GR Glazing

Celebrates 10 years in business

Words: Simon Paterson

Images: GR Glazing

Ten years ago, three events took place; King Richard’s the 3rd's remains were found under a car park in Leicester, Alex Ferguson retired as manager of Manchester United and Gareth Richards started GR Glazing! I caught up with Gareth over lunch at the Olde House Pub to find out more about the man who has fitted more windows than I’ve had power naps, and that’s a lot. After leaving school Gareth joined the army as a Royal Engineer, where he developed a strong technical skillset and grew into a disciplined and ambitious young man. Leaving the forces Gareth sourced a job curtain walling, completing an NVQ and honing his skills and trade.

"Originally, I was fabricating in the factory and then an opportunity came up to do an NVQ and go out fitting. I’ve never been one to pass up an opportunity, so I jumped at the chance. I did a couple of years as a fitter and then went to work with a friend who'd set up his own business fitting windows," says Gareth.

Travelling up and down the country meant less time with his family, so he decided to set up his own, local business.

"After a few years, I thought, you know what, I'm going to make a run at it myself. I was working long hours up and the down the country and wanted to see more of Maizie (Gareth and Sarah’s first child) so I asked Sarah what’s in the bank. She said 'about two and a half grand.' I said right, I am going to buy a van, went on eBay and bid on a Ford Jumbo for 14 hundred quid, and won it. When I realised, I had to collect it from Cornwall, I wasn’t that happy I won!" laughs Gareth.

In his new van that only took him seven hours to drive home, Gareth Launched GR Glazing.

"To pay the bills I started subcontracting a few days per week whilst GR Glazing was still growing. It took a good couple of years before I was able to go it alone. To any young un’s reading this, success doesn’t happen overnight, keep plugging away day after day and eventually, it will come," assures Gareth.

Gareth has a natural rapport with people, he’s good a talker and a great laugh. Most of his business comes from word of mouth, and recommendations from his previous customers. He has no salespeople, relying on his solid reputation to bring in the work. His wife Sarah does the paperwork, invoicing, tax, plans the jobs and keeps Gareth's spending in check! Together they make an effective team.

Ten years is a long time to be in business Gareth, what changes have you noticed in the industry? "We are doing a lot more building work since ‘permitted development’ came in. People can have, essentially, what is an extension on the back of their homes depending on floor plans and space available. This is a shift from conservatory’s which can be cold in the winter and hot in the summer. We are building modern, clean structures that are flooded with light and used all year round, great for people who are looking to 'improve, don’t move'," advises Gareth. Keen to know more about Gareth’s entrepreneurial journey I asked Gareth what has been his biggest challenge to date? "Obviously Covid was tough for all of us. We had to rely on doing outside work such as fascias and soffits following the regulations and guidelines, but the biggest challenge was setting up a showroom. Using it to store stock, sell from and be onsite working was just too much. In the end, we closed it. Keeping our costs down and things simple means we can offer the best products and service at a great price because our overheads are low," says Gareth. When Gareth isn’t working, he loves nothing more than spending time with his girls.

"Maizie and Minnie love football, both girls playing in the Hasland Junior teams. Minnie is a goalkeeper just like her dad was before he got old! All they want to do is play football which I love. Like most parents, my free time is spent ferrying the kids about to classes and practice. I wouldn’t have it any other way," smiles Gareth.

I asked Gareth what’s been the highlights of the past ten years? "It has to be marrying my wife at the Crooked Spire with my two girls Maizie and Minnie there."

What a wonderful way to end the conversation and it tells us everything we need to know about Gareth and GR Glazing.

For a free quote, chat or advice you contact Gareth at GR Glazing on:

T: 07549 512546

E: office@grglazing.co.uk GR Glazing