Conservatory Outlet has signed one of the largest deals in its history, extending its long-term partnership with 5 Star Windows. The Wakefield-based manufacturer’s new five-year contract with the West Midlands home improvement specialist, 5 Star Windows, was signed on 19 April, the date of the the 10th anniversary of the two businesses working together. The deal is said to be worth £20m between now and 2027.
The partnership provides 5 Star Windows with security of supply as it looks to maximise on the busiest year in its history. Its representative reports a sales forecast of £12m in 2022. The deal also ensures exclusive access to Conservatory Outlet’s products, including its Extreme PVC-U, Envisage Flush and Eclipse range of aluminium windows.
“This is a landmark deal for our business, and one that underlines how important the power of the network is to companies like 5 Star Windows,” explained Greg Kane, CEO of Conservatory Outlet. “We have been working together for over ten years now, and, despite lots of challenges, we have both grown significantly, mainly because we share the same values around innovating our sector in terms of design, products and service.”
He continued: “What this means for the customer is that they receive the best possible service when making home improvements. This partnership is great news for people in the Black Country, Kidderminster and Worcestershire.”
Richard Manser, managing director of 5 Star Windows, added: “Both businesses share the same ethos, so it made perfect sense to extend our involvement in the 27-strong Conservatory Outlet network of retailers for a further five years. We need a supplier that delivers products right first time, and has the same appetite for growth that we do, especially seeing we have set ourselves the target of hitting £15m sales by 2024.
“The manufacturing support is excellent, but there is a lot more to the relationship than that. We regularly get to take part in training events, share best practice with other members and have access to the best marketing department in the industry.”
Conservatory Outlet played a significant role in helping 5 Star Windows emerge from the pandemic strongly. Its digital marketing agency, DigitalKOG, used its ‘leadology’ skills to drive unprecedented levels of customer engagement during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Rather than draw back promotional efforts, the two businesses instead decided to ramp up activity to support the nation’s renewed appetite for home improvements, creating new marketing campaigns that delivered a 50% increase in new enquiries. The approach also saw 5 Star Windows agree a sponsorship deal with local football team Kidderminster Harriers that saw it receive national and global exposure as part of the team’s historic FA Cup run.
Greg concluded: “Both organisations like to do things differently, and that was typified by the 5 Star annual sales conference I attended recently. Richard had arranged for Christopher Key, associate director of Les Misérables and owner of Performing Perfectly, to inspire their sales designers through the art of theatre.
“It’s just another example of why the partnership works. We’re looking forward to playing a key role in 5 Star’s growth and planned expansion.”
