A DOORS and windows company in Huddersfield has bucked the trend to lift profits last year – while the industry took a £268m hit in lost earnings.
Market analysts showed that Safestyle UK, with offices at Bradley Business Park, Bradley, was one of only 123 manufacturers and installers of energy saving windows to maintain or increase profit margins during the recession of 2009.
David Pattison, senior analyst at Plimsoll and author of the survey, said: “The recession has hit the sector hard with more than half of the companies analysed in our new report making less profit last year than they did in 2008.
“Our research found that the downturn has hit the bottom line of 609 UK companies in the windows and doors industry, with the bill in lost profit currently standing at £268m.
“However, there are 123 firms in the industry – including Safestyle UK – that managed to maintain or increase their profit margins last year.
“All things considered, that’s a pretty impressive achievement. These companies should be recognised as they are proof that an efficient business selling the right product to the right market can still succeed in industry.”
Safestyle managing director Steve Birmingham said: “We continued to enjoy healthy sales despite the economic downturn. We achieved a 30% increase in sales during the first quarter of 2009 compared with the previous year and July and August were also particularly good sales months for us.”
He said the sales performance was boosted by competitive offers and incentive schemes introduced to reward sales and canvassing teams for meeting their targets.
“The recession meant that we needed to go that extra mile to make sure we maintained our strong sales levels,” said Mr Birmingham.
“Going forward, we will continue to motivate our team and boost their dedication and drive for healthy sales by offering more fun reward schemes.
“We will look to further capitalise on the rising number of homeowners making home improvements to enhance their properties ready for when the housing market picks up by offering promotions that will help increase the value of their property and help reduce energy bills.”
