A chance meeting between a window and door firm boss and a former detective has helped a Bradford company grow, thanks to the increased security it offers.

The discussion on security between Keith Glennon, 56, managing director of Regency Windows & Doors and former detective constable Barrie Webb four years ago at Shipley's Northcliffe Golf Club led to a job as commercial director for Mr Webb.

It happened when Mr Glennon was describing a new type of security on windows and doors on offer from one of his firm's suppliers in the West Midlands.

Barrie Webb agreed to take a look at the products and made suggestions as to how to improve its security. After that, he showed an interest in selling the products and Keith Glennon offered him a job.

Barrie Webb is West Yorkshire's most decorated police officer who retired from police work after 32 years in the force. He wanted to do something where he could use the experience he gained in his police career and home security proved an interesting alternative.

He said: "Investigating many burglaries has given me a valuable insight into the mechanics of house break-ins. Since joining Regency four years ago, we have worked hard at making our products as secure as is technically possible."

The company has expanded its product range over the years and now produces conservatories, conservatory roofs, casement and tilt and turn windows, doors, patio doors, factory-sealed units and coloured leaded lights.

The firm has also been able to increase the quality of its products and has won a number of awards. The company, which employs 25 people from its 20,000 sq ft factory and headquarters in St Stephen's Mill, Ripley Street, off Manchester Road, makes products to Home Office requirements and has recently been awarded the coveted kitemark from the British Standards Institute - the BS7950 (PAS011) for security and the BS7412 for severe weatherproofing.

The company also offers a guarantee that if a burglar breaks into a home through one of its range of p Safe in their

handsroducts, the damaged window or door will be replaced free of charge.

Mr Glennon said: "In the past four years, there have been two successful burglaries out of 200 attempted break-ins and both were provided with replacement products - just to show that our products are secure and we stand by our guarantee.

"We have been manufacturing and installing to standards beyond the requirements of the BSI for some time. It is satisfying to know we can finally display the kitemark symbols. They are, after all, highly recognised by the general public as an independent guarantee of quality," he added.

The firm has also been appointed Energy Efficiency Professionals by the Government through the Glass and Glazing Federation - of which they are members.

The company has been growing steadily since it was formed by Keith and Sylvia Glennon in 1978.

The company started as Hill Top Building Systems in Thornton, Bradford, 23 years ago this month and a few years later changed its name to Regency. Its first year netted sales of around £90,000 and now the firm has reached a £1 million turnover.

The privately-owned firm has also provided employment for Keith and Sylvia's son Mark, who runs the factory and showroom, and daughter Dawn, who manages the firm's Leeds office and showroom which was opened in 1989.

The company now has a large customer base and supplies houses, trade customers, housing associations, new build contracts, nursing homes and local authorities.

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