Blog>Trade>Starting a Business>How to start a double glazing company
Last updated: 19 December 2024
How to start a double glazing company
Starting a double glazing business needs careful planning and clear goals. For installation and repair work, our guide opens a window on how to profitably grow your trade business.
Why choose a double-glazing business?
Let’s start with a few eye-catching double glazing facts. They prove it could be a great trade to get into.
According to the Glass and Glazing Federation, UK homes are the worst in Western Europe for heat loss. The Federation estimates that around 80 million home windows will need replacing* if we are to meet the government’s net zero carbon emissions target.
Double-glazing in properties also helps bring down energy bills. This all indicates that demand is rising for double glazing – and so are the salaries you can earn in the trade.
Demand for double glazing installation and repair is likely to come from:
New-build properties
Properties that already have double glazing which needs replacing
Older properties without double glazing that want it installed
Steps to starting a double glazing business
When starting a double glazing businessthere are several ‘must-do’ areas. These include:
Write a business plan
You'll need a straightforward and workable business plan. Here are some of the areas you could begin working on:
Decide whether you want your trade business to be a sole trader or a limited company
Work out where you’ll find sales leads
Get to grips with how your business cash flow will work
Make sure you know what your business expenses are likely to be
Look at what capital expenditure you need to make, for vehicles, tools and equipment
Think about taking on full-time employees as you grow
How to write a business plan
Why use a business plan for a small business? Every business needs to create a business plan. But what is it? A business plan is a written document that outlines: 1. Where you are now 2. Where you want your business to be in the future 3. How you're going to get there. A clear business plan will
Register your business with HMRC
Whatever type of business format you choose, you’ll need to let HMRC know. That applies to sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.
Choose a company name and logo
It can be hard to think of a great name for your business. Take time to pick one that works for you. Maybe include your name in the business name to personalise it. A professional-sounding name might do the trick.
Alternatively, you could include a location in your business name, so people know you’re local. Or why not go for a humorous name to really catch the eye?
Before you get too attached to a name, make sure it isn’t already being used by another business.
The next step will be to register your company name.
Open the window on new business opportunities
We can help your new double glazing business find more leads in your area
Create a business website
Nowadays, when you’re starting a double glazing business look to the internet. You’ll need a website that acts as a persuasive ‘shop window’ for your trade business. It needn’t cost much.
Think about making your website a ‘one-stop-shop’ for customers to get everything they need.
Decide on your marketing strategy
When you’re starting a double glazing business, marketing has to be an early priority. The quicker you focus on your marketing, the sooner you could be bringing in business.
Marketing is a pretty broad area, so you’ll want to focus on activities likely to have the biggest impact.
You can measure success in the number of sales leads your marketing generates. Our free guide to marketing a new trade business is a great place to start.
Marketing a new trade business – Where to start and a free guide to help you get going
Marketing is often seen as a 'nice to have' for a lot of trade businesses, especially when they're first starting out. Now more than ever, marketing is an essential investment for any new business. We live in a digital world where customers are more likely to go online to search for a tradesperson
Make sure you have the right insurance
There are always going to be risks in running any trade business. If problems occur, they could lead to financial losses. Business insurance helps provide a degree of financial protection should things go wrong.
It’s good business practice to have the right types of insurance in place. Don't forget, in some cases, insurance is a legal requirement.
What do you need to start a double glazing business?
Here are some steps to consider for starting a double glazing business:
Training and qualifications
Double glazing installers need to have the right skills and qualifications. Remember that you need to comply with building regulations when you install double glazing.
Useful places to look for double glazing training courses include:
The Glass and Glazing Federation’s training hub
FENSA, the government-backed scheme that monitors compliance for replacement windows and doors (find details at its Training Academy)
Specialist tools and equipment
These are some of the many specialist tools found in a double glazing installer’s toolbox:
Suction cups for holding and moving glass panels
Gasket rollers for fitting gasket seals
Deglazing tools for removing old windows and sealants
Glass cutters
Glazing hammers and mallets
Glazing and putty knives
Spirit levels
Clamps
Cutting knives, shears and blades
Saws
Chisels
Frame packers
Learn from other trade business bosses
Getting your double glazing business off the ground is only the start. Keeping it growing profitably is a continuous commitment.
Knowing where to look for helpful advice and guidance can also be a bit of challenge.
Why not gain handy tips from Checkatrade members who are running their own businesses, just like you? Their tips could be invaluable to your profitable growth.
That’s where our ‘Become the Boss’ comes in handy. It’s a set of emails with case studies, sent direct to your inbox.
Top tips on how to become your own boss
"I can't afford to start my own business." "I don't have the experience or knowledge to run a business." "What if I fail?" You wouldn't be human if you didn't have these doubts swirling through your mind. Every successful entrepreneur thinks this before starting up at some point. The fact of the
Find more leads with Checkatrade
You’ll need a steady flow of new customers as you grow your double glazing business. This should get easier as you become more established and your market activities deliver results.
It’s always handy to have support in finding new business – and that’s where we can support you. Checkatrade members receive our help with new enquiries.
There are lots of other benefits of Checkatrade membership too. They include:
Exclusive offers and discounts with suppliers like Tradepoint and Wickes
Reduced cost of workwear and branding
Guaranteed work when booked through us (T&Cs apply)
Dedicated trades apps for job management and quoting/invoicing
What do you need to become Checkatrade approved?
Becoming a Checkatrade member comes with a whole host of benefits, but the biggest has to be gaining our seal of approval. Homeowners tend to expect a commitment to quality when it comes to the Checkatrade tick, which can help you to win more business. Here are the checks you'll need to pass to join our directory.
Key takeaways
Decide whether you want to focus on new double glazing installations, repairs or both, as well as residential or commercial properties
Prepare a workable business plan
Choose a business name and register it, then devise a marketing strategy to win work
Make sure you have the best training and qualifications to do the job to the right standard
Find out from other trade business owners about running your own company and consider joining Checkatrade for support finding sales leads
Ready to start your double glazing business?
We can help you take off
* Figures quoted by the Glass and Glazing Federation (Article dated October 2023)
