This Page

has been moved to new address

Double Glazing Blogger

Sorry for inconvenience...

Redirection provided by Blogger to WordPress Migration Service
Double Glazing Blogger: July 2011

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Another Ombudsman Joins The Industry

Looks like we're going to be dragging up the ombudsman issue again, as a GGF and FENSA backed scheme enters the fray, with their main rivals of course being the DGCOS. Here is the statement on their website:

The Glazing Ombudsman Scheme has been launched for the Glazing Industry covering the installation of replacement windows and doors, conservatories and roofline products. The Scheme, known as ‘The Glazing Ombudsman’, will use the services of The Property Ombudsman to provide the Ombudsman facility.


The Property Ombudsman (TPO) is a Member of the British and Irish Ombudsman Association (BIOA) and has been providing an ombudsman service for 20 years. The Ombudsman is completely independent of his scheme members and is accountable to an independent Council, ensuring that The Glazing Ombudsman scheme can provide a free, fair and, above all, independent service for dealing with unresolved disputes between customers and members of the Scheme (registered businesses).


The Glazing Ombudsman is sponsored by the Glass and Glazing Federation and FENSA to provide financial stability, but in the medium term the low fee structure for registered businesses will provide sufficient funds for the scheme to prosper.

Members must follow the Code of Practice set out by The Glazing Ombudsman and provide customers with a fair and clear Contract of Sale in addition to Deposit and Work in Progress Insurance and several other commitments of service.

The process for customers to complain to the Ombudsman will be simple and hassle-free providing a final award, if appropriate, of up to £25,000. The award will be binding on the members but customers will be free to refuse the award and pursue their complaint through the courts. Customers may only use the TGO Scheme to complain about the goods supplied or work performed by members of the TGO scheme.

The Ombudsman service is to be undertaken by Mr Christopher Hamer who has been The Property Ombudsman since 2006. Prior to this he held, over a number of years, a series of posts in various ombudsman schemes, such as The Personal Investment Authority Ombudsman Bureau. He therefore brings a wide breadth of experience to The Glazing Ombudsman Scheme.

The Glazing Ombudsman is a ‘no-frills’, straightforward Ombudsman Scheme which aims to provide the customers of registered businesses with a means of redress in a fair and ‘hassle-free’ way if things go wrong. Insurance, such as Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) cover, can be imported from a TGO member’s existing supplier, subject to minimum requirements being met. Consequently, the TGO member has a financial commitment to pay for the Ombudsman Scheme and does not have costs associated with other fringe services.



As with anything new, I like to question it. I ask why has this ombudsman been set up when we already have the DGCOS? My natural response would be that because this is one that is GGF and FENSA backed and sponsored, it will have more respect within the industry. It's also more likely to carry more confidence with a customer as they're already more likely to have heard of FENSA or GGF than the DGCOS - despite their marketing strategy.


Why would companies want to join? The ombudsman is funded mainly by FENSA and the GGF, which means there is apparently a low cost fee for joining. Markedly lower than some of the reports I've heard about how much the DGCOS want from you!


The vetting process might raise an eyebrow with some. The DGCOS said that they had a robust vetting system, yet serial phoenixers managed to slip through the net, so I guess we'll have to wait and see how successful that part of the business is.


The ombudsman sets itself out to show that it has teeth. DGCOS failed somewhat in following that promise up, lets hope that this one does manage to deliver on all fronts.


I'm sure I can count on some of you putting your point of view across!

Labels: , , , ,

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

How Long Left For PVCu Panelled Doors?

Until the arrival of companies like Door-Stop, composite doors were still very much a niche market product, very expensive and unknown to the general public.

But now with many more manufacturers involved in the composite door market, the product is now very much a mainstay of the industry. They've lowered in price, there are dozens of door styles and colours, but critically the general public are now starting to really get to grips with the product and it's becoming common knowledge - they key for any successful product in the double glazing industry.

The composite door is becoming so popular in fact that the sales of PVCu panels seems to have completely bottomed out. Out of all the doors I've sold so far this year, I can only recall 3, maybe 4 doors that were PVCu panels. The vast majority have all been composite doors. When you compare their looks, U-values, colour and door style options with PVCu panelled doors, there's currently only one winner...and it's not the panels.

When I speak to others they report very much the same, lots of composite doors, very little PVCu panels. So, with composite doors looking set to become the main door of choice in the country, how long has the PVCu panel got left?

Probably not very long. There's not a lot companies can really do in order to physically change a PVCu panel, it is as it is. More colour options won't boost sales. I see composite doors as the natural evolutionary replacement of panels. I'd give it about 3 years before we see the probable death of the product. And I don't see that as a negative thing really. Offloading a product no one is buying can only be a good thing - it will free up more room to really expand the potential of the composite door market.

Composite doors have been one of the few niche market products to really start making it big in the industry as a whole, and I believe there's still lots of potential left to take advantage off.

Labels: , ,

Monday, July 25, 2011

Norweigan Tragedy

As well as double glazing issues, I think it's important that I acknowledge some of the more current issues being talked about right now, and I would like to dedicate a post to those who were tragically killed by a demonic gunman in Norway last Friday.


It began with an enormous car bomb which targeted the Prime Minister's building, as well as the financial ministry. The massive explosion killed seven people, some of which the Prime Minister was said to have known. But this unfortunately turned out to be the distraction. 


The bomber/gunman; Anders Behring Breivik, was able to escape the capital and make a short plane journey over to the small paradise island of Utoya, where hundreds of 14-19 years olds were holding their annual Labour Party camp. Anders then systematically and horrifically killed what is thought to be believed 86 young people.


This is a country where they have such a peaceful and calm society. Think about it, you never hear of anything bad happening in Norway, at least not to my knowledge. And now they are in the spotlight, we will find out more about them. They seem a genuinely nice people, very generous and accepting. They had no security worries. One journalist this morning was explaining that you could walk past the King and Queen of Norway down the street, have a chat, without the presence of body guards or secret police. The same goes with the Prime Minister and local celebrities, that is just the type of society they have there. And to be honest it's a society which I wouldn't mind our country adopting!


My thoughts and prayers obviously go out to those who have lost friends and family in the attacks, but also to Norway itself. I hope that after this they are still able to live in a free and accepting society, free from paranoia and worry that something like this could happen again. 


One other point I would like to make is how the Prime Minister responded just after the attacks. He said that they will respond with 'more democracy'. Simple, but just about the most fitting and correct statement to make when democracy is attacked.

Labels: ,

Thursday, July 21, 2011

It's All About Google+

Google's new social media platform looks set to be the biggest threat to Twitter and Facebook since...well pretty much ever.


Up to the point of writing Google+ has a current following of over 10 million. That might not bowl you over straight away when you consider Facebook has passed 700 million users and Twitter 300+ million. But when you then take into account that Google+ is operating on invites ONLY, and they have only been available for the last two weeks, that is very impressive. According to some models, that actual number could be nearer the 18 million mark.


To try and give a brief overview of what Google+ is, it's like a colourful, more Googley version of Facebook. Groups of people can be added into 'circles', which are then broken down into different types depending on how you know them. It's a simple drag and drop operation, very easy to get the hang of. Their version of Facebook's chat is 'hangouts'. You can chat with the people within your circle using your web cam. Picture galleries are automatically complied for you. It suggests people you may know and who you can invite onto Google+ who aren't there already.


I've only been playing around with it for about two days but it's fairly easy to get the gist of it. So why the big hype then if we already have an uber successful social media platform? The answer is the mere fact that it's Google.


I did some investigating earlier. Even though it's still in it's trial stages, people with blogs and websites have found a significant increase in traffic thanks to Google's +1 feature. I have it on my site, you can find it at the bottom of every post. Every time someone clicks on the +1 button, that flags up on that person's Google+ page, showing everyone that they've seen something worth reading. This is proving a brilliant boost for site traffic.


So, if you're a blogger, then this is something you need to get to grips with now while it's fresh and not populated with spam advertisers! This is also something that businesses I think could be able to take advantage of. In my opinion this platform is easier to use and navigate than Facebook, therefore making it more accessible to those who think they're not Internet savvy. It's easy to collate photos, editing information is done at the click of a button, the interface is clean and simple - it's a no brainer really. Businesses should be taking advantage of any new way to communicate with it's potentially massive customer base.

Labels: , , ,

No More Price Increases?

I don't want to tempt fate here, but has everyone noticed that the steady stream of price increase letters from suppliers seems to have dried up a little?


During the spring and early summer installation companies were inundated almost every week with letters from suppliers explaining how costs were going up. Glass suppliers were the worst offenders, as were Pilkington, with regular increases on the price of their insulating glass of 10-40%.


I'm wondering if the price increases have plateaued somewhat. We haven't had any at our place for a month or two, which based on the regularity of previous increase letters, does seem quite a while.


There was a huge fear back in the spring that the plethora of price increases were going to cripple businesses into shutting their doors, but up to now I haven't heard any reports of mass bankruptcies and closures.


I don't doubt though that the increases felt over the last 18 months will have had some impact on businesses. Margins will have been squeezed ever further, redundancies will have been made, making trading ever harder.

Labels: , ,

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

No Smoke Without Fire


There is still the odd rumour flying around about takeovers and mergers. Nothing I can confirm just yet. One rumour keeps getting denied, despite the fact that it keeps showing it's head. I published another rumour on Twitter last week which was then denied by the company's owners...which to be honest I would prefer as it clears uncertainty up.

However, I'm a believer of no smoke without fire. For these rumours to have come about there must have been some scrap of truthful information for them to be established. Rumours don't just spring out of nowhere!

Of course some hearsay will be false, but I think a degree of it will be true. I am asking questions of people to try and decipher what is true and what isn't. What is clear is that we won't have seen the end of big company acquisitions.

Labels: , , ,

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Tesco Windows Website Back Up And Running

Yesterday the Tesco Windows website came back online, dispelling any myths that the company was maybe having second thoughts on entering the industry.


But, for such a massive company to have a website down for 5 days is a poor show, considering the money and the I.T. skills behind the company.


At first glance nothing seems to have changed. The layouts are the same, as are the images and the prices advertised prior to the site going down. So I guess we just have to put this down to 'technical difficulties'. Or maybe it was LulzSec flexing their muscles again!

Labels: , ,

Monday, July 18, 2011

No More Tesco Windows?

For the past few days the Tesco Windows website has been down. Is this just a technical problem, or does this mean something more substantial?


During it's very early stages the website had a conservatory section, which was then later removed. No explanation as to why, but maybe they started to realise how much work really goes into building a conservatory, and the paperwork that goes with it.


But the website has now been down since last Thursday. Are they making changes or are they completely re-thinking their strategy in this industry?


In an earlier post I had written an open letter to them and sent them a copy via their email address, but as of yet I have heard absolutely nothing from them. That was their opportunity to answer some the of questions that were being asked. 


Would it be a bad thing if they weren't here though? The poll I've got going at the moment is showing that no one really knows what to think of them. 

Labels: ,

Friday, July 15, 2011

Lunch For Everyone!

Following on from my Twitter conversation I had earlier, here's lunch for everyone!




Enjoy!

Labels: , ,

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Bi-Folding Windows - Is There A Market For Them?

You can see the logic behind can't you. Bi-folding doors are taking off, so why not bi-folding windows?


Think about it. There would be absolutely no problem when it comes to fire escape and ventilation laws. Customers are now wanting to open up as much space as possible in their homes, so from a practical view point it's all good!


But as with anything, and especially now, price does have an important factor. Are these new products expensive or cheap in comparison to their casement counterparts. If they're more expensive, the customer has to see why they're more. And at the same time the company selling them needs to be doing so at the right price. These look to be a premium product, and so can demand a decent profit margin which is justified.


It might be good for someone like Liniar, who are introducing them, to maybe come on here and shed some more light on this new venture.

Labels: , ,

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

I'm Thinking Of Leaving

Ever wondered that something fresh and new could be waiting for you somewhere? Well I am. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy at my job, I have brilliant prospects. I have some great friends and I'm in decent surroundings. But I think my head needs a breath of fresh air, something new to immerse myself in.


Some of you will know how much I enjoyed my trip to New York last year. Some of you will also know that if I wasn't in the window industry, I would like to have been a journalist. Not one of those News Of The World style journalists. More like the proper investigative ones with something important to tell!


I'm not saying I want to leave the country forever, but I have in my mind an 18 month break, probably in and around New York, doing something involving writing. 


I've had a bitch of a day, but this post isn't just a knee-jerk reaction to a crap 24 hours. I've been thinking of it for quite a while. Of course there are the logistics of the plan to think about. Money, accommodation, a job, meeting new people and making new friends - all things that have to be considered. But this is something I feel strongly about, and I hope that sooner rather than later I get the opportunity to do it.


So, if anyone in the New York area happens to read this, drop me an email please!

Labels: , ,

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

GGF Joins Twitter

The glazing industry's biggest organisation has finally joined the Twittersphere! 


Click here to go to their Twitter page.


I'm hoping that this isn't going to be one of the Twitter accounts which posts one tweet per week, with things that we already know. Given the size of the GGF, they should be able to create a big impact within the double glazing twitter community. I'm following them, but if they don't keep their account fresh with new info, then I won't waste my feed on them!


I still don't think companies within, or related to, the double glazing industry are using Twitter or blogs to their fullest potential. I still think that the mass majority of the industry are of the opinion that these communications outlets don't matter, and that they can get by ignoring them. As most of you probably know, I sit on the other side of that fence. More and more people are using the web for their everyday needs, and more and more are using the web on their mobile devices. To not be set up to take advantage of this huge potential, would be frankly stupid and negligent.

Labels: , , ,

Monday, July 11, 2011

43 And Counting

Over the last month or so my tally of readers has steadily rose, which is good to see!


I'm setting myself a little aim now, I would like that tally to reach the 100 mark before the end of the year. So, I'm asking a little favor again from my readers. If you think that someone might find reading my daily waffle interesting, please pass the URL of this site on, and maybe they will even subscribe!


Again, very short post, apologies!

Labels:

I Have Severe Writers Block!

For the last few days I have really struggled to write a new post. I haven't posted anything since last Thursday, which for me is a long time!


RCG has covered the Everest purchase of the Amdega brand, so I can't really write about that. I'm working on quite a sizable post at the moment, but this isn't for my blog. I think I've said as much as I can about the News Of The World hacking scandal.


I'm not able to focus at the moment. Has anyone got any ideas which would help me get back on track?


Thanks!

Labels:

Thursday, July 7, 2011

The End Of The News Of The World This Sunday!

Well, we were expecting big trouble for the paper, but no one thought that after a few days since these hacking accusations came to light that Rupert Murdoch would be shutting the paper down after this weekends edition!


Up to now they only have 4 advertisers left, severely restricting their advertising revenues. James Murdoch has said that Sunday's issue will not carry any advertising.


He's said that this closure has been made "humbly and out of respect". However, the one extreme injustice that still remains is that Rebekah Brooks remains in here job, while 200 staff are due to become unemployed at the start of next week!


A public inquiry still has to be made, the main culprits still need to be named and Rebekah Brooks still needs to be sacked.


Good riddance to a bad paper!

Labels:

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Open Letter To The GGF

Dear Mr Nigel Rees,


The glazing industry is certainly going through some turbulent times at the moment.


The VEKA/Halo story certainly gave many something to talk about. But over the past week or so there has been two far more important issues that have shown their heads. Both of which stand to make a massive impact on the double glazing industry.


The first are the proposed new rules by the government to force water companies to adopt all private sewers which will make them all public. This is going to remove the cost of repairs from the householder, but is going to make the task of building conservatories or orangeries ever more difficult for thousands of potential customers. The understanding is that if there is a conservatory to be built within 3m of a private drain which is due to become public, permission must be granted from the local water authority. This is going to mean two things. First, there could be a potential backlog of conservatories waiting to be built, which isn't ideal for both customers and companies. Secondly, there are going to be cases where drains are going to have to be re-sited to allow for applications to be granted, so this is going to be an extra unwanted cost on top of the probable costs to the customer for the applications to their water boards.


As you know, the conservatory industry has suffered badly over the last few years, and the last things it needs is yet more legislation which will make the process of purchasing a conservatory more difficult. I, as well as the rest of the industry would like to know if you are opposed to this new legislation.


The second major issue for the double glazing industry in the past week has been the introduction of Tesco Windows. I think many companies may feel quite unsure about this enormous new addition to our sector. Everyone knows how the supermarket killed off lots of smaller local grocers and butchers upon their arrival, and I think the worry of the double glazing industry is that they are going to do to small windows business what they did to small grocery stores. I think the other major worry is that the market place is so saturated at the moment, someone as huge as Tesco and all it brings with them will make trading conditions ever harder. I think their points are valid, and this is something which you should be actively looking at also. If indeed smaller businesses are forced out, and they are also members of the GGF, this is obviously going to have an effect on yourselves. What companies will be wanting to know is are you looking into the pros and cons of their arrival and will you be on hand to help in any way necessary to help your smaller members protect themselves against the Juggernaut that is Tesco? 


There is a lot going on in the industry right now, and lots of people are asking lots of questions. I hope you will take the time out to read what is above and address the comments made. As one of the largest bodies in the glazing industry, I think it may put some people's minds at ease to know that you are on top of these developments.


I hope to hear from you soon.


Kind Regards
Double Glazing Blogger

Labels: , ,

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

My Questions To Tesco Windows

As with anything new, questions are asked. And with Tesco Windows, this is exactly the same. So I took it upon myself to pose some questions to Tesco Windows to see if they would reply and shed some more light about their plans - and to test how honest they really would be.



Hello


I'd like to introduce myself as Double Glazing Blogger. I'm an anonymous blogger within the double glazing industry.


The introduction of Tesco Windows has certainly made the rest of the industry sit up and take notice. In fact it's the only thing most of us have talked about on the Twittersphere and blogging arena over the past couple of days.


As you would expect with anything new, people will ask questions - just as I am about to do, as a blogger, not a competitor.


I've had a look at your website and it certainly extensive. You've given as much information as possible on the areas of work your are going to cover, which is vital as clarity in this industry is very important when you're dealing with demanding customers. You also clearly state prices - again good as it shows the customer exactly how you're positioned in the market. But some of the things written on your site aren't so agreeable. You give the impression that the mass majority of the industry is made up of companies using hard-sell tactics and ridiculous discount structures to gain business. Well I can tell you that the industry is also full of professional, ethical and fair companies who only seek to do the best job possible for the right price. So to portray the industry in such a manner as you have I'm afraid is false. Don't get me wrong, there are companies out there exactly how you describe, but certainly not all, and certainly do not make up the majority of the industry.


You also state no salesmen. So who does the job of asking what the customer wants, finalising their specifications and working them out a price? Is this all done by a surveyor? You also seem to cast a dark light on salesmen, of which I am one, and like to think I'm not like the stereotypical ones everyone imagines.


You say you have teamed up with Weatherseal and A Job Worth Doing. Are Weatherseal going to be supplying the products? And if so, will they be using the Spectus profile system, seen as though they supply Weatherseal?


What I'd also like to know is whether A Job Worth Doing will be carrying out the work or will it be Tesco. If so, are A Job Worth Doing just using the Tesco brand name to boost their business? Is this just A Job Worth Doing dressed in Tesco clothing?


A few of my readers also have questions they would like to ask.


1. Which roof are you using and who are you buying them from? 


2. Which supplier are you using for your window and door hardware?


3. Are you going to go into the conservatory/orangery market.


I would like to say well done on some realistic pricing. One thing this industry does have a lot of trouble with is under-pricing. A lot of companies at the moment are selling their wares too cheap, however the prices you're advertising I think are about where they should be right now.


Right now the industry is curious more than anything, people (lots of people) will have their opinions on this as I'm certain you will find out very shortly, if not already.


I would be grateful if you would take a few minutes to read what is above and give your feedback. I as a blogger would appreciate, as would those who visit my site.


I look forward to hearing from you.


Kind Regards
Double Glazing Blogger


I will obviously post any response I get from Tesco Windows.

Labels: , ,

Tesco Windows: Good Or Bad For The Industry?

Everyone is talking about it, so there may as well be a poll gauging whether we all think the introduction of Tesco into the home improvements sector will be a good or bad thing for the industry.


Personally, I'm thinking it could potentially be bad for business. If a giant such as Tesco manages to make a good go of it, and word spreads through to the general public, then this will make trading conditions even tougher.


They are probably going to have an enormous impact though. The company itself makes more profit in a year than what the whole industry is worth in total. They actually generate around £1 billion in sales per week. They are looking to roll their services out nationally, creating a network of approved partners. 


Some businesses may turn their noses up at this. But when you consider the size of the Tesco brand, it's reach to so many customers, the amount of leads a business could receive could be enormous.


Many will probably feel uncomfortable going down that road. There are many well established businesses in our sector that will be unwilling to be sucked into the Tesco business Juggernaut, fearful that their name would be lost in their local area. Pride takes a big stand in business. 


I can see why Tesco have moved into the market. The Government are about to launch their 'Green Deal', and want to be there when the influx of new business arrives. However this is going to put the rest of us at a possible disadvantage, in an already saturated and over-competitive market. The coming months will tell us all we need to know.


This I'm sure will have a big impact on our industry, so whether you think this is good or bad, please vote.


UPDATE: blogger seems to be struggling with all types of polls at the moment. So apologies if your vote hasn't appeared. I am looking to find a solution. In the meantime, I have put the original post back up. While I'm out seeing customers for the next little while, please try voting again to see if the manage to be counted.


UPDATE 2: I've now taken the embedded poll off from the right hand side - it just wasn't working. So, I've given this subject it's own page: Tesco Windows - Poll. You'll find it on the right hand side in the pages section, or just click here.

Labels: , , ,

Monday, July 4, 2011

Journalism Sinks To Appalling New Lows

Well, if we thought the News Of The World group could have stooped to new lows in order to publish gossip and stories, we found out for sure today.


It appears that during police investigations to find missing Milly Dowler, the News Of The World it seems managed to hack into her phone, being able to listen to messages sent to her by her family while they were distressing about her disappearance. While this act alone is purely appalling, it does get a lot worse.


The paper was able to hack into the voice mail facility and delete some of the voice messages left by her family, thus giving her family the impression that Milly had deleted them herself, giving them false hope that she was actually still alive - utterly repulsive.


Now I'm sorry, but the claims by the editors saying that the boss at the time, Rebekah Wade, didn't know about these actions, is complete bullshit! Something this serious would surely not have been given the go-ahead without her say so. And if it is proved that she did know, then it goes to show how completely rotten to the core the paper, and it's parent company News International is.


We all know that most red-top paper journalists are without a conscience, but to delve into something so personal, twisting the emotions of the Dowler family, is beyond contemptible. The perpetrators absolutely must be brought to justice and be made an example of in the courts, in full view of a very angry public. 


This has nothing to do with windows, but this is something so disgusting and serious, I felt it right that I do a post on the subject. I personally think we should now be doing more to protest against this paper and it's awful practices. I also don't think it would be a bad idea to boycott Rupert Murdoch - to prove a point and make clear to him what we all think of him.


Comments are absolutely welcome!

Labels:

Fires Shut Down 5 Nan Ya Plants

It's emerged that the Yunlin County Government in Taiwan forced Nan Ya, producers of composite door panels exported to the UK, to shut down 5 of it's production plants after two fires broke out on 12th and 18th of May.


According to Nan Ya, these closures are causing a daily loss of around NT$8.4 million (I'm not quite sure how much that is in sterling!). It is unsure how these plant closures will affect both supply and prices here in the UK. It is also unsure how much of an effect these closures are having on production of the composite door products.


These problems come on the back of Japanese difficulties after one of the PVC production plants, which supplies Europe with around 40% of it's supply, was forced to shut in order to conserve energy for the rest of the country. It is unclear whether the plant has now re-opened.


UPDATE 6/7/11: it has been made clear by the comment below that it is only the petrochemical area of the business that has been affected, and not the composite door sector.


Labels: , ,

Peak DGB

Inspired by RCG's 'peak' post, I thought I would do my own, to show my performance and how far I would have to go to reach RCG's level!




As you can see, the 'Halogate' post did my traffic numbers the world of good! I'm hoping that some of the readers of that post will become more regular followers, and maybe even subscribe to read the daily tosh I publish!


Still a way to go till I compete with RCG's best month!


PS: to get a better view of the graph you're going to have to click on the image. These blog layouts come with restrictions!

Labels: , , ,

Door-Stop Showcasing Impressive Growth

Door-Stop International has just posted a £17 million turnover in just it's third year of business, that equates to a rise of 30%, up from £13 million the year previously.


The company has been taking a steady 25-30 new customers on per week. They also state that a lot of their growth can be attributed to organic growth.


MD Nick Dutton said: “Our existing customers are now buying 40% more doors on average than they were two years ago.” 


What is obvious is that the market for PVCu panel doors is collapsing at quite a rate. Personally I think I have only sold two PVCu panelled doors all year, the vast majority have all been composites.


We all know turnover is important, but most of us also know that profit is even more important. So it would be nice to know how much of that turnover is profit. A business is only a healthy one if it's making a decent profit.


However, a pat on the back is due to the Duttons at Door-Stop, they've done a sterling job in an industry with many negatives at the moment.

Labels: ,

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Month In Review: June 2011

To save my precious typing fingers, I'll just say that June was pretty much exactly the same as May. If you want to know how May went, click here to have a read of that post.


However on a national scale the story the picture tells is one worth writing.


It really is a tale of two haves right now. It seems that you're either doing very well at the moment or doing quite bad. If you speak to anyone in the industry right now they could tell you of two businesses they know, one doing well, one on it's arse.


I think what this proves is that there are businesses that are willing to work hard and go find the business, and ones that are just hoping the business will come and find them. 


I'll end on a question: is it worth me doing these posts? The reason I ask is that they're not as substantial as my other posts. I don't really like to talk about the company I work for in too much detail because quite honestly I don't want to give anything away to my competitors, so that restricts very much what I can write. I rely on portraying the national picture which makes up most of my post. So if people think I should pack these types of posts in then I will.

Labels: