The Sash Window Workshop Trading Ltd

The Sash Window Workshop is celebrating 30 years in business this month.

Established on the 11th February 1994, the company has grown substantially and today operates from two large purpose designed workshops in Bracknell. The business was established by Richard Dollar, who is still the majority shareholder in the company today.

The Sash Window Workshop started from small, converted pig sheds in Ascot, primarily working on repairing and draught proofing timber windows. Today, the company has over 80 employees and had sales of around £11 million in 2023, with much of their work focusing on replacing timber windows and doors.

Several of the company’s employees have worked for The Sash Window Workshop for over half of the company’s 30 years, with loyal and dedicated staff being the backbone of the business.

The Sash Window Workshop understand the importance of providing an excellent product and customer service. These company values have helped ensure that the majority of their enquiries and orders today come from previous customers and recommendations.

Managing Director and founder, Richard Dollar, reflects on how the company has grown over the last 30 years:

“The last 30 years have been quite a journey. In 1994 we started from nothing, with a hand to mouth existence. Since then, there have been many ups and downs. However, we have always continued to invest in the business, even during Covid when we purchased new machinery to prepare for continued future growth.

This approach, along with our focus on providing an exceptional product backed up with excellent customer service, delivered by our outstanding team of employees, has led to a business that continues to grow. Five years ago, we were celebrating fitting and repairing £6.5 million of windows and doors, today this figure is around £11 million.

We are very proud of our success and look forward to seeing where the next 30 years takes us!”

To obtain a free, no obligation quotation for timber windows or doors for your project, contact The Sash Window Workshop on 01344 868 668.

The Sash Window Workshop are proud to announce that they have achieved Carbon Neutral Plus status.

Having commissioned Carbon Footprint Ltd (www.carbonfootprint.com) to conduct an independent audit earlier this year, which found that The Sash Window Workshop had reduced their emissions by an impressive 39%, the company decided the next step was to offset their emissions.

However, as an environmentally responsible company, The Sash Window Workshop felt that this wasn’t enough. So, they decided to offset all the emissions that they produced and then go further still and offset additional carbon from the atmosphere to achieve Carbon Neutral Plus.

The Sash Window Workshop believe that they are the first timber window and door company in the UK to achieve Carbon Neutral Plus status, which means that you are required to offset 125% of your carbon emissions.

When choosing which projects to support to reduce carbon emissions, the company felt it was important to choose projects that would make a real difference to local communities.

With the assistance of Carbon Footprint Ltd, they set out to invest in carbon offsetting projects that were Gold Standard CERs, Gold Standard Verified Emission Reductions (VERs) or Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) certified.

After assessing the different options, The Sash Window Workshop decided to invest in two offsetting projects, one of which focused on reducing deforestation in the Amazon and a second which helps provide improved cookstoves in Uganda.

The largest remaining rainforest on our planet, the Amazon is known for its biodiversity. The project works to prevent unplanned deforestation and provides legal land-use permits for villages that actively participate in forest protection. It is expected to help avoid over 22 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over a 40-year period.

Wood fuels for cooking is one of the major causes of deforestation in Uganda. Over 95% of the population of Uganda rely on fuels such as wood or charcoal for cooking on fuel intensive traditional cooking stoves, which emit high levels of carbon. The cookstoves project helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by distributing fuel-efficient stoves which reduce fuel consumption and reduce the cost for poor families.

The Sash Window Workshop are proud to support both these worthy causes and the company is committed to reducing their carbon footprint further and improving sustainability.

Richard Dollar, Managing Director at The Sash Window Workshop, commented:

“We are delighted to have achieved Carbon Neutral Plus status, reflecting our company ethics and belief in the importance of helping protect and preserve things for future generations.

We are proud to be leading the timber window and door industry in reducing and offsetting carbon emissions and hope to encourage others in the industry to follow our footsteps and become more environmentally friendly.

In the future we hope to reduce our carbon emissions further still and, as the technology continues to improve, we will look to make the necessary changes to achieve this.”

We are proud to announce that, despite opening a new workshop and doubling our manufacturing capabilities, we have reduced our carbon emissions by 39% between 2019 and 2021.

At The Sash Window Workshop we believe that it is important to do everything we can to reduce our carbon footprint and improve our sustainability, while also providing a high-quality product and service.

Having previously assessed our carbon footprint for 2019, we set ourselves a target to reduce our carbon footprint.

The carbon emission reports were carried out by Carbon Footprint Ltd (www.carbonfootprint.com), who help businesses conduct independently verified reviews of their carbon emissions.

In 2021, we started switching our sales team to use electric cars to help reduce emissions, as well as installing electric charge points at their workshop for employees and visitors to use.

The switch to electric and hybrid vehicles saw the carbon footprint from our company car travel decrease by 58.6% (to a total of 13.62 tonnes over the year). With many of the sales team making the switch to electric vehicles during the middle of the year, this figure should reduce further in 2022.

The Sash Window Workshop’s scope 1 and 2 emissions for 2021 totalled 194.36 tonnes of carbon, with our total tonnes of emissions (also including scope 3 indirect emissions) at 214.50 tonnes of carbon.

Richard Dollar, Managing Director at The Sash Window Workshop, commented:

“Having worked towards being environmentally responsible for several years, I am proud that we have not only achieved our goal to reduce our carbon footprint but have also reduced it by an impressive 39%.

From becoming FSC certified in 2016 to undertaking our first carbon emissions assessment a couple of years ago, we have made multiple changes over the years to be as environmentally sustainable as possible.

Each wooden window made from sustainable wood saves approximately 160kg of carbon dioxide in comparison to a plastic window (source: Heriot Watt University). This means that by using sustainable wood to manufacture our windows and doors, we use the most sustainable and the greenest choice of any material.”

As we look to reduce our carbon footprint further in the future, as an environmentally responsible company we believe it is important to offset any carbon emissions made in the meantime. We will therefore be offsetting our emissions for 2021 by investing in independently verified carbon offsetting projects.

The Sash Window Workshop are pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Clegg as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of TSWW Holdings Limited, which owns The Sash Window Workshop.

The Sash Window Workshop specialise in the manufacture, installation and draught proofing of traditional timber windows and doors, offering an installation service across London and Southern England and a supply only service nationwide. The company was established in 1994 by Richard Dollar and today has an annual turnover of around £8 million.

The Sash Window Workshop believes in providing customers with a high-quality product and customer service, a value which is reflected in the fact that around half their orders every year come from previous customers and recommendations.

Having previously been the Chief Executive Officer of Accsys Technologies Plc from 2009 -2019, the manufacturer of Accoya (the high quality, sustainable timber used by The Sash Window Workshop for their windows and doors), Paul Clegg brings a wealth of experience of growing a business within a similar industry.

In addition, Paul has also served on several boards, including Peel Hunt LLP, Synairgen Plc and currently HONEXT and The Enterprise Investment Board.

Paul Clegg commented: “I am excited to be joining The Sash Window Workshop as the Non-Executive Chairman and look forward to helping the business continue to grow. Having previously seen the continued success of The Sash Window Workshop from afar, I look forward to being a part of the team going forward.”

Richard Dollar also noted “Paul Clegg joins the company at a very exciting time for The Sash Window Workshop, as we continue to rapidly expand. Having recently invested in an additional workshop and new machinery, we are immensely proud of the success of our business, and we look forward to welcoming Paul Clegg to help us continue to grow in the future.”

To find out more about The Sash Window Workshop, visit their website: www.sashwindow.com.

If you are looking to obtain a quote for timber windows and doors for your project, contact The Sash Window Workshop on 01344 868 668 or email any drawings to: info@sashwindow.com.

The Sash Window Workshop are proud to announce that we have won Which?'s Trusted Trader of the Month Award for November 2021.

The award is presented by the highly respected consumer organisation Which?, and highlights the company’s commitment to provide a high-quality product and customer service, along with their passion for giving back to the community.

To win the Which? Trusted Trader of the Month award a company must demonstrate that they go the extra mile and closely align with Which?’s values of being trustworthy and providing excellent customer service and product, while also giving back to the local community.

When reviewing The Sash Window Workshop’s application for November’s Which? Trusted Trader of the Month, the judges commented that they were extremely impressed with the application and the company’s focus on customer satisfaction, extensive charity work and commitment to sustainability.

Richard Dollar, Founder and Managing Director at The Sash Window Workshop, commented:
"I am delighted that we have been awarded winners of Which? Trusted Trader of the Month Award for November 2021. Which? is a hugely respected brand, trusted by consumers across the country. We are proud to have won this award, highlighting our commitment to providing a high-quality product and customer service."

"With roughly half our orders every year coming from customers and recommendations, we understand and take great pride in providing top quality timber windows and doors with excellent customer service."

To obtain a quote for windows and doors for your project, contact The Sash Window Workshop on 01344 868 668 or visit the website: www.sashwindow.com

The Sash Window Workshop is proud to announce that, due to the continued success of the business, they have now opened a second large, purpose designed workshop in Bracknell, Berkshire.

The new workshop, which is located next door to their existing purpose-built workshop, will allow The Sash Window Workshop to expand their manufacturing capabilities, helping them to meet growing demand for their traditional timber windows and doors.

As part of the expansion, the company have also implemented a new streamlined painting process, using a CEFLA paint line. After reviewing different specialist technologies and running successful trials at the CEFLA Lab, The Sash Window Workshop decided to place an order for the new paint line.

The new paint line will help increase the quantity of windows and doors that can be painted at any time without having to substitute quality of the painting.

To help the joinery production keep up with their new efficient paint line, The Sash Window Workshop have also installed a second Homag CNC machine this month, which accurately cuts the timber to make their windows and doors.

Established over 27 years ago, in February 1994, The Sash Window Workshop began as a small family business operating from a converted pig shed in Ascot, Berkshire. Today the Berkshire based company is still independently run but has a turnover of around £7 million a year. The company now employ over 60 employees working in their workshop, office and installing windows and doors in customers’ homes across London and Southern England.

Due to the growing demand for their windows and doors, The Sash Window Workshop also offer a supply only service for new joinery nationwide allowing everyone to benefit from their thermally efficient, traditional timber windows and doors.

In light of increasing demand within the home improvements industry, The Sash Window Workshop decided to take advantage of Government funding and invest in growing their manufacturing facilities.

Richard Dollar, Managing Director at The Sash Window Workshop, explains:

“Having started from nothing with a hand to mouth existence in 1994, we are very proud of the success of our business. This success has enabled us to make a £1 million plus investment this year into new premises, plant and equipment."

"We have always made our own windows and doors in the UK, allowing us to closely manage the quality of our products. Also, most importantly it provides job opportunities locally."

"Roughly half our orders every year come from recommendations and existing customers. We believe future success depends on continuing to provide outstanding products alongside excellent customer service and making sure that every day we try to do things even better.”

The high quality product and service provided by The Sash Window Workshop is also highlighted in their Which? Trusted Trader status, with the company celebrating 7 years of being a Which? Trusted Trader last month.

To obtain a free quote, call 01344 868 668.

The Sash Window Workshop is this year celebrating 25 years of business. The company was established on the 11th February 1994 by Richard Dollar. Initially operating from a small converted pig shed in Ascot the company has grown and now operates from two workshops in Bracknell.

The company provides a range of bespoke timber window and door services, from complete replacement to draught proofing and overhaul. The loyal and dedicated staff, many of whom have served with the company for much of its 25 years, provide the backbone of the business.

To mark 25 years, the company invited some of their long-standing employees and commercial customers to celebrate at an exclusive private event at Westminster Abbey in London. Bracknell MP, Dr Phillip Lee, was also invited to visit The Sash Window Workshop’s office and workshop to see how the company has grown since his previous visit.

Managing Director and founder, Richard Dollar, comments on how the company’s growth has not always been easy:

“25 years have flown by, it’s been an interesting journey! Starting from nothing with a hand to mouth existence, through many ups and downs, to a very successful 2018 fitting and repairing £6.5 million of bespoke windows and doors.”

“We are very proud of our success which is based on giving our clients an exceptional product backed up with excellent customer service, all delivered by an outstanding team that has grown from 2 to 82 people. We look forward to continuing the journey over the next 25 years!”

Today, the majority of the company’s enquiries and orders come from previous customers and recommendations. With such successful growth over the last 25 years, The Sash Window Workshop is looking forward to more success over the next 25 years!

The Sash Window Workshop has become a member of the Wood Window Alliance and British Woodworking Federation. Wood Window Alliance is part of the British Woodworking Federation, a trade association for the woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry in the UK.
To gain membership The Sash Window Workshop had to meet the Wood Window Alliance’s independently verified quality, performance, and sustainability criteria. This includes ensuring that the timber windows and doors are energy efficient, with low maintenance and accredited installation.
Richard Dollar, Managing Director at The Sash Window Workshop, commented:
“We are proud to have met the strict criteria required to become members of Wood Window Alliance. We have always strived to deliver a high quality product and service to our customers and look forward to working with the Wood Window Alliance.”
The Sash Window Workshop believe that windows and doors should enhance both the look and value of a property. The company’s bespoke approach allows them to provide a tailored service to meet your specific requirements.
The company has over 20 years’ experience working in period properties across London and the South, providing a range of replacement and repair services for timber windows and doors. The Sash Window Workshop also offer a supply only service across the UK.
To obtain a free, no obligation site survey and quotation, contact: 01344 868 668.

The Sash Window Workshop is proud to have achieved classification of weathertightness in accordance with standard BS 6375-1:2009 for vertical sliding sash windows.

The required tests to meet the standard were carried out on our vertical sliding sash windows on the 20th March 2017.

The BS 6375-1:2009 standard specifies the exposure categories related to test pressure levels for external windows and doorsets. The tests incorporate air permeability, BS EN 1026:200, watertightness, BS EN 1027:2000, and resistance to wind load, BS EN 12211:2000.

The Sash Window Workshop are proud to have been rated the best bespoke sash window company by Elle Decoration.

The article in the March issue of the magazine highlighted the magazine’s top four sash window companies, with The Sash Window Workshop being listed as the ‘best for bespoke’.

Unlike modern windows, traditional timber windows were all manufactured to bespoke requirements. The Sash Window Workshop have over 20 years’ experience manufacturing and installing bespoke timber sash windows to suit period properties across London and the South.