| Harp Windows
have been selected as this edition's "Featured Installer". Extracts from the
interview with managing director Gary Hays, published in the Autumn 2008 edition of FENSA
news, appear below. Tell me more about your company
We
have been manufacturing vertical sliding windows for 15 years and recently
switched to the Sheerframe system. This window is the closest match in the
market place to a timber window, with its slim sightlines, deep bottom
rails and ovolo sash. Along with this, we also fabricate Beaufort
Aluminium windows and doors and supply prefabricated Rehau 70mm systems.
We have just introduced the new range of Homesafe composite doors to our
showroom; the new technology used in the production of this door will be
of great benefit to our customers.
We never work on high
pressure selling, but generate our leads mainly through positive word of
mouth from our customers and local/regional advertising campaigns. We also
rely on our website at www.harp-windows.co.uk to furnish the customer with
background information on all our available products.
How would you like
to see your company in the future?
We have continued to expand over the
years at a manageable rate and will look to continue with this steady
growth. With the current economic climate, profit margins are being
squeezed across the industry and we will use this as an opportunity to
ensure that our high standards as both a manufacturer and an installer are
maintained, whilst we continue to take advantage of new technologies to
increase our competitiveness. What would you like to see happening in
this industry?
There still exists distrust between
consumers and double-glazing companies. I would like to see an end to high
pressure selling and shoddy workmanship and the companies that employ
these practices named. Trading Standards and Local Authorities do not seem
to pursue "rogue traders" with the resources they have at their disposal.
FENSA should be given more enforcement powers to prosecute rogue traders
who are not FENSA registered, but also do not obtain approval from their
local authorities. We also need the government to take a more pro-active
approach towards educating customers.
On the subject of rogue traders, I was
not aware of the website
www.cowboystoppers.co.uk
until recently! I didn't realise that information about
rogue traders and the misue of the FENSA logo can be bought to FENSA's
attention by consumers and installers anonymously through this website. What inspires you about
this industry?
The main
inspiration comes from the positive feedback and appreciation that we
receive from customers, with numerous testimonials.
What is your best
business tip?
Keep your borrowing to a minimum, especially during this
current economic climate. Always plan your budget over the year.
What
about Building Regulations?
I have two things that I would like to say
about Building Regulations: Firstly, under Building Regs, it is considered
good practice to offer trickle ventilation to customers - to improve
ventilation and help with the control of condensation. Although I
understand the rationale behind using trickle vents, I don't agree with
them, even though I do comply because I have to as a business. Trickle
vents are quite unsightly, particularly if the installation involves an
expensive property. As recommended by FENSA, I do contact the Building
Control department if I have any doubts.
Secondly, there
is the requirement that any room that is not directly linked to a hall, or
has its own external door, will require fire egress facilities to be
maintained, even if the access room has a doorway or similar facility
opening to the outside. Sometimes we need to offset the design to
accommodate Building Regs, which can sometimes lead to an unbalanced look
to the window layout. What about homeowners?
Homeowners still sometimes
ask for "cash deals", but when this happens I point them to
www.fensa.org.uk and encourage them
to find out why it is important not to use companies that offer cash
deals, for their good, to protect themselves.
And on the "credit
crunch"?
As a company we've been through a
recession before (late 80's) and this has equipped us with the knowledge
and awareness on how to work under such difficult trading times.
Tell us
more about yourself!
I previously worked for a large manufacturer and
installer based in Park Royal, London NW10. My background is within the
joinery trade, and this has helped me to develop a keen eye for detail, and
taught me the significance of how to ensure that an installation is fitted
correctly and to a high standard. All of our installations follow these
criteria. Outside of work, what are your hobbies?
I like to play golf, go
to the gym and watch football! What is your greatest achievement?
Having a happy family. I've been married for 26 years, with two children
and we now have two grandchildren! Do you have any secret ambitions?
I would
like to travel the world! What is the most inspiring advice that you
have been given and how have you applied this in life?
My grandad taught me
never to stretch yourself financially. We started the company in 1989 just
as a recession was beginning. The first few years were tough but we are
still here to tell the tale! |
