Unique ‘garden retreats’ revealed by Stafford firm
A family-run double glazing company has come up with an innovative idea to support people working from home.
Stafford uPVC, which has been running for 43 years, is offering customers 'garden retreats' - a multi-purpose building which can be used as an office.
Annabel Russell, sales and marketing at uPVC, said: "We have been trying to evolve our ideas. During lockdown a lot of employers are now realising they don't need to be working in an office and more people are now working from home.
"Not everyone has space inside their property for an office, so we came up with this for people to support the new ways of working."
During lockdown the company closed its showrooms in Stafford and Newport and continued to operate online through virtual ordering.
Since reopening on June 15, social distancing measures are in place in store and all fitters are equipped with full PPE to ensure the safety of customers and staff.
Despite a boost in online sales, the company has been hit by the effects of the pandemic.
Annabel added: "It started slowly but we have seen a turn around since July and an increase in customer ordering, and website enquiries.
"We all know the economy has been impacted, we predict we will have a 34 per cent sales loss this year which is massive.
"As a town, we are really good at supporting each other.
"If we do not support each other through this time then we will have to say goodbye to some local businesses. It would be a shame if we started looking elsewhere."
