41

2016 ACTIVITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REPORT

and installing the products it distributes and offers flexible delivery. Its skilled staff has thorough knowledge of the local market and its development potential. The branch itself is an open and friendly customer reception space. The assisted free movement sales model is a good example: the customers are free to move about and choose the products they need. If they want any advice, there is a dedicated service area in the middle of the branch where customers and salespeople can connect. In around 300 branches in France, even the waiting time when an order is being prepared, for example is pro- ductive for customers. InexelTV programs are shown on various screens, with how-to work- shops, new information on regulations and norms, customer testimonials, worksite reporting or new product presentations, etc. The branch network s organization enables Rexel s customers to remain as close as possi- ble to their projects. They offer logistics services such as product pickup, including outside opening hours, or fast on-site delivery.

SUPPORTING SKILLS DEVELOPMENT In order to meet the market s evolving needs, Rexel helps installers to adapt, acquire new skills and develop their business. Rexel Expo, two of which were held in 2016 in Nantes (June) and Bordeaux (October) is one of the sector s highlights. It is both a showcase for Rexel s products and services as well as a place where independent contractors, install- ers, manufacturers, integrators, local authori- ties and opinion leaders can gather informa- tion and share knowledge and know-how. Around 4,000 customers connected with Group employees in a 12,000 m2 (130,000 ft2) venue, and discovered new solutions, innovative products, and digital applications dedicated to energy management, as well as smart

control with connected technologies for the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. The flagship exhibit was an Active Home pre- senting the year s best connected eco-efficient solutions enabling intelligent control in order to improve occupants comfort and reduce the amount of energy consumed by their home. Thanks to an augmented reality program, installers learned about Energeasy Connect, a home automation solution developed by Rexel (see page 56). To broaden their offering and operate in new high-added value markets such as home automation, energy efficiency or multi- energy, the Group provides training programs designed for installers. Rexel also offers them a full set of tools to increase their efficiency: sales presentations, savings estimations, and financial aid options. In France, the acquisition of Sofinther, a distributor specializing in thermal, heat and control solutions, reflects a similar logic of skill development. Moving into the multi- energy segment with Sofinther, the Group is strengthening its presence in the market of thermal control and connected solutions, while consolidating its proximity to its French clientele in collective housing and buildings. Rexel s experts play a central role in support- ing installers. Having been trained by the Rexel Academy, which offers around 2,500 training modules covering every product category, they organize their own skills improvement modules for installers around the world. The Group s employees constantly hone their expertise in order to meet professionals needs and create new growth perspectives with them. For example, ABM Rexel in Spain organized a three-day event in April 2016, attracting over 800 participants who came to learn about and receive training on the offers presented.