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 2024
After a slow start to the year, Quarter 2 brought little to cheer about. Activity levels remained subdued and the General Election created a distraction. The general consensus amongst merchants was that June was very disappointing, with low levels of footfall and projects on the go slow due to weather or confidence.
The new Government are saying all the right things: 1.5 million new homes over the next 5 years are needed, but can they be delivered? Manufacturers and merchants would certainly welcome the volume but both need reassurance on the realistic rate of increase in construction activity if we are to make the investment in people and capacity necessary to meet this demand. Main and sub-contractors will need to invest in their teams to provide the necessary skills, and as a country, we need to make apprenticeships in construction attractive to young people entering the world of work.
It may be a coincidence, however since the election the market does seem to have turned a corner. Confidence is improving, inflation fell to target levels (temporarily at least) and interest rates began to fall. We have all the conditions for a better market!
For Keylite, July was strong, and the trend is continuing into August. The weather is being kind to us and volumes are growing. Most housebuilders are very confident that their completions in H2 will be significantly up on H1 and merchants recognise the need to invest in stock to service the growing demand.
Quote levels remain high, and the closed-won value is rising. Most areas are now at or above last year’s sales volumes, which is really encouraging to see.
We remain committed to supporting our merchant customers to meet the needs of the market, providing installers with high quality, easy to fit roof windows and loft ladders with flexibility and agility, whatever the market throws at us.