Yes it’s true ... Barry Dean has retired.
After more than 25 years in the glass business, Barry Dean has retired and Barry Dean Glass is now in the experienced hands of new owners Peter and Natische Clark.
Now Elite Glass ... and the CHB agent for Novus ... the business is undergoing a makeover with new signage, sign-written vehicles and some building alterations to the large workshop space. Peter started working in the glass business in 2001, as branch manager establishing Smith and Smith’s first Hastings store. He has a wide range of experience with flat and automotive glass, and a good knowledge of his CHB customer-base, having lived and worked in the district for 13 years. He’s also retained the experience and wide skillset of Robbie Ellmers who has worked in the business alongside Barry for 17 years.
“We have three automotive and one flat glass technician, and can work with aluminium and timber-framed windows, shopfronts, showers, splashbacks, cat and dog doors, you name it. ” Peter had worked for Barry Dean in the business before making a career change to Mitre 10, but as he left he mentioned to Barry “If you ever want to sell the business .... ” Nine months later Barry made the call, contacting Peter who, with Natische, took over just before last year’s August lockdown “Being locked down we were closed to all but emergency vehicle repairs - Police, Ambulance and FENZ - but it did give us a chance to do our renovations and get all Barry’s available records transferred onto our new systems.
“Now, under the red traffic light, it’s easy...All client contact must be through the reception area, but if clients prefer they can leave their keys in a box, with zero contact. We sanitise the keys and the vehicle before returning them to the client - we’re very health and safety focused.” As the local Novus agent, Elite Glass uses Novus production systems and is a preferred supplier for all major insurance companies, able to repair and certify windscreens. “Just come in to reception, bring your policy number and the friendly team at Elite Glass are here to help you.”