Changemakers // November


in association with


Richard Hagan Changemakers


The threat of climate change is huge but, in KBB world, it still feels like a subject few want to engage with over and above legal requirements. For Richard Hagan, however, it underpins everything he does


Interview: Andrew Davies and Simeon Gabriel But C he rejects the idea that you can’t


rystal Doors in Rochdale is, by managing director


Richard Hagan’s own admission, not a huge business. There are no parent companies and it isn’t part of a conglomerate or investment group, it is a modest factory that simply makes vinyl-wrapped doors and, while it does that very successfully, at first glance there are few who would call it a changemaker. However, Crystal Doors is one of the most sustainable manufacturers in the UK KBB sector and its achievements relative to size are a practical and living example of how any company can not only embrace the idea of sustainability but also do it in a profitable way.


And Hagan himself is a convincing


evangelist for how it can be done. From biomass burners to solar


power, energy efficiency and reuse, his journey is a case study in what can happen if you put your mind to it and he is now energetically spreading that message beyond Crystal Doors, working closely with the wider Greater Manchester business community as well as mayor Andy Burnham. Part of the problem for many is,


of course, that sustainability is a ferociously complicated subject and Hagan has the kind of ordered mind that relishes in the minutiae and detail of certifications, applications, and regulations that weave the red tape that can tie so many in knots.


November 2024


succeed in this arena without that kind of mind. “I’m very privileged to talk to people at universities and in the political sphere about what’s coming through in terms of regulations,” he says. “But for me it’s what Einstein said, if you can’t explain it to a seven-year-old you probably don’t understand it yourself and so much simpler messaging definitely needs to come through.’


Passion Hagan’s personal passion for


sustainability is undeniable, and it’s clear that his leadership has been the driving force for Crystal Doors in this arena, but, as he stresses, true lasting change can’t come if it’s a one-man show. A culture must be created, he says, where sustainability is not just a tick box, but an intrinsic part of how the business operates and engages with its community. “The idea of needing a


‘sustainability champion’ in every business is crucial,” he says. “But it’s not about having a figurehead just for show; it has to be someone who lives it, breathes it, and believes in it on a personal level. At Crystal Doors, we’ve embedded this into our entire team. It’s not just about my vision -


What are 'Changemakers'?


This is the final installment of a special three-part series we're calling 'Changemakers'. Together with Hettich we're meeting people or companies that are truly forging their own path in the UK kitchen and bathroom sector. They're shaping opinions, trends and business practices in a way that genuinely shifts the industry zeitgeist.


our employees are part of this mission. And that’s where the change really starts, within the people who help drive the business forward every day.” Cultural change is, Hagan feels,


often overlooked in larger companies where size, bureaucracy, and entrenched systems can hold them back. The real catalyst for change should, and can, come from the relative agility of SMEs. “Bigger companies might struggle their


to shift cultures quickly, but


that’s where SMEs have a real opportunity,” he says. “We can lead the way because we can implement changes more rapidly. We’re nimble, and the momentum is there now and we’re seeing the impact across all industries.”


myth


Hagan is also quick to dispel the that


achieving sustainability


is financially out of reach for smaller businesses. He believes that the path to net zero and certifications like B Corp are not only attainable


You can listen to the full interview with Richard Hagan in a special episode of The kbbreview Podcast. Go to kbbreview.com/podcast


but crucial for building long-term business growth. “Getting to net zero is not impossible, even for small businesses,” he says. “Yes, it’s about reducing your emissions, but it’s also about resilience - protecting yourself, your employees, and your community for the future. “For instance, becoming B Corp


certified was a straightforward process for us. The B Corp Impact Assessment was free, it took me about four hours to complete, and it really helped us reflect on what we were already doing well and where we could improve. A lot of businesses think it’s expensive or time-consuming, but it’s not. It’s about taking that first step and realising it’s more accessible than you think.” For Hagan, it’s not just about meeting regulatory demands or keeping up with industry trends. It’s about making meaningful, lasting change that goes beyond profitability. “The rules are changing, and businesses need to keep up or be left behind,” he says. “It’s like playing football - you need to know the rules, you need the right team, and you need the ball on the pitch. The whistle has blown, the game’s begun. Now, it’s up to us to play, and play to win."


kbbr kbbreview 9


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