Bygone Network secures them an exclusive postcode area , free from like-for-like competition , selected privileges , the ‘ Rolls Royce ’ of sash windows when it comes to the Symphony range , but also those all-important leads and a reassuring level of support from our side , always there when they need us but also happy to step back and let them continue to work independently . In fact , last year when lockdown was in ‘ full force ’ we took steps to make contact with our customer base and were advised that we were the only supplier that had checked in with them at the point .

We believe that ultimately , once our products are installed , they speak for themselves . Prior to that , by equipping everyone with the best product knowledge , that is factual and honest , we are giving our customers the confidence and the competence they need , which they can pass to the consumer . Given the circumstances this year , I have personally missed the one-to-one interaction that comes with events and expos . The virtual shows have helped solve a short-term problem but there really is no substitute for standing with a customer and showing them the quality of a window in real life , and letting that passion for the product come across . That ’ s how I really like to do business .

I ’ m proud of every product we work on , but there have been some recent projects that have really stood out for me and the team . The decision to use Masterframe sash windows into

the Lambton Park development , which was the vision of architect Ben Pentreath - has been a stand-out moment of my career . Lambton Park by Miller Homes is at multi-phase project of more than 100 homes that will nestle into and complement the restoration of Lambton Castle , near Chester-le-Street in County Durham . To get a PVC product into this calibre of project epitomises everything we stand for at Masterframe , which is the timeless

semblance of timber , but with all the modern performance that will see them last for years to come . The thought process behind the Lambton Park concept is a completely different way of living and building . Compared to the ‘ make them small / pack them tight ’ method we have come to recognise from ‘ new builds ’, this site uses space and light . The designers have chosen quality above all at every stage , so for Masterframe to be specified for the sash windows is a major compliment and one we take with pride . Likewise , Sarah Beeny , the wellknown

and renowned property developer contacted us last year to design and supply windows for her own home project , as she wanted the best timber-like PVC product . Sarah truly believes the windows we provided are better than timber . To hear that from a woman who has seen all the best ( and worst ) installations throughout her career , then to go and see them in-situ at her breathtaking home was a highlight of the year for me , and another ‘ pinch me ’ moment .

I am a workaholic , this is something my parents instilled in me and I will instill into my children . I ’ m fantastically lucky to have a very supportive husband , and two wonderful sons , who are my backbone . At Masterframe , my main job is steering the company in the right direction by supporting everyone else to do their very best . I am here to aid their journeys ; I really believe that . I don ’ t like slackers , I want a job done well . I also know how to look at each individual for their own merit and potential , and assist them when required , whether that ’ s the practicality of being at work , mental health , or whatever else they need . With a supportive chairman and fellow Director , a team that I have watched grow and flourish over the years , and with customers that have been with us for 30 years ; it has been an absolute pleasure to come to work every day since day one , and there is plenty more to come from Masterframe .

www . masterframe . co . uk

Yale was proud to support this year ’ s Earth Day ( 22nd April ) as the company reflects on twelve months of increasing commitment to sustainability and plans further ways to make its business more environmentally friendly .

In the last year , Yale has enhanced its sustainability credentials by launching its brand-new Vertex™ range of decorative hardware for vertical sliding windows with zero plastic packaging .

The company is also a member of CAB ’ s Closed Loop Recycling scheme , meaning all of its aluminium waste is recycled and reused as part of the UK ’ s efforts to build the circular economy of the future .

“ We all know that the world needs transformational change to tackle the environmental crisis , and as a well-known UK manufacturer , we take our responsibility to lead the way in our industry very seriously ,” comments Paul Atkinson , Managing Director at Yale Door & Window Solutions . “ That ’ s why we are taking increasing steps to make our business more sustainable , and why

This will be the first of many non-plasticpackaged product lines from _Yale

we are enthusiastic supporters of initiatives like Earth Day .

“ Launching our new Vertex range with no plastic packaging was a real achievement for us . While we were determined to cut out the plastic , we still needed the packaging to fully protect the hardware and ensure it was durable for transportation , and we are satisfied that we have achieved that . This will be the first of many non-plastic-packaged product lines from Yale .

“ Similarly , initiatives like the CAB Closed Loop Recycling Scheme , as well as our participation in the Environmental Product Declaration ( EPD ) programme , show how seriously we take sustainability .”

www . earthday . org yaledoorandwindowsolutions . co . uk