2025 is a momentous year for Storm Windows as they proudly celebrate their 25th anniversary. This milestone not only marks a quarter century of business but also reflects the journey of growth, evolution, and commitment to excellence in providing secondary glazing solutions for listed and heritage buildings. Their path has been paved with remarkable partnerships and inspiring projects. Let’s look back at their achievements.
The Beginnings - A Vision to Serve
Their story began in 2000 when Dean Butler sought effective secondary glazing for his Grade 1 listed property, Mere Hall, in Hanbury, dating back to the 16th century. As energy costs rose, many other owners of listed properties faced similar challenges in finding suitable solutions.
Looking for a long-term solution, Dean approached Martin Walford and George Parkes, who applied their engineering expertise to create a secondary glazing system that met conservation regulations while enhancing thermal performance. This pivotal moment marked the birth of Storm Windows!.
Meeting Growing Demand
Over the years, the Storm product has been continually developed and evolved to meet the challenges of keeping listed properties warm.
Keeping things in the family, Directors Martin and George handed over the reins to Jayne, Mitch and Oliver, who have all worked in the company since 2013 bought the company from George and Martin in 2021 and continue to move the company forward. This included a rebrand of the company to showcase the business to its best effect as well as the acquiring of a brand-new fleet of seven Vauxhall Viveros to meet the growing client demand.
Storm Windows continues to go from strength to strength and the rest, as they say, is history!
The Storm Windows Difference – Where Design Meets Functionality
What sets Storm Windows apart is their slimline, minimalist design, which offers both aesthetic appeal and substantial thermal improvements for heritage properties. Their system integrates discreetly within the staff beads without requiring a bulky wooden subframe, ensuring a full seal against draughts. Fully customisable to any RAL/BS colour, their secondary glazing allows the original windows to remain the focal feature while significantly enhancing thermal and acoustic properties.
Clients have come to appreciate their ability to adapt their systems to fit any size and shape of window, making them the preferred choice for a wide variety of exciting projects.
Quarter of a Century of Standout Projects
Throughout their 25 years, Storm Windows have treated every project - big or small - with the utmost care. Their journey has led to collaborations on iconic projects that stand out for a number of reasons. Some highlights include:
- The Rosetti Hotel, Manchester: A landmark job for their team, where Kerry, their sales secretary, made a remarkable debut by securing an order of 135 units on her first assignment!
- Devon & Exeter Museum: The challenge of installing a complex, curved roof lantern was met head-on, showcasing their team’s technical expertise.
- Dorset County Museum: Their first curved plan units divided into eight individual panels in a turret window becomes a hallmark of their innovation.
- Royal Hospital Chelsea: Remarked by Storm Windows as a privilege to work on, this project underscores their commitment to preserving important buildings while enhancing the quality of life for their residents.
The variety of projects they undertake - often including notable celebrity clients -has added huge variety to their work.
Championing Innovation and Sustainability
From the very beginning Storm Windows has been open to innovation, finding new ways to improve what they do, and provide a better service to their clients. Boundaries are constantly being pushed to manufacture secondary glazing that meets the requirements of primary windows.
Energy efficiency is of increasing importance to their clients, not only from a cost-saving perspective but also because of growing concerns about sustainability. Manufacturers are investing in energy efficient innovations that deliver incredible benefits in terms of thermal and acoustic insulation. Moving forward, the industry is adapting to tightening conservation regulations and a requirement to meet lower U-values.
Storm Windows can now offer their customers ORAÉ® glazing, the world’s first EPD-verified, low-carbon glass. This has been developed by Saint-Gobain Glass, with a sustainability first perspective. Not only does it reduce carbon emissions, it incorporates recycling glass to advance the circular economy without compromising on appearance or technical standards.
Supporting Heritage & Conservation
Throughout their first quarter of a century, Storm Windows been committed to supporting heritage and conservation good practice. This has led to some great partnerships along the way, including their close working relationships with Peregrine Bryant Architects, The Georgian Group and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB). Storm Windows continue to work on some outstanding conservation projects with their partners and value their ongoing support.
A practical application of their backing for heritage and conservation is through their sponsorship of the SPAB Heritage Awards. These are a key date in the heritage building calendal celebrating the energy, expertise and creativity to be found across the sector.
The craftspeople who carry out the work that ensures the longevity of heritage buildings are also celebrated, along with designers. In short, it’s a showcase of all that’s good about the heritage sector.
Storm Windows has worked with SPAB for 16 years, reflecting their long-term commitment to industry best practice.
What’s Next for Storm Windows?
Looking ahead, Storm Windows are excited about potential expansions to their product offerings, including a ‘double-hung’ unit that provides ventilation, as well as hinged units in development. They are constantly monitoring advancements in vacuum glass technology to explore its applicability to heritage properties.
A Family-Run Business at the Forefront of Service
At the core of Storm Windows is their commitment to family values and personalised service. Their close-knit team fosters relationships with each customer, ensuring a friendly, approachable experience from initial inquiry through installation. They are proud to have a dedicated team with many long-serving members contributing to their company culture and success.
Time to Celebrate
Reaching this remarkable 25-year milestone is a tribute to the hard work and resilience of the Storm Windows team, especially in an era where many businesses struggle to survive. To celebrate, they will be heading to Worcester Racecourse for Ladies Day, where they are thrilled to sponsor a race as a token of their appreciation for those who have supported them along the way.
As they raise a toast to 25 years of success, Storm Windows would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of their journey - customers, suppliers, team members, partner organisations, and families.
Storm Windows are now looking forward to the next 25 years of innovation, excellence, and continued service in the heritage and conservation sector.