What makes an exceptional supplier? Lee Darcy, sales and marketing manager for Heritage Trade Frames, believes it’s a combination of factors.
“We demand efficient service, high-quality products, open communication, and a positive outlook from our suppliers. They must be willing to explore new initiatives and support us in developing our business,” says Lee Darcy, sales and marketing manager for Heritage Trade Frames
As one of the country’s largest trade fabricators, Heritage is fortunate to enjoy a long-standing and robust relationships with its key suppliers – Distinction Doors, Profile 22 and Yale.
Recently, the trade fabricator utilised the expertise of all three suppliers to launch a smart window and door solution.
Distinction Doors fabricator
Heritage has been a Distinction Doors fabricator for more than 10 years and it’s a relationship which continues to evolve and prosper.
“Our customers are extremely loyal,” continues Lee. “They enjoy our premium service and know this is matched by a premium product. Distinction supplies a great product. Our customers know this and appreciate the power and influence of the Distinction Doors brand. Plus, they realise there will be fewer call backs compared to some competitor products.”
Safeguard x SensCheck
Heritage Trade Frames is now an official partner for Yale SensCheck, a range of integrated smart door and window sensors which allow residents to check the status of their home from anywhere, anytime.
SensCheck compatible hardware is now being fitted as standard across the Safeguard product range which includes GRP composite entrance doors from Distinction Doors.
“Distinction has been very supportive in helping us bring our Safeguard x SensCheck package to market,” explains Lee. “It has supplied demonstration doors for our new trade showroom and produced new bespoke sales literature. Both of which allow us to communicate the value and benefit of smart-ready products, easily and effectively.”
Secured by Design
“We also value Distinction’s commitment to its fabricators,” says Lee.
“We have long been a Secured by Design (SBD) member and when Distinction announced it was the first distributor and supplier of GRP composite door blanks to gain SBD status, we quickly recognised the positive impact this would have for SBD fabricators like us.
“We now offer one of the most competitive enhanced security composite door products on the market. This has been elevated again with the addition of SensCheck, an SBD ‘Secure Connected Device’.
Marketing support
Lee joined Heritage Trade Frames in April, with more than two decades of industry experience.
“One of my first tasks was to deliver our new composite door brochure,” says Lee. “Fortunately, I was soon introduced to the Distinction Doors marketing team, and what a relief, both Bethaney and Lorna were extremely forthcoming and very helpful, supporting us with brochure design and print. Complementary services and assistance such as this are invaluable in helping us stay ahead of the competition.
“I’m really pleased at how the Safeguard composite doors brochure is being received,” he continues. “The demand for printed copies has been phenomenal and downloads continue to increase.
“The team at Distinction has been instrumental to this success. They know this industry, they know what works and more importantly, what doesn’t, and they understand our customers. This, coupled with their consumer insight, makes them a powerful and valuable partner.”
Trade showroom
The new trade showroom opened in October and boasts multiple Distinction composite doors each one chosen to reflect the range of styles available. This includes the latest addition to the nxt-gen range, the Craftsman, a traditional design enhanced by the flush-fitted beaded system and moulding synonymous with nxt-gen.
The Distinction range is designed to ensure fabricators can meet consumer demands, whatever the property style, personal taste, or design. This includes traditional, contemporary and modern door styles complemented by Distinction’s very own series of glass designs.
The demo doors are fitted with the SensCheck compatible hardware and Yale Lockmaster AutoEngage multi-point locking system.
The trade only showroom is located at the company’s headquarters in Bolton and is open Monday – Friday, and entrance is by appointment only which can be arranged through the sales team.
Trade customers can meet with Heritage Trade Frames’ representatives and enjoy hospitality in the customer lounge.
