Pro Installer June 2016 - Issue 39 | Page 14

14 JUNE 2016 PRO INSTALLER PRO NEWS www.proinstaller.co.uk Channel 4 features Golden Houses Developments A project by Golden Houses Developments, the UK-based construction business specialising in high-end residential properties, featured in Channel 4’s Ugly House to Lovely House programme. Catching the attention of the programme makers, Betty and Amazing Productions, Golden Houses Developments redeveloped a small 1960s house with a garage on the side in Wokingham, Berkshire. The firm, which typically takes on large projects involving up to 12 houses or 45 flats, got involved in the house extension having been courted by the client’s architect for several months. He stipulated that he’d only work with Golden Houses Developments as no other contractor brings the same approach to construction projects. In particular, the architect insisted on working with Golden Houses Developments so the client would benefit from its problem solving skills and high quality workmanship in every aspect of the build, including bespoke joinery. Golden Houses Developments demolished the garage and built a two-storey extension in its place. Designers and craftsmen at the business also reconfigured the entire ground floor interior of the existing house and altered the staircase to the first floor. The team completed the project, which also included decoration and the installation of a new kitchen, in just over seven weeks. Speaking about the project, Monika Slowikowska, founder of Golden Houses Developments, said: “It’s almost unthinkable that a project of this size and nature can be completed in seven weeks. It gave our team a tough challenge – and they responded. This project shows why our services are in high demand and why all our work comes to us from recommendations. I’m really pleased with the re- sult and proud of everyone here who made it happen. And we were all delig hted that it was seen by the TV audience for Ugly House to Lovely House.” Ugly House to Lovely House is a six-part design series hosted by expert architect George Clarke. It champions the power of great architecture to transform undervalued and unloved British housing stock into exciting spaces to live in. George Clarke said: “I’m delighted to present Ugly House to Lovely House for Channel 4. Phenomenal architecture and design should be available to everyone and this show hopefully brings it to the masses, showing us how we can turn our unloved houses into homes.” One of very few construction companies led by a woman, Golden Houses Developments focuses on solutions, not problems. Monika’s unique approach was recognised by the 2015 Women in Construction & Engineering Awards. She was named as a finalist in the Best Woman Contractor category. www.goldenhouses.co.uk Switching made easy Switching suppliers in the consumer market has now become the norm, with a whole web industry built on the back of it. Whether it’s car insurance, bank, power or broadband there is a switching service to help you find the best deal, with help throughout the process of making the move. When it comes to the trade there is still a lot of trepidation when changing suppliers, this is mainly down to confidence and trust in the supply chain. It comes down to simply: ‘Can they do what they say, will they deliver on time as promised?’ These are just two of the reasons why companies remain with the same supplier, even though they could make savings by changing. When it comes to window and door reinforcement, there is added pressure that their systems company as part of a package supplies some companies direct. This does not give any alternative in gaining a competitive edge. “We are faced with many questions from prospective new clients in regards to their reinforcement supplies,” comments James Lister, Operations Director at Anglo European. “Reinforcement is a central element needed in the fabrication of PVCu windows and doors. A simple late delivery or wrong order and production would grind to a halt. Therefore customers have to be assured that we can deliver and fulfil on our promise, and we also have the capacity to deal with their orders large or small. The simple answer is ‘yes,’ and that’s a promise we make to all our customers. “To help new customers for the first few weeks we help them through the ordering process and keep a close watch to make sure that they are OK with the system, what you could call a switching service. Our level of knowledge within the market and in depth understanding of our customers allows us to correct mistakes made in the ordering process, making sure the client gets exactly the right reinforcement they require, and at the right time. Our staff will continue to monitor orders and double check everything whether the order is a few hundred or tens of thousands of pounds as part of our customer care package,” concludes James. Over recent years Anglo has grown to be one of the leading suppliers of steel window and door reinforcement in the UK. This is not just based on existing clients growing and fabricating more products, therefore ordering more reinforcement, it is simply because more and more companies are turning to Anglo for their reinforcement requirements. Super fabricators such as Polyframe Group, Pearl, Tradelink, Direct Trade, Total glass and Frameline to name a few, are now benefitting from the customer service provided by Anglo and their dedicated staff. For further details contact Anglo European on 0161 231 2354 or visit www.angloeuropean.net