Prison deal opens new window for glazing firm

A glazing firm is shining a light on prison safety after securing a “game-changing” contract.

Polar NE has supplied 120 windows to Scotland’s £85 million HMP Stirling.

Bosses at the Middlesbrough-based company say the apparatus will boost prisoner wellbeing at the women-only base, with its partially-opening windows designed to stop ligature use.

The work comes as figures show self-harm rates across male and female prisons stand at their highest levels since records began two decades ago.

HMP Stirling  Picture: Chris Humphreys Photography

The contract – which also included provision of fixed units – represents Polar NE’s first prison deal and builds on work to supply reduced-ligature windows and doors to NHS mental health sites across Britain.

James Hill, managing director, said: “HMP Stirling is a flagship project and we are proud to have played our part.

“Our products are designed to prevent self-harm and save lives, and their use here shows the difference they can make in an environment where safety must always come first. 

“We see this as a major step into a market where we know our industry-leading expertise can really help.”

He added: “Like the NHS, budgets are under immense strain, and we recognise the challenges the prison estate faces.

“We passionately believe safer cells, with modern reduced-ligature windows and doors, make a real, tangible difference in cutting incidents of self-harm and suicide.”

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