Why ‘Made in Britain’ matters more than ever
By Joe Trueman, director, Glyngary Joinery.
Six months into my new partnership with Glyngary Joinery, I’ve quickly come to appreciate the intricacies – and the pride – that come with working in the world of timber windows and doors.
I’ve also discovered something that continues to surprise me – how many companies promoting themselves as UK-based suppliers are actually outsourcing their manufacturing overseas.
From slick websites and UK domain names to brochures written in the King’s English, it’s easy to assume a product is made on British soil. But scratch the surface and the truth is often quite different.
Many so-called UK timber window and door suppliers are importing products from other parts of Europe, where labour costs are lower and delivery lead times – long as they may be – are manageable within the wider installation cycle.
At Glyngary Joinery, we do things differently. Everything we produce is designed, manufactured, and finished right here in the UK. And we believe that makes all the difference – not just for us, but for the installers and homeowners who choose to work with us.
Having a manufacturing facility here in the UK allows us to do something a lot of companies can’t – invite people in. Installers can send their customers to our workshop before they place an order.
It’s an opportunity to look, touch, and experience the product first-hand, to see our team at work, crafting each frame and sash with care. That visit alone often seals the deal. There’s something powerful about standing where the product is made and knowing exactly who is making it.
Tested, trusted, compliant
UK building regulations are constantly evolving, and rightly so. From U-values to PAS24 security standards, our windows and doors are manufactured to meet – and exceed – what the UK market demands.
When homeowners buy British, they’re not just investing in a product that looks good – they’re investing in performance, durability, and peace of mind.
When you buy from a UK manufacturer like Glyngary, you’re supporting more than just a business. You’re contributing to a skills-based economy. Every year we take on apprentices and young people eager to learn the trade.
We invest in their development, teaching them lifelong skills in joinery, machining, finishing and craftsmanship – trades that are vital to the future of UK manufacturing.
Buying British helps ensure those opportunities continue to exist. It keeps knowledge in the country and fosters innovation where it’s most needed, on the factory floor.
Sustainable by design
Sustainability isn’t just about what your windows are made from, it’s about how far they’ve travelled, and how they were made. By choosing products that are manufactured locally, you reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance freight.
Timber is already one of the most environmentally responsible materials in construction, and sourcing it through a UK-based manufacturer keeps its sustainability credentials intact.
When you buy from a British manufacturer, you can also be confident that the product you’re receiving was made under fair working conditions and with ethical employment practices.
That transparency matters, especially for homeowners who want to know where their investment is going and for trade partners who care about accountability and long-term service.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don’t go exactly to plan. Maybe there’s a specification change, or an issue onsite.
When that happens, being able to speak to someone directly – in your time zone, with shared language and cultural understanding – makes a huge difference. UK-based customer service isn’t just convenient, it’s effective, relatable, and reliable.
Pride in every product
At the heart of it, there’s pride. Pride in our team. Pride in our craft. Pride in knowing that what we make here in the UK stands shoulder to shoulder with anything produced overseas – and in many cases, exceeds it.
We don’t just put our name on our windows and doors, we stand behind every single one.
So if, like us, you believe in supporting UK manufacturing, I encourage you to do your homework before choosing a supplier. Ask where the products are made. Visit the workshop. Meet the people behind the process.
You might just find that buying British isn’t just the better option – it’s the best one.