Fabricator Focus
Commercial breakthrough
When John Cosgrove started his ‘ little shop ’ in 1994 , Elliot – his son – was just about starting school . Now , 30 years later , Elliot is Managing Director of Northern Trade Windows ( NTW ). Together they have taken the business from trade to retail and now commercial , through uPVC , composite doors and aluminium . Of course , a lot more has happened along the way . In this exclusive feature , we take a look over the past three decades , NTW ’ s timeline and what ’ s next for Elliot , John , and their family business …
» “ MY DAD WAS A SALESMAN FOR Nova Windows ,” says Elliot . “ That ’ s how his career in the industry began in the 1970s and 80s , before I was even born . One day he decided to set up his own business – fabricating uPVC windows and doors for trade and independent installers . Northern Trade Windows was born .
A growing business and family
“ By the early 2000s , the double glazing market was still booming and NTW was producing 400-500 frames a week from our site at Woodhall Works , Leeds . This became a hub for not only the fabrication , factory managers and floor staff , but sales managers and a showroom .
“ When the recession hit in 2008 , NTW continued to trade ; even outgrowing its premises and my dad took on a second site – Mohair Mills , Bradford .
“ In the meantime , as I grew up , I would work summer holidays in my dad ’ s factory . I went to university after school , and played professional rugby . I also spent a year in Australia . Then , in 2014 , there was an opportunity to work for NTW as a self-employed salesman . I took to it like a duck to water . I already understood the business and the product , but now I got to grips with the retail side too .
“ In 2018 , my dad and I bought out his previous business partner and I took the position of MD ; alongside continuing to sell . My eyes were opened to a whole new side of business – and running a company .
1994
John Cosgrove opens a little shop in Wyke , Bradford .
1995 2009
Moves to Woodhall Works , Pudsey for new factory , |
Purchases a second premise Mohair Mills , |
offices and showroom . Specialising in manufacturing |
Bradford due to expansion . Multi-storey |
uPVC double glazing to the trade and retail sector . |
mill complex with offices and a factory . |
46 JUNE 2024 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM