Jump in sales

5 Star Windows and Conservatories secured retail and trade orders worth nearly £2.5 million in February and March, a figure that is 125% higher than last year and 53% up on 2019.

The company created 20 new jobs as a result, with new designers, operations and customer service experts added to the 100-strong team.

Management at the firm believe a combination of new products, proactive marketing campaigns during the pandemic, and the use of technology to provide the best possible customer experience have been fundamental in supporting the growth.

5 Star is also celebrating 10 years as a member of the Conservatory Outlet network of retailers.

“Covid has meant that people have been unable to go out or book holidays so, as a result, we have seen massive pent-up demand to start projects in the home,” Richard Manser, 5 Star’s managing director (pictured), said.

“This has helped drive unprecedented interest in our products and our rapidly growing team has been outstanding in helping customers explore their choices while making the buying experience as engaging as possible.

“It is an approach that is certainly working, with the last two months the best in our history. Even with numbers soaring, we have maintained our promise that while styles may vary, our standards don’t and we’re proud to still be recommended by 99.3% of people.”

Greg Kane, chief executive of Conservatory Outlet, said: “5 Star is a fantastic example of a business that has met the challenges of Covid head-on and recorded some fantastic results despite all of the pressures.

“That’s the way Richard and the team have built the business and we’re delighted to see the progress they are making with record sales, the additional showroom in Birmingham, a newly enhanced trade counter and a sales and training academy at its Kidderminster HQ.”