Exploring New Opportunities To Achieve ‘High-End Heritage’

This is a sponsored article by Window Ware

As fabricators look to capitalise on the thriving ‘high-end heritage’ market, Window Ware’s Commercial Director Richard Bryant presents a new opportunity that eliminates the need to adopt a flush sash system.

Over the past few years, consumers have almost unanimously changed their buying habits, placing greater emphasis on quality and aesthetics, rather than price. This has created challenges for traditional ‘mass-market’ uPVC fabricators as demand moves away from standard white uPVC windows and heads towards the premium end of the home improvement market. However, for those who can adapt, the changing industry landscape has created new and highly-profitable markets to explore, namely the ‘high-end heritage’ market.

The ‘high-end heritage’ market is a result of the continued success of the popular flush sash system. Whether it’s as a viable timber replacement for traditional homes, or a way for newer properties or new-build projects to add that desirable period touch, systems like the Residence Collection have generated a strong appetite among consumers for premium, heritage aesthetics.

It therefore seems the only option for fabricators looking to support their customers and take advantage of this growing demand is to fabricate one of the many flush sash systems on the market. However, a more attractive alternative, especially for mass-market fabricators is to enhance an existing 70mm uPVC window system with premium, heritage hardware.

By adopting this method, fabricators do not need to invest, nor disrupt their business by introducing a new system. Instead, they can combine an authentic hardware line with the many colours and foils that are readily available to provide their customers with a credible yet easy-to-fit product.

At Window Ware, to best support our fabrication customers, we launched our new and exclusive Regal Hardware range – an authentic collection of window furniture that expertly replicates the period aesthetics of nineteenth-century ironmongery. The range features handles, pegs and stays in both pear drop and monkey tail finishes, and is available in a full range of colours including antique graphite, polished chrome and a unique bronze red tint.

Regal’s accurate design not only ensures the upmost credibility but creates a solution suitable for any window, whether it’s flush sash or to ‘dress up’ a standard 70mm window. Even with its vintage exterior, the Regal Hardware doesn’t compromise on quality or performance. The range features key locking as standard and delivers the durability that both installers and end users demand having been independently approved to BS EN standards 6462, 1191 and 1670. To affirm this statement of quality, the range is covered by a 10-year mechanical guarantee and can be ordered with next day delivery.

Staying ahead of the competition is no simple task, especially in a rapidly-changing and ultra-competitive industry like ours. To win new customers, fabrication businesses can no longer rely on just fabricating and selling standard white uPVC windows. Adding luxury, heritage hardware to an existing 70mm window system allows fabricators to effectively meet the needs of their trade customers by providing a relevant product that suits the buoyant ‘high-end heritage’ market.

It’s a strong proposition for businesses because it provides ultimate flexibility. By offering a heritage hardware range, a fabricator doesn’t need to cut all ties and can still service any orders for standard windows systems when they land. The versatility of the likes of the Regal Hardware range also means if they do start to offer one of the bespoke flush sash systems, they already have the authentic, traditional hardware to match.

For more information call Window Ware on 01234 242724 or visit www.windowware.co.uk