Canopies UK News & Information | Blog

The Benefits of Owning a Patio Canopy

As the official start of summer kicks off with the longest day of the year, our thoughts inevitably turn to our gardens. Could this be a season of blissful afternoons spent on the patio and evening barbecues shared with friends? What better way to spend a weekend than inviting loved ones over for a get-together, […]

9th Jun 17

The Five Major Benefits of Outdoor Play

A recent survey found that one in five British children don’t play outside on an average day. With everyone’s time so precious these days, how many are prioritising outdoor pursuits anymore? There are many benefits to outdoor play for children, and it is proven that children who play outside are more likely to protect nature […]

28th Apr 17

Top 5 Summer Design Trends for Bars and Restaurants

Summer is high season for bars and restaurants, when people want to get out and make the most of the improved weather while it lasts. Drinkers and diners craving a respite from the daily grind seek the best-equipped venues to enjoy some downtime out in the open air, to socialise al fresco with that unbeatable […]

19th Apr 17

Everything You Need To Know About Carports

Adding a carport to your home is a practical purchase with many benefits, from maximising your property’s space to protecting your car or caravan from the harsh and unpredictable British weather. Our bespoke designs have even more to offer than that. That’s why we’ve put together a buying guide to help answer any questions or ...

20th Feb 17

New product launch: Give your site a touch of Italia

Canopies UK has officially taken the wraps off its latest canopy system, which is designed to help the educational, hospitality and commercial sectors get more from their outdoor space – with added wow factor. The Italia, which is Canopies UK’s premier canopy range, incorporates an aluminium structure and silver shine finish to create a ...

16th Jan 17

What are site specific calculations (and why do they matter)?

So, you’ve decided to invest in an outdoor canopy, but how can you be sure that it will be fit for purpose? Yes, your supplier might be able to provide you with a canopy system that looks good on paper, and they might even be able to offer fast installation, but what assurances are […]

18th Nov 16

Outdoor canopies and the growing appetite for extra dining space

Schools focus: Outdoor canopies and the growing appetite for extra dining space Is your dining room at full capacity every lunch time? Do your pupils struggle to find somewhere to sit because there’s not enough space? Perhaps they’re even spilling out of the canteen and into other parts of the school? It’s a […]

9th Nov 16

Three common problems that restaurants and hotels can prevent with an outdoor canopy

Three common problems you can prevent with an outdoor canopy With the nights drawing in and the clocks changing at the end of this month (October), there’s no getting away from the fact that summer’s been and gone for another year. Like many sectors, the change in the seasons, particularly from summer to autumn/winter, […]

26th Sep 16

Olympic hopeful Blythe Fourie puts in strong performance at ITU Age Group World Triathlon Championships in Mexico

At just 16 years old, Blackburn triathlete Blythe Fourie is already well on track to achieve her dream of representing Great Britain at the 2024 Olympic Games. She’s been competing in triathlons for less than three years, but with the help of our sponsorship she recently travelled to Mexico to race in the ITU […]

13th Sep 16

Why there’s no need to call time on your outdoor space this autumn

Why there’s no need to call time on your outdoor space this autumn (or ever again!) With the nights drawing in and the clocks changing next month (October), now’s the time when the hospitality sector tends to start doing less with their outdoor space and more with their indoor space. But what about if […]

24th Aug 16

How to Ensure You Get the Best Possible Canopy for Your School?

As the trend for outdoor teaching in the education sector continues, installing a canopy, sheltered walkway or covered play area outside of the traditional classroom is becoming increasingly common. It’s a great way for schools, nurseries, colleges and academies to maximise the functional space around their buildings. But in order to ...

22nd Jul 16

Psychologists Explain Your Home Design Choices

The old adage urges us: Don’t judge a book by its cover. But the reality is that we all judge each other constantly based on personal appearance and first impressions. And the same goes for our houses: they tell people a lot about us, our personalities and our past experiences. It’s hardly surprising that a […]

7th Jul 16

Canopies UK Sponsoring Future Olympic Hopeful Blythe Fourie

Canopies UK is proud to announce a sponsorship deal with Blythe Fourie, an extremely talented young triathlete from Wilpshire near Blackburn who hopes to follow in the footsteps of Non Stanford and Vicky Holland representing Great Britain at the 2024 Olympic Games. The 16-year-old recently raced for Team GB at the ITU World Duathlon ...

23rd Jun 16

The benefits of owning a patio canopy

As the official start of summer kicks off with the longest day of the year, our thoughts inevitably turn to our gardens. Could this be a season of blissful afternoons spent on the patio and evening barbeques shared with friends? Will this be the year we can actually invite family over for a get-together and […]

25th May 16

The Cantabria: Increase sales & use your outdoor space all year round

Like it or loathe it, there’s no getting away from the Great British weather. Unfortunately, for the hospitality sector, it’s a common challenge UK pub, restaurant, bar and hotel owners all have to contend with, year in, year out. For instance, having customers wanting to eat outside, but not being able to because the weather […]

24th Mar 16

Plastic canopy installation: All you need to know

If you’re thinking about having a plastic canopy or carport installed at your home, you might have a number of questions on how the whole process works and where to even begin. But don’t worry, our experts at Canopies UK can help guide you through every necessary step so that you can add a stylish […]

18th Mar 16

Canopies UK Accreditations: Why they matter

At Canopies UK, we have invested a great deal of time and money to ensure that we not only meet, but surpass the strict standards expected from our accreditors. This includes being able to adhere to design stipulations, as well as wind & imposed load specifications administered by independent regulators. Our customers come first, and […]

5th Feb 16

Protect your home and property from wet and windy winter weather

Winter weather can cause significant damage to your home and garden. Find out how our range of canopies can protect your property from the elements. As much as we all dream of a white Christmas, the reality is that the harsh winter weather is a nightmare for our properties. Eight in ten UK households have […]

15th Dec 15

Dont let your pupils be left wet and cold this winter!

Its that time of year again. The days get shorter and weather gets worse. Pupils spirits begin to dampen with the downpour outside, whilst parents waiting for their children huddle together to stay out of the weathers wrath. Of course its not just parents and children who need protection from the elements; teachers are at […]

25th Nov 15

Canopies UK Announces Two More New hires To Join Their Growing Team

Were really excited to announce the appointment of the latest new hires to the Canopies UK team, and were all looking forward to working with them as they join our growing team of highly qualified staff, each experts in their own field. Alison Cooper Telemarketing Executive Firstly, wed like to welcome and introduce Alison […]

17th Nov 15

Outside dining canopies for education facilities: What are my options?

For many schools, dining outside is only a viable option during the summer months when the sun is shining. However, an outdoor dining canopy can help to solve this problem, providing children and staff with the freedom of eating outside all year long without having to worry about the weather. There are a variety of […]

17th Aug 15

Cantabria canopy maximises cover numbers and provides added value to restaurants

The launch of Canopies UKs newest, state-of-the-art system helps restaurants, cafes and pubs capitalise on their outdoor space all year round, maximising the profitability of any establishment whatever the weather. The Cantabria has been specifically designed for the hospitality industry, and has already proved a huge benefit to those ...

27th Jul 15

Cantabria at The Garrack Hotel

Canopies UK recently launched a new product that helps restaurants and hotels capitalise on their outdoor space, all year round, maximising the profitability of any establishment. Andrew Baragwanath, owner of The Garrack Hotel, Cornwall had the following to say about the recent install: “The Cantabria canopy allows us to keep hold of our ...

6th May 15

The Ultimate Guide To Caravan Maintenance

Are you a caravan enthusiast? Do you love nothing more than hitching your van up on a Friday evening and just heading out into the British countryside, travelling across the UK on your weekends? Well if you do, youll know just how important it is to look after your caravan every year. The more care […]

5th Mar 15

Bolton school wins £10,000 canopy in Operation Playground

A school in Bolton has won a £10,000 canopy from Darwen firm Canopies UK, after beating off competition from over 200 others in an initiative called Operation Playground. Red Lane Primary School, in the Breightmet area of Bolton, have won the prize after students at the school worked together to devise their own playground game. […]

View comments

6th Nov 14

Can your school beat Uplands Junior School in Operation Playground?

Uplands Junior School in Wolverhampton has become the first school to take part and submit their entry in Canopies UKs new initiative Operation Playground. Launched last month, and running until the end of 28th November, the initiative is aimed at promoting active learning in schools and encouraging children to participate more in outdoor ...

30th Oct 14

Is Health and Safety Ruining Our Children’s Childhood?

At Canopies UK, we want to encourage children to get back outdoors and playing in the street, in the local park or in the garden. With over half of mums preferring to keep their kids indoors, its safe to say that were a health and safety nation. We have looked in to the facts and […]

12th Sep 14

Operation Playground is launched for UK Primary Schools

Canopies UK have launched a national campaign to get primary school children outside with a new project under the name Operation Playground. The aim of Operation Playground is to get children working together in teams both inside and outside the classroom to create their own fun, enjoyable and safe playground game. To help deliver this, […]

16th Jun 14

Canopies UK helps Aberdeen FC cover up for disabled fans

Canopies UK has helped Scottish Premier League club Aberdeen improve their Pittodrie ground ahead of the new season by installing a canopy that will provide protection for visiting disabled supporters. Aberdeen prides itself as being an integral part of the local community and constantly looks for ways to improve itself in order to not only ...

7th Apr 14

PTA, School and Community Organiser Fundraisers: Could you be getting extra funding for your projects?

Headteachers and community leaders have difficult jobs. Not only do they have to manage schools and their organisations to make sure it is running efficiently but they also have to look to balance the finances, as well as trying to ensure that children are given the best start in life and that adults and families […]

27th Sep 13

August figures break Canopies UK records!

Canopies UK has registered record financial figures throughout the month of August that surpasses anything achieved in its 23-year history. The Darwen-based company, which manufactures and installs bespoke carports, canopies and shelters for residential, commercial properties and schools saw turnover exceed £650,000. This beats the previous ...

28th Aug 13

Cycling to prevent childhood obesity

Cycling is a fun, healthy activity for both parents and children. It burns calories helps reduce carbon emissions, promotes an active lifestyle and can become a lifelong hobby. Cycling at 5mph for 30 minutes can burn over 150 calories (even more if youre carrying some excess weight). Cycling with children will give them a great […]

7th Jun 13

Dangers of the Sun : Polymorphic Light Eruption

As many as 15% of people in the United Kingdom may be affected by a condition called Polymorphic Light Eruption (PLE), which is an abnormal reaction to sunlight, a leading Dermatology clinician has advised Canopies UK. The dangers of the sun are well-known but aside from the risk of skin cancer and melanoma, people may […]

17th Apr 13

The benefits of canopy systems!

Canopy systems have been around for a good number of years and over time the market has grown, both in the structure make-up and in the amount of businesses selling canopies. Canopy systems offer solutions to all kind of problems, whether it is to protect an area from the elements keeping it dry and […]

27th Feb 13

Gazeebar Canopy!

Spring into action this year by avoiding the April showers at your school, after being limited to the indoors over a lengthy and cold winter now is the time to let the children get outside and reconnect with nature. Avoid this years April showers and head outdoors with our umbrella shaped Gazeebar style canopy, […]

15th Feb 13

How to maintain and clean your canopy!

Although our canopies are made from highly durable fibre glass, and require no maintenance, they do sometimes require a spruce up, just to bring them back to their former glory. Due to the weather we have in this country our canopies can take quite a battering, especially in the autumn and winter months. Sometimes the guttering can attract ...

1st Feb 13

Canopies UK advertising plan for 2013

Generating enquiries for our domestic sales team is extremely important. Enquiries lead to appointments and appointments then lead to sales. In a struggling economic climate businesses have to be adaptable; one particular question that is always being asked at Canopies UK is how to attract new customers and what media vehicle to ...

18th Jan 13

The benefits of a door canopy!

When entering or leaving your home there is nothing worse than being exposed to the elements, especially if you are struggling to find your keys and your hands are full of the weekly shop. A door canopy from Canopies UK could be your ideal solution, not only will it protect you and offer you […]

14th Jan 13

Pupil Premium increased for 2013!

With the start of a New Year comes the start of new school budgets. 2013 has brought a large increase for the education sector with budgets up by 6% on 2012 to a total spend of £97.2 billion. The recently introduced Pupil Premium which is the programme to help provide additional support and funding […]

4th Jan 13

New year, new term!

It is a new year but for most schools they have just reached the half way mark. With the start of 2013 comes a new school term and with it new ideas. Schools will look to the year ahead and look to draw up improvement plans for their buildings and this will then be reviewed […]

26th Dec 12

Canopies UK on TV!

Canopies UK have today launched a major advertising campaign on national TV. Whilst this is not the first time Canopies UK have been on TV, this will be the first foray for over 5 years. The company has invested considerably in this project to ensure a good start to 2013. There is no better […]

14th Dec 12

Christmas Canapés from Canopies UK

Canapé Bites Tomato and Basil Bites Preheat the oven to 220c/200c fan, gas mark 7. Line 2 x baking sheets with baking parchment. Take 320g of ready-made puff pastry and halve the sheet widthways. Using half of the pastry lay it on a floured surface and cut into 24 pieces. With a sharp knife […]

10th Dec 12

Christmas traditions around the world

Christmas is celebrated in many different ways around the world, varying by country and region. Many areas of the world have elements in common such as Christmas trees, wreaths, Christmas stockings and the Nativity. Christmas carols are generally sung and stories are often told of figures such as Baby Jesus, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, ...

30th Nov 12

Fundraising ideas to boost your canopy fund!

Here at Canopies UK we specialise in high quality, self-supporting school canopies and freestanding school shelters. If you are looking for a covered walkway, covered playground or an outdoor seating area but the funds are a little low, why not try getting the community, parents and pupils involved with some fundraising events to top ...

23rd Nov 12

Is your home protected for the winter?

The cold nights are drawing in and being prepared for winter can help us to stay safe. Below are some tips on protecting you and your home. Good planning can also help to reduce maintenance and utility costs. To save energy, during the day heat only the rooms that you are using and warm […]

19th Nov 12

Winter is coming!

Have you dug out your hats, scarves and gloves and put on your thermals? It seems that after three years of quite harsh winters which included high levels of rainfall, long periods of freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall we can likely expect the same this year. While snow falling can be fun and waking […]

19th Oct 12

Canopies UK to install additional canopy at Manchester Communication Academy

Canopies UK carried out a double canopy installation in 2011 at the newly-built Manchester Communication Academy. Due to the success of the project the Academy has been in contact and asked them to install a 3rd canopy for a different area. Previously, the Academy called in Canopies UK to install two large canopies over an outdoor ...

12th Oct 12

Canopy colours!

What is the purpose of the canopy and what area is the canopy for, are the most important questions to answer when making a decision about an outdoor canopy? Equally important is how the canopy will look; both on the eye and in the surroundings it will be installed. Whether it is a fixed canopy on the building or a free standing canopy away ...

5th Oct 12

Why choose a canopy from Canopies UK

As the UKs largest supplier and manufacturer of outdoor canopy solutions, with over 20 years manufacturing experience, it is no wonder Canopies UK are the 1st choice for homeowners and commercial premises when looking for a canopy system. We have supplied over 30,000 canopies to customers throughout the UK and they have ranged from individual ...

28th Sep 12

Protect your caravan with a canopy

For many caravan enthusiasts autumn and winter can bring many challenges, especially in protecting your caravan against the elements. If you are a keen enthusiast then you will be going away all year round (even in the winter), by doing this you will be helping to keep the caravan maintained, noticing any problems that may occur due to ...

The latest news from Canopies UK

All of our products come with a 10 year guarantee.

The country's leading canopy suppliers.

Request a free survey

Request a brochure

Ask a question

Visit the blog