delivery vehicles as the manufacturer continues to grow its distribution operation.
The Irish expansion comes as changes to planning rules create new opportunities for homeowners looking to add larger structures to their gardens.
Since July, detached garden structures of up to 30m² can be built without planning permission, subject to conditions, compared with the previous 25m² limit.
The Irish government is also considering how its existing rent-a-room tax relief scheme could apply to newly permitted garden buildings.
While no changes have yet been confirmed, Powersheds believes the combination of greater planning flexibility and growing demand for additional storage, leisure and living space creates favourable conditions for expansion.
Powersheds was established as a direct-to-consumer business in 2019, aiming to simplify the manufacture, purchasing, delivery and construction of garden buildings.
The business subsequently benefited from increased demand for garden improvements during and after the pandemic and has expanded its retail network to include major partners such as B&Q Ireland and Travis Perkins.
Jack Sutcliffe, Powersheds co-founder and chief executive, said the logistics operation was central to the company’s plans for Ireland.
“Ireland is a really exciting market for Powersheds, and we see a huge opportunity to grow here over the years,” he said.
“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.”
Sutcliffe said Expect had helped Powersheds develop the infrastructure needed to enter new markets.
“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,” he added.
Andy Taylor, Expect Distribution operations director, welcomed the expansion of the partnership. He 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.”
