The Outlook is Bright for Balhousie

An event celebrating the firm’s 30th anniversary also officially signalled the handover of the reins from founding directors Drew Hay and Malcom Sweeney to Finance Director Jane Bertie and Operations Director Finlay Robertson.  

The ceremony was attended by members of the 22-strong team and customers old and new.  

The showroom heralds a six-figure investment to display the long-time Perthshire Chamber of Commerce member’s extensive range of uPVC doors and windows.  

The company set-up by Drew and Malcolm in 1993 became an Employee Ownership Trust five years ago to ensure a smooth handover for a successful business which reported a £3.4 million turnover last year.  

Drew said: “The new showroom is a great way to celebrate the company’s 30th milestone and signifies a huge vote of confidence in the future of the business.    

“It will definitely improve the customer experience and will show off our wide selection of uPVC windows and doors.    

“With energy prices soaring over the past year investing in new windows and doors can translate into long-term savings for customers.    

“The showroom has been refurbished using our own workforce alongside other skilled local tradesmen.   

“Balhousie is also taking this opportunity to rebrand the business with a new logo which will be unveiled very soon.”   

The company set-up in 1993 by Malcolm and Drew became an Employee Ownership Trust five years ago.    

This decision ensured a succession plan was in place, with Balhousie remaining in local hands at a time when various Perth businesses were being taken over by national companies.    

Malcolm retired from Balhousie in April 2021 and Drew has decided to take a sideways step from the business at the end of October.    

Finance Director Jane and Operations Director Finlay, who currently runs the trade centre at Inveralmond, are ready to take the helm.    

“Malcolm and Drew gave the employees a huge vote of confidence when they entrusted the legacy of Balhousie to them five years ago,” said Jane.    

“As well as retaining jobs, employee ownership has ensured that the business would maintain its values and ethos.”   

Drew said: “Balhousie is in safe hands with Jane and Finlay heading up the business, which has built-up a substantial customer base across Tayside, Fife and beyond, installing windows, doors and conservatories.”    

The business bounced back strongly from the pandemic and while uncertainty has been created in the UK homes market by recent mortgage rises, Drew is delighted with the strength of the orderbook.    

“Like most businesses the pandemic posed huge challenges for us, but pent-up demand meant we bounced back very quickly on the coat-tails of COVID,” he said.   

“Many people are still working from home and looking to improve their properties while others are opting to stay put and invest in their current home rather than move.”    

Balhousie has also recently been endorsed as an approved Which? Trusted Trader.    

Jane said: “This is an endorsement which provides added reassurance and peace of mind for all our customers.”   

www.balhousieglazing.co.uk

Caption  

Perth home improvement company Balhousie celebrated their 30th anniversary with the Grand Opening of a new showroom in Perth. Pictured are Managing Director Drew Hay, Operations Director Finlay Robertson, Finance Director Jane Bertie and retired co-founder Malcolm Sweeney. Copyright Perthshire Picture Agency.