Liniar fabricator answers TV SOS call

When the BBC television programme ‘DIY SOS – The Big Build’ came to a small town in Derbyshire, the windows and doors were donated and fitted by local manufacturers, in keeping with the programme’s ethos of local communities working together. In March 2015, the BBC made an appeal for local companies in the area to get in touch regarding a project to build an extension to a family home.  Their severely disabled second child needed a specially adapted space – and with the existing layout of the house not suitable, the DIY SOS team, led by Nick Knowles, were drafted in to help with the major construction project. Darren Shelbourn, MD at Langley Mill-based window fabricator Glazedale, explains why the project appealed to him:

We regularly watch the show and jumped at the opportunity to get involved and help a local family. This particular project was especially rewarding, as the family’s situation was close to my heart. We could see what a huge difference the extension would make to them and wanted to help however we could. “Our windows and doors are manufactured on site using Liniar uPVC window profile, which is also designed and produced locally, in Denby, so the supply and fit really did have a local, community feel. The whole Liniar product range is also highly energy efficient and easy to fit, making it ideal for this build.” “Initially, we thought the extension involved a pair of French doors and a couple of windows, but soon discovered that the windows needed replacing throughout the whole house so the full set matched. We provided white windows, French doors and a black front door which were all energy efficient to help the family save money on their ongoing heating bills.”

The build took place in mid-April, with Glazedale’s installation teams also being involved in the fitting of all the windows and doors, a total of six fitters onsite for five days . They described the DIY SOS team as a real pleasure to work with, and Darren even got his own hands dirty to help.

“Running a business, you don’t usually get the chance to go back to grass roots level, so I loved being able to get stuck in and be part of the team for this fantastic cause. “It was amazing to see how quickly everything came together over the course of the week the build took place,” continues Darren.

“The team told us at the start that with these projects, it usually looked like chaos but somehow everything always came together at the end – and although there were a few very long days, they were right.” The Glazedale team was also part of the team ‘reveal’ at the end of the show, when the family returned to see their new, revamped home.

Until the programme is aired later in the year, the details are kept under wraps, but Darren confirms “there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!” So, would they take part in such a project again? “In a heartbeat,” declares Darren.

“We didn’t go into this for financial reasons, and the whole process was so rewarding – it’s good to give something back to the local community when we get the chance and I’d recommend it to any local business. The whole team is still talking about the experience!”