Clearview 254 - January 2023 | Page 36

Annual Predictions

Committed to improvements across the board

STEVE WINSLET , GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR , VICTORIAN SLIDERS
» ANY HOPES 2022 MIGHT SEE A return to normality after the rollercoaster ride of the pandemic years were dashed early on .
The last twelve months have been generally good for the window industry – demand has remained high .
But we ’ ve also been presented with a series of major challenges – including soaring energy costs , inflation , and a currency crisis . This has resulted in a reduction in disposable income and consumer confidence .
Faced with those obstacles , I ’ m extremely proud of how Victorian Sliders has fared . We ’ ve made huge strides in improving the service we provide .
Jason Powell , our experienced new Production Director , is helping us continue to develop and improve our approach to health and safety , production , and the supply chain .
Lead times have improved significantly , and we ’ re constantly striving to ensure we ’ re delivering the right product , at the right time , every time . Whilst we appreciate this is a continuous process , progress has been immense .
I ’ m particularly proud that we became the first company in our industry to bring
a PVCu sash window to market capable of meeting the new Parts L and F .
Next year will inevitably bring more challenges . It ’ s highly likely the UK is now in recession . The current economic uncertainties , home and abroad , continue to challenge the confidence of the UK market .
However , I feel that a recognised and demonstrable commitment to customer service and product quality will help to mitigate the effect of price rises .
In tough market conditions , companies that stay close to their customers , provide an excellent product and service , retain key supply partnerships , manage their cost base , and retain their key personnel are typically the businesses that outperform the competition .
Victorian Sliders has committed to improvements across the board , and we will continue that pledge as we see what 2023 brings for us all .
www . victoriansliders . co . uk

What ’ s around the corner in 2023 ?

CHARLIE RICHARDS , SALES DIRECTOR , ARCOFRAME
» IN FACT , THERE ARE NO corners for ArcOframe ; as a profile-bending specialist , but there ’ s plenty coming up next year ! We must know by now that we can ’ t predict the future , yet as we celebrate two decades of trading in 2023 , we ’ ve been around for long enough to be ready for whatever comes our way .
It seems fitting that as we are about to enter our 20th year of trading , we do so with sales figures that are 20 % up last years . In 2022 , we have also taken on four new members of staff ; taking our team beyond the 30-person mark , and purchased the unit adjacent to our factory ( here in St Helens ); expanding our floor space to 11,000 sq ft in total .
Val Featherstone joins us in the sales office , with more than 20 years ’ experience herself in the profile bending industry . Meanwhile , on the shop floor , we have employed a new fabricator , a new bender and a new polisher . The extra capacity of course , means we need extra hands to carry the workload . We offer a very specialist service at ArcOframe , so we need the right skills . We have big plans for 2023 , both in promotional materials to commemorate our 20th birthday and a big party to celebrate the milestone , to thank our staff . A lot has happened since 2003 , when we first opened our doors ; after spotting a gap in the market to bend PVCu profile during the manufacturing process . We now work with world-leading profile brands and send our ‘ bends ’ all over the UK .
From round windows , to arched door frames to angled frames and gable ends , the product is bespoke depending on our customers ’ needs but
the service remains consistent from day one . Our team are craftsmen and women , as far we ’ re concerned and we look forward to continuing the ‘ art ’ of arches throughout 2023 and beyond . Happy new year to all our customers and everyone reading .
www . arcoframe . co . uk
36 JANUARY 2023 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM