AFTER THE BOOM:KITCHEN WORLD is an Irish company that designs, manufactures and sells kitchens and fitted wardrobes. General manager Noel Quigley says that while the retail side of the business has proved relatively resilient, as people decide to renovate their home rather than move house, activity in the commercial side of the business, in which the company provides kitchens to housing developments, has decreased by 90 per cent.

The Dublin-based firm has introduced a range of measures in response to the changed economic environment, offering a specific range of kitchens at about half the price they would have cost previously. The company can afford to offer the range, Quigley says, by focusing on three specific brands and buying this range in bulk from suppliers.

“Suppliers are offering phenomenal value at the moment, particularly if you are prepared to pay in cash and on time.”

Kitchen World, which employs 70 people, has also cut costs in the everyday running of the business. While staff involved in the construction and installation of the business have been let go, all remaining staff have taken salary cuts. The company is also cross- training staff to maximise efficiency. “Employees who have traditionally specialised in one area are now trained to work in other areas of the business,” says Quigley. “It leads to better use of resources.”

Changes have also been made in the technology side, with the company recently upgrading its computer designing software, leading to increased output, Quigley says. The company also plans to move its operations to a smaller unit.