It seems that many companies are adopting ‘new’ strap lines and hashtags around new-found sets of values and a fresh company ethos in light of the current pandemic and industry plight. Selecta Systems Sales Director, Andy Green, talks about the strong and longstanding values and ethos of the family-owned business, that has become characteristic of Selecta and have really shone during recent events whilst also standing the test of time.

Over the last 12 months or so we have seen the way we live change considerably, with almost every person having to adjust and become accustomed to the new living conditions. The same can also be said of how many have had to do business and communicate. It does, however, seem that it has taken a pandemic and an industry boom, during which the industry has suffered material and product shortages, for a number of companies to react and actually realise that customer care, complete customer support and the whole customer experience are just as important as the product and services of which they provide.

When we opened up and shared our #bepartofthefamily company ethos at the beginning of 2016 it was both bold and unique as a systems company, especially as we were within an industry where large investors and investment groups had taken control of system houses. We were and continue to be the only UK based, independently and family owned PVCu profile systems company, something we are extremely proud of, especially when you consider how many systems companies have fallen by the wayside over the last twenty years.

This valuable and focused message has allowed us to lift the lid on the Selecta ethos and company values, connecting with the industry as the friendly, approachable and caring company who are more flexible and accommodating than the competition. The clear message being that customers become ‘part of the family’ and not just another number on the books. This whole family ethos is ingrained within the business, with longstanding, knowledgeable and experienced staff looking after those that choose to be part of the journey and more importantly the family.

Providing a personal and unrivalled customer care and support package has always been an integral part of Selecta’s culture with the approachable and flexible nature of the business being fundamental in our recent success, especially over the last 12 months or so. Sales records have continued to be broken, with March recording our strongest sales ever and new customer numbers exceeding all expectations.

It is often said we go above and beyond on what other systems companies do, but it is what we do and again that is down to the flexibility, knowledge and vast experience within the business. You deal with the ‘doers’ on a daily basis and decisions can be made quickly without a large board of directors and shareholders breathing down your neck. All-in-all, what I am trying to say is that Selecta have always been customer care driven, approachable and supportive to our customer base, one big family and the recent events haven’t changed that stance. With some now adding the ‘family’ hashtag into their communications, we haven’t had to change our family ethos and values during these challenging times for all. It is like we got it right, right from the start. In fact, here we are some five and a half years on from sharing our #bepartofthefamily ethos and values with the industry and it is a message that now seems even more stronger and pertinent than ever before.

The developments in door design, over the last few years, have truly whet the appetite of the homeowner as they seek to improve the versatility and kerb appeal of their home. Selecta Systems Marketing Manager, Mark Walker, describes how the advancement in doors has led to them becoming more of a lifestyle choice and design statement.

What we should remember, first and foremost, is that an entrance door to any home has to serve three main purposes; to act as a welcome to the homeowner, family and friends, to keep unwanted visitors out and also to protect the property from inclement weather. However, homeowners are now looking for more from their doors, with greater expectations on styles and colours, as they look to not only enhance kerb appeal, improve the space and light in their home, but they also need to fit in with the homeowners lifestyle.

The events of the last 18 months or so has certainly demonstrated this, as the home and garden improvement boom gripped the nation. With restrictions on movement and more time spent within the home, people have been paying more attention to their property, spending more time in their gardens and it has generally changed the way they live. There is certainly more of an appreciation of the home and garden as homeowners look to add that ‘wow’ factor to their home or garden improvement project.

One of the greatest appeals of modern doors, on top of improved security and thermal performance, is colour choice. This has now given homeowners the opportunity to create a bespoke entrance to their home or garden that sits comfortably into the style, period and location of their property. So, whether it’s a classic Chartwell Green, Cream or wood grained effect or a modern Anthracite Grey, Black or smooth effect, there’s a comprehensive colour palette now available to blend into their home and make a style or design statement.

Homeowners have also a newfound desire to create a glass wall and panoramic view they are proud of and comfortable to live with – almost becoming a lifestyle choice. The opportunity to open up their living space and create large glazed walls is appealing, particularly when extending properties or when looking to open up the home to the outdoors.

The popularity of garden rooms, garden offices, summer houses and the proverbial man-cave have increased during these times as homeowners make use of their garden space, whether for work, relaxation or entertaining purposes. The style, colour and design of doors chosen during these projects vary in how the space is used and depending on its purpose and style. Speaking from a personal level, I’ve also caught the home and garden improvement bug! I’ve added my own man-cave / pub shed to my garden, where I installed our Advance 70 Anthracite Grey French doors to my build, providing me with a secure, thermally efficient and elegant entrance to my project.

So, whether it’s standard single leaf and French doors, sliding panoramic patio, bi-fold or Selecta’s EASi-FOLD doors, it now means that the type of door you choose can now be an integral part of your everyday life, be a design statement and add that elusive ‘wow’ factor to your home or garden build. With all these latest developments in doors, they are no longer seen as just an entrance to your property or build. They’ve become more than just a door. A chic choice to fit in with your newfound lifestyle, a security option to protect their family and home and an astute decision to improve energy performance and reduce energy bills. Modern doors are now a product that the fashion and technical conscious consumer is ready to invest in, open up their living space and create that grand entrance to their home or garden build.