Annual Predictions
The future ’ s Origin
With a dictionary definition that reads : ‘ the point or place where something begins , arises , or is derived ’, for the first Seven Things of 2021 to be all about Origin seemed like the perfect fit . As such , here Clearview catches up with Daniel Baker to pick out points of note from 2020 ; including his own appointment as MD in July ; speak about the origins of Origin and , most importantly – for Annual Predictions – takes a glimpse at the year ahead …
FOUNDED BY FAMILY
Today , Origin is the UK ’ s leading manufacturer of premium aluminium windows and doors ; that can be made completely bespoke to a customer ’ s needs , including bi-fold doors , sliding doors , front and garage doors , and windows , which are available as casement , fixed , dummy , bay , gable , and French windows . Origin was founded by cousins Victoria Brocklesby and Neil Ginger in High Wycombe in 2002 . Victoria and Neil remain at the company today , as COO and CEO respectively . The business has experienced phenomenal growth since it was established 18 years ago ; with an annual turnover of £ 37 million , with operations in the US , as well exporting to Europe and Dubai , but with all manufacturing right here in High Wycombe .
Right : Daniel Baker
Below : Victoria Brocklesby
CONQUERING NEW CHALLENGES
There is no doubt that 2020 was full of new challenges . In addition to navigating Brexit and a US election , the arrival of COVID-19 and subsequent lockdown in March plunged businesses into a situation that none of us have ever experienced before . With our industry effectively on hold , we made the decision to shut the business down for three weeks and switch to ‘ survival mode ’. Fortunately , we were back to full capacity very quickly after the shut-down , and our unique manufacturing processes have allowed us to adapt to the ‘ new normal ’ and sustain our industry-leading leadtimes , helping us support our customers at a time when they need it most .
PROTECTING OUR PEOPLE
Social distancing has had a huge impact on life in general , but especially in the way factory floors can operate . At Origin , one of the biggest changes we have implemented is splitting our factory floor team into two and introducing shifts . This essentially doubles the space available for each worker on the shop floor . Splitting the team in two also created staff ‘ bubbles ’, helping tackle the challenge of sickness and quarantining should anyone in the business become unwell . This was a major adjustment at first , but our team are adapting well , and our operations are now back to our pre-COVID levels .
CENTRED AROUND CUSTOMERS
At Origin , we pride ourselves on the fact that all operations are centred around our customers , their business model , and their bottom line . We are always investing in innovation to ensure our products remain unmatched , so our partners can specify with confidence . We offer unrivalled levels of support to our partners too , including marketing help to grow their businesses , and our unique OSS system for quick , easy and accurate provision of quotes to customers and assistance with their admin . In addition , we offer unbeatable lead times , helping customers to improve their installation scheduling , cash flow and project turnover .
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