January 2024

Tell us about your recent new product
launches and the benefits for installers
Back in June, we launched eight new products,
including the aïr 700LS Lift & Slide Door; aïr
180XLS Lift & Slide Door; aïr 400SS Inline Sliding
Door; aïr 900 Bi-fold Door; two entrance doors;
and a steel-look internal door and screen system.
We didn’t just launch these products because we
thought it was time for an update to our product
range. After the pandemic, our industry was highly
reactive, so we knew we had to come out of the
blocks firing with some innovative new products to
allow our customers to differentiate themselves.
We carried out extensive research on demand
and future trends, but also with an eye on the
upcoming changes to the Building Regulations
and the Future Homes Standard, all with the aim
of helping our installer customers prepare for the
market of tomorrow.
Traditionally, our aïr aluminium products have served
the top end of the market, but we also recognise
that in the current state of the economy, we are
facing tougher times and people are naturally more
considerate of their budgets. Although, we find
that where people recognise value, they will often
spend. However, we’ve found that there was still a
desire for home improvements, so we altered our
range to include products at different price points,
helping serve both ends of the market. This gave
our customers access to a product collection which
helps them serve every type of customer and give
them the best possible chance to thrive.
What are the biggest challenges fabricators
are currently facing and how are you
addressing these challenges?
There are definitely a few challenges we’re facing
as an industry at the moment.
The challenge to recruit and retain talent can have
a knock on effect on product quality and service,
but we’ve always worked to create a workplace
that values each and every individual, and we know
that it works, as a large number of our team has
worked with us for over 10 years now. It can also be
a challenge staying on top of the latest trends, while
predicting what installers and homeowners will be
looking for in the future, as it will be a major factor
in how appealing your products are. We’ve put a
lot of time, money and resources into researching,
Everglade Windows collected not one, but
two trophies at the recent G23 Awards
testing and developing new products, so that we
can tap into the trends of today and tomorrow, while
performing on all of the technical aspects, too.
What are the biggest challenges for your
installer customers and how are you helping
them address these challenges?
The home improvement and glazing industries are
turbulent at the moment. They’re feeling the impact
of government uncertainty, inflation and rising
interest rates. As a result, there’s a worry that
there could soon be a shortage of jobs, but when
there is, it’s paramount they have access to the
right collection of products to complete the job to
the highest specification.
Staying on top of the consumer trends can also
be a challenge, but with our dedication to new
product development, we’re able to identify the
needs and deliver them into the hands of installers.
For example, our new future homes ready suite of
aluminium products is meeting the rising trend for
slimline residential aluminium glazing.
With new product areas and regulations comes
a risk of a lack of technical knowledge though.
Without the full breadth of installation knowledge, it
can lead to slower installation times and unhappy
customers. At Everglade Windows, we help
installers understand all of the technical aspects
to our products, while helping them understand the
most effective way of installing our products. We
do this through our Customer Portal, as well as our
quarterly TECHtalk talks to give installers a forum
to learn more about our recommended processes.
What consumer trends are you expecting to
see in 2024?
Slimline glazing is a trend that we’ve seen for
a while now, and it’s why a large proportion of
our aluminium product range benefits from slim
features.
I also think that premium PVC-U and colour
PVC-U has always been a popular option, and
will continue to be – especially as more people
become more considerate of their budgets.
Internal screens are also increasingly popular,
with the concept of ‘broken-plan’ living spaces
becoming favoured for their ability to create
dedicated areas with full visibility and light, over
the more traditional ‘open-plan’ spaces.
What, if anything, has surprised you about
the fenestration industry during your time at
Everglade Windows?
I think I am always inspired by the resilience of
the market, especially for well-run, customer
centric businesses.
I’d also say that following our double win at this
year’s G Awards, we were inundated with genuine
outpourings of support from so many people in
the industry, whether it was direct competitors,
customers or potential prospects – it was really
nice to be recognised for our efforts!
Contact Everglade Windows:
020 3944 5505
www.evergladetrade.co.uk
PRACTICAL CONTENT FOR THE GLAZING INSTALLER & HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST
JANUARY 2024 TI 27