Tag Archives: Conservatory Outlet

Apprenticeships, Construction, Construction News, News

Conservatory Outlet marks training milestone with £130,000 investment in apprentices

One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of home improvement products has celebrated more than 15 years of backing apprenticeships by offering employment to six young people.

Conservatory Outlet, which employs more than 120 staff at its Thomas Wharf Lane factory, invested more than £130,000 into nurturing future talent over the last twelve months by continuing to offer access to vocational learning opportunities and ongoing professional development.

This has resulted in Kyle Green being offered a full-time role in IT Support and Natalie Bossons, who joined in 2019, now working as an Order Processor and developing her knowledge further by undertaking her Team Leader Level 3 qualification.

Eliza Auty, Kennedy Goodwin, and Georgie Tolley have all taken Order Processing positions, whilst Missy Mortimer has just completed her apprenticeship in December and will continue to help drive the firm’s strategic marketing strategy in 2023.

Karen Starkey, Head of HR at Conservatory Outlet, commented: “We are one of Wakefield’s largest employers and believe it is critical to continue to offer new opportunities to local people.

“As we continue to grow, we have to look at ways of developing our staff and we have found apprenticeships are the best way of doing this, with the latest tranche of young people qualifying and taking on full-time roles.”

She continued: “The sizeable investment allows us to develop the individual in the ‘CO’ culture and we have a long and proven track record of offering progression routes that lead into senior positions.

“Our approach will continue in 2023. Two new apprentices have just started with us, with Ben Bradbury and Sam Allan studying towards their Business Admin Level 3 and AAT course respectively.”

Apprenticeships are one element of a strategic training programme operated by Conservatory Outlet.

In addition to vocational learning, the Wakefield-based firm also offers ongoing pathways for staff keen to progress and develop new skills.

This ranges from putting Joshua Child through his AAT and Karla Watson working towards her CIPD Level 3 (both at Wakefield College) to Ben Strutt (Business and Professional Administration Level 4), Jo Davies (Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technical Level 3) and Nikki Lewis undertaking her Marketing Manager Level 6 Apprenticeship.

Karen went on to add: “As a business, we are always trying to push the boundaries of what we can achieve, and we can only manage this by investing in our people and futureproofing their skills.

“This was reflected in 2022 when we invested a further £100,000 into creating a new sales training academy, a move that was in response to a shortage of new talent coming into the industry.”

She concluded: “We have extended this offer to all our retailers, and this is steadily developing new individuals that will hit the ground running when they join our sector.”

Conservatory Outlet is one of Yorkshire’s fastest growing manufacturers, supplying a range of conservatories, doors, extensions, orangeries and windows, with the latest advancements in UPVC, composite and aluminium technology regularly added to its ranges.

The firm continues to support the Conservatory Outlet Network, which comprises 29 leading regional retailers, and this has helped increase turnover by 20% since 2020.

News

Yorkshire’s Conservatory Outlet says ‘Ola’ to two new retailers

The UK’s leading manufacturer of high-quality windows, doors, home extensions and conservatories has welcomed two new companies to its retail network.

Conservatory Outlet, which was formed in 2005, has taken the number of retailers it supplies to 29, with the arrivals of Ayrshire’s RMC and Dundee-based installer Ecofit, ensuring the Wakefield-based company now has a presence in every postcode in Scotland.

The formal announcement was made by CEO Greg Kane during the firm’s annual ‘Network Celebration’ and marks what has been a tough, but ultimately rewarding period for the home improvement sector.

Held at the iconic Esferic building in Barcelona’s Montjuic park, key stakeholders from the businesses that form the Network joined together to celebrate their achievements of the past year and discuss how to manage further supply chain pressures, energy price rises and fluctuating consumer demand.

They also discovered how Conservatory Outlet has invested £100,000 into a new academy to support staff with sales training and a raft of new measures being introduced to help facilitate growth, along with other initiatives and a look ahead at what’s in store over the next twelve months.

“Whilst many of our competitors took major casualties and lost many clients during the last two years, we’re been able to maintain all of our network – a fact we put down to the shared values of honesty, quality and innovation,” explained Greg, who is joined in the senior management team by MD Mick Giscombe.

“Not only have we remained intact, but Conservatory Outlet has strengthened our coverage in key strategic areas with the arrival of two of Scotland’s finest home improvement specialists in RMC and Ecofit.

“This takes us to 29 companies, with another new member set to be announced shortly.”

He continued: “I don’t think we’ve ever had two years like we’ve just seen, moving from the issues surrounding COVID-19 to supply chain disruption and, this year, massive price rises. Throughout this, our focus has remained on delivering new solutions, products and initiatives to drive leads for our retailers.

“Our marketing team, working with DigitalKOG, is helping members with new website content, social media, digital and in-person campaigns to make searching and purchasing the right options a lot easier.”

The Conservatory Outlet Gala Dinner was used to recognise some of the achievements of its members, with West Yorkshire Windows (WYW) celebrating 15 years in the network and Amber Home Improvements, Premier Windows and Conservatories and Mitchell Glass all marking their 10-year anniversaries.

Wycombe-based Hazlemere took two titles (Best New Living Space and Most Complex Design Installation), 5 Star the Best Window and Door Installation accolade and Archie Dootson of WYW taking the Apprentice of the Year award.

There was also time to highlight Trevor Malia as the Network’s ‘Unsung Hero’. He joined James Oliver Conservatories as an apprentice and now, 30 years on, leads a conservatory fitting team that works on all the company’s flagship and high-value projects.

Karen Clough, Marketing Director, went on to add: “Barcelona has been a fantastic trip and underlined the superb community and family spirit we have in the network.

“This was none more evident when eight of us – Joey Heaton (TWC), Stewart Kelly (Eden), Mervyn & Lindsey Stanley (ERG) and Paul Reid, Garry Myles and Sarah Boyle (all Ecofit) – decided to skydive from a plane at 10,000 metres. Together, we managed to raise more than £2,700 for the NSPCC and a further £900 for Prospect House in Swindon. It was a brilliant opportunity for the Network to come together and show support for some fantastic charities.”

Greg concluded: “This weekend has been amazing, arguably our best and most productive one yet.

“We pride ourselves on being a close-knit Network and being able to come together to discuss challenges, celebrate achievements and lay out a path for our combined and continued success is of real benefit to everyone involved.”

Job Opportunities, Jobs, News, North of England

15 new jobs up for grabs as Conservatory Outlet expands again

One of Yorkshire’s leading manufacturers of windows, doors and living spaces has launched its latest recruitment drive as it looks to make the most of new products and growth in its retail network.

Conservatory Outlet, which already employs over 130 people in the region, is creating 15 new jobs at its Wakefield factory and will be showcasing the different roles during a special Careers Day this Saturday (20th August).

Most positions will be on the shop floor and in the warehouse, with experienced applicants and people looking for a change in career all welcome.

Held at West Yorkshire Windows on Headway Business Park, the three-hour event will give people the opportunity to meet existing staff and find out what it is like working for one of the fastest growing firms in the county.

They will hear about the progression paths in the business and the range of softer benefits on offer, including training leading to recognised qualifications, healthcare payments and staff events that boost team spirit.

“This is a really exciting time to join the business, as we are expecting recent investments in new machinery and our digital transformation to really pay off with new sales and new opportunities,” explained Caroline Mellor, HR Business Partner at Conservatory Outlet.

“Our 27-strong network of retailers are still experiencing strong demand from homeowners, and we need to make sure we are in a position to maintain lead times and accommodate any new surges that might happen as people choose to improve their homes rather than move to new properties.”

She went on to add: “We are launching our latest recruitment drive for 15 immediate starters on Saturday, and we thought the best way of getting as much interest as possible was by holding a Careers Day where people can ask questions, find out more about the roles and where they may lead to.

“West Yorkshire Windows is a fast-growing retailer in our network, and we’ve held it here to show potential staff the complete Conservatory Outlet journey and where the windows, doors and living spaces they could help make and supply will eventually be used.

“Although the focus is on factory and warehouse roles, there are also some office jobs we are also recruiting for.”

Conservatory Outlet continue to innovate the home improvement market with its approach to marketing, lead generation and product launches.

Gary Pape, who joined Conservatory Outlet when he was 20 years old, has worked his way up to become a Factory Glazing Production Supervisor.

He added his support: “I’m able to do different jobs, which is great as there’s always something different to do every day.

“I’ve also been given the opportunity to learn new skills and go on both hard and soft skills courses, such as product, management and communication training. This was all designed to help me progress through the business to the point where I’m now a Production Supervisor and lead specific parts of the manufacturing process.”

Caroline concluded: “Saturday is a great opportunity for people to get to know Conservatory Outlet, what we do and the culture we have in the business.

“Everyone is welcome, whether you’re just about to get your results and starting out or someone who is looking to return to work, change careers or looking for a firm that allows you to progress.”

Construction, Construction News, News

Fabricators call for an alternative approach to pushing price rises down the home improvement supply chain

Six leading fabricators of products to the home improvement sector have called for a halt to the ongoing practice of pushing price rises at the top down the supply chain.

Central Window Systems, Conservatory Outlet, Listers, Roseview, Prefix Systems and SolarFrame have joined forces to urge firms in the sector to work together to find new efficiencies and to combat the unending barrage of price increases being introduced – especially at a time when consumer demand is down.

Recent publicly available data shows that household spending has reduced by up to 50% compared to the same period last year and bosses believe the last thing consumers and retailers need to contend with now is a further rise in the cost of products.

“We’ve seen prices increase at exponential rates over the last two years and this has continued through into 2022,” explained Greg Kane, CEO of Wakefield-based Conservatory Outlet.

“The determination has always been there to shield our customers from these price hikes, absorbing what we can through improved efficiencies, working creatively with our supply partners and passing on what we must. We’ve held the line and absorbed all incoming increases throughout 2022 but there obviously reaches a point when this becomes unsustainable.”

Gary Morton, Managing Director of Central Window Systems, continued: “This isn’t just affecting us, but our industry as a whole and we must be as transparent as possible to act in the best interest of the entire sector. If these price rises continue, and are again forced down the supply chain, consumers will simply not engage.

“Enforcing more price increases during a market slowdown is entirely counterproductive and will do more harm than good in both the short and long-term.”

The recent proposal of price increases from the very top of the chain are due to take place in September and would happen just as the energy cap is set to rise again, with manufacturers and retailers set to be stuck in the middle with pressure from both sides.

These changes could exacerbate a suppressed market and be counterintuitive to campaigns promoting the financial viability of purchasing new, energy-efficient windows and doors or extensions for their homes.

Employing thousands of staff and amassing more than £130m sales between them, the six companies believe their involvement in both manufacturing and retail gives them a unique insight into consumer pain points and a worrying dip in demand that some firms in the industry are failing to see coming.

Roy Frost, Managing Director of Listers, went on to add: “As an industry, we have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to face countless challenges, but this barrage of price increases simply must stop.

“We’re not trying to single out particular suppliers, more a case of looking for a more sensible and collaborative approach that focuses on the all-important consumer at the end of the chain.”

Chris Cooke, Managing Director of Prefix Systems, concluded: “The industry needs those at the top of the supply chain to listen to the voice of consumer-led businesses and explore ways of absorbing some of the increases without passing them on.

“We are already doing this for our customers, using all the efficiency savings we’ve made to cushion the cost increases from above. However, this is only possible on the prices of the products Prefix has market control over.

“It is undeniably a tough trading environment, but this is a case of ensuring the longevity and long-term success of the sector.”

 

Construction, News

Hazlemere on course for record year after £100,000 showroom investments

An £100,000 investment in its two showrooms and the latest 3D design studio has seen a High Wycombe-based home improvement specialist secure a record year.

Hazlemere, which offers a wide variety of conservatories, orangeries, tiled roof extensions, double glazed windows and doors, has enjoyed a 37% increase in orders with sales on the retail side of the business now reaching £7.5m.

Part of the Conservatory Outlet network, the company has tapped into the change in purchasing habits brought on by the pandemic by introducing the latest flush casement windows to its range, as well as an extensive selection of new doors.

The firm is now setting its sights on further growth and is currently recruiting for eleven new jobs, including a production manager, sales administrator, living space sales consultant, conservatory surveyor and several window and door fitters.

“Nobody really knew what was going to happen during Covid-19, but we quickly realised that people, who were spending an increasing amount of time at home, were keen to tackle those delayed jobs or make improvements with their disposable income,” explained Rachel Braham-Hill, Managing Director of Hazlemere.

“The decision was quickly made to try to maximise this opportunity and we spent a lot of time and money upgrading our showrooms in Wellington Road in High Wycombe and at Welwyn Garden City.”

She went on to add: “There was also investment in new presentation software so we could showcase new designs and our involvement in the Conservatory Outlet network meant we had huge support with our digital marketing activity.

“All of this saw us accelerate retail sales from £5.5m in 2020 to £7.5m this financial year, with our commercial division also performing very well working with its local authority and education contacts.”

Hazlemere has come a long way since it was formed in 1985 by father and son team George and Stuart Braham.

The duo started from a small unit in Wooburn Green where they originally manufactured aluminium windows, adding UPVC to its range in 1992 and moving to its current HQ and showroom in High Wycombe.

They took the decision to join the Conservatory Outlet Network in 2011 and this accelerated the company’s growth, with current MD Rachel joining at the same time after completing her degree in event management.

Daughter of Stuart, she became Managing Director at just 28-years-old in 2018 and has navigated the business through the pandemic and to its current record year.

“There’s definitely a female touch at Hazlemere, with Jenna Ledward joining me on the senior management team as Head of Production, Purchasing and Goods In,” added Rachel.

“Our sector traditionally has been very male dominated, but this is slowly changing, and we feel we are helping to show females that you can have a fantastic career in our industry.

“I think it also helps to make Hazlemere a little bit different to our rivals. There’s an additional warmth and attention to detail that instantly puts the customer at ease and many of our clients come back to us time and time again.”

Developing the next generation of talent is extremely important for the company, with the latest round of apprentices now fully installed in production and installation.

This complements ‘Launch Pad’, an internal training programme that has been designed to help develop the careers of existing team members, so they meet their own individual aspirations.”

Rachel went on to add: “We’ve got some exceptional people in the business and, sadly, we’ve just had to say goodbye to one of the best, with Mark Austin stepping back from his day-to-day involvement as Director to enjoy retirement.

“He quite literally did everything at Hazlemere, working across all aspects of the business, including in the marketing team, retail sales and then into our commercial arm, generating significant revenue for us in the process. He will be deeply missed, but we hope he enjoys more days on his allotment, the golf course and spending time with his four grandchildren.”

Greg Kane, Chief Executive of Conservatory Outlet, concluded: “The team at Hazlemere has really utilised the collective strength of the network and our digital marketing expertise and this, alongside its own strengths, has helped it achieve significant growth.

“I’m delighted to see that Rachel is continuing the tradition of her father and grandfather and creating one of the best home improvement specialists in Buckinghamshire.”