Commercial umbrellas are just as the name suggests – protective umbrellas that are used in a commercial sense, so they are the kind favoured by businesses. They will be stronger and more robust than a domestic umbrella for a garden table or picnic table, giving you the additional protection your customers will want and need at your establishment. What’s more, the quality and strength will means that you don’t have to work as hard to maintain the umbrellas – or, for that matter, buy more in the near future because they haven’t lasted.

If you have a commercial space where the atmosphere matters, choosing commercial umbrellas can really improve this atmosphere and give a more welcoming feel. It is also a chance for you to advertise, displaying either the name of your establishment so passers by can see it, or displaying the names of popular brands in your industry that you would like to be associated with.

Are you a shop owner looking to maximise on your space and make sure people are drawn to your premises? Awnings for shops can be very helpful, allowing you to improve and enhance your space to make it more attractive to the general public. There are many different kinds of awnings you can select, and they will come in at a range of price points, so there’s no doubt you will be able to find something that will suit your property. Even if you have a listed building, or a building that cannot be changed much, an awning will go a long way towards brightening it up, making it look more welcoming, and making it look more professional. 

Often, a customer will expect to see an awning on a commercial building like a shop. This will make it stand out to them, and will make them realise that it is definitely premises that they can enter. They might also recognise the brands that are often on awnings, making the premises seem more familiar to them. If you want to increase footfall, an awning can be very helpful. 

Of course, you need to buy the right kind of awning for your shop premises. It’s no good choosing a domestic awning – it won’t create the right kind of look for your property, and it might not have the functionality you need. It also might not stand up well to commercial usage, as you will most likely be using it as a retractable awning on a regular basis. 

There are various different kinds of awning you can choose, including Pergola, Pergotex, Med Isola Fly, Med Twist and Med Varia. Some will be more suitable for shop premises than others, for example,  retractable awning is going to be the most appropriate option. Whilst a med room might be a lovely addition for your customers, it won’t have the functionality you would want from a shop awning. You have to think about the long-term benefits all round. 

So what should an appropriate shop awning give you? Here are some of the points you will want to consider: 

• Kerb appeal. One of the main functions of an awning is to increase footfall by making your shop premises looking welcoming and inviting from the outside. 
• Branding. You can use your own branding on the awning, which is a great way to build up some brand recognition. You can also use well known brands of suppliers you sell in your shop, which people will recognise and will be able to relate to you. 
• Shading. This is a good way to provide additional shading inside the building, as often you will have open front windows that are great for letting in light, but can add lots of glare in the summer months. 
• Functionality. Think about what you actually want to do with your awning, like whether you want to be able to retract it. If you do, make sure you get a quote for a shop awning that will suit your needs. 

Choosing a flat glass rooflight is a serious business. These types of rooflights tend to be more premium, so they aren’t going to be low priced and you need to be confident in your decision. There are lots to choose from – so how are you supposed to decide?

For a homeowner, a flat glass rooflight is going to give you a really premium finish. It is a perfect touch for an area like an extension, a swimming pool area, an orangery or a darker area like a bathroom or a cloakroom.

The specifications will very much depend on what you want. If you want a rooflight that is as flush as possible, then ask for a design that will sit low to the roof. You can look at some in real life if you want to find out how they look. See the colours that you like (usually all RAL colours will be available) and get a good idea about the different designs.