It’s fair to say that very occasionally, we all like to blow our own trumpet, and here at E.A.S, we are no exception.  When my father first started the company, he registered for trading as Energy & Security Ltd (E.A.S), in the knowledge that although the PVCu market was still relatively immature, eventually, innovation and advancement in product design would allow much greater levels of energy efficiency and personal security.  On our website, you will see many of the innovations around security including numerous industrial strength locking systems and even a wonderfully clever alternative to the traditional door chain.  

Energy efficiency will soon become a compulsory part of the Building Regulations and is already a key factor of the Home Information Pack (HIP) for all house sales.  With our history of developing windows and doors that are both secure and energy efficient, it will come as no surprise to you that here at E.A.S Windows, we have been awarded an official certification from the Building Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) of B and C energy efficiency ratings for our standard installations.  Please ensure that when giving consideration to your home improvement projects, you choose a supplier who has this certification – otherwise if problems occur, you may find that you are trying to get your money back from a company that is no longer in business.

This leads me onto the very real issues of the ‘Credit Crunch’ and its associated effect on all of our lives.  It’s fair to say that everyone is feeling the pinch, and we are all experiencing a steady stream of price increases – whether it’s the weekly supermarket shop, filling up the car with petrol, or rising supplier costs in a commercial environment.

I read an interesting article written by the MD of a firm within our industry which appeared recently on a well respected website, and I’d like to share part of this with you:

“…My point is that as an industry I see increasing numbers of companies giving product away in the short-term with little or no margin…(and) we seem unable or unwilling to pass these costs on.  So ultimately we are squeezed in terms of product costs, are unwilling to pass these costs on and in some cases cutting costs to gain short-term volume.  So how long to these companies expect to last?”

So, whilst we are all looking for the best price when we make a purchase, this does not necessarily translate as being the lowest price.  We should call a halt to the trend that cheaper is “king”.  We are all faced with escalating costs and most of the time there is no way of negotiating out of these – so for me, it’s crucial to know that whatever I purchase comes with a superior quality that justifies the price.  In turn, this is what I expect E.A.S. to deliver – first class quality products, service and after-sales support.

Flooding the PVCu market with cheaper products has not helped anyone in the long-term.  Those of our competitors who benefited from the low entry barriers into the industry and who gained in the short-term by offering “cut-price” or “discounted” products have most probably closed and moved on to other ventures. 

If you are thinking of making a purchase of some considerable value, I would strongly recommend that you follow these steps:

Check to see if the company you are considering has a website.  Research its product range, suppliers, details of after-sales service / warranties etc.  Does the website mention any customer referrals or case studies that you can identify with?

Make sure that the products supplied to the company are reputable and well known within the industry.

Ask around!  Have any of your relatives / friends / neighbours made a similar purchase recently?  Can they recommend any companies to you?

Visit the premises of the company you are thinking of buying from.  This is usually the best reflection of the company’s products and services – seeing the business for yourself and meeting its people should give you confidence in its’ ability to deliver what you are looking for.

Check prices on a like for like basis.  As with cars, there is no point in comparing the cost of a fiesta with that of a Bentley!  Equally, the same can be said of holidays – a short break in the UK will undoubtedly be cheaper than 2 weeks in the Caribbean.   …and despite common misconceptions, I guarantee that not all PVCu products are the same, either!!

Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts.   Whilst I very much hope the economy will settle very soon and we are all able to return to spending with more confidence, I hope you can see there is a benefit to thinking long-term.

Kind regards and thanks, as always, to any of you who have kindly given E.A.S. your custom.

Adam Spradbury

Managing Director