From pioneering timber as the solution to sustainability, through to the juggle of building a business while raising children – Steve Winscott, director at Nine Zero Timber Windows & Doors, is this month’s People Spotlight

Glass Times (GT): Steve, can you tell us a bit about how you got started in the industry? Did you always envision yourself working with timber?

Steve Winscott (SW): It’s funny because when I was younger, I never thought I’d end up working in manufacturing, or even with timber. As a kid, I definitely wasn’t thinking about windows!

But when I started my carpentry apprenticeship, I realised I loved working with wood. I enjoyed the creativity of it: taking a raw material and crafting something useful or beautiful. It’s evolved since then; I’m not on the tools anymore, but I still enjoy the creative process, especially when we work on designs through CAD.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing a drawing come to life, especially when it’s installed in someone’s home.

GT: With the rise of PVC-U and aluminium, were you ever worried about timber falling out of favour in the market?

SW: Honestly, I never really worried about timber losing its place. Sure, there’s a lot of plastic being installed these days, but I’ve always been confident that there would be a demand for timber, especially high-quality products.

Timber has been around for hundreds of years, and I believe people always return to quality. The advancements in manufacturing and engineering for timber windows have only strengthened their position in the market. You only have to look at some windows that are still standing after 150 years to see that.

There’s a longevity to timber that’s hard to beat, and while it might have been a slow journey – it’s definitely on an upward trajectory.

GT: How does sustainability play into your plans for Nine Zero?

SW: Sustainability is definitely something we’re all more aware of these days, and it’s become an important aspect of our work. Timber is a sustainable resource, especially when sourced responsibly, and it has great insulating properties, which is another benefit.

But for me, the sustainability angle isn’t just about the material, it’s about creating products that last. We’re seeing more and more people turn towards sustainable solutions, and timber fits right into that shift. While sustainability may not have been my original passion, I do feel strongly about the role we play in promoting responsible choices in our industry.

GT: With innovation driving the industry forward, how do you stay on top of new trends and technologies at Nine Zero?

SW: Staying ahead is all about being open to change, and constantly learning. We keep a close eye on emerging technologies, especially in manufacturing and design. Whether it’s upgrading machinery or integrating digital solutions like CAD for precision design, we try to embrace tools that improve both the quality and sustainability of our products.

Networking within the industry also helps, as we learn a lot by collaborating with peers, attending trade shows, and keeping up with innovations in timber treatments and insulation techniques. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance between tradition and modernity.

GT: You’ve mentioned your love for the creative process. Do you still get involved with the design aspect of projects at Nine Zero?

SW: Yes, I do. I may not be working directly with the wood anymore, but I’m still heavily involved in the design and technical aspects. I love working with CAD and seeing the technical drawings evolve into real products.

That whole process – from a concept to a finished product installed in someone’s home – is incredibly rewarding. While I don’t have the same hands-on involvement as I did early in my career, the technical and creative elements still excite me. It’s what keeps me passionate about the business.

GT: On a more personal note, how do you balance the demands of running a business with life outside of work?

SW: It’s definitely a challenge! My wife and I both have busy careers, and when you throw in raising kids, it becomes even more interesting! We try to keep work and home life separate, but of course, that’s easier said than done.

By the time we’ve caught up on the kids and daily life, we sometimes realise we haven’t discussed any of our work projects. We try to avoid too much work talk at home, especially in the evenings when everyone’s tired. But at the end of the day, it’s about prioritising and making sure that family comes first, while also keeping an eye on the business.