Eleven businesses based in Ealing have been shortlisted in 11 categories at this year’s West London Business Awards which takes place later this month at Twickenham Stadium on 24 February 2023.
Everglade Windows, which has its headquarters in Perivale, is one of the businesses to make it to the shortlist in the category: Manufacturing/Reprocessing Business of the Year, .
EALING.NEWS caught up with Yogesh Gopal, managing director, to find out more about what it means to be shortlisted, being based in Ealing, challenges they face and future plans.
What it means to be short listed?
We are delighted and so proud to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious awards ceremony once again.
The West London Business Awards are very prominent within the local business and government community and I know so many businesses that aspire to win an award. It feels so empowering for all of the staff at Everglade Windows to be recognised for all of their hard work and the contribution we all make to the local community.
What does being based in Ealing mean to you?
We operate both of our manufacturing plants from Ealing. Our offices and showroom are also part of our Wadsworth Road manufacturing facility. Having been in the area for more than 40 years, both Ealing and London are very much part of our business and brand identity!
Everglade Windows is proud to be the largest window fabricator within the M25 -manufacturing in London is pretty rare these days, but that makes us all the more unique!
What are the challenges you face as a business in Ealing?
Recruitment has always been difficult but finding new talent to work in our factories and offices has become more of a challenge than ever in recent years. Being London based also has the challenge of space constraints and busy local roads! Manufacturing space is certainly at a premium in comparison to other parts of the country and can be hard to come by.
What can Ealing Council do for you to help your business?
I have found Ealing Council to be very supportive of local businesses and proactive in its approach. Given the current challenges we face with recruitment, support with recruitment and upskilling of students from local schools and colleges would be fantastic.
Facilitating local business networking events would be a great way to connect local business leaders more regularly.
What can the government do for you to help your business?
Generally, any support with addressing the shortage of labour. This may include support with training college or university graduates to facilitate skills development for roles within our business. Reducing bureaucracy would be very welcome too!
A year from now, where do you see your business?
Continuing to be a key player in major local redevelopment works both within Ealing and other London boroughs. Growing the number of people we employ to meet the rising demands for our products. We are keen to expand not only our business but also our contribution to the local community.
I see that happening in two ways. Firstly, doing more work with local charities, including our charity partner St. Luke’s Hospice, to support their efforts in the local community. Secondly, Everglade Windows working with local schools and colleges to inspire pupils for their futures in the workplace. Manufacturing and engineering roles are really varied, exciting and can open so many doors to other careers, and I’d like to get that message across to more youngsters.
What are you most proud of so far in what your business has achieved?
I feel so proud that we are a local family business that has flourished and grown organically over the years.
The business was founded by my father and uncles from the back garden of the family home, when they immigrated to London in the 1970s. Since then, we have grown substantially and the second generation of the family continues to take Everglade Windows from strength to strength.
The support from the local community in our success is always a true source of inspiration for me and it was more apparent than ever during the pandemic. Customers continued to choose Everglade Windows for their home renovation projects. Our staff continued to support us in keeping our manufacturing facilities fully operational, despite very challenging circumstances.
During that period of upheaval, the support from the local community really came to the forefront and I cannot put into words how much that meant to everyone at Everglade Windows. Having weathered that storm feels like a true achievement, and source of inspiration for the future!
Everglade Windows is located at 22 Wadsworth Rd, Perivale, Greenford UB6 7JD
