Like every other commercial business currently carrying out installs and upgrades in the social housing sector, we are open and determined to stay open, but I am increasingly asking myself, at what cost?

In the simplest terms, our business is measuring an aperture, ordering a window or door and fitting it. Add on selling it and getting paid to the beginning and the end of that, and you’ve got most of the picture.

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The Window Company (Contracts), has achieved a full house of LHC Framework Agreements, adding a listing on the framework for the supply and installation of aluminium windows and doors to the PVC-U and timber window and door frameworks it is already on.

The specialist commercial installer, based in Chelmsford, is on the Home Counties, London and East Anglia framework for PVC-U and on the South East England frameworks for timber and now aluminium.

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Specialist commercial installer The Window Company (Contracts) has become the first installation only company to be invited to join the Association of Composite Door Manufacturers (ACDM) as an affiliate member.

The ACDM is broadening membership to include the entire composite doorset supply chain from component supply to installation, as it aims to engage with more of those involved in the market. This is in line with its stated aim of promoting the highest levels of product and service standards and giving specifiers and end users confidence not only in the safety and security of the product they are buying, but in the quality of the installation as well.

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While supply issues right across the market are obviously having a serious impact on fabricators, lead times and operational efficiencies, in most cases it is installers, operating at the sharp end of the industry, who are actually bearing the brunt. In the commercial market, where there are sometimes penalties for late completion of jobs, the pressure and frustrations have been particularly intense. For The Window Company (Contracts), which works right across the social housing and commercial new build sectors, obtaining stock to maintain its market leading service levels and avoid penalties has been one of the biggest challenges it has faced since factories reopened in April and May. Company Chair David Thornton says that, while he and his team are sympathetic to the problems that fabricators face, installers need open and honest communication from their suppliers if they are to manage their businesses effectively when demand is at the record levels that it is currently. He explains: “We recognise there are shortages on profiles, hardware and glass, but that doesn’t change the fact that we have targets to meet and service levels to maintain.” Continue reading →

Leading commercial installer, The Window Company (Contracts), is celebrating after landing a coveted RoSPA 2020 Health and Safety Award.

This was the first time the Chelmsford based business had entered RoSPA’s internationally recognised programme, and the team were thrilled to receive a Silver Award first time out.

The Award recognises The Window Company (Contracts)’ success in keeping staff and customers safe, with the assessors commenting on the ‘excellent monitoring and reviewing procedures’, which help to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement in health and safety practice.

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The Window Company (Contracts) made further investments in its surveying team before lockdown, an acknowledgement, it says, that it is the quality of the survey which is ultimately key to the satisfaction of residents who are having their windows and doors replaced.

The Chelmsford based company, which works on behalf of main contractors and social housing providers across London and the South East, says that accurate data from surveys eliminates errors and mis-measures and means that snagging visits can be significantly reduced.

David Thornton, Chair of The Window Company (Contracts) says: “Reducing or even eliminating snagging obviously has huge benefits for the resident, the client and of course us as the contractor. As well as improving overall satisfaction levels, it makes us more efficient and in turn more competitive.

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As the window and door sector went into Coronavirus lockdown, award winning commercial installer The Window Company (Contracts) had just recorded its best year ever.

With turnover approaching £8m and profits well above the market average, it was looking ahead to further expansion and continuing growth in the new build sector in particular, installing aluminium as well as PVC-U windows and doors.

Now, as the government gives a cautious go ahead for manufacturing and construction to restart, Chairman David Thornton says that the company is ready to pick up where it left off.

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A new ‘phone popping’ solution, similar to the type used by doctors, schools and top restaurants to enable them to accurately identify patients, parents and even diners when they call, is enabling The Window Company (Contracts) to deliver an even better service to clients in the social housing sector.

When a resident contacts the company at its HQ in Chelmsford, Essex, the person answering the phone can not only greet them by name, but also instantly see their address and exactly what work is required at their property. This gives the resident a new level of reassurance that they are dealing with a professional and efficient operation and makes the process of booking in appointments and surveys quicker and more efficient.

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