Fabricator Profile: Home County Conservatories
Factory Location: Chelmsford, Essex.
Factory size: 2,500 square feet.
Production capacity: 25 roofs per week.
Product range: All Ultraframe’s roofs, Duraflex profile.
Directors: Geoffrey Maskell & Roy Hardman.
Key Staff: Darren Maskell, Mo Fisher & Steve Mileham.
Telephone: 01245 32 55 88.
Home County Conservatories was founded in 2002 by conservatory installer Darren Maskell. His aim for the Essex based company was to become an established fabricator of high quality conservatory systems and provide exceptional customer service. Having previously worked as an installer himself, Darren wanted to provide his installer customers with products and services that would be unrivalled in the South East.
With 10 years experience in the industry and after researching the market, Darren decided to fabricate Ultraframe roofing systems and supply Duraflex profile, positive in his belief that they were technically superior to any others available.
Formula for Success.
In less than five years since its formation, Home County Conservatories have become a highly successful fabricator, supplying many installers across the South East. Commenting on the success of the company, Darren Maskell said: “Providing a premium high quality product complimented with top class service has proved to be a winning formula. Many fabricators choose cheaper systems to increase profit margins but soon realise they have compromised the quality of their conservatories, resulting in a loss of confidence from their own customers, and ultimately costing the fabricator in terms of number of sales”.
The company supplies the entire Ultraframe range, comprising of Uzone, Elevation and Ultralite 500 and fabricate the market leading Classic range. Key staff Mo Fisher and Steve Mileham liaise with Ultraframe on a daily basis and have established a strong working relationship.
Home County Conservatories comprises of an experienced and dedicated workforce, all with excellent product knowledge. Joint Director, Roy Hardman stated, “In our aim to provide exceptional customer service and support we have assembled a team that possess vast experience in the conservatory industry, a positive driven attitude and who know our products inside out. We have achieved our aims but will not rest on our laurels as there are many fierce competitors in this ever changing market.”
Differentiating from the competition.
Home County Conservatories distinguish themselves from other fabricators by providing assistance to their installer customers at every stage of the installation. Mo Fisher commented: “Where we differentiate from other fabricators is the level and quality of the all round service we offer all our customers. We can provide assistance from the first stage: planning the base, surveying the premises and advising on planning and building regulations right through to the completion of the installation.
In addition, we offer Marketing support for all our installer customers, comprising of brochures, sample cases and displays. We are confident that the level of service we provide as fabricators is unrivalled and adds great value to our products.”
The Ultraframe system is considered the most flexible and technically advanced available and the company has a long prestigious heritage stretching back over 20 years. Ultraframe has sold over 1 million conservatory roofs to date and are considered market leaders, a status achieved through continuous innovation and delivery of technically superior products.
Commendation.
Profile 2000 Windows and Doors Ltd have been buying conservatories from Home County for over 4 years. Ian Simson, Director of Profile, said: “We have a great working relationship with Home County and we all understand each others requirements. Home County provide in depth knowledge and advice, good honest service, back up second to none and a fair price. The company has earned and deserve their reputation as a leading fabricator of conservatories.”
Ultra Installer Scheme.
Home County also operate a local retail service, and are members of the Guild Approved Ultra Installer Scheme - providing their customers with peace of mind that they are a reputable, approved company. Home County Conservatories are pleased with the benefits the Guild Approved Scheme has provided and actively encourage their customers to join the Scheme. Steve Mileham commented: “The Ultra Installer Scheme has proved to be a good investment for us. We receive regular sales leads, are provided with continuous marketing support and as members we are regarded as independently accredited professionals who can provide end users with a superior service. The end-user is obviously the vital link in the sales chain, without them none of us would be able to trade, so we strive to ensure the end-user is completely satisfied with their purchase.”
As installers we offer the same level of service to the consumer. The end-user is obviously the vital link in the sales chain, without them none of us would be able to trade, so we strive to ensure the end-user is completely satisfied with their purchase.”
Mr Frost of South Woodham Ferrers was delighted with the service he received, “Home County have been polite, pragmatic and very helpful. Nobody tried to ‘sell’ us anything- rather we were able to discuss our requirements and was offered practical options, from which we were able to receive information and make up our own minds. For us, quoting a silly price and then bargaining down with ‘special offers’ is not acceptable but your policy of quoting a ‘fair price’ from the outset is the proper and ethical way to do business. It is that polite open and honest approach that we like and we thank you for it.”
A prosperous future beckons.
Looking to the future, founder Darren Maskell added: “We believe the demand in the market for specialist conservatories is ever growing. We anticipate our output to increase by 60% in the next two years, and have plans in place to further expand our factory premises. Not only do we want to grow as a company, we will strive to become the number one specialist conservatory manufacturer in the South East of England.”
This optimistic outlook appears achievable as production capacity at their Chelmsford premises is approximately 25 conservatories per week and the premises are due to be increased in the near future to meet the growth in demand.
The demand for innovative and exclusive conservatories from consumers is increasing. As technological advances allow for more complex installations, Home County Conservatories will fulfil this niche in the market by providing installers with the exact specifications they need.
Home County Conservatories are a rapidly developing fabricator with a bright future ahead and with their team of professionals they are sure to fulfil their potential.
If you are an installer and wish to contact Home County Conservatories or have any queries regarding their products or services please call 01245 325 588 or e-mail mo@homecountywindows.co.uk For more information concerning Ultraframe’s product range or their Ultra Installer Scheme please visit <a href=">www.ultraframe.co.uk.
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Ultraframe deliver innovative and top quality conservatory roof systems for the trade which suit all styles, all applications, all consumer types and which offer excellent value for money.
The market leading company invests heavily in research and development to provide the most technologically advanced and stylish conservatory roofing solutions, maximising light and space. Ultraframe are at the forefront of conservatory design and its systems are mainly used in the home improvement sector but also in new housing and commercial applications in the UK and Europe.
In 2006 the privately owned Latium Group, which has many interests within the glass & glazing and home improvement markets acquired Ultraframe. The Latium Group is owned by entrepreneur Brian Kennedy.
