Huxley News

Updated: October 2025 | Reading Time: 8 minutes As a business owner, your roller shutters work tirelessly to protect your premises, but when did you last think about maintaining them? Most business owners only notice their shutters when something goes wrong—and by then, it’s often too late to avoid costly emergency repairs. A single emergency […]

Key Takeaways: Glass canopies cost between £2,000 and £8,000 and last 25+ years with minimal maintenance. Installing a canopy alongside a new shop front saves 15–25% compared to retrofitting later. Most commercial canopies need planning permission under the Town and Country Planning Act. Polycarbonate is up to 250 times more impact-resistant than glass and roughly

Key Takeaways: A well-designed salon shop front can increase walk-in trade by up to 40%, making it your most cost-effective marketing asset. Aluminium frames start from £350/m², toughened glass from £450/m², and timber from £520/m² fully installed. Frosted and tinted glass options let you balance street-level visibility with client privacy during treatments. Most salon shop

Curtain wall systems are a key part of modern building design. These non-load bearing outer walls protect buildings from the elements while letting in natural light. They’re made of glass, metal, and other materials. Curtain wall systems offer many benefits for buildings, including energy savings, light control, and sleek looks.They can be customised to fit

Key Takeaways: Standard bifold panels range from 600–1,000mm wide, but commercial systems like the Schuco AS FD 75 support panels up to 1,500mm wide and 3,500mm tall. A 2-panel configuration spans roughly 1,800mm while an 8-panel setup can exceed 8,400mm — wide enough for a full restaurant frontage. Structural support costs climb steeply with opening

Key Takeaways: Commercial bifold doors cost £2,500–£25,000+ for supply only, depending on the number of panels, brand, and specification. Commercial systems run 35–50% more than residential equivalents due to heavy-duty hardware, safety glazing, and compliance requirements. A small cafe bifold project (3 panels, 3m) typically costs £8,000–£11,700 all-in, while a restaurant installation (5 panels, 5m)

Key Takeaways: Look for CHAS, Constructionline, or SafeContractor accreditations — these verify an installer meets health, safety, and financial standards. FENSA does not apply to commercial premises; your installer must arrange building control approval through the local authority instead. A reputable installer carries at least £5 million public liability, employer’s liability, and professional indemnity insurance

Key Takeaways: Opening a coffee shop in the UK costs between £7,500 for a basic kiosk and £250,000+ for a premium sit-down cafe, with most independents spending £50,000-£100,000. Equipment alone accounts for £15,000-£50,000 of your budget, with the espresso machine (£3,000-£15,000) being the single largest equipment purchase. The average UK cafe generates £788,400 in annual

Choosing the perfect shop front for your business can be a daunting task, but it is essential to get it right. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a shop front: In conclusion, shop fronts play a crucial role in creating an appealing image for a business and attracting customers. By understanding the different

Key Takeaways: Curtain wall systems in the UK range from £300–£500/m² for stick-built to £600–£900+/m² for structural glazing, with unitised systems at £500–£800/m². All curtain walling must comply with BS EN 13830 and carry UKCA marking, while buildings over 18 metres must meet post-Grenfell combustibility requirements under Approved Document B. High-performance aluminium curtain walls achieve

Key Takeaways: Integrated LED shop front lighting built into aluminium frames during installation costs 30-40% less than retrofitting and produces a cleaner finish. A full LED shop front lighting scheme costs £500 to £5,000+ depending on type, with annual running costs as low as £30 to £80. Illuminated signs of any size require advertisement consent

Key Takeaways: Painting costs £500-£3,500 upfront but needs redoing every 5-10 years, often costing more than replacement over 20 years. A new aluminium shop front (from £2,625) lasts 20-25+ years with virtually zero maintenance. Painting only makes sense if your frames are structurally sound, seals are intact and glazing is modern. Condensation between panes, draughty