Why the right supplier partnership matters
By Gregory Kelly, managing director, Entrance Composite Door Solutions.
The composite door market has changed dramatically in the past decade. As installers, we’re no longer just fitting a product – we’re shaping the first impression of a home and, by extension, our own reputation.
In my view, the next phase of growth for ambitious installers will be defined by the partnerships they form with suppliers who share their commitment to quality, innovation and customer satisfaction.
Raising the standard
Composite doors are now the default choice for homeowners seeking security, durability and style. But with so many options available, the real differentiator is consistent, demonstrable quality.
At ECDS, we’ve invested heavily in materials and processes that ensure every door meets exacting standards – from GRP skins designed to withstand the elements, to high-quality foam cores that deliver both strength and thermal efficiency.
It’s not just about ticking boxes for PAS 24 or weather testing; it’s about giving installers a product they can stand behind, job after job.
As I often tell our team, reliability isn’t a feature – it’s a foundation. Installers need to know that what they fit today will perform for years to come.
A competitive advantage
Homeowners’ expectations have evolved. They’re looking for front doors that reflect their personality and complement their property’s character – whether that’s a bold, modern statement or a subtle, traditional touch.
Installers who can offer this breadth of choice, without sacrificing reliability, are the ones who will win referrals and repeat business.
We’ve responded by developing collections that cater to a spectrum of tastes, from the contemporary Edge range to the timeless Elegance and Highline series.
But it’s not just about variety for its own sake. Our online design tool, for example, empowers installers to collaborate with clients, making the selection process more engaging and transparent.
Non-negotiables
The regulatory landscape is shifting, and security is now front-of-mind for both homeowners and professionals. Installers need doors that look the part while being built to withstand real-world threats.
That’s why all our doors are Part Q compliant and come with robust, multi-point locking as standard.
But we don’t stop at compliance. At ECDS, we’re continuously carrying out rigorous testing to ensure our doorsets consistently meet – and exceed – the high standards expected by today’s homeowners.
This isn’t just about compliance – it’s about trust. When an installer fits a door, they’re putting their name to it. As I see it, every installation is a reflection of your standards, and suppliers should help you meet and exceed those standards, not just meet the minimum.
The value of partnership
The most successful installers I know are those who see their suppliers as partners, not just order-takers. At ECDS, we see our role as supporting the trade – offering technical advice, reliable lead times and being available when things don’t go to plan. We listen to feedback and adapt, because the installer’s experience on-site is just as important as the product itself.
Our job isn’t finished when the door leaves the factory. It’s about making sure installers have the tools, knowledge and support to deliver a great result every time.
The composite door sector is only going to become more competitive, and installers who align themselves with suppliers committed to quality, design and genuine partnership will be the ones who thrive.
This is an opportunity not just to meet demand, but to shape it – to set new expectations for what a front door can be.
If you’re an installer who wants to build a reputation for excellence, I believe now is the time to seek out supplier relationships that reflect your own ambitions.
The right partnership can help you deliver doors – and service – that homeowners remember for all the right reasons.