VIEWPOINT
STAYING ON TOP OF INDUSTRY GROWTH
Shane Kerlin, managing director (UK & Ireland) of Keylite Roof Windows
AT THE END of last year, Labour’s commitment to significant spending on major building projects signalled potential opportunities for the construction industry. As the construction industry evolves, key trends such as sustainability, efficient project management and technological innovation continue to influence business priorities. However, inflationary pressures, including high interest rates and rising wage demands stemming from national insurance increases, are creating further challenges for businesses across the sector.
These pressures make it more critical than ever for suppliers to provide tangible value. At Keylite, we aim to support our customers through these challenges with added-value services, such as our speedy quote turnaround time and tailored, personalised customer support – helping merchants respond to demands efficiently and maintain their competitive edge. Throughout 2024, we have collaborated closely with our merchant customers, helping them achieve up to a 70 percent margin improvement over competitor products – demonstrating how focused product development and strategic partnerships can bring value, even in a demanding environment.
We strive to blend pioneering design with precision
manufacturing to deliver quality and value for money alongside award-winning customer service. Our comprehensive range of roof windows, blinds, timber loft ladders, flashings, electric operation kits and accessories has helped establish Keylite as a trusted name in the industry.
In recent years, we have invested significantly in our manufacturing facilities in Poland, introducing
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“We strive to blend pioneering design with precision manufacturing to deliver quality and value for money alongside award-winning customer service.”
modernisation and automation to enhance production and distribution capabilities. These efforts ensure Keylite can deliver consistently, even as demand grows, and market conditions shift.
We also strengthened our team, welcoming James Malkin as sales director and Joan Esmann as finance director last year. Their expertise and insight bring additional support to our strategic direction and operational goals. Earlier in 2024, Keylite was
named ‘Roofing Supplier of the Year’ at the BMJ Industry Awards – a prestigious accolade voted for
by merchants, highlighting our dedication to the partnerships that underpin our success.
Looking ahead With new regulations on the horizon in 2025, Keylite’s product development remains focused on both technical and commercial needs. The Future Homes Standard (FHS), for example, will come into effect in England in 2025 to improve the energy efficiency of new homes.
Keylite’s Integrated Expanding Thermal Collar, designed to address cold bridging at the window-roof junction, is just
one example of our commitment to sustainability and regulatory readiness. This product feature, included as standard and at no extra cost, reflects our dedication to supporting merchants and builders as they navigate these changes.
Safety will also remain a top priority in 2025, with the industry continuing to emphasise accident prevention and worker protection. Keylite’s ‘Work Smart, Stay Grounded’ campaign, launched in summer last year, aims to keep the conversation going around working safely on-site and at heights with the support of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). As merchants increasingly seek greater value and efficiency from their suppliers, Keylite remains committed to enhancing partnerships and navigating industry challenges with resilience and a forward-looking approach. BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net February 2025
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