Clearview National October 2015 - Issue 167 | Page 45

[email protected] sponsoring DOORS&WINDOWS Riding the Storm to Success »»When aluminium retail fabricator, Bi-Folds Bi Design’s owner Lee West created the business model for his business nine months ago, he never thought that the company would firstly, create so much interest and secondly, be so successful in such a short period. Lee talks to Clearview about how he developed his business model of offering low priced aluminium bi-folding door sets, but was still able to maintain a high level of both service and quality for customers. “Bi-Folds Bi Design grew out of the need to offer reasonably priced aluminium products to our customers, including our sister company, which specialises in house and home improvements,” Lee comments, “we saw a massive growth in the requirement of bi-folding door systems, as more and more consumers considered extending their existing properties rather than taking on a house move. “I initially looked at fabricating back in 2013, but the recession took hold and like many other companies, we battened down the hatches and held tight until things picked up. Last year, when things improved, we started to get enquiries through, and after spending much of my time trying to find suitable suppliers who could help us remain competitive, I gave up and thought, we could do this ourselves!” “I knew I had the pick of several aluminium and component suppliers, but I needed to make sure that they could offer service, pricing support and quality to ensure the products we would be manufacturing remained to the consumer as a luxury item, but with a lower cost price. “We initially chose aluminium extruder, Kaye Building Products and component supplier Debar Hardware to set up our new operation. Our manufacturing facilities were set up in the same facilities we use for our home improvement business, enabling us to keep overheads to an absolute minimum. “This business model has enabled us to remain 30% cheaper than our competitors, which is a considerable saving for installers. This doesn’t mean we compromise on quality, as I said previously; we have negotiated keen purchase prices with suppliers and remain to work with suppliers who help us to provide our customers an advantage when in front of a homeowner. “We have recently introduced a range of Raynears products, have revamped our website to include its own bi-fold door builder and a gallery of images to help installers entice homeowners in to choosing aluminium over PVCu products.” “With the response we have received in less than 12 months, we are looking to make further investment to the business in the forthcoming year to allow us to double our capacity.” Lee concludes. Bi-Fold Bi Design also offer a range of residential aluminium window frames, doors and lift and slide door systems, covering the South East England, including London. Visit www.bi-foldsbidesign.com MANUFACTURERS OF ALUMINIUM BI-FOLDS • WINDOWS DOORS • RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL All bi-fold door systems supplied with 1.2 UV glass panels 2 different profiles to choose from INSTAN T QUOTES Glass Unit Guarantee 3 DOOR SYSTEM Upto 2600 x 2100 £1,395.00 + VAT GLAZED STANDARD COLOURS & FINISH: RAL9003 RAL9005 RAL7016 Signal White satin finish Jet Black satin finish Anthracite Grey satin finish Colour Profile Guarantee ALL IRONMONGERY TO MATCH PROFILE COLOURS - NO EXTRA COSTS DESIGN YOUR OWN BI-FOLD DOOR USING OUR CUSTOMER FRIENDLY PRICING ENGINE... C A B Council for Aluminium in Building Approved Installers Integral Blind Guarantee Ironmongery Guarantee 4 DOOR SYSTEM Upto 3600 x 2100 £1,800.00 + VAT GLAZED 5 DOOR SYSTEM Upto 4600 x 2100 £2,175.00 + VAT GLAZED 6 DOOR SYSTEM Upto 5600 x 2100 £2,520.00 + VAT GLAZED Phone: [phone] Email: [email protected] www.bifoldsbidesign.com C L E A RV I E W-U K . C O M » O C T 2015 » 45