Prime Minister David Cameron took a look behind the scenes of a thriving Oxfordshire business, the Rooflight Company, to see for himself how a company servicing the hard-hit construction industry has successfully weathered the global economic storm.
In the face of tough economic conditions, the family-owned Rooflight Company has proved to be a beacon of success.
Based in rural Shipton-under-Wychwood, The Rooflight Company has retained its 60-strong workforce, harnessing innovative design and engineering to deliver market-leading rooflight solutions that are both attractive and robust.
Mr Cameron talked to managers and shop-floor staff, some of whom have been with the company since it was launched 20 years ago. He was given a guided tour of the production process of the Neo Rooflight, the latest in a long line of innovative products. The unique Neo Rooflight has the appearance of a sheet of glass in the roof but it can be opened and offers a blind to manage light levels.
The Rooflight Company was set up by local architect Peter King and his wife Valerie, who is the Chairperson. Peter saw the need for a rooflight that would match the aesthetic and conservation demands of beautiful old buildings and together they created the company to service the market.
While the original Conservation Rooflight continues to be in big demand by architects around the country, the company has reinforced its market-leading reputation by developing stunningly designed and engineered roof windows and skylights for old as well as modern buildings.
A measure of the success of, and demand for, Rooflight Company products is the fact that its rooflight solutions have appeared in six projects showcased in the popular Grand Designs television programme. Indeed Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud has the company’s rooflights in his own home.
Rooflight Company MD, Paul Herbert, said: “In this rural area, we are a beacon of economic stability, providing much-needed employment for 60 people. Our own grand design has been to put as much effort into leading-edge technological design and engineering as we do in nurturing and motivating our staff, who are at the heart of everything we do. It is certainly a formula that has served us well through these difficult economic times.”
Prime Minister David Cameron said: “The company’s success showcases an adept ability to diversify and is a fantastic example of what can be achieved in a difficult economic climate. I know how much hard work has been put in by Valerie, Peter and Paul and all the staff and it is great to see the rewards of these efforts.”
