Clearview National May 2017 - Issue 186 | Page 8

PROUD SPONSOR OF INDUSTRY NEWS INDUSTRYNEWS [email protected] Family firm clocks up a quarter century » » UPVC MAINTENANCE Supplies is celebrating 25 years in business. The family company is a one-stop-shop for everything window and door replacement, maintenance and repair across UPVC, timber and composite solutions. We spoke to Marketing Manager Janet Webster… THE EARLY DAYS The company was started in 1992 by David Earnshaw who previously worked as an installer, surveyor and Installations Manager for various window companies around the UK. Following the last recession he noticed that many people were left without warranties on their UPVC windows and doors as companies went of business, so set up his own window repair business. With a toddler daughter and baby son, the move gave David the chance to dictate his own hours. FORWARD TO THE FUTURE As Janet says, “I joined in 2015 to develop new ways to grow and support the business. The new website and catalogue are our building blocks going forward.” In 2016, Business Development Manager, Paul Swift, joined the fold and with an ambitious target for the anniversary year, the business is working hard on new and better ways to meet customer requirements. “We’ve recently set up agreements with several suppliers including IG Doors and Synseal,” she adds. “By supplying a wider range; we’re working to give our customers the choice they deserve without compromising on quality or availability.” FROM SERVICE TO SHOP The company’s first site was a converted shed in David’s garden. As more people approached him to fulfil their supply needs, a lock-up was engaged to house the ever- growing inventory. By 2005, even this proved too small and a trade counter was opened in Pudsey, relocating to the current Batley headquarters in 2010. “We strive to be close to our customers –physically and virtually – and we’re always keen to hear how we can best meet their demands,” explains Janet. “With more of our custom coming from other tradesmen, it made sense to cease offering a repair service and concentrate on supplying parts – whice decided to do in 2011.” To further support this shift, the company opened a second trade counter in Rotherham in 2012, in response to a growing cluster of contacts desperate for a well-stocked and knowledgeable service. EXPLOITING EXPERTISE Janet is keen to point out the business has a lot to shout about this year. “For us, the fact we are 25 is a big thing. The expertise we’ve gained and the way we use it makes us different. Customers know they can phone for advice or order online. It’s too easy to order the wrong part so we’re a bit like a ‘comfort blanket’ for them.” The business is known as the place to go for the slightly unusual, however with more than 1,500 products from some of the industry’s leading manufacturers, Janet says they are keen to change this: “We’re trying to break the perception that we’re just here for ‘one-offs’ and make more people aware that we’ll have the part you need and the equipment you need to install it.” The new website and catalogue have both been well-received: “We’ve a wide audience - from DIYers to tradesmen as well as property 8 » M AY 2017 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M maintenance organisations and builders’ merchants so it’s important we appeal across the spectrum.” The new website is far more than just a shop, “We’re building up a library of guides that we are sharing on social media. Again, the message is that we are here to help. We’ve also doubled the size of the catalogue with more products as well as more information so customers can find it easier to select the product they need – even if we are just at the end of the phone.” FAMILY AFFAIR In the face of all this growth and diversification the business retains its roots. David and wife Karen own the business. The toddler daughter