NORTHERNview
“ There’ s nowt better”: a Barnsley business story
After more than 20 years building Thermal Window & Conservatory Roof Systems Ltd alongside Kelvin and Patrick, Paul Hardcastle is taking the reins on his own. For NorthernView, he reflects on the friendships, people and Yorkshire pride behind the business, thanks the partners who helped shape its journey, and looks ahead to the next chapter.
Just like Clearview magazine,‘ Thermal’ has been part of Barnsley’ s fenestration landscape for decades. Now, as Paul takes full ownership, he looks back on the early days, the people who have made it what it is today, and the challenges facing the industry.
And before we begin, a note on the name from Paul …“ To give it its Sunday name the company is called Thermal Window & Conservatory Roof Systems Ltd, but it was too long for emails and web addresses, so we picked www. eco-thermal. co. uk
“ One of our marketing chaps then had the idea of altering the website to Thermal Trade Frames but I am going to relaunch it next year back to Thermal Window & Conservatory Roof Systems Ltd.
“ The problem was we started as a partnership called Thermal Windows and before we went limited someone else pinched the name!”
IT ALL STARTED IN THE CANTEEN …
It was 2002, in the canteen at Speedframe, when Paul, Kelvin and Patrick first discussed setting up their own business. Paul brought industry experience and a wealth of contacts, while Kelvin and Patrick had the manufacturing expertise.
“ We started manufacturing in April 2003 in a small unit in Barnsley. Our first installation was my ex-mother-in-law’ s. It was our last for a while because trade customers took over, and we were soon manufacturing more windows than we could fit in the unit.
“ Every morning, we emptied them out into the yard, made some more and filled
the unit back up at night. Nightmare start, but fun.”
Looking back, Paul believes one of the keys to the business’ s longevity has been embracing technology without sacrificing the human element.
PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
“ I have always believed that a great buying experience will trump the mundane every time. I have staff in place who are friends, care about the business and who, if the customer lets them, will become friends to them as well.
“ There’ s nowt better than a Barnsley lass chewing the fat and telling you how it is.”
In the office, Zoe and Nikki bring years of industry experience, offering customers advice and finding answers when they need to. Zoe, Paul’ s wife, brings vast experience from both Welcome and Speedframe.
“ They aren’ t‘ just’ order processors; they can offer advice and, if they don’ t know, they will ask. Perfect for some of our customers who still send in orders on a cornflake box.”
THE DELIVERY TEAM THAT ALWAYS DELIVERS
“ In my opinion, our delivery service is second to none. Run by Andy, Nikki’ s other half, he organises and helps. He is backed up by Luke and Colin.
“ Our drivers are the backbone of the company, generally first in the firing line if a customer isn’ t happy, and so need to be on point every day. They are just that.”
On the shop floor, Scott brings years of manufacturing experience, as well as installation knowledge, and is there to answer technical questions. The rest of the team have also been with the business for years and know their jobs inside out.
“ We aren’ t 100 % perfect; nobody is. It’ s how you manage adversity, and I believe we do it as well as anyone in the industry. Maybe that’ s our Yorkshire pride.”
22 NOVEMBER 2026 CLEARVIEW-UK. COM