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The Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Anglian Home Improvements review: our best installer for national coverage
If you're looking for new windows for your home, our Anglian Home Improvements review is here to help. We've done the analysis to guide you through what to expect, from cost to coverage, and how the company compares to the best double glazing companies in the UK. When upgrading your windows, you can choose from both local and national installers. Anglian Home Improvements is one of the largest national providers, but does bigger always mean better? We assess everything from pricing and guarantees to style range and customer satisfaction to help you decide. When comparing options, be sure to get multiple quotes. This not only helps you understand the cost of double glazing, but also gives you leverage to negotiate better deals. Why choose Anglian Windows? Anglian Home Improvements is the longest-running company on our list, established in 1966. Now owned by private equity firm Alchemy Partners, it fits over half a million windows, doors and other home products annually. With operations across Britain, Anglian offers a wide range of services, including windows, doors, porches, blinds and conservatories. So if national reach and extensive product choice are your top priorities, Anglian Home Improvements should top your list. It offers a dizzying selection of uPVC, aluminium and timber models, with all sorts of sizes and colours. Anglian manufactures its windows in its Norwich factory and can tailor them to your exact measurements. The range includes: uPVC, aluminium and timber windows Casement, sash, tilt-and-turn and bay styles Secondary glazing for additional insulation Anglian's uPVC windows are especially popular for their durability and value. Timber frames offer a more traditional look, while aluminium appeals to modern homes. Cost is one of our key assessment factors, and Anglian does have a reputation for being on the pricier side. However, the company also promises to match competitors' uPVC window prices — a strong incentive to shop around before you commit. Still, while it's tempting to let Anglian Home Improvements match the lowest quote, don't stop there. If you have chosen Anglian as your window fitter, then make sure to negotiate and see if any further discounts are available. Anglian Home Improvements also offers money off if you recycle your old windows through the firm, which might make for a further attractive discount. On average, replacing the windows in a three-bed home with uPVC double glazing costs around £4,500, though this depends on your location and specifications. To see how this compares with other installers, check out our guide to UK window prices. Anglian Home Improvements does provide finance options, though the advertised 12.9% APR is less competitive than most personal loans, with rates closer to half of what Anglian is offering being available. If you can, using your savings or arranging external financing may offer better value. A big plus for Anglian, though, is the sheer choice available, with wooden options as well as uPVC and aluminium. The firm will also make sash windows, as well as the usual outward-opening casement style. Modern tilt and turn windows – the ones that will hinge at the bottom to allow a small vent at the top as well as hinging on the side – and bay windows are also on offer, as is secondary glazing. Pros: Wide range of materials and styles Nationwide coverage Established reputation Cons: Higher-than-average prices Mixed customer reviews What to look for in a quote According to our research, the average three-bed house should cost about £4,500 to fit with new double-glazed uPVC windows, depending on location and window sizes. It's important to haggle, perhaps more than with other purchases. Windows are more of a buyer's market, since unless the panes themselves are broken, it's a purchase you can put off, at least for a little while. This gives you the upper hand and allows some time to research the best price and options. Depending on the installer and how tricky your installation is, you may be able to shave up to half off the initial quote you are given. This may seem unlikely, but it's true. That's because many firms rely on Britons' general discomfort over asking for discounts to make expensive initial offers. They also rely on their competitors doing the same. Smaller outfits that feel they need to be more competitive may not be able to drop by as much – use your judgement. As well as using this guide, it is also worth getting personal recommendations. If a company has done a good job at a fair price for a friend or colleague, they will probably do the same for you. How we made this guide We spoke to customers and fitters across the UK, as well as insiders in the double glazing market to find you the average prices for windows of all styles. They gave us tips on how to negotiate and save money, and they told us never to say yes to the first quote you are offered. Why trust us? The Independent has reported on climate and green energy since its founding in 1986. We've reviewed hundreds of energy-saving products and services — from double glazing to the best window finance and other guides on green power.. Our reviews are backed by expert research, real customer feedback and transparent comparisons. FAQs Should I get double or triple glazing? While double glazing is the usual choice for a home outside of a heavily restricted planning area, triple glazing could be a good option for some buyers, especially those in windy locations or those on busy, noisy roads. Expect to pay 15-30 per cent more than for double glazing. These windows are heavier and available in fewer styles. Finding triple-glazed windows in timber and aluminium is difficult. What is the average cost for double glazing? The average cost of a new set of eight uPVC windows for an average three-bedroom home in the UK is currently about £4,500, according to research by The Independent. The price you will pay for a new set of double glazing depends heavily on the style, materials, colours and glazing type of your windows, together with how many you need and where you are in the country. Most buyers opt for white uPVC, which is a type of plastic. It does not rust or rot, an advantage over wood, and it is cheaper than aluminium, the other popular low-maintenance material. It also doesn't bend like an aluminium can. What are the advantages and disadvantages of double glazing? Pros: Great insulation Reduced noise Energy efficiency Available in many styles Cons:
The Herald Scotland
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish restaurants and bars business's major deal and big plans
And doubling of the size of the restaurants and bars group, the launch of new venues incorporating bedrooms, and the creation of hundreds more jobs are now on the menu at Ayrshire-based Buzzworks Holdings. Kenny Blair, co-founder and managing director, is taking control of the family business and continuing with the 'mission to become a £100m-plus [turnover] Scottish hospitality company', Buzzworks said. He talked about investing in "more towns and suburbs across the country", and "the next stage of the Buzzworks journey" being about to start. The business, which has 22 venues across west, east and central Scotland and more than 800 staff, said the deal had seen funding raised through Alchemy Partners. Buzzworks declared Alchemy has 'a successful track record in investing in hospitality businesses throughout the UK and Europe'. Sir Tom Hunter's West Coast Capital will remain a 'key investor', Buzzworks said, and Cynergy Bank will join as the new banking partner. Buzzworks was founded in Ayrshire in 1978 by Kenny Blair, who is 55, and siblings Colin, 68, and Alison, 66. Read more The company said: 'The deal has been part of the company's long-term succession planning and will see Colin and Alison remaining in the business in advisory roles, ensuring their insights and values remain part of the company's DNA.' Buzzworks describes itself as 'one of Scotland's fastest-growing independent restaurant and bar operators'. Its brands, which it describes as "stylish", include Scotts, House, Lido, Vic's & The Vine, The Duke, The Bridge Inn, The Fox, Herringbone and Thirty Knots. As well as flagging plans for the new venues, incorporating bedrooms, Buzzworks also revealed it was making senior hires. It declared it had 'gone from strength to strength' with a 'successful formula of bringing great hospitality venues to Scotland's towns and suburbs'. And Buzzworks revealed: 'The next chapter of growth is focused on investment in property, expansion in terms of sites and people, with plans to introduce new venues that will incorporate bedrooms as part of the offering. The commitment to growth and development will be fast-tracked as part of the deal with three new senior hires joining the business and new positions created in the coming months.' In January, Buzzworks announced it had achieved annual turnover of £34.8m for the 12 months to April 2024, up from £29.9m in the prior financial year. It declared this week that 'despite a challenging time for the industry as a whole, and an uneven playing field for business rates compared with England', it had 'continued to push the boundaries and possibilities for hospitality in Scotland'. Kenny Blair said: 'A life's work has gone into making Buzzworks what it is today, and our family couldn't be prouder of what we've achieved. However, our job isn't anywhere near done and we're as passionate about it now as we were 40 years ago. Along with my brother and sister, we've tried to stay true to our mission of making people feel great through hospitality and that founding spirit will continue to drive us forward in this next chapter as we aim to more than double the size of the business and create hundreds of new sustainable jobs.' He added: 'This deal gives us the momentum to move further, faster - investing in people, places and new formats including venues with rooms in more towns and suburbs across the country. Our foundations are strong and we know exactly where we want to get to. The next stage of the Buzzworks journey is about to begin.' Buzzworks emphasised its approach of 'providing bespoke training opportunities and a forward-thinking approach to work-life balance for every member of staff'.
