The Locksmith Journal team attended a recent Souber® Tools event in Neston where we had the pleasure of meeting a variety of locksmiths, and window and door fitting companies. We spoke to Liam Roberts of NR Windows Ltd who is proud to be part of this family business in Bagillt, North Wales, where three generations of Roberts work together…
How long have you been in the trade?
My father, Neil Roberts, has always been in double glazing and has been doing it for over 40+ years. I’ve been in the business 10+ years, doing repairs to windows and doors, and general remedial work. I started doing locksmithing in 2021. My granddad Les also works in the business.
Neil & Grandad Les
Tell us about NR Windows
We have a workshop and showroom in Bagillt, which is on the coastal road in North Wales, we are a team of 13 primarily undertaking domestic and commercial window installations. We provide double-glazed windows, doors and conservatories covering North Wales, Chester and The Wirral. The company was set up by my father, Neil Roberts, who built-it-up through reputation – people have new windows and then, later on, they need parts replacing and call us back because they remember what a great service we provided to them. We are happy to help out with replacing rusty hinges, steamed-up double glazed units and handles and cylinders. We source our products within a 50-mile radius of Manchester and fabricate using the Rehau profile.
What’s your relationship with Souber® Tools?
I’ve known Paul Souber for a while now, he lives in the same town as me. Paul rang me inquiring about the uPVC market and an opportunity arose for us to collaborate. I was asked to demonstrate some new tools at the event that he had developed for opening locked windows and doors. I was delighted to help; as these tools are a game changer and I am always up for anything to make my job easier! The tools are to aid in the opening of windows and doors, when the mechanisms are jammed. The tools came in their own case and were designed to open inward/outward opening doors professionally without pressure or force. Using the new tools meant that door spreaders or air cushions were not needed, as the new tools were design engineered specifically for the job and to not damage the door.
How did you get involved in locksmithing?
I became a locksmith to expand my skillset in this industry. I completed my locksmith course a year before meeting Paul. I already had some Souber tools, which are excellent quality tools so working alongside Paul seemed a no brainer.
I like to give my customers honest advice; I find that this pays dividends. For example: if they don’t need the windows replacing just be honest and just do what’s needed, like replacing glass and locking mechanisms. I believe this is why customers call NR Windows back time and time again because they trust us.
So, what’s new?
I’ve recently become a father myself. I am loving being a dad. It is definitely a steep learning curve, but I love nothing more than to come home from work to his smiling face – I hope one day he will become part of the family business too!
What do you enjoy about your work?
I love serving my local community and meeting different people, seeing different properties. I feel in a privileged position as everyone’s home is their castle ‘pride and joy’ and new windows and doors are a major decision affecting the visual appearance of their beloved home. I also like to help people out when they are in crisis such as being locked out of their homes.