Factory staff and office staff from the Wakefield-based fabricator attended the one day seminar on the 5th January which was held at Wakefield Trinity Wildcats RLFC.

Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking is internationally renowned and endorsed by celebrities such as Richard Branson, and corporations such as Ford, Microsoft and Unilever. Conservatory Outlet decided to host their seminar after Sales Director Greg Kane successfully gave up smoking thanks to Easyway.

Thirty people from the company’s 75-strong workforce benefitted from the session which Greg Kane described as a way of rewarding staff in the short and long term. ‘A lot of people would like to stop smoking but doing so can be very difficult for a number of reasons, be it time, money or finding a method that works,’ said Greg. ‘I was nothing short of amazed at how effective the Easyway seminar was so we decided to fund a seminar, during working hours, that will hopefully benefit many of our staff for the rest of their lives.’

Since the seminar many of Conservatory Outlet’s staff have indeed stopped smoking, including Assistant Office Manager Phil Wilson: ‘I would have never thought about going on such an event had I not been encouraged to do so. I’m delighted that I did and I am very grateful for being given the opportunity by Conservatory Outlet.’

The Wakefield-based company was one of 11 prize winners on the night which was hosted by comedian Sean Lock. Merely being shortlisted in the list of four companies was an achievement in itself, but West Yorkshire Windows went all the way to secure the title which is no more than the company deserves after over 18 years continuous trading, during which it has completed thousands of high-quality window, door, conservatory and orangery installations.

West Yorkshire Windows faced stiff competition from the likes of Sherborne, Alumet and KJM Group. But after reading the Conservatory Outlet Dealer’s application, and visiting them for a full day on the 15^th November, the judges decided that West Yorkshire Windows was the more than deserved winner of the ‘Installer of the Year’ category.

Representatives from the company turned out in force with MD Andrew Glover, General Manager Colin McCabe and Sales Manager Jo-ann Bowles there to collect the award. Conservatory Outlet also showed its support, with MD Matthew Glover – the brother of Andrew – among those who applauded West Yorkshire Windows when the result was announced.

Keep an eye on this blog and the trade press for more on this story.

Based in Gillingham, Eden will now supply homeowners in ‘The Garden of England’ with Conservatory Outlet products; something which will be reflected in the company’s imminent showroom refurbishment. Supported by Conservatory Outlet, Eden have designed what is set to be one of the best showrooms in Kent and plan to open a second within the next twelve months.

Following the establishment of several dealers in and around London, the South East represented natural progression for Conservatory Outlet as the fabricator strives to achieve full UK coverage via its network of installer-customers.

Similarly Eden was the natural choice within this area because of its experience and success throughout Medway, Canterbury and Tonbridge. Indeed one of Eden’s first orders placed with Conservatory Outlet was for a conservatory with a retail value of £55,000. 

As a result of joining the Conservatory Outlet network, Eden will now be the sole recipient of the relevant leads generated by Conservatory Outlet’s main retail-facing website as well as those generated by its own brand new website, also provided by Conservatory Outlet.   

The installer will also benefit from provisions of high quality bespoke brochures, a 24/7 electronic quoting and ordering system, and the trade secrets of many other successful installers within the network.

‘I’ve always felt that a Conservatory Outlet dealer would prosper in Kent because of the style of properties and relatively affluent demographic in the area. I’m delighted that this dealer is Eden Windows.’ said Greg Kane, sales director of Conservatory Outlet.

Commenting on the partnership Paul Kelly, managing director of Eden Windows, said; ‘Conservatory Outlet dealers are among the best installers in the country and I wanted Eden Windows to be part of this elite network. What’s more, within days of our new website going live we started to receive leads which have now been converted into sales and finished installations.’

The man’s house in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, had been subject to continued vandalism by youths from the area. When the single glazed windows at the front of the house were smashed in 2010, the local victim support charity were only able to board the windows up, leaving the living room, main bedroom and bathroom with no natural light.

Following further vandalism at the property earlier this year, PC Chris Schofield of West Yorkshire Police decided to go beyond the call of duty by appealing to local businesses that could potentially help to repair the victim’s home and improve the quality of his life.

‘It seemed that the young people in the area thought it was ok to vandalise the property because it already looked in such a poor state – I felt that a new set of windows would go a long way towards preventing repeat vandalism, as well as vastly  improving the living conditions for the owner,’ said PC Schofield.

Wakefield-based West Yorkshire Windows was PC Shofield’s first port of call and the company showed no hesitation in offering its support by agreeing to supply and install the windows completely free of charge.

As a member of the Conservatory Outlet network of dealers, West Yorkshire Windows enjoys a close relationship with its main supplier and after hearing about these exceptional circumstances, Conservatory Outlet opted to manufacture and supply the frames at no cost. This generosity was matched by West Yorkshire Windows’ glass supplier, Custom Glass, who also donated the double glazed units.

Needless to say West Yorkshire Windows – shortlisted for the G11 Installer of the Year Award – covered the installation of the casement windows and even finished the job with a new pair of curtains in time for when the elderly man returned to his home, after a period in respite care. 

Jo-ann Bowles, sales manager at West Yorkshire Windows, said; ‘As a well-known and successful company, we found ourselves in a position to make a really big difference to a local man’s life and to reward the genuinely extraordinary work of PC Schofield – we simply couldn’t say no. A big thank you must also go to Conservatory Outlet and Custom Glass for contributing to this cause.’

A close friend of the elderly man who oversaw the installation praised West Yorkshire Police, PC Schofield and West Yorkshire Windows for their efforts.

Order intake in June, July and August was up by an average of 25% on the same time last year, and September and October were both also record sales months in the company’s history.

These results follow two consecutive years of 20% growth for the West Yorkshire-based manufacturer and are the reward of a very busy twelve months. During this time sales director Greg Kane has joined the company, as have seven high-calibre installers who now retail Conservatory Outlet products, exclusively, in their regional areas.

The addition of these installers to the network has been complemented by the growth of long-standing Conservatory Outlet dealers such as West Yorkshire Windows and Clearview Home Improvements which now have seven luxury indoor showrooms between them across West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire. Both companies were shortlisted in the annual G11 Awards.

The Conservatory Outlet network as a whole now boasts 26 showrooms incorporating luxury conservatories and orangeries, windows and doors, and a UK coverage per capita nearing 50%; a figure which is always on the up as new showrooms are opened and new dealers join the network.

Subsequently, Conservatory Outlet manufactures more than 1,000 frames each week, increasingly made up of higher value products such as Georgian windows and woodgrain foiled frames. Triple glazed windows and Solidor composite doors are also ever-present in the Wakefield factory, following the introduction of these products earlier in the year.

‘As a fabricator we currently sell to just seventeen core customers, providing considerable sales and marketing support. The fact that we are manufacturing more than 1,000 frames each week hints at the calibre of these regional installers and the success they achieve as a member of the network,’ said Greg Kane.  

‘Adding more installers to the network is more than just a numbers game for Conservatory Outlet and we strive to attract only the best companies from each region. Our yearly growth, and that of our customers, proves that this is a successful strategy.’

The G Awards are the most prestigious double glazing and conservatories industry awards and to be shortlisted companies must demonstrate total pride and professionalism in every aspect of their business from sales and marketing to design and installation, right through to after-sales service.

West Yorkshire Windows are one of four shortlisted companies in the Installer of the Year category, and Clearview Home Improvements have been named as a finalist in the Conservatory Installer of the Year category. The former was a founder member of the Conservatory Outlet network of dealers and the latter has been a Conservatory Outlet dealer ever since its establishment in 2008.

Wakefield-based West Yorkshire Windows also has luxury indoor showrooms in Leeds and Doncaster and has been trading continuously for over 18 years. The company - which now installs triple glazed windows and doors as well - will face stiff competition from three other very successful installers; Sherborne, KJM Windows and Alumet Systems.

Clearview Home Improvements now has four showrooms following the recent opening of a Nantwich branch and was also shortlisted in the G10 awards last year. To be victorious this year the North-West dealer company will have to outshine Charles Christianson, P&P Glass and Sherborne.

The winners will be announced live at the prestigious G11 Awards & Gala Dinner which will be hosted by comedian Sean Lock at the Hilton Park Lane Hotel in London, on 25 November.

The Nantwich showroom was officially opened on 24^th September and adds to indoor showrooms in Holmes Chapel, Warrington and Leyland. It is located on the Nantwich Trade Park which also accommodates complementary outlets such as Topps Tiles, The Garden Studio, Plumb Centre and also Sainsbury’s.   

Overseen by installations director Andy Ross, the showroom was completed in just 10 weeks. It majors on luxurious orangeries and conservatories and incorporates seven fully-furnished examples, as well as a comprehensive window and door display. As Clearview’s sales director, Chris Mitchell, said ‘the Nantwich showroom brings together the various strengths of previous three to excellent effect.’ 

Chris’s counterpart at Conservatory Outlet, Greg Kane, had the honour of cutting the ribbon and toasting the opening of the showroom in front of staff, customers and suppliers of Clearview Home Improvements. The opening included a ‘£1,000 giveaway competition’ in which five homeowners won redeemable prizes.

Since its establishment in 2008 Clearview Home Improvements has enjoyed rapid success to become one of the North West leading installers, acknowledged by the company’s recent inclusion in the shortlist for the G11 Conservatory Installer of the Year. The company now completes, on average, 55 conservatory installations each month, many of which come from word-of-mouth recommendation.

‘Our impeccable and unrivalled showrooms give customers a taste of what they should expect from Clearview Home Improvements,’ said managing director, John Beaty. ‘Every showroom has been carefully designed to offer a relaxing setting that provides inspiration for potential customers, and Nantwich is undoubtedly the best yet.’

Greg Kane echoed John’s comments and added; ‘Clearview Home Improvements sets the standards for installers in many ways, including the quality of their showrooms. Clearview was one of the original members of the Conservatory Outlet network and our partnership with them continues to be very successful and mutually beneficial.’

The installer invests heavily in marketing across a variety of media including radio, television and online advertising. The footage taken at the new showroom will facilitate another year of TV advertising for the company which recently registered its best ever sales month in 18 years of continuous trading, and is on course for impressive year-on-year growth.

West Yorkshire Windows’ MD Andrew Glover – now also the Chief Executive of local Super League team Wakefield Trinity Wildcats RLFC – is once again the face of the advert, which will be regularly broadcast to over 2 ¼ million homes via the Emley Moor and Belmont transmitters.

As the Conservatory Outlet dealer for both West and South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire Windows has showrooms in Wakefield, Leeds and Doncaster; the latter of which received a £125k investment to make it one of the most luxurious indoor conservatory showrooms in the UK.

The enquiries generated by the television advert will supplement those already being generated by the company’s impressive website, supplied to West Yorkshire Windows by its main supplier, Conservatory Outlet. West Yorkshire Windows also receives numerous sales leads from Conservatory Outlet’s own retail-facing website which ranks at the top of the organic Google listings for popular search terms such as ‘conservatory’ and ‘conservatories.’

‘Television and online advertising are both important elements of our marketing mix which work together to generate enquiries and increase brand awareness of West Yorkshire Windows and Conservatory Outlet,’ said Jo-ann Bowles, sales manager at West Yorkshire Windows. 

‘Our continued and substantial investment in marketing is justified by the sales and growth we achieve as a result. – we now have 10 sales representatives, all of whom are kept very busy!’

Greg Kane, sales director of Conservatory Outlet added; ‘West Yorkshire Windows was one of the first installers to join the Conservatory Outlet network six years ago. Its continued success since can be attributed to both the support provided by Conservatory Outlet, and its own proactive and independent marketing activity.’  

“Conservatory Outlet is perhaps the most influential fabricator in the UK currently, having set the standard for marketing that many others are now trying to emulate, but so far few if any are showing signs of the success enjoyed by Conservatory Outlet and its customers. Still everywhere in the market, despite dropping out of GlassTalk, Matthew retains RCG and seems to have a finger in every blog, pie, cause and charity.

With Conservatory Outlet, Matthew Glover has created a hugely successful and unique fabricator business model. The Conservatory Outlet network comprises of a relatively small number of installation companies – 17 at present – but serves approximately 50% of the UK per capita. The network continues to grow both organically and with the addition of other successful regional installers, attracted by the fabricator’s lead generation and marketing support. A renowned blogger and one of the founders of GlassTalk Live, Matthew has recently become the vice chairman of the GGF Marketing & Communication Committee, being influential in the decision to redevelop the GGF website.”

Matthew Glover was ranked 6th in the Top 30 list.

Nottingham-based installer Classic Design Home Improvements has joined the Conservatory Outlet network of dealers, in what appears to be the perfect fabricator-installer partnership. 

The deal not only brings together two forward thinking companies, but also two well know industry figures in the form of Jason Bamford, managing director of Classic Design, and Matthew Glover, MD of Conservatory Outlet.

Both men have spearheaded their respective company’s success by capitalising on the power of internet marketing, and the combined expertise of Conservatory Outlet and Classic Design will help the latter to cement its position as one of the East Midland’s leading installers.

Classic Design Home Improvements will fly the Conservatory Outlet flag throughout Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire whilst retaining its own established and trusted identity. The fabricator’s bolt-on brand – widely recognised by UK homeowners – is designed to co-exist with that of its regional installers and offer them more marketing potential and competitive advantage.

Classic Design will also receive, free of charge, the leads generated by Conservatory Outlet’s national online marketing, which will supplement the enquiries generated by its own regional promotion.

What’s more, Conservatory Outlet can offer Classic Design a whole host of market-leading products such as Energy Saving Trust Recommended windows, triple glazed windows with a U-value of just 1.0W/m².K, and Solidor timber core composite doors.

Commenting on the partnership, Jason Bamford said: ‘The Conservatory Outlet offering is not just about the products, or the marketing support. It’s about the whole package which combines to help installers win more business.’

It’s rare to find a fabricator that understands the needs of installers like Conservatory Outlet does. The support provided, and the success it brings, is indicative of the wealth of retail experience that exists throughout the Conservatory Outlet network.’  

Matthew Glover added: ‘Although unrivalled, the sales and marketing support we provide is only beneficial to installers that embrace the Conservatory Outlet ethos. I’m delighted to welcome Jason and Classic Design Home Improvements to the network because I know that they will do this, and much more, to further their success in the East Midlands.’