Simon from Lyme Bay Bifolds on winning earlier, higher-value work

Q: Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Simon from Lyme Bay Bifolds. We help homeowners with bifold door and glazing projects, often as part of larger residential builds and extensions.

Q: Why did you decide to try TradeMailer?

We wanted a better way to reach homeowners earlier in their project, before they were already deep into comparing suppliers. The appeal was being able to send personalised letters to property owners who had recently had planning applications approved, so the introduction felt timely and relevant rather than random.

Q: What happened when you started sending personalised letters?

The response was strong because the contact felt personal from the start. One homeowner in particular was very impressed by the approach. Simon said, “I was the first one he called.”

That early introduction mattered. Instead of joining the process after several other companies were already involved, Lyme Bay Bifolds was able to start the conversation first and position itself as a credible option before the usual quote-comparison cycle had really begun.

Q: Did that lead to real work?

Yes. One of the jobs that came through this approach was worth £78,000. That made it a clear example of how earlier outreach can lead to serious opportunities, not just low-intent enquiries.

Q: What made the difference in your view?

The personal nature of the letter helped open the door, but the timing was just as important. Because the homeowner had only recently had planning approved, the message made sense in context. It felt relevant rather than intrusive, which helped the conversation start on the right footing.

Simon described what happened next simply: “I went over to take a look at the site and we built the relationship from there.”

Q: What does this say about how trades can win more of the right work?

For specialist trades like bifold and glazing companies, the lesson is straightforward: reaching homeowners earlier changes the nature of the conversation. When the contact is timely and personalised, it can create trust faster, reduce price-led competition, and lead to better-fit projects.

TradeMailer works best when it helps a business become the first relevant supplier a homeowner speaks to. In Simon’s case, that early position turned into a valuable relationship and a substantial job.