Since its establishment in 1993, Balhousie Glazing Ltd has built a strong reputation for both the quality of its service and the breadth of its product range. This reputation has not only driven the Perth-based business to continued commercial success but has also led to increasing award recognition, most notably through its Which? Trusted Trader status.
“We have perhaps been guilty of not putting ourselves forward for awards before, so we’ve started to prioritise this a bit more,” explains James Gaft, Marketing Manager. “It’s therefore been really pleasing that this has started to bear fruit, as we were named as the Which? Trusted Trader of the Month for February. This led to an invitation to the national Which? Awards, where we were in competition with four companies, none of which were in the double-glazing industry or based in Scotland, so it’s something we were very proud of.”
This recognition is particularly noteworthy given that Balhousie has undergone a significant restructure in recent years. With original co-founder Drew Hay retiring from the company in 2024, a new and exciting chapter began. Leadership is now shared between Jane Bertie, Finance Director, and Finlay Robertson, Operations Director. Together, they have continued to drive the business forward as an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
“The recognition from Which? means a great deal to us, particularly as an employee-owned company,” adds James. “The model has strengthened collaboration across the team, and we’ve seen a real uplift in motivation and commitment from everyone, as they know they now directly share in the company’s success.”
Balhousie’s recent awards have provided a valuable opportunity for the team to celebrate their shared achievements. More recently, the company was shortlisted in two categories at the Scottish Home Improvement Awards — Best Window Replacement Company in Scotland and Best Door Company in Scotland.
“This level of recognition has been a real pat on the back for the whole team and demonstrates that we’re on the right track,” James notes.
Such success doesn’t come about by accident, and James feels the inherent teamwork within Balhousie has played an integral part in the progress that has been made. “We’ve gone through thick and thin together in the past few years, and this collective experience has been invaluable” says James. “Having such a solid foundation in place allows us to fully support our customer base and deliver the level of service they expect, from initial contact through to aftercare.”
This consistent approach has resulted in a growing number of satisfied repeat clients and customer referrals.
“Awards are fantastic, but we’re even prouder of the referrals and repeat customers we’re seeing. While Perthshire remains our strongest area, we’re expanding our presence in places like Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Stirling, and surrounding regions. There’s plenty of opportunity for further growth as we continue to broaden our horizons.”
Balhousie’s growth is supported by a dedicated team of 21 staff members, a number that continues to rise as the company expands.
“We’ve been developing our apprenticeship scheme and recently welcomed another apprentice to the team,” James explains. “It’s vital that we invest in the next generation, especially as some of our experienced fitters approach retirement. With the current skills shortage in the wider market, developing our own talent ensures our future success.”
Balhousie’s commitment to development doesn’t end with new recruits. The company also provides ongoing training for all staff, with a strong emphasis on health and safety.
“Ongoing training is essential in what can be a potentially hazardous line of work,” highlights James. “Making sure everyone has the right skills and equipment to work safely is always our top priority.”
The company’s continued success is also supported by the strong partnerships it has built with its suppliers.
“Our suppliers have played an invaluable role in our progress and our ability to deliver the high-quality products our customers expect,” James adds.
With a motivated, collaborative workforce and solid partnerships in place, Balhousie looks ahead with confidence, ready to continue its growth journey with the distinct possibility of further award success too.
Photo by Graeme Hart – Copyright Perthshire Picture Agency – Tel: 07990 594431