Doors & Windows
Capturing the Market Through Service
Andy Bell , Sales & Marketing Manager at Keyframe UK .
The UK economy is “ returning to full health for the first time since the pandemic ”, declared Chancellor Jeremy Hunt recently [ 1 ] , off the back of the latest positive figures from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ).
In May , ONS data revealed that the UK economy grew by 0.6 % in the first quarter of 2024 , representing the strongest growth of any G7 nation . Whether this positive uptick is a false dawn remains to be seen , but as the old saying goes – make hay while the sun shines .
As such , those working across the fenestration industry – whether manufacturers , fabricators , or installers – have now been presented with a golden opportunity . As the market opens up and consumer spending increases , new business opportunities lie around every corner .
Here , I believe that the key to success for all businesses remains the same , no matter what position they may occupy within the industry – quality of service . Our own business , for instance , is celebrating its 30-year anniversary in 2024 . In this time , I have watched many competitors come and go , while it is our commitment to delivering consistently excellent service that has allowed us to remain .
In this sense , I believe that Keyframe serves as an excellent case study of how to thrive in the fenestration market , regardless of external market pressures . Keyframe UK was founded in 1994 , and started trading out of a small unit supplying local businesses . Over the 30 years of trading from the same site we have seen our business grow and we now occupy a 30,000 sq . ft factory facility . From day one , there have been two non-negotiables : only supply to the trade ,
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the Keyframe name has remained steadfast , and has now become synonymous with both quality and trust
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and only manufacture high-quality windows , we work with trusted suppliers such as Rehau , Spectus , Regency Glass , Solidor and Patiomaster . Of course , there have been challenging periods over the past 30 years , but what company of this age can say it has never encountered hardship ?
As we have watched numerous companies boom and bust under new monikers every few years , the Keyframe name has remained steadfast , and has now become synonymous with both quality and trust .
Thanks to this long-term thinking , we are now in a position to produce around 1,000 frames a week , serving large parts of England and Wales , as far north as the Scottish border , alongside working with a solid network of trusted partners .
This approach is not only key to capturing new business as the market expands once again , but also goes a long way in ensuring that the company can be resilient to its contraction . After all , everybody needs windows , no matter the state of the economy .
Should the data from the ONS indeed turn out to be a false dawn , it is the established names within the industry that will be the least affected . In fact ,
during times of economic downturn , many homeowners opt for a mentality of ‘ don ’ t move , improve ’, where investments that can improve the value of the property , such as high-quality windows and doors , are prioritised . Here , history shows that consumers will always opt for quality names and trusted brands when the squeeze is on .
All this said , for any good business , success is not achievable without total commitment from all of those involved . Like any good striker , management need to lead from the front , and this is carried out by a highly qualified and experienced team , all of which have been with the company for over twenty years and are actively involved in day-to-day running of the business . This helps to set a positive example for everyone at the company and ensures that every member of staff is on board with the direction of travel .
Looking forward , we are continuing to innovate in order to remain at the forefront of the industry , with the addition of REHAU ’ s SLINOVA sliding door to our portfolio one of our most notable upcoming developments . Choice business decisions such as this , which aligns with our core principle of quality and not chasing trends , are major contributors to Keyframe ’ s reputation within the industry , and will hopefully allow us to continuing thriving into the second half of 2024 and beyond .
www . keyframeuk . com
[ 1 ] https :// theweek . com / business / economy / is-the-uk-economy-returning-to-normal
24 JUNE 2024 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM