Three is the magic number for Liniar

The latest edition of a prestigious publication has highlighted the vital role the fenestration industry has played in the UK’s recovering economy – with a systems company netting an impressive hat-trick of appearances.

The Flamstead Group of companies, which owns HL Plastics and the Liniar brand, as well as Avantek Machinery, has been included in the third version of the esteemed London Stock Exchange’s book ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ – one of only 40 companies to appear in all three editions!

The book highlights businesses from a cross-section of industries which have exhibited impressive growth in difficult times. But the ‘Threepeat’ companies have been particularly praised for outstanding progress over a number of years while consistently outperforming their sector peers.

To identify the 1,000 companies, financial technology company DueDil combined key financial performance indicators and sector benchmarks. Having identified the long list, the eligible companies were then separated into their Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) grouping. Within each SIC sector, the companies are ranked by their individual growth rate; and those that have most outperformed their sector averages are identified.

A number of companies from the fenestration sector have been included in the list, highlighting the positive impact they’ve had on the economy – but only one systems house has been included in all three editions. Pretty impressive when you consider that the Liniar brand of uPVC windows and doors wasn’t launched until 2008.

“Glazing is a dynamic industry that showcases the best in UK manufacturing. It’s no coincidence that glazing was amongst the fastest sectors to come out of the recession,” commented Andy Ball, Managing Director of glazing & construction marketing specialist Balls2 Marketing.

“And, obviously, the industry’s success has a positive knock-on effect in terms of the UK’s wider employment and growth figures – no wonder the London Stock Exchange Group is taking notice.”

Xavier Rolet, CEO of the London Stock Exchange Group, explained: “To be selected for the list, businesses had to demonstrate not only positive growth in revenue over the last four years, but also significantly outperform their sector peers.

“The result is a list of companies richer and more varied than ever identified in any other exercise of this type. Our goal in producing the report is to continue to highlight, to as wide an audience as possible, the importance of fast growing businesses to the future of the UK economy and the support they require.

“That’s why I’m particularly delighted that the report has received the support of the Government and major political parties.”

Writing in the publication, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said: “UK high-growth businesses are leading the charge in rebuilding our economy. These companies are the backbone of the British economy.

“They create high-quality, well paid jobs, innovate and drive economic growth. This government fully understands the need to support ambitious entrepreneurs and ensure they can access the finance they need to grow.”

Roger Hartshorn, CEO of Flamstead Holdings, was delighted to hear of their third consecutive inclusion: “It’s a major achievement for us to be named in the list again. This isn’t an award that you enter or apply for, it’s completely independently judged on a company’s accomplishments, which makes it very special.

“We launched Liniar in 2008, right in the middle of the recession, and things were very difficult in those early days. But with hard work, a committed work force and top quality products, we managed to turn things around and we’ve never looked back.

“We also acquired Wegoma Machinery Services in 2014, recently renamed Avantek Machinery, helping us secure even further success.

“We are now one of the biggest employers in the region, approaching 500 members of staff, and with a new warehouse underway that figure is expected to rise by a further 200 over the next few years.

“We’ve consistently improved and expanded our range over the years and Liniar can now offer its customers the full package; from windows, doors and conservatory roofs to installation supplies and roofline – everything that’s required for a beautiful, matching finish.”

Click here to read about the awards that Liniar have earned.