Amdega Recruits Mike Willink as Chief Operating Officer

29th September 2010

Amdega is delighted to announce the appointment of Mike Willink to the main board as Chief Operating Officer. Mr Willink's appointment quickly follows the significant investment into the company by UK private equity house, Endless LLP, in August 2010.

The appointment is central to Amdega's wider strategy of driving a series of major operational improvement initiatives through the business on the back of the fresh investment provided by Endless.

Mr Willink has worked in senior roles with Rolls Royce Marine (where he led several operational and supply chain improvement projects across Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and China), Moores Furniture (part of US giant Masco) and Howdens Joinery.

Steve Sutherland, Chairman of Amdega, who joined the business at the time of Endless' investment in August, said "We are thrilled to welcome Mike to Amdega. Mike has an outstanding track record in driving positive change and improvement initiatives through organisations, and he brings impressive dynamism and energy. Mike's pedigree and leadership abilities are a perfect fit to what is needed at Amdega and securing someone of his calibre is testament to our strategy and ambition for the business."

Mike said "It is tremendously exciting to be joining Amdega at such a key time in its history. There are challenges, however with the fresh investment support behind us, I'm excited by the numerous improvement opportunities for us to pursue. Amdega has a very proud heritage and our aim is to be once again renowned for the highest operational excellence and quality."

ENDS

About Amdega Limited:

Founded in 1874, Amdega is the world’s oldest and most prestigious timber conservatory business.

Amdega is based in Faverdale, Darlington and employs approximately 200 people.

Endless LLP invested significant capital into the business in August 2010.

About Endless LLP:

Endless is a national private equity house focusing on buyout and acquisition opportunities for UK-headquartered businesses. The firm has offices in Manchester, Leeds, London and Birmingham.

Endless is responsible for investments with a combined turnover of more than £1 billion and more than 6,500 employees. Some of its investments include Crown Paints Group, The Works retail chain, Trutex Schoolwear and AMCO.

Endless is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Services Authority.

Amdega Supports Community Garden

Amdega is pleased to announce the official opening of the Brandon Village Community Garden for use by the local community. The village garden committee is combining the opening with the presentation of Amdega’s gift to the Community Garden of a Retreat greenhouse; the first greenhouse the Darlington based conservatory company has built since the Victorian era.

The Brandon Village Community Garden will be officially opened by local MP Roberta Blackman-Woods at 6pm on Thursday 30th September 2010. In addition, to celebrate this event a free exhibition “Art in A Small Garden” with pieces from local established artists and graduates of Sunderland University will be open to the public all week.

The Retreat greenhouse donated by the Darlington based conservatory company will enable the garden to extend the growing season and raise tender fruit and vegetables. It will also provide a social space to sit when the weather is inclement.

The Community Garden, which has been created from a prominent derelict site with a fly tipping problem, aims to be a sustainable, environmentally friendly wildlife haven, vegetable garden and a meeting place where local people can pass on their knowledge and experience and get to know their neighbours better. The garden promotes biodiversity with a substantial area being given over to wildlife with a pond, bog, wild flower meadow, and a mixed native hedge. The pond has a small water feature running over a rock pile designed to increase the habitat for a wide range of insects, amphibians and hopefully encourage bats into the garden. The garden will have a range of flowers to attract bees, butterflies and other insects into the garden plus bird boxes and feeding stations to encourage garden birds. In contrast to the wildlife area, the vegetable garden has a formal structure of raised beds constructed from recycled plastics.

Over the past year, the village residents have worked hard to create the garden, helped by a County Durham Environmental Trust grant, (CDENT PREMIER Award of £14,800), sponsorship from local businesses and organisations, and support from Brandon and Byshottles Parish Council. With the guidance of dry stone walling expert, Peter Dent, the residents enjoyed building the south wall using traditional techniques, a wonderful teambuilding exercise.


The garden has no mains electricity or water, so rain runoff from the greenhouse roof is collected in underground storage tanks and then pumped out using energy generated by solar panels. These also run the greenhouse irrigation system, pond pumps and hopefully a few low energy lights. The garden also has various seating options, including space inside the new Amdega greenhouse to allow people to sit and enjoy the garden and wildlife. From the outset, the garden has aimed to be as inclusive as possible. Children are encouraged to get involved and the area has been made accessible to all by incorporating raised vegetable beds, benches and wheelchair friendly paths.

The Garden Opening is just the beginning. Next year the village hopes to build a herb spiral, increase the number of nest boxes and feeding stations, purchase a weather station and some nest box cams, and eventually run a website so friends and families can keep in touch with the garden.

The Garden Committee commented, “We can hardly believe that just a few months ago this piece of land that was an eyesore has been transformed into a beautiful community garden with the help of a state-of-the-art Amdega greenhouse and the generosity of other sponsors. With the hard work of volunteers, we have created something positive for the village and the wider community that brings people together in a lovely setting.”

Karl Wharton, CEO of Amdega, commented: “We are delighted to be able to offer Brandon Village a greenhouse to support the garden and hope that it continues to be a benefit to the local community for years to come.”
Notes to editors:

Brandon Village Residents Association (BVRA)
The association was formally formed in October 2008. Brandon village is comprised of 53 houses; most householders are members of the thriving Brandon Village Residents Association (BVRA). The aims of the BVRA are to: “Promote all residents rights and the maintenance and improvement of amenities and the environment”; “Promote social, welfare, recreational and training activities for the benefit of members”; “Work with authorities and organisations for the benefit of all members”.

The Greenhouse
The greenhouse constructed in the Brandon Village Community Garden is based on Amdega’s ‘Retreat‘ L Shape design, 1.5 bay medium in Slate Green. The concrete base needed for the Retreat greenhouse was laid by village residents. The greenhouse itself was installed by Amdega and features a timber cladded dwarf wall. It also has an irrigation system installed, bench seating inside the structure and timber staging provided.

Amdega Greenhouses
Long renowned for creating some of the finest conservatories, orangeries and garden rooms around the world; Amdega has reintroduced, by popular demand, an extensive range of covetable and state of the art greenhouses to the Amdega Garden Rooms collection, brought into existence especially for the discerning gardener.
Comprising of four designs, Den, Nursery, Retreat and Vinery, the Greenhouse 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.

Amdega has been designing and handcrafting timber and glass structures from the original workshops in Darlington since the Victorian Era. The Amdega Garden Rooms range comprises of Chelsea, Hampton, Manhattan and Portland summerhouses, as well as the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Special Edition Collection and modular Greenhouse range.

Amdega Conservatories Hires Apprentices

Conservatories company, Amdega, is pleased to announce a new draft of apprentice employees to its workforce in Darlington, County Durham. 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, Apprentice CNC Operator. Christopher Cartwright, 19, and Rebecca Worley, 17, have been hired as Apprentice Project Coordinators assisting in the management for bespoke conservatory projects, and 16 year old Joe McMullen as Apprentice Fabricator/Welder in the Machin aluminium conservatory team.

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 gives practical training to fitters before they install Amdega traditional and contemporary orangeries and conservatories and also beautiful wooden summerhouses and greenhouses.

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.”

Amdega is renowned for excellence in design and quality across its range of bespoke conservatories, orangeries and pool houses. All commissions are individually designed to suit the specific needs and lifestyles of each client.

Amdega also supplies a range of quality summerhouses and greenhouses and automated blinds and window shades for conservatories and also all around the home.

For further information and to arrange an appointment with a sales designer along with a no obligation conservatory quote, please call 01325 349589, visit www.amdega.co.uk or email inform@amdega.co.uk.

Amdega celebrates triumphant return to RHS Chelsea Flower show

At this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show the bespoke conservatory giant Amdega collaborated with Smallbone and built a stunning contemporary orangery for their “Alfresco Kitchen” stand which also featured a garden design created by Stephen Woodhams. The glass roof of the timber orangery beautifully fused with Smallbone’s new oak and silver kitchen and the stand was awarded the coveted RHS Gold Award for Excellence for the Best Trade Stand.

The president of the Royal Horticultural Society, Giles Coode-Adams, presented the Gold 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.

Amdega has also announced recent affiliations with Porcelanosa, producer of ceramic floor tiling, that fuse beautifully with both Amdega’s contemporary and traditional conservatory designs. Majik House for state of the art music and lighting systems for bespoke conservatories and also Appeal for quality conservatory blinds.

For a free no obligation meeting with Amdega’s local conservatory designer please call 01325 349589 or visit www.amdega.co.uk.


Press enquiries:
Sarah Gilmore, Marketing and Communications Assistant
Tel: 01325 349 518, email: sarah.gilmore@amdega.co.uk

Amdega Garden Rooms

Amdega’s recent launch of timber greenhouses coincides with the publication of its Book of Garden Rooms, which is now available and features the Chelsea, Hampton, Manhattan and RHS timber summerhouses and gazebos along with the Portland DIY summerhouse range all together for the very first time.

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 feel with contemporary floral imagery and interesting snippets of general information.

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 greenhouse offerings.

The Company still operates from its original hometown of Darlington in the north east of England, from where bespoke timber conservatories 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; focussing on driving continuous improvements, quality and service, investing in people and maintaining an environmentally friendly ethos.

For a copy of Amdega’s Book of Garden Rooms please call 01325 349586 or visit www.amdega.co.uk and click on garden rooms.

Press enquiries:
Sarah Gilmore, Marketing and Communications Assistant
Tel: 01325 349 518, email: sarah.gilmore@amdega.co.uk

Amdega celebrates the launch of its new cedar Greenhouse range at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Bespoke conservatory manufacturer Amdega Conservatories is thrilled at the level of response received to the launch of its new range of quality timber greenhouses at the 2010 RHS Chelsea Flower Show where the Company displayed one of its Den lean to greenhouse designs.

Comprising of four greenhouse designs, the Den, Nursery, Retreat and Vinery, the range comes in 52 size variations with a number of features to ensure that Amdega stands out from the competition. Benefits include a low maintenance aluminium roof for ease of cleaning that matches the greenhouse perfectly. 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. Greenhouse staging is higher than that provided by others to ensure the gardener can prepare seedlings in comfort. A timed greenhouse 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.

Along with the Den greenhouse Amdega also displayed two of its popular timber summerhouses; the Chelsea Kingswood and the RHS Kilburn … something for everyone.

For a copy of Amdega’s Book of Garden Rooms please call 01325 349586 or visit www.amdega.co.uk and click on garden rooms.

Members of the press please contact:
Sarah Gilmore, Marketing and Communications Assistant
Tel: 01325 349 518, email: sarah.gilmore@amdega.co.uk

Amdega Conservatory News - Training Academy Established

In the latest news from Amdega Limited, the oldest conservatory company in the world, is pleased to announce the launch of a “training academy” at its head office in Darlington as part of the Company’s ongoing commitment to quality and service.

The Acadamy will primarily be used as a base for providing a comprehensive induction for new installers in building bespoke conservatories and orangeries as well as wooden summerhouses and gazebos. Only after rigorous training will potential recruits be deemed as fully competent Amdega representatives and receive official certification. Current installers will also receive refresher training in various fitting techniques. The Company’s aim is to continually improve quality and service and the introduction of the Academy is part of this commitment.

Paul Cruddace, Amdega’s Sales & Marketing Director comments, “We are putting substantial amounts of money into our pursuit of continuous improvement. As the UK’s premier conservatory supplier we want to ensure that every installer is fully au fait with our tried and tested methods of working as well as new techniques that are to be implemented. We aren’t just building sections here; we are constructing complete glass rooms and everyone is getting involved. The Acadamy has been well received by our timber conservatory installers and we are already getting very positive feedback from initial training given”.

Despite the difficult economic climate of the last year, Amdega has staked £150k in setting up the Acadamy which equates to a total of £0.75m investment over the first three years of its being in existence.

Amdega’s clients, who have recently visited the factory, have also had the opportunity to tour the Academy and see training in action and have been extremely impressed with the set up.

Latest Amdega News - RHS & Amdega Summerhouses Partnership

A prestigious partnership has been forged between the Royal Horticultural Society and Amdega Summerhouses.

Amdega, the longest established conservatory supplier in the world, have cemented a collaboration with the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society.

this is in the form of a new range of exclusive co-branded 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.

In a quote from Paul Cruddace, Amdega’s Sales & Marketing Director:

“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.

Quoting Grant Tripp, RHSE Licensing Manager:

“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.

You can contact the Amdega summerhouse team for further details on 0800 328 0323 or visit www.amdega-summerhouses.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.

Latest Amdega Conservatories Announcement - Comphrehensive Deposit & Guarantee Insurance is Now Available from IWA

Amdega Conservatories, 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.

In a move to provide customers with further peace of mind, Amdega have teamed up with IWA - the market leader for consumer protection, a founding member of the GIA (Guarantee Insurance Association), IWA has close associations to CERTASS, the self certification body for building regulations. IWA was established in 1985.

Quote from Paul Cruddace (The sales & marketing director of Amdega)

“We are extremely pleased to provide our bespoke conservatory 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, even though we have traded successfully since 1874”

Quote from Justin Bourner (Partner of IWA)

“Amdega Conservatories 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 is renowned for excellence in bespoke design and quality, every commission is individually designed to suit the specific lifestyle & needs of every client.

Amdega also supply a range of quality wooden summerhouses and gazebos as well as blinds and window shades for all around the home.

For any Amdega press and marketing enquiries please contact Gladys Vargas on 01325 349535 or email gladys.vargas@amdega.co.uk.

Visit www.amdega.co.uk or contact 0800 591 523 to request a conservatory 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 email sarah@iwa.biz or visit www.iwa.biz

Amdega News - Porcelanosa Partnership

latest company news from Amdega, the bespoke conservatories specialist.

Amdega, has announced an exciting and prestigious partnership with leading supplier of quality hardwearing ceramic tiling, Porcelanosa.

Porcelanosa was founded in 1973 in Vilarreal, the Castellon region of Spain, with a well deserved worldwide reputation for excellence Porcelanosa produce quality wall and floor tiles in both vitrified and porcelain. These are produced in a in a wide range of finishes, materials and styles.

Amdega’s Interiors division already offers other conservatory enhancements such as under floor heating, self cleaning climate control glazing and a variety of window blinds and window shades. Amdega has responded to their clients who have requested quality tiling options to be available for their conservatories, resulting in this esteemed partnership being forged.

Amdega’s Sales & Marketing Director, Paul Cruddace has commented “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 conservatory and classical glass house designs.”

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.

Both companies pride themselves on using the latest state of the art technology and innovative designs, with unbeatable quality and environmentally friendly policies.

From a huge range of products, Porcelanosa has compiled a diverse range of tiles in hardwearing porcelain with the look of natural stone, polished concrete and chic metallic effects. part of this selection includes wood effect tiles with the natural beauty of timber; all this without any need of special attention or maintenance.

For all Amdega press and marketing enquiries please contact Gladys Vargas on 01325 345535 or gladys.vargas@amdega.co.uk.

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 Ltd at CLA Game Fair at Belvoir Castle 24-26 July

Amdega Blogger is proud to advise that we are exhibiting Amdega summerhouses at the CLA Game Faire at Belvoir Castle near Grantham in Leicestershire this year. It’s our first year at the Show and our attendance this year has created a buzz around the office and factory at Darlington.

For the first time in years, Amdega attended RHS Hampton Palace Court Flower Show earlier in this month, again displaying various garden buildings. On some days the heavens opened up but by no means did that stop people from their RHS day out. Lots of past customers were called in and the comment that was repeated numerous times was “it’s good to see Amdega back”! We were received an RHS Commendation Certificate for presentation of the stand, a tribute to everyone back at Darlington who worked hard to achieve success.

Three best selling summerhouses from our Chelsea range will be on display at the CLA – with the emphasis being on just how versatile a garden room can be. Furnishings and fittings have been sourced for garden buildings decked out as a home office, a relaxing garden hideaway and a Japanese themed gazebo - there is certainly something for everyone!

Amdega Blogger tracked down Paul Cruddace, Amdega’s Sales & Marketing Director, for the following comment: “Amdega summerhouses and gazebos 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.”

The CLA Game Fair was established in 1958 and is nationally and internationally recognised as the greatest celebration of country sports as well as promoting all aspects of country life. The Show runs from 24 to 26 July and it is expected to attract over 150,000 visitors.

Come and visit Amdega at CLA Game Fair, Entrance A, Stand B239.

Amdega is famous for supplying bespoke timber conservatories and orangeries all over the world. We also provide blinds for all around the home.

Amdega Ltd at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

Amdega Blogger is proud to advise that we are exhibiting Amdega summerhouses at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show this year. Amdega is a previous RHS Gold Medal Winner and our attendance this year has created a fantastic vibe around the office and factory at Darlington.

Production is well underway on four of our best selling summerhouses – with the emphasis being on just how versatile a garden room can be. Furnishings and fittings have been sourced for garden buildings decked out as a home office, a chic dining for two, a relaxing garden hideaway and a Japanese themed gazebo - there is certainly something for everyone!

Amdega Blogger tracked down Paul Cruddace, Amdega’s Sales & Marketing Director, for the following comment: “Amdega summerhouses and gazebos 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.”

The RHS is the UK’s leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. Some interesting show titbits – it 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 tair-trade tea and coffee!

Come visit Amdega at Hampton Court stand A/85, near the Thames entrance.

Amdega is famous for supplying bespoke timber conservatories and orangeries all over the world. We also provide blinds for all around the home.

Dragons’ Den … The Apprentice … Amdega Academy Summer School!

Amdega Blogger asks you to think back to last August when Amdega, the premier bespoke conservatory manufacturer, announced details of the Amdega Academy. Ten members of staff were given the opportunity to undertake a three year business degree and the scheme was open to all employees with a view to developing junior to middle management at the oldest manufacturer of timber conservatories and orangeries in the world.

Well, after a very successful first year the Academy has now introduced a summer school for its members to put what they have learnt so far into practice. Split into two teams, they are tasked with investigating opportunities for the company and to evaluate, plan and hopefully implement key initiatives. After seven weeks they will formally present their proposals to Amdega’s board of directors; hopefully not “Apprentice” style and prizes are up for grabs!

Remember, Amdega is renowned for excellence in conservatory design and quality across its range of traditional and contemporary orangeries, conservatories, summerhouses, gazebos and conservatory blinds. Paul Cruddace, Sales & Marketing Director advises “by introducing the Academy we hope our staff will continue to be motivated, hard working and committed to taking Amdega forward”.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog about the forthcoming upgrade of Amdega’s web site.

All good stuff.

Amdega set for launch of new conservatory brochure

Amdega Blogger is proud to advise that on 6 April 2009 Amdega launched its new, exclusive, deluxe brochure of orangeries, conservatories and garden rooms. In response to demand the brochure features a stunning array of contemporary and traditional conservatory designs. With traditional conservatories now enjoying a big resurgence the new brochure features plenty of stunning Amdega rooms giving many varied examples of what Amdega designers can create for every discerning taste, be it contemporary or traditional, large or small.

The bold lines and classical detailing on Amdega’s contemporary orangeries give a modern perspective to the traditional orangery and Amdega’s orangery designs are now a hugely popular choice for modern executive developments as well as period properties.

Blogger tracked down Paul Cruddace, Amdega’s Sales & Marketing Director, for his comment. Paul responded “This brochure is an exciting landmark for Amdega, it has been quite a while since we have displayed our full product range within one all encompassing brochure. At a time when moving home may not be viable, a common approach is to extend instead. It makes complete sense to commission a bespoke conservatory from Amdega, investing and adding value to the home. Each design is individual and they are not just built to extend living and dining spaces. Some people want to create a kitchen conservatory, or space for a home office or even a pool house, the list is endless. You’d be surprised what suggestions can come from an Amdega design consultation, which is free with no obligations and we’ve also got various sales promotions and finance offers in place.”

The brochure also features of taster of the various garden buildings that Amdega has to offer showing quality timber summerhouses and gazebos in various styles, again for modern and traditional tastes. Who would guess that the Manhattan garden building is ideal space for a home gym or a garden office!

Blogger was surprised to find out that Amdega is actually the oldest conservatory manufacturer in the world and was established in 1874 in Darlington, County Durham in the north east of England – where it still operates from today. This new brochure definitely reflects Amdega’s unrivalled heritage, expertise and general know-how and inventiveness in all things conservatories - extremely good stuff!

Amdega Blogger

Use an Amdega bespoke conservatory for your home office

Amdega Blogger is pleased to report that already this year we have had quite a lot of interest from enquirers wanting to discuss how to use an Amdega bespoke contemporary conservatory or classical orangery as a home office; which makes complete sense in the current climate. You want to create space where you can work at home, enhance the value of your property and make your carbon footprint child size as you don’t have to drive to work!


If your idea of office space at home is the spare bedroom, filled with piles of filing everywhere, then think again. The home office concept already makes complete sense to us at Amdega, the premier conservatory supplier. Check out the photographs I have posted that demonstrate just how well a contemporary conservatory design can work for this purpose. With daylight flooding in through conservatory glass on three sides and a partially glazed roof, open views can only enhance the thought process and lighten the workload! The attention is in the detail with inset down lighters to soften the place later in the day (no need to lock up at night – remember it should be a versatile space and is still part of your home), granite effect window cills adding to the modern vibe, underfloor heating giving the right amount of heat and wide opening or bi-fold doors that will give easy access to the garden for that all important time out!



The key thing is to create a perfectly flexible environment that can be used for living as well as an open and airy office where your visitors could not fail to be impressed. Remember, Amdega has been designing and building bespoke timber conservatories and orangeries for longer than any other company in the world and has unrivalled expertise and inventiveness in conservatory design – call today to arrange a no obligation, free design meeting with our local conservatory sales designer.

Conservatory Planning Permission

Are you being shrewd in the current climate and thinking of adding a bespoke timber conservatory to your home instead of moving property? If so you may be confused or even worried about obtaining planning permission, Building Regulations and Listed Building Consents that could be required to allow you to proceed. If that’s the case then Amdega Blogger is pleased to advise that you should look no further than Amdega where we have longstanding expertise in conservatory design and the associated planning process which is second to none in our marketplace.

Regardless of if your preference is for a classic conservatory, contemporary orangery, modern conservatory, glass house for a home office or even a conservatory roof for a pool house we all know that obtaining the necessary consents can be time consuming and a bit of a chore, to say the least. That’s where our in house Planning Division comes in. Basically they handle the whole process on behalf of our clients, something that we know not every conservatory supplier will do.

When I spoke to Gareth Elvidge, Amdega’s longstanding Planning Manager, this week he had this to say. “Good news on the planning front! Last year’s rules governing extensions to properties including conservatories and orangeries obviously affected everything we do. However, these have now been relaxed by the Government which means that clients who have previously been denied the addition of beautiful glazed structures on their properties can now have them without requiring formal planning permission.”

Gareth continued “Regardless of this relaxation, we do appreciate just how important peace of mind is for our clients so every single conservatory and orangery order that we receive is immediately subjected to our rigorous technical and planning checks here at Amdega. As part of this process we also ensure that we obtain written confirmation from the local authority that planning is not required. In the event that it is, we don’t let this delay matters – we appreciate how our clients are eagerly anticipating owning an Amdega and being mindful of this we now make sure that the full planning application is submitted within days of receiving the order – in fact, practically just after the customer’s ink is drying on the order form!”

I’ll be speaking to the Sales & Marketing Director next week to advise what to expect after you have received our conservatory brochure and you would like to meet with our local conservatory designer. All good stuff.

More about the new adverts

As I have already mentioned in an earlier posting there has been a major buzz of anticipation about the place with the January launch of our new advertisements for the timber conservatories and orangeries. We’ve all been buying the Times, Telegraph, Guardian, Observer and Sunday Times over the past two weeks to see how they look on the page and yes, they have exceeded our expectations!

The new ads are based round the concept of being proud to own an Amdega, each individual ad features a different person assigned to a different conservatory or orangery together with the strapline “My Amdega” in bold, prominent text – people who are proud to own their bespoke conservatory or orangery. One ad features the character we have nicknamed ‘Traditional Pearl’ with her traditional conservatory that is used to house an array of plants. Another ad features chic “Amy” and her contemporary orangery living space.

Since we launched the new style ads we have enjoyed a continuously high level of enquiries for brochures as well as people looking to arrange their free, no obligation visit from one of our local conservatory designers. We have already used the concept of My Amdega for summerhouses … but more of that later!

Conservatories and orangeries

Our annual national sales conference has taken place this week and the sales force is raring to go! With lots of leads to work on the team is keen to start the year off with a good first quarter. Every year they always claim to have produced their most stunning conservatory and orangery designs and, without flattering their egos, I think potential clients who meet with them and see examples of their stunning designs would not disagree! The factory floor is busy working on making their most recent orders a physical reality.

With everyone around the place so busy, it’s a good, positive atmosphere which is infectious and has helped get me straight back into the swing of things, which normally does not happen until around March!

Conservatories and orangeries

Our annual national sales conference has taken place this week and the sales force is raring to go! With lots of leads to work on the team is keen to start the year off with a good first quarter. Every year they always claim to have produced their most stunning conservatory and orangery designs and, without flattering their egos, I think potential clients who meet with them and see examples of their stunning designs would not disagree! The factory floor is busy working on making their most recent orders a physical reality.

With everyone around the place so busy, it’s a good, positive atmosphere which is infectious and has helped get me straight back into the swing of things, which normally does not happen until around March!

Summerhouses

It may seem a bit strange what with it being early January, but our summerhouse sales team is currently busy working on a high demand of enquiries for summerhouse and gazebo enquiries. The finance people have just negotiated competitive finance deals that we are proud to offer to our customers – check our summerhouses website for details of our special buy now pay later promotion. I guess all we need now is good weather this summer to enable Amdega’s customers to be able to truly enjoy their summerhouses!