profile
Jim Blanthorne
With a career spanning 20 years in the supply of building materials to merchant and retail customers, including 14 years in a senior capacity at Metsa Group, Jim brings extensive construction industry experience to this category. Recently appointed to Managing Director of Keylite Roof Windows, Jim joined the Keystone Group in 2016 as International Operations Director for the business. During this time he has led the development and implementation of ambitious investment programmes to progress and future proof the business. Central to Jim’s approach and drive is his passion for exceptional customer service, people development and operational excellence.
Keylite Roof Windows
Keylite Roof Windows was established in Cookstown, Northern Ireland in 2001, as a subsidiary of the Keystone Group. Today it is the fastest growing roof window manufacturer in Europe and one of the biggest brands in the UK roof windows market. This success is largely a result of a company which has been driven by an ingrained and intuitive spirit of innovation, continuous investment in R&D and a total commitment in putting the customer at the heart of its business.
Renowned for its award winning innovations, Keylite believes in continually adding value to the Keylite Roof Window as standard without compromise. A combination of unique patented technologies such as the Integrated Expanding Thermal Collar, Flick Fit Brackets, Unique Sash Finger Spring and recessed fit feature in every window.
Keylite offers a full range of roof windows products, designed for every size and category of building project, an extensive range of genuine Keylite Blinds, as well as roof window accessories including timber loft ladders, flashings and electric operation kits. Ongoing expansion of the range includes a range of flat roof solutions including Roof Lanterns, Flat Glass Rooflights and Sunlite systems.
The business has over 300 employees across its sites, with offices in Northern Ireland and Burton Gateway, South Derbyshire. The relocation in 2019 to brand new 40,000 sq ft office and warehouse premises at Burton Gateway greatly enhances Keylite’s ability to service and supply the UK and Ireland markets more effectively. Keylite’s roof windows are manufactured in Poland, in a 160,000 sq ft factory which has benefited from a significant investment programme during recent years, significantly improving the safety, quality and reliability of manufacturing activity.
Find out more at www.keyliteroofwindows.com or visit the Keystone Group website at www.keystonegroup.co.uk
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Launched in 2015, the award winning monthly Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report is the only reliable measure of repair, maintenance & improvement (RMI) activity in the UK. Filling an important gap, it can be widely used in construction, and by economists, Government, national media, commentators and influencers outside the industry.
Keylite Comment: Q2 2025
In what is still a tough market, more contractors are fighting over less volume, creating more quoting and re-quoting activity for suppliers and merchants. The inevitable war on price is squeezing margins for the whole supply chain.
There’s been discounting activity on an unprecedented scale and, speaking just for us, we’ve had to walk away from some unprofitable deals. Instead, focussing on increasing lead generation, we’re creating value for merchant stockists and supporting them on closing orders. We’ve created more brand awareness using a new product demonstration trailer for merchant trade days throughout the UK & Ireland and the sales team has worked incredibly hard in a flat market. As a result, we’re well positioned for the recovery when it comes.
It’s the responsibility of leading companies to grow the market by investing in products and services that help customers expand the category and win more business. During 2025 Keylite launched several new products, to meet the changing needs of customers, building legislation and market trends. In June, we hosted a roofing innovation day together with our sister company Smartroof, for over 30 National House Builders, launching Modulite, a flat packed, modular, lightweight system designed to fit two roof windows side by side at an elevated pitch in a thermally efficient installation. It can be specified as an alternative to GRP dormers, solving lead time issues for house builders and providing homeowners with more usable floor area, an abundance of natural light and a contemporary aesthetic.
We’ve also developed a new range of flat roof products, supporting merchants with a gap in the market. Our research shows that flat roof windows make up a significant proportion of the category, but most merchants under index in this area as most sales come from on-line competitors, yet most merchants sell all the other materials required to complete a flat roof project. Adding the window to their portfolio can add significant extra revenue. We’ve been supporting merchants with training and marketing materials to help increase their sales of this part of the category.
Looking ahead, we can only hope that continued falls in the interest rate will stimulate the housing market and help deliver much needed growth. With continued investment, we’re ready.