20 years and more than 1200 doors later, Didcot Windows continues to turn to Apeer as its sole supplier of composite doors. The first order from managing director Jodie Jefferson was placed in the spring of 2006 – and those orders are still being regularly logged with the Ballymena manufacturer with no issues, and excellent service.
Established in 1988, Didcot Windows evolved as a company that valued the people who worked for it, that committed to the quality of the products it installed, and that put loyalty above all else. Apeer immediately resonated with these principles when it first started working with Jodie and her team back in 2006 – principles that continue to form the foundation of their working relationship.
“I first joined Didcot Windows at the age of 18 and quickly understood that the success of the business was founded on the strength of its people,” said Jodie Jefferson. “While the Apeer doors are definitely superior in terms of looks and functionality, the fact that the company itself subscribes to the same principles of people first is why the relationship is so strong.”
Didcot is a relatively affluent area, so trade has remained buoyant for the installation company, which runs three teams of fitters. Jodie, who bought out the company in 2020 when the original owner Trevor Jones took retirement, is driven by the desire to create a good working environment for everyone involved in the business.
“We are powered by trust, both among ourselves, and with our suppliers too,” continued Jodie. “That trust filters throughout the chain – right through to our customers. We’re even replacing windows today for customers that we had more than thirty years ago. That is the power of longevity in our industry.”
Word of mouth is a crucial element of Didcot Windows’ marketing activity. The company is particularly busy replacing front doors in a number of local new housing developments, where new owners are reporting on several issues with their existing doors – particularly damp and slug infestation, of all things.
Apeer’s steel blue colour is particularly popular as a replacement door, and Jodie has a range of colours and styles on display in its showroom.
“Despite being in the digital age – and social media is something we do embrace – the showroom remains a crucial element of our marketing,” said Jodie. “From unexpected drop-ins to weekend open days, local homeowners prefer to visit to see and feel the quality of the Apeer doors, and get a tangible experience of their performance. The conversion rate once someone has visited the showroom is significantly higher.”
“Jodie and her team at Didcot Windows make the challenge of manufacturing so worthwhile,” added Asa McGillian, managing director of Apeer. “The care and attention they pour into creating a welcoming and stable trading environment for both employees and customers alike must be met by providing them with quality product that performs over and above market comparables. 20 years is a significant milestone in a working relationship, and we will continue to pull all stops out to guarantee another 20 years of problem-free door supply!”
For more information visit apeeruk.com
