5 minute read
Let There Be Light
Light, space and a stronger connection with the great outdoors – the right glazed extension can transform the look and feel of a home. With many of us keen to make our homes more liveable in the wake of the pandemic, it’s no surprise that Hallmark Glazed Extensions in Hailsham has seen a huge increase in demand.
“Since Covid-19, we’ve seen more people looking to invest to make their home environment more enjoyable and more comfortable,” explained managing director Marcus FitzGerald. “Increasing the natural light in your house can really increase your wellbeing at home. Glazing technology has moved on so much that it’s never too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer – you can enjoy that space all year round.”
PREMIUM PRODUCTS The sister company of Richmond Oak Conservatories, Hallmark Glazed Extensions was relaunched in 2019 to meet the needs of clients who wanted the high quality of an oak-framed extension on a smaller budget. It specialises in orangeries, garden rooms, conservatories and outdoor living spaces crafted from PVC and aluminium. The experienced team seamlessly orchestrate the entire process, from the design stage through planning and construction to aftercare.
Despite being revived relatively recently, the company has an impressive local pedigree. It was originally founded in the 1980s by Marcus’s father, Paul FitzGerald, who went on to found Richmond Oak Conservatories and still plays a key part in both businesses.
Combining design expertise with exceptional service, Hailsham-based Hallmark Glazed Extensions specialise in beautiful and bespoke home improvements. Hanna Prince met managing director Marcus FitzGerald to find out more
The team based at the Hailsham Head Office: left to right; Mark, Kerry, Marcus, Dave, Paul & Jackie
When Marcus revived the name in 2019, he was committed to fostering a local business with strong connections to the surrounding area.
“Our history and heritage are here,” he said. “We have a lot of local experience and knowledge of Sussex and the surrounding area – we’re very much a local, family-run business.”
GRAND DESIGNS At Hallmark Glazed Extensions, both the design and the service are bespoke. The company aim to prioritise the needs of the client every step of the way, starting with an initial design consultation and including a full assessment of the property
to establish the purpose, functionality and aesthetics of a new extension. Whether you’re looking for a place to entertain friends, more family space or year-round garden views, the designminded team can guide you through the choices. They can also provide solutions for different budgets, while maintaining the same highend service. It’s this dedication to customer experience that motivated the recent employment of two new team members – client liaison Kerry Decaux and technical administrator Mark Grooms. “Our aim is to enhance our client experience from enquiry through to aftercare, while also improving efficiency behind the scenes when it comes to product delivery,” explained Marcus. With glazed extensions currently in such high demand, his advice is to begin planning well in advance. “It’s a good idea to allow 3-6 months for a project at the moment,” he explained. “If you’re thinking of doing something next year, you should start taking steps now.” l
Hallmark Glazed Extensions
Town House, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 2AE 01323 671007 design@hallmarkglazedextensions.co.uk www.hallmarkglazedextensions.co.uk
Walk This Way
More Radio’s breakfast host Jack the Lad is doing a big charity walk for Rockinghorse Children’s Charity. This cheeky chappie tells Sara Whatley the whole story
What’s Jack the Lad up to now? He’s only walking along some of the South Downs Way at the crack of dawn all on his tod! “50 miles over 10 days,” Jack told me. “I’ll be walking from 6-10am every morning.” You must be mad, I replied, but it’s all for a very good cause; Jack will be fundraising for Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton.
Jack’s walk starts on 11th October and he will broadcast daily into the breakfast show, live from the Downs as he huffs and puffs his way along the scenic route. “I’m going from Amberley to Beachy Head,” said Jack. “It will be dark and spooky for some of it but I’m used to walking my dog, and I have a support crew of one with me, so I should be OK!”
Rockinghorse Children’s Charity is dear to Jack’s heart, and he has worked with them over the years. “People still remember the charity walks I’ve done for them before, all these years later, and at More Radio we want to make this one memorable too.”
Jack is well known on the airwaves of Sussex, having been broadcasting for over 18 years. He has been on the More Radio Breakfast Show for nearly two years and is currently hosting with Tom and Lou, and he worked with Tom for 10 years on another station before this. “I
was a London boy originally,” Jack told me, “but when I came down this way and got into broadcasting, Sussex people took me into their hearts. I love being able to give back through More Radio, a truly local station, which does amazing work for amazing charities.”
The fundraising target for this walk is limitless. “Sussex people and businesses are so generous, and this walk is being supported by ABNAMRO who have offices in Haywards Heath,” said Jack, “and so many of us appreciate what Rockinghorse do. No one wants to have their child hospitalised, but if they ever are they know they are in the best possible place, with the best possible care and staff, and the reason for that is Rockinghorse.” Whether you donate little or large, every penny helps and it all goes towards this brilliant cause. And what about the postwalk recovery? I asked Jack. “Well,” he laughed, “I expect some serious pampering from Tom and Lou – I want foot rubs, the lot!” I hope you’re both paying attention and have something up your sleeves for this soon to be, sore-footed presenter! l To donate visit moreradio.online
