The award celebrates firms that go above and beyond to represent the high standards required to be a Trusted Trader.

Balhousie Windows and Doors was founded in 1993 by local tradesmen Malcolm Sweeney and Drew Hay.

In 2018, Balhousie, which specialises in the installation of uPVC windows and doors across Perthshire, Dundee, Fife, Falkirk and Stirling, became an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), resulting in the employees owning and running the company, and maintaining the business ethos and customer centred values.

The firm has welcomed three local apprentices becoming fully qualified tradesmen in the last 12 months, with two more in the pipeline.

Jane Bertie, Finance Director, and Finlay Robertson, Operations Director, took over the reins 16 months ago.

Jane welcomed the prestigious ‘Which? Accolade,’ noting: “To receive this recognition from such a respected UK consumer champion underlines all the hard work that our employees put into making Balhousie one of the leading window and door installers in Scotland.

“We had to go through a rigorous process to become an accredited Trusted Trader but it has definitely been worth it.

“We operate in an industry which historically has a bad reputation, so our ‘Which Trusted Trader’ endorsement gives customers peace of mind that we are trustworthy, we supply quality products and provide excellent customer service.”

The accolade highlights outstanding ambassadors for the scheme, not just from a professional perspective but also in terms of how they are seen by their respective communities through charity work and sponsorships.

Jane said: “In addition to being shirt sponsors for Perth football club Jeanfield Swifts and supporting Dundee Stars ice hockey team, we were delighted to donate to the Perth Community Fire Station’s Christmas Initiative which provided gifts for more than 500 local people and last month we handed over a generous collection made by staff for the Perth and Kinross Foodbank.”

Going forward, the business will be backing Andy’s Man Club and CHAS.

Jane revealed the management team’s biggest decision since stepping up has been to pull out of the conservatory market.

“This was a huge call as conservatories had been such a big part of the business for many years,” she said.

“However, we decided to consolidate our resources and focus solely on installing windows, doors and roofline products.

“The decision has been fully justified, with turnover holding firm at around £3.2 million but realising a higher profit.”

‘Which? Trusted Traders’ Managing Director Raj Kakar-Clayton was delighted to see recognition for Balhousie.

“It’s always a pleasure to acknowledge the work of an organisation that delivers great work and is deserving of such an award,” he said.

Following their February win, Balhousie will join companies shortlisted for the 2025 “Trusted Trader of the Year” at the annual Which? Awards.