When Warwick North West clinched the Fabricator of the Year title at the G24 Awards, it left many in the industry wondering: what sets this Liverpool-based manufacturer apart? Glass Times took a closer look at the company that’s redefining industry standards and discovered a winning formula that goes far beyond the factory floor.

In a sector often dominated by profit margins and production targets, Warwick North West stands out as something of an anomaly – and its recent G-Award success is a testament to a philosophy that places community impact at its core.

“At Warwick, we strive to do more than just manufacture windows and doors – we truly want to make a real difference,” said managing director, Greg Johnson.

This ethos forms the foundation of what the company calls ‘The Warwick Way’ – a unique approach that combines manufacturing excellence with a strong commitment to community impact and social responsibility. This philosophy has driven the company’s remarkable journey from modest beginnings in 1998 to becoming a major player in the UK fenestration market, culminating in recognition as the nation’s top fabricator in 2024.

Greg’s own story embodies The Warwick Way. Starting on the factory floor in 2007, he worked in nearly every department, learning the business from the ground up. His father, Brian Johnson, who had taken over the company in 2008, made it clear there would be ‘no special treatment’ for the boss’s son.

Greg’s planned gradual rise to leadership took an unexpected turn in December 2021 when Brian was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had to step down as MD with immediate effect. “It was a big step up and a very difficult period,” Greg reflects. “All of a sudden, there were 120 staff and their families relying on the decisions you make.”

Despite these challenges, Greg’s leadership has seen the company nearly triple its turnover from £5 million to £12 million, defying industry trends during challenging economic times.

Nurturing talent

Since becoming MD, Greg has made some big changes, and it was his focus on community engagement and charity that is said to have caught the attention of the G-Award judging panel.

For instance, the company has forged innovative partnerships with organisations like Inside Connections, creating opportunities for young people and ex-offenders who might otherwise be overlooked.

This strategy has paid dividends. Since 2020, Warwick’s workforce has grown by 30%, creating 26 new roles across eight departments. More impressively, they’ve maintained a 90% staff retention rate, far exceeding industry averages.

Community at the heart

Warwick’s community focus extends beyond employment. The company has donated a substantial £25,000 to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, supporting crucial services, including children’s mental health care.

This funding helped create a memorable Christmas grotto experience, ensuring every child visiting the hospital in December, especially those staying overnight on Christmas Eve, met Santa and received a present.

Warwick’s community engagement extends to supporting local initiatives like the YKids Believe Awards. It also champions regional development through events such as a recent Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons, where Greg spoke alongside local leaders about Liverpool’s economic potential.

Manufacturing excellence

This commitment to social responsibility goes hand in hand with Warwick’s dedication to manufacturing excellence – a key criterion for the G-Awards. The company operates from a 100,000ft2 facility in Bootle, housing both PVC and aluminium production lines.

A £1 million investment in new machinery over the last 18 months, including a state-of-the-art Schirmer cutting centre, demonstrates a commitment to quality. The in-house glass manufacturing unit, producing 2,000 IGUs weekly, is described by Greg as ‘the jewel in our crown.’

2024 was a big year for Warwick but the company is not planning to rest on its laurels. A recently launched ‘Warwick junior management team’ aims to bring fresh perspectives, reward talent and future-proof the business, while the appointment of a social value manager will spearhead charitable initiatives, further underscoring their commitment to social responsibility.

Looking ahead to 2025, Warwick will partner with skills providers such as Hugh Baird and City of Liverpool College on MMC courses focusing on windows and doors. “This course is a fantastic opportunity for us to share our expertise and help shape the next generation of industry professionals,” says Greg. “It’s another way we’re working to secure the future of our industry while supporting our local community.”

Warwick’s G-Award victory is just one of many recent accolades, including Business of the Year at the City of Liverpool Business Awards and Greg’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year award from Downtown in Business.

Reflecting on these achievements, Greg expressed his emotion: “The last three years have been extremely tough for me on many levels and mentally very taxing. These award wins have meant an awful lot to me, with the G-Award being the cherry on the cake. It’s an achievement I will always be incredibly proud of.”