‌Meet the very experienced newcomer at Lancashire Trade Frames

Mike Fish has just been appointed Customer Service Manager at Lancashire Trade Frames. He’s not a newcomer to the fabrication industry. And back in 1986, when Mike started in the window industry, he probably didn’t expect that he’d still be getting a buzz from the business almost four decades later. But, as he told us, over the years, he’s mixed things up a bit.

Like many in the fabrication business, Mike started on the shop floor. PVCu windows were rapidly gaining market share and there were plenty of opportunities for the ambitious to progress. Mike moved around, gaining experience with different fabricators, and learning both technical and management skills. Soon he was promoted to a General Manager role, but it wasn’t long before Mike was looking for his next challenge.

This was when Mike’s career took a slight detour. Running a pub had always appealed to Mike. It suited his social nature and for someone with Mike’s energy, the job could easily be combined with a technical support role at Rehau. He explained that he’s always enjoyed getting to know people and helping them solve problems – even if that just meant lending a sympathetic ear as someone downed a pint.

In fabrication – and the systems business – you’re never far from the construction industry. In Mike’s next move, as a Senior Commercial Estimator, visiting building sites, complete with hard hat, safety boots and HI-Viz, his background proved invaluable. He understood issues and knew the best way to solve them. And when he added a spell working for an aluminium business to his CV, he had – more or less – gained experience across the whole fenestration sector.

We say more or less because one thing was missing from that CV – hands-on remedial work for the consumer. Mike sorted it, spending the last five years enjoying the beauty of the Lake District, whilst offering a service replacing failed sealed units and upgrading window and door locks.

But let’s pop back to 1986 and Mike’s first role in the industry. That was when he met Mark Rowland who is now MD of Lancs Trade. When the position of Customer Service Manager became available, Mark Rowland knew the kind of person he wanted for the role: understanding of the sector, technical know-how, great management and people skills. Mike Fish was the perfect candidate.

Mark Rowland told us, ‘I’ve known Mike for years, and have always been impressed by his work ethic, knowledge and commitment. I’m delighted that he’s joined the team and am certain he’ll be a real asset to our business.’

To contact Mike- Email Mike.Fish@lancstrade.co.uk