Hazlemere on course for record year

A £100,000 investment in its two showrooms and the latest 3D design studio has seen a High Wycombe-based home improvement specialist secure a record year.

Hazlemere, which offers a wide variety of conservatories, orangeries, tiled roof extensions, double glazed windows and doors, has reported a 37% increase in orders with sales on the retail side of the business now reaching £7.5m.

Part of the Conservatory Outlet network, the company has tapped into the change in purchasing habits brought on by the pandemic by introducing the latest flush casement windows to its range, as well as an extensive selection of new doors.

The firm is now setting its sights on further growth and is currently recruiting for 11 new jobs, including a production manager, sales administrator, living space sales consultant, conservatory surveyor and several window and door fitters.

“Nobody really knew what was going to happen during Covid-19, but we quickly realised that people, who were spending an increasing amount of time at home, were keen to tackle those delayed jobs or make improvements with their disposable income,” explained Rachel Braham-Hill, managing director of Hazlemere.

“The decision was quickly made to try to maximise this opportunity and we spent a lot of time and money upgrading our showrooms in Wellington Road in High Wycombe and at Welwyn Garden City.

“There was also investment in new presentation software so we could showcase new designs and our involvement in the Conservatory Outlet network meant we had huge support with our digital marketing activity.

“All of this saw us accelerate retail sales from £5.5m in 2020 to £7.5m this financial year, with our commercial division also performing very well working with its local authority and education contacts.”