Category Archives: UPVC Case Studies

More than 85% of Independent Network member companies were recently judged to have completed perfect installations and provided flawless service by the toughest of critics: their customers.

In total, 74 companies returned unbeatable 100% ratings. The lowest figure for the month was 96.6%, delivering an average across all companies of 97.5% – a typically high result for the Network, far outscoring the industry ‘norm’ of just 83%.

Northfield Glass Centre Ltd., has been members of Independent Network for over 5 years and are proud to be one of the many companies delivering 100% ratings yet again.

What’s even more impressive about these figures”, comments The VEKA UK Group’s Marketing Director, Dawn Stockwell, “is that, for Independent Network members, they’re nothing out of the ordinary! Companies whose customer satisfaction scores don’t meet our required standard are first offered assistance to address the issue but, if the situation continues, are no longer permitted to remain as members.”

“Independent Network’s priority has always been to provide the products and service that customers deserve and expect when making such significant investments. When we started nearly 20 years ago, our industry was in a state of disrepute, largely due to unscrupulous traders whose only motivation was profit. We were determined to never be tarred with that brush, and that premise remains true to this day.”

For customers to access Independent Network’s trademark, ten-year, insurance-backed guarantees, they must first complete a customer satisfaction questionnaire that is submitted directly to the organisation’s HQ.

“That way,” Dawn continues, “we know that customers’ feedback hasn’t been influenced in any way, allowing us to address any criticisms with the respective member company and, equally, give credit for the praise they receive – at events like the annual Independent Network AGM and Awards, for example.”

“The organisation is all about giving customers the best. We invest in keeping our members ahead of the game, providing training, advice on building legislation, and – with the Independent Network Academy – subsidised opportunities for fitters to gain industry qualifications and further their careers.”

“Customers get the end benefit of all this support but, of course, there are great advantages for members’ businesses too. Professional marketing with the weight of the Independent Network name, and our commitment to only using the finest systems from The VEKA UK Group – they’re all qualities that put a business ‘on the map’, instilling customer confidence and peace of mind before a quote has even been drawn up.”

“For us, the reward  ies in these customer satisfaction figures. We know what we’re doing is working and, what’s more, we can prove it! There’s been a lot of industry talk about the validity of online review sites recently. Our system is fail-safe, so there should be no doubt in a homeowner’s mind that, with Independent Network, they’re getting the best.”

For more information on Independent Network and to see its latest, five-star customer reviews, visit the organisation’s website: www.inveka.co.uk

A Worcestershire Parish Council has called in the services of Northfield Glass Centre Ltd., a VEKA Approved Installer, to update the windows at picturesque country pub, The Dolphin at Bishampton.

The village’s residents obtained a government loan to buy the pub when it came up for sale in 2013, fearing the loss of an important part of their community.

“It was clear to see the pride that local people had in the pub”, explains Northfield Glass’ Managing Director, Fred Atkinson. “It was very important to the Parish Council that the replacement windows were stylistically true to a building of its era and that the original grey colour of the old timber frames was maintained.”

“Everyone was impressed with VEKA’s Fully Sculptured casement and Vertical Sliding windows. Georgian bars and sash horns helped to complete the period look, and the Agate Grey shade from VEKA’s Variations colour range was a near-direct match for the original windows. All in all, it combined to give the building a really inviting appearance – essential in a good pub!

“Obviously, one of the main benefits of installing PVC-U windows is their longevity. The old timber frames that came out of the pub had perished significantly – an inevitable symptom of using wood unless regular, costly and time-consuming maintenance is carried out. PVC-U offers modern day standards of weather and noise insulation too, so it’s easy to see why many are choosing this option to update heritage and period properties.”

Rodney Hodgkins, Chairman of the Bishampton and Throckmoreton Parish Council commented:

“We’re thrilled to see The Dolphin returning to its former glory with the installation of these new windows. Not only do the new PVC-U frames complement the heritage look of the building perfectly but it’s warmer and there’s less road noise – important factors for the many visitors that come for the renowned food it serves.
Fred and the team at Northfield Glass did a great job and we’d have no hesitation in recommending them, and VEKA’s products to others. The fitters arrived on time, worked with unsurpassed levels of cleanliness and tidiness and, what’s more, Lee – the landlord – was still able to run the pub without their work intruding. No wonder so many villagers have taken the business cards they left!”

“The fact that Northfield Glass is a VEKA Approved Installer also gave us the peace of mind that we’re dealing with a reputable company who meet all the legal requirements, such as supplying CE Marked products.”

Fred adds:

“Thanks to VEKA, we had all the products at our disposal to fulfil this job – and others like it – to the complete satisfaction of our client. Customers trust the VEKA name and, now as an Approved Installer, we’re able to professionally promote our business, with our logo proudly displayed alongside theirs. We’re thrilled that the residents of Bishampton are so pleased with the results of this job, and wish The Dolphin a long and successful future.”

This article first appeared in Glass News, the Glass People who “cover all things glass and glazing”.