After investing more than £1m to increase capacity, Merseyside window and door maker Warwick North West enters next phase of its growth strategy with a top team shake-up and a new managing director. Tony McDonough reports
Phil McDonald began his career on the shop floor of Bootle window and door maker Warwick North West in 1999 and 26 years later he is about to become managing director.
He steps up into the role from his current job as operations manager in a top team shake up at the business that will also see owner and current managing director Greg Johnson become chief executive.
Since taking over the helm of the business from his father Brian Johnson in 2021, Greg has overseen a dynamic growth strategy that has pushed up annual revenues from around £5m to more than £12m.
Offering windows and doors with what it claims are industry-leading levels of thermal efficiency, Warwick North West and its 120-strong team have been successful in making inroads into the social and affordable housing market.
Government pledges to increase the level of UK housebuilding has sparked a new construction push among housing associations and local authorities and Warwick has been quick to spot the opportunity.
In 2024 Greg gave the green light to a £1m investment in new manufacturing capacity in a move that created a number of new jobs.
When he first took over in 2021 Greg introduced changes to Warwick’s management team and with the next phase of growth now in his sights, he says the time is right to reposition the business for further expansion.
Greg told LBN: “In becoming chief executive I’m taking on a more strategic role and Phil is the perfect person to make sure we don’t take our eye off the ball when it comes to the day-to-day operations.
“This is a crucial phase in the evolution of Warwick and we need to get it right. Phil started on the shop floor in 1999 and then moved into office-based roles including in commercial sales.
“Phil has been an integral part of the business for many years. His product knowledge and experience of the industry and construction sector as a whole is phenomenal. I think he has forgotten more about windows than I have ever known.”
Other changes at the business include Christian Donoghue becoming operations manager, supported by Luke Latham who will take on a hybrid role between commercial sales and junior operations manager as part of the junior restructure.
Lewis Till will also take on more responsibility in his role as junior planning manager while James Parker, who previously worked at Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, joins Warwick’s sales team.
“One thing I have noticed over the past 12 months especially is that the growth and the potential for further growth needs at times a vantage point within the management team,” added Greg.
“We need eyes that can oversee departmental areas more closely and empower those departmental managers to be brave in their decision-making and be accountable for their team. Phil’s move will facilitate that.
READ MORE: Nottingham firm wins £30m contract to light up Liverpool
READ MORE: Wirral food flavours firm moves into new £11m HQ
“Sometimes in business recognising your forte is key, not to be naive. I am very proud of the progress Warwick has made under my leadership with the recent supply agreements in place with Sovini group and contractor Frank Rogers.
“The business is in great shape, and this will now allow me to take a more strategic visionary role as CEO, allowing Phil and the team I trust to deliver the day-to-day responsibilities.”