Bohemia Village Voice

Jim Madigan & Leigh Edwards of glaziers Scott James

This month, Scott James, (or Scott James Home Improvements, to give them their full name), based in Bohemia Road, start on a new contract for St. Michael’s Hospice. They have done a lot of work for the Hospice in the past, and have also done a great deal of work for the 1066 Housing Association. 
HEIRS
The original Scott James was founded thirty-five years ago by John Lawrence, and had three divisions: glass, home improvements, and commercial. After John Lawrence died, the heirs could not agree how to run the business, and they all split about 1984 and went their separate ways.
The two managing directors of Scott James Home Improvements are Jim Madigan and Leigh Edwards. Leigh’s father Doug was a partner of the original company, and retired two years ago, though he still retains 2% of the shares and does a little selling on a self-employed basis. Jim joined the company six years ago, having formerly worked in the window industry in Essex. When Doug retired, Jim purchased 49% of the business and Leigh increased his previous holding to make 49%. About 95%of their business is retail, plus a little supply work for builders.
DOCTOR
The company tends to look to the upper end of the market but they also do everyday home improvements and the occasional shop-front. Customers come from all over the TN postcode area. One of the special services they offer, which not many other companies do, is to apply for planning permission on behalf of the customer. Another service is the Scott James Window Doctor, specialising in repair work. Jim was delighted to show the Voice reporter their very latest stock, white wood foil window and doors. These are pvc, but with a difference: they have a grain just like wood, and look far better than ordinary pvc. Jim said, “People are just beginning to know about them and they’re becoming very popular.”