New windows and doors: Made and fitted in-house by experts across Derbyshire, North Notts & South Yorkshire

Adrian is something special at this Derbyshire firm – he’s not only been working in the window industry since being apprenticed at 15, he has done just about every role possible in his 43 years from fabrication and fitting to management.

He’s passionate about what he does and says compromising on quality, safety and customer satisfaction is not something he, or the company, is prepared to do.

“I’m not a salesman. The last thing I want is to make people feel uncomfortable. We’re not a pressure company; we know we have the knowledge and expertise and the products we make are first class,” he said. “I listen to customers and it’s about their wants, needs, requirements and above all else budget.

“You have to get it right first time,” he said. “Once you decide to have windows or doors fitted, it’s your hard-earned cash that’s being spent, and you’ll only be doing this every 25 years or so.

“A customer with one new window has the same level of service as a customer who places a £30,000 order.”

But with so many uPVC window, door and conservatory companies to choose from what makes this company special?

Visiting the Clay Cross showroom will tell you all you need to know and a chat with Adrian over a cuppa will ensure absolutely all your questions are answered – even those you never thought to ask! Of course, it’s also open for trade and DIY customers looking for quality, competitively priced products for residential properties.

Experience and local knowledge

If you pass Incomol Business Park at Derby Road, Clay Cross, you may have seen new signs going up recently for Urban Windows Doors & Conservatories, but this is not a new company. They’ve been manufacturing and fitting at residential properties across the region over recent years, but the parent company has been in the commercial and trade business manufacturing architectural steelworks and aluminium windows, doors and facades since 1998.

This 25 years of expertise, working on commercial projects, large and small, all over the UK, is now being used on projects closer to ‘home’. The residential property division of the business covers Derbyshire and South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.

Managing Director Patrick Dawson says “having worked on huge and complex projects around the country, fitting windows, doors and conservatories in residential homes is second nature.”

Manufacturing on site

“A lot of companies will sell people products they buy in from elsewhere, but we make everything on site,” says Patrick. The company has invested heavily in new machinery, technology and training to ensure the highest quality and largest range is available. “I don’t like buying products in because you are not in control of what is being produced; quality is key. It just doesn’t go out unless it’s top quality”

It means any size, shape, design and colour can be produced – whether it’s a traditional window, a home in a conservation area or a modern architect-designed new build. Every stage of the manufacturing process is rigorously monitored with on-site quality control checks before anything leaves the factory.

“Mistakes can be made – everyone is human – but the investment in the latest machines and technology has cut down on human error that sometimes occurs in manufacturing.”

If something is needed in a hurry it can be done – such as a replacement after a break-in. They can manufacture shaped frames, match any colour and make windows suitable to your tastes, the age and style of your home. If needed, a replacement can be made in 24 hours rather than having to wait weeks for the supplier.

Quality fittings and safety

Names like Mila, Brisant Secure, Warmer Roof, Distinction Doors and DoorCo Doors are some of those behind the quality fixtures and fittings that are used on the products – whether it’s a restrictor arm for a bedroom window, a lock, or a window catch. The windows are built to last using Veka and Eurocell profile – Europe's leading uPVC profile systems.

Urban Windows, Doors and Conservatories note that quality and safety is another area where they do not believe compromises should be made. Adrian backs this up, saying he’s not happy for customers to accept lower quality – when Urban can provide top quality for comparable prices: “A door is the main focal point of a property and windows can be opened umpteen times a day. It’s all about making sure that quality is there and getting a supplier that’s going to be around for some time in the rare event that a return visit is required.” A quality window handle or catch, for example, gives peace of mind for the homeowner and longevity for the product.

Price guarantee

Manufacturing in-house cuts out a layer of cost – there is no supplier to take a cut – and that saving is passed on to the customer. It means you can be sure of top quality manufacture and fitting at a price that others may offer for a lower specification. They also price the whole job – if extra building work might need to be done, say for a conservatory or patio doors – that will all be reflected in the price quoted, not added on later.

And because all the work is done by their own fully employed staff, not sub-contractors, it gives extra peace of mind for the customer – they know who is doing the work and that it will be seen through from start to finish at the level of quality the company demands.

“What we offer is quality and customer service,” said Patrick. “We may not always be the cheapest, but generally we will beat any like for like quote and we will always be delivering better quality and customer service.”

Long-lasting guarantees

Urban back up the confidence in the quality of their work with long-lasting guarantees – 10 years on frames, 5 years on glass and 12 months on all hardware and labour.

All works are fully accredited and signed off by Certass and they are members of the Independent Network, providing customers with Insurance Backed Guarantees and Deposit Protection. This means if for any reason the company is no longer trading – your windows and doors will be covered.

Customer service

The residential side of the business employs around 50 people in manufacturing, fitting and customer service – this means local people, local jobs and no sub-contracting. You know the people you’re dealing with have the company behind them and the reputation to uphold.

Being part of a bigger parent company, it also means there are other qualified staff who can be drafted in at especially busy times, to ensure they can keep pace with demand without compromising on quality or delivery.

Come and have a chat

Urban Windows welcome people calling in for a chat about options and to find out more – when the door is open, the kettle will be on!

The showroom is open Monday – Thursday 8am to 5pm; Friday 8am to 2.30pm and outside normal business hours by appointment. You can call on 0800 090 3849 and you can find out more on the website at www.urbanwd.co.uk.