Bank support provides window of opportunity for local business

12th January 2015

An Aberdeen-based business, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, is expanding and recruiting after receiving significant support from Clydesdale Bank.

Thistle Windows and Conservatories Ltd, based at Denmore Industrial Estate, has purchased a new 15,000 sq. ft. warehouse to meet increased customer demand. The six-figure deal was completed by Louise Herbert, Relationship Manager at Clydesdale Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in Aberdeen.

The new facility, located at Cranmore Farm near Bridge of Don, will be used by Thistle Windows and Conservatories to provide additional storage space for its wide range of uPVC windows, doors, cladding, decking, conservatories, orangeries, sunrooms and home extensions.

The company, which currently employs 110 full-time employees, plans to support its growth by recruiting a further 20 members of staff in the coming months. Unlike many other businesses in the home improvements sector, Thistle Windows and Conservatories does not employ sales canvassers.

The company has maintained a commitment to never cold call or knock on doors - with all of its business generated through customers contacting the company on the basis of its strong local reputation.

It offers customers a ‘one-stop shop’ as it employs planning consultants, architects and a full range of tradespeople. This means that customers can work closely with the company which also helps to reduce the costs and timescales involved in delivering their project.

Nick Robson, Chief Executive of Thistle Windows and Conservatories, said: “The purchase of this new site will give us cost effective warehousing space to cater for the significant increase in demand for our products. That growth is particularly gratifying because all our new business is generated by customer recommendations and word of mouth in the local community.

“We’ve been with Clydesdale Bank for three years and have been impressed by how our relationship has developed during that time. The Bank’s local team understood our business and the need to complete this deal quickly in order for us to fully capitalise on the growth opportunity.”

Since being established in 1995, Thistle Windows and Conservatories has carried out more than 25,000 installations across Aberdeenshire and the North East. The company expects its turnover in the coming year to be in the region of £10m.

Stephen Hepburn, Head of Clydesdale Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in Aberdeen, said: “Thistle Windows and Conservatories is the epitome of a successful local business which has stayed at the heart of the local community as it’s grown. We’re delighted they have taken advantage of one of the new lending initiatives we launched this year to help purchase their new premises and it’s rewarding to know we are supporting their continued growth and the creation of new jobs.”

Clydesdale Bank recently launched a series of lending initiatives for UK businesses, designed to encourage growth for new and existing customers. As well as capital-free periods for up to five years, the Bank has also introduced high percentage funding for businesses to purchase trading premises.