Here’s everything that happened at Umbra on July 13th…
Umbra & Somfy’s latest event enabled trade members and experts to get together for a day of automation discovery for large projects.
July 13th, Swansea UK.
Umbra & Somfy joined forces once again to bring shading automation expertise to projects-focused shading companies.
Here’s everything you need to know about what happened on July 13th at Umbra.
Click here to watch the full recording of the event.
Why did Umbra & Somfy hold this event?
The manufacture of quality shading products is the very beginning of what Umbra does as a company. Training, consulting and networking are all essential elements to our overall goal of creating and sustaining a market for automated shading.
Somfy also shares this vision. As one of the world’s largest motors and controls companies, with a truly global reach across 58 countries, they know only too well the importance of bringing people together to exchange ideas and solutions.
Hosted at Umbra’s conference centre in Swansea, the Automated Projects Discovery Day invited trade installers, architects and interior designers to come together with the experts at Umbra & Somfy for a face-to-face day of automation discovery.
Why is automation so important in large-scale shading projects?
The ability to control multiple shading units isn’t just a cool space-age gimmick; architects and specifiers are becoming increasingly aware of the requirement for smart shading to improve energy efficiency and occupant well-being.
In 2022, Schneider Electric’s Powering Change report concluded that 30% of energy in buildings is wasted. Much of that wasted energy is used in power-thirsty air conditioning systems and lighting.
This is where automation comes in. Using a fraction of the energy required to cool & light a building, automation is capable of operating a building’s shading system to adapt to changing environmental factors.
These automation controls are a vital part of achieving net zero by 2050. It’s crucial that those in the blinds trade are familiar with the solutions available to comply with these new requirements.
Umbra & Somfy – A dynamic combination.
Throughout the day, the teams from Somfy and Umbra covered all the bases for large-buildings automation.
“A lot of buildings, be they commercial or residential, are overheating” explained Elliot Chmielinski, Channel Manager of Somfy Projects division.
“Much of the country’s commercial building stock isn’t going to meet energy efficiency regulations as soon as 2030. Automated shading can play such an important role in preventing overheating”.
Harry from Umbra then took us through the Umbra product range. Umbra’s product offerings span wide, from stylish residential roller blinds to corrosion-resistant blackout shades.
Following this, Jeremy Aston from Somfy offered an in-depth look at KNX controls and Somfy building controls. This was a rare opportunity for our trade clients to ask technical questions directly to representatives from Somfy, face-to-face.
The right advice for your large projects.
Many people in the blinds trade can feel intimidated when it comes to large projects.
The combination of ever-evolving technology in both automation controls and window treatments can often be hard to keep up with.
The purpose of today’s event was to encourage our attendees to utilise Umbra & Somfy’s combined resources. It’s these resources that can help Umbra’s clients tackle any automated shading project regardless of scale. Umbra & Somfy can deliver a custom-made automation solution for practically any large project.
Looking for bespoke advice on your next big project? Get in touch here.
A day of discovery
Umbra’s trade discovery days are fast becoming famous in the blinds industry as a networking and discovery opportunity. Our event on July 13th was no exception.
“There’s a huge opportunity to push the Net Zero credentials of our products to new and existing customers,” said Oliver from Ashley Contracts. “With Umbra & Somfy, we’ve got the right team of people behind us to help approach the clients and come up with a solution that helps them achieve their Net Zero goals”.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an Umbra event without a giveaway and goodie bags for attendees to take home.
Dearnley’s was the lucky winner of our goodie bag, which included a Somfy setting tool kit plus Umbra & Somfy branded freebies.
On top of this, our guests were offered exclusive discounts on our point-of-sale demo kits. You can request a POS brochure simply by getting in touch here
From concept, to design, manufacture and training, Umbra is your one-stop solution for dynamic shading. Our trade discovery days are just another way in which Umbra is supporting its customers with open knowledge and collective thinking.
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