- July 10, 2025|
- News
In this exclusive Q&A, Chris Baron and Chris Cooke, Operations Director and Commercial Director of Sheerline Bespoke respectively, discuss product evolution, reflect on changing market trends and customer expectations, and delivering “best in class” roofing solutions for the future.
Sheerline Bespoke is the new product-focused division of Sheerline, created to deliver advanced, high-performance aluminium roofing systems such as the S Series, featuring the multi-award-winning S1 Roof Lantern, the S2 Conservatory Roof, and the soon-to-launch S3 Architectural roof system.
What shifts have you seen in the roofing market over the years and how is Sheerline Bespoke looking to lead in this ever-evolving landscape?
Chris Cooke: We started seeing changes back in the 90s with the rise of the affordable white three-bay Victorian conservatory. That peaked around 2005/06, with roughly 250,000 units sold annually. Since then, it’s declined to around 80–90,000 units a year. What’s replaced that is a broader and more diverse market. Today, you’ve got solid roofs, lanterns, flat roof lights, and even outdoor living products like glazed canopies and pergolas. Plus, the shift to aluminium has been huge. With Sheerline Bespoke operating as part of the wider Sheerline and Garnalex group, we’re ideally positioned to support this broader, more dynamic market.
Chris Baron: The biggest shift has been the move from PVC to aluminium. Aluminium offers far more versatility, colour options, and durability. It’s simply more robust. Conservatory roofs in particular benefit from aluminium – it doesn’t fade, and it performs far better in harsh weather. It should have always been the go-to material, and now it is. That shift has completely changed the product offering and raised expectations, which is exactly what Sheerline Bespoke is geared up to meet.
How have customer expectations and architectural trends evolved?
Chris Baron: We’ve moved away from the ornate, fussy designs of the 90s like the white three-bay. People now want clean lines and simplicity. Square and lean-to shapes are leading the way. Solid and flat roofs are increasingly popular, particularly with wide-span openings for bifolds and sliders. The roof systems that sit above them now need to cater for these types of installations.
Chris Cooke: The traditional conservatory was more of a bolt-on room that never felt part of the house. These days, it’s about extending the home in a way that feels fully integrated. People want open-plan spaces that flow from the kitchen or living room into an extension and then to extend their living boundaries out into the garden through a set of sliding doors or bifold doors. Aluminium makes that possible with its strength and sleek aesthetics. Our roof systems are designed to complement that lifestyle shift.
As the driving force behind Prefix Systems, you both bring a wealth of experience. How is that shaping Sheerline Bespoke?
Chris Cooke: Prefix was launched in 1996, and the aim was to be the best at what we did, and I think we largely achieved that. We’re bringing the same energy and high standards to Sheerline Bespoke. We’ve learned a lot over the years, and now we have the right people in place to build something even stronger here. It’s about using that experience to avoid past pitfalls and focus on driving continuous improvement.
Chris Baron: We built strong customer relationships at Prefix and earned a reputation for service and support. That customer-first approach very much aligns with Sheerline’s ethos. It’s not just about having great products—it’s about supporting fabricators and installers with the right tools and backing to grow their own businesses. That’s what we’ve always done and will continue to do.
How do you see the current state of the market?
Chris Cooke: Markets go through cycles, but we’re in a growth phase right now. We do talk to a lot of our customers and the quality and volume they are used to aren’t quite there, but this will change. With the strength of the S1 and S2 already proven, and the S3 on the way, we’re confident we’ve got the right products to deliver long-term success.
Chris Baron: It’s about being ready with the right solutions and the right designs at the right time. That’s exactly where we are. The S3 is set to meet a clear demand in the market, and with Sheerline’s aluminium windows and doors completing the package, Sheerline Bespoke is offering a full suite of aluminium roof products that ticks all the boxes and gives customers a real edge.
Looking ahead to the future, what’s your long-term vision for Sheerline Bespoke?
Chris Cooke: Our goal is simple: to lead. We know we’ve got the products and the know-how to do that. The market is moving towards complete aluminium solutions and fully integrated kits—and we’re already ahead of the curve. The more the market evolves, the more we’re prepared to push things forward.
Chris Baron: We aim to offer “best-in-class” products across each offering. We’ve certainly got the best lantern on the market; we’ve got one of the best conservatory roofs out there and we’re soon to have the best fully aluminium glazed architectural roof system by far. But more than that, it’s about listening to customers, giving them what they want, and backing them up with great service.
To find out more about Sheerline Bespoke, call 01332 978 070 or email sales@sheerlinebespoke.com.