30+ fabricators join the Selecta ‘family’
At a time where there seems to be a grey mist of uncertainty and the rumour mills are reporting that businesses within the industry are down by as much as anything in-between 5%-15%, Birmingham based PVCu window and door system extruder and distributor, Selecta Systems, are without doubt a business on the up. With 30+ fabricators already joining the Selecta ‘family’ in the first six months of this year, Sales Director Andy Green, opens up as to why he feels the Advance 70 is proving to be the astute businessman’s choice and why Selecta are ‘bucking the trend’.
A Crazy Twelve Months!
“With Brexit, the triggering of article 50 and the decision to hold a general election, all in the space of a crazy twelve months, have all certainly had an impact on a number of businesses within our industry and also on consumer confidence as they hold out to see how things will pan out. One of the main impacts on many a business has been the fall in the pounds value with goods and materials purchased outside of the UK seeing a number of price rises during this time. Those increases, some substantial and repeated every few months, have unfortunately had to be passed down the ladder with fabricators experiencing continued price increases.”
“What is probably more of a concern to fabricators, installers and consumers, is that with these demands and also to sustain some of these increases there may conceivably be other cost cutting exercises being deployed. Product quality could be potentially affected as alternative supplies are used or material ratios modified which may affect product consistency and performance levels. This in turn may well affect customer service levels with potential increases in customer concerns and add further pressure on businesses operations.”
No Contracts! No Surcharges!
“However, during this period Selecta have been able to remain positive and largely unaffected, owing largely to the shrewd business model, philosophy and nature of the business as a whole. With Selecta being independently and family owned, this has certainly given ourselves that competitive edge by having no outside investors wanting returns on their investments, on top of the turmoil of the last twelve months, ensuring that the business can continue to develop and grow organically.”
“Selecta have been able to ‘weather the so called storm’ with little impact and in fact invest further in our products, services and infrastructure. We don’t tie our fabricators down with any kind of contract giving what I feel is a greater trust and bond with our customers. We haven’t and don’t ever intend to apply any surcharges, which a lot of businesses seem to be applying to recoup potential losses and we certainly haven’t imposed incremental and regular price increases on our profile sections during this time. Again, this is down to our adapted business model and approach.”
No Compromise on Quality
“Another area where we will not compromise on is quality, whether product or service related. It can take time to build up confidence in a product or service of which can be destroyed very quickly through business decisions that affect the integrity and reliability of those products and services. The Advance 70 Window and Door System justifiably remains at the centre of our core range of products. We have invested in the development of the flush fit sash and a new 80mm frame, two products that integrate perfectly within the Advance 70 suite of profiles along with adding the innovative EASi-FOLD panoramic door solution to the system. The reputation and strength of the Advance 70 System and brand is becoming more and more established with fabricators, installers and specifiers as customers look for a fabricator friendly, cost effective and efficient window and door profile system. The fact that the system is fully accredited further enhances its status and capabilities within the market, whilst its versatility is recognised through the introduction and integration of the flush fit sash and EASi-FOLD door.”
Real Service and Support
“Customer service and support is and continues to be a major influence in a business’s decision to stay with or seek an alternative supplier. It’s all about having a broad, flexible and personal service and support package and more importantly one that works for the customer. Not every business model allows for this kind of flexibility, but with Selecta this is an area which we are confident that we can meet and exceed customers’ needs and expectations.”
“With Selecta you speak to and work with the ‘doers’, those that can make those decisions on a daily basis and can provide a flexible service and support package that suits your business. We recognise that every business is different and that you cannot afford to offer a ‘one-size-fits-all’ package, as this may work for one but not the other. This is the key area of Selecta’s service and support, flexibility, something that a number of other businesses cannot afford to provide or are not structured to deliver.”
“Whether it’s a branded marketing support video, your personal customer support contact or technical engineer our aim is to provide a first class service and support package as we welcome you in to the family. It’s this family connection, fronted by our marketing campaign, that a host of fabricators have been able to associate their selves and their businesses with, as the majority have family connections firmly rooted within their business and they have a similar ethos and set of business values as ourselves.”
“Over the last 12 months or so, we have invested further in our main areas of support for customers. Marketing and sales support has seen a host of new marketing brochures and materials, now including personalised videos and e-brochures. We’ve also included a design service for customer flyers and adverts, helping customers to promote their products and services within their area.”
“With four technical engineers covering the UK, your personal technician is always on hand to handle your questions and queries whilst providing an on hand technical support service for you and your fabrication shop.”
Bucking the Trend
“Feedback over the last six to nine months, from all corners of the industry, has been overwhelming and heart-warming. Being referred to as ‘the most active and progressive’ systems company are a testament to the strong team that service and support our customers and the industry on a daily basis.”
“With over 30 fabricators joining Selecta during the first six months of the year demonstrates that there is confidence and reassurance in what Selecta can deliver in terms of products and service. What’s even more noticeable is that there seems to be an increase in installers, whom were buying in frames, moving back in to fabrication as they look to take greater control over their business and be less reliant on ‘super fabricator’ delivery.”
“We’ve also seen the emergence of a number of new company start-ups, an area that has seen a decline in recent years. Homeowners seem to be looking more towards ‘improve, don’t move’, with renovation of their homes now a more cost effective solution. This can only bode well for the future of our industry as more homeowners look for more technically advanced and aesthetically appealing window and door solutions.”
“With the rumours of our industry being down, it does seem like Selecta are ‘bucking the trend’ at the moment and possibly for all the reasons mentioned. Fabricators and installers are now becoming more and more familiar and exposed to the benefits of fabricating and installing the Advance 70 System along with the unrivalled service and support package that Selecta deliver.”
If you’re interested in being a fabricator or installer and want to #bepartofthefamily contact us now on 0121 325 2100 or email marketing@selectasystems.com
