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Ben Brocklesby, Director at Origin, the UK’s leading manufacturer of premium windows and doors, discusses the importance of value vs value when it comes to choosing the right supplier in 2023.
Choosing the right supplier is a challenge as there are so many things to consider. Of course, there is the product itself. What does it look like? How does it perform – can it meet or even exceed building regulations? What do house buyers want? But then there are the practicalities of working with suppliers too. What are the lead times? What is customer service like? It can be a minefield.
In 2023, the housing market is in a state of fluctuation thanks to rising mortgage costs and falling house prices. This puts more emphasis on the need to work with good suppliers i.e. those who can deliver a fantastic product for the modern house buyer, whilst also being reliable to ensure project timelines remain on track and can add value to a build.
So, what do you need to know about the right supplier?
The Materials
Materials are the most tangible aspect of housebuilding and have a significant role to play in the journey towards a more sustainable future. For Origin, that means continuing to manufacture products out of the highest-grade aluminium.
Aluminium is not only a top-performing material, but it’s also the most eco-friendly choice. Its excellent recycling characteristics mean that when products reach the end of their life, they can be recycled and turned into other things. This is one of the many things that sets aluminium apart from uPVC or wooden alternatives, which lack durability and environmental credentials. Aluminium also looks fantastic, and homeowners are increasingly looking to buy homes with high-quality fenestration due to the added aesthetics.
Environmental Responsibility
Suppliers working to achieve standards such as the environmental accreditation ISO 14001 show that they are looking to do ‘the right thing’ and are committed to reducing the impact of their operations on the environment. This might be reducing energy and fuel consumption, bettering recycling rates, or offsetting.
On top of our ISO 14001 and BES 6001 certifications which focus on our operations, sustainable materials, responsible resourcing, and robust product design, our products not only meet increasingly strict building regulations, but they are designed to beat them too. This substantially improves the thermal efficiency and performance of new homes.
Lead Times
Standard industry lead times for doors and windows start at six weeks, but having a hole in the wall for that long leaves the building exposed and void of insurance. Origin offers a unique ‘Your Lead Time, Not Ours’ promise, meaning we can deliver within 24 hours of an order being placed. It also means your products can be delivered on the specified date, so project timelines remain on track.
Bespoke Project
There are lots of benefits to choosing a supplier who can offer bespoke solutions. You can specify the exact size and configuration you need. Plus, you can pick the style, sightline, colour, and accessories to suit your preferred aesthetic.
Security is also important. Bespoke suppliers will provide the required level of security you need, including a range of lock and handle options. At Origin, our products can meet PAS24 and Secured by Design levels of security for ultimate peace of mind.
Where is the supplier based?
Choosing a UK-based supplier means you are at less risk from supply issues associated with post-Brexit, COVID, or the Russo-Ukraine war.
It also means that you can visit them in person, see their range of products and speak to experts face-to-face. This ultimately enables you to build a strong customer-supplier relationship. All Origin products are manufactured at our factory in High Wycombe, something as a British supplier, we are incredibly proud of.
To find out more, visit https://commercial.origin-global.com/.
