This December we are shining the spotlight on businesses in Alfreton, first up is Harlequin Stained Glass.

The stained glass specialist was established more than 20 years ago by husband and wife team Paul and Michelle Roberts.

The company specialises in handmade traditional and contemporary stained glass commissions, and it also repairs and restores original panels.

The couple’s interest in stained glass began at a difficult time in the 1990s, when Paul worked as a warehouse manager in the clothing industry and factories started to close.

Michelle said: “It was a very stressful time and Paul kept being sent to other factories, so as a de-stresser I enrolled him on a stained glass night school course as this is what he had seen on tv and was fascinated by it.

“Straight away he seemed to have a natural ability so we set up a workshop at home and he did various projects whilst still at work. Then they wanted to move him again or take redundancy so we chose the redundancy and, with the money, set up Harlequin Stained Glass.

“I’ve always been able to draw so I do the design and colour choices for the designs and Paul does all the manufacturing work.”

Harlequin Stained Glass was established in 1999 and is now based at the Christadelphian Hall on Marshall Street.

The couple’s work is incredibly varied, which is what they love most about their job.

Michelle said: “Every job is special to us and we want everyone to be pleased with the finished product. Some jobs are very personal to the client and we feel privileged to be a part of this.

“We’ve done restoration work on the likes of Stancliffe Hall in Darley Dale to the extreme of Iron Maiden’s Trooper for someone’s home bar. Lots of our work is encapsulating (double glazing) original panels from period properties, the owners want to keep the original look but want the added warmth.

“We never know what’s coming through the door next but that’s what we love.”

The company is part of the Derbyshire Trusted Trader scheme and has achieved a top rating based on feedback from clients.

You can find more information about Harlequin Stained Glass here.

The company also has a Facebook page which you can find here.