Topline, Ireland’s largest buying group for hardware, DIY and building materials, has been awarded the Guaranteed Irish symbol.
The DIY and building materials chain, with approximately 100 affiliated member businesses nationwide, has successfully achieved membership of Guaranteed Irish for its contribution to local communities across the country and commitment to Irish provenance and local employment.
Founded in 1972 by a small group of builders merchants struggling to compete with larger competitors, Topline changed the DIY/Building Materials landscape by allowing independent merchants to purchase products at the lowest possible prices. Topline’s vision is to deliver purchasing, sales, marketing and supply chain expertise and support so that local entrepreneurs can deliver great value to local customers.
Guaranteed Irish champions a network of 2,000 member businesses, employing over 120,000 people across Ireland, and generating an annual combined Irish turnover of €14.75bn. The licenced symbol is awarded to successful businesses by the Guaranteed Irish Appraisals Committee represented by Jason Crawford Partner Grant Thornton, Rob Lyons Senior Sales & Marketing Manager Certification Europe Ltd. (CEL), Mark Keller International Sales & Marketing Director, and Karen Deignan Director & Co-Founder of Sustainability Works.
Commenting on the announcement, Hugh O’Donnell, Chief Executive of Topline said, ‘All of our affiliated members nationwide, from Bantry to Inishowen, are deeply imbedded in their local communities, many for generations, servicing the building, refurbishing and renovating needs of local businesses and local people, and providing local employment. As such, our values are entirely consistent with the values espoused by Guaranteed Irish and our members are delighted to carry and promote the Guaranteed Irish symbol”.
Brid O’Connell CEO Guaranteed Irish commented, ‘We are delighted to welcome Topline as a member of Guaranteed Irish. The Guaranteed Irish symbol is only awarded to businesses that contribute to our communities, make a commitment to Irish provenance, and support local jobs. The national licenced symbol helps consumers identify businesses that operate locally in Ireland and contribute to the local economy. For every €20 spent on Irish goods €100 comes back to the Irish economy. When you support local businesses, our communities flourish and jobs are saved across the country. Local money circulates back into a local economy. Consumers have recognised the importance of supporting local businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs, particularly given the current climate. 95% of consumers believe that by purchasing from firms with the Guaranteed Irish brand they are ‘helping the local economy (RedC)’. It is more important now than ever to support local and look out for the Guaranteed Irish symbol in stores. We are delighted to see Topline, a renowned advocate and supporter of local jobs and communities, join the Guaranteed Irish movement which is growing in importance daily, as consumers are voting to support local and Irish. This national iconic symbol is powerful and makes Ireland and life for our citizens and our communities all together better. We need to look out for it.’
