Client Feature – West Country Windows

At Old Mill, we take pride in building strong, long-lasting relationships with our clients. One such valued client is West Country Windows, a company with a remarkable history spanning over 47 years. As they approach their 50th anniversary in 2027, we are pleased to highlight their journey and our role in their continued success.

Meet the owners

We recently had the opportunity to visit West Country Windows and meet with the owners, Spencer John and Quentin Ashplant, in front of one of their sleek, newly branded vans. The company has evolved significantly over the years, and we are proud to have been a part of that journey.

‘This business has always felt like family to me, and taking on the responsibility of leading it alongside Spencer is something I’m incredibly proud of. We’ve built a fantastic team, and the dedication and craftsmanship they bring to every project make West Country Windows truly special. Reaching 50 years in 2027 will be a huge milestone, and I know we’ll continue to grow and evolve while staying true to our values.’ Quentin, Co-Owner.

A special relationship

Our relationship with West Country Windows dates back over 20 years, during which time Kim Mauger, senior client manager at Old Mill, has supported them from accounts preparer through to client manager. A key part of this collaboration has been the close working relationship with Angela, the finance manager, who has been instrumental in the financial operations of the business.

Management Buy Out (MBO)  highlight

A pivotal moment in the company’s history was the Management Buyout (MBO), when Spencer and Quentin took over the business. Spencer has dedicated 38 years to West Country Windows, while Quentin’s ties to the company run deep, as his father was one of the outgoing owners. The transition saw the retirement of Tim Earle and Ken Ashplant, the founders who had been leading the business since its inception in 1977.

Old Mill played a significant role in ensuring a smooth transition, with the Corporate Finance and Tax teams heavily involved in structuring the transaction. This was a defining moment for the company, and we were delighted to provide our expertise to facilitate the next chapter in its story.

‘West Country Windows has been a huge part of my life for nearly four decades, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built. The company has grown from strength to strength, delivering quality products and exceptional service to our customers. It’s an honour to carry on the legacy that Tim and Ken started back in 1977, and I’m excited about what the future holds.’ Spencer, Co-Owner.

Old Mill financial advice and guidance

Beyond compliance and transactional support, Old Mill has been an integral part of West Country Windows’ financial function. Notably, we stepped in to support the business when Angela was on maternity leave, showcasing our commitment to going beyond the numbers and ensuring continuity for our clients.

‘It has been a privilege to work with West Country Windows for over two decades, seeing their growth and evolution first-hand. The management buyout was a significant moment in their history, and we were delighted to support Spencer and Quentin in making it a reality. Our relationship goes beyond compliance – we’ve been there through thick and thin, even stepping in to support the Finance Team when needed. It’s been incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey.”’ Kim Mauger, Senior Client Manager, Old Mill.

Looking forward

West Country Windows is a shining example of a thriving, resilient business that has stood the test of time. We look forward to continuing our partnership and celebrating their milestone 50th anniversary in just a few years.