Our Story
The wall that started it all
Back in 1978, our founder John Ellis built this wall around the Brixton Bowl skatepark. With the money he made, he invested in his first ever woodworking machine - a saw that’s still used in our workshop to this day!
Our First Workshop
In 1980 John and wife Maureen made the decision to take on a small workshop in Mitcham. Built in 1778, the building originally served as the stables for the old White Hart pub, and the workshop itself was no bigger than the average living room. Over time John and Maureen grew the company, taking on additional units on the site.
Our First Apprentice
The first of many apprentices joined the company in 1984, and he ended up staying with us for 25 years before leaving to run a large window manufacturing company. Over the years we’ve taken on more than 15 apprentices, many of whom still work with us today.
Difficult Recession For LBS
During the challenging economic recession of the 1990s, LBS faced significant challenges as trade came to a near standstill. However, thanks to our specialised production of box sash windows for a prominent building company focused on the renovation of Victorian and Edwardian properties for housing associations, we were able to stay afloat and continue to operate.
Full Installation Service Launched
We believe that the best person to fit windows is the one who made them, so in 1996 we launched our full installation service. Today there are six full-time window installers out on the road, fitting our bespoke windows to perfection.
Eldest Son Patrick Joins The Team
Patrick joined the family business after completing an apprenticeship and business degree. Over the years he’s gained a vast amount of experience and skill in joinery, business and production, and he now manages the production side of the business and undertakes some of the site surveys.
Investment in New Machinery
In the early noughties John and Maureen remortgaged the family home to invest in new machinery for our growing business. This consisted of a new moulder, template machine and flexirip ripping saw, allowing for greater precision and a high quality finish.
Youngest Son Jack Comes On Board
Alongside Patrick, Jack now has day-to-day responsibility for the running of the business, and has played an important role in the growth of supply and installation.
Wins Theo Paphitis SBS Award
We were honoured to win the famous entrepreneur and ex-Dragon’s SBS Award in 2013. Theo said “I admire people who have passion and energy. When making my selection I keep a lookout for superior quality and customer service, and LBS has that.”
New Window Line
The launch of our new window line enabled us to take our product range to an even higher level, producing quality sash windows with more accuracy than ever before.
First Showroom Opened
Growing demand in the South East London area led us to take our windows direct to customers. The showroom is in Tulse Hill, just a stone’s throw from the skatepark wall John built all those years ago.
New Factory
A mile away from our very first workshop, the new factory has enabled us to keep our promise to stay local. We’re passionate about localised manufacturing with a low environmental impact, so all our windows are made in London and nearly all of them are installed in properties less than ten miles away.
Top 100 Businesses Natwest Award
in 2021 we came top in our class in the Natwest top 100 businesses award in London and the South East.
Our Carbon Neutral Mission
Alongside our mission to bring back high-quality, sustainable, localised manufacturing, we have taken steps to go carbon neutral and by 2024 we hope to have made this a reality.
The London Box Sash Windows Story
Filmed in 2022, we outline our journey from 1978 to present day. At London Box Sash Windows we’re proud of our heritage and wanted to take a moment to reflect on our history and how far we’ve come.
Locally made.
London Box Sash Windows - Locally manufactured
The Team.
Meet London Box Sash’s talented and dedicated team
At London Box Sash Windows, we’re incredibly grateful for the amazing team we’ve built over the years. Our team of skilled artisans and dedicated professionals is the backbone of our business and the reason we are able to provide our customers with the best service and quality possible. From the moment you contact us, to the final installation, our team will work hard to ensure you have a positive experience with London Box Sash Windows. We pride ourselves on providing the best craftsmanship and customer service in the industry, and it’s all thanks to our incredible team.
Bespoke windows.
Craftmanship and quality at the heart of everything we do
LBS is a family business grounded in traditional values and a genuine passion for quality craftsmanship and joinery. Ever since we opened our first workshop back in 1980, we’ve specialised in sash windows and doors that are lovingly made to stand the test of time. Over the years we’ve expanded our business and invested in state of the art machinery to ensure our products are exceptional down to the finest detail, backed up by a highly skilled team of craftsmen.
