Window News July August 2022

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Glass Allocation Threat To Stability

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Kush Patel 122 GGF Becomes Emplas Tackles Skills Managing Director Shortage Head On

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Cover picture: Reynaers Ambitious Project Wins Coveted Tall Building Award (Copyright: Hufton & Crow), read more on page 119 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 3

TRADE NEWS facturers now running their lines as normal,” Mark said. “But the war in Ukraine is having far-reaching consequences.”

Mark said clear glass from Belarus and Russia helped prevent severe shortages in the UK throughout 2021, but this is no longer an option.

Glass

Allocation Threat To Stability UK-produced glass sent to Europe to prop-up volumes there is threatening supply in the UK, according to a leading glass company.

Mark Mitchell, chair of the Cornwall Group, said 20% of all glass produced by the UK’s three main float lines is being exported. Further restrictions on glass manufacture in Europe will require further support from UK float lines in the coming

months, putting further pressure on supply and price in the UK. As a result, further glass allocation is on the cards, and glass companies and window fabricators are being warned to prepare for further glass shortages in the second half of 2022.

“Glass allocation is something we were hoping to have seen the back of, thanks to all three of the UK-based glass manu-

4 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

Mainland European float glass manufacturers have also said that they may have their gas supplies restricted by Russia by more than 25%, which could lead to some float tanks being closed down, stopping glass manufacture altogether.

This is putting extra pressure on UK glass manufacturers to fill the gaps, which in turn leads to limited supply to UK glass processing companies at a time when demand is still high.

“We are already seeing about 20% of all glass UK-produced flat glass being sent abroad to maintain volumes there,” Mark said. “These further predicted shortages are only going to add more pressure to the UK market.”

Mark said the Cornwall Group was expecting two significant price increases before Christmas, in addition to rising energy costs, which could leave glass companies wrong-footed if they are not incorporated into their own pricing structure.

“When these price increases come into effect, a lot of companies will find that they are paying double for their glass, than what they were paying pre-Covid,” Mark said.

The Cornwall Group comprises Cornwall Glass Manufacturing (which offers a diverse range of options in IGUs and single glass, with three manufacturing facilities in St Austell, Highbridge and Plymouth), glass

TRADE NEWS

Competitive Packages With

Fensa Finance enquiries into sales, particularly in the current economic climate. And thanks to our partnership with Improveasy, the whole process is hassle-free too.”

Mark Mitchell

merchanting business Mackenzie Glass, and retail-focused Cornwall Glass & Glazing.

Cornwall Glass Manufacturing buys glass from Saint-Gobain Glass, Pilkington, AGC, Guardian Glass, and other suppliers from across the globe. This ensures that it can make buying decisions based on the current market price for glass, as well as for the technical specifications required for certain product ranges.

The volatile glass market is also having a negative effect on relationships in the supply chain, and Mark said that some glass companies feel their reputations are being tarnished because of the continuing price increases.

“Relationships are certainly being strained,” he says. “And this will likely add to our current woes.

“But it reinforces our key message to the industry, which is to work with your suppliers to manage price increases and work with the stock that is available. We’ve been in operation for 45 years – not only do we have the experience of weathering the storms, but we have the wide product range to make the most of opportunities that are available.” www.cornwallglass.co.uk

All Fensa Approved Installers can now offer competitive finance packages to their homeowner customers – at no cost to the installer in terms of time or money.

Partnering with home improvement finance specialists Improveasy, Fensa Finance allows installers to offer hassle-free payment options to customers at competitive interest rates. As an extension of the lead generation system on the Fensa website, customers will be able to get a finance quote when looking for a Fensa Approved Installer online.

The loan must be for home improvements that a Fensa Approved Installer can carry out.

The process for both installers and homeowners could not be easier. Homeowners speak directly to Improveasy regarding the finance, with no involvement from their installer. Installers get paid directly from Improveasy once the customer has signed contracts and the work has been completed.

“Being able to provide customers with highly competitive payment options will help our members win more work at no cost to themselves,” Lis Clarke, operations director for Fensa and Bfrc, said.

“Being able to offer flexible payment options to customers is another great way that being a Fensa Approved Installer can set your business apart from your competitors and turn more

Jeff Poole, Improveasy’s managing director for Consumer & Business Finance, said: “At Improveasy we’ve been providing home improvement businesses with the chance to offer simple and flexible payment options to their customers nationwide for over ten years, and we’re delighted to extend our partnership with Fensa to offer their installers across the country this new service.

“As an installer, with Fensa Finance there’s minimal paperwork, while your customer benefits from being able to spread the cost of the installation – very important amidst the current cost of living crisis.

We handle everything as homeowners speak directly to us, so there is no need to get involved. Then, once we’ve done our bit and agreed the finance with your customer, you get paid directly, in full, from us. It couldn’t be easier.

This new capability complements our existing member benefit for Fensa installers where we can support them offer consumers finance, whether they’re directly authorised by the FCA or not.

Our one-stop-shop tech platform accesses a broad spectrum of finance products (including interest-free, interest-bearing and buy-now-paylater) via a panel of lenders across all risk and measure type categories.” www.fensa.org.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 5

TRADE NEWS It has also been driven by a large-scale factory floor training programme, which has empowered 40 of its shop floor supervisors to implement local changes, improving communication and employee engagement.

15% Efficiency

Gains Help Emplas Keep A Lid On Customer Price Increases Manufacturing and operational efficiencies of up to 15% have supported Emplas in fixing the prices its customers pay for products for the past six months.

Delivered as part of the fabricator’s continuous improvement programme, Emplas has introduced a range of initiatives in the last year.

This has included a redesign of its factory floor; investment in its fleet; and an ambitious factory floor leadership programme.

Combined, this has contributed to year-on-year efficiency gains of between 12 and 15% across its business – a saving which Jody Vincent, sales director, Emplas, said had been passed directly to its customers.

He said: “Installers are seeing a lot of price increases. Glass, hardware and their own oper-

ational costs including energy, fuel and labour are rising.

“While we’ve faced our own set of inflationary pressures – not least energy surcharges – but also our own energy, fuel and labour costs, we’ve been able to keep a control on them through manufacturing and operational efficiencies.

“That’s something that we’ve passed on directly to our customers through the price freeze that we’ve had in place since February.”

Emplas has driven a series of efficiency gains throughout its operation since COVID. This is something that Jody points out was started in response to disruption to its only supply chain during the pandemic, but which has delivered an operational return as the supply chain has normalised.

6 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

“We couldn’t be doing what we’re doing without great employee retention and engagement”, Jody explained.

“40 members of production are currently going through a two staged leadership training programme, we’ve set up operational and quality working groups, and generally made things flow better through the factory.

“That’s delivered operational efficiency gains of up to 15%, which has supported us in offsetting some of the inflationary pressures that we face as a large-scale manufacturer.”

Emplas is also continuing to invest to build future operational efficiencies and capacity within its operations. This includes a £1million plus investment in a state-of-the-art Forel Vertical IGU-line, at it’ Padiham IGU operation.

Significantly increasing its capacity but also driving un uptick in IGU quality the new line is scheduled for delivery in the autumn and will deliver a 45% uplift in capacity on its current 10,000 IGU a week capability.

Jody said: “IGUs have been a pinch point for the industry, in terms of supply but also this year, cost. We already have a very sizeable capacity at our Padiham site, the addition of the Forel line allows us to build on that, drive up quality but also supports our strategy to control costs and pass on those savings to our customers.” www.emplas.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

Masonite Opens New Exterior Door Manufacturing Facility

CNC Recycling

Investing For

The Future

Composite door manufacturer Solidor has opened a new factory and distribution in Stoke-on-Trent that incorporates the latest in manufacturing technologies and will provide room for future growth.

The facility combines five previous Solidor production and storage sites into one manufacturing hub and utilises advanced manufacturing automation to improve production and efficiency, product quality and the work experience for employees.

Solidor is part of Masonite International Corporation, a leading global designer, manufacturer, marketer and distributor of interior and exterior doors. Vicky Philemon, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Masonite Europe, said: “The opening of this purpose-built facility reinforces Solidor’s position as a leader in the UK’s exterior door manufacturing industry and reaffirms our commitment to the Stoke area as we continue to bring employment and career development opportunities to the local community.

“We are excited about the enhancements the new site will bring for our employees, communities, partners and customers in addition to supporting our future growth plans.”

The interior layout has been optimised to improve material flow and to reduce the need for forklift trucks to enhance safety and reduce emissions. The latter is just one of the ways in which the design has focused on sustainability, with the factory achieving a Planet Mark accreditation.

Planet Mark is a sustainability certification which requires the measurement and reduction of whole-life carbon emissions, engagement of the supply chain and the inclusion of the local community. The development was constructed using responsibly sourced or recycled content materials and includes rainwater harvesting, natural lighting and a building management system to ensure that energy use is fully optimised. In addition, it yields a 17% reduction in embodied carbon compared to a notional baseline.

Masonite employs approximately 280 people at the new plant, with over 85% of the staff living within the local community. Located on Whittle Road, Meir Park, Stoke, the factory is only five miles east of Junction 15 of the M6, providing it with good transport links.

CNC Recycling has taken delivery of the first of two new brand new Iveco S-way tractor units purchased as part of the ongoing fleet replacement and improvement scheme. These vehicles come fully equipped to ensure drivers comfort whilst travelling the length and breadth of the UK collecting UPVC for recycling.

Operations and Logistic Director Richie Knaggs commented “This represents our continued investment in our growth, our commitment to our customers [and] providing them with the quality of service that they deserve. This commitment to service is the very ethos of the company and something we pride ourselves on.

“This also supports our valued members of staff, giving them the comfort and tools to do their fantastic work to the best of their ability.

Solidor was acquired by Masonite in 2018.

“We’ve tried to make it as comfortable as possible for our drivers by specifying that the trucks come with microwaves, fridge freezers and tv’s. To be able to purchase them both from Mike Hooker at North East Truck and Van in Billingham was very pleasing as it supports local business.”

solidor.co.uk

www.upvc-recycling.com WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 7

TRADE NEWS

Emplas Commits To £1million Plus Investment

In New IGU Line Emplas has placed an order for a £1 million plus state-of-the-art Forel Vertical IGU-line, significantly increasing its capacity but also driving an uptick in IGU quality.

quite as volatile as those that we have just been through but stability of IGU supply, the availability of glass and the control of cost, continue to exert a significant influence on the market.

Scheduled for delivery in the autumn, the investment will deliver a 45% uplift in capacity on its current 10,000 IGU a week capability, says the company.

“Our acquisition of Padiham and the investments that we have made to date give us far greater control over each of those factors.”

Ryan Johnson, managing director, Emplas said: “It’s a big investment but we can see the return that it will deliver for us and our customers, not only this year but a long way into the future, through faster manufacture, better quality and greater control of cost.

Emplas new IGU line will feature a Forel Vertical Washer and Water Treatment plant, plus its patented CR coating remover.

“I don’t think this year will be

Emplas has also opted for Forel’s Art AS Flexible Spacer Applicator. This automatically applies spacer bar to the edge of the glass sheet with an ultra-high level of accuracy,

8 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

delivering an instant and better bond than traditional spacer systems, maximizing thermal performance.

The Forel coupling press then simultaneously couples IGU’s while filling them with gas ahead of automatic sealing, delivering an accurate final seal on units and significantly reducing the likelihood of failure, claims the company.

This is preceded by the six-figure investment already undertaken by Emplas in Padiham since its acquisition in 2018.

This included new software integrations, a new sealing robot, as well as new handling equipment.

“We remain investment-led as a Group”, continued Ryan. “The market is going to continue to see change and we are making sure that we’re ready for it by investing in our capability across our businesses”, he concluded.

A Forel hosted video of the new line capability is here: youtu.be/ XoZko7zhy28 www.emplas.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

Fabricators Call For An Alternative Approach To Pushing Price Rises Down The Home

Improvement Supply Chain Six leading fabricators of products to the home improvement sector have called for a halt to the ongoing practice of pushing price rises at the top down the supply chain.

Central Window Systems, Conservatory Outlet, Listers, Roseview, Prefix Systems and SolarFrame have joined forces to urge firms in the sector to work together to find new efficiencies and to combat the unending barrage of price increases being introduced – especially at a time when consumer demand is down.

Recent publicly available data

shows that household spending has reduced by up to 50% compared to the same period last year and bosses believe the last thing consumers and retailers need to contend with now is a further rise in the cost of products.

“We’ve seen prices increase at exponential rates over the last two years and this has continued through into 2022,” explained Greg Kane, CEO of Wakefieldbased Conservatory Outlet.

“The determination has always been there to shield our customers from these price hikes, absorbing what we can through

10 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

improved efficiencies, working creatively with our supply partners and passing on what we must.

We’ve held the line and absorbed all incoming increases throughout 2022 but there obviously reaches a point when this becomes unsustainable.”

Gary Morton, managing director of Central Window Systems, continued: “This isn’t just affecting us, but our industry as a whole and we must be as transparent as possible to act in the best interest of the entire sector.

If these price rises continue, and are again forced down the supply chain, consumers will simply not engage.

“Enforcing more price increases during a market slowdown is entirely counterproductive and will do more harm than good in both the short and long-term.”

The recent proposal of price increases from the very top of the chain are due to take place in September and would happen just as the energy cap is set to rise again, with manufacturers and retailers set to be stuck in the middle with pressure from both

TRADE NEWS sides.

These changes could exacerbate a suppressed market and be counterintuitive to campaigns promoting the financial viability of purchasing new, energy-efficient windows and doors or extensions for their homes.

Employing thousands of staff and amassing more than £130m sales between them, the six companies believe their involvement in both manufacturing and retail gives them a unique insight into consumer pain points and a worrying dip in demand that some firms in the industry are failing to see coming.

Roy Frost, managing director of Listers, went on to add: “As an industry, we have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to face countless challenges, but this barrage of price increases simply must stop.

“We’re not trying to single out particular suppliers, more a case of looking for a more sensible and collaborative approach that focuses on the all-important consumer at the end of the chain.”

Chris Cooke, managing director of Prefix Systems, concluded: “The industry needs those at the top of the supply chain to listen to the voice of consumer-led businesses and explore ways of absorbing some of the increases without passing them on.

“We are already doing this for our customers, using all the efficiency savings we’ve made to cushion the cost increases from above. However, this is only possible on the prices of the products Prefix has market control over.

“It is undeniably a tough trading environment, but this is a case of ensuring the longevity and longterm success of the sector.”

For further information, please visit www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk

Start-Up Keeps Eyes

On Service Quality “Aluplast’s sales director Ian Cocken understood our position, and has been a great source of help and information since we started.”

Nick runs the factory with two employees, manufacturing windows in the fully sculptured Ideal70 system, with a view to taking on the SquareLine Ideal4000 system in the near future.

Aluplast fabricator Ashfen Windows and Doors Ltd launched earlier this year after its owners saw a demand for high-end products with matching customer service.

Based in Derby, owners Nick Ashford and Nat Weaver ran a building company for more than 20 years, but chose to launch a window business after deciding to try something new.

“The flush sash, which is compatible with both Ideal70 and Ideal4000, has generated a huge amount of interest and has started to sell well, as has colour, which is now running at almost 60% of everything we supply,” Nick said.

Aluplast’s colour range now extends to 40 foil finishes, including its next generation woodec and aludec foils. Ashfen also supplies “We are both risk takers, and when bi-folds, conservatory roofing, we discussed the possibilities it sliding patio doors, as well as highseemed the right thing to do,” end composite doors.

Nat said. “Window fabrication is far enough removed from general “Aluplast’s Smart-Slide sliding building to be different, but close patio door system is starting to enough that we understand the gain traction as a real aluminium industry. alternative,” Nick said, “thanks to its ability to span up to 4.5m at a “Also, the time was right to take height of 2.5m with just a sliding the jump. If we didn’t do it now, sash and a fixed panel.” we never would, and we would be forever kicking ourselves for not With the window industry coming trying!” under increased pressure from increased input costs and cooling Nick said that when he ran the demand, now may not seem the building company, he could never obvious time to set out your stall find the right window and door as a new fabricator, but Nat disasupplier – one that would provide greed. quality products alongside a decent level of customer service.

“I admit we had low expectations,” Choosing aluplast as profile part- she said, “but we tapped into a ner was a more straightforward real trend as the country emerged decision. from the pandemic. Interest in home improvements certainly “We were looking for a quality grew, and people are looking for supplier who could help us make sophisticated, higher value prodhigh-end products, in a wide range ucts, and suppliers they can trust.” of colours, all in a reasonable time- ashfenwindowsanddoors.co.uk frame,” Nat said. www.aluplast.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 11

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TRADE NEWS vestment since the new owners bought the business in 2017.

“We cannot afford to jeopardise our service levels by losing our good people,” Roy said.

Listers makes some of the country’s most sought-after windows and doors. It sells its products into newbuild developments and to homeowners via a network of installation companies.

Biggest Investment In Workforce Listers is giving every employee in the company a ‘Cost of Living Allowance’ of £1,000 over the next 12 months to help them cope with inflation and spiralling energy costs.

record,” Listers’ managing director Roy Frost said. “However, it has become much harder to recruit and retain staff to support our growth, something which the whole country is experiencing.

The window and door manufacturer has also committed to pay the Real Living Wage as a minimum to new employees in its factory and offices.

“We are also acutely aware of the ‘Cost of Living’ crisis: energy bills are soaring, supermarket shopping baskets are up, and the cost of fuel at the pumps is rising.

At £9.90 per hour outside London, the Real Living Wage is 40p per hour more than the legal requirement of £9.50 per hour.

“We simply do not want to see anyone in our company in financial hardship. Therefore, from the end of June, every employee in our group will receive a ‘Cost of Living Allowance’ of £1,000 over the next 12 months, on top of the guaranteed minimum of £9.90 per hour.”

These measures were introduced

by Listers to tackle the twin problems of inflation and employee retention, especially as the company is experiencing increased demand for its products.

“May was our best month on

This decision is expected to cost Listers more than £400,000, which is the single biggest in-

14 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

Roy attributes the success of the business in part to the knowledge, experience and the culture within the workforce, which he is committed to protecting.

“Our employee retention rate over the last five years has been great – many of our staff have been with us for decades. In fact, only in May we presented 80 Long Service Awards to our staff throughout the group. They are the people that make our company what it is today and in turn look after our great customers.”

In a letter to employees, outlining the new payment structure, Roy said: “We proudly pay the ‘Real Living Wage’ as a minimum to new employees on our shopfloor and offices. We work hard to train and upskill you so you can rise through the pay scales gathering more skills and experience along the way and we have plans to do more of this in the future.

“As a group, we will continue to make investments within the company to grow and secure a bright future for all of you, investing in our people is first and foremost. We are also planning further major investment in our fleet over the coming months and have plans to grow our capacity further and our Aluminium Business to ensure we meet the demands of our customer base. These investments all have the same goals, to make our futures safe and to continue to improve our service.” www.listerwindows.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

Eurocell Investment Increases Operational Efficiency

Jeremy Phillips (l) with Ollie Alonso, Director of RED

CDW Systems Changes Transport

Provider For Even

Better Service Aluminium specialist CDW Systems has changed its transport provider to make sure it can offer an even better service to its customers across the UK.

Following the completion of Eurocell’s new 260,000 sq. ft stateof-the-art warehouse in Alfreton, the company has reported it has been successfully performing at almost 100% on deliveries for the past three months.

This latest company investment has seen the site maximise its storage capacity available by utilising state-of-the-art racking and introducing modern equipment to improve picking and replenishment times. As a result, Eurocell has been able to further increase the overall operational efficiency at the site to better support its network of fabricators.

Mark Kelly, CEO for Eurocell, comments: “The success of our expanded warehouse and manufacturing facility in Alfreton has been great news for our nationwide network of fabricators.

This has allowed us to offer full deliveries over the past three months and be better placed to meet market demands, as well as working with the trade to support them as they secure enhanced business building opportunities.

The renowned Gloucester based aluminium fabricator, part of the East Manor Group, has signed an agreement with RED Transport and Logistics based in Tewkesbury.

Roberts Express Delivery (RED) is one of the UK’s providers of delivery, removals, storage and transport and logistics services.

“Serving the needs of our supply chain is a top priority for the business and we have been able to aptly demonstrate how we will continue to do this effectively and efficiently in the years ahead, thanks to the forward thinking and significant investment we have made at the new Alfreton site.”

The company’s group chairman, Jeremy Phillips, said: “RED proved attractive for several reasons, not least because they are local. They offer UK wide coverage with a much larger vehicle fleet and a very professional set up, and we have already been impressed with their speed, efficiency and flexibility.

To further compound the site’s success, Eurocell’s Alfreton warehouse also won ‘Warehouse Initiative of the Year’ at the 2021 Supply Chain Excellence Awards.

“Historically our customer base has been focussed on the South East, South West and the Midlands, however we now have a wider distribution capability and full UK coverage. Using a local firm is a bonus and helps us support another local business.”

www.eurocell.co.uk

www.cdwsystems.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 15

TRADE NEWS

Record Year And New Jobs As Speedy Home Improvements Turns 35 2022 is set to be a major year for a Worthing-based father and daughter team, who are celebrating 35 years in business.

Greg and Leighanne Cox are marking their big anniversary in style as well, with the opening of a dedicated new showroom twelve months ago driving a doubling in sales to £2.5m and the creation of six new jobs with five more on the way.

It has given the duo a mod-

ern base for its Speedy Home Improvements business and a place where it can engage customers with six different living spaces and extensive doors and windows range.

The facility, which is located on Foundry Lane in Horsham, is one year old this month and the company are marking the event by giving clients who purchase products whilst visiting the showroom a £250 discount. This will be in place until the end of

16 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

Greg and Leighanne Cox

June.

“It was a brave decision to invest £100,000 during the Covid-19 pandemic, but it has really transformed the way we operate and given new customers the confidence we deliver what we say we are going to,” explained Leighanne, who joined the business in 2011.

“The showroom was purpose-built to really showcase the improvements we can deliver, with visitors able to see a contemporary flat roof kitchen extension, both tiled roof and hybrid roof home extensions, a stunning orangery, beautiful glass roof conservatory and a home bar.”

She continued: “I can’t believe it has been one year already – so much has happened in those twelve months and we wanted to say thank you to the people of

TRADE NEWS Worthing and Horsham by holding a month-long promotion.”

At the heart of Speedy Home Improvements is its ‘SpeedyBase’ system, which reduces the need for traditional wet foundations and construction time by up to four weeks.

The business’ personal approach to customer service has always been in place and this was complemented with a new CRM system and a switch to digital marketing when it became one of the newest members of the Conservatory Outlet in 2020.

This has seen enquiries increase by 50% and the greater visibility of operations has also helped the duo to plan installations better, freeing up valuable time to take on new projects.

Greg Cox went on to add: “Leighanne and I really wanted to push the business forward, but we weren’t sure how to do that whilst jugging all our other activities. One of the biggest benefits we’ve gained from Conservatory Outlet is the breadth of its support that has really given us the confidence and backing to ‘go for it’.

“We’ve never worked with another supplier that has put its arms around us. It’s also been a great support being able to visit the showrooms of other members for advice and tips.”

Conservatory Outlet is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of home improvement products, supplying exclusively to an established network of retailers that specialise in conservatories, extensions, doors, win-

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Karen Clough, Marketing Director, concluded: “Greg and Leighanne were full of passion and ambition to grow, they just needed a steer on how to take things to the next level “We’ve also been delighted to support them with investment and marketing support to launch their brand new 5000 sq ft showroom in Horsham, and in helping them recruit and train the new fourstrong sales team.

“They are now comfortable selling more complex product offerings that add value to their sales margin and broaden their consumer reach”. www.speedybuild.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

Compliance by Design and One-Drop Delivery – New Features from Made For Trade

With a reputation for being one step ahead in fenestration design and engineering, MFT’s award-winning Korniche products have been designed from the outset to comply with revised building regulations, and are now joined by a leading new delivery service.

Future-proofing a home renovation, extension or build project is always a key consideration and that same key carefully-considered ethos is also applied to the design of all Made For Trade’s Korniche

products.

New building legislation which came into force in June means that bi-fold doors are now generally required to have background ventilation when used in renovation projects and new or self builds.

The regulation changes to Approved Document F are to incorporate ventilation via the use of trickle vents, but, says Made For Trade, the updates were well planned for at the company with the Korniche bi-folding door system fully com-

18 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

Glass and frames being loaded onto a Made For Trade truck for delivery

pliant and designed to be one step ahead of the competition.

According to Made For Trade, the addition of mandatory ventilation can often mean additional cost and unsightly features, but the Korniche door was designed from the very beginning in such a way that there is no additional requirement for an extender profile to house the trickle vent. The vent was instead designed by MFT ‘s engineers to be incorporated into the head, allowing for a 17mm clearance from the top of the inside of the door and 12.5mm from the outside top.

The company says integrating such a feature at the engineering phase means two things for the trade partner and consumer: firstly, the sleek and slim profile of the Korniche bi-folding door is maintained with no unsightly additions or protrusions as part of a secondary component; the original market-leading aesthetics are preserved. Secondly though, the lack of additional frame parts - typically around £75 per door plus VAT - and no requirement for installation on site ultimately means a notable saving for the supplier and customer.

TRADE NEWS Thanks to early planning for compliancy this means that MFT are delighted to further cement their promise of the ‘Best Products with the Best Service at the Best Price’ by providing greater convenience, and greater cost saving with the ventilation update.

CDW Systems Achieves

ISO 9001 Certification For Exceptional Customer Service

Also in focus this month when it comes to cost saving and convenience for trade partners is a ‘One-Drop Delivery’ service. Having invested in excess of £400,000 over the last 18 months in its fleet of delivery vehicles based at their Wynyard HQ, MFT now not only offer crane offloading for maximum ease and safety on site, but is proud to showcase a one-drop service that includes both the door system and glazing together on the same truck.

MFT says this significant investment allows the company to offer a Document L-compliant glazed product at a much-reduced cost and increased convenience compared to having the glass delivered by a third party.

Made for trade believe customers can now save up to 20% on previously advertised glazing prices as a result, with the glass delivered direct to site via MFT. The one-drop delivery saves downtime on site dealing with deliveries and glass that could typically arrive a day or two either side of the door system.

The upshot, says Made For Trade, is that installation of a Korniche product is now even quicker and more efficient, saving installers time and money and further reducing disruption for the homeowner. www.madefortrade.co

Kevin Godden

Following an intensive auditing process by BSI, aluminium fabricator CDW Systems has achieved the coveted ISO 9001 certification once again.

customers on a consistent basis and we have taken on board what we have needed to do, made the changes, and it has worked.

ISO 9001 is recognised internationally as the world’s most widely adopted Quality Management System (QMS) and it demonstrates CDW Systems’ commitment to quality products and services for customers, says the company.

“I’ve had a lot of help from a lot of people in the company and the directors have supported me in that – it shows how dedicated everyone is to making sure these professional standards continue to be met and that we do business in the right way.”

Over the last 12 months the company, part of the East Manor Group, has implemented new procedures and processes to help improve as a company and deliver the highest possible customer service with the help of Kevin Godden, group compliance manager.

The company’s group chairman, Jeremy Phillips, commented: “One of the things customers have always been guaranteed when dealing with CDW Systems is that all our products meet the correct industry standards and regulations, and we are a trusted supplier.

Kevin said: “Our content management system has been in place for more than five years and is audited every two to meet the exacting ISO 9001 standards set.

“While ISO 9001 is a challenge, it is so important to make sure we are doing this properly and it has certainly improved the way we operate. And with Kevin in the role for the last two years our performance has improved immensely.”

“At CDW Systems we have always been all about improvement and delivering high-quality services to

www.cdwsystems.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 19

TRADE NEWS

May Sales Up 14.8%, But Volume Was Down -2.5%

With 17.8% Price Inflation

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report reveals that builders’ merchants’ value sales were up +14.8% in May 2022 compared to the same month in 2021, driven more by rising prices (+17.8%) than volume sales (-2.5%) year-on-year.

outperforming total merchants: Renewables & Water Saving (+50.8%), Timber & Joinery Products (+36.8%) and Landscaping (+33.0%). Like-for-like sales were up +30.1%, while price inflation hit +30.0% and volumes were down -4.7%.

All categories sold more in May 2022 compared to the previous year, with Kitchens & Bathrooms increasing the most (+29.7%).

Six other categories fared better than merchants overall including Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+21.6%), Heavy Building Materials (+20.6%) and Decorating (+16.5%). Tools (+11.9%), Ironmongery (+11.3%), Timber & Joinery Products (+6.8%) and Landscaping (+5.1%) grew more slowly.

Like-for-like sales, which take into account the extra trading day in May 2022, were 9.1% higher.

Month-on-month, total merchant sales were +8.7% up in May compared to April 2022, with one more trading day this year. All categories sold more, including Heavy Building Materials (+10.5%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (+10.0%).

Like-for-like sales were +3.3% up.

Compared to May 2019, a more normal pre-pandemic year, total merchant value sales were 23.9% higher with one less trading day in the most recent period. All categories sold more, with three

is unlikely to have much impact on older homeowners with little or no mortgage, younger homeowners (under 45s) are feeling the pressure of doubling energy bills and higher food costs, particularly if they have families to support.

Home improvement projects are now lower down the priorities list, outside of essential repairs and maintenance, so a tail off in RMI-related sales is inevitable.

How long will that last? Industry forecasts by Glenigan predict a strong three year recovery starting next year.”

Mike Rigby, CEO of MRA Research who produces this report, said: “Rampant price inflation continues to deceive, giving the illusion of growth. In reality the scales are starting to tip the other way with May volumes down in real terms, both against May last year and May 2019, a more normal pre-Covid year.

Developed and run by MRA Research, the BMBI – a brand of the Builders Merchants Federation – is a monthly index of builders’ merchant sales, and the most reliable, up-to-date measure of Repair, Maintenance, and Improvement (RMI) activity in the UK. The index is based on actual sales from GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data, which captures value sales out to builders from generalist builders’ merchants, accounting for over 80% of total sales from builders’ merchants throughout Great Britain.

An in-depth review, which includes commentary by sector experts, is provided each quarter.

“It’s no surprise volumes are falling. The cost-of-living crisis is really starting to bite, and while this

May’s BMBI report, published in July, is available to download at www.bmbi.co.uk

20 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

TRADE NEWS

Deceuninck Commits To Net Zero With Science Based Targets

working in the commercial and specification sectors are already having to evidence the embodied carbon in the products that they supply but it’s no less important in retail as homeowners seek out sustainable products.

This isn’t something that only systems companies need to be looking at. We all need to do our bit, that includes fabricators and installers, for the environment but also because sustainability is fast becoming a prerequisite for growth and profitability.”

Science-based targets provide a clearly-defined pathway for companies and financial institutions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, helping prevent the worst impacts of climate change and future-proof business growth.

Deceuninck has committed to ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse emissions through the corporate carbon reduction scheme, Science Based Targets (SBTi)

Targets are considered ‘science-based’ if they are in line with what the latest climate science deems necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement – limiting global warming to well-below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.

This includes a commitment to cut the CO2 emissions from its own operations (Scope 1&2) by 60% by 2030 from a 2021 baseline.

Allowing for future growth in real terms this means reducing CO2 per tonne of product produced by 75%. This goes significantly beyond the SBTi minimum target of 42%.

It has also committed to cut emissions from within its supply chain (Scope 3 emissions) by 48% per tonne by 2030, as part of its wider journey to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Deceuninck’s carbon reduction roadmap includes plans to phase out the use of fossil fuels, a switch to renewable energy and increased electrification of process.

It has also invested more than €15million in one of the world’s most advanced recycling and compounding facilities to create the capacity to reprocess up to

45,000 tonnes of post-consumer and post-manufacturing PVC-U per year

Bruno Humblet (CEO Deceuninck) said: “Responding to the SBTi’s call for corporate climate action illustrates our strong commitment to sustainability. The science-based targets provide a framework for us to evaluate every business decision from a climate mitigation point of view.

In real terms this gives the company the capacity to prevent more than three million windows from going to landfill annually.

“For years, we have been a pioneer in our sector because of our recycling facilities. Recycling will keep playing a key role in our carbon reduction roadmap because it implies less sourcing of raw materials.

Rob McGlennon, managing director of Deceuninck in the UK said: “This is an ambitious programme but absolutely the right thing to be doing.

“We want to lead by example in our industry and look forward to taking meaningful climate action jointly with our suppliers and other stakeholders.”

“We know that our customers

www.deceuninck.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 21

TRADE NEWS

AT Precision

Achieves ISO 9001

Certification

Michael Hewitt, sales director

Following an intensive auditing process, bi-fold hardware supplier AT Precision has achieved ISO 9001 certification.

The recognised Quality Management System (QMS), ISO 9001 demonstrates a company’s ability to deliver high quality services to customers on a consistent basis.

Sales director Michael Hewitt comments: “We have always prided ourselves on delivering quality products matched with excellent customer service, from expanding our manufacturing facility in order to increase both production and storage capacity, to investing in the growth of our product range in order to offer our customers everything they need.

“Throughout a difficult period for the industry that was rife with supply chain disruptions and price increases, we managed to maintain impressive OTIF scores, next day delivery, availability across all items, and minimal price increases.

“Achieving ISO 9001 is a testament to our efforts and commitment to delivering excellent customer service, and I’m incredibly proud of the entire AT Precision team.” www.atprecision.co.uk

Mercury Specialist

Frames Adds Smarts’

Aluspace System To Its Portfolio Mercury Specialist Frames has just added the Aluspace System from Smart Systems to its portfolio. Steve Cross, director at Mercury, said: “We are the first UK fabricator to complete our manufacturing training on this new internal door and screening system and we’re delighted to be giving our customers a competitive advantage by adding it to our portfolio. It’s the perfect system for fabricators and installers looking to make the most of the growth in high-end aluminium products.”

The Aluspace Interior Screening System has been developed to create light and airy internal environments. The system’s sleek and elegant lines perfectly complement the Smart Systems window and door ranges that Mercury manufactures.

Aluspace can be used to divide or delineate both residential and commercial spaces of any shape and size, while at the same time providing an effective acoustic

22 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

barrier. Mercury will be manufacturing the system with sliding door and hinged door options.

With a range of width, glazing, hinge and furniture options, the doors can be configured to suit any design theme, from traditional to minimalist and contemporary to industrial.

Steve commented: “This system is perfect for taking the trend for slim sightlines and airy, light-filled spaces to the next level. We’re excited by the opportunities it offers our customers.

The addition of the Aluspace Interior Screening System to Mercury’s range is the latest stage in its business development and growth strategy that has seen the company double its turnover since 2020. And with intelligent, forward-thinking moves, it remains well on track to continue to meet its growth strategy over the next four years. www.mercuryglazing.co.uk

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Call 01269 846200 or visit www.victoriansliders.co.uk *Any size white PVC-U window to a maximum width of 1300mm by a maximum height 2400mm. Includes white hardware and trickle vents as standard. Excludes curved, foiled or sprayed colours and georgian bars/astragal bars.

All prices exclude VAT & delivery. Oversized windows are available at extra cost. (Maximum size 1600mm x 3000mm) Subject to any surcharge at time of sale. E&OE.

TRADE NEWS

Cube Glass Celebrates 10 Years With A Day At The Races It’s a racing certainty that staff at Scottish glass and aluminium specialist Cube Glass think the fast-growing firm is not a bad place to work. In fact, you could probably say that they’d bet on it.

And odds-on favourite in the popularity stakes last month was founder and managing director of the Cumbernauld-based precision manufacturer Gary Thorn, who treated his team to a Day at

the Races to celebrate the firm’s 10th anniversary.

the connection between the track and its walled cathedral city and the ancient Romans, while betting on one of the oldest sports of them all.

Gary Thorn said: “We have a front-running team at Cube Glass and I wanted to show my appreciation for the huge contribution they have made to the company over the past 10 exciting and rewarding years.

Eighteen employees and closely-related sub-contractors joined him on the Park’s of Hamilton coach to Chester on May 27 where they stayed overnight before heading to the historic Racecourse the next day.

“Although I established the business in 2004 as a safety net, we didn’t start trading until 2012 and, despite all the interruptions of the Covid years, this year seemed like the appropriate moment to kick back a bit and celebrate.

There they enjoyed a flutter at the popular Roman Day, a flat race meeting which celebrates

“I would like to pay tribute to my team, who have shown dedication, commitment and real

24 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

TRADE NEWS skill in their diverse roles, and also to the sub-contractors who work with us on a regular basis and respect our standards and commitment to customer satisfaction. They are all winners.”

sophisticated new showroom which will highlight the company’s expanded range.

Cube Glass focuses on curtain walling, doors, windows, glass roofing systems and shop fronts as well as bullet, bomb and blast resistant glass. It supplies sectors including education, health, industrial, social care, commercial property and residential homes.

The company has also recently partnered with high-end French design and engineering specialist Bel’M, as an addition to its s existing supplier relationships with specialists such as Senior Architectural Systems, Metal Technology and Schüco.

The year of success comes on top of the completion of a £600,000 investment in a new factory – double the size of Cube Glass’s old premises – and the imminent opening of a

The firm employs 13 full time staff, two apprentices and is actively looking for a new commercial manager to sustain growth.

Gary Thorn, founder and managing director of Cube Glass

Equal Opportunities

For Women At Northern

Building Plastics

Women working at Leeds Northern Building Plastics during a recent stocktake

The construction industry generally has struggled to attract more women into jobs, and in a bold move Northern Building Plastics has challenged this premise with impressive results. In the last 18 months, the number of women working throughout Northern Building Plastics depots and its Leeds based HQ has increased.

Zoe King, HR manager at Northern Building Plastics, explains

how they achieved the change: “We believe the jobs we have are not ‘male or female’, but traditionally the roles had been predominantly filled by men and it was men that were applying for the positions.

“As we were not getting interest from women for jobs at our depots, we looked at the beginning of the recruitment process.

We analysed the words we were

www.cube-glass.com

using and could see that they were biased towards men. That is why we focused on changing the way we worded our recruitment adverts and social posts to make them less exclusive.

“It’s certainly worked. When we changed to more neutral wording, we saw a significant increase in the number of women applying for positions.

“It gave us a bigger pool of people to choose from and the high quality of the female candidates has meant we have taken on more women in the last 18 months for jobs in the sales office, warehouse and as a driver at the Hinckley Depot.”

Zoe adds: “Being part of the construction industry, we know that there is a much bigger discussion about getting more women to fill not just support roles, but hands on positions and trades. We have proven that making changes brings positive results and we are immensely proud to see the increase in numbers of women applying for positions throughout Northern Building Plastics.” https://www.nbp.co.uk/

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 25

TRADE NEWS

Window Ware: A Hub For MACO Hardware Window Ware the independent UK hardware distributor has been in successful partnership with MACO for over 23 years and is a key distribution partner for the manufacturer of door and window hardware.

Fabricators across the country will be able to find everything they need at Window Ware. They can take their pick from over 577 individual MACO SKUs across 32 different product categories including their high-performance tilt and turn system, multipoint door locks for every conceivable type of door including traditional stable doors and MACO’s renowned range of window locking solutions.

The latest addition to Window Ware’s portfolio of MACO products is their new 24mm backset MKV shoot bolt system with locking keeps specifically designed to

work with the Residence Collection’s range of profiles. This MKV has recently been independently tested to PAS 24 standard and further extends Window Ware’s comprehensive choice of approved hardware for fabricators manufacturing the premium profile system.

The hardware provider’s most popular MACO product over a 12-month rolling period is the super secure C-TS door lock. The fabricator-friendly lock works on a multitude of door systems to create easy-to-operate, smooth running, durable and high-performance door sets.

“After more than 20 years of working closely with MACO and supplying their class-leading locking solutions to the nation, it’s safe to say, we know a thing or two about their products and

26 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

Kevin Whiting, managing director of MACO Door & Window Hardware (left) and Sam Nuckey, Window Ware managing director (right)

we’ve developed a really strong partnership with the MACO team,” argues Window Ware’s commercial director, Richard Bryant. “That means our fabricators can count on us for seasoned, expert advice in all instances to ultimately help ensure that their finished doors and windows roll smoothly off their manufacturing lines and meet their expectations in every way.”

Kevin Whiting, managing director of MACO Door & Window Hardware (UK), commented: “Window Ware has always been a brilliant ambassador for our products and the MACO brand as a whole. Our partnership has stood the test of time because together, we have a mutual passion for delivering the kind of quality hardware provision that can help keep customers at the top of their game and ensure their future growth and success.” www.windowware.co.uk www.maco.eu/en-GB/Home

TRADE NEWS

Hurst Doors Renew Carbon-Cutting Commitment With uPVC Recycling The Hull-based firm has recycled 300 tonnes of uPVC over a 12-month period as part of ongoing attempts to reduce landfill waste to an absolute minimum.

It’s just one part of the company’s broader commitment to sustainability, which has recently seen it adopt Mercedes Benz 250E hybrid vehicles for its sales team, helping cut its emissions from 132g per kilometre to just 32g.

Hurst Doors are continuing their efforts to cut their carbon footprint and become a greener, more sustainable business.

UP TO QUICKER

“At Hurst, we’re passionately committed to being a responsible manufacturer – and in the twenty-first century, striving towards ever-greater sustainability is a vital part of that,” comments sales director Mark Atkinson.

“uPVC is an excellent fenestration material that offers outstanding longevity, thermal performance, and ease of maintenance – but equally, we know that plastic pollution is a major threat to wildlife and the ecosystem more generally.

“That’s why we’re determined to recycle as much of the waste uPVC we produce as possible, we’re confident that we’re heading in the right direction.”

In addition to saving uPVC from landfill, Hurst also recycles cardboard, paper, toners, lead, wood, aluminium, polystyrene, polythene, glass and old office equipment like computers.

Similarly, its head office is powered by a green energy supplier. www.hurstdoors.co.uk

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www.firstdegreesystems.com info@firstdegreesystems.com 01283 808042 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 27

TRADE NEWS same way as we do colour. It’s a massive opportunity to drive up margin at a time when volume is reduced.”

Deceuninck has committed to reduce carbon emissions from its 2021 baseline by 60% by 2030 and as a minimum 95% by 2030 as part of its journey to Net Zero by 2050.

What Do Homeowners

Really Think About

Sustainability?

Deceuninck has published a White Paper highlighting the findings of exclusive consumer research on homeowner attitudes to sustainability.

Rob McGlennon, managing director of Deceuninck, said: “Sustainability, particularly energy efficiency and carbon reduction, has become even more important to homeowners.

“Our research shows that homeowners are prepared to pay a premium for products which they

As part of this strategy Deceuninck has invested more than €15million in one of the world’s most advanced recycling and compounding facilities to create the capacity to reprocess up to 45,000 tonnes of post-consumer and post-manufacturing PVC-U per year.

In real terms this gives the company the capacity to prevent more than three million windows from going to landfill annually.

The Sustainability White Paper, is available to download at https://bit.ly/3b5ysI0 It draws on an independent research study by leading consumer research company, YouGov. This explores homeowner attitudes to sustainability in the window and door industry and highlights a number of opportunities to add margin by going green.

This is being delivered through a new sustainability strategy including operational efficiencies, renewable energy sourcing and production, sourcing of bio-based PVC, as part of its commitment to corporate climate action framework, Science Based Targets.

In a statement the company said: ‘Encompassing the largest dry blending facility in Europe, our operation is fully integrated with our main manufacturing facility, connecting process, while reducing CO2 emissions by 90,000 tonnes compared to virgin feedstocks. It also delivers a 90% energy saving’.

Rob McGlennon

see as being more sustainable or, particularly in the context of rising energy prices, which will help them reduce their bills.

“As the market re-sets post-Covid, as an industry we need to be pushing sustainability and the energy efficiency message in the

28 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

“Energy efficiency, sustainability – they’re important right now, but are going to be even more important going forward”, continued Rob. “Our research shows us that it’s going to be pivotal and as an industry, we need to do so much more, systems companies, fabricators and installers.” https://bit.ly/3S3ZhwT www.deceuninck.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

John Fredericks Plastics Agrees Sole Supply Deal

With Reynaers

ciency ratings. Whilst offering the end user a high-quality product at an affordable price.

“Over the past year, we found a second factory site about a mile from our PVC factory, and recruited staff with a background in aluminium manufacturing, and invested in top quality state of the art machinery. We’ve also installed the ReynaPro software so we’re able to start production straight away.

“Initially we will be fabricating two of Reynaers’ most popular patio doors – the Concept Patio 130 Lift and Slide system and Concept Folding 68 Bifold Door. We will expand the range of aluminium products to include windows soon, so customers can enjoy a wide choice of high quality, performance products. My plan is that our aluminium will grow to represent around a third of our PVC business.”

John Fredericks Plastics has agreed a partnership deal with Reynaers Aluminium to become their sole supplier of aluminium windows and doors, following an increase in demand from its customers for engineered aluminium doors systems.

The partnership comes after a year of discussions between the two companies and substantial investment by John Fredericks in a new factory and recruitment of staff dedicated to manufacturing their new aluminium products.

The new site is a stone’s throw from their existing Huddersfield site which manufactures a range of PVC window and door products.

Mark Dicconson, managing director of John Fredericks Plastics, said: “We’ve been around

for 52 years and, although we did historically manufacture aluminium, we switched to PVC. Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen our customer’s interest in aluminium grow substantially, partly as a result of the many ‘Grand Design’ type TV programmes that highlight the use of it in residential projects.

“When we spoke to our customers, they were quite specific that they wanted something more unique, that was of superior quality and offered excellent value for money.

“Reynaers has a well-respected brand reputation in the industry and the products that we were specifically interested in – bi-fold and patio door systems – provide a contemporary finish that also has great thermal and energy effi-

Terry Ledwith, head of trade and retail sales at Reynaers has been coordinating the partnership discussions and supporting John Fredericks throughout the onboarding process. He said: “The cost and availability of resin is having a significant impact on the price of PVC and closing the price-gap between PVC and aluminium.

“If you experience the look and feel of aluminium and the way that Reynaers’ systems operate, you will soon appreciate why aluminium is rapidly becoming the material of choice for discerning homeowners.”

“John Fredericks is a well-established supplier and has an excellent reputation for supplying high quality products through a national network of installers with a strong commitment to customer service. We’re delighted to have them as a new customer and Reynaers be their sole supplier of aluminium products.” www.reynaers.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 29

TRADE NEWS line, it is on a two-week lead time, which means I can offer installers the same lead time as my PVC-U products.”

Roy said many of the design features chime with him as a fabricator, for example: the requirement for less stock holding, that ancillaries work across a number of product ranges, and the revolutionary clip-in bead which dramatically speeds-up installation time.

“Also, Part L of the Building Regulations includes a reduction in U-values to 1.4W/m2K for bifold doors in refurbishment projects, and I know that many of the systems on the market struggle to meet this without expensive glazing specifications,” Roy said.

“Sheerline, on the other hand, is Part L-compliant as standard.”

Listers Lead With Sheerline

Listers is one of the first trade fabricators to supply the full range of Sheerline products, including the Prestige Window and S1 Sheerline Lantern.

Sheerline from Garnalex is a modern aluminium window and door system designed from the ground up, painted and extruded in the UK, which promises to offer fabricators, installers and homeowners warm, slim and ultra-secure products.

“After meeting with the engineers right at the start of the Sheerline journey, I could see exactly what they were trying to do in aluminium,” Roy Frost, Listers’ MD, said.

“It is a real breath of fresh air: an aluminium system designed by

PVC system designers.”

The latest development from the aluminium systems company is a new state-of-the-art powder coating facility, which promises to control quality, and shorten lead times on ex-stock coloured profile, bringing them in line with PVC-U alternatives. For example, black, white and grey will be supplied by Listers on a two-week lead time, with a further nine on-trend colours available in just four weeks from Listers.

“On colours alone, the most popular are made to stock, so they are available on very short lead times,” Roy said. “Agate grey on white isn’t a stock colour in most aluminium systems. But with Sheer-

30 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

Thanks to the patented Thermlock multi-chamber design, Sheerline Prestige windows can achieve U-values as low as 1.3W/m2k with a double glazed unit, 0.9W/m2k with a triple, and can accommodate glazing depths of between 28mm and 44mm. It has also been designed to reduce its impact on the environment, sourcing aluminium from Wales, extruding in the UK, and recycling all aluminium waste.

Sheerline also achieves the PAS24 security standard, and has full Secured by Design accreditation.

“The fully SBD-compliant Sheerline Lantern is a fantastic addition to our range, and it is a perfect fit with Listers’ goal of offering premium products at an affordable price point,” Roy says. “Available in black or grey, with a white interior, installers love the Sheerline Lantern, because it is probably the easiest lantern on the market to fit.

“We are also making it even easier for our customers to deal with Listers, by launching an online configurator and pricing tool at the end of the summer.” www.listerwindows.co.uk

In the frame On 27 June 2019, the UK became the first major economy in the world to set its net zero greenhouse gas emissions target in law.

To achieve this by 2050, updates to Part L and F of the building regulations come into force as of 15 June 2022.

Naturally the pace of change and ongoing debate around this has caused much disruption among the construction sector. In response, REHAU has developed four simple fact sheets as a reliable aid.

Windows. Reinvented for modern life. www.rehau.com/uk-en/rehau-in-the-frame enquiries@rehau.com Tel: 01989 762600

TRADE NEWS

Window And Door Brands

Receive Certification

For Exceptional Quality Window and door brands, Window Widgets and its sister company, The Residence Collection, has received a renowned certification for exceptional quality.

The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is an international non-governmental organisation that is made up of national standard bodies.

Comprising 167 members, the ISO is an expert-let organisation that develops consensus-based

standards to improve trading standards and processes globally, including quality management, environmental management, energy management, and health and safety.

Organisations are considered to be performing best-practice when following ISO standards and are able to demonstrate that its business has a commitment to improvement.

32 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

Window Widgets and The Residence Collection recently had an external body complete an audit for the Quality Management and Environmental Management standards, to which they received an ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certification.

The Quality Management standard refers to overall business performance to ensure quality of products and services, whereas the Environmental Management standard includes the improvement of environmental impact.

By receiving certification for each of these standards, each brand demonstrates its commitment to quality products and services, in addition to its environmental impact.

TRADE NEWS

Nationwide

Windows Recognised

For ‘Excellent’

Standards

Nationwide Windows and Doors’ efforts to achieve industry best standards has been recognised by the Considerate Constructors Scheme. After a recent site audit, which assesses conformance with the Code of Considerate Practice, Nationwide scored 42/45, placing them in the ‘Excellent’ bracket.

Andrew Taylor

Andy Taylor, QSHE manager at Window Widgets and The Residence Collection said: “We’re thrilled to have received certification for our Quality Management and Environmental Management standards. Everyone has worked extremely hard to ensure we are following best-practice and I’m proud to be a part of such a great team and organisation.”

In addition to the ISO Standards, each brand has collectively implemented a new and improved health and safety policy.

The health and safety policy outlines the way in which the business will manage health and safety risks and comes after an array of work has been completed to improve the workplace

environment. This work includes risk assessments, standard operation procedures (SOPs), employee training, and investment in new equipment to ensure safe working practices.

This has resulted in an improved health and safety culture where employees are encouraged to take health and safety seriously for best-practice and the improvement of workplace culture.

Upon implementation of the health and safety policy, a legal compliance audit was conducted by a consultant to ensure they are compliant with all relevant health and safety legislation.

“Achieving compliance and meeting the highest standards are at the heart of what we do at Nationwide,” says Chris Costall, compliance director at Nationwide Windows and Doors.

“This score is testament not only to the hard work of our operations team, but it also recognises the processes that we have in place to ensure everyone who represents Nationwide carries out their work to the highest standards.”

www.windowwidgets.co.uk

As part of the audit, Nationwide was also able to submit any initiatives which are considered innovative approaches to meeting the Code of Considerate Practice.

Nationwide’s QR code initiative was awarded as an ‘Innovation’ and the in-house NVQ centre was recognised as ‘Best Practice’.”

www.residencecollection.co.uk

www.nwd.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 33

TRADE NEWS From left: Jeff Dunn, Darren Rhodes, Matthew Thomas, Robert Brearley, Mark Johnston

Directors at the Glazerite UK Group have marked a year at the helm of the nationwide fabricator, following last summer’s management buyout.

Glazerite Directors

Mark MBO Anniversary

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Led by Group Managing Director Rob Brearley, alongside fellow directors Mark Johnston, Jeff Dunn, Darren Rhodes, and Matthew Thomas, the team has spearheaded a number of improvements to unlock further opportunities for its customers, against a challenging backdrop of raw material shortages and energy price hikes.

Rob explains: “Glazerite was already a highly respected company staffed by dedicated employees when we took it

TRADE NEWS over. Following completion of the MBO in July 2021, we’ve begun to rollout a programme of improvements to further benefit installers, our people, and how we operate as a business.”

Recent changes have included a sixth site, with the opening of Glazerite North in Barnsley.

Meanwhile, investment into new machinery and equipment has continued across the business, as well as the addition of new vehicles that meet Low Emission Zone (LEZ) emission standards, making deliveries to LEZ-based customers easier and more sustainable.

Strides have also been made to embed a lean culture across the fabricator, with best practice ways of working implemented in the customer services and order processing teams, headed up

by longstanding Glazerite employee, Melanie Jacobs.

Rob adds: “Our people are the foundation of everything we do.

By encouraging contributions and input from everyone, we have been able to strip out unnecessary, time-consuming, and costly tasks across all functions.

This is particularly notable in the manufacturing side at each division, where we’re embedding lean principles.”

Development of staff and diversity is also top of the Glazerite agenda, with Rob adding: “In addition to empowering employees to contribute ideas on how we run the business, we offer development and a clear career road map. We’ve got some real success stories already, particularly amongst our younger cohort, with the likes of 24-year-

old Oliver Bailey heading up purchasing at our North West division, and Eleanor Austin, 23, being promoted to purchasing manager at our site in the Midlands.”

The next 12 months are set to be just as busy for the fabricator, as Glazerite continues to expand its product portfolio, giving customers even greater choice, service and support.

Rob concludes: “We’ve taken the reigns at the toughest of times and had to contend with some tough external factors such as raw material shortages, nationwide resourcing issues, and spiralling prices. Fortunately, we’ve navigated these successfully and look forward to realising our ambitions for growth.” www.glazerite.co.uk

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WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 35

ADVERTORIAL

Made For Trade Notch Up Nine Notable

NFA Nominations

Wynyard-based manufacturer celebrates a huge amount of nominations for the 2022 National Fenestration Awards, covering various aspects of the thriving business

For nearly a decade, the National Fenestration Awards has aimed to recognise all areas of the UK industry with an independent and inclusive awards system devoid of judges or panels. The shortlists are voted on by the glazing industry for the glazing industry, and aim to draw attention to the

individuals and organisations that make the biggest strides each year in fenestration.

Fresh from a joint category win last year for the new Bi-Folding Door, Made For Trade has enjoyed an extremely productive last 12 months from its North East base, thanks to their game-changing Korniche product line. As a result, the team is thrilled to have been nominated for no fewer than nine different categories in the 2022 NFAs, representing not just product innova-

36 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

tion, but everything from manufacturing capability to business, sales and marketing.

The first pair of nominations see MFT recognised under the categories of both Aluminium Fabricator of the Year and Fabricator/Manufacturer of the Year.

As a company whose family business roots lie in manufacturing and engineering, this nomination is appreciated following significant efforts to implement new processes at MFT, and the fenestration industry itself. From lean manufacturing to the recent ISO9001 certification, the company’s methods and efforts for heightening quality, improving lead times - and of course reducing cost to the consumer - are certainly recognised with these two NFA categories.

Also in the manufacturing sphere is the award nomination for

ADVERTORIAL

Bi-Folding Door Manufacturer of the Year. The Korniche Bi-Folding Door was introduced less than 12 months ago and since launch continues to grow its market share as trade partners recognise the pioneering engineering-led focus and hassle-free, time-saving ease of installation qualities. Taking on the values of the hugely successful Roof Lantern, both Korniche products subscribe to the same ethos and are now requested by homeowners and consumers by name alone, thanks to its market-leading aesthetics, and outstanding thermal and security details.

As the awards focus in more detail on MFT’s products, next on the heady list of nominations are both Door Component of the Year and New Product 2022 - both for the revolutionary Korniche Bi-Fold clip-in bead, known as ‘SpeedBead’. The SpeadBead delivers a truly game-changing solution in the glazing world, with a simple clip bead product that vastly improves the time to install and glaze MFT’s bi-folding doors. Supplied fully labelled and with comprehensive installation instructions, this is one of the hallmark qualities that means a Korniche Bi-Folding Door is a must to vastly reduce fitting time on site. Furthermore, the unique advantage of Korniche’s SpeadBead is that the beads can be removed with the specially

designed tool (provided with each door kit), allowing beads to be safely removed and replaced for any reason, with no damage to any components.

Next up, Conservatory Product and Conservatory Fabricator categories for the Lantern Roof prove that the top-rated Korniche product continues to be the market leader in its sector. Not only are sales figures at an all-time high, but MFT’s consumer research and the attention at recent exhibitions cement the continual demand for this innovative product, loved by homeowners for its design as much as installers for its ease of fitment and clever colour graphic instructions.

Away from the manufacturing workshop and into the office, the nomination of Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year for the Korniche Lantern represents the recent development of the brand and is a project that has raised the profile of both the product and Korniche name itself across both trade and consumer applications. The marketing campaign that has been delivered for Korniche ensures that MFT’s trade partners benefit from the significant investment in high impact consumer advertising and brand awareness; brand toolkits are free to all trade customers and allow them to key in to MFT campaigns and Korniche brand recognition.

The list of nominations is rounded out with a well-deserved Business Development Manager / Sales Executive of the Year nomination for Chris Caley, sales executive at Made for Trade. A member of staff who represents MFT to the highest of standards; Chris is at the forefront of customer sales support and is always on hand to help trade customers, from initial direct sales, to setting up customer accounts and advice on using the clever Korniche KwikQuote system.

Speaking of the huge number of nominations for 2022, Made For Trade’s operations director Chris Wann said: “Following our success at last year’s awards with a joint win for the Korniche Bi-folding Door, being shortlisted for this huge number of awards in 2022 is incredible, all of which are core to our business services and principles. The support in nominations alone is amazing and MFT are proud to have the backing of voters and pick up any one of those nominated categories.”

Made For Trade extends a huge thank you to all those who nominated the company for these awards. For more information and to cast your votes at the NFAs, visit: fenestrationawards.co.uk/vote/

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 37

TRADE NEWS In response, Mark and his team have developed a series of four fact sheets aimed at those working with architects, specifiers, and surveyors which aim to provide a brief introduction to the changes, projected timeline, and targets. Two of which cover energy efficiency requirements under Part L for new build and refurb projects, and the other two address ventilation standards through Part F for the same.

Rehau Launches

‘In The Frame’ Campaign For Commercial Windows Rehau has launched a new campaign to help commercial window specifiers navigate the ever-changing complex landscape of building regulations, technical specifications, and sustainability.

Both Net Zero pressures and multiple changes to building regulations have resulted in Rehau seeing a significant increase in demand for its commercial technical support.

Most recently this has centred around the Future Homes Standard and updates to Part L and F. The polymer manufacturer is working closely with those throughout the supply chain – commercial fabricators and installers, architects, developers, local authorities – to help alleviate pressures around compliance since the first changes officially came into force on 15

June 2022.

As such, Rehau’s technical experts have aired concern that following several years of fluctuating information and debate around the topic, architects and specifiers could be left with multiple sources of conflicting advice.

Mark Gajda is head of technical services and certification at the systems company and has been leading a project to ensure its high-performance uPVC continues to exceed all relevant Building Regulations. He says: “The Future Homes Standard is of course not new. It has been high on the news agenda for a number of years now, and it’s this level of content and debate around it that could risk people being served the wrong information.”

38 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

The wider ‘In The Frame’ initiative will then shine the spotlight on other commercial technical issues throughout the rest of the year, including Passivhaus, sustainability of materials and overheating in buildings.

All of this content will be hosted within a dedicated online hub for specifiers working across large multi-residential and commercial projects, whether that be in the housebuilding, public sector, local authority, or private commercial sectors.

Steve Tonkiss, head of sales south at Rehau Windows, said: “We are seeing more and more technical queries coming through from the commercial end of the market and therefore identified a need for a dedicated space where they can find what they need quickly. For more complicated matters, our dedicated commercial sales team are on hand to advise on certain specifications.

“With regards to Future Homes in particular, it’s important to realise that just because you change one thing in line with regulations, it may impact another – such as acoustics, weather performance and the like. This is an area we are getting a lot of questions on so would encourage anyone who is unsure to get in touch and we will be happy to help advise.”

To access the ‘In The Frame’ hub, click HERE

TRADE NEWS

Today For Tomorrow – Kömmerling’s New Sustainable Branding

Celebrating quality! Allan Brothers MD Morten Bach Valsted (left) with Martin Brown, director of the Guild of Master Craftsmen

Allan Brothers Is Awarded ‘Certificate Of Quality’ By The Guild

Of Master Craftsmen

In the 125th anniversary year, Kömmerling is positioning itself for the future with the realignment of its brand, with sustainability right at the heart of the new positioning and philosophy.

It is about taking action today and making the right decisions for tomorrow and this philosophy is reflected with a completely new brand image, with a new logo and slogan.

Dr. Peter Mrosik, owner and CEO of profine, on the background to the brand relaunch said: “Living up to our responsibility means protecting the future. It’s up to us, the industry leaders of our time, to make a difference today. As determined and ambitious doers, we have the strength and the will to deliver positive change in everything we do.”

He continued: “But we want to be more than a pioneer, we also want to be a role model for others. For everyone who, like us, feels equally committed and capable of rising to this major challenge. Our goal is to create a sustainable loop for high-qual-

ity products made of synthetic materials. Today we develop the right solutions for tomorrow and set standards for a future worth living for. This is what our Kömmerling brand stands for.”

Today for Tomorrow – this message becomes the central brand core, which is reflected in all product, image and social media communication deliverables.

The communication of the brand puts responsibility and sustainability issues into focus and the new Kömmerling logo displays natural elements like the sun and water in abstract form and embodies circularity.

The new slogan is the thematic and emotional framework for the new appearance and in just three words, it sums up the brand message and direction that Kömmerling stands for: Today for Tomorrow. The new branding will be rolled out across Kömmerling UK’s marketing communications in the coming weeks and months. www.kommerling.co.uk

Allan Brothers Ltd, reputedly the UK’s oldest wood windows and doors manufacturer, has been awarded membership of the Guild of Master Craftsmen in recognition of its excellence in timber craftsmanship.

To receive the prestigious ‘Certificate of Quality and Service’, qualifying companies undergo rigorous assessment to prove that they have earned the right to be called ‘master craftsmen’ through the quality of their work, the service they provide and their high standards of customer care.

Founded in 1811, Allan Brothers has a long history of traditional woodworking and specialist joinery skills that have been passed down through generations of craftsmen at its factory in Berwick-upon-Tweed.

These handmaking skills are combined with the efficiencies of a modern streamlined manufacturing operation to produce bespoke timber and aluminium clad timber windows and doors to the highest performance standards. www.allanbrothers.co.uk For more information about the Guild of Master Craftsmen, logon to: http://www.guildmc.com

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 39

TRADE NEWS

Andrew Wright Windows Renews Membership

With Secured By Design Scottish glaziers, Andrew Wright Windows, have renewed their membership with Secured by Design, the official police security initiative.

Established in 1937, Andrew Wright Windows are a family-owned glazing business, serving their local community and providing a range of services to domestic, commercial, trades and local authority clients across Scotland. With the company’s head office, showroom and both manufacturing facilities based in Irvine, Ayrshire, and a workforce of over 100 skilled workers, Andrew Wright Windows’ is one of the largest private sector employers in the area.

The Heritage and Matrix ranges of doorsets and windows manufactured and supplied by Andrew Wright Windows are claimed to be highly secure and energy efficient and available with a number of customisable colour and hardware options.

The company’s commitment to customer service is said to be evident in their included 10-year guarantee.

Charlie Berry, managing director of Andrew Wright Windows, said: “Achieving accreditation for the security of our windows and doors has always been a top priority for Andrew Wright Windows and we know how much our customers are reassured by our continuing

40 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

membership with Secured by Design.”

Kenny McHugh, Secured by Design, commented: “I am thrilled that Andrew Wright Windows have chosen to renew their membership with SBD. They have a range of Heritage and Matrix doorsets and windows which have achieved Police Preferred Specification, and I am looking forward to continuing working with them over their membership period.”

The company’s renewed membership of SBD comes hot on the heels of recent confirmation that, following a series of commercial contract wins, they have created 28 new jobs and expanded production capacity, through an almost £1 million investment in new production equipment and vehicles.

You can find out more about Andrew Wright Windows and their Secured by Design accredited products at: https://bit.ly/3vfKzt8

TRADE NEWS

Vista Renews SBD Membership Having been an SBD member for the last 16 years, Vista Panels continues to show its commitment to supplying customers, both within the domestic, social housing and newbuild market, with high-quality, secure doors.

Vista Panels has renewed its membership with the official police security initiative, Secured by Design (SBD), achieving Police Preferred Specification (PPS) on a range of the company’s best-selling doors, locks and hardware.

Vista prides itself on its ability to ensure that its products are manufactured to meet the requirements of all the latest industry standards, including PAS24:2016, CE marked/ UKAS marked, and ISO relevant ISO standards.

“Being members and able to make doorsets to the SBD standard is a must for us as a company – our customers expect nothing less from us, whether it is for a commercial or domestic client, replacement security is always at the top of the list of requirements.

It is reassuring that the option to upgrade to an SBD specification is always there for them” comments Ian Smith, head of sales and marketing.

Secured by Design is owned by

the UK Police Service and works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings, with the specific aim to reduce crime and help people live more safely. SBD is the only way for companies to obtain police recognition for security-related products in the UK. For over 30 years, Secured by Design’s product-based accreditation scheme – the Police Preferred Specification – has and continues to provide a recognised standard for all security related products that can both deter and reduce crime.

SBD works alongside a range of manufacturers and standards authorities to ensure that security standards are current and up to date with emerging criminal trends. www.vistapanels.co.uk

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Featuring

VIEWPOINT

Rehau Looks To The Future

At World Of Windows 2022

Rehau has showcased a range of future-proof premium solutions at World of Windows 2022, with the launch of multiple new products for the UK market.

Exhibiting in Erlangen, Germany, until July 15, the event has seen the company offer exclusive insights into new developments such as the Artevo high performance window system and Slinova sliding patio doors.

Martin Hitchin, chief executive at Rehau, said: “Global megatrends continue to weigh in heavily on the development of new products, including the futureproofing of premium products and adding value to existing solutions. The fenestration industry is no exception, with fabricators and installers constantly looking for ways to enhance their portfolios and stand out in a competitive market.

“Within this, a desire for high-performance products that are both innovative and sustainable continues to be a key market driver for the sector. We have therefore

42 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

VIEWPOINT

developed new solutions to address these needs, including the Artevo and the Slinova. Both carry the EcoPuls label and are made from recycled materials, ensuring maximum sustainability through a circular economy of resources.”

Rehau’s Artevo system builds upon the foundations of the popular Geneo Rau-Fipro-X range, introducing slimmer upstands on the outside with small radii and low angular inclination. The force zones integrated into the design provide increased performance and stability, making it easier to create larger sashes even without reinforcements.

The solution’s LowE foil insert makes the product suitable for Passivhaus projects, while its basic construction depth of 80mm forms a common platform with the proven Synego system and new Slinova Patio door.

Slinova and Slinova X are new developments within the range of patio sliding solutions. The products are based on an 80mm platform

and utilise the same frame profiles, offering increased transferability to a variety of applications. According to Rehau, the latter’s Rau-Fipro X material results in the slimmest interlock section ever in a polymer-based system, while maintaining energy-efficient performance.

Among the other developments on show was Rehau’s range of smart technology, including Smart Shading and Smart Privacy. The former’s intelligent pane automatically darkens in response to bright sunlight, offering effective protection against both UV rays and overheating. Meanwhile, Smart Privacy’s window is able to actively change from transparent to opaque within a few milliseconds, with customisable control of individual segments of the window.

Martin concluded: “We are delighted to debut our new range of solutions at World of Windows 2022. Sustainability and innovation have always been at the heart of our research and development.

We want to give organisations the toolbox they need to further boost their portfolios, marketing services and sales support, and the solutions displayed at World of Windows will provide them with the best platform for doing so.

“In particular, we have no doubt that Artevo and Slinova will meet the unique demands of the UK market and will carry on the success of previous products, including the Geneo range.”

For more information on Artevo and Slinova, click here.

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 43

VIEWPOINT at the event - and this year created a 170sqm stand for the three days of the show. The SpeedBead not only allows the door to be ‘Glazed in Seconds’, but is also claimed to be one step ahead with its ability to be removed without damage (using the bead removal tool included with each system) should the glazing need to be removed for any reason in future.

Korniche Products Draw

Crowds At FIT Show Large crowds were on hand to see Made For Trade’s innovative range of Korniche products, as the North East-based company returned to the FIT Show in Birmingham after a three-year hiatus.

No sooner were exhibitions back in action than Made For Trade were on display. However, the real highlight of the 2022 calendar took place in May when MFT returned to the popular FIT Show after two years of pandemic-forced absence for the industry’s best-connected event. Making up for lost time, MFT became a centre of attention, which kept the full eight-strong team busy from start to finish throughout the three-day event, keeping up with exceptional demand for product information.

On display was the company’s multi-award-winning and revolutionary Korniche roof lantern; six years since the FIT Show was chosen as the original launch platform before going on to be a sales phenomenon for the company.

However, at FIT 2022 it was the al-

uminium Korniche Bi-Folding Door system that took centre stage.

Complete with the ‘game-changing’ SpeedBead design, visitors were keen to find out more about the product’s impressive clip bead USP, revolving around the simplicity and speed with which the doors can be both installed and glazed.

Widely promoted as being more than just a show, but rather ‘the community for our industry’, attendees of the free-to-attend FIT Show were said by the company to be “blown away by the simplicity of the Korniche and its innovative new design for installation and glazing.” This was something capitalised on by the Wynyard-based organisation, who have been a longstanding exhibitor

44 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

This, says the company, was demonstrated with maximum effect by offering visitors the chance to win £1000 in a prize draw by simply agreeing to try the SpeedBead first-hand there and then at the NEC, and to see just how this pioneering engineering solution saves time and money – not to mention hassle – by progressing glazing systems beyond the use of gaskets.

Speaking of the reception to the product display at the FIT Show, Made For Trade’s managing director Bradley Gaunt said: “The intensity and quality of the interest for our products was incredibly humbling, whilst the positivity, especially for our new Korniche Bi-Folding Door, made the whole journey to develop it and take it to market completely worthwhile.”

Further heightening the company’s strong presence at the show was MFT’s new corporate identity, complete with eye-catching teal logo, following the re-brand of the Korniche product line last year.

‘The best products, the best service and the best price’ has always been the MFT mantra. And Made For Trade says game-changing solutions via the use of next-level engineering prowess to save customer costs and ease the installation process have never been so important, especially in times of such economic uncertainly. With exhibitions and customer feedback anything like that of FIT 2022, more exciting times are ahead for the Korniche product line. www.madefortrade.co

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VIEWPOINT

The Business Pilot Barometer offers a monthly analysis of the key trends defining window and door retail. It draws on real industry data collated by Business Pilot, the cloud-based business management tool.To find out more see www.businesspilot.co.uk/barometer

The Business Pilot Barometer Sales down but order values up

write home about. The three-month trend, is however, worth noting. The market is down, inflation has hit, and the boom is over.

Year-on-year, things are stark. Sales are down June 2022 on June 2021 by 30%. Leads are down 29% over the same period.

By Neil Cooper-Smith, Senior Analyst, Business Pilot

We can now say with confidence that the market cooled significantly in the last quarter, with sales dropping by around 12% in the three months from April to June.

It follows a small drop in average sales in June on May, down by 3%. The number of new leads also fell month-on-month, recording a 6% drop.

Those monthly falls aren’t necessarily anything to 46 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

As we have stated previously, this doesn’t indicate that we’re heading for a crash, the year-on-year change is nonetheless striking.

Average order values, did, however, continue to climb, up 1% on May. Year-on-year, June 2022 compared to June 2021, the increase is 43%.

As we highlighted last month, we attribute this to a shift away from single item and ad hoc aspirational spend, for example the purchase of bi-folds or a new front door, to a more comprehensive whole house approach to home improvements.

VIEWPOINT

This is being driven by inflationary pressures, which is on the one hand driving an element of market contraction but on the other creating new opportunities, particularly in home energy efficiency.

Although the rate of house price inflation has slowed, simple pressures of supply and demand mean that the house prices have held firm. As long as people have equity in their properties and confidence in the housing market we can expect them to continue to want to invest.

The Greener Homes Attitudes Tracker from Natwest showed last month that the number of people planning green home improvements rose from 16% in at the end of 2021 to 22% in May this year. It also suggest that homeowners were bringing improvements forward in response to rising energy prices.

This indicates that those with a greater disposable income are continuing to spend. Those who are feeling the pinch, aren’t.

While council tax rebates and energy relief payments from government are welcome, they provide a short-term solution only. We would argue against this context and as called for by the Climate Change Committee at the end of June, the creation of a programme to support all homeowners in improving the energy efficiency of their homes is now pressing from an environmental but also socio-economic perspective.

We believe that this pattern is going to define the market going forward this year and into much of 2023.

The Bank of England says it expects Inflation to hit a high of 11% before falling back to around 2% by sometime in 2024.

The market is going to be tougher for the foreseeable future, so understanding where your leads are coming from and maximising conversions is going to be key.

With a sophisticated lead tracking capability, lead heat mapping and sales pipeline management tool, Business Pilot helps you maximise leads, manage their conversion and then simplifies project delivery maximising your profitability on every job.

For more information visit www.businesspilot. co.uktoo early to say if we’re seeing a readjustment or the start of a downturn.

Either way, it appears things are going to be tougher, certainly than they were, and tightening up on your sales and operational processes, to convert more and get more from your teams by automating repetitive tasks and working in a far more connected way is sensible.

We have customers who have saved upwards of £40,000 a year by understanding and tracking operations more effectively. That could be £40,000 back on your bottom line, without having to sell more or work any harder. www.businesspilot.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 47

VIEWPOINT authority planning and conservation officers are getting back to into their offices, the management team at ASWS has also felt there is new sense of camaraderie with its client base.

Kris Bennell, contracts director of ASWS

ASWS Sees Activity

Returning To Pre-Pandemic Levels During the early days of the first lockdown, much was made in the mainstream media as to what the ‘New Normal’ might eventually look like and, while seeing its order book returning to a similar level as before the pandemic, steel window specialist, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS), is now able to identify a number of key differences to its business model, and the wider market.

Back in March 2020, the London-based family company, which offers a unique expertise in the repair and refurbishment of metal windows of all types, had just removed a number of large format steel windows from the Battersea Power Station complex, ready for full restoration. But, within days, ASWS was forced to furlough 80% of its workforce as construction sites closed, and its management set about examining how operations in its Croydon workshops might safely be resumed.

ASWS’s Laura Mercer reflects: “Looking back at what happened after previous recessions, our order

books picked up again quite rapidly with refurbishment jobs and, although the pandemic was a very different situation to those downturns, the same has been true.

However, clients’ concerns about going full tilt into projects is giving us more time to carry out thorough surveys, and to get the scope of the work fully agreed.

“There is also the fact that basic materials – especially different types of glass from Europe – are taking so long to reach us that customers are often opting for repair and restoration rather than replacement. In respect of repair, we have virtually everything we need on our premises including a large stock of salvaged fittings and, therefore, unlike our competitors, we are able to hold our prices for a period of weeks or months rather than just five days. In fact, some customers have told us that nobody else had actually offered them refurbishment as an option which gives us a real advantage.”

Laura confirmed that as well as finding more consultants and local

48 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

She explained: “Covid brought a lot of changes, not just in having to test every week and maintain safe distancing while working, but also you found yourself communicating with different people at your customers, perhaps unusually right up to director level when previously you spoke to the QS or an engineer. Then, as well as asking about how people were, you’d find out how their families were coping, or where they were working that day, in a way you never did before.

I think most of us in the industry now have a spirit of having got through something very tough together.”

Those everyday measures which kept the ASWS workforce safe included having staff travelling to sites in central London and elsewhere using separate vans, staggering shifts in the workshop, and ensuring everyone had the correct facemasks or other PPE. Efforts were also made to ensure that operatives were on site at the times required by main contractors to take part in testing programmes.

Only one member of staff contracted the virus and has made a full recovery.

Summing up Laura said: “There’s no doubt the Government furlough scheme was a lifesaver for our industry, and meant we were able to bring people back in stages as work got back to normal, and we haven’t had to lay anyone off permanently. So many of the people in our core team have 20, 30 or more years’ experience of this work, which is invaluable for a business like ours. It’s a very special skillset; and the feedback we’ve had about our performance during the pandemic tells us that our brand identity has had a boost.” www.asws.co.uk

SUPPORTING BETTER

Mental Health

IN THE GLAZING INDUSTRY

60.5% 76.3% 86.8% 89.5%

believe there is a mental health crisis in the glazing industry experiencing burnout from their workload from the last 2 years believe there isn’t enough mental health awareness in our sector have seen an increase in their workload since the pandemic

Scan the QR code or visit qrco.de/DGCOS-mhsurvey to download the results from our 2022 mental health survey.

DGCOS is a consumer protection scheme for the installation of double glazing products.

Being a member of DGCOS shows that as an installer you are committed to complying with high standards of consumer protection.

Faisal Hussain CEO

Find out more: 0345 053 8975 | info@dgcos.org.uk | installers.dgcos.org.uk WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 49

VIEWPOINT

Navigating The Trickle

Vent Conundrum

Trickle vents are often resisted by the other parties on the grounds of aesthetics. It is well documented that homeowners are not keen on any increase in the number or size of trickle vents.

Despite this, homeowners will not be able to sign a disclaimer; the installation must conform to building regulations. Any attempt to circumvent the rules would come back to the installer, not the homeowner. Understandably, installers may put in trickle vents whether they need them or not to be sure they are complying with the regulations.

Stuart Judge, MD of Tradelink

Stuart Judge, managing director of Tradelink, explains what the new Part F of the Building Regulations means for window installers…

Trickle vents in windows have long been used in the background as a means of complying with Part F of the Building Regulations: ventilation. While this has not always been straightforward, things have become more complicated with the new 2022 building regulations and it is worth remembering that the burden of compliance falls on the window installer.

For the glazing industry, the most relevant change in Part F concerns background ventilation: the requirement for ventilation is much bigger than it used to be. The way background ventilation is calculated has also changed, it has been amended to individual room values rather than whole house figures.

Background ventilation is vital

the required ventilation can be achieved not just via trickle vents in windows but through other forms of ventilation, such as mechanical whole house ventilation systems. This means that, while the duty of care falls on the installer at the point of sale – not the homeowner, developer, fabricator or manufacturer – understanding the bigger picture for any particular installation is not always easy.

A standard trickle vent from Tradelink

as it supplies outdoor air for the health of the building and its occupants. As homes become ever more airtight to reduce heat loss through air permeability, the importance of controlled ventilation increases. Even so, it is important to look at the bigger picture. Ventilation through a trickle vent in the frame or sash is counterintuitive to what we are trying to do to increase the overall thermal efficiency of windows, so it is vital that they are used only where needed.

How the regulations are interpreted will, inevitably, vary greatly. Every case has to be considered on its merits because

50 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

Although the vents are not that much bigger than before, the way that they operate and the measurement of their airflow has significantly changed. As a window manufacturer, we are working to ensure we provide the best commercial offer for the customer and the right choice of trickle vent. We have changed our vents to be able to provide ventilation through the use of a single ventilator. We have also worked hard to adapt our manufacturing details and have achieved good colour matching and pattern matching to ensure the vents are as unobtrusive as possible.

While we cannot tell installers whether a particular window requires trickle vents, we can guide them through the regulations and equip them with the documentation and solutions to meet the new regulations. www.tradelinkdirect.com

DEAR GERALD houses to support their certification.

This has changed. The government has made it clear that AVCP System 3 testing data from an EU recognised notified body will be accepted until the 31st December 2022.

This makes things significantly easier for UK businesses to achieve UKCA marking and is therefore an extremely positive move.

Dear

Gerald Dear Gerald At Edgetech, we’re delighted that common sense has prevailed for a second time regarding product safety regulations and the UK’s exit from the EU – but we still have some concerns.

However, one of the core difficulties still remains.

Even now that data from EU notified bodies will be accepted, there are still only a relatively small number of test centres to go around – and thousands of businesses from multiple sectors rushing to get their products tested.

Our fear is that this is only going to provide short term relief, and many of these tests take many months to complete in test centres already backed up.

So there’s the question of what happens in the longterm. After we reach the 1st January 2023 deadline, if testing is delayed or incomplete, or if recertification is required as a result of product introduction or changes, what happens then?

If the only test resources are UK approved bodies, how does the industry cope, particularly when not all certification required is even available from a UK approved body?

We’ve been closely following the government’s plans for replacing the CE mark: the symbol that, for decades, has indicated whether a product complies with EU health, safety and environmental protection laws.

Currently there’s a lack of UK Approved Bodies capable of testing IGUs to certain specific requirements in EN1279 or WA17/1 thermal testing in the UK.

When the UK voted to leave the EU, it was inevitable that system would have to change – but in the early stages, the government’s handling of the process was far from satisfactory.

And then there’s the extremely complicated situation in Northern Ireland – where businesses are faced with the costly and challenging prospect of having to meet CE, UKCA, and the territory’s own UKNI marks all at once, potentially having to gain duplicate certification from different regional test bodies.

Ministers suddenly announced that businesses would have to start complying with its new UKCA mark by January 2022 – leaving extremely little time for thousands of companies to get vast numbers of products retested.

Faced with a backlash from industry and lobbying from trade bodies, the government reconsidered, recognised the challenges faced by industry, and extended the deadline to 1st January 2023.

Now, they’ve gone further. One of the biggest challenges preventing businesses from certifying their products to the new UK standard was the lack of a mutual recognition agreement that would allow them to use test data from EU recognised notified test

Rather than a succession of quick fixes, none of which deal with the core issue, we hope we’ll see ministers in the UK and the EU agree on the most pragmatic solution – an ongoing Mutual Recognition Agreement, that sees EU body test certificates accepted in the UK and vice versa.

Yours sincerely, Gary Shoesmith Head of technical & quality, Edgetech UK, www.edgetechig.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 51

PEOPLE

Kush Patel Becomes Emplas Managing Director Kush Patel, who has served as deputy managing director of Emplas, has been named as

new MD, in a formalisation of Emplas’ pre-existing structure.

52 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

Kush, who joined the company in 2004, became deputy managing director in May 2017, since when he has led Emplas’ manufacturing operations, supported by operations director Phil Harrison.

Ryan Johnson, who has also stepped into a newly created group managing director position as part of the move, said the appointment reflected the contribution that Kush had made to Emplas’ growth over the past decade and ‘formal-

PEOPLE ised a pre-existing management structure’.

“In reality Kush has been doing the job of Emplas Managing Director since 2017 when he became deputy, so operationally nothing has changed. It’s more about recognising the contribution that he’s made and continues to make to our business.

“I’ll continue to have a responsibility for sales and marketing with Jody Vincent, and Phil Brown, will continue to head up our finance team, with Kush supported in operations by Phil Harrison.

“It formalises a structure which gives us a very strong senior team and supports our future growth plans.”

Kush joined Emplas as a pro-

duction scheduler fresh from university with a degree in business. He steadily progressed through the Emplas ranks gaining an understanding of the business from the grass-roots up.

This included rapid progression within a year to planning and operations manager and a spell in the sales team, before joining the Emplas Commercial Contracts team, to head up the delivery of a 27,000 window low and high rise refurbishment project for Bristol City Council.

Made Operations Director in 2012, he led Emplas’ capital investment programme, including its’ factory extension and multi-million investment in machinery, both of which have provided a foundation for its current growth.

Working alongside Phil Harrison, he has also led on the manufacturing efficiency drive, which has supported Emplas in achieving operational efficiency gains of up to 15% in the last 12-months, helping it to control costs and hold prices to its customers.

Kush said: “What I hope the team will get out of it is the sense that regardless of where you come into the business, Emplas offers you a genuine career path and hard work is rewarded.

“It’s not only me, we have a lot of members of the team who have climbed through the ranks and many others who may be starting that journey now, but who are the leaders of our business tomorrow.” www.emplas.co.uk

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PEOPLE

New HR Director Joins

AluK UK Board Six months after joining AluK in the newly created role of HR Business Partner, Kirsty Parker has been appointed to the UK board as HR Director.

This high-profile promotion reflects AluK’s ongoing commitment to attracting, developing, and retaining more of the talented people that are critical to its success and future growth.

Kirsty’s immediate priority is to design and implement new frameworks and employee-fo-

cused practices which will make it even easier for everyone at AluK to do their best work. She will also be developing a new leadership programme which will give leaders at every level within the business the knowledge they need to coach their own teams.

An experienced HR professional, Kirsty has worked extensively on wellbeing, employee engagement and digital transformation projects with other global businesses. She stressed the benefits that an employee focused

54 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

Kirsty Parker

culture can bring to a business: “Employee satisfaction and customer satisfaction are inextricably linked, so creating the kind of experience for our people which meets their changing expectations of the workplace and helps deliver a high-performance work culture will ultimately benefit our fabrication partners, as well as AluK.” Kirsty Parker joins newly appointed Sales Director Wayne Heath on the expanded AluK UK board.

PEOPLE

Building Our Skills Appoints

Mark Handley As Partnerships Manager tion, technical support, sales and marketing. He will effectively ‘be the face of’ Building Our Skills’ activities, liaising directly with employers and other organisations in the fenestration, glass and glazing industry to raise awareness of the work the organisation is doing, and to engage more support.

Building Our Skills has appointed Mark Handley as Partnerships Manager.

Formerly sales and marketing director at Consort Limited, Mark has over 30 years’ experience in the fenestration industry in roles spanning fabrication, installa-

The appointment is a key part of Building Our Skills’ formal action plan for the next twelve months, which reflects the campaign’s commitment to bridging the skills gap, and working closely with stakeholders to attract entrants to the industry. Building Our Skills also has at its core the objective of encouraging industry employers to upskill their existing workforce,

Sector Veteran Named New Sales Director At

Exlabesa Architecture UK

inspiring and encouraging them to see the industry as a home for their long-term career ambitions, as opposed to just a job ‘for now’.

Commenting on the new role, Mark said: “I’m delighted to be on the Building Our Skills team and part of an initiative whose objectives and activities I so admire. Like all those involved, I am passionate about the industry, and have seen first-hand over many years the amazing career opportunities there are. What I want to do now is play a major part in getting that message to the outside world as a key part of our efforts to help bridge the skills gap.”

Mark will be working hard to raise the industry’s knowledge of Building Our Skills’ various initiatives, details of which can be found on the company’s website. www.buildingourskills.co.uk

more for both trade and commercial customers.

During this time, Patrick has worked at some of the most prestigious businesses in UK fenestration.

He is also an Armed Forces veteran who previously served 8 years in the British Army.

“I am delighted to be joining Exlabesa Architecture UK at such an exciting time in its history,” Patrick comments.

“I have been tasked with further developing sales of the company’s accomplished range of high quality, innovative and fabricator-friendly aluminium window and door systems. With several notable conversions in the pipeline already for 2022”

Exlabesa Architecture UK have appointed an experienced new national sales director to help them embark on their next phase of growth.

Patrick Burke is a veteran of the UK’s fenestration and wider building products industry and brings decades of experience to the role.

Over 25 years, Patrick has built up extensive commercial and operational expertise across the whole supply chain, covering aluminium and PVCu extrusion, windows and doors, hardware, roofline and

“Exlabesa is hugely respected throughout the UK fenestration industry and I am confident that I can help take the business to new heights in the years ahead.”

Exlabesa global director Carlos Negreira comments: “We’re extremely pleased to be welcoming Patrick to the Exlabesa team.

“Patrick is a highly respected glazing industry professional, with the skills, knowledge and relationships Exlabesa needs to continue its UK growth.

“I look forward to working with him.” exlabesa.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 55

PEOPLE

Three Members Of

Allumette Group Becky Ashcroft is promoted to group finance director and has accepted seats on the boards of both Vertik-Al and Ikon. Katarzyna (Kate) Sural is promoted to HR manager for both Vertik-Al and Ikon. Kim Ellis is promoted to operations director for IKON Aluminium Systems and was invited to join the Ikon board of directors.

aging costs more effectively.”

Becky is a qualified accountant and has worked in audit for over 26 years. As group finance director she oversees all financial aspects of the business and drives the company’s financial strategy and planning and is responsible for assessing the financial performance of the company as well as possible risks.

Kate Sural started at Vertik-Al as an office administrator in 2019 after graduating from Aston University, before joining the HR department, she supported the HR efforts on a part-time basis. “It quickly developed into a full-time position,” says, Kate.

“It enabled me to get to know every single person working for the company and to see how the company manages its workforce.

These roles have given me a good understanding of the needs of employees at all levels.”

Becky first joined as group finance controller. “I was very honoured to then be asked to be a director and hope to reward the faith shown in me,” comments Becky. “I hope to give the operations directors more detail and insight into the figures with a view to reducing and man-

As HR manager for both Ikon and Vertik-Al, Kate’s biggest challenge is dealing with almost 200 employees working both days and nights across multiple factories and buildings. “I am not afraid of a challenge,” continues, Kate, “… and this is no exception. I think

Promoted To Key Roles Allumette Group has announced that three employees have been promoted to key roles within the group of companies, at Vertik-Al and Ikon Aluminium Systems.

Two have also accepted positions on the board.

Left to right – Kim, Becky and Kate

56 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

PEOPLE my organisational skills and good time management will certainly help!”

In addition to providing HR support to both group businesses, Kate is currently studying towards CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management.

New Appointment

At Epwin Window Systems

Kim Ellis has been with the business for over 10 years, most recently as general manager of Ikon Aluminium Systems. “I am thrilled to have been asked to join the board of Ikon,” comments Kim. “I believe that my experience, dedication and hard work since the acquisition of the company in 2017 has been recognised and rewarded with this promotion.”

In her new role, Kim will be involved in day-to-day decisions and operations. “This promotion builds on the general management role to the benefit of our customers and suppliers. In my new position I can respond swiftly and decisively to situations and further develop my team. In short, I am looking forward to influencing Ikon’s bright future endeavours.

Speaking about the promotions, John Park-Davies, director of Allumette Group says: “We are extremely fortunate to employ many talented people, and in promoting Becky, Kate and Kim, we are demonstrating there is no barrier to anyone in our business knowing he or she can reach the top of their chosen field.

“Yet it’s not simply about giving someone a new position, these roles give each of them the power to create and deliver change.

They have the knowledge, skills, support, and most important of all, the opportunity, to make a real difference. The impact of these promotions will be felt professionally and personally by all members of the Allumette family, and we’re excited to see what the future brings. We wish them every success.” www.allumetteltd.co.uk

Epwin Window Systems has further strengthened its technical sales team with the appointment of Neville Gleed as technical development manager for Stellar, the multi award-winning retail aluminium system.

Commenting on Neville’s appointment, Paul Booth, design director (aluminium) at Epwin Window Systems, said: “We are delighted to welcome Neville to the team.

He’s highly experienced in the industry and his expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow Stellar’s customer base.”

Neville commented: “Epwin Window Systems is a well-established name in the industry and is supported by a great team of people. It’s an exciting time to be joining Epwin Window Systems with its continued investment across the business to support its customers. I am delighted to have joined the company.”

He added: “I have been impressed with Stellar since its launch. It’s one of the few purposely designed aluminium

systems for the domestic market without any workarounds. The unique patented reverse butt joint and pre-gaskets make it the goto system for installers as it’s so easy to fit and delivers the best in streamlined aesthetics. Plus the system was ready in advance for Part L thanks to its future-proofed design, and will be ready for future legislation too.”

Neville will be a familiar face to many because he is no stranger to the window industry. He has worked for several high-profile businesses in the sector since the 1980s and brings a great deal of insight and experience with him.

Neville’s role will be to support Stellar’s growing customer base.

He will be involved with new business development and customer set-ups, helping to ensure new fabricators can hit the ground running. He will also work closely with the management teams on ongoing R&D and new product development projects. He reports directly to Paul Booth. www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 57

PEOPLE

Dan’s The Man For Fabricated

Sales At Kömmerling From Left to Right – Gareth Burgess, Ian Lewis and Matthew Davies.

Modplan Strengthens Sales Management Team

Trade fabricator Modplan has further strengthened its sales management team with the recruitment of two new business development managers, Gareth Burgess and Matthew Davies. The team, headed up by field sales manager Ian Lewis has over 75 years of combined industry experience, and the team is focused on supporting Modplan’s existing and potential new customers.

Ian comments: “We’re delighted to welcome Gareth and Matthew to the team as we further strengthen our sales support and customer development focus. The two new appointments reflect the high level of importance we attach to providing excellent customer support across all areas.”

Both Gareth and Matthew are no strangers to the industry, having previously worked for several high-profile businesses.

Their level of industry experience and dedicated customer focus will be important to the Newport-based trade business as they continue with their growth strategy. www.modplan.co.uk

Dan Wragg is the head of the specialist fabricated sales division at Kömmerling for their vertical sliding sash window and for the entire WarmCore range of hybrid window and door systems, all of which can now achieve a U-value of 1.3-1.4 W/(m2K) with a standard double-glazed unit.

With recent investment in the internal department and with a proven background in specialist products, Dan will be looking to support the current Kömmerling and profine customer base with specialist fabricated products. As part of a wider role, he will also look across the group at other technically-led windows and doors that require specialist manufacturing expertise and dedicated capital equipment.

Dan Wragg: “Given the specialist nature of these products from a manufacturing perspective, it’s too much for some companies to invest given the capital requirements and potential long payback period. It’s ultimately a finished goods proposition that we’re offering for our existing

58 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

customer base, with the re-assurance of dealing with a PVCu and hybrid systems powerhouse under the Kömmerling name.”

He added: “We’ve got a seamless process from enquiry through to manufacture and delivery, with the promise of marketing support and much more. There’s been a clear demand for a Kömmerling sliding sash window for some time now, while the impressive credentials of WarmCore need no introduction.”

Robert Thiroff, managing director of profine UK and Kömmerling concluded: “This strategic investment in the fabricated sales division will support our customers with additional sales opportunities. The fact that we now have a vertical sliding sash window supports our claim as to having the broadest window and door systems product range of any PVCu business in the UK, which is good for us and our loyal network of Kömmerling partners.” www.profine-uk.com www.kommerling.co.uk

PEOPLE been tasked with setting up Edgetech’s first UK manufacturing facility. To this day, I have no idea how he got my number, or who suggested I’d be a good fit for the role – but whoever you are, you have my thanks!

“After a series of interviews, I was offered the job – and as soon as I accepted, I was put on a plane to Ohio for some intensive training.

Although my time in America was relatively brief, I absolutely loved it, and made some lifelong friends.

Ami Chana and Jason Blundred

Edgetech Veterans Celebrate 15 Years Edgetech isn’t just celebrating 15 years of UK manufacturing in 2022. The Quanex company is also marking the 15th work anniversary of some of its most respected and longest-serving members of staff.

Ami Chana, procurement & logistics manager, joined the business in July 2007.

“Before I started at Edgetech, I’d been a team leader at Peugeot, responsible for maintaining the cars,” Ami explains. When that branch closed, I found myself looking for another job – and luckily for me, I came across a vacancy at Edgetech.

“In the years since, I think I’ve probably experienced almost every aspect of life here at Edgetech. Initially, I started working on the line, making spacers. From there, I moved into the stores.

Then three years later I moved into purchasing, before shifting into planning. So by the time I became a manager, I’d gained an understanding of how all these different parts of the business worked,

which proved extremely valuable.

“Finally, in 2019, I was promoted to my current role – procurement & logistics manager. It’s a very busy and often challenging job – particularly given the supply chain disruption we’ve seen in the last two years. But checking stocks, making sure we don’t run out of vital materials, dealing with suppliers and handling commercial imports and exports are all hugely important, so it’s highly rewarding too.

“Edgetech’s really grown in the time I’ve been here, and I love the fact that the company invests in its people. They encourage employers to experience different areas of the business and support career development.”

Jason Blundred, who’s just been promoted to head of operations, also joined the business in 2007.

“I’d been working at a major cleaning supplier, and was perfectly happy there,” says Jason.

“Then one day, I got a call out of the blue from the person who’d

“Back in England, I can clearly remember us celebrating making 100,000 feet of spacer across three shifts for the first time – these days we can do that in one!

“Once the facility was fully up and running, I became the only engineer on site. As you can imagine, that was an extremely demanding job – so before long, we brought in a team of engineers which I then headed up. When our long-running works manager moved to another part of the Quanex family a few years back, I took over his responsibilities as operations manager.

“Now I’ve just been appointed head of operations, which includes overseeing our fantastic customer service team too. It’s a big responsibility, but I relish the challenge!”

Edgetech managing director Chris Alderson comments: “We’re incredibly fortunate to have benefitted from Ami and Jason’s hard work and dedication over the last 15 years. They’ve helped build Edgetech into the world-leading business it is today.

“I’m extremely proud of everything they’ve achieved, and look forward to working with them to ensure Edgetech continues to thrive in the years to come.”

For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 59

PRODUCT NEWS

Window Ware Adds New Heritage Door Handle To Its Regal Hardware Range The period style door handle is a very natural progression for the popular Regal Hardware brand, with its eye-catching monkey tail and pear drop casement window handles, matching stays and pegs, plus dummy and working butt hinges.

door handle which suites perfectly with the rest of the Regal Hardware range. After months of careful research and meticulous product design, we think the Regal Hardware designers have nailed it with their exquisite new door handle offering!”

Homeowners who invest in new flush sash windows for their period properties often want matching French doors installed at the same time, so having a full complement of coordinated heritage hardware is really going to simplify sourcing and make life easier for fabricators, claims the company.

Just like the rest of the Regal Hardware range, this door handle comes in a choice of traditional monkey tail or pear drop designs and customers can take their pick from the full palette of 9 stunning finishes, including ever-popular black and on-trend rose gold.

Window Ware’s product manager, Rob Vaughan, concurs, “We know from regular conversations with fabricators, especially those working with The Residence Collection flush sash systems, that there is a real need for a heritage

“Fabricators will be able to tell the quality the moment they take these handles out of the box,” insists Rob. “The generous lever gives the handle a distinctly solid feel and, importantly, makes for a firm and super comfortable hold.

No detail is overlooked and if you look closely and you’ll find the

60 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

well-recognised ‘R’ seal of quality reassuringly stamped into the face of every back plate.”

The door handle has been rigorously tested to guarantee performance and long-lasting durability with a well-proven spring cassette that will resist lever droop, claims the company, and screw/spindle packs included as standard to suit 70-75mm thick profile systems commonly used for flush sash French or single doors. Longer 90mm screw and spindle packs are also available with pre-marked cut lines at 44mm and 62mm to accommodate a range of PVCu, composite and timber door thicknesses. To reduce stock holding for fabricators, the levers and back plates are supplied separately and can be assembled during door manufacturer to work for both left- and right-handed operation.

“These heritage handles are going to make a stylish statement on any door,” adds Rob. “We’re confident they’re going to be a big hit with homeowners looking for something a bit more special.” https://bit.ly/3zvvtlF

PRODUCT NEWS

Orion Proves Popular

With Customers

Hardware specialist VBH (GB) has reported a continued increase in take up of its proteQ10 profile cylinder guarantee. proteQ10 is a free guarantee offered with each greenteQ Orion TS007 3 star profile cylinder.

If the Orion cylinder is snapped in situ, allowing the door to be opened unlawfully, VBH will pay the resident £2000 direct in compensation, according to the terms of the guarantee.

Orion was launched early in 2021 and, says VBH, has proven to be very popular among manufactur-

of April and May were 25% up on the previous two months.

Gary Gleeson of VBH says, “We get nothing but positive feedback on Orion both from industry professionals and from consumers.

End users really appreciate the fact that their locks are guaranteed to the tune of £2000, and the fact that the operation of Orion is guaranteed for 10 years.

ers of all kinds of doors, from residential doors through to bi-folds and sliders.

“As consumers, we are all very switched on to all aspects of a potential purchase, and many door buyers are making the simple choice of opting for the installer who is offering proteQ10, over those who don’t.”

VBH advise that the guarantee is also proving to be a hit with consumers as the numbers of cylinders registered under the scheme in the combined months

VBH has recently introduced a bespoke key alike service to allow Orion cylinders of different finishes and sizes to be operated with the same key. www.vbhgb.com

New Range Of Friction Stays From AT Precision There are three versions in the range – standard, egress and easy-clean egress – which all have the crucial advantage for fabricators that they can be fitted on standard profile systems without any additional preparation being required.

AT Precision sales director Michael Hewitt comments: “We’ve always placed product quality and competitive pricing very high on our agenda, and the addition of this new range of friction stays means that our customers can easily satisfy all their aluminium hardware needs with reliable products that are built to last.

“Our range of hardware for aluminium windows and doors is constantly growing, and because we manufacture in-house, we’re able to offer our fabricator customers affordable prices.

Aluminium hardware supplier AT Precision has strengthened its range of products with the launch of a suite of friction stays.

The friction stays are suitable for both uPVC and aluminium windows, and are available as 17ml stack height.

“It’s our goal to provide a long-standing and trouble-free service to all our customers, and the new range of friction stays has been a very worthwhile addition to our product portfolio.”

AT Precision also promises next day delivery on all orders made before 1pm, and free delivery on orders within the UK over £250. www.atprecision.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 61

PRODUCT NEWS

Carl F Groupco Stocks New Patented Release

And Turn Handle Carl F Groupco has further expanded its product hardware inventory with the introduction of the new patented Release and Turn (RT) handle by J Banks & Co Ltd. The new lockable, easy to operate RT handle offers a unique slim, compact design perfect for securing windows without obstructing internal blinds and fittings.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, the patented handle is suitable for use on aluminium, PVC-U and timber windows and delivers a low stack height of just 16mm. The handle incorporates a slim lock and key release cylinder and fits all espagnolette and shootbolt systems with 43mm

hole centres. Available in various spindle lengths, the RT handle has a comfortable handle grip lever, while its non-handed design delivers product flexibility. And for customer reassurance, it has been designed, tested and manufactured to meet all UK standards of strength and durability.

Commenting on the launch of the new RT handle, John Crittenden, managing director at Carl F Groupco, said: “The new patented RT handle is a unique concept in window handles and designed in the UK for the British market. The handle incorporates some intelligent design features and is available in a range of durable powder coated and plated finishes with diecast colour matched screw covers supplied

62 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

for next level aesthetics.”

The patented RT handle offers the kind of design innovation synonymous with a hardware product stocked by Carl F Groupco. It has been manufactured to a very high standard using quality components. And its unique slim, compact design offers versatility so is suitable for all domestic and commercial applications.

John concludes: “Our market status combined with our longstanding relationships with the industry’s most innovative hardware manufacturers, means we have the flexibility and industry foresight to ensure our range always reflects current market trends. And the new RT handle is another example of this ethos in action.”

The new RT handle is available now from stock to order from Carl F Groupco. carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

Soterian Slim Letterplate

Receives Certifire Approval UAP, specialist in locks and hardware for doors and windows, has secured a Certifire certification for its Soterian Slim TS008 letterplate.

Designed in-house by UAP, the Soterian Slim is the most compact TS008-compliant letterplate ever made, claims the company. The certification means the product can be safely installed in timber FD30 fire doors without the need for further testing.

Julian Roberts, technical services director at UAP, said: “The Certifire certification follows a rigorous assessment. This involves factory production audits at each site where the product is manufactured in accordance with ISO 9001 and additional requirements of the Certifire scheme.

“This process has independently verified the performance and quality of the Soterian Slim, ensuring installers and end-users can make an informed decision when selecting the product.”

Designed for 44mm – 70mm composite, timber and uPVC doors, the Soterian Slim measures just 298mm x 98mm, with a flap projection of 14mm. The design includes an innovative, pivoting serrated stay system, which limits

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the flap opening to 39 degrees to protect against key fishing and lock manipulation.

As well as providing robust security and fire safety features, the product eliminates the issue of bulkiness on the interior face of the door. This provides a more aesthetic solution and ensures the door can open fully without damaging the letterplate or interior wall.

UKAS accredited, Certifire is recognised by regulatory authorities worldwide as an international mark of fire safety across a diverse range of passive fire products. The third-party passive fire product certification scheme assures performance, quality, reliability and traceability of products and systems. The certification process was carried out by Warringtonfire, a global leader in fire safety services. uapcorporate.com/

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PRODUCT NEWS that demand is starting to soften – albeit from last year’s very high levels.

“The squeeze on living costs will obviously disproportionately affect consumers at the lower and middle end of the income scale, and we’re already seeing how that will play out with things like a sharp fall in the value of shares at budget retailer B&M, and the finance director of Primark telling the market that less affluent customers will be buying less this year.

“It’s more vital than ever then that fabricators targeting the higher and premium ends of the market have the right product offering and one which will help them sustain and even strengthen their margins.

A House Of Handles On Us Mila is offering trade fabricators ‘A House of Handles on Us’ as it steps up its efforts to help fabricators win new business at the higher end of the market using its Heritage hardware range.

Stand out features on the Mila Heritage espag handles include a ‘proper’ push-button key locking mechanism, a simple clip-on screw cover with perfectly horizontal faux clocked screw detail, and a beautifully designed rosette key, rather than a standard zinc or allen key.

Both the monkey tail and pear drop designs are available from stock in left and right-handed options and in nine different finishes – including textured black and textured pewter, matt black, white, polished chrome, polished gold, satin chrome, pewter patina and antique bronze.

The move is in response to signs of a slowdown in enquiries for mainstream PVC-U casement offerings, set against continuing robust demand for more premium offerings such as flush casements.

Mila customers can get 10 Heritage espag handles free to try out for themselves – in their choice of classic or modern finish and in either the monkey tail or pear drop design.

“We’re giving customers these Heritage handle samples so that they can see not just how much they will appeal to buyers, but also how easy they are to fabricate and fit.”

Richard Gyde, Mila’s managing director, explained: “We are hearing early reports from customers

64 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

They have been independently tested to PAS24: 2916 and are Secured by Design accredited.

They also come with a 10-year guarantee on finish and performance. www.mila.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

Coastal Group Add New Additions To Duratique Range

Coastal Group has announced two additions to its Duratique range – a ring door knocker & curly tail door handle.

According to Coastal, with its customers experiencing difficulty finding a durable antique hardware solution, Duratique was designed by Coastal to outlast the door itself, combining traditional styling with modern performance.

Duratique is manufactured from stainless steel to prevent hardware failure, designed and built in the UK to maintain quality of product, and precision CNC machined fixing points allow batch productions of doors.

The Duratique curly tail door han-

it has been durability tested to BS EN 12217:2003 – 200,000 Cycles.

The Duratique ring door knocker is a heavy duty black antique ring door knocker made from Stainless Steel adding character to traditional, older style settings.

The ring door knocker features a striker plate and also comes with bolt-through security fixings and secret fix option.

dle is a black antique door handle suitable for multipoint door locks and comes with euro profile cutout. The handle is manufactured using a high quality dual sprung mechanism and spindle to ensure the handle does not droop or rattle; it provides a positive action and returns the handle consistently to its original position, says Coastal.

The company says traditional antique door furniture is made from Malleable Iron, where over time the coating flakes off and the malleable iron base material begins to corrode, causing brown rust streaks to occur. Coastal make the Duratique range using a Stainless Steel base material and apply a specialist topcoat to ensure the best protection against corrosion, even in coastal locations. www.coastal-group.com

Carl F Groupco Adds New Arrone Door Handle

To Its Portfolio

Carl F Groupco has further expanded its product hardware inventory with the introduction of the new Arrone door handle, a brand of the Hoppe (UK) Group.

The new Arrone door handle is suitable for use on both PVC-U and composite doors and its zinc alloy and aluminium construction delivers high level performance.

Designed to meet the needs of the fabricator, installer and homeowner alike, the Arrone lever/lever door handle is available in a long backplate format with a 92mm PZ centre. The handle also offers an integrated spring cassette system, 215mm fixing centres, 32mm wide back plate and reversible handing.

The new Arrone door handle has undergone extensive testing.

This includes durability tested to 200,000 cycles and corrosion salt spray tested grade 5-480 hours, 1000 hours and comes with a 10-year mechanical operation guarantee.

The door handle is available in a full choice of colours, including polished gold, satin chrome, polished brass, anthracite grey, graphite, white and black. Colour match fixings are also available.

Commenting on the introduction

of the new Arrone door handle, John Crittenden, managing director at Carl F Groupco, said: “We have worked with Hoppe (UK) for many years and it has always been one of leading handle brands within our hardware range. The new Arrone door handle delivers exceptional quality at a competitive price point so we know it is going to prove popular with our customers.”

Carl F Groupco operates nationally, including to the Scottish Highlands and offshore islands, from distribution centres in Peterborough and Cumbernauld.

John concludes: “We work hard to stock the widest range of hardware products to support our customers and the introduction of the new Arrone door handle will further expand our market reach.” www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 65

PRODUCT NEWS

Distinction Doors

Launches The New

Venture Collection Distinction Doors has unveiled the Venture Collection. Designed to elevate and enhance the company’s Contemporary door range, the collection features four new cassette styles – the 8S, 8L, 8N and 8P. All snap fit, the cassettes are steel effect with a smooth texture on both the internal and external face.

Available now to order online, the new cassettes are ready to use with eight door styles in the Contemporary range. This includes four from each of the Espirit and Infinity Collections.

The cassettes bring modern and

continental flair to these existing door styles. They can be positioned left, centre and right, with one exception.

cassettes use the same glazing method as the company’s other cassettes.

To stay faithful to the look and feel of current continental door styles, Distinction Doors will not be spraying the cassettes in any colour. The cassettes can, however, be glazed with triple-glazed and laminated decorative glass from Distinction to intensify the door’s modern and high-quality styling.

To celebrate the launch of the Venture Collection, Distinction Doors is also introducing a new door style to its Infinity Collection – the GD11. Heavily influenced by European design, the modern GD11 boasts three horizontal glazing apertures positioned top, middle and bottom, against a grooved detail background.

“Once again, we are responding to market demand – giving our customers more of what they want,” comments Andy Grogan, associate sales director for Distinction Doors. “The Venture Collection brings design flexibility to our existing door styles. Currently, the cassettes work with eight of our door styles, and we hope that this will increase overtime, depending upon demand.”

For speed and ease, the snap fit

www.distinctiondoors.co.uk

66 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

PRODUCT NEWS

Shepley Launch New Composite Door Range

Trade fabricator Shepley has expanded its collection of composite doors with the launch of the new Modernist range.

Featuring ten new door designs, exciting new colours and glass designs, the Modernist range is aimed at homeowners who want to make a statement with the front of their home.

Modernist is the latest addition to the popular Visage brand. Named after innovative artists throughout the ages, it offers the best of contemporary styling to give customers an even greater level of choice.

“A lot of homeowners are looking

for a style that sets them apart from the rest of the street and adding the new Modernist range to our product offering will help customers make the most of current trends,” says Ian Griffiths, Managing Director at Shepley.

“The large array of available colours and glass options means homeowners can still maintain that traditional touch to their homes, with the new designs allowing customers to combine modern and classic styling.”

As well as the new Modernist door designs, Shepley has also updated its glass, colour and hardware options across the

Visage composite door collection, making it an even more versatile choice for installers to have in their portfolio.

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PRODUCT NEWS

Ultraframe Launches New Flat Roof System Ultraframe has announced the launch of a new Flat Roof system for contemporary flat roof extensions or any style of orangery. The new Flat Roof is fully compatible with Ultraframe’s revolutionary hup! building system which made its debut at the recent FIT Show.

Explaining more about the Clitheroe-based company’s latest roofing system, Ultraframe mar-

keting director, Alex Hewitt, said: “Our new Flat Roof system makes ordering and fitting a flat roof so simple and offers a huge number of benefits vs building a flat roof in the traditional manner. For each roof there is one order with structural calculations, lanterns and skylights included. This not only makes ordering easy, but it also saves our customers the large expense associated with a structural

68 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

engineer. While the Flat Roof alone is a fantastic system, coupled with our new hup! building system, it really does offer a fantastic way to build highly energy efficient extensions and orangeries in a fraction of the time of a traditional build.

“As with all Ultraframe roof systems, the strength of our new Flat Roof is phenomenal, meaning it can span up to 5.6m without steels. This superior strength also means that extra large rooflights up to 5.7m x 3m can be supported. Rooflights of this size bring in an immense amount of natural light to the room below as well as adding an undeniable wow factor.”

PRODUCT NEWS

Future-Proofed

Thermal Efficiency

Leka Systems says the changes to Part L of Building Regulations covering thermal efficiency have had a huge impact on many solid roof manufacturers. However, according to the company, Leka products have always achieved industry-leading U values thanks to the system’s innovative design.

Speed of fitting is another huge benefit of the new Flat Roof, with fitting times being slashed by 50% when compared with a traditional flat roof build, says Ultraframe. The Ultraframe Flat Roof is said to also offers on-site ease, thanks to its flat packed nature and easy clip components.

Finally, as with other roofs in the Ultraframe portfolio, the Flat Roof offers class-leading thermal performance of 0.12W/(m²K) that exceeds the upcoming enhanced Building Regulations.

To find out more about the new Ultraframe Flat Roof and the hup! building system, visit www.ultraframetrade.co.uk

Rhys Hoddinott, managing director of Leka Systems, said: “The majority of our competitors have had to alter their systems to comply with the new regulations. In many cases, this has added complexity and cost to the installation. On the other hand, our Leka Warm Roof, Leka Orangery Roof and Leka Xi are thermally efficient by design and have always been available in a range of U values from an industry leading 0.12 W/m²K. to 0.15 W/m²K. It’s a huge advantage for installers because our roofs are still as easy to fit as they always have been.”

Rhys credits the thermal efficiency of Leka products to the innovation in their design. “We lead the way

with innovation and consistently invest in engineering so we have been prepared for changes in building regulations since the day of concept and even future proofed further changes to Part L in years to come.”

The big difference with Leka products is their GRP construction, says the company. The material delivers outstanding thermal efficiency but also offers another important benefit in the current climate.

It means they don’t use aluminium, which means they aren’t being affected by the sharp increase in aluminium prices. Rhys commented: “Fabricators and installers using aluminium are having to pass price increases onto consumers because they can’t absorb them any longer.

Because we don’t use aluminium, this isn’t something we’re having to do. Our costs have been very sustainable, allowing Leka to become one of the most competitive systems in the marketplace.” www.lekasystems.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 69

PRODUCT NEWS

Supalite

Launch Flat Roof Orangery System SupaLite, the Preston-based tiled roof specialists, has added a new flat roof orangery system to its existing portfolio of products.

According to SupaLite, ‘it has been manufactured to be one of the strongest, most thermally efficient and quickest to install flat roof orangery systems, and that the ILite is perfect for both the new build or retro-fit market’.

Factory fabricated in the UK, its design has been engineered with ease and durability in mind.

SupaLite says the system exceeds building regulation requirements by offering an impressive u-value of 013w/m2K as standard.

Wes Clarkson, sales director of SupaLite, said: “We’re incredibly proud to launch this exciting new addition to our portfolio of products, and is already generating lots of interest amongst our customers.

“We wanted to make a flat roof orangery system unlike anything

70 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

else on the market that was easy to install but still maintained our renowned levels of strength and thermal performance.

“With specially engineered timber I-Beam joists which deliver strength, rigidity and that eradicate movement and its associated problems, the ILite system can achieve just that.

“Plus, unlike conventional flat roof orangeries that can take days, sometimes weeks to construct and complete, the ILite system saves huge amounts of time for installers and can be built in hours.

“This is a great system and it makes the perfect addition to our existing unrivalled SupaLite products, and we look forward to continuing rolling it out to the wider new build and retro-fit market.” www.supaliteroof.co.uk

SlotVents.

Slim, adjustable ventilation.

to comply with the new building regulations Choose from 10 colours and 3 sizes, with standard, noise reducing and fly screen options.

Ventilation requirements to maintain indoor air quality.

See the Yale SlotVent range at mila.co.uk/slotvents

mila.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 71

PRODUCT NEWS

Ultraframe Glass Roof Makes A Global Impact Since the 2000, Ultraframe has had a busy Export Department which serves 12 countries, supplying its Glass Roof system for installation in projects across the globe. Export & new business development manager, Darryl Houghton Smith, has been at the Clitheroe-based company for 26 years and has managed the export department for many of these years.

Explaining more about the company’s export department and the interesting projects supplied to Ultraframe’s international customer base, Darryl said: “While most people in the industry know of Ultraframe, not many are aware of our Export Department. We currently export to several countries, including Japan, North America, Canada, France, Germany, and various countries in

72 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

Eastern Europe. Many of these customers have found their way to Ultraframe as their local conservatory roof suppliers aren’t able to create the complex projects they have in mind for their clients, but the Ultraframe Glass Roof can be used for any design. Although the system we supply is the same one sold to UK customers, the designs it is used to create by our export customers are specific to the styles and trends of each country and so the projects handled by the Export Department look completely different to anything we would see here in the UK.” The export department sells solely to installers and all roofs are pre-

PRODUCT NEWS Customer: ADA BAU, Location: Budapest, Hungary This large family home on the outskirts of the Hungarian capital, Budapest, has been further enhanced with the addition of an indoor swimming pool, housed within a conservatory. Featuring a triple-glazed lean-to roof with full height frames and sliding doors in a unique blue/green external finish, the conservatory enables the owners to enjoy the fresh air during their morning swim.

Customer: SPECTRUM FENSTER GmbH, Location: Vienna, Austria Located in Vienna this 5m x 3m lean-to conservatory with full height frames was designed as a cover for the owner’s terrace. The new addition has enlarged the living space and provided a perfect viewpoint to enjoy the surrounding garden.

built in Clitheroe before being shipped worldwide. Commenting further, Darryl said: “Working in the Export Department, I really get to see the flexibility of our Glass Roof system. It’s a great honour to know that installers from as far away as Japan and North America trust Ultraframe to make their roofs.”

One of the export department’s customers operating in various European countries is ADA BAU Kft. The company supplies a network of installers including Vienna-based Spectrum Fenster.

Customer: ADA BAU, Location: Veszprem, Hungary

Examples of their most recent projects are detailed.

For further information about the Ultraframe Export Department,

Located close to the popular holiday destination of Lake Balaton in western Hungary, this detached property has been extended further with an 8m x 6m conservatory extension which has allowed the owner to create their own tropical haven.

contact Darryl Houghton Smith on Darryl.smith@ultraframe.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 73

PRODUCT NEWS

A Garden Room Village Of Inspiration If homeowners need any convincing about the lifestyle benefits of investing in a premium garden room, then the new village at Carr Gate Garden Centre near junction 41 of the M1 in West Yorkshire is full of inspiration thanks to living space experts, Making Your Space.

With hybrid working increasingly becoming the norm, consumers are looking at ways in which to find a more permanent place to work, separate to the main fabric of the house. But this impressive village takes it a step further with 13 garden rooms on display ranging from a home office, gym, bar, outdoor kitchen, artist’s studio, mini hairdressing salon and children’s playroom.

Making Your Space is a dedi-

cated trade only manufacturer of garden rooms with Design Partners in key areas of the UK but are looking to scale this nationally with the promise of a marketing support programme and showroom materials including a unique mini-pod, brochures and flyers. There’s also a unique garden room designer and configurator that can be used to design a bespoke room in real time and to cost it too, with a full office back end with costings and margins that has been developed

by Business Micros and The Consultancy.

Using the latest off-site construction techniques these premium Garden Rooms can be installed in as little as two days prior to final trades including plastering and electrical works. It’s also a

74 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

market segment set for strong growth as highlighted in the consumer press and also with the increased traffic on search engines for related terms.

Ryan Crossley, director of Making Your Space, commented: ‘This new garden room village shows a wide variety of applications from office to living space, gym or even small business. We’re trade only and actively looking for new Design partners across the UK with the promise of a premium, well thought out product solution and supported by a strong marketing programme and you don’t necessarily even need a showsite to exploit the considerable opportunities that this emerging market sector presents.’ makingyourspace.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 75

PRODUCT NEWS

SWC Trade Frames Chooses Decalu For Its Part

L-Ready Aluminium Offer Scarborough-based SWC Trade Frames has chosen the Decalu88 Aluminium Bi-fold and the Decalu163 Lift-and-Slide Door, as the foundation for its new Part L ready offer.

aluminium system from Deceuninck Aluminium in May this year, as part of its strategy to develop a Part L ready, aluminium offer.

Set up in 1989 and covering Northumbria, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, Scarborough-based SWC, manufactures more than 1,500 PVC-U and aluminium windows and doors a week.

“We couldn’t meet all Part L requirements through our previous system, so energy-efficiency and compliance with Part L was a major driver for us”, explained Mark Catchpole, sales director SWC.

It became the latest supplier of Decalu, the ultra-energy efficient

“Particularly because the Deca-

76 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

lu88 bi-fold achieves a u-value of as low as 1.2W/m2k, giving it reach into new build without having to go up to a triple-glazed unit, which no installer wants to do.

“We were also really keen on the knock-in glazing bead which we could see would deliver immediate benefits to our customers.”

June’s changes to Part L bring in a notional u-value for new build sector of a minimum of 1.2W/ m2k for windows and the same for doors with more than a 60% glazed area.

For the home improvement market, the minimum requirement for replacement windows is now 1.4W/m2k or WER Band B, and replacement doors with more than a 60% glazed area have to

PRODUCT NEWS

Mark Catchpole

be able to achieve 1.4W/m2k or DER Band C. U-Values on the Decalu88Bifold are as low as 0.68W/m2k triple-glazed or 1.2W/m2k double-glazed. This is something which means it can meet new Part L notional u-values for new build, as well as home improvement under Part L from June this year – double-glazed, without having to go to triple-glazed units.

As well as being ultra-energy efficient, the Decalu 88 also delivers a series of installation efficiencies. This includes the use of pre-inserted co-extruded gasket and knock-in glazing bead, cutting glazing time to less than 4-minutes per leaf, but also eliminating shrinkage, claims the company.

The Decalu163 Lift-and-Slide Door also delivers advanced levels of energy performance with u-values as low as 0.8W/ m2k.

Accommodating individual sash weights of up to 400kg and highly engineered, it means it can accommodate individual sash size of up to 3900mm by 3500mm.

This means that it can be comfortably manufactured to an opening of up to 4000mm tall by 3500mm long on a single-track option, or 4000mm by 7000mm, in a twin track configuration.

SWC will offer its customers even greater design flexibility following the decision to also manufacture a triple-track option.

In common with the wider Decalu window and door range, both are supplied in a marine grade finish as standard.

Mark continued: “We always like to do things properly. A lot of traditional aluminium systems have solutions but they’re based on adaptation of a pre-existing offer, which in our opinion didn’t fully work for us as a fabricator.

“What we have in instead in Decalu is an ultra-energy efficient bi-fold and Lift and slide solution, which meets and exceeds requirements under Part L but which also delivers significant efficiency gains to our customers.” www.swctradeframes.co.uk www.deceuninckaluminium.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 77

PRODUCT NEWS

Sheerline Adds To Its

Range Of Secured

By Design Products Sheerline has announced that continuing its commitment to offering all its products with consistently excellent thermal and security performance, the whole Prestige range now carries Secured by Design (SBD) accreditation. The addition of bi-folds and single and French doors included in its scope of approved products, will be alongside Prestige casement and tilt & turn windows. Sheerline says this means that the complete range of Sheerline aluminium windows and doors now carry SBD approval, alongside double-glazed Part L compliance, giving installers and fabricators the confidence to promote the entire range in a simple and easy to communicate manner.

Secured by Design accreditation,

the UK’s official police initiative that works with companies to improve security on buildings, remains an important, and crucially, widely known way of informing consumers they are choosing the right products to help keep their homes secure.

Prestige builds on the success of Sheerline’s Classic range of ultra slim aluminium windows that also passed the BSI BS 4873:2016 / PAS24:2016 security performance test in 2021. The test evaluates the strength of a window at each locking point, as well as its overall performance when under attack.

Product Design Director, Adrian Redshaw stated, “PAS24: 2016 for window units is set at a specific

78 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

standard to ensure the complete product resists attack. It focuses on withstanding manipulation of the window hardware and combines mechanical loading, leverage and pressure, and impact testing.

The Prestige range came through the tests without a hitch, exceeding many of the required classifications needed to gain a pass certificate and allowing us to attain endorsement by the Secured by Design initiative.”

“We expected remarkable results from the Prestige window system, and we weren’t disappointed. We built the system to the same set of principles as our Classic window range; to be innovative, easy to manufacture and simple to install using standard components, while delivering sleek and uninterrupted sightlines that perform to the highest-levels of security.” Adrian commented, “Adding the whole Prestige range to our Secured by Design product listing is a massive accomplishment for us, one which should also give our customers a competitive benefit.” www.sheerline.com www.sheerlinevideo.com

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PRODUCT NEWS

The Glazing Summit returns to Edgbaston Conference Centre on Tuesday 18th October.

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The one-day conference attracts fabricators, installers, glass companies and component suppliers, providing the best networking opportunities and chances to connect with new customers.

The Glazing Summit will confront head-on the jugular issues facing our sector and gives you the opportunity to help shape the future of the industry.

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WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 79

PRODUCT NEWS

Epwin Window Systems

Launches New Stellar Flush

Tilt And Turn Window Epwin Window Systems has launched its new aluminium Flush Tilt and Turn window, further expanding its Stellar Aluminium system range. Designed for use in medium and high-rise buildings, the new Stellar Flush Tilt & Turn window has a slim sash that sits flush against its frame and its concealed gearing gives a perfectly streamlined finish.

The level of high-end aesthetic detailing and technical innovation on the new Stellar Flush Tilt and Turn window is described as ‘impressive’.

The company says its future-proof design meets all the revisions to Part L of the Building Regulations and in turn offers outstanding thermal and weather performance. The window achieves a U-Value of 1.4W/m² with a double-glazed unit and 0.98W/m² with triple glazing. The Stellar Flush Tilt & Turn window includes thermal break technology and triple air seals increase the weather tightness while providing additional protection from the elements which is important on medium and high-rise buildings.

Due to its slim, flush profile the

80 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

new Stellar Flush Tilt & Turn window offers a dramatic expanse of glass that maximises both light and vistas to create a sophisticated space that has become popular across domestic installations.

The transition from tilt to turn mode is seamless and easy to operate. The tilt mode operation offers superior ventilation, an important feature with homes looking to improve their internal air circulation. And the turn mode allows for easy cleaning of the external window face and glass.

As with all products in the Stellar portfolio, the Tilt & Turn window has patented knock-in beads for fast and easy installation.

Epwin window Systems says it also has pre-inserted gaskets, which not only saves times on site, but eliminates gasket overstretch which can be common on aluminium products. And as it’s

PRODUCT NEWS

Fentrade Adds SD70 Aluminium Heritage

Door System To Its Portfolio

internally glazed, it makes installation quicker and easier too.

Commenting on the launch of the new Stellar Flush Tilt & Turn window, Phil Parry, business development director at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Stellar is the next generation in aluminium system design and continues to set new standards for the industry. Stellar’s high-end aesthetics, technical excellence and high-performing qualities are once again evident on the new Flush Tilt & Turn window and further presents additional market opportunities for our customers across both refurbishment and new build projects.”

The new Stellar Flush Tilt & Turn window is available in a range of standard and non-standard RAL colours with a 25-year surface paint finish. www.stellaraluminium.co.uk

Specialist aluminium fabricator Fentrade has further expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of the SD70 aluminium heritage door system.

Chris Reeks, Fentrade’s director, commented: “The SD70 aluminium heritage door system is ideal for projects requiring art-deco or industrial styling and is suitable for external doors and internal doors with screening. Designed for use across the domestic and light commercial markets, the door’s broad appeal is popular with architects and specifiers working on larger refurbishment projects or listed building renovations.”

This versatile residential and light commercial door system can be used as a front entrance door, side entrance door and rear entrance door and is available in single and double door combinations. And its modern aluminium construction delivers slim, flush contemporary aesthetics allowing maximum light to flow throughout properties.

Every element of the 70mm mitred door system has been built for

exceptional insulation and safety.

The door is thermally enhanced by design and achieves a U-Value of 1.4 W/m2K (0.7 centre pane value) and 1.6 W/m2K (1.0 centre pane value), claims the company. The door is fitted with quality multi-point locking and barrel hinges and is available with 28-36mm glazing options.

Chris commented: “It’s a door system that’s been intelligently designed to open up opportunities for installers in the domestic and light commercial markets. Its heritage flush styling to the external face and slim sightlines deliver the best in modern aluminium door aesthetics.”

The SD70 heritage door is available in a choice of standard and non-standard colours with dual colour options too. All powder coating is manufactured to Qualicoat standards for product longevity and providing the maximum value to building owners and homeowners alike. fentradealuminium.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 81

PRODUCT NEWS

Decalu163 Lift-And-Slide Secures PAS24

regulatory change.

“The consultation on PAS24:2022 closed in May; the consultation and revision of Part Q is overdue and imminent.

Regulatory change, particularly on security, is going to define the market in the years ahead and we’re placing ourselves for it”, he said.

“The Decalu163 is a fantastic product. It’s energy efficient, it offers incredible design potential and now is also PAS24 accredited, going into a period, as highlighted of significant regulatory change in security standards and regulatory requirements for windows and doors.”

The Decalu163, the next generation Lift-and-Slide door from Deceuninck Aluminium, has successfully completed PAS24 testing.

Put through its paces by leading testing house Elements and

accredited by BM Trada, testing was completed at the beginning of June.

Nigel Headford, director of Deceuninck Aluminium, said achieving PAS24:2016 was important against a backdrop of

82 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

The Decalu Lift-and-Slide Door was launched by Deceuninck Aluminium in 2020, combining minimalist sightlines with effortless operation, even at maximum weights of up to 400kg per sash.

This means individual sashes

PRODUCT NEWS can be manufactured to up to 3900mm by 3500mm. With twin and triple track options, doors can be designed to up to 4000mm by 10,500mm, maximising design potential.

It’s supplied in marine grade dual, textured and metallic finishes as standard and there’s also a slim interlock option.

PAS24:2016 accreditation makes it the second of Decalu’s flagship door systems to achieve PAS24, after the Decalu88 Bi-fold achieved PAS24 approval, the same time a year ago.

With a knock-in glazing bead, and two fully adjustable jambs, each offering up to 7mm tolerance, simplifying door squaring and setting, Deceuninck aluminium says it’s proved a major hit

ments for Part L, with U-values as low as 0.8 and 0.68W/m2, respectively.

Nigel continued: “The Decalu163 Lift-and-Slide Door and the Decalu88 Bi-fold Door are new generation products. They have been designed with the shift that we’ve seen in regulatory requirements in mind – the changes to Part L that we have seen already, and the changes to Part Q which are on the horizon.

Nigel Headford

with installers.

Each sash is also able to accommodate weights of 200kg and up to 3m in height, matching the impressive design flexibility of the Decalu163, while guaranteeing ultra-smooth running.

The Decalu163 and Decalu88 also comfortably meet require-

2

“We’ve future-proofed our products and because we have, our customers can future-proof theirs. If you’re manufacturing an older aluminium system, it’s time to get in touch because regulatory change is going to outpace you”, he concluded. www.deceuninck.co.uk

K2

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PRODUCT NEWS

Epwin Window Systems

Launches New Stellar

Slimline Bifold Door Epwin Window Systems has further expanded its aluminium system portfolio with the launch of its new Stellar Aluminium Slimline Bifold Door. By design, the Stellar Slimline Aluminium Bifold Door is 20% slimmer than the original Stellar Bifold and delivers superior slim sightlines at every level. At just 117mm wide, the slim meeting stiles create an attractive sightline in the closed position, letting the glass take centre stage for maximum customer appeal, says Epwin Window Systems.

Intelligent design protocols and patented features are evident throughout the door. This includes patented pre-gasketed knock-in beads that make

glazing the Stellar Slimline Bifold Door straightforward.

And because the beads are pre-gasketed, they leave a neat, clean gasket line on the inside for exceptional aesthetics while preventing gasket overstretch, which can be common on aluminium bifold installations, according to Epwin Window Systems.

The new Stellar Slimline Bifold also benefits from tailed glazing gaskets and an under-glass seal which breaks up the cavities behind and under the glass to enhance the thermal performance. And installation is further improved due to the unique patent-pending adjustable locking stile, so the clearance

84 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

between the lock and keep can be adjusted to take up cutting tolerances, eliminating the need for adjustable door jambs.

Commenting on the introduction of the new Stellar Slimline Bifold Door, Paul Booth, design director (aluminium) at Epwin Window Systems, said: “The new Stellar Slimline Bifold delivers slim profiles and is packed with unique features to give our customers a competitive edge in the crowded aluminium bifold market. These unique features include the patent-pending adjustable slimline locking stile which is a real game-changer for installers allowing straightforward adjustment on site.”

According to Epwin Window Systems, “Its future-proofed design delivers excellent thermal efficiency and its innovative polyamide thermal break technology delivers low thermal conductivity and ensures this high-quality door is also highly insulating. It also exceeds the

PRODUCT NEWS

New Quick-Glaze Beads For Smart’s Visofold 1000 Slim

Smart Architectural Aluminium has announced an addition to its established Visofold range, with the new Visofold 1000 Slim. requirements of the 2022 Part L Building Regulations achieving a U-value of 1.3W/m²K with standard 28mm double glazing and 0.9W/m²K with 44mm triple glazing. The system is also PAS24:2016 accredited with a Secure by Design option too.”

The new Stellar Slimline Bifold is available in a range of standard and non-standard RAL colours each with a 25-year surface paint finish.

Paul concludes: “The new Stellar Slimline Bifold has all the strength a bifold door needs and packs a punch in system design. Its slim sashes, expansive glazed area and contemporary aesthetics are next level.

Add in its easy installation and swift fabrication and you have the best in aluminium bifold design. A door that was designed in Britain for British homes. It’s a powerful proposition.” www.stellaraluminium.co.uk

Featuring slim, elegant lines, Visofold 1000 Slim features Smart’s innovative ‘Quick-Glaze Bead’ which offers quicker fabrication and installation, as well as being easy to remove for maintenance and cleaning. Installers, simply tap the Quick-Glaze Bead in on site (rather than having to clip them in), making the installation and glazing process faster, more straightforward and more cost effective, claims the company.

The glazing gasket is also now integrated into the new slim sash profile to make fabrication quicker.

Featuring a 122mm sightline (reduced by 10mm from the standard bi-fold door) Visofold 1000 Slim’s new slimmer profiles create an even greater glazed area and larger uninterrupted openings.

Available in a range of opening configurations, the door’s flexibility makes it the ideal choice for both residential and light commercial projects.

The highly versatile, easy-to-operate system is the perfect op-

tion for even the largest project, capable of opening up an entire wall, yet presenting a contemporary, elegant, glazed façade when closed. Kitemarked and PAS24 accredited, security is assured by multi-point locking mechanisms on the main opening sashes.

Commenting on the product launch, Smart’s managing director, Eddie Robinson said: “We’re delighted to introduce the new Visofold Slim, which has been designed, developed and manufactured in Britain. Not only does the product provide outstanding aesthetics and performance, but with the introduction of our QuickGlaze Beads, it is also fast and straightforward to fabricate and install.” www.smartsystems.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 85

PRODUCT NEWS

U70 Feeling Flush With Kommerling Essex based U70 are the latest fabricator to introduce Kömmerling’s next generation flush sash window which boats a number of design features and can achieve a U-value of 1.2W/(m2K) with a standard double glazed unit, claims the company.

There are 20 different colour combinations from stock including smooth grey both sides on a grey base and a further 58 available on a short lead time. The sash profile itself benefits from a 6-chamber design with a 7th pseudo chamber and it also incorporates additional material for the latest welding technologies

including Mechweld that’s been adopted by U70 as an upgrade option from the standard welded corners.

Kömmerling’s flush sash was shown to great acclaim at this year’s FIT Show, says the company, including the launch of the new concealed mullion harnessed for a traditional cottage (French) window. U70 are looking to offer this additional style of window and any Kömmerling flush sash window in just 3 weeks from order confirmation, with delivery right across the South East.

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Martin Killick, director of U70 commented: ‘The Kömmerling flush sash is the best 70mm product in the market by some way. The performance, looks and ease of manufacturing make it a must have product for us and our local installer partners, and we encourage anyone in our area to have a look at this new window.’

Karl Williamson, area manager of Kömmerling added: ‘U70 is a respected business in the South East and their big commitment to us shows complete confidence in us as a global pioneer of technically better PVCu window and door systems. The flush sash has gained significant interest over the last few months and we’re expecting other trusted manufacturers to make the same commitment too.’ u70.co.uk kommerling.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

Victorian Sliders’ Sash Window Has

Parts L & F Covered With New Design

Victorian Sliders says an ingenious redesign of its ECOSlide window means it now complies with the requirements of Part L & F.

The upgraded product will deliver U-values of 1.4 and a BFRC Rating of A+14 to meet Part L, and by fitting each window with the maximum number of trickle vents as standard up to 10,000mm2 (EQA), Victorian Sliders are ensuring it will meet Part F too.

The window will be priced at £249, for any size up to 1300mm x 2400mm.

Group Managing Director Steve Winslet comments: “Victorian Sliders were the first UK manufacturer

to bring a fixed price PVCu sash window product to the market.

“Now we’re doing it again, with the introduction of a fixed-price sash window that satisfies the latest regulations.

“Installers around the country are crying out for products that help them quickly and easily meet the requirements of Part L and F – and that’s exactly what we’re providing them with.

“Trickle vents can ruin the appearance of a window if they’re implemented poorly, but thanks to an ingenious design by our founder and Group CEO Scot Starkey, this isn’t the case.

“The vents are concealed, meaning the ECOSlide sash window aesthetics are retained.

“We tasked ourselves with helping our customers meet Parts L and F without the fuss, and that’s exactly what we’ve achieved. Job done.” www.victoriansliders.co.uk

Do the maths!

Heavy duty rollers.

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Win more business. Fit and glaze doors start to finish, in less than

Marine grade finish.

Textured and dual colour options

2hrs!

Call 01249 816 969 or email info@deceuninck.co.uk to find out more.

Deceuninck Aluminium Stanier Road • Porte Marsh • Calne • Wiltshire SN11 9PX T +44 (0)1249 816 969 • F +44 (0)1249 815 234 info@deceuninck.co.uk • www.deceuninck.com

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Co-extruded pre-inserted gasket.

Glaze leaves in as little as 5-minutes per unit

PRODUCT NEWS COO and co-founder Andy Clear comments: “Today’s consumers want to be able to see their products before buying, and for conservatory installers, providing their customers with this visualisation is key.

“We can have ARC Design up and running on an installer’s website in less than 30 minutes, meaning they can start seeing leads right away – and more importantly, before their competitors.”

Increase Your Lead Generation In Just 30 Minutes, Says ARC

Sitting within an installer’s website, ARC Design helps homeowners design and fully customise their own conservatory within minutes, before submitting the design to the installer to request a quote.

With the click of a button, the homeowner can then view their design in 3D augmented reality, allowing them to view the conservatory in situ on their house, helping them make their final decision.

Andy continues: “ARC Design has many benefits for conservatory installers, including a noticeable increase in time spent on their website, as well as boosted trust and brand reputation.

“It’s an extremely easy to use system that requires no design experience or training, and most importantly, because it can be set up within just half an hour, ARC Design is an incredibly powerful lead generation tool that will see businesses getting ahead of the competition.

In today’s digital world, with competition fiercer than ever, installers are always looking for new ways to get ahead.

Augmented Reality Creations

(ARC) says conservatory installers can start generating leads in less than 30 minutes with ARC Design – the company’s new visualisation tool.

88 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

“As we move into an increasingly digitised world, ARC Design provides an opportunity for forward thinking businesses to position themselves as the best choice for a homeowner. This investment into having the best website experience will help installers to grow and keep up with ever changing consumer demand.” www.arc-solutions.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

Epwin Window Systems Launches New

Warehouse Management System

lage, which will make handling multi-stillage deliveries much easier. There will be a reverse pick list for each stillage, so the first product on the list will be on the top of the stillage and the last one on the bottom, making booking in quicker.

The WMS has also enabled live dashboards to be implemented across customer services and order processing departments.

These give live visibility of all orders, production and delivery schedules for greater transparency and instant customer updates.

Ray commented: “Our WMS harnesses the power of intelligent technology to streamline operations and improve productivity and visibility for us and our customers. Feedback so far has been extremely positive and we know it’s only the start of the benefits it brings.”

Implementation of the WMS took place over a number of weeks at the end of June and beginning of July and was carefully planned and communicated to minimise disruption to customer schedules.

Epwin Window Systems has announced the introduction of its new Warehouse Management System (WMS) which went live at the beginning of July. Ray McGrady, commercial director at Epwin Window Systems, says the new system will deliver numerous benefits for customers. He commented: “Everything about our WMS has been aimed at making

customers’ lives easier. The first difference they’ll notice is improvement in delivery paperwork, which will make booking in deliveries much quicker and more straightforward.”

The WMS means every customer delivery will include an exacting delivery manifest for each stillage delivery. It will identify which products are on each stil-

Further investments are already planned for later this year, including an automated vehicle delivery communication system that will enable ‘live’ tracking and a 30-minute pre-delivery text message to be sent direct to the customer for a streamlined process.

Ray concluded: “We continually strive to improve our levels of service and support because we know it adds value to our customers’ businesses.” epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 89

PRODUCT NEWS Next level aesthetics has also been escalated with the use of five complementary base colours, white, tan, brown, cream and grey. The base colours have been selected to complement the foiled options. Clare commented: “Having complementary base colours delivers next level aesthetics especially when it comes to high-end domestic installations. For example, having anthracite grey foil on a grey base rather than white which you often see, delivers a sleek and streamlined finish when the window is in the open position.”

Epwin Window Systems Releases Its New

Stocked Colour Offering Epwin Window Systems has introduced its new stocked colour offering across its PVC-U system brands. Clare Bailey, managing director of Epwin Window Systems, said: “Our enhanced stocked colour offering represents the industry’s preferred colour palette. From contemporary colours to heritage classics and natural palettes to expression hues, it’s an intelligent colour offer designed to support our customers at every level.”

The new colour offering features 19 stocked foil finishes which incorporate on-trend colour choices including Sage, Claystone

and Pebble Grey.

The new colour offer also includes 30 Made to Order options that reflect modern trends in colour selection. Clare said: “We’ve listened to our customers and expanded our Made to Order range that suits all sectors and tastes. This includes an expanded selection of contemporary greys and heritage colours in addition to new metallic finishes for the best in modern aesthetics. It’s the latest in a series of major investments in colour so we can give our customers a market advantage both now and into the future.”

90 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

All colours in the range will benefit from Epwin Window Systems’ continued investment in stateof-the-art colour technology. In 2019 Epwin Window Systems became the first UK company to take delivery of the Luna R lamination machine and it invested in a second machine in late 2020. Clare said: “The Luna R machines offer the best in lamination technology with an automatic set-up system allowing us to efficiently scale-up our foiling capacity in line with demand whilst delivering exceptional product quality”.

To help its customers make the most of the market opportunities for colour, the Epwin Window Systems marketing team has produced an impressive range of high-quality marketing materials.

This includes marketing assets for customers’ showrooms in addition to brochures, digital presentations, swatch books, marketing templates, video and POS material. The marketing assets are available for Epwin Window Systems’ customers to download from their Connect digital platform.

Epwin Window Systems is renowned for setting new standards in the industry and its new intelligent colour offer, continued investment and customer support assets do just that.

Window

PRODUCT NEWS

Ware Steps In To

Provide ‘Perfect’ Glazed-In Louvres Hardware distributor Window Ware came up with the goods for an ambitious commercial-to-residential conversion project in London.

When one Bedfordshire-based fabricator won the contract to supply almost 300 brand-new triple glazed aluminium windows to help convert a former commercial unit called Irene House into residential flats, it turned to Window Ware to advise on and deliver the most appropriate glazedin louvres.

The project demanded durable, custom-built glazed-in louvres with insulation blanking panels that were capable of meeting specified U-values.

The intention was to connect the panels directly to ducting for the ventilation system via a round cut-out made onsite by the contractors to allow for adequate airflow to meet building regulations.

The look of the louvres also needed to match the finish of the specified Smart’s window system exactly.

Window Ware’s solution came in the form of bespoke DucoGrille Solid F30Z aluminium glazed-in louvres, supplied with A1 rated insulated blanking panels, and custom powder coated in Smart’s textured anthracite grey KL14ST for the perfect colour match. At 32mm thick, the louvres were thicker that the standard 28mm to suit the triple glazed glass panels specified in the project.

Every aspect of the hardware brief was met, even

down to the 3-phase delivery schedule which matched the project timescales exactly.

Window Ware says this isn’t the first time that it has successfully supported this fabricator with custom louvres for commercial projects. ‘And in every instance, the fabricator was won over by the high level of technical support and expertise they had received’.

“Quoting for these kinds of specialist projects isn’t a 5-minute job,” explains Window Ware’s business development manager for aluminium, Rich Fraser. “We always take the time to understand the parameters of the installation properly and we’ll work closely with the contractor to verify specifications and make sure our solutions fulfil every requirement. A clear brief is always going to achieve the best possible outcome for the customer!”

“And when the project is complete, it’s great to see the pictures of the finished build with our louvres looking smart in their new home, each one fitting like a glove and doing their job perfectly!”

“Over the past two years, we’ve really worked hard to strengthen our offering to aluminium fabricators – not just in term of our product range, but also the support side too,” says Rich. “Being able to play a part in customer success stories like the Irene House project makes all the effort worthwhile.” www.windowware.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 91

MACHINERY

Worth Waiting For?

By Ian Latimer, Managing Director, Emmegi (UK) Anyone who’s had any building work done on their home or tried to order a new car over the past year or so will be very familiar with the supply chain issues which are impacting the whole of

the global economy.

While things have improved considerably, we’re obviously continuing to face challenges in this industry – whether that’s from a shortage of components and raw materials, knock-on effects of the repeated lockdowns in China, the

92 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

MACHINERY Left: Emmegi Comet X6 four-axis CNC installed at Ramsay & Sons (Forfar)

war in Ukraine and the sanctions on Russia, or simply insufficient capacity to respond adequately to the post-Covid bounceback.

From a machinery supplier’s perspective, the issues we have faced in terms of extended lead times are similar to those in the motor industry. The surge in retail demand that we’ve experienced in the UK and the savings mountains accumulated by consumers working from home who couldn’t spend their money on holidays or entertainment have been replicated in many markets around the world, and it’s created something of a perfect storm for many global suppliers.

When it comes to cars, the fact that it is the most affluent buyers who have saved the most is reflected in the fact that the longest lead times are on some of the most desirable and expensive models. Want a new BMW? According to car leasing specialists Pike and Bambridge, you’ll have to wait for nine months. A Porsche? You’ll wait between 12 and 24 months. And don’t even enquire about a new Range Rover?

They are saying it’s a minimum of 2 years.

We’re obviously not talking about anything like those lead times on machinery – but it’s undoubtedly the case that our most advanced and prestige models are on much longer lead times than normal.

That’s why we’re doing our best at Emmegi (UK) to communicate that to fabricators up front so that they can factor it into their investment plans.

If you know it will take over a year for your new Porsche to be deliv-

ered, then you’ll obviously place your order much earlier than you would have done previously – and it’s a similar situation for fabricators buying machinery from many of the suppliers into the UK, and not just Emmegi. If you are well aware that the machine you want isn’t likely to be available within just a few weeks, then as long as you place your order well in advance, you should still be able to take delivery at a time to suit you.

Apparently, new vehicle stock in the UK is better on more mainstream models from the likes of Nissan and Hyundai, but I doubt there are many Porsche buyers who are going to order a Nissan just because they can get it more quickly, and I think it’s a similar situation with our machines. We don’t think fabricators want to compromise on the quality, durability, or capability of their machines for the sake of not ordering further in advance.

Everyone at Emmegi, both in the UK and at our manufacturing hub in Italy, is focused on increasing output and on bringing lead times back in line with where they were before the pandemic. We are making good progress, and, in the meantime, we are offering certain machines in the UK from stock, including our Comet X6 and Comet R6I 4 and 5 axis machining centres.

Because these are stock models, they are not available with the bespoke set-ups that customers might be used to from an Emmegi machine, but they are amongst our most popular machines because they are already highly specced.

Our team can obviously give advice on availability for the rest of the Emmegi range and customers can be reassured that they will be kept fully informed about the status of their orders.

Bottom: Emmegi Comet R6I five-axis CNC at Charles Henshaw & Sons in More info on the range: Edinburgh

www.emmegi.com/en/home

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 93

MACHINERY projects operation to support increasing demand in the sector.

This is the second such machine installed in recent years at Brownhills, signalling its commitment to capitalise on the growing market for large shop-front windows and safety glass.

The business now also plans to expand its reach beyond the West Midlands and is working to boost its workforce this year to achieve this aim. It is expecting to increase turnover by around 20 per cent this year compared to 2020.

Walsall Glass Firm

Investing To Maximise Window Of Opportunity A Walsall-based glass merchant and processor is investing in its business to capitalise on growing demand and cement its position as the one of the industry’s leading independent firms.

Brownhills Glass has invested over £160,000 in two new high-quality machines to bolster its glass processing division, thanks to hire purchase facilities provided by Lloyds Bank.

The business has benefitted from a continued uptick in demand for glass processing, specifically for domestic architectural uses driven by the home improvement boom created by Covid-19. Brownhills can produce bespoke glass for a range of features, including stair balustrades, balconies and shower cubicles.

The new Intermac Master One machining system is set to add 30 per cent additional capacity

to the business and will further reduce lead-times, whilst maintaining quality claims the company. The investment will help Brownhills to support the surging demand for glass as part of home extensions, improvements and transformations.

Meanwhile, the new Bottero CNC auto-laminating glass cutting machine will help Brownhills to enhance its commercial

94 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

Mark Harrison, CEO at Brownhills Glass, said: “The demand for our products is very strong now across multiple applications. This investment in our business represents our commitment to supporting our outstanding customer base with their projects and capitalising on the demand.

“Short lead-times and exceptional quality will help us to have an edge over our competitors.

This investment should help us achieve our ambitions and mean we can continue to be one of the industry’s leading independent businesses.”

Mark Smith, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, said “The home improvement market grew by 6% last year* and it’s clear that this trend is continuing.

Mark and the team at Brownhills Glass are fully-committed to supporting this growth and providing the best service they possibly can, and we’ll work with them as they continue do so.”

Julie Cranmer, associate director of asset finance at Lloyds Bank, said: “Brownhills Glass is a great example of a business that’s capitalised on the booming property industry and helped West Midlands residents to create their dream homes, and we’re proud to help them achieve that.”

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WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 95

ON-SITE

Senior

Makes Waves At New Seafront

Residential Development A new luxury residential apartment scheme in Southend-onSea in Essex has combined a classic Art Deco design with a modern aluminium fenestration package, featuring doors, win-

dows and curtain walling solutions from Senior Architectural Systems.

The new Clifftown Shore residential development boasts a

96 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

stunning location close to both Southend-on-Sea’s seafront and the nearby Conservation Area, which encompasses some of the coastal city’s most celebrated local architecture including the 1912 built Cliff Lift funicular railway. Taking inspiration from the Art Deco style of the neighbouring buildings and the beauty of the natural landscape, the undulating ‘waves’ of the white concrete framed building have been further accentuated by the curved installation and slim sightlines of Senior’s thermally-efficient SF52 aluminium curtain wall system.

The stunning views from the

ON-SITE

individual apartments have been framed using Senior’s patented PURe tilt and turn aluminium windows, with PURe SLIDE aluminium doors providing access to the outdoor terraces. The thermal efficiency achieved by Senior’s PURe aluminium system has been further enhanced with the use of energy-efficient triple glazing.

The main entrance to the development features Senior’s aluminium PURe Commercial Doors to provide safe and secure access. As well as contributing to a more energy-efficient building envelope, with all of Senior’s aluminium windows

were powder-coated in marine grade Matt Black to offer additional protection from the elements and provide an attractive contrast with the white building design. The installation of aluminium brise soleil, also powder-coated to match the aluminium windows, is both an attractive and practical feature, and will provide solar shading and protection against solar gain.

and doors comfortably meeting the new lower U-value targets of Part L of the Building Regulations, the use of the PURe system also offers improved acoustic performance.

Owing to the coastal location of the development, Senior’s aluminium fenestration systems

Designed by LAP Architects and built by Cura Construction, all of Senior’s aluminium fenestration solutions were fabricated and installed by supply chain partner Glass & General. Set on the former site of a pub and a fish and chip shop, the stunning new Clifftown Shore residential development has breathed new life into the Western Esplanade in Southend-on-Sea. In addition to the 51 luxury one, two and three bedroomed apartments, the development also features a ground floor restaurant and cocktail bar. www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 97

ON-SITE

Spectus Windows And Doors Specified

For An Exclusive New Build Housing

Development In Lincolnshire 453 Spectus windows and 115 doors are being manufactured and installed in the first phase of a prestigious new build housing development in Langtoft, Lincolnshire.

Woodland Rise, an Ashwood Homes development, is situated on the outskirts of the rural village of Langtoft located 10 miles north of Peterborough. The new build site comprises of 35 luxury new homes made up of a mixture of 3-, 4- and 5-bedroom executive properties. The traditionally

built executive homes offer the highest specification throughout with all windows and doors manufactured to exacting standards.

The new build project was awarded to experienced Spectus’ fabricator Highseal Manufacturing Company based in Scunthorpe.

Established in 2012, Highseal is an experienced fabricator and installer committed to delivering product excellence at every level.

The business operates under stringent CE Markings and BSi Kitemark standards ensuring their

98 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

products meet Approved Document Q requirements.

The 453 casement windows, 41 front doors, 36 back doors and 38 French doors are being manufactured from the Spectus Elite 70 PVC-U system.

The 41 new first-phase plots were specified with an exacting colour palette. As such the Spectus Elite 70 windows and doors are being manufactured in a mixture of Chartwell Green, Cream and Anthracite Grey foiled finishes on white to bring individual character to the new properties.

Spectus Elite 70 is a 70mm flagship PVC-U window and door system from Epwin Window Systems. The company says its product pedigree and elegant streamline aesthetics are suitable for all properties styles including executive premium homes as seen on this project.

As an experienced fabricator and installer, the Highseal team is

ON-SITE

familiar with the exacting requirements of luxury new build developments. The team continue work closely with the client and all the contractors on site to ensure the window and doors are manufactured and installed in line with the timescales required. This includes transporting the various coloured window and doors and installing on a plot-by-plot basis with little margin for variation.

In order to ensure strong plot reservation on the first phase, exacting CAD design images for CGI image development have been produced so potential purchasers could visualise the homes Holly Donaldson, office manager at Highseal Manufacturing Company, said: “We are excited to partner Ashwood Homes on this prestigious new site which will offer some fantastic homes with great characteristics. We know the quality standard of our windows and doors will meet the requirements needed for the prestige site and bring many benefits to the eventual home owners.”

Construction of the Woodland Rise development began in April this year with all phases due to be completed by January, 2024. Chloe King, sales manager at Ashwood Homes, said: “All of the properties are built in traditional brick and stone to complement the properties in the nearby village. We specified the windows and doors in a selection of traditional colour hues to accentuate the high-end traditional features of the properties which is proving popular with our customers.”

Chloe concluded: “We are pleased to be working with Highseal again on this project.

We really wanted to re-think our external materials on this development and Highseal have been able to provide us with many options for our windows and doors.

We are looking forward to seeing the end result.” www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

TuffX Steps In To Save The Day

A recent domestic project for a homeowner in Buckinghamshire, caused a headache for Hampton Conservatories after their regular glass suppliers were hit with supply delays – before a short call to TuffX got the project quickly back on track.

“We chose TuffX because we’d previously ordered conservatory roof glass from them and found them to be a very reliable company who meet the promise they make in terms of both quality and time scale. So now we’re currently using TuffX for most of our jobs.”

The three-week job to install a medium-sized conservatory was expected to be a straightforward task for the orangery and conservatory specialist, who have more than 30 years’ experience producing award-winning bespoke extensions in the UK and beyond. Until, that is, the build was hit by supply issues and delays ensued.

TuffX were quick to step in, supplying 4mm toughened self-cleaning clear safety glass the project. Paul Higgins, TuffX’s commercial director, said: “We pride ourselves on being able to help where others can’t, and offering a service and quality that means our customers return to us time and time again.”

Luckily a call to safety glass specialist TuffX was all it took to get the wheels of the project back in motion fast, said Danny McIlreavy of Hampton Conservatories: “We’d used TuffX before for our roof glass, so we went to them when we were having some short term supply issues with our other suppliers.

The finished sapele mahogany hardwood conservatory makes a great-looking orangery-style addition to the thatched house, adding another room to the property and giving the customers somewhere to relax.

“And all in good time too,” added Danny, “thanks to TuffX.” www.tuffxglass.co.uk

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ON-SITE

A Plus Supplies New Family Kitchen & Shop At

Kew Gardens The latest addition to the range of family offerings at Kew Gardens, the new Family Kitchen & Shop is described as a mix between Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and a ‘nature-led laboratory’.

Opened in December 2021, the new multi-sensory eatery is divided into six learning zones, each developed as aspects of the production, processing and

preparation of healthy food.

Families can eat and drink but also engage with the natural world.

It was important therefore that the restaurant space connected with nature and outside. Glazed windows and doors were integral in achieving this. Architect HOK specified Cortizo aluminium window, door and façade systems.

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Specialist trade fabricator and Cortizo fabrication partner A Plus Aluminium was selected to supply several products from the international aluminium solutions provider. A Plus worked with installation company, Bauxite Glazing Specialists, a sub-contractor to main contractor, CityAxis.

The curtain walling presented the biggest challenge as a slimmer fin-like section was specified rather than the more normal box section. Using the TP52 façade system, A Plus Aluminium and Bauxite worked with Cortizo to produce a solution which is the first of its kind in the UK. From outside, the system is no different. Visually it is the same as the standard TP52 façade,

ON-SITE

screen, with 17 in total. Fortunately, this method also enabled accurate management of the tolerance.

with 50mm caps. However, from the inside looking out, the sight line appears narrower due to the slim 18mm box sections.

This special box section required careful attention during design and fabrication and proved challenging to install. Ordinarily the glazed infill panels would join the mullions and be used inside and out, to look like one ‘wall’.

However, due to the slim box sections coupled with narrow mullions, Bauxite had to build the screen from one end to the other as opposed to doing all the verticals first.

The screens also had to ‘split’ every three panes to accommodate the structural glulam beams. This meant that each one was treated as an individual

A Plus fabricated three doors for the front elevation – the Cortizo Millennium Plus 70 door entry system, with a pair of double doors in the middle of the curtain walling. Door automation was added later.

Three COR 70 Industrial windows were fabricated and fitted into the rear elevation. The project also presented an innovative use for the Cor Vision Plus sliding window – an ice cream servery! With a visible section of just 25mm, smooth sliding movement and a glass surface of 94%, the window was set at a level suitable for serving both children and adults alike.

Each of the aluminium products were powder coated in Interpon metallic effect Anodic Bronze – Smooth Matt Y2214F. This ultra-durable coating offers outstanding weather resistance and resistance to colour change.

It is Qualicoat class 2 and GSB approved.

The window, door and façade systems were glazed in-house

by A Plus Aluminium using SunGuard SuperNeutral (SN) 70/35 from Guardian Glass. It is a neutral blue glass which offers solar protection while reducing the need for artificial light. The high-performance glass helped the new Family Kitchen & Shop achieve BREEAM Excellent certification. It also reflects the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew commitment to sustainability and target to become Climate Positive by 2030.

Sandra Botterell, director of marketing and commercial enterprise at RBG Kew says, “We are very excited to see families enjoying the Family Kitchen & Shop, Kew’s brand-new food and retail venue. Situated next to the splendid Children’s Garden, the restaurant is an ideal space for all the family to enjoy a meal.

We hope this space will bring to life a sense of adventure and curiosity and encourage families to appreciate the delicious choices which plants offer in our daily lives.” www.apluswindows.co.uk

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ON-SITE

Kawneer Heightens Performance For The

UK’s First Passivhaus Leisure Centre Gale & Snowden Architects chose Kawneer’s aluminium glazing systems as part of the energy efficient design to transform St Sidwell’s Point into the UK’s first Passivhaus leisure centre.

Located in Exeter, Devon, this 6,700m2 project centred around the replacement of an ageing leisure centre swimming pool with an eight-lane national/county-standard pool and four-lane learner pool, both featuring movable floors.

One considerable façade challenge was to achieve an average 0.8 W/m2K and a 0.4 m3/h/m2 @ 50 pascals air leakage which exceeds the current building

regulations. For the main glazed areas, two types of curtain walling and three types of doors were specified, as well as high performance windows and brise soleil.

All were installed by Kawneer-approved specialist sub-contractor AB Glass on behalf of the main contractor Kier Construction.

products meet rigorous energy efficient design standards and are Passivhaus-certified. These were complemented by Kawneer’s AA190 TB external entrance doors, AA720 standard and AA720 HI doors internally and AA130 brise soleil.

Kawneer’s AA100 HI capped curtain walling was used to create the distinctive building envelope and complement some internal locations, in addition to featuring RT82 HI windows whose exceptional levels of thermal performance and airtightness helped to achieve the high building specification.

Kawneer says benefits of the Passivhaus design include a 70% saving on energy costs when compared to a current ‘good practice’ leisure centre facility, a 50% reduction in water use, outstanding internal water and air quality, excellent daylight levels and lower maintenance costs due to a high-quality building fabric.

According to Kawneer, both

Nigel Harvey, managing director of

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ON-SITE

High Performance Glazing

To Keep Passengers Safe On

Elizabeth Line Platforms

AB Glass, said: “This is an innovative project that we have been very excited to be involved in. The environmental credentials of this building are such that we believe some of the standards and skills we have implemented here will be in high demand in the future as many more buildings look to emulate what we see here.”

As well as state-of-the-art swimming pools, new dry sports facilities include a gym, café and crèche, together with health and spa amenities. The flagship leisure centre in Exeter City Council’s £330 million city centre regeneration masterplan is expected to attract more than 500,000 visitors a year.

Almost four kilometres of glazed platform edge screening has been installed across central London’s Elizabeth line stations, keeping passengers safe with the final segment of the landmark rail project now open.

St Helens headquartered glass manufacturer Pilkington UK supplied 5,000 glass panels to Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK, which manufactured and installed floor-to-ceiling platform screen and door systems – creating a transparent safety barrier between the platform edge and the track.

The glazed barriers feature on both the 240-metre-long eastbound and westbound platforms at the Paddington, Bond Street, Woolwich, Canary Wharf, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street and Whitechapel stations.

St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre has been shortlisted for ‘Building Project of the Year’ in the South West Constructing Excellence Awards 2022. Also for ‘Most Sustainable Building’ in the Façade Awards UK 2022.

The glazing comprises two pieces of advanced toughened glass, based on the technology that underpins the Pilkington Pyroclear range – addressing the current risk requirements including barrier safety and blast resistance.

www.kawneer.co.uk

Kristian Chalmers, head of sales

at Pilkington UK, said: “We’re proud to be one of the many suppliers from across the UK’s nations and regions that have helped Crossrail to become a reality.

“Naturally, a project like this commands the specification of high-performance materials that can withstand very high traffic while meeting critical safety requirements.

“Knorr-Bremse chose to work with us on the project for the Elizabeth line due to the strength and quality of the Pilkington Pyroclear product technology, and our ability to meet both a demanding technical brief and a complex programme. The glass is an ideal choice for projects with safety and security standards as high as this. This is reflected by the fact that we now have products listed in the London Underground approved product directory.”

The Elizabeth line will serve 41 accessible stations, 31 of them upgraded, including all three terminal rail stations at Heathrow and services to Reading. It will boost central London’s rail capacity by 10 per cent, bringing an additional 1.5 million people within 45 minutes’ commute of central London.

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ON-SITE

Senior Makes The Most Of Its Time In Greenwich

Senior Architectural Systems, one of the UK’s largest privately owned aluminium fenestration solutions provider, has supplied an attractive combination of aluminium curtain wall and commercial doors for a new mixed-use project in Greenwich, southeast London.

Senior’s SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and PURe commercial doors have been installed

as part of the new Village Centre scheme at the heart of the existing Kidbrooke Village housing development, which has been designed

by Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands and developed by Berkeley Homes. With a welcoming ‘village square’ at its heart, this green landscaped area is bordered by the surrounding buildings which have apartments above and a mixture of shops, restaurants and community use facilities below.

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The contract saw Senior work closely with two of its fabricator partners, with Soundcraft undertaking the installation of the curtain wall and commercial doors on several of the ground floor retail units, and R.E.L working on the entrances for both the new supermarket and pub.

Ideally suited to meet the demands of commercial projects, Senior’s popular SF52 aluminium curtain wall system offers slim sightlines to maximise daylighting and enhanced thermal-efficiency to help create more comfortable interior spaces. When used in conjunction with Senior’s PURe commercial door, which is part of the manufacturer’s patented PURe range of low U-value aluminium doors and windows, further savings can be made in terms of reducing both operational costs and carbon emissions, claims the company. As Senior’s largest, strongest and most robust commercial door, the thermally-efficient PURe commercial door is ideally suited for high traffic retail environments and offers both security and safety.

The new Village Centre will provide a central hub for the community at Kidbrooke Village, which comprises four distinct neighbourhoods. Boasting a central location in the Royal Borough of Greenwich and benefiting from close transport links, including its own overground rail station, the new development offers a mix of housing from one to four bedrooms and access to a number of onsite amenities and facilities. www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

ON-SITE

‘Secondary Glazing Has Reduced

My Energy Bills By 40%’ moved into the all-electric duplex flat in November 2019.

At first, their heavy usage of the electric heaters meant their monthly bills were as high as £900 for three months. “They are energy-saving heaters, so we left them on all the time to keep the flat warm. But once we realised the cost and reset the timer, our bill halved.”

The secondary glazing was fitted in February 2021 and Lindsey noticed an immediate difference in heat retention, noise reduction and the March bill had dropped to £230.

“We had a whole year where we couldn’t understand why the bills were so big. It was a combination of not having secondary glazing and leaving the heaters on most of the time. I reckon it’s a 40% saving overall.”

Amid concerns over rapidly escalating energy prices – and with more rises to come- homeowners are naturally concerned over how they can conserve energy and keep costs down. Installing Granada Glazing’s secondary glazing has helped the owners of a single-glazed apartment to save around 40% on their monthly electricity bills, as well as exclude external noise.

Murrays’ Mills, Ancoats in central Manchester.

Lindsey Gordon’s monthly electricity bill dropped from around £450 per month to £230 in the following month after 11 secondary glazed panels were fitted in her three-bedroomed home at

“Secondary glazing is the best investment we’ve made, I think, on this property to date. It’s made a huge difference, saved us money and the flat is now silent and warm,” comments Lindsey, who

Formerly the world’s oldest steam powered cotton mill dating back to 1797, the Grade II & II* listed buildings have been sensitively restored for residential use. The 107 apartments retain many historic features, such as exposed brickwork walls and multi-pane, sash and bay heritage windows.

Reducing outside noise intrusion was Lindsey’s main reason for getting secondary glazing and the 6.4mm acoustic laminate glass offers enhanced sound insulation that can reduce noise levels by as much as 80% (54 decibels).

However, she says the improved thermal efficiency it also provides makes it “a very wise investment, especially in these times.”

She adds: “The secondary glazing has made the flat completely soundproof and the rooms remain warmer for longer after the heating goes off.

“Although bills are going up, we’re saving over £200 a month. I’m sure anyone we sell this flat to would be delighted with the secondary glazing!” www.gsecg.com

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ON-SITE

Windows Make Waves On Hayling Island When Alpine Homes looked to create a high-end housing development with stunning coastal views, Central Windows were called upon to supply and fit a contemporary solution that could stand up to the elements.

Resting in the shadow of its larger sibling the Isle of Wight, Hayling Island is one of the nation’s best kept secrets – a seaside retreat home to over five miles of unspoilt coastline. The close proximity of the cities Portsmouth and Chichester make the island an ideal location for both holidaymakers and new residents alike, which is

exactly why Alpine Homes chose it as the location for their latest housing development, Yacht Haven.

Since its foundation, the Hampshire-based company has grown to become one of the most recognisable names in the county, constructing over 200 homes throughout the cities and shores of the South Coast. Its portfolio spans everything from urban high-rise apartments to traditional country homes.

Yacht Haven would prove to be one of Alpine Homes’ most com-

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pelling projects to date – a gated development of six luxury properties with stunning waterside views, including a pontoon for each home to access water-based activities.

With the build soon underway, Alpine Homes would call upon locally-based Central Windows to source and fit window frames that would suit such high-end surroundings.

Chris Fields, project manager at Alpine Homes, said: “The unique demands of the coastal environment meant that we needed profiles that could stand up to the elements. However, it was critical that this did not come at the expense of compromising the modern look and feel of the build.

For this reason, we enlisted the help of Central Windows to help us identify the correct product for our needs.”

Central Windows would specify

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Rehau’s Total70 windows and Invisifold doors in anthracite grey on white as the best fit for the build. The tilt-and-turn system’s slender profiles would allow for a larger glass area to let more natural light in, while also ensuring that it would be resistant to any corrosion caused by the coastal environment.

Steve Smith, managing director at Central Windows, said: “We’ve been specifying Rehau windows for a number of years now, and continue to be impressed by the quality of service and product they offer. The chamfered system provided a contemporary look in keeping with the rest of the property, while also remaining more cost-effective than timber or aluminium alternatives. These solutions also allowed us to easily meet the u-value requirements set out in current building regulations, meaning that the homeowner

could benefit from a more energy-efficient property.”

– Yacht Haven residents can enjoy long-lasting, quality frames.

Rehau’s Total70 windows achieve an A+ rating for thermal efficiency.

Double glazed units would also ensure that the residents of Yacht Haven could access peace and quiet inside of their home whenever it was desired, despite the close proximity of the waterfront.

Luke Boban, area sales manager at Rehau concluded: “The Total70 range has long proved an ideal fit for residential builds, and Yacht Haven is no exception. The innate qualities of the product made it an ideal fit for the coastal environment, ensuring that the homes would remain energy-efficient and resistant to the elements without compromising on views of the surrounding scenery. We’ve received glowing feedback from all involved with this project, so look forward to working with both Alpine Homes and Central Windows again in future.”

Rehau says that as the Total70 range makes use of a unique compound with a smooth gloss finish, the frames were guaranteed not to rot, warp or be in need of painting, even after years in place.

Combined with an energy efficiency rating far exceeding current standards – even in light of recent uplifting of these requirements under the Future Homes Standard

For more information about Rehau’s Total70 system, click here

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MARKETING & INTERNET

Distinction Doors Launches New-Look Door-Designer Distinction Doors has made some key improvements to its online sales tool, the door-designer configurator, delivering a better user-experience for its customers and homeowners, says the company.

Developed in-house, the team has focussed on improving functionality, with a new design forming part of this development.

“We wished to make the door-designer even easier to use,” comments Bethaney Larkman, marketing manager at Distinction Doors. “This meant removing the complexity by streamlining options and adding new functions.”

The doors are split into three categories: nxt-gen, Signature and Contemporary. A search function is in the top menu bar if the user is seeking a certain door. The glass options show what’s currently available and are only relevant to that door style.

The biggest challenge was reducing the load time. “We have not only increased the site load speed, but we can now use higher-quality images too,” continues Bethaney. “This means that consumers can now appreciate more of the detail, including our beautiful woodgrain finish, in higher-resolution door and glass images.

“To further encourage consumer engagement, we have improved the preview function. Users can tweak and re-size the door to suit their chosen house or sample image. We have also developed the site so that request a quote remains on the bottom of the door visual throughout so the user can enquire at any stage.”

The new ability to save orders and return to them later is perhaps the most valuable function. This should prove extremely popular with Distinction’s customers and their customers, saving them time and ultimately, money. FAQs and

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request a brochure have also been added to the top menu.

Distinction customers listed on the showroom locator will now receive leads more efficiently as users will select from a list of showrooms local to them at the point of requesting a quote.

The design of the door-designer complements the company’s new brand identity. For those Distinction fabricators with a branded configurator the transition to the new format was automatic.

Early feedback suggests that Distinction customers are impressed with the revamped door-designer, with many commenting on the improved functionality and its modern design, with several “…loving the new look”.

If you do not currently have an account with Distinction Doors and wish to be set-up with your own personalised door-designer page, or for your company to be added to the Showroom Locator, please email us – support@distinctiondoors.co.uk. www.door-designer.co.uk

MARKETING & INTERNET

New CAD Service From Premier Arches

Within the arched frame market, it can often be difficult to envisage what the exact product will look like before it’s been made, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings between fabricators and their customers.

But thanks to a new full CAD service from arched and angled frame manufacturer Premier Arches, customers can see beforehand exactly what they’re getting.

for our fabricators to collaborate with each other during the manufacturing process. In the long term, this will help our manufacturers work faster and smarter, reduce production costs, and ultimately lead to quicker project completion.”

The company manufactures arched, angled, gable, circular and entirely bespoke windows and doors in a range of systems, supplying to fabricators, installers and local builders across the UK.

we achieve this is through our new free and professional CAD drawing service. This allows our customers to see exactly what they are getting before the manufacturing process, and also enables them to in turn show their customers what the finished frame will look like, thereby eliminating any confusion about the complex products we offer.

Managing Director Sean Greenall comments: “One of our core principles at Premier Arches is to provide a ‘make life easier’ offering to our customers, and one way

“Our CAD service is beneficial to both our customers and our manufacturing team, allowing for designs to easily be changed if needed, and also making it easier

New And Improved Website From Euroglaze

“When it comes to profile bending, most fabricators simply don’t have the time or the tools to do this themselves, and so we aim to provide those unique products that they don’t want to make. It’s therefore vital that we make this process as easy as possible, and with our new CAD service, our customers can rest assured that they are getting the exact products they need, backed by honest and open customer service, and a ‘make life easier’ offering that will help them get ahead of the competition.” www.premierarches.co.uk It also showcases lots of what makes a partnership with Euroglaze so rewarding for installers and stockists – from the 3.5 day lead time, to the personalised service offered by the customer service team, and the efficiency of despatch and delivery.

It’s not just the website that has been given a makeover though.

When visitors click on the Meet the Team section, they can see everyone from managing director Martin Nettleton to Rosie, Nicky, Janet, Gemma and Julie in customer service as they have never seen them before.

The culture of continuous improvement at the Barnsley based trade fabricator Euroglaze continues, with the launch of a bigger and better website at www.euroglaze.co.uk The new site gives visitors an overview of the huge range of

products available – including windows and doors in both Rehau and Liniar profiles, PVC and composite doors, and specialist options such as Rehau Rauferno fire rated windows and Liniar Resurgence timber replacement, double rebated flush sash windows.

The new site gives existing Euroglaze customers quick and easy access to the company’s online ordering portal and offers a warm welcome to potential new customers – with a stepby-step guide to what they can expect when they make the switch to Euroglaze. www.euroglaze.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 109

MARKETING & INTERNET factures a range of standalone, task-specific machines that, in an age of increasingly sophisticated CNC-controlled equipment, are known for their simple, effective, efficiency: “Our end millers, bead saws and more unusual kit such as the Jade Reverse Butt Cleaner, are inexpensive solutions to problems many fabricators often don’t know they have,” explained Adam. “Our new website will show the whole range, also including videos of some of the machines we supply.”

New Website And Rebrand For Jade Engineering Jade Engineering has undergone a full redesign of the way the firm presents itself to the world.

This includes a new website and fresh, new face for the firm, including a modernised version of the logo that will be found in the factories of many PVC-U and aluminium window and door fabricators in the UK. The Jade name and brand are well known; so why bother now?

Jade Engineering is one of the window and door industry’s most prolific brands but, says the firm’s owners, even Jade’s most ardent clients know little about them beyond their own specific touchpoint. All that is about

to change, says Sean Mackey, who with partner Adam Jones has built Jade into the industry’s de facto machine tool supplier over the past 30 years: “Our machine tools are to be found in every PVC-U fabricator and the majority of aluminium frame makers too,” he explained. “But we often hear the phrase ‘I didn’t know you did that’ when we are simply chatting about day-to-day business issues. So we decided to up our game, and take the guesswork out of it,” added Sean.

In addition to the products for which they are best-known, Jade Engineering designs and manu-

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The website is divided into three main groups: Jade Tooling; Jade Machines; and the firm’s fast-growing Jade Consult division. This, says Sean, has been growing spectacularly and is what the website will probably explain the most effectively: “When chatting with customers, they will often mention a production issue that they have been unable to resolve,” said Sean.

“We believe there is always a solution, and we will then design, manufacture and install it for the client. This has led to larger and more ambitious projects, now including a number of complete production lines and start-up factory kit outs. It’s very big business and we are the only firm that has the expertise to offer it.

Tell us what you want, how much you have to spend and we will design, supply and commission it for you.”

In text, superb photography and HD video the new Jade Engineering website explains everything offered by the Coventry-based firm and presents it superbly, including some excellent case-studies contained in the website’s ‘Problem? Solved.’ section.

“We also felt that the time was right to redesign our overall image,” said Sean. “It’s fresher, clearer and better reflects what we are today.” jade-eng.co.uk

MARKETING & INTERNET

SOL Launches New Website SOL Conservatory Roofs has launched a new website, providing a showcase of product and technical information for its range of windows, doors and conservatory roofs.

A brand-new suite of window and door brochures, along with the complete roof range and a dedicated solid roof brochure are now all available for download.

The next phase will see an installer portal become part of the website, allowing installers to log in, select and personalise

& Scotland sales manager.

their own marketing material.

The launch of the new site coincides with the introduction of SOL products into Scotland following the appointment of Marc Cairnie, formerly of Consort Windows, as North England

“With a comprehensive growth strategy in England, Wales and Scotland in place over the next 12-18 months, it was imperative to take a step back from the unprecedented period we’ve just had and regroup on our digital presence,” says Nikki Dunbar, commercial manager at SOL Conservatory Roofs.

“Not only this, but we understand the need to provide a robust marketing support package for our installer partners.” www.solroofs.co.uk

New Building Regulations

Resource Page For

CDW Customers Aluminium specialist CDW Systems has made sure its customers know everything they need to about the imminent changes to Documents F and L of the building regulations.

The Gloucester-based company has created a new ‘Resources’ page on its website that includes summary documents that outline the key revisions to both.

In advance of the upcoming new regulations, which come into force on June 15, CDW Systems’ data sheets will supplement the changes, and the company’s group chairman Jeremy Phillips said: “At CDW we have always made sure our customers have the very latest guidance on regulations so they can successfully navigate any changes.

“With the imminent changes to Documents F, L and O of the Build-

ing Regulations, ultimately it’s the installers who are going to need to make sure they comply with the revisions. We know our customers will have questions relating to the changes, and these resources will help answer them.”

From June 15, all new homes must produce 31% less CO2 emissions than what is currently acceptable in the present Part L regulations.

Therefore, the construction of new dwellings must comply with the increased energy performance standards as set in the new regulations.

Revisions to Part F see new ventilation requirements for new homes and existing ones come into force.

It calls for greater air flow for new builds, while in the refurbishment market vents must be fitted as standard and if there are already vents, then the same sized vents can be fitted on the new windows.

If the existing windows do not have vents, then the replacements must have vents fitted to meet the revised requirements.

CDW Systems is currently reviewing its product offering to ensure it can offer fully compliant windows and doors for all projects.

Jeremy said: “Our customers can rest assured that we have everything in place to help them navigate through the changes as easy as possible and we can provide them with the right advice, and they can discuss any aspect with us.”

Jeremy added: “We have always supported our customers with an evolving product range and expert advice, and we wanted to create a ‘Resources’ page to provide a single place where they can get that information.” https://bit.ly/3RZqXTK

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MARKETING & INTERNET for Maco installers.

Covering sliding doors, automatic door locks, tilt & turn windows and casement windows the series of short, engaging and powerful videos bring the benefits of not only the practical product features and benefits but also the Maco brand and manufacturing.

Creating awareness of the sustainable practices we follow, premium European manufacturing, above industry-standard testing and exclusive self-healing surface protection. There is more to Maco locking solutions than homeowners may be aware of. These benefits and features give installers more ways to stand out and a more exciting conversation around security.

Maco Launches Support For Installers

Article by Maco UK Your home is your castle and that’s why when buying new doors, sliding doors and windows the most important part to consider is your locking solution. ” Alongside colour choices, style and material there is one more

benefit Maco installers can use when talking to homeowners about doors, sliding doors and windows, the locking solutions.

With unique features and benefits when fitting solutions using Maco hardware, we have created a series of videos dedicated to highlighting these, increasing the marketing and sales power

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We can see from market research that homeowners are becoming more aware of the products they buy, where they come from, how it’s made and if they are getting value for money. Maco installers that use these videos will be able to demonstrate that the sliding doors, doors and windows they are selling tick all these boxes and more down to the locking solution.

These videos are available to watch on the Maco YouTube channel. We encourage Maco installers to contact us at enquiry@macouk.net so we can send you the files directly, enabling you to use within your showrooms and advertising campaigns. We are able to cobrand these videos with your logo to enhance your brand in your local area.

This added marketing support for installers from Maco kicks off a whole new programme of content designed to enhance further the power of Maco installers which we look forward to sharing very soon. www.macouk.net

MARKETING & INTERNET

Booked Appointment

Leads Key For Kent Double Glazing Specialists

the appointment, they are fully aware of who we are the information on the screen always marries up with exactly what the customer says. On a weekly basis it makes our operation run smoother and helps us keep on top of our diary.”

The double qualified sales lead is provided with a fixed and firm appointment against set criteria and the available dates and times in an installer’s diary – so all they have to do is turn up and close the deal. The lead is only sold to one other company, giving the installer a 50% chance of winning the work, and if the installer doesn’t get to sit and pitch then it doesn’t cost them anything.

Mark said: “Leads 2 Trade are our highest converting lead source and one of our highest profit lead sources. Another nice advantage is that on the odd occasion when we haven’t been able to sit and pitch the appointment Leads 2 Trade make it very easy to return the lead to, so you don’t lose the money.

Kent double glazing company Mayfair Installations have hailed Leads 2 Trade’s booked appointment service, as key to the business.

The company, which specialises in windows, doors, conservatories and orangeries from branches in Tunbridge Wells and Westgate-On-Sea in Thanet, joined Leads 2 Trade’s trusted installer network last September.

And taking Leads 2 Trades guaranteed appointment booking service has been vital, according to Mayfair’s MD Mark Thompson.

“We found out about Leads 2 Trade through internet search-

ing and they stood out from us ahead of all the other lead generating companies due to their professionalism, the fact that they actually booked qualified appointments at a set time, and the value for money from them,” explained Mark.

“Being a relatively small company the booked appointments mean we don’t have to take the time and the stress of contacting the customer and sorting a convenient time.

“When the appointment from Leads 2 Trade comes through the information is always spot on, and when we speak to the customer on the day to let them know the name of the consultant who will be attending

“There’s never a problem with Leads 2 Trade – someone always answers the phone to talk things through and that is a huge positive, and any issues we’ve they have sorted for us straight away.”

Andy Royle, Leads 2 Trade’s co-founder and Managing Director, commented: “We are delighted that Mayfair Installations are seeing huge benefits from our booked appointment, no pitch no fee, leads.

“We understand that not all installers have the time or resources to contact the leads we send them, yet it’s those installers that are able to react swiftly to a newly qualified sales lead that are the most likely to convert. leads2trade.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 113

MARKETING & INTERNET

Senior’s Window Display

Senior Architectural Systems is opening its doors – and windowsto invite its fabricator and specification customers to visit a new dedicated showroom space at the company’s UK headquarters in South Yorkshire.

Senior has invested in its Denaby site to create a welcoming and informative space for meetings with its supply chain partners, with Senior’s own aluminium fenestration systems helping to create a light and airy interior. Benefitting from full conferencing facilities, the showroom features a number of Senior’s most popular aluminium window and door systems which can be viewed and operated so that those working with the system can see them in action.

Each of the window and door

displays are supported with ‘at a glance’ product information including lowest achievable U-values and Window Energy Ratings.

Visitors can see Senior’s patented low U-value PURe aluminium windows and PURe Slide aluminium doors in situ, as well as being able to see for themselves the impressive scale of the PURe Commercial Door – Senior’s largest and strongest door sys-

114 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

tem to date. Examples of some of Senior’s other most popular systems are also on show, including the Ali Fold and Ali Slide doors and Ali VU aluminium windows, as well as its SF52 and SF62 aluminium curtain wall systems.

Various wall materials, including brick slips, have been used to showcase Senior’s aluminium fenestration solutions in a variety of different settings and further displays provide examples of the high-performance hardware products available. The new showroom also features information on the most popular colour palettes for aluminium fenestration systems, with all finishing requirements undertaken at Senior’s state-of-the-art powder coating facility which is located at the same site.

Last but by no means least, Senior’s new showroom also includes a refreshment area for hot and cold drinks so whether you come to view, or just for a brew, there’s always a warm welcome guaranteed. https://bit.ly/3PxT5eV

MARKETING & INTERNET

Time For A Close-hup!

Ultraframe has announced the opening of a brand new showroom at its Clitheroe HQ, dedicated to the new hup! building system. Visitors to the showroom can get ‘hup! close & personal’ with the revolutionary new system which promises a better way to build extensions, conservatories, and garden homes. Those wanting to find out more about hup! have the ideal opportunity to visit the showroom on an upcoming open day on 16th August.

Commenting about the new showroom and the hup! open day, Ultraframe marketing director, Alex Hewitt, said: “As hup! is

something so new and different to anything else on the market, it’s important for people to get hands-on with it to really understand the fantastic capabilities of the system. Our open days

will provide the opportunity to do just that, as well as exploring our newly-opened showroom.”

Those attending the hup! open days will learn about everything from surveying and specifying, through to installation, including hup! datum points, how to measure & order, the design capabilities of the system, assembling a hup! wall, making critical connections between the wall and roofs, applying the unique hup! brick mesh, and much more. Participants will be able to touch and feel the components and experience firsthand just how quick and easy it is to build with hup!.

Places for the hup! open day is strictly limited so booking is advisable: https://bit.ly/3z9kWuY

Mini Room Marketing

For Garden Rooms the Mini-Room is the perfect marketing support sample and combined with the latest premium brochure and other POS materials, helps close sales relatively quickly. In addition, there’s also a revolutionary 3D Garden Room designer that sits on the website of Making Your Space and can also be incorporated for customer requirements.

Making Your Space have just launched Mini-Room, a showroom sample of their Garden Room system that’s been designed to make installation quick and easy thanks to the adoption of the latest off-site construction techniques, claims the company.

For those aspiring Design Partners without a show site,

The Mini-Room can be customised in terms of finish and detail and are ready to order now as part of an integrated marketing support programme and they are also portable too, for use on multi-site events, local shows and even to take on-site for consumer enquiries.

Ryan Crossley, director of Making Your Space has been pleased with the introduction of this latest sales tool and commented: ‘The introduction of the

Mini-Room helps our Design Partners who don’t currently have a showsite. Along with the unique configurator developed

by The Consultancy, we have everything marketing-wise to help generate and close sales of garden rooms, which are expected to grow strongly this year according to consumer experts.

He added: ‘We’re the only nationwide garden room company that is dedicated to the trade, making premium, flat packed garden rooms that can be easily assembled in just a few days.

With home and hybrid working now the norm, it’s the perfect revenue stream using existing skills for installers and we’re keen to build our nationwide network of Design Partners with the promise of our proven marketing programme.’ makingyourspace.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 115

AWARDS

Barnsley Window Firm’s Art Deco Project Is

Crittall House Of The Year Winner

Made For Trade Enjoys Regional

Business Award Success

Made For Trade has been recognised for business achievements in the North East as part of prestigious local award celebrations.

For more than two decades the North East Business Awards have been shining a light on organisations that are doing great things for an exciting and dynamic region, and this year Made For Trade was delighted to be an intrinsic part of the 2022 celebra-

tions, thanks to the company’s manufacturing operations, and recent growth and innovation.

The annual awards celebrate achievement and toast successes both large and small, new and established, but also highlight, promote and draw attention to growing and innovative businesses doing great things in the North East of England. Those businesses might be doing anything from

116 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

enriching local areas, bringing new employment prospects and boosting the local economy, or simply doing things to make the North East a better place to live, work or conduct business.

The Made For Trade team recently enjoyed a ‘fantastic’ evening at Middlesbrough College amongst both longstanding businesses with national reputations and new local outfits establishing themselves on a local, regional and national level.

MFT were thrilled to be on the receiving end of two prestigious regional North East Business Awards: Manufacturing and High Growth and Ambition. The company was also shortlisted and finalist of Company of the Year in recognition of recent achievements.

AWARDS

also their endless determination, entrepreneurial spirit, enterprise, innovation and creativity to make it all happen’.

Together with the Durham/Sunderland/South Tyneside heat and Northumberland/Tyneside heat, MFT’s awards from the Teesside heat go on to contest overall titles at The Grand Final, taking place at Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield at the end of September.

As a business formed in the area and with roots firmly in Teesside but now being a trade supplier on a national level, the Made For Trade team were delighted to be selected for their achievements and growth in the region. The judging panel recognise drive and ambition and celebrate all the success stories; most recently looking at businesses in the region that ‘have risen to the unique challenges presented over the past couple of years, showing not only how talented they are but

Speaking of the Teesside heat and picking up the awards, Made For Trade’s operations director Chris Wann noted: “It was an incredible evening. This is the first time that Made for Trade have entered regional awards, and to be recognised and achieve two awards that reflect where we are as a business today was better that we could have imagined. It was incredibly humbling to be part of an awards ceremony that represents the local and regional talent and high quality of the businesses we have here in the North East.

Our congratulations to the winners and all shortlisted businesses that participated in this year’s event” Made For Trade’s Korniche brand was founded with the mission to bring inspirational products to light via innovative design and engineering pedigree. Following in the footsteps of the revolutionary and multi-award winning

Korniche Roof Lantern, the company has expanded the same engineering-led ethos with the bi-folding door system; making for an extremely busy year for the Wynyard-based business, alongside a re-brand, new ISO9001 certification and the opening of an in-house showroom – all key attributes proudly promoted at various industry exhibitions across 2022 and around the UK. It’s not just behind the factory doors, however, where Made For Trade is being kept busy; as the North East Business Awards are the next in a long line of recent accolades for which the team ‘back at base’ are delighted to have contributed. Made For Trade were up for no fewer than nine award nominations at the National Fenestration Awards alongside entries to the G-Awards, and will now be hoping to add awards from September’s Grand Final to the list and round out an exceptional year for the expanding business. www.madefortrade.co

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 117

AWARDS

Barnsley Window Firm’s Art Deco Project Is

Crittall House Of The Year Winner A client project for KJA Services, the Barnsley-based windows installer firm, has won the accolade of Crittall’ s 2022 House of the Year Award.

Endymion House in the Lake District is a stunning art-deco property built in 1938 featuring Crittall steel windows throughout.

It has been deftly renovated with absolute care by the owners and showcases Crittall products supplied and installed by KJA, a member of the nationwide Crittall Specialist Partner network.

Danny Murphy, KJA’s owner explains: “When the owners bought the house all the windows needed replacing. Nothing shouts 1930s elegance like original Crittall steel framed windows, and the owners told us they feel like they are on the set of a Poirot shoot when inside their home nestled in the foothills of Skiddaw in the Lake District.

It is one of the only Art Deco houses in the area and somehow it manages to both blend into its

(left to right): with their award are delighted Victoria Sowerby and Harry Wallop, the owners of Endymion House, alongside Leanne Parker from KJA Services.

Endymion House in the Lake District – a stunning art-deco property built in 1938.

beyond.”

Danny Murphy continues: “The present owners chose Crittall products as they regard them as beautiful and with a timeless, distinctive, look adding a splash of modernism. That the windows and doors do not rust and require little maintenance were other benefits they cited too.

“The steel windows are the perfect framing for the garden, ensuring a seamless transition between inside and out, which truly change the look and feel of the home, while being able to echo the size of their Crittall windows and partition to keep the space balanced.

“It was built by a local family after they had been to California and fallen in love with the Art Deco style there – they recreated a little bit of Hollywood glamour in the Cumbrian hills.

“It was really important to the client that the windows were sympathetic to the Art Deco feel of the house.

They decided to order Homelight Plus windows, and we replaced all the windows and three sets of doors, with the final phase of the stairwell to be finished this year.

They told us the KJA team was fabulous throughout the project – responsive and communicative.”

Endymion house is currently run as a holiday let and without fail the guests comment on the beauty of the windows and how perfectly they frame the view of the fells

As the winners of The Crittall House of the Year Award 2022, the owners will spend a fabulous ‘staycation’ at the prestigious Hampton Manor Hotel in the West Midlands.

surroundings – and stand out – as a beacon of modernism on the hillside.

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AWARDS

Reynaers Ambitious

Project Wins Coveted

Tall Building Award

Hadrian’s Tower maximises the potential of its location in a constrained city-centre site. Home to 162 luxury apartments, a premium cocktail bar and fine dining restaurant, the 82-metre tower is at the heart of the city’s bold regeneration scheme. By building up, this project has demonstrated the viability of tall buildings in the region and answered a local need for housing in a modern, innovative way.

The CW 65 system is available with different insulation levels, answering to the appropriate requirements of the building, and other environmental assessment systems such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. In practice, this allows architects to rely on high-quality systems which achieve the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT) test standards, while supporting their project programme, timescale, and budget.

Dan Gleeson, head of commercial sales at Reynaers, said: “We’ve been involved in iconic tall building projects across the world since 1965. We’re delighted that the ambitious architectural finish and design of Hadrian’s Tower has been recognised for its excellence in engineering in façade systems.

Hadrian’s Tower beat off tough competition to be awarded the ‘Best Tall Building Façade and Fenestration Engineering Project’ at the Tall Buildings Awards 2022, recently held in London.

The 82-metre tower is one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and has transformed the city skyline. With an exceptionally high quality architectural finish, the building provides residents with panoramic views – made possible through the use of Reynaers’ ConceptWall 65 (CW 65) unitised system which combines optimum performance and sustainability while achieving an iconic appearance.

(BREEAM) credit.

“The unitised curtain walling system has enabled the architects to achieve panoramic views and a distinctive aesthetic. This has been done without compromising on thermal performance, quality, accuracy, water and air tightness and strength while accommodating building movement which is a key factor in tall buildings.

The winning building, Hadrian’s Tower. (Copyright: Hufton & Crow)

The constraints of building in a city centre location led Faulkner Browns Architects to specify Reynaers’ CW 65 system, because it met both the aesthetic and performance requirements, but can also be constructed off-site in modular panels – which can then be erected in units on site, radically reducing installation time. This curtain wall system meets the highest performance requirements in water and air tightness and wind load resistance. The building has also achieved the appropriate British Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

“Our unitised façade systems provide slim profile designs for architects which meet the highest performance requirements.

Working in city centre locations on constrained sites is an engineering challenge, so prefabrication of the systems offsite in a climate-controlled environment under strict quality assurance significantly speeded up the installation time without compromising on accuracy or safety.”

Reynaers also sponsored the ‘Best Tall Building Architect’ category of this year’s Tall Buildings Awards in a move that demonstrates its continuous commitment to a vital part of the industry. www.reynaers.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 119

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

GQA In Partnership With ‘Nobody Left Behind’ Initiative GQA Qualifications, the awarding and qualifications-writing organisation is lending its support to a progressive and life-changing initiative for young people called ‘Nobody Left Behind’. The scheme combines community sports programmes with construction-related training and qualifications to improve young people’s employment prospects for entry-level construction industry roles.

Nobody Left Behind works with groups of young people who have predominantly been social care service users, and gives support to try and steer them away from dropping into gang culture.

Following a 4-week programme of community sports training with household name sports stars, students move on to work towards gaining GQA’s Level 1 Award in Construction Health and Safety and the GQA green general construction site Labourer’s CSCS card, as well as H&S-related training such as manual handling and

traffic marshalling, all accredited through GQA. Civil Engineering Careers, the agency championing the work-related training then facilitates interviews with construction employers who look to offer employment opportunities to programme participants.

Commenting on its work with Nobody Left Behind and Civil Engineering Careers, GQA’s Technical Officer, Phil Douglas, says: “I noticed posts in my local area in Liverpool for community boxing camps, and having been involved in amateur boxing myself at schoolboy level, and also being a boxing fan, I started to find out more about this project. I reached out to and met with the initiative’s team, and it was clear that GQA would be a good fit for the learning element of the programme. We have rapidly built a good working relationship, and have supported the scheme in its development.

“I’m pleased to be working with the programme and its partici-

120 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

pants, helping them to benefit from GQA-accredited qualifications, CSCS cards and certificates. In addition, I’m happy to report that GQA and Building Our Skills – Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice have provided sponsorship support to help the programme get off the ground. We’ve donated towards a minibus that the initiative needs to help transport young people from further across the area, and we have been very pleased to be able to help in this small way. We have also been asked about development into other sectors in which we work.

“I understand that Nobody Left Behind has set itself the challenge of getting 1,000 young people into employment in the next four years, and that’s a goal we’re honoured to get fully behind. It’s a pleasure to see the sense of achievement on the faces of the young people when they are told they have passed their CSCS card test, and the joy in their voices when they tell their friends “I’m starting work on Monday.” The initiative is a perfect fit with GQA’s philosophy of people development.”

Barbara Travis, MD of CE Careers

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT who heads up the initiative says: “I am so pleased to have established a relationship with GQA, who support the community initiatives and the education side through a range of accredited courses that help skill young people and give them the best chance of gaining employment.

“As we progress, we will be offering multi-sports including boxing, football, rugby, cycling and hiking.

We are offering female-only sessions in boxing with the hope of encouraging more girls to look at construction as a potential career choice, and football camps for both boys and girls with ex Liverpool and England footballers. GQA are a key part of our growth, and a partner that we are immensely happy with as our awarding body.”

Nobody Left Behind is attracting the backing of senior politicians across the Merseyside region, and its aims are a perfect fit with the Liverpool City Region Growth Plan 2021-24. In addition, well-known sports people are using their platforms to raise awareness of how sport can play a key role in the motivation, training and support of young people trying to find their way to employment.

Detective Superintendent Siobhan Gainer, Head of the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership said: “The progression and employment rate through this initiative is way above the national average for courses such as this. I think its success is down to the fact that it has found such a popular way of engaging young people through sport, and that this has worked hand-in-glove with the opportunity to gain training and qualifications that demonstrably lead to work.

Having an employer and a specialist in training has been crucial, and it has both raised the bar for other courses and profoundly changed the course of young peoples’ lives.” www.gqaqualifications.com

Building Our Skills Launches

Action Plan For 2022-23

Building Our Skills – Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice has launched its action plan for the next twelve months. The plan reflects its commitment to bridging the skills gap by working closely with employers and other organisations to attract new entrants to the industry. The plan also includes Building Our Skills’ commitment to encouraging employers to upskill their existing workforce, inspiring and encouraging them to see the industry as a home for their long-term career ambitions, as opposed to just a job ‘for now’.

For the first time the plan will also showcase the sheer breadth of career paths that the industry affords, and Building Our Skills will be looking for support from the industry to make this resource as complete as possible.

In addition, an employers’ forum is to be created by Building Our Skills to get as much input and support to help promote the industry as widely as possible.

Central to Building Our Skills’ work will be a focus on wider engagement with the Education Sector in order to raise awareness of the industry to a potential future workforce; and identifying and actioning ways to bridge the skills gap through working with people who are seeking a change of direction immediately. The latter means

partnerships with the Armed Forces, Ministry of Justice, Department of Work and Pensions, Support Groups and Charities.

The organisation’s focus on the Education Sector will see it further develop its ‘Inspiring the Future’ campaign. This campaign has been designed by the Education and Employers Organisation specifically to connect the education sector with the world of work; while also in its plan to target the Education Sector is Building Our Skills’ new ‘Inspiration Days’ programme, designed to open up industry factories and facilities for school visits.

With upskilling existing industry employees being a key objective, Building Our Skills has developed a range of Academies to do just that. Its Inspiring Talent Academy is designed to support employers to be able to inspire and encourage employees to commit to the industry as a long-term home for their career ambitions. Its Practical Training Academy is set up to help deliver a skilled on-site workforce and the Business Academy offers a wide range of learning and training opportunities, including specialist sales training.

A copy of the full plan can be downloaded directly from Building Our Skills website www.buildingourskills.co.uk

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TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

GGF Tackles Skills Shortage Head On

The first cohort of apprentices to join the Glass & Glazing Federation’s Skilled Pathways Scheme, recently completed a 5 day induction course at the Milton Keynes site of GGF scheme partner Total Support Training.

The event marks an important milestone in the progress of the scheme that is intended to recruit and up-skill the next generation of glaziers. The second cohort of apprentices will undergo their induction in August.

The course itself includes both practical and written elements, focusing on the following:Who the GGF are and what they do, History of Glass, Float Glass Process, Surface Coatings, Value Added Glass, including Heat treatment, Laminating and

IGUS, When and Why should certain glass be used, Pre-Processing, Polishing, Beveling, Drilling, Brilliant Cutting, CNC, Building Regulations, CPR and Standards.

On top of the technical knowledge introduced to the trainees there are a number of practical tasks which provide a foundation knowledge of health and safety and basic glazing and glass processing skills. One of which is the delivery of the new manual handling course specific to our industry.

The GGF partners with Total Support Training to bring the Skilled Pathways Scheme to fruition, which was created to help GGF members and the wider sector with a means to attract

122 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

talented, skilled workers into the industry. All whilst contributing towards the Government estimated requirements of 500,000 additional skilled workers needed by 2050 to help meet its Net Zero policies.

The GGF Scheme plans to cover Glazing, Glass Processing, Fenestration, Fire Resistant Glazing, Window Film Application and Technical Administration, but as the scheme builds in momentum, more specialisms are expected to be added.

“We are immensely proud to have brought this scheme, which is unlike any other available in the industry, to reality,” commented GGF group managing director John Agnew. “We are funding training up to £4000 per GGF Member Company and the completion of this first stage will encourage other companies to commit, after so many have shown interest.” www.ggf.org.uk/training

DoorCo

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Accredited We Invest

In Apprentices Silver

Composite door supplier, DoorCo has achieved the We invest in apprentices Silver accreditation, providing an apprenticeship framework for the business to attract and train new talent to the business.

Jayne Sullivan, co-owner at DoorCo comments: “As an industry, we need to do more to attract talent. The fenestration industry is fantastic to be part of and one that offers opportunity for varied and fulfilling careers for young people. Promoting this at grassroots, through schools and universities is key and by offering apprenticeships, we are able to invite young people into our thriving industry. This is something DoorCo is passionate about, so we are delighted to have achieved the We invest in apprentices Silver accreditation for the next three years, based on the apprenticeships and training we have

delivered so far.”

Matthew Elliot, DoorCo’s systems lead, has been instrumental in obtaining the accreditation and comments: “Investors in People is widely recognised as the benchmark for good practice in training and development. To achieve the accreditation, we underwent a rigorous assessment which explored the business, our people and the existing apprenticeship programmes. The resulting accreditation not only marks DoorCo as a good employer but it provides a practical framework for the next three years to help us enhance our apprentice experience and monitor how well we’re supporting them at work, including development, communication and support.

“Apprenticeships give DoorCo an opportunity to develop skills relevant to our organisation.

They are available at multiple levels and ages – not just for young people leaving education – and therefore provide an opportunity for people upskilling in their careers or looking for a complete career change. DoorCo is passionate about being a top employer and is always keen to shine the spotlight on the team’s achievements. We as a team feel we are understood, respected and that our opinions and ideas are heard. We understand where we can develop, that we have clear career paths, and we are supported along the way. This is why people are able to grow within the company, and there is a clear commitment to opening this up further with more training and development opportunities and a rapidly growing apprenticeship programme.

“To be awarded Silver on our first assessment is an incredible achievement and a credit to the hard work to all the managers, mentors, and apprentices at DoorCo. We are very much committed to delivering our action plan that is focused on providing our current and future apprentices – a new generation of talent – a structure to help them develop their skillsets and knowledge at the very start of their lifelong careers with us, and we are already working towards obtaining the Gold accreditation to improve the experience even further.”

Jayne concludes: “The We invest in apprentices recognises DoorCo as a good employer, raising our profile to help us stand out from other apprentice employers and ultimately, attract better talent. After all, good apprentices want to work for good employers, and this is key to the future of our business and the industry at large.”

For more information on DoorCo call: 01625 428955 or visit: www.door-co.com

WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022 123

CHARITY

Global Windows Donates Over £4,000 To Children’s Hospice After donating over £4,000 to children in need in the past year, Emplas installer Global Windows has renewed its partnership with Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Last May, Global Windows pledged to donate £5 to the hospice for every window and door installation carried out, helping to support children with life-threatening illnesses, as well as their families.

Last August, the company also sponsored a hole in one competition at the Bondhay Golf Club Captains Charity Golf Day, an event that helped to raise over £6,700 for the charity.

“Since May last year, we’ve carried out 809 installations across South Yorkshire, which adds up to £4,045 in donations to Bluebell Wood, something which we’re very proud to have achieved,” says Global Windows managing director Liam

Hulme.

“We are dedicated to providing local homeowners with quality products and services, but helping our community and vulnerable children in need is also paramount, which is why we’re delighted to have pledged another year of donations to Bluebell, a fantastic charity that has changed so many people’s lives.”

Samantha Wood, head of fundraising at Bluebell Wood, said: “We’re incredibly lucky to have the support of such a community-spirited local business who’ve raised an incredible sum over the past 12 months.

“The funds raised through Global Windows’ innovative initiative have helped us make truly priceless memories that local children and families will always treasure.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you

124 WINDOW NEWS | JULY - AUGUST 2022

to Global Windows for a fantastic year and we look forward to working closely together over the coming 12 months.”

Since 2008, Bluebell Wood has been supporting children with life-threatening illnesses, both in their own homes and at their hospice in North Anston.

They currently care for around 300 families across South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire, North Derbyshire, and parts of North Lincolnshire, providing family respite care, sibling support, music therapy, physiotherapy, end of life care, and bereavement support.

It costs the hospice almost £14,000 a day to keep its doors open, 85% of which is completely reliant on donations. www.global-windows.co.uk www.bluebellwood.org

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