THE quality of Guernsey Glass conservatories has been recognised in a prestigious UK competition for the second year running. Ultraframe Plc runs the competition in various categories every year. This year, Guernsey Glass was the overall winner in the lean-to category and last year it won the new-build class.

Conservatory manager Martyn Ferbrache said that the award would raise the company’s profile within the industry.

The winning conservatory installation involved taking down a timber vine house and replacing it with an up-to-date PVCu mahogany-foiled finished conservatory.

The company works on a wide range of conservatories, including the larger and more complex end of the market.

‘When you buy a conservatory, there are so many aspects to think about,’ said Mr Ferbrache.

‘We get involved all the way through, from design, application, planning and building work to the finished conservatory.’

Guernsey Glass is 44 years old this year. It was started by current chairman Les Guille and began by supplying and fitting single panes of glass for timber windows and developed from there.

The company was the first in the Channel Islands to make double-glazed units and regularly supplied Jersey. The company then began to supply secondary glazing, leading into prime windows and doors and ultimately to conservatories.

It no longer manufactures double-glazed units and has turned its factory into a showroom.

Another branch has been formed to introduce a range of balustrading and there is a full range on display.

The showroom allows customers to see what is on offer before they buy. Local company Pavillion Interiors furnishes all the conservatories on show. There is also a comprehensive display of windows and doors giving customers lots of options from which to choose.

Managing director Imogen Kreckeler said that the company’s loyal staff were a big part of what had seen it through 44 years and would see it through many more.

‘It’s very much a team effort,’ she said.

‘When you live on an island, you have to face your customers long after you have finished the job. We really do aim for a high standard in order to live up to our slogan, ”Reputation is all that matters”.’