Clearview North February 2014 - Issue 147 | Page 32
DOORS&WINDOWS
A Real Transformation
Advanced Joinery is now in its
20th year of trading in Norfolk,
manufacturing all types of
high performance timber
joinery including windows,
doors and stairs. Owner, Lee
Ellis, started the business after
a four year apprenticeship
building up his client base
through repeat business and
recommendation.
Lee admits that for 18 years the
business ticked along with a good
customer base but never growing,
however in the last 2 years the
business has been transformed
from a one man band with
only 2-3 weeks work ahead to a
workshop with 4 joiners - buzzing
with 6 months work ahead at all
times. This incredible turnaround
he puts down to investment in
the business, in particular Joinery
Management Software (JMS)
from Joinerysoft and a TREND
modular window system. He says,
“I knew I had to invest to change
my business but cash flow was
poor.”
Initially purchasing just two
software modules from Joinerysoft
for windows and sliding sash,
Lee was able to spread the cost in
instalments. After four months,
turnover and cash flow had
improved sufficiently to purchase
another two JMS modules for
doors and screens. Lee now uses
JMS for all jobs including some
very unique designs. Lee says, “I
took a gamble when purchasing
JMS as cash flow wasn’t good but
Joinerysoft is the future and any
small joinery manufacturer has
to move with the times. I had to
be able to quote consistently, not
gaining on one job but losing
on the next! I believe making a
small profit on everything is the
answer.”
Quoting
Lee admits that many
quotes slipped through the
net previously with prices
‘guestimated’ and opportunities
missed. He says. “Quoting is
like fishing. The more lines you
fish with the more bites you get.
Joinerysoft makes that happen
with consistent pricing and
professional quotes. The speed
of response I can now provide
increases customer confidence
and has definitely led to
increased orders.”
The JMS software also provides
Lee with the opportunity
to request customers sign
confirmation of order. The
paperwork used to bog Lee
down but now all documents
or reports can be printed or
emailed instantly. He says, “The
paperwork is a breeze now. I
can quote thousands of pounds
now with confidence. You can
have the best machinery in the
workshop but if no orders are
coming in it is useless. Success
is all about quoting. If you’re
not getting quotes out you can’t
win and therefore won’t keep the
machines running.”
YOU HAVE FITTED SECURE
LOCKS BUT ARE THE WINDOWS
SIMPLY LIKE UNLOCKED
DOORS TO A BURGLAR?
Many homes have double glazed windows where the glass is
secured by a beading on the outside. This can easily be removed
and is o