Independent Network celebrates 20 years and £1bn in sales!

Grosvenor Windows, a proud Horwich-based Independent Network member, has completed an impressive, residential window and door contract that tipped Independent Network's cumulative sales over the £1bn milestone.

Independent Network, the industry’s leading installer network, was established in 1996 to combat the double glazing industry's unfortunate reputation for pushy salespeople and sub-par products.

The not-for-profit organisation was created to give homeowners a stress-free way to choose home improvements. 
A group of hard-working PVC-U fabricators and installers came together to find a means to prove their high standards at a glance. Independent Network only allowed the very best companies in the country to share in its reputation and display the coveted logo, and made sure they stayed the best.

In the last 20 years, the organisation has made very few changes to its policy. Members are still strictly vetted before being allowed to join and are continuously audited once accepted. Independent Network members use the highest quality materials from The VEKA UK Group and customers are safeguarded against the unexpected by a series of fail-safe insurance-backed guarantees.

Independent Network has grown over the years and membership now covers the length and breadth of the UK, with almost 140 member companies. Because members are able to prove the high standards of their product and service, they tend to have a higher average order value than the competition. 

Collectively selling £1.2 million per week, member companies still maintain an outstanding average customer satisfaction rating of 97%!

Ian Jamieson, Sales Manager at Grosvenor Windows said: “We were really pleased to be the company that brought Independent Network to its latest and most impressive milestone yet. It's fantastic to be part of a community of like-minded companies that are all striving for quality.

“The job that hit the £1bn marker was an impressive residential contract that featured 6 doors and 25 windows overall. The customer originally approached us last year and were impressed after seeing our products and Independent Network marketing materials in and around the showroom. We were able to advise on issues such as style and energy efficiency in order to suggest the most appropriate products for the house, and we were asked to install 3 doors and 23 windows.

“The customer was so pleased with the results of the team's hard work in 2015, we were recently invited back to install a further 3 doors and 2 windows. The whole project was finished in Golden Oak woodgrain foil from The VEKA UK Group's Variations colour range.”

John Ogilvie, MD of Independent Network commented: “It seems fitting for Independent Network to have reached such an impressive milestone in its 20th anniversary year. Network was the first organisation of its kind and still leads the industry after two decades! We operate on a not-for-profit basis, so any income that goes above the operating costs is invested straight back into our installer support services.

“Reaching this landmark total really does reflect all the hard work of our member companies and particularly Grosvenor Windows - one of our founder members. 

“The Independent Network management team offer national support, with guarantees, sales training, access to further qualifications, a host of marketing materials and more - but it is the loyal, local companies that do the exceptional quality fabrication and installation that Independent Network is known for. So I, for one, would like to say congratulations and thanks a billion!”