For further information about Amdega please telephone 01325 349589.
Press Releases & Corporate
Amdega Gets an Endless Makeover
19 August 2010
Amdegais delighted to announce a significant capital injection from UK private equity house Endless LLP.
The past two years have been challenging for most small to medium size companies to say the least.
This year Amdega, whose roots are in quality joinery and craftsmanship of bespoke conservatories and orangeries, has faced several challenges in the market. To ensure we continued as the brand leader in the high-end conservatory market we decided to seek a partner to help us overcome the challenges and difficulties caused by the recession. It was important that the partner we sought would be able to offer both financial and commercial support in order to help us prepare and plan for the long term. We are very pleased and proud to announce that the private investment firm Endless LLP has acquired Amdega.
Endless LLP is an independent UK based private equity house, specialising in the provision of financial investment and expertise to businesses facing challenges but with strong brands, committed people and opportunities to grow. Since their formation in December 2005 Endless have rapidly developed a growing reputation as a fast paced and entrepreneurial organisation committed to providing support for businesses facing challenge.
The investment represents the tenth deal from Endless LLP’s highly successful Fund II, and adds to the firm’s strong track record of backing well-known British brands in the home improvement and building products sector, such as Crown Paints and Neville Johnson.
The level of investment made will allow the company to continue to develop new products, improve its operating systems, enhance its service and develop its people. Although the economic conditions remain uncertain, the future looks exciting for Amdega.
Warwick Ley, a partner at Endless in Manchester, said: “Whilst sector conditions are tough, Amdega boasts an illustrious history and occupies an enviable brand position in the market. With numerous improvement initiatives to pursue, we are very excited about the long-term prospects for the business. The investment is in line with our strategy to back the UK manufacturing industry and, in particular, British heritage brands with strong growth potential.”
Steve Sutherland, chairman of UK building facade contractor, Dortech Architectural Systems, joins Amdega as executive chairman. Alongside a strong track record in the building products industry, Steve previously worked with Endless as the former chairman of bespoke fitted furniture retailer, Neville Johnson.
The feeling from within the Amdega camp is one of excitement and renewed spirit, as we are first and foremost extremely proud of our 136 year heritage as a leading British brand and are very excited about the prospect of getting back to the business of building beautiful conservatories, orangeries and pool houses for customers around the globe.
Amdega Hires Apprentices
05 August 2010
Amdega is pleased to announce a new draft of apprentice employees. The Darlington based firm, with headquarters at Faverdale, currently employs over 200 people. By bringing in four junior apprentices the company endeavours to support its proactive approach to business, by developing talent for the future.
New recruits include 19 year old David O’Neill, employed as Apprentice CNC Operator, working with high precision, computer numerically controlled machines in the manufacturing process. Christopher Cartwright, 19, and Rebecca Worley, 17, have been hired as Apprentice Project Coordinators working in the management for bespoke full build conservatory projects, and 16 year old Joe McMullen, Apprentice Fabricator/Welder in the Machin aluminium conservatory team.
Apprentices were hired with the help of both Darlington College and NETA training, which recruits apprentices for North East companies over four geographical sites within the Tees Valley area. Apprentice Joe McMullen was hired with NETA’s assistance, undergoing a rigorous selection process, including an online aptitude test followed by an interview with a section leader before being selected from a variety of NETA applicants by Amdega.
Apprentice recruitment is the next step in the Amdega Academy, Amdega’s ongoing commitment to learning, training and developing current and new staff. Amdega has also offered staff the opportunity of undertaking a four year Business Management degree to fit into their schedules, and offering practical training on site for fitters before they install Amdega conservatories, orangeries, summerhouses and greenhouses.
Research carried out by YouGov on behalf of the National Apprenticeship Service showed that local consumers are very much in support for young job seekers, with 92% of people in the North East stating that they think it is important for companies to take on apprentices during the recession.*
Chief Executive Officer of Amdega, Karl Wharton, commented: “The company’s vision for the future is to encourage and assist the development of all employees through a culture of training and learning.”
*Bdaily North East Business News
http://bdaily.info/news/education-and-training/23-10-2009/apprentices-benefit-north-east-firms/
Contact:
Sarah Gilmore
Marketing and Communications Assistant
Tel: 01325 349 518
Email: sarah.gilmore@amdega.co.uk
Amdega Celebrates Chelsea Greenhouse Launch
08 June 2010
Amdega is thrilled at the level of response received with the launch of its new range of greenhouses at the 2010 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The state of the art greenhouse collection was exemplified by a lean-to Nursery model made from sustainable cedar and painted slate green from the Amdega Botanical paint range.
Comprising of four designs, Den, Nursery, Retreat and Vinery, the range comes in 52 size variations with a number of features that makes Amdega stand out from the competition. Benefits include a low maintenance aluminium roof for ease of cleaning. There is the option of base walls in brick or stone instead of cedar to blend further with surroundings and supply only, supply and install and full build services. Staging is higher than that provided by others to ensure the gardener can prepare seedlings in comfort. A timed irrigation system is available that can be set weeks in advance if required for remote control gardening. There is also cedar bench seating for the gardener to relax in the sun.
The launch coincides with the revamp of Amdega’s Garden Rooms web site which is now highly interactive and displays the Chelsea, Hampton, Portland, Manhattan and RHS summerhouse ranges together for the first time. There is eager anticipation for the 2010 edition of the “Amdega Book of Garden Rooms” that will also very soon be available. As well as featuring an array of stunning Amdega garden rooms with detailed specifications, the Book is highly stylised with bold typography, fuses a tactile old fashioned book feel with contemporary floral imagery and also has interesting snippets of general information.
Along with the Nursery greenhouse the Company also displayed two popular summerhouse models; the Kingswood from the longstanding celebrated Chelsea range and the Kilburn from the RHS Special Edition range … something for everyone.
Elsewhere at the Show Amdega collaborated with Smallbone and built a stunning contemporary orangery for their “Alfresco Kitchen” stand which also featured Stephen Woodham’s beautiful garden design. The stand was awarded the coveted RHS Trophy for Excellence for the Best Trade Stand. The president of the Royal Horticultural Society, Giles Coode-Adams, presented the award at a special ceremony and the stand has been described as “… one of the highlights of this year’s show and emphasizes the quality and dynamism of British design and craft skills”. This is a fitting tribute for Amdega’s return to RHS Chelsea after a 13 year absence.
The Company has also announced recent affiliations with Porcelanosa, producer of contemporary ceramic floor tiling, The Majik House for music, lighting, security and cinema systems and also Appeal for quality conservatory blinds.
Editor’s Notes: About Amdega
Established in 1874, Amdega is the oldest conservatory company in the world, renowned for excellence in the design of beautiful conservatories, orangeries and pool houses along with its extensive garden rooms and greenhouses ranges. The Company still operates from its original hometown of Darlington in the north east of England, from where Amdegas are shipped out across the globe. With the Company name originally derived from three key words, ambition, determination and gain, Amdega remains fully committed to these longstanding values, along with focussing on continuous improvements, driving quality and service, investing in people and maintaining an environmentally friendly ethos.
Contact:
Sarah Gilmore
Marketing and Communications Assistant
Tel: 01325 349 518
Email: sarah.gilmore@amdega.co.uk
AMDEGA'S AFFILIATION WITH APPEAL
21 April 2010
Amdega is pleased to announce that we have entered into an affiliation with Appeal, the longstanding manufacturer of quality blinds.
For the last nine years we have been manufacturing our own conservatory blinds at Amdega. However we have now taken a strategic decision to concentrate on our core conservatory and summerhouses businesses. We have recognising Appeal's expertise in conservatory blinds, and have now chosen to exclusively recommend Appeal's specialist shading solutions to our clients.
For over twenty years Appeal has been regularly installing blinds in many Amdega conservatories and this affiliation will ensure that even more of our clients will benefit from the unrivalled range, expertise and service provided by Appeal.
Valued Amdega clients will also receive an exclusive Premier Service from Appeal which includes a dedicated design consultant and project coordinator, priority bookings, free fabric swatches, a full five year guarantee and a free care and maintenance service call 12 months after installation.
For further information please call 0800 591 523.
Prestigious partnership forged between the Royal Horticultural Society and Amdega
28 January 2010
Amdega, the longest established conservatory supplier in the world, is pleased to announce its collaboration with the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society in the form of a new range of exclusive summerhouses.
Amdega’s RHS summerhouse range has been designed specifically with the Society’s traditional styling and colours in mind and initially comprises of three new models; the Sherwood and Kilburn summerhouses and the Arden gazebo, with more models to follow in spring 2010. This exciting new offering sits comfortably alongside Amdega’s existing Chelsea, Hampton and Manhattan designs.
Each new model in the timber summerhouse range has its own unique features and comes jointly badged as RHS and Amdega in celebration of this inimitable union. Paul Cruddace, Amdega’s Sales & Marketing Director commented; “It is fantastic that two organisations who are both famous in their own fields of expertise now have the opportunity to join forces to promote such a discerning range of products.”
The RHS has a long and interesting history dating from 1804 and is now the UK’s leading gardening charity, dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. Grant Tripp, RHSE Licensing Manager was pleased to advise; “RHS Enterprises is delighted to be in partnership with Amdega to offer a range of exceptional summerhouses based on historic illustrations from the RHS Lindley Library.”
This exciting initiative follows Amdega’s highly successful return to RHS shows after displaying Chelsea wooden summerhouses at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in 2009. As well as providing quality summerhouses, Amdega continues to lead the field in designing and building bespoke conservatories and orangeries all around the world. Amdega also sells blinds and window shades for all around the home.
The RHS range is available from January 2010. Contact the Amdega summerhouse team for further details on 0800 328 0323 or visit www.amdega-summerhouses.co.uk.
For all Amdega press and marketing enquiries please contact Gladys Vargas on 01325 349535 or gladys.vargas@amdega.co.uk.
An interest in gardening is all you need to enjoy being a member of the RHS, for more information visit www.rhs.org.uk or call 0845 130 4646.
Amdega announces comprehensive Deposit and Guarantee Insurance is now available from IWA for its prestigious clients
10 December 2009
Amdega, the world’s oldest designer and manufacturer of quality bespoke timber conservatories and orangeries, has joined forces with IWA to provide Deposit and Guarantee Insurance to its UK customers.
Established in 1985 with over 750 carefully selected quality companies nationwide, IWA is a market leader for consumer protection and administering a Deposit Protection and Insured Guarantee scheme to consumers within the home improvement market. One of the founder members of the GIA (Guarantee Insurance Association), IWA has close links to CERTASS, the self certification body for building regulations.
Paul Cruddace, Amdega’s sales and marketing director comments, “We are extremely pleased to provide our clients with peace of mind with comprehensive Deposit and Guarantee Insurance. We have traded for over 130 years, however in these uncertain times we decided that the right thing to do was to give our clients full independent protection”.
Justin Bourner, Partner of IWA, comments “Amdega wanted the best and after a lengthy and in-depth review of the insurance backed guarantee market finally decided on IWA. In response to their requirements we have produced a bespoke policy that will cover conservatory contracts up to £200,000 and are absolutely delighted to be associated with a company of Amdega’s longstanding reputation and stature.”
Amdega also supplies a range of quality summerhouses and garden buildings and blinds and window shades for all around the home.
For all Amdega press and marketing enquiries please contact Gladys Vargas on 01325 349535 or gladys.vargas@amdega.co.uk.
Visit www.amdega.co.uk or contact 0800 591 523 to request a brochure or free, no obligation design meeting with Amdega’s local conservatory design consultant.
For all IWA enquiries please contact Sarah Wallis on 01604 604511 or sarah@iwa.biz or visit www.iwa.biz
Amdega announces exciting partnership with Porcelanosa
12 November 2009
Amdega, the longstanding British bespoke conservatory and orangery company, has announced a prestigious partnership with leading supplier of quality hardwearing ceramic tiling, Porcelanosa.
Originally founded in 1973 in Vilarreal in the Castellon region of Spain, Porcelanosa enjoys a well deserved reputation worldwide for excellence in premium quality vitrified and porcelain wall and floor tiles in a wide range of formats and finishes.
Amdega is the oldest timber conservatory supplier in the world today. Originally established in 1874 the Company still operates from Darlington in the north east of England and is renown around the world for stunning conservatory design.
State-of-the-art technology and innovative designs, along with sound environmental policies and unbeatable quality are the prestigious hallmarks of both companies.
Amdega’s Interiors division already offers other enhancements to conservatories, such as under floor heating, self cleaning climate control glazing and a variety of window blinds and window shades. The company had responded to an extremely high interest from its clients for quality tiling options to be available, resulting in this esteemed partnership being forged.
Paul Cruddace, Amdega’s Sales & Marketing Director, comments “We are extremely proud of our collaboration with Porcelanosa and to be given the opportunity to offer such a superior range of tiling finishes to our discerning clients. This innovative range really does provide a seriously sleek finishing touch and is in synergy with Amdega’s contemporary conservatories and classical glass house designs.”
For all Amdega press and marketing enquiries please contact Gladys Vargas on 01325 345535 or gladys.vargas@amdega.co.uk.
To request a brochure or arrange a design visit contact 0800 591 523 or visit Amdega’s newly launched website at www.amdega.co.uk.
Amdega exhibits summerhouses at RHS Hampton Court Flower Show
23 June 2009
RHS Hampton Court Flower Show 7-12 July 2009
RHS Gold Medal Winner, Amdega Ltd, is proud to exhibit at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show this year. Famous for making some of the finest garden rooms in the world, Amdega is the oldest company of its kind in existence and will display exclusive summerhouses from its Chelsea range.
Paul Cruddace, Amdega's Sales & Marketing Director, commented: "Amdega summerhouses are in constant demand and our portfolio of garden buildings is very comprehensive, encompassing shapes, sizes and options to suit all gardens, discerning tastes and possible uses. Some models even have the ability to rotate and follow the path of the sun."
Amdega still retains the traditional standards set by its ancestors - beautiful designs and handcrafted products - now supported by start-of-the-art technology. Amdega's values of quality and service have established a reputation amongst garden lovers, professional horticulturalists and architects throughout the world.
The RHS is the UK's leading gardening charity, dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. The Hampton Court show runs from 7 to 12 July and is expected to attract around 170,000 visitors. During show week visitors consume 13,443 rounds of sandwiches, 12,721 glasses of Pimms, 16,569 glasses of champagne, 4,277 slices of cake and 53,176 cups of fair-trade tea and coffee.
Visit Amdega at stand A/85, near the Thames entrance.
New Amdega blinds are the perfect finishing touch
13 October 2008
Amdega, the oldest designer and manufacturer of conservatories in the world, is bringing its exacting standards of quality and style to the world of interior design with the launch of its new collection of blinds.
Offering wood weave, roller, pleated, venetian, roman and panel blinds, the Amdega Collection is designed to complement both classic and contemporary settings, creating a stylish ambience for day and night living.
As well as conservatories and orangeries, Amdega blinds can be chosen for any room in the house and the range offers something for everyone, with a wide choice of formats and finishes on offer to create the perfect finishing touch.
Manufactured to the highest specification, Amdega blinds are designed to enhance any interior space as well as providing privacy and protection from the heat and glare of the sun. Materials used include timber, UV reflecting cloth and aluminium, with a large colour palette to choose from which reflects current trends, ranging from rich plum and claret to soft naturals and warm caramels. Customers also have the option of matching to the exclusive Amdega Colour Range.
Paul Cruddace, Director of Amdega's Interiors Division, commented; "We have rejuvenated and revitalised our blinds collection and we are thrilled to have such a stunning range of high specification products to offer. Our designers can advise on the most suitable bespoke blinds solution for any room in the home and like all our products, Amdega blinds are handcrafted using only the finest materials available to ensure durability, quality and lasting pleasure throughout their use."
Amdega blinds are available to existing customers and also via enquiries from advertising and the internet. Fitting is undertaken by Amdega's team of fully trained blinds installers, who have extensive experience working on a wide range of conservatory and orangery designs.
For further information, call 0800 591523 or visit www.amdegablinds.co.uk
Ends
Amdega delivers double digit growth despite “credit crunch” Planned £300k+ investment in new Amdega Academy
27 June 2008
Amdega, the oldest designer and manufacturer of conservatories in the world, has reported strong growth figures for the first half of 2008, despite the current pressures on the global economy.
Renowned for its premium, bespoke conservatories, orangeries and summerhouses, Amdega has experienced a 25% increase in exports to the Far East, Europe and the States since the turn of the year, as well as 10% growth in new orders in the UK during May and June.
The company recently unveiled a new environmental policy, making it the first in its sector to make the formal move from utilising traditionally sourced hardwoods to temperate American (and other) hardwoods, North American Douglas Fir and high grade European engineered timbers. Waste materials including sawdust, off-cuts, paper, glass and metal are all being recycled and even the timber treatment solution used is long term bio-degradable. As a result of this policy, the company has seen a 30% reduction in waste and over 50% less materials going to landfill. So far, every customer who has been offered the choice of changing their order from traditional hardwoods to the new choice of timbers has made the move, signalling 100% support for Amdega’s industry-leading environmental approach.
Paul Cruddace, Amdega’s International Business Director commented; “We have already achieved an overall 12% increase in orders compared to 2007 and we have still have the second half of the year to go. Despite the widely reported ‘credit crunch’, Amdega is performing strongly and we are confident that our end of year figures will achieve expectations. We have recently recruited six new designers and are looking to take on further design expertise both in the UK and overseas.”
He continued; “With people losing confidence in the property market, many customers are viewing an Amdega conservatory as a premium investment in their home, adding value and extra space without the need to move house. And thanks to our increased 15 year structural warranty, a bespoke Amdega conservatory continues to be a byword for excellence in design, quality and durability.”
As well as making a combined £250,000 investment to enable the move from traditional hardwoods, Amdega is investing a further £300k+ in its new Amdega Academy, which offers ten employees per year the opportunity to undertake a 3 year business management degree. The scheme is open to all employees with a view to developing junior to middle management, with the goal that eventually thirty employees will achieve the qualification.
Paul explained; “If the company is to fulfil the growth objectives that we have set, we need to offer our staff the opportunity to grow with us and achieve their potential. Armed with their new business management degrees, we hope our staff will continue to be motivated, hard working and committed to taking Amdega forward. We are fully confident that we will achieve our projected turnover in 2008 and 2009.’
Amdega was launched in 1874 and employs some 315 people in the UK, with the majority based at its workshops in Darlington. The company also has representatives in 15 countries worldwide. Annual turnover, which includes a significant proportion of international trade, reached £29 million in 2007.
The company is renowned for excellence in design and quality across its range of traditional and contemporary conservatories, orangeries, summerhouses and pool houses. All commissions are individually designed to suit the specific needs and lifestyles of each customer.
Amdega launches new range of summerhouses
17 April 2008
Amdega Limited, the manufacturer of premium timber conservatories and summerhouses, has launched a new range of contemporary summerhouses, in preparation for the forthcoming spring/summer season.
The modern designs reflect those of Amdega’s recently-launched contemporary range of conservatories.
The summerhouse is very much part of the English gardening tradition, having been in place in English gardens since the 16th century. Since that time, summerhouses have been used as a place for relaxation, a retreat from the elements or a place to meet with friends and family. Amdega’s new summerhouse designs are shaped to suit every style and size of garden and can be positioned towards the sun or shade, to take in the desired views. Certain models even rotate to follow the sun throughout the day.
With the virtues of summerhouses extolled by gardening great Gertrude Jekyll in the 1800s, the new range of Amdega summerhouses are made from durable, high-quality timber that can be stained or painted to suit any garden ambience, creating a bridge between house and garden. All timbers are sourced from managed, sustainable sources and carry the FSC symbol.
Attention to detail is reflected throughout the range of Amdega summerhouses with traditional leaded glass. Internal side frames are lined with exterior-quality oak veneer and externally clad with Western Red Cedar wood to continue with the upmarket finishing of the buildings. Floors are solid timber and roof shingles are made from Cedar wood, which over time, mellows to a soft hue to reflect the subtlety of an English garden.
Chris Redfern, Amdega’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We wanted to be able to offer our customers a wider choice. Our name is associated with traditional designs. While that still remains the case, we now also offer very modern looking conservatories and garden buildings. All of them carry the Amdega name, which is a hallmark for excellence.”
“The traditional image of a summerhouse is a place to store garden furniture, somewhere to shelter from a storm or take afternoon tea. Just like conservatories, people are looking at more imaginative ways to use them. Summerhouses – or summer buildings – are used as gyms, offices or, for some people, a place to write or paint,” said Mr Redfern.
Amdega employs over 300 people in the UK, the majority based in its workshops in Darlington in the North East, and has representatives in 15 countries worldwide. Its turnover, which includes a significant proportion of international trade, approaches £30 million per year.
Chris Redfern added: “We are now delighted to be able to launch our contemporary summerhouse range at the start of this spring and summer season. We are confident they will be as well received as our new range of conservatories. It is important for companies, even one as well established as Amdega, to be innovative and adjust to current market trends and fashions.”
Amdega chosen for prestigious exhibition
28 February 2008
Amdega, the world’s oldest conservatory company, has been chosen by the organisers to be just one of a handful of key exhibitors at this year’s prestigious 100th Ideal Home Exhibition.
One of the Darlington-based company’s new range of contemporary conservatories will be built on the exhibition floor at Earl’s Court in London. The Ideal Home Exhibition organisers say they have selected Amdega and other top UK companies to ensure the quality of this year’s show matches the occasion.
As well as visiting Amdega’s conservatory, visitors to Earl’s Court will be able to imagine what life would be like in the ultimate six million pound house, see the latest inventions for the home and be entertained by some of the best-known celebrity chefs – including Jean- Christophe Novelli, Aldo Zilli and Sophie Grigson.
An Amdega spokesman said: “It is a great honour to be invited to take part in this special Ideal Home Exhibition. Between us, Amdega and the Ideal Home Exhibition have more than 230 years of experience in providing exciting innovations. We are delighted that one of our new designs will feature at the show. I am sure visitors will be impressed by what they see.”
The IHE runs from 14 March to 6 April and is expected to attract more than 50,000 people a day. Its special centenary website, which features Amdega images, has already had 67,000 hits since its launch in September
Over the last 100 years it has been the launch pad for countless household products including the toaster and electric kettle (1920), the microwave (1947) and the electric grass mower (1970). The show has also been in the vanguard when it comes to environmental concerns, unveiling the first ‘energy efficient kitchen’ in 1989.
Thirty four years before the first exhibition W Richardson and Co, a family firm of horticultural engineers who supplied heating systems for exclusive glasshouses, began building their own glasshouses.
The glasshouses were used to “conserve” exotic plants, which had been imported from all over the world, during the English winter. The company, which later became Amdega, quickly established a reputation for building exceptionally high quality “conservatories”.
That tradition has continued, with brief interruptions during both world wars when the skills of Amdega’s workforce were used to manufacturer spare parts for the Royal Flying Corps’ bi-planes and prefab homes to replace houses destroyed in the Blitz.
Amdega now employs over 300 people in its workshops in Darlington in the North East of England, and has representatives in 15 countries worldwide. Its turnover approaches £30 million per year, which includes a significant international presence.