Listers Are Back In Business 4
Embracing Automation 40
Ecclesiastical Excellence 83 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 1
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WINDOWNEWS
CONTENTS WINDOW NEWS
W INDOWNEWS THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS
TRADE NEWS 4
INDOW NEWS DEAR WGERALD 37 INDUSTRY DIRECTORY PEOPLE 32 HARDWARE & SECURITY
40
GLASS & GLAZING
54
WINDOW
W INDOWNEWS
PRODUCT NEWS 58 THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS G17 AWARDS 72
ON-SITE 82
W INDOWNEWS THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS
W INDOWNEW W INDOWNEW W INDOWNEW
THE LATEST INDUSTRY N
THE LATEST INDUSTRY N
THE LATEST INDUSTRY N
MARKETING 88 AWARDS 92
W INDOWNEWS
CHARITY 94
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WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 3
TRADE NEWS
Phil Warren (centre left) Roy Frost (centre) and Darren Pusey (centre right) outside the factory with the Lister Trade Frames team
Listers Are Back In Business With Roy Frost At The Helm
The 150,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Stokeon-Trent, of leading trade fabricator, Lister Trade Frames, has been acquired by well-known industry figure Roy Frost and his group GJB Holdings. Backed by North West-based entrepreneur Alan Rothwell, the deal will secure around 70 jobs in Stoke-on-Trent. VEKA/HALO will continue to be the main strategic partner, together with the premium Residence Collection, Solidor, and the full range of ALUK Aluminium. The £12m turnover company made a number of investment decisions that failed to deliver expected results and it was placed into administration on the 29th August. The administrators received over 25 enquiries from interested parties. GJB Holdings, with the assistance Kevin Philbin of Beyond Corporate, are delighted to be the successful new owners. The new structure 4 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
sees two existing directors, Phil Warren and Darren Pusey, continuing in the new management team. Roy commented: “Listers have been a great business for 40 years. Their reputation was built on supplying innovative products with great levels of service backed up by superb marketing support, and we will develop and improve on this. We will keep it simple and get back to basics, focusing on our core products and remove any distractions. We will be concentrating on delivering excellent levels of customer service to our 900+ customers, giving them the competitive edge they need. I’m really looking forward to working with Phil and Darren to bring some fresh new ideas and new energy into the business. This acquisition fits perfectly with our long-term strategy for GJB Holdings. Onwards & Upwards!”
TRADE NEWS now the second largest production site within Customade Group after the group’s 200,000 square foot Polyframe Halifax site, which fabricates Halo and Eurocell frames.
Polyframe Ramps Up Production
With Factory Expansion Polyframe has embarked on a major expansion programme to increase the factory space of its Norwich site by 50 per cent and ramp up production rates by 55 per cent.
The new purpose-built factory will increase Polyframe’s production space on the site from 48,000 square feet to 72,000 square feet. Operational by the end of October, the enlarged factory will allow the Norwich site to boost production output from 4,500 frames a week to 7,000 frames a week on a 24-
hour shift basis.
The expansion is the biggest landmark development at Polyframe since it became part of Customade Group earlier this year and it will enable the business to comfortably maintain its position as the largest fabricator of Rehau frames in the UK, says the company. 150 people are currently employed on the site and the headcount is expected to rise in line with increased production. It is
David Eagle, managing director of Polyframe, Norwich, says: “It has been a pivotal year for us since we merged with Customade Group and we are really proud to be accelerating production at this site at such pace. This expansion certainly gives us significantly more capacity but it also allows us to drive continuous improvements in both product quality and service, which is vital for us as market leaders.” Nick Gibbons, chief operating officer at Customade Group, added: “The aim of Customade Group is to grow sustainably and match market demand and that means investment in our manufacturing capability. These commitments will enable us, and our customers, to provide an enhanced offering and remain at the forefront of the industry. This terrific growth is a credit to everyone who works in Norwich and I’m tremendously excited about the future of the site.” www.polyframe.co.uk
Introducing Global Glass Essex Synseal Group has rebranded the domestic manufacturing arm of Village Glass in Essex, which is now part of the group’s £40 million Global Glass division. Global Glass Essex services the domestic customers of Village Glass, previously Euroview Manufacturing Limited, and gives additional capacity to the 360 Global Glass customers which Synseal Group supplies throughout the UK. Following the acquisition in
December 2016, Global Glass Essex has near tripled its IGU capacity from 6,500 to 18,000 and has appointed 45 new staff members in a range of roles including shop floor, sales and engineering.
The glass factory in Essex is the third major acquisition for Global Glass in four years, following on from the transition of K2 Conservatories Ltd to Global Glass Blackburn, and Systems Glass to Global Glass Wigan. Since 2011, Synseal Group has invested more than £10 million into its Global Glass division which has gone from a standing start to a £40 million turnover in glass sales in just six years. www.synseal.com WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 5
TRADE NEWS commented Chris Mayne, CEO of CORGI Fenestration. “We were very impressed by their commitment to the CORGI Fenestration core values of trust, reliability, expertise, quality and best practice.”
Mila Window And Door Maintenance
Gets Corgi Fenestration Registered CORGI Fenestration is delighted to announce its first repair and maintenance sector registration – Mila Window and Door Maintenance. Mila Window and Door Maintenance have completed over 1.1million repairs in the social housing sector. The company offers a range of value for money services all related to the repair, maintenance or replacement of window and door hardware across the entire spectrum of social housing stock types. Mila Window and Door Maintenance also works extensively with commercial organisations, and the health and education sectors. No job is too big or too small. Mila Window and Door Maintenance passed the CORGI Fenestration audit with flying colours. The company will be able to display the CORGI Fenestration mark that tells its customers that the business is committed to best 6 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
practice across well qualified staff and the best in customer service. Tristan Cooke, Mila Window and Door Maintenance Managing Director commented: “Achieving CORGI Fenestration recognition gives us a badge which underlines all the good things we do with one simple and instantly recognisable mark, and we are delighted to be recognised as being good enough as a business to have achieved it”. “It is the next step for us in being recognised for delivering outstanding resident care, and builds on the work we have been doing for many years to engage with the residents we work with to deliver the most considerate and respectful working practices when in their homes”. “We are delighted to welcome Mila Window and Door Maintenance into the CORGI Fenestration family – the first maintenance sector business to sign up,”
CORGI Fenestration recognises the achievement of best practice in the sector – from managed workforce competence to management control processes – through the use and display of the most recognised mark in the home improvements sector. CORGI. The whole supply chain can achieve CORGI Fenestration Registration – from system houses, fabricators, component and IGU manufacturers through to installers and repair and maintenance services. Both commercial and domestic building sectors are covered. CORGI Fenestration has established a set of strict criteria for companies through which the highest of standards and management best practice can be recognised and publicised, such as QMS (Quality Management Systems). Products covered are: windows, roof windows, roof lights, doors, roof lanterns, conservatories, orangeries, glass extensions, sun rooms, tiled roof glass extensions, replacement conservatory roofs, porches, shop fronts, curtain walls, facias, bargeboards, cladding, soffits, guttering and downpipes. CORGI Fenestration accepts all glazing sector qualifications awarded by partner organisation GQA Qualifications. Staff with these qualifications can now be issued with their personal CORGI Fenestration branded card and will be listed on a Skills Register. www.corgifenestration.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
Housebuilding Remains Strong As Infrastructure
Reaches A New Low
Vista Managing Director, Keith Sadler
It was positive news for housebuilding across July, as construction contract values for the sector reached £2.5 billion. However the same could not be said for the infrastructure sector as figures reached the lowest total for more than six years. The latest edition of the Economic & Construction Market Review from construction industry analysts Barbour ABI, highlights the levels of construction contract values awarded in July across all regions of Great Britain, which totalled £5.4 billion based on a three-month rolling average, still well below this year’s peak of £6.5 billion from March. Looking across all the construction sectors in July, it was infrastructure that provided the biggest surprise, producing just £784 million worth of construction contract value, a 97 per cent annual decrease and its worst performing month for more than six years. Typically one big value infrastructure project is commissioned each month, which was absent in July. Outside of January and February this year, housebuilding figures reached £2.5 billion for July – the highest value for any month since Barbour ABI began tracking the series six years ago. Furthermore, four of the top ten biggest construction contracts agreed this month came from housebuilding – including the Charter Square development in Staines, valued at
£120 million. It was a mixed July across other construction sectors, with industrial, hotel leisure & sport and medical & health all increasing contract value on June figures, whereas education and commercial & retail dipped, with the latter producing its lowest figures since the beginning of 2013. Regionally, London and the South East led all regions, both with 14 per cent of the total construction contract value. Some of the larger projects in these areas includes the Oxford Technology Park worth £90 million and the Wandle Terrace redevelopment valued at £70 million. Commenting on the figures, Michael Dall, Lead Economist at Barbour ABI, said: “Overall construction figures remained steady in July, thanks to the robustness of the housebuilding sector, producing another strong month. In reality, this picked up the slack for waning sectors such as infrastructure and commercial & retail that fail to make up lost ground.” “Across July there were 925 construction projects commissioned but these did not fall consistently across the sectors, putting an ever increasing emphasis on housebuilding’s robust figures to make up for the lack of investment in other parts of construction.” www.barbour-abi.com
Vista To Double
Spraying Capacity With Brand-New
Paint Linel
Award-winning panel and composite door supplier Vista is preparing for the next stage in its powerful investment ethos with the addition of another paint line at their state-of-the-art factory in the coming months. The new paint line will allow Vista to continue to offer their doors sprayed in any RAL colour and meet the immense demand for entrance doors in unique colours. The investment follows a sustained period of growth for the Merseyside firm which now produces a remarkable 150 composite doors per day. “At Vista, we have always adopted a strong investment strategy to ensure we can meet rising demand, maintain our high standards of quality and importantly, reduce our lead times,” comments Vista Managing Director, Keith Sadler. “Adding a second paint line achieves all three. The new line will double our capacity for spraying doors, meaning not only can we complete the high quantity of orders we are receiving much faster, thus reducing lead times, we can also keep all spraying of composite doors in-house to ensure the quality.” www.vistapanels.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 7
TRADE NEWS
National Glass Group Welcomes
Latest Member
National Glass Group (NGG) has once again expanded its membership, now to six companies, with the introduction of Nova Group, based in Cheshire. Nova Group Limited, with a turnover of over £12 million pounds and founded in 1971, is an established IGU manufacturer in the North West.
Optima
Is Made For The Market Now
With this latest addition, the NGG now has a collective turnover in excess of £70 million pounds, and yet all members retain the agility and personal attention from being owner managed independent businesses. NGG is a group that represents the leading glass processors in the UK, including existing members Clayton Glass, Custom Glass and Northern Express Glass, Romag and Supaseal Glass and is the only organisation of its kind in the UK. With a combined turnover of over £70million and annual purchasing exceeding £20million, it also makes for the largest independent buyer of sheet glass in the UK. Beyond the purchasing power of the group, NGG also promotes best practice and shares the value created fairly among members. In time the goal is to build the group up, so that it represents 25% of flat glass purchases in the UK, through organic growth of the members and with the introduction of new companies to the organisation. info@nationalglassgroup.co.uk 8 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
Ryan Johnson, MD of Emplas
It’s said that customer feedback is the best way to gauge a product’s success. And feedback about Profile 22’s Optima system is demonstrating the impact it’s having on the market. Ryan Johnson, Managing Director of Emplas says: “Profile 22 and Epwin have taken the feedback from fabricators and installers and brought that into the design of Optima. It’s made for the market now – there isn’t another system which is so current or which offers installers so many different sales platforms.” Ryan also highlights the meticulous design of the new system: “Homeowners have an increasingly high expectation of perfor-
mance. You have to be able to tick boxes for energy efficiency and security, so in a retail environment, it’s really about highlighting the small differentials that tip the balance in your favour – and Optima delivers a lot of those. It’s not just about the slim sightlines, the flush casement, the foil options – some of the smaller design features deliver some great selling points. The 10mm seal cover, the ancillaries that go with it, local wall thickening for hardware fixing which delivers an increase in screw and hardware retention – it’s all part of the story. We have and continue to partner with Profile 22 because of this.” Many fabricators are concerned about what switching to a new system will do to their production schedules but with Profile 22 change need not be difficult. In 2016 the company successfully undertook a complete changeover of nearly 100 Profile 22 fabricators to Optima in just nine months and have seamlessly brought on-board a significant number of new fabricators so far this year too. All this positive feedback is reflected in Optima figures. The company says record numbers of fabricators are switching to Optima and sales figures are very strong. www.profile22.co.uk
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TRADE NEWS terms to £4.5bn, driven by a shift towards higher-end products. This included significant growth in bi-fold doors and growing sales of foiled and mechanically jointed/timber effect PVC-U windows, the former up 9.3% in 2016 to 42,700 door sets. The market for windows in total grew 1.2% to 6.82million frames and remains dominated by PVC-U. This this was, however, outstripped by a 5.5% increase in installed value to £2.38bn, driven by a shift to higher end products. The ‘trade-off’ to this growth was a slowing in the volume PVC-U market and a continuing decline in sales of timber windows – which have fallen in volume by more than 60% since 2000.
Robert Palmer, Director, Palmer Market Research
Challenge And Opportunity: The Window Door And Conservatory
Sectors To 2021 – Palmer Palmer Market Research’s new report into the performance and prospects of the UK window and door industry, warns of significant headwinds, with a slowdown in the housing market and uncertainty surrounding Brexit, contributing to market contraction.
Published this month, Palmer’s new market research report, The Window, Door and Conservatory Markets in Housing in Great Britain, accounts that the industry performed above forecast in 2016. This included growth of 1% in volume terms and 7% in value
10 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
More positively, the report found that average installed prices of conservatories was up by 12%, while conservatory replacements saw growth of 6%, although this was offset by a decline in first time installations of 4%. If the industry performed above expectation in 2016, Palmer is far less sanguine about its prospects going forward. The report paints a complex picture defined by pockets of substantial growth but delivered against a forecast backdrop of market contraction – in volume terms at least – of 4% this year, 2% in 2018 and 1% in 2019 before a return to moderate growth in 2020. “The industry has out-performed our forecasts last year but we’re now seeing near stagnation in the housing market, which is a tell tail sign of tougher economic conditions to come. This and the uncer-
TRADE NEWS
Sealco Opens New
Endurance Distribution
Centre tainty around Brexit has led to a weakening of consumer confidence, which we expect to bite in the second half of this year and through next”, explained Robert Palmer, Director, Palmer Market Research. He continued: “This is already contributing to a level of hesitancy among housebuilders, which will make government policy and continuing investment in the Help-to-Buy scheme, increasingly key going forward. “The social sector may be less effected by Brexit but it faces its own budgetary pressures, while we expect some funding to be diverted to the replacement of cladding and improvements to the safety of high-rise buildings in the fallout from the Grenfell Tower disaster.” If these factors present generally unfavourable conditions, The Window, Door and Conservatory Markets in Housing in Great Britain 2017 nonetheless identifies some significant areas of growth going forward. These are for the most part defined by product and material type. The growth recorded in bi-
fold door sales and those of mechanically jointed PVC-U windows means that both are tipped for significant growth going forward as part of the general shift to higher end products. The fortunes for windows, doors and conservatories are again mixed, defined by a combination of installation and material type. Palmer continued: “What we’re seeing is a very real shift in proposition. This in general is leading away from volume product to a higher end higher margin offer. This is defined by material type, by product and even the design of those products, for example the shift to mechanical jointing and flush casements in PVC-U. “What is also clear is that we’re already seeing some pretty unfavourable economic headwinds and these are unlikely to dissipate anytime soon, which makes product development in the right areas a key foundation of future growth but also longer term viability.” For more information log on at palmermarketresearch.co.uk
A new 3,200 sq ft Endurance Distribution Centre is now open so that fabricators and installers can get Endurance hardware and ancillaries delivered next day. Launched in 2015, by independent window and door hardware distributor Sealco, the Endurance range of suited window and door handles, and letterplates has proven popular with fabricators looking for durable hardware at the right price. The range has been growing ever since and now includes a host of window consumables for installing windows and doors too. Sales Director at Sealco, Alan Malcolm explains: “The Endurance range is a really popular choice with customers and we have invested in these new premises to maintain the high levels of service that they expect. “The Endurance Distribution Centre gives us extra storage capacity so that we can hold massive stock levels and continue to deliver hardware to fabricators next day.” www.sealco-scotland.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 11
TRADE NEWS
Highest Customer Satisfaction Ratings for
Thermoseal Group
“The Customer Satisfaction Survey is just part of what we do to ensure that we maintain 2-way communication with our customers. Our dedicated account managers continually seek customer feedback and work closely with our technical centre and branch operations to improve our products and service. We also have a range of product trials running with a selection of our long-standing customers to ensure that the products we introduce into the market are worthy of our industry-leading status.
The results are in for Thermoseal Group, with the specialist insulated glass (IG) component manufacturer and distributor of over 2,000 IG products, reporting highest ever customer satisfaction ratings from its latest Customer Satisfaction Survey. With 38 years supplying to the window industry, Thermoseal Group supplies to the majority of IG manufacturers in the UK and now to a range of export customers in 22 countries across 5 continents. Its long-standing service to the industry is a direct result of its focus on customers and ability to respond quickly to market demand. The Group’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Samantha Hill, tells us: “The data collected is invaluable to our continual efforts to provide a premium service to customers. As any intelligent supplier would do, we value our customers and take all feedback on board to improve our products and service. As we have increased our focus on manufacturing, working with customers has become more important to us in developing our products to suit current manufacturing methods, whilst ensuring we offer industry-leading product performance. This is why we have set up our own Technical Centre and EN1279 test facilities to ensure that we continually enhance our products, closely monitor the quality and focus on innovating new products to futureproof our offering. 12 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
“Our survey is distributed to all of our customers and contains a range of questions relating to our products and service. There are also some key questions in there seeking opinions on the industry and future plans. This way we can work with them to ensure that we continue to meet their requirements. In the latest survey, we achieved the highest customer ratings yet, with the average overall rating of 96% with the knowledge and capability of our sales team commended throughout. We are obviously delighted with the results. “Our customers gave us some invaluable product feedback and suggestions for future innovation which we are currently reviewing in line with our plans to develop new products. The service feedback was also extremely helpful and as a result we are already putting new systems and processes in place to ensure that we offer the best service available. Part of these plans include a new delivery tracking system and a premium website with a range of new services to improve the way we interact with our customers. We are also working with customers to carry out presentations and tailored training on our Thermobar and Thermoflex Warm Edge Spacer Systems and their contribution in the production of highest performance IG units. “As a thank you to all customers completing the survey, Thermoseal Group entered all respondents into a prize draw. Mark Christie from Christie Glass and Louise Wright from Windowright Ltd were both presented with a FitBit Charge 2 and Andrew McKenzie from Ace Glazing received a nice champagne to celebrate with us. “Thank you to all customers for taking part in the survey. We value your feedback and will look to strive for 100% next time.” www.thermosealgroup.com
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TRADE NEWS ments in our product quality and service. “We’re looking to grow but to grow sustainably and that means investment in our manufacturing capability, the increased accuracy, efficiencies and productivity that new machinery gives us, allows us to not only improve end quality of product but lower our own overheads and mitigate material costs, benefits, we’re passing directly on to our customers.” In addition to machinery investment a major extension of Emplas’ operational hub is already well underway. Scheduled for completion in the autumn, it will give the fabricator 18,000 sq ft of additional floor space.
Tools For The Job: Emplas Commits £1.4m To Machinery Investment Emplas has continued its major investment programme with a £1.4million spend on new machinery – giving it a total output capacity of 2,500 frames on a single shift. This includes the purchase of a new Rotox eight-head welder and cleaning line, giving Emplas two fully automated lines. It’s also invested in a new Rotox high speed sash cleaner, increasing sash output by more than 20% and a Rotox fivehead inline welder, giving Emplas a total of three five-head welders and one four-head welder. A second Rotox crucifix welder is also added to Emplas’ ma-
chinery inventory, as are two new Rotox bead lines and a second Schirmer machining and cutting centre. This automates profile cutting and machining, with profile scanning technology to introduce ‘pin prick’ accuracy to positioning of cuts and routs to within 0.3mm. It delivers improved product quality but able to convert a 6m bar length into a fully prepped frame within seconds, it also massively increases Emplas’ production capacity. Ray Sinclair, Operations Director, Emplas, said: “The investment we’re making gives us more capacity but it also allows us to drive continuous improve-
14 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
Adding around a third again to Emplas’ manufacturing facility, the new development will also house loading bays and offices. This investment in machinery and square footage has also been underpinned by a corresponding investment in its IT infrastructure, linking production to its ordering processes, customer tools, as well as increasing visibility of production to Emplas customer services teams. Sinclair added: “We’re working to improve our workflows, our product quality and the visibility of those processes within our own organisation but also to our customers. “The machinery investment that we’re making is important but only a part of that wider story. We’re connecting everything, allowing us to deliver ever improving standards of product quality but also improved service to our customers.” www.emplas.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
REHAU Remain Committed To Renewable Energy As part of an ongoing commitment to sustainability and constantly striving to improve its green credentials, REHAU was delighted to once again receive SmartestEnergy’s ‘Renewable Electricity Commitment’ certificate. The certificate, authorised by the Carbon Trust, recognises that REHAU’s factory in Blaenau, warehouse in Runcorn and offices in Manchester and Ross-on-Wye, will be running off 100 percent renewable electricity until March 2021. The award is reviewed annually to ensure companies with the accolade remain supplied by recognised providers. The renewable electricity being used by REHAU is certified by the Carbon Trust to be compliant with Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scope 2 guidance, which means the firm can report zero carbon emissions for purchased electricity.
Martin Hitchin, Chief Executive at REHAU, said: “As a global company, we understand we have a responsibility to run our company in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way. We are committed to protecting the environment and using natural resources responsibly. “We believe in building our principles from the ground up which is why our stance on sustainability is clear from our energy supplier through to the groundbreaking products we develop.
Dekko Inundated With Leads Following
Appearance On Hit ITV Show Premium product fabricator Dekko Window Systems has been inundated with leads following an appearance on the hit ITV programme Love Your Home and Garden, which is hosted by renowned presenter Alan Titchmarsh. Dekko’s RÄUM aluminium bi-folding doors featured prominently on the ‘Get the Look’ section of the programme, which shows a close up of key products and guide prices, and within minutes, enquiries came flooding into the RÄUM and Dekko websites. Dekko had over 100 leads on the night of the show, with more filtering in over the following days.
“We were delighted with the response,” commented Sales Director Kurt Greatrex. “Most enquiries were from homeowners, and we passed these on to our trade customers. Interestingly though, around 30% of the leads came from businesses such as installers, builders and joiners, so we were able to go direct to these customers ourselves.”
“Our smart products have been designed to actively reduce carbon emissions. We also make a valuable contribution to environmental protection through our qualified recycling solutions made of polymeric materials. “Although we are incredibly proud of the work we have already done in this area, we are not willing to sit back. We have clear objectives that we want to achieve by 2020 that include: reducing primary energy consumption by 20%, reducing carbon emissions by 25% and reducing water consumption by 40%.“ REHAU has also implemented a code of conduct for its suppliers. Based on internationally accepted standards, the code of conduct ensures that everything from environmental laws to labour laws are adhered to within the supply chain. The company actively takes into account environmental criteria when selecting suppliers to ensure that they also appreciate the importance of corporate responsibily and run their businesses in a sustainable way. www.rehau.uk Dekko initially decided to get involved in the programme after hearing about the tragic circumstances of the family in Banbury that was going to feature in the episode. Kurt explains: “The mother had gone almost entirely blind after suffering a stroke, and was then diagnosed with breast cancer, forcing her to leave her job. The house was completely unsuitable for her needs, and Alan Titchmarsh and his team wanted to design a layout that would let more natural light into the home and allow for an easy transition from the home into the garden. ITV asked if we could supply a set of RÄUM aluminium bi-folds and we were more than happy to help.” www.dekkowindows.com WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 15
TRADE NEWS almost 4 times the length of the M6 – footways are estimated to cost around £150 per meter. The LGA is warning this ongoing fees shortfall is hampering planning departments’ ability to stimulate housing growth in communities. With councils facing an overall £5.8 billion funding gap by 2020, the LGA is calling on government to urgently bring forward its Housing White Paper commitment, to allow councils to increase planning fees, and also commit to testing a fair and transparent scheme of local fee setting, to allow councils to recover actual costs. Cllr Martin Tett, LGA Housing spokesman, said:
Taxpayers Forced
To Subsidise Planning Application Costs
By £1 Billion Over The Next Five Years Local taxpayers will be forced to spend £1 billion covering the cost of planning applications by 2022, the Local Government Association warns today. Planning fees are set nationally, which means councils are prevented from recovering the full cost of processing the 486,500 planning applications they receive on average each year. Since 2012 – the last time the national fees were increased – communities have footed the bill for as much as a third of all planning applications. This represents desperately-needed resources being diverted away from other vital local services. Analysis by the LGA reveals the
bill for local taxpayers to cover the cost of planning applications is growing at a rate of around £200 million a year and will reach £1 billion by 2022. This is the equivalent of: · Repairing 4.35 million potholes - potholes cost £46 to repair, on average.
· Providing grant funding to help councils and housing associations provide 8,507 new affordable homes. The Homes and Communities Agency, on the last round of funding allocation through the Affordable Homes Programme, issued an average grant per home of £23,510. · Creating more than 828 miles of public pavements,
16 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
“It is wrong for communities to keep being forced to spend hundreds of millions each year to cover the cost of all planning applications. “Councils are working flat-out to approve almost nine in ten planning applications, with the majority processed quickly. “But the shortfall in the amount of fees councils can charge and the cost of processing applications is heaping further pressure on the stretched planning departments which are so crucial to building the homes and roads that local communities need. “Councils need to be able to recover the actual cost of applications and end such a needless waste of taxpayers’ money. “Locally-set fees would also allow councils to prevent increased costs being passed on to residents, while developers could contribute more to maintain high-quality planning decisions, and improve the ability of councils to speed up the planning process.”
It’s all in the detail... The nxt-gen door delivers stunning aesthetics, clinical sightlines and superb symmetry. The glazing system is unique as it sits flush within the frame and has an internal glass retention bead to create a sleek and beautiful finish. Six in demand door styles, with various colour combinations and a wide range of stunning triple-glazed glass designs.
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TRADE NEWS
Incarnation
Puts Secondary Glazing First ucts have been installed in conservation areas around the country – but the company has always been aware that there are some properties where uPVC replacements just aren’t feasible.
New Business
In Exeter, Selling
Directly To The
“Secondary glazing is ideal for situations where you cannot or don’t want to replace the existing single glazed windows, such as in a listed building, and Incarnation offers every style to cover every type of project,” comments Incarnation Director Paul Bygrave, son of Roseview Chairman Steve Bygrave. “Classic is our super slim line range, while Optimum is our new line of products particularly in tune with commercial specifications”
Trade Launches In partnership with leading British and European brands a new business is delivering high quality aluminium doors and windows to the trade industry in Exeter.
Exeter Trade Aluminium (ETA) will hold its launch event at its showroom and factory at Apple Lane, Sowton, on Friday and Saturday, September 22nd and 23rd. Visitors will have the chance to explore the products on offer, speak with experts and take a factory tour to see products being made. Food and drink will also be provided along with a free prize draw! With 35 years industry experience, the experts behind ETA will offer a fast efficient service using their own on-site manufacturing facility making use of the latest in CNC technology, says the company. Nick Sandbrook said: “We are looking forward to supplying the trade with competitively priced aluminium doors, windows and roof lights. We will also be offering sliding doors, bi-folding doors, entrance doors and commercial glazing solutions. Our friendly experts will work with you, offering top customer service and quality products made to order, direct to the trade.” exetertradealuminium.co.uk
Incarnation Window Systems Director Paul Bygrave
Sales of secondary glazing (SDG) are said to have “gone through the roof” for Buckinghamshire based fabricators Incarnation Window Systems. The Olney firm is now producing 100 SDG units a week, with that number likely to accelerate with more investments in staff and infrastructure in the months ahead. Established back in 2012, Incarnation has been developed alongside uPVC sash window fabricator Roseview Windows, to become a leading name in secondary glazing. Noted for outstanding authenticity and exceptional all-round performance, Roseview prod-
18 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
Steve Bygrave, Chairman of Roseview, discusses the growth of Incarnation: “It’s fantastic to see Incarnation hitting the 100 windows per week milestone. We launched Incarnation back in 2012 initially to give Roseview trade customers another string to their bow, but the business has really taken off and is now running off its own steam. In fact, Roseview are now starting to win sales off the back of Incarnations success, which is great to see.” Secondary glazing is very much a family tradition for the Bygrave family, considering Steve’s own father Douglas began the family business with secondary glazing back in 1969. “Secondary glazing is in our blood, so it’s no surprise the business is going from strength to strength,” concluded Paul. www.incarnationwindows.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
(Left to right) Photo shows Ian Short, managing director of Morley Glass and Glazing; Oguzhan Kukul, mechanical engineer at Best Makina and Jolyian Lee, agent and engineer, JSL Euromatics.
Morley Glass & Glazing
for its Uni-Blind® sealed units with ScreenLine® blinds inside, and this growth is set to continue.
£700,000 Investment
The fast-growing business has added a second IGU production line to the 50,000 sq ft factory premises it moved into 12 months ago. It can now manufacture 3000 sealed units with integral blinds inside per week.
premises last year and used the opportunity to set up a production line specifically to manufacture sealed units with integral blinds inside. At the time, we invested in a 58-metre long automated sealed unit production line from Best Makina. We’ve been so impressed with the quality and efficiency of the equipment that we’ve now invested in a second line to further enhance our capacity and meet customer demand for our popular product range.”
The Uni-Blinds® range provides the widest choice of integral blinds in double and triple glazed units, with all manual, solar and motorised versions available in the industry’s shortest lead-time of 10 days from 11amany Friday. Morley Glass & Glazing provides unrivalled technical support for Uni-Blinds® customers too, being the only UK supplier of integral blinds to have dedicated customer support engineers on the road. It also stocks the largest range of ScreenLine® system spare parts in Europe with the enlarged factory enabling it to stock £1 million of Screenline® components with most parts supplied within 24 hours.
Ian Short managing director at Morley Glass & Glazing said: “We moved into these larger
Morley Glass has achieved 30% year-on-year growth as demand continues to increase
Expands Production With Morley Glass & Glazing, which specialises in manufacturing Uni-Blind® sealed units with ScreenLine® integral blinds inside, has invested £700,000 to increase production capacity at its factory in Leeds.
For more information about Uni-Blinds® visit www.morleyglass.co.uk. WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 19
TRADE NEWS
Deceuninck Supports Climatec On New Build Project With Slider24
Deceuninck has worked with Climatec Windows Ltd for 10 years supplying quality solutions for various projects. Recently the two companies have worked together to deliver 95 foiled Slider24 patio doors to an entire block of new build apartments in Orpington, Kent. Steve Barker at Climatec explains: “We were asked to quote for this project by one of our larger commercial contract customers for a new build project for Berkeley Homes. The Deceuninck patio doors were particularly suited to this project because it required the
doors to be smooth anthracite grey on white and these are not so widely available from other systems companies. The contemporary 1 and 2 bedroom apartments are completed to a high specification, each with a private terrace, winter garden or balcony, which residents can make the most of with the Slider24. “Climatec prides itself on offering customers a full suite of window and door products that are manufactured to a high quality – our customers seldom need to go elsewhere, which means we have a very loyal
20 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
customer base. As well as the Slider24, we also manufacture Deceuninck’s 2800 flush sash product, which, like the sliding patio door, is of high quality and meets the demands of our customers. It’s still early days with the flush sash but initial feedback from customers is very good. “Deceuninck has also supported us in our achievement of an A++ energy rating on a triple glazed flush sash window, which we will be launching to the market very soon. However, it’s not just about the products with Deceuninck. They offer a very good service too. The technical support is prompt and the marketing materials they supply are impressive. We’ve also always had a good relationship with the company’s employees, across all departments, which makes the day to day contact so easy.” Andy Smith, Deceuninck’s Business Development Manager in the South-East comments: “We’re thrilled to have worked so closely with Climatec on this project and others like it to deliver the very best end result to the customer. Our market leading colour offering of 26 colourways from stock, means we can deliver colour hassle free, which is something fabricators tell us they are struggling to get elsewhere. Deceuninck is a systems company that is entirely focused on helping customers grow by delivering quality, innovative and reliable products every time and we enjoy working with like-minded ambitious companies like Climatec.” Contact Chris Jones on 01249 816969 to find out more on how Deceuninck supports its fabricator customers. www.deceuninck.com
SIEGENIA IN STOCK FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY
Mila stocks the widest range of marketing-leading Siegenia products including security products, concealed hardware, folding sliding systems,TBT gear & even specialist items, in the UK. After 37 years of partnership, Siegenia is in our DNA.
TRADE NEWS growth problems, affecting not only occupants’ health but also damaging the building itself. It also ensures volatile organic compounds (VOC) do not stay in the air indefinitely.
Titon’s Pedigree
In Trickle Vents For 45 years, Titon’s core product has been the window trickle (or ‘background’) ventilator, with the company said to be the biggest manufacturer and supplier of these products in the UK. Titon says it has maintained its position as the industry leader through constant research and product development, ensuring the company is still able to offer the largest range of trickle vents on the market today – having sold over 50 million vents to date. Titon’s trickle ventilators assist in compliance with ventilation regulations in the UK & overseas, and are suitable for all types of window – including timber, aluminium or PVCu, offering increased ventilation that is claimed other manufacturers cannot match. As a result, specifiers can pick Titon products to ensure compliance for a choice of ventilation systems in
different dwelling types, without constant specification changes. Additionally, fabricators can remain safe in the knowledge that only the minimum number of ventilators required need to be used to achieve compliance. Indoor air quality By providing adequate levels of background ventilation, trickle vents also play a key role in removing air pollutants from inside a property and ensuring good levels of indoor air quality (IAQ). While this subject has made headlines during the last 18 months, Titon’s products have been ensuring excellent levels of IAQ for over decades now. Movement of air helps disperse general moisture in other habitable rooms (besides bathrooms and kitchens); if the moisture doesn’t escape, it can build up, leading to potential mould
22 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
Latest developments High performance acoustic vents such as Titon’s SF Xtra Sound Attenuator also offer vastly improved levels of sound attenuation. The basic versions of this surface mounted aluminium slot ventilator are the shortest available capable of providing 5,000mm2 EA – while being equally suitable for domestic or non-domestic applications. This short length means fewer vents are needed to comply with an application’s required EA. Plus, there are two width variants (one for use over a 13mm slot, the other for a 16mm slot), as well as madeto-measure sizes or bar lengths for self-assembly, all of which can be used with either a plastic or aluminium canopy. Commenting on the company’s extensive product range, Tyson Anderson, Sales & Marketing Director at Titon said: “We have been producing trickle ventilators for 45 years now, and window manufacturers, specifiers and fabricators rely on us for our knowledge and advice. This has become more commonplace since the recent increased industry and consumer awareness of the dangers of poor indoor air quality, plus more focus on sound attenuation requirements. At Titon, we have the expertise and the product portfolio to ensure there is always a trickle ventilator option available, which will perform to the required standards and be competitively priced.” For more information on Titon and its range of trickle vents, visit: www.titon.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
Market Leading Products
Contributing To Growth Two recently evolved products at Caldwell are helping to drive sales says a Director at the company. The fenestration hardware specialist launched the re-engineered products earlier in 2017 and they have boosted sales at the company. Tim Ferkin, Sales Director at fenestration hardware giants Caldwell, explains in more detail about how the company’s long-standing spring balance products have been improved for 2017. He comments: “At Caldwell, we are committed to producing the most high-quality, innovative products possible. Earlier this year we decided to look at improving two of our spring balances – the Ultra
Ultra Lift 6 (UL 6) and Torso II.” Both of Caldwell’s newly enhanced products have been carefully developed to provide some of the highest performing balances within the market. The Torso II is now the only class 6 balance and offers up to 85% mechanical assistance and can hold sashes that weigh up to 60kg. Both new balances are available in a variety of colours including white, brown and grey, and the Torso II now boasts an incredibly sleek design, with tube diameters of 17mm and 19mm.
Tim Ferkin, Sales Director
Lift 2 (UL 2) and the Torso – which are designed to give the end user mechanical assistance in opening and closing their sash window. “The end result of our efforts was two newly-evolved products: the
Tim continues: “It was a priority for us to ensure that the modifications we made to the Ultra Lift and Torso would not impact the manufacturing process by which they are incorporated into finished windows. Indeed, there will be no extra fitting requirements and no extra costs for manufacturers.” www.caldwell.co.uk
New Lumi Pod Makes A Statement
In Scottish Showroom A striking new Lumi pod design has been installed at one of Scotland’s largest showrooms, owned by well-established fabricator and installer Andrew Wright Windows. Celebrating their 80th year of trading and showing no signs of losing pace, the experienced window and door specialist has further expanded their extensive range to now include both Lumi windows and doors as part of their offering. Director, Charlie Berry said: ‘We began talking to manufacturer Apeer earlier this year about adding Lumi to our range and
which was added to the range earlier this year.
after being a reputable carrier of their Apeer composite doors for almost a decade it seemed to be the next logical step.’ The modern style pod, finished in matt grey, has been developed to hold the Lumi casement window, an AMD2 model Lumi entrance door and also the bold, all-glass Lumi entrance door
Charlie continued: ‘The pod’s design is certainly eye catching and is getting plenty of attention from the customers visiting our showroom. We have managed to sell two of the Lumi AMD2 doors already and that was before the Apeer team were finished with the installation! We want to keep this momentum going and expect these doors, and the rest of the Lumi range, to do very well with the high end domestic market here in Scotland.’ www.apeer.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 23
TRADE NEWS
Business Development Director, Andy Miller
Conservatory Outlet Ltd
Actively Seeks New Network Members One of the UK’s leading fabricators, Conservatory Outlet Ltd has launched a campaign to recruit new retailers to its exclusive network. In the quest for 100% UK coverage, the Yorkshire based manufacturer is targeting installation companies in various areas throughout the UK in the search for new strategic retail partners. After extensive research into specific areas and customer base, a short-list of potential retail partners has been drawn up to receive the multi-channel campaign over the coming months – those with local companies strong in sales, potential for growth & looking for more than just a supplier of windows & doors. Conservatory Outlet boasts a significant growth over the last five
years due to its 24 partners leading the way, some partners have growth up to 28%. Business Development Director, Andy Miller adds “I am extremely proud to take this unique business model to new areas in the search for additional strategic partners. Conservatory Outlet has a proven track record of being able to add value to the companies we work with, our network model, support package and product offering is genuinely different to anything else that has emerged since the company entered the market a decade ago.” With a unique business model and genuine network, Conservatory Outlet provides a tailored package to help retail partners achieve the best results, including an exclusive trading patch, a bespoke responsive website, pro-active lead gen-
24 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
eration, investment & support for new showrooms, digital marketing tools and regular benchmarking and best practice workshops. No two partners are in competition, and so ideas, knowledge and materials can be shared amongst members too dominate in their area. Richard Manser from 5 Star Windows & Conservatories, Conservatory Outlet Network Member said “We’re extremely proud to have just opened our second showroom which has blown our customers away! The team at Conservatory Outlet have been instrumental in their advice, support and funding to get our ambitious project off the ground”. Andy concludes “We’re looking for new network members that share our values in aiming to provide the most innovative mix of high-quality products, and living spaces whilst adding value, supported with best service possible for customers. “ conservatoryoutlet.co.uk/join-us
TRADE NEWS
New Products Explosion At Eurocell Branches! Eurocell has added 250 products to its over-thecounter range bringing the total number available to over 4,000. From loft hatches to laminate flooring, hacksaws to hardhats, the aim of the additions is to ensure that all the day-to-day items that a jobbing builder might need are at hand.
loft ladders. Looking floor-wards, there’s now a range of laminate flooring available from Eurocell branches. With the look and feel of real wood the click-together system comes in a choice of Michigan Oak or Ontario Oak with underlay, profiles and beading included in the range.
The company opened over 20 new branches this year, and with a total of over 150 covering Penzance to Inverness, the network can be considered a truly comprehensive national one. The new products span a dozen categories ranging from an expanded timber selection and access equipment, through to PPE, tools, fixings and decorating supplies. For example, there is a new collection of loft hatches with three variations available in either drop down or push up configurations, plus a one-hour fire option. An expanded timber range has been rolled out to even more stores, and now encompasses, for instance, 18mm OSB sheet products up to 2.4m in length. Last year saw the opening of 20 Eurocell branches around the country, with over 170 in total now, covering Penzance to Inverness. “We choose locations carefully, looking for spots that we know will be accessible for local tradespeople who might otherwise have to make a significant journey to pick up supplies,” says Eurocell Head of Marketing Chris Coxon. “One of the things we’ve noticed over the past few years is that our
customers are buying more and more tools and materials from us. By adding even more staples to the range, we hope they can make one stop with us and then get straight back to work”. Among the major new lines, for example, is a collection of insulated loft hatches with three variations in either drop down or push up configurations, plus a one-hour fire option. The design of the multi-point catch mechanism means that the Drop Down Loft Door can maintain a more effective draught seal around the entire accessible opening, helping to meet the air leakage requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations and preventing the problem of moist warm air entering. It has been independently tested by the BRE to BS EN 13141-1:2004, and easily surpasses the regulation requirements for air leakage. The door can also be used in conjunction with the company’s pole-operated
26 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
too.
Eurocell’s catalogue of tools and accessories has expanded. High-vis orange fencing, screwdriver sets, wood chisels and heavy-duty staple guns are among the extra items. There are more decorating and cleaning products
With the roofing season upon us, Eurocell has also added two types of insulation: Celotex GA4000, a general-purpose insulation board and Knauf’s Earthwool Loft Roll, a 1.14m-wide low-density glass mineral wool quilt for pitched roofs. Last, but by no means least, Eurocell has added significantly to its PPE range. Now customers can purchase hard hats, a choice of several styles of safety eye wear, ear defenders, masks and gloves. And to save even more of those precious minutes on site, Eurocell now offers a click-and-collect service. Customers can order online using a smartphone, tablet or laptop and then pick up from their nearest branch. Alternatively, there’s free delivery within 24 hours for orders over £100. www.eurocell.co.uk/branch-finder
TRADE NEWS
Good Looks And Lower Emmissions
Ballymena based fabricator Apeer has recently upgraded its fleet to include three newly-branded Mercedes Sprinter delivery vans, which have been brought in to replace three of the company’s more outdated vehicles. Their eye-catching branding
design, that displays Apeer doors on one side and the company’s innovative Lumi windows on the other, was developed in-house by Apeer’s marketing team and is a successful continuation of the company’s aesthetic updates made to both of its websites and brochures earlier in the year.
‘We have received a really positive response from customers that have seen the new vehicles out on the road,’ said Linda Tomb, Marketing Manager. ‘One of our drivers has even been stopped whilst parked at a local petrol station by someone asking where he could get the windows from. This has since developed in to a potential lead for us so we might need to start arming our delivery drivers with some sales skills!’ Director, Asa McGillian added: ‘Not only do the vans look great with the fresh branding, but the van model we chose is also significantly better on both emissions and fuel efficiency which actively contributes to improving our company’s carbon footprint.’ Asa concluded: ‘The vans will partly be used to deliver smaller Lumi orders, but mostly they will be deployed to fulfil our UK wide deliveries of Apeer composite doors, of which 99% are On Time and In Full.’ www.apeer.co.uk
Global Hardware Giant Posts Mid-Term
Financial Results
One of the UK’s largest and longest running hardware manufacturers has posted its mid-term financial results. The figures reveal that Caldwell UK is on-course to end the year having significantly increased turnover on the previous year, with the final results to be announced in December. This is a major achievement, considering the economic and industry climate.
David Walker, who is Caldwell’s Managing Director, comments: “When you consider macro-economic factors such as Brexit and the general election, the results are pleasing. “At a customer level, we have also brought on a record number of new accounts. This has been partly
offset though by a dip in demand for some products, from a small number of existing customers. This has been due to what seems to be a national decrease in consumer spending on new windows and doors.”
David says that demand for its core offering of products for the vertical sliding sash window market has remained strong though, with the recently upgraded Ultra Lift 6 and Torso II proving to be very popular with manufacturers. In 2017 Caldwell has also invested heavily in resources and infrastructure, launching its new robotic bi-fold testing facility, which tests the strength and durability of bi-folding doors and their hardware. The business is also set to launch a state-of-the-art automated cyclic door testing rig, to test resistance against security attacks and ensure PAS24 compliance. www.caldwell.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 27
TRADE NEWS grooved corner finishes. Not only does this process bring an aesthetic value, it also allows this range to achieve outstanding levels of security and product longevity due to an enhanced weld strength as no vinyl is lost at the joint. This means that Sternfenster Approved Installers can enjoy reduced after sales, as they will be able to offer their customers a degree of quality that is set to last. Combining modern function with traditional form, StyleLine windows and doors emulate traditional timber joinery whilst still achieving ‘A’ rated standards of thermal efficiency. This range is also fully compliant with British Standard Kitemark and Secured by Design standards, as well as the very latest European security standards including BS7950 and PAS24.
Sternfenster: Where Technology Meets Art
The StyleLine design allows Sternfenster to offer a home improvement solution that quite literally stands in a class of its own, setting the standard for innovation and advancement in the industry. Nathan Court, Sales and Marketing Manager of Sternfenster, commented on this exclusive range:
The StyleLine range of windows and doors, an exclusive offering from Sternfenster, achieves a unique degree of quality for Approved Installers to offer their customers. This range is subject to a stringent manufacturing process, allowing them to capture a flawless design and stunning aesthetics, standing as a worthy addition to any product range.
“We’re always looking at ways to offer homeowners more, investing in the future of the home improvement industry. The StyleLine range of windows and doors is our way of showing Approved Installers that they are joining a support network that is built upon a continual improvement policy, helping them to have a competitive edge in the market.”
The tagline ‘Where Technology Meets Art’ is based upon the state-of-the-art, pioneering techniques used to create the window or door frame. The StyleLine range is determined
by the first of its kind Seamless Quad Welder from Graf Synergy, of which Sternfenster is the first UK fabricator to use. This means that Approved Installers will gain access to something that really stands out on the market. These windows and doors completely outclass other uPVC designs on offer as the Graf Welder allows the manufacturing process to bypass the corner cleaning stage, as any excess plastic is pushed inside of the frame. This means that the StyleLine range secures a completely seamless finish at the joints, avoiding any unattractive
28 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
To become a Sternfenster Approved Installer, and to benefit from the exclusive StyleLine range, get in touch by visiting www.sternfenster.com for more information.
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TRADE NEWS
Proven Passivhaus
Standards For Kommerling
Double R Offers 20 Year
Warranty On Sealed Units Specialist IGU and conservatory roof supplier, Double R Glass & Roofing Systems is pleased to offer at no extra cost, a 20-year warranty on its insulated glass units, providing a strong downstream sales tool for its fabricator and installer customers alike.
Ian Sims, Managing Director of Double R, explains: “A 20-year warranty is a great sales tool for installers selling to the homeowner, because what better assurance of quality than the promise to replace the unit if it fails at any time in the next 20 years? Similarly, for fabricators, the ability to offer this warranty to installer customers is a valuable tool to have in their armoury. “We are able to offer this 20-year warranty, at no extra cost, through our membership of Edgetech’s Super Spacer Dealership scheme and as long as our customers sign up to the free fabricator or installer Dealership programmes as appropriate, they can benefit from the extended warranty. By signing up to the scheme they also have access to a whole host of additional marketing materials too, but whether they use that or not, they can still enjoy the benefit of the warranty.” glassandroofs.com
The launch of System 76 by KÖMMERLING at the FIT Show earlier this year, also extended to the development of a range of Passivhaus solutions for windows, residential doors and large span lift and slide doors, as the company looks to redefine standards of PVCu profile performance. For many years, Passivhaus meant window systems 85+mm in depth, yet now with cutting edge design and the use of prefoamed proEnergyTec profiles, the standard of 0.80W/(m2K) or better can be easily achieved. Indeed, the centre seal variant of System 76 can achieve Uf value of 1.0W/(m2K) as standard, with a Passivhaus capability of Uw value of 0.73W/(m2K). There are also a number of new hybrid designs from KÖMMERLING which bring together the architectural appeal of aluminium, with the energy efficiency and cost effectiveness of PVCu together. The latest AluClip Pro variant has been independently tested by ift Rosenheim achieving a Uw value of 0.69/ (m2K), with a flush fitting exterior aluminium section, which also offers additional structural
30 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
rigidity. As part of an expansive range of Passivhaus solutions, a new inward opening residential door has been added to the range of AluClip Zero products, with a design that adopts a unique floating panel, to cope with the extremes in temperature across Europe. The renowned lift and slide PremiDoor 76 has also been independently tested achieving a UD value of 0.76W/ (m2K) and again with the offer of the AluClip, aluminium exterior. Brian McDonald, commercial manager of KÖMMERLING has been involved in the introduction of these new Passivhaus products, with the company eager to open up new opportunities with architects and building specifiers. He commented: ‘Our range of Passivhaus solutions are unsurpassed in such a shallow frame depth, which is beneficial for the installation process, building design and for obvious commercial reasons. The proEnergyTec technology is also fully recyclable unlike most foam inserts, which further enhances our sustainability credentials. www.kommerling.co.uk
TRADE NEWS typical ‘professionalism criteria’, such as meeting the terms set out in competent persons and quality assured installer schemes; and installing Equinox, in compliance with Eurocell specifications.
Business Bonanza
For Equinox’s Select Few Eurocell has launched a pioneering industry initiative in Select – the sector’s first comprehensive solid conservatory roof approved installer scheme. Designed to give scheme members a competitive edge and boost business, Eurocell Select will seek to address homeowners’ fears about product and workmanship quality, encouraging them to engage approved companies to carry out work. Built upon the company’s leading Equinox solid conservatory roof range, Eurocell Select is being operated in partnership with certification body, CERTASS, and is the first independently audited and accredited scheme for solid roof installations.
The scheme features a twoyear workmanship (installation) warranty, an alternative dispute resolution service (ADR) with no annual fees and low per case fee (from £35 per party) and a comprehensive marketing support package. Membership will be limited to 150 companies during the introductory period, so it will be a race against time for professional installers seeking to grow sales and profit to sign up on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Those ‘early adopters’ will get free entry to the scheme, discounted CERTASS accreditation and a significant Eurocell contribution to the first year’s subscriptions. Entrance to the scheme includes
Head of Marketing, Chris Coxon, believes Eurocell Select will prove attractive for both the trade and the consumer: “Traditionally finding suppliers for home improvements has always been a headache for homeowners. Concerns over reliability, quality of work and cowboys all add to the stress. Eurocell Select will give them greater confidence in their choice. For the participating installer, the scheme provides a competitive edge over rivals and, crucially, more sales and profit opportunities. For example, last year we referred over 2000 leads to our Equinox installers and for Eurocell Select we are targeting a £100,000 investment in lead generation”. He continues, “The conservatory market has changed. Once homeowners were prepared to invest five figure sums in a garden room for occasional use. Now they want to maximise their plots with a room they can use 24/7, 365 days a year. The result? A burgeoning conservatory roof replacement market. With around four million conservatories already covering Britain, this means plenty of opportunity for Eurocell Select members”. Jason Clemmit, Managing Director of Certass, added ‘We are delighted to be working with a top industry player in Eurocell. Our new solid conservatory roof warranty is the first of its kind, which will help raise standards in this new, fast growing sector’. For more details about Eurocell Select, visit www.eurocell-select.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 31
PEOPLE When you consider that the vast majority of the workforce have over 15 years’ service under their belt, it’s safe to say that he garnered total respect and dedication from his staff. “And that is the magic of Mark,” commented Phil Warren, Sales Director, “people wanted to work for him. Whether you were on the shop floor, working on the skips or manning the sales office, Mark knew everyone and had time for us all. Being the boss and a friend, is a tightrope not many men can walk, but Mark seemed to manage it effortlessly.”
And It’s Goodnight
From Him… There have been some incredible partnerships in the world that are synonymous with success and longevity. Ferguson and United, Lennon and McCartney, Keegan and Toshack. But as with every good thing, there has to be an end, the passing on of the baton and this month our industry is going to be saying goodbye to a stalwart of the Fenestration world.
Mark Warren, MD of Lister Trade Frames, has decided to step away from his role and hand over the reins to his two fellow Directors, Darren Pusey and Phil Warren with immediate effect. This follows a stellar career at the helm of Listers for nigh on 30 years as well as taking on the roles of President of the GGF and Chairman of FENSA.
Mark is a well-respected name within the industry, often being lauded as a businessman who can combine great business sense with good old fashioned morals and ethics. Under his stewardship, Listers became a dominant force in the industry scooping three times Fabricator the Year at the heralded G awards as well as being the first recipients of the Derek Bonnard award. But it was his relationship with his staff and the Stoke on Trent community that truly stood Mark apart from his contemporaries.
He firmly believed that a company is only as good as its staff, that it can only succeed if there is a team motivated and capable of supporting the ides of the Management.
32 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
In his time as MD, Mark oversaw key moments in the growth of Listers that helped grow the business from operating in a shed at the foot of the garden to a £12m company with over 120 staff. With that growth, Mark had to adopt an inclusive style of leadership to ensure that all staff were feeling part of the vision. Speaking to his long-time friend and Co-Director, Darren Pusey, it is apparent that Mark created an environment where everyone felt part of a family. “Mark was absolutely key to building team spirit as well as ensuring the business remained ahead of the curve,” remarked Darren, “and working with him, he kept all of us motivated to succeed…and I do mean all of us!” So although we do have to wave goodbye to Mark as he bows gracefully and without fanfare from the industry, many people still involved with Listers will benefit from a legacy that he has built and that will continue to remind us of the all the amazing work that he has done over the last 30+ years. We’re sure that you will join us in wishing Mark well in his retirement and we hope to see him pop up every now and then on social media with insights and observations and, yes, no doubt many cat related tweets over the coming months!
Naturally straight.
CONSISTENTLY STRAIGHT
SAVES TIME
Qwood, we are ready when you are.
REDUCES COST
MINIMISES WASTE
www.qwood.co.uk
PEOPLE
Why Always Going That Extra
Mile Is Top Of The List For REHAU’s
Newest Sales Manager I also know how to speak to the end user and what they need to know about the product, which is an additional help.”
Stephen Payne and John Agnew
And since joining the sales team at REHAU, a key part of the company’s total support package provided to customers, Matt has had to often put some of these practical skills to the test.
GGF Confirms
New Vice President
The GGF is pleased to announce that Stephen Payne, Deputy Managing Director of Britelite Windows has been confirmed as Vice-President by the GGF Board. Stephen was elected for the vice-presidency by his colleagues on the Home Improvement Executive and takes on the role with immediate effect. As Vice-President, Stephen will also be representative of the Home Improvement side of the industry. On his new role, Stephen commented, “Firstly, I’d like to thank my colleagues in the GGF Home Improvement Executive for electing me and secondly thank you to my fellow Board Members for confirming my vice-presidency. I am a strong believer in the ethos and values of the GGF and in improving the status of our industry which has been unjustly maligned over many years.” Stephen has been a one-company man having started in the industry with Britelite Windows in January 1984 (approaching 34 years) as a junior surveyor and has grown with the company working his way up to Deputy MD with responsibilities in all areas of the business. www.ggf.org.uk
From rolling up his sleeves to providing marketing advice, Matt Janicki, the Area Sales Manager for the North West for REHAU Windows Solutions, is always on hand to offer his help to customers. Although still relatively new to the sales team at REHAU, Matt has been part of the wider REHAU team for many years – and this experience in a multitude of roles is still paying dividends and staying true to the company‘s promise to keep it all in hand. “I first joined the industry as a REHAU PVC fabricator back in 2005, ” says Matt, “and from that position I’ve worked as an order processor, in accounts, on the factory floor, in marketing before moving onto sales. “This experience has helped me in many ways – not only do I know the products inside out, but I also understand the day to day issues faced by my customers. The everyday things that businesses are dealing with, machinery faults, staff shortages, all of this was what I dealt with in the past and that really helps. On top of that
34 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
“The first time my experience really came to help was within the first few weeks on the job, when a customer expressed some concern about a profile, ” said Matt. “I suspected it to be a problem with the machine so I took my tie off and within half an hour it was working much better. I recommended a full service with one of my contacts and since then there has been no problem at all.“ Further to the hands on experience Matt has also been able to add value to his customers marketing approach by suggesting ways to target potential customers. “Sometime it’s looking at things from a different angle, or with different experience,” Matt added. But all in all it’s this willingness to go the extra mile that drew Matt to the REHAU team. “I really enjoy the family feeling that REHAU offers to both its customers and employees. We not only invest in gaining knowledge within the team but we share that with our customers. This push to always expand our knowledge and continually innovate is a huge motivation for me as part of the team here. ” www.rehau.com/gb-en
PEOPLE
New Appointment Helps Strengthens
Customer Service Offer
Robert Thiroff is set to develop global sales for Liniar
Liniar appoints International Sales Director PVCu systems house Liniar has announced the appointment of Robert Thiroff to the new post of International Sales Director. The Liniar range has grown substantially within the UK and Ireland since its launch in 2008 – and the next step in its growth strategy is to develop the Liniar and Alumina brands internationally, utilising the strengths and contacts of parent company Quanex. Robert is ideally placed to help take these innovative brands forward worldwide. He has a wealth of experience and a background within the construction industry; of which 25 years have been within PVCu window and door extrusion. Spending the last 9 years with the profine International Group (Kommerling), Robert held roles as Chief Sales Officer Worldwide, Regional Director and
Managing Director UK/IRE. Prior to that, he spent 16 years at Plastmo profiles. Robert said: “With the support of the vastly experienced Liniar team, I am excited to explore the development of our brands into new countries, together with the opportunities this brings for existing Liniar fabricators. I see many positives for the group and our innovative product range, especially with the realisation of Brexit and the export opportunities our currency brings.” Group CEO Roger Hartshorn commented: “I’m delighted Robert is joining the Liniar team – his experience in the global fenestration market will enable us to develop new overseas relationships and mark the next stage in Liniar’s evolution.” www.liniar.co.uk
A familiar industry name has joined Siegenia UK Limited at its Coventry-based headquarters. Tomas Berry joins the specialist hardware business in a newly created role as Internal Sales Office Manager. Tomas is an old hand when it comes to working in the glass and glazing industry, principally working with high quality produced European products. Tomas spent 15-years working for hardware producer Roto-Frank, before joining glass machinery supplier, Promac. Commenting on Tom’s appointment, Adrian Vicker, UK General Manager said: “Tomas has a vast amount of technical and sales experience and we are very lucky to have him on-board. The introduction of his role in the UK is key to Siegenia’s voyage to expand customer awareness of our products and grow the support we offer our customers.” Most of the activities Tomas will undertake in his new role, will involve him managing customer expectations – Siegenia’s main route to market is via its distributor network and Tomas will be responsible for ensuring that their needs and the needs of their customers are satisfied. www.siegenia.com WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 35
PEOPLE
BM Aluminium
Strengthens Finance Team making sure that the admin and payment process for new customers signing up for LogiKal licenses is always smooth and efficient. She is also the person who liaises with LogiKal developers Orgadata in Germany on payment and license related issues.
GGF Appoints New Director Of
Home Improvement The GGF is delighted to announce the appointment of Russell Day as Director of Home Improvement. Russell takes over from Brian Smith who left the GGF last week due to semi-retirement. A trained engineer, Russell has worked in the window and door industry for 25 years, holding positions in sales, distribution, manufacturing, technical development and general management. As technical director at Abbott Joinery he was involved in the development of market-leading new build PVC-u window and cavity closer systems. During this period he also worked in site installation, contract management and the development of supply chain procedures. Russell next moved to an Italy-based composite material systems company before returning to the UK where he joined the Glass and Glazing Federation as a technical officer, before becoming a Senior Technical Officer. Russell is the currently the Secretary of the GGF Heritage Window Group, Hardware Group, Insulated Glass Manufacturers and Glazing Components Groups and Systems House Groups. He also chairs the industry’s Glazing Supply Chain Group. www.ggf.org.uk
Minda Morris (left) and Hannah McGeary have joined BM Aluminium, strengthening its finance team
BM Aluminium has strengthened its finance team as it continues to expand. The LogiKal software specialist has appointed Hannah McGeary and Minda Morris as Accounts Administrators working at its Tewkesbury headquarters. Hannah is responsible for liaising with existing customers on everything finance related, and
Minda’s role is to manage the accounting and financial reporting sides of the business, which is increasingly important as the business is growing fast. BM Aluminium’s Managing Director Dean Hodges said: “Hannah and Minda have joined us at a really exciting time. They will give us the extra financial resource we need to manage our growth effectively and help us make sure that customers continue to get a great service.” www.bmaluminium.co.uk
Returning Sierra Salesman
To Spearhead Growth Fast-growing fabricator Sierra is celebrating the return of an experienced member of its senior team. When he left the Paignton firm ten years ago, Paul Tranter was Sierra’s highly respected Regional Sales Manager for the South East of England. Now, after periods spent working for major fabricators, he returns as Sales Director, aiming to take the long-standing company to new heights of success. “I’m delighted to be back at Sierra,” Paul commented. “It really
36 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
feels like I’m coming home. It’s the business where I first started my sales career way back in 2001, and I’ve always been hugely fond of it’. www.sierrawindows.co.uk
DEAR GERALD
Dear
Gerald Grenfell: Changing Attitudes To The Way We Build And Look After Buildings It takes a disaster, major loss of life or destruction to property to get Britain to focus on fire. So, fire regulations have only improved significantly after serious fires, starting with the great fire of London in 1666. After the Grenfell Tower fire, people will remember external cladding as the culprit because the search narrowed rapidly to focus on a single cause of failure. It doesn’t seem that PVC windows were implicated in any way, despite attempts by anti-PVC campaigners to implicate them. But experience of what went wrong in previous fires suggests multiple failures will be to blame: a mix of product, practice and policing, not just one cheaper product, or one inappropriate spec.
nor what good practice is, and legislation doesn’t change that. Continuous large scale marketing communications so everyone does know is a first step. Then ‘policing’ to remind people, bring regulation breakers to book, and telling everyone they’ve been caught so people get it. We do it when we want to change risky practices such as seat belts, or drinking and driving. Why not fire? Everyone was appalled by Grenfell. But the building is not a one off. Evidence suggests many buildings are at risk, and we’ll suffer more serious fires unless we improve Britain’s awareness and understanding of fire protection, and change our attitudes to the practice and policing of regulations. More legislation won’t make a difference. Those who scrupulously implement regulations will adopt the improvements. Those who don’t, won’t bother with new ones. After Lakanal House ten years ago, where six people died, around 200 tower blocks across the UK were risk assessed and local authorities rectified them at considerable expense. Eventually, this February, Southwark Council was fined £570,000 for breaking fire safety regulations. There was an investigation and report with recommendations, but who put them into practice? Fire professionals warned that Lakanal or worse could happen again, and it did. Let’s hope someone in Government is listening this time. Sincerely
However fire starts, it’s essential to contain it to its point of origin. But typically there are many routes for fire to spread: fire doors not maintained, wedged open or missing; openings for pipes not stopped; the inadvertent creation of ‘chimneys’ behind the external cladding to accelerate fire etc. So when there is a fire there’s a high risk of it quickly getting out of control.
Mike Rigby
To reduce the number of serious fires, we need to raise awareness and change attitudes to the way we build and look after buildings.
Accept No Imitations
In the welter of media comment and official statements on Grenfell, there was almost no informed comment. Most people know almost nothing about fire protection, but the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 devolved responsibility for fire risk assessment to individual businesses and property managers, without providing much to guide them. News of the change was poorly communicated, so most people are still not aware they are responsible. Legislation to force people to do the right thing is sometimes part of the answer, but usually only a small part. Generally, people don’t know what they should do,
CEO MRA Marketing
There is a famous saying that ‘imitation is the greatest form of flattery’. Whilst this may be true in some cases, it’s certainly not true when it comes to ensuring safety and the protection of reputations and livelihoods. Much like Hoover, iPod or Jacuzzi, through the success of our original range of universal cable restrictors, the Jackloc® name has become genericised to cover all types of restrictor. WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 37
DEAR GERALD Whilst this highlights our hard work in developing the Jackloc brand, it means tradesmen are buying and supplying inferior windows restrictors which they believe are Jacklocs. We urge the industry not to accept any imitations, ensuring they use only genuine Jacklocs and not risk their reputations on possibly limited and ineffective replicas. All Jackloc restrictors are designed, engineered and manufactured in the Midlands to exacting BS EN and ISO Quality Standards. Only the highest quality materials and components are used to create our restrictors, guaranteeing a long-lasting, first-class product. Safety is our passion. The original key-lockable Jackloc was developed by our father Derek Horne after speaking with a hotelier who saw a child dangling from one of his hotel room windows. Since then as we’ve developed that innovation into a business, our mission statement hasn’t changed; offering safety at every level to dramatically reduce the risk of falls from windows. The Jackloc MK2 Key-Lockable Window Restrictor still leads the way and was recently awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation 2017. This is the most prestigious award in UK business, and Jackloc holds the title until 2022. Jackloc has grown to encompass a full range of restrictors including push and turn, swivel/stud and double bullet models which are completely universal and can be used with windows and doors of any material. It’s great to say that we are the only component supplier that has absolutely no injuries or fatalities thanks to our products and a proven track record of safeguarding thousands of lives everyday worldwide. By using a copy-cat product or one that has been incorrectly described as a Jackloc, you can’t be offered the same, great assurance. For almost 14 years, property developers, building contractors, health authorities, window manufacturers and of course homeowners have trusted the Jackloc brand and our innovative product range. We do not take that trust lightly, nor do we forget our duty of care to protect lives and prevent needless accidents. Therefore, if you are looking for window restrictors, Jackloc is the brand that you can trust. After all, it is your reputation too.
Dear Gerald We’re receiving more and more calls asking for advice on rectifying coloured PVCu jobs that have gone wrong because window frames just aren’t being reinforced properly. The most recent was a new-build apartment block where the architect had specified Anthracite Grey PVCu windows. The fabricator hadn’t used steel reinforcement in the frames and as temperatures rose in early summer, residents in the south facing apartments started to complain about sashes sticking and not closing correctly. On inspection, warping of the profile caused by heat from the sun was plain to see. Today’s popular grey and black windows have none of the heat-reflective qualities of white PVCu and even lighter colours do not reflect heat well. The bigger percentage of foil profiles in a fabricator’s product mix increases the risk of warping frames caused by solar heat gain. Add to this the move towards longer guarantees on frames and it makes sense for PVCu window manufacturers to reduce their exposure to failures by choosing a steel reinforcement specification. PVCu isn’t first choice for homeowners by accident. They know that it is low-maintenance, durable and that it will last. Now that the market has such a strong emphasis on coloured frames, it’s important for homeowners and specifiers to be able to choose coloured PVCu and know that it will perform for years to come. At Anglo European we’ve also recently launched a 10-year warranty backed with extensive testing on steel reinforcement to give fabricators extra reassurance on the life-time performance for windows and doors.
Yours sincerely, Emma Wells and Judith Burrows
Best wishes,
Directors
Paul Sullivan
The Jackloc Company
Managing Director at Anglo European
38 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
DEAR GERALD
Dear Gerald The industry could be forgiven for reacting with a sense of unease about the recent surge of change in company ownership and brand leaders, acquisitions and closures. Someone even commented last week that it feels like we’re poised on the edge of a cliff reminiscent of 2007, the start of a big meltdown. However, today’s market is nothing like ten years ago and – albeit tentative – green shoots of economic recovery are appearing. Unemployment is at its lowest since 1975 and the pound is at a 15-month high against the dollar after the Bank of England fuelled speculation about pending rate rises. While herd mentality can be hard to resist, we must not talk markets down because of an inherent fear of change. With change comes opportunity and the key is spotting the right opportunities: this means finding the right products, for the right people, at the right time. We need to understand who we are selling to; who has the money available and wants to spend. We need to differentiate between the haves and have nots. Sales can only grow in a cautious or uncertain market when a meaningful point of difference can be achieved. In the current environment, this means moving away from a reliance on commodity sales to the potential offered by added-value products. Deceuninck can offer evidence that white, square product is now a commodity; the value is in colour. All our major customers up – and up significantly – on last year. They attribute their success to wholeheartedly embracing the abundant added-value home improvement products we offer, like the flush sash, colour options from stock, and Heritage Window Collection. A wiser man than me once said: ‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.’ Regardless of market conditions, there will always be winners and losers. Our industry is not going to end. The winners will be the ones who take a good look at their business and ask what they can do differently; what they can do better. The losers will bury their heads in the sand and carry on doing what they’ve always done. Rob McGlennon, MD Deceuninck UK
If you want to get involved in the discussion, or would like to air your views on a particular industry subject, then Email me at gerald@windownews.co.uk We cannot guarantee that we will publish everything, but we will do our utmost to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard. Your views and thoughts are imprortant to us. WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 39
HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY Ten years ago some capability was offered, but Smart Tech hadn’t been embraced by the UK market and the appetite for electronic systems was embryonic. Today that is changing, solutions have been created, capabilities are being recognised and people are putting real value on the technology. Looking at why we are on the cusp of a boom in Smart Tech, John points to three things: i) The acceptance of, a nd confidence in, automation in other areas of our lives ii) The move towards Smart Homes supported by initiatives taken by major utility companies and technology providers iiiThe impact of national media coverage and the lifestyle vision presented on programmes such as Grand Designs
John Crittenden, Managing Director, Carl F Groupco
Embracing Automation 40 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
With regard to the first point, we are immersed in automation and it has widely become the accepted way of life. Cars have been unlocked using key fobs for many years and are even being superseded with keyless entry systems. We don’t question this technology: it has become second nature, it simplifies the process and most of us would be reluctant to return to the traditional key. This significantly helps the evolution to electronic based technologies in the door hardware sector. Smart Homes no longer sound like a futuristic prediction. Many people have some element of Smart Tech in their property and, spearheaded by major utility providers, we are moving towards full control and connectivity of home appliances.
HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY New electronic era The new era of electronic living is widely presented on television and in newspaper supplements – it is regularly featured in aspirational TV programmes including Grand Designs. It is also a topic that is taking centre stage at both business and consumer home exhibitions.
SmartSecure – Carl F Groupco’s electronic locking and access control brand
Additionally, other countries have been trail blazers setting out the stall for the scope and potential of the new technology. Germany, the home of locking specialists FUHR, has been particularly pioneering in developing and adopting the intelligent home and integrating this within their door fittings. Against this backdrop, and supported by our long-standing partnership with FUHR, in 2016 Carl F Groupco introduced SmartSecure, our electronic locking and access control brand. With our track record working with FUHR understanding the practicalities and the needs of the market, we made the decision to fully embrace this opportunity. The established FUHR multitronic 881 locking system is at the heart of SmartSecure – this gives all important validity to the solutions and assurance that it is tried and tested technology.
The traditional key is replaced with a range of access control options
Company-wide technical training is seen as essential – photograph shows Carl F Groupco’s Technical Manager John Mitchell.
‘SmartConnect easy’ is an optional access control package using a smartphone. Keyless operation and monitoring is provided via an intelligent WLAN-based system. Complete assurance is given with sensor monitoring of door leaf and bolt positions that enable verification of the locking status wherever and whenever WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 41
HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY including a radio keypad, transponder and fingerprint scanner for keyless biometric access control. The real value in Smart Tech, such as SmartSecure, comes from the benefits it affords to users, such as easy access when carrying shopping, as described above. The advantages can be value add aesthetics to create a ‘Grand Design’ style home or practical and pragmatic reasons such as in the care sector e.g. controlled access to authorised nurse or welfare visitors.
Total support and tailored solutions
The traditional key is replaced with a range of access control options – image shows ‘SmartConnect easy’ - an optional SmartSecure access control package using a smartphone.
required. A second SmartSecure option is ‘SmartTouch’. This pioneering keyless access system enables easy entry by simply touching a sensor. Access to the property is gained if an active, moving transponder is within range and the sensor is touched. This means keys can be in a pocket when hands are full and the
door will open – so, no more struggling up to your house with shopping, putting bags down, finding your key, unlocking the door and picking up your bags again. For a stylish, concealed solution, the sensor can also be fitted within a pull handle. Radio-based access control systems are also available
42 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
Total support is essential. Smart Tech can’t be gloss, hype and vapour ware – it has to be a tailored solution, it has to offer real benefits and it has to be supported. The technology is just the tip of the iceberg. Advice and guidance is needed to assist customers as they embrace the new Smart era – our service team was in place from the outset and we appointed a dedicated Business Development Manager. Additionally, all staff that have customer contact are trained in SmartSecure’s solutions. These are exciting times for the industry where we are witnessing real change and a real opportunity. At Carl F Groupco we firmly believe that you can’t play around on the side-lines offering ad hoc products: total solutions are needed that are comprehensively supported and this is our focus for SmartSecure. Carl F Groupco Limited Tel: 01733 393330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk / www.smartsecure.co.uk Follow Carl F Groupco on Twitter using the handles @Carl_F_ Groupco and @_SmartSecure
FULLY COMPLIANT EMERGENCY EXIT & PANIC HARDWARE Comprehensive technical support for hardware selection to ensure compliance R R R R R
Multipoint lock security with EN 1125 panic door certification All hardware tested to either EN 179 for emergency exit or EN 1125 for panic doors Double door EN 1125 options are available Hardware from trusted European manufacturers FUHR and Strand Hardware All lines stocked for immediate despatch
For further technical information or a quotation get in touch today: 01733 393330 sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk www.carlfgroupco.co.uk
HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY
Yale Door And Window Solutions
Locks In Support For
National Home Security Month
engage with customers. Paul Atkinson, Sales and Commercial Director for Yale, commented: “NHSM has always been a great campaign for us to get involved with as its key objectives are closely aligned with the values and messaging we at Yale promote. It also takes place during October, coinciding with the clocks going back – a pivotal point for security sales and when consumers awareness of home security peaks. “The new ‘Child’s Play’ theme is ideal for homeowners by showcasing the simplicity of home security. What’s more, the weekly themes provide us with an ideal opportunity to promote our range of products and services from the smart security focus of our Smart Living offering to the traditional hardware that Yale is synonymous for.”
Yale says it is proud to be headline sponsor of National Home Security Month (NHSM) for its fifth year this October. Highlighting the importance of home security, NHSM is driving demand for security products and installation services nationwide. In the UK, a quarter of homeowners admit to having no home security measures in
place* with most turning to security reactively when something goes wrong, rather than preventing the issue beforehand. NHSM is trying to change this attitude, by pushing home security to the forefront of people’s minds at a time when statistics show domestic burglaries increase. This presents a lucrative opportunity to installers and fabricators alike to raise awareness of the subject and
44 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
Week two is of particular significance for door and window fabricators and installers, as it looks at securing the entry points of a home and valuables within it. This provides an ideal opportunity to up-sell British Standard locking solutions, such as the Yale Conexis, Platinum 3 and 1 Star cylinder and Platinum 2 Star cylinder pull as well as all the usual high security locking mechanisms for doors and windows, and to also ensure that customers are promoting solutions that meet the most up-to-date standards. What’s more, a number of homeowners are put off DIY home security solutions due to time constraints and being unfamiliar with new products. This presents an ideal opportunity for fabricators and installers as 40% of consumers agree that they’d prefer to use a professional to install home security solutions as opposed to trying
HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY their hand at a DIY job**. However, opportunities are not limited to week two. More and more trade professionals are investing in smart security devices such as smart door locks and smart home alarms that can be controlled and configured at the touch of a button. As a result, week three of the campaign presents ample opportunity to promote the Smart Living range of products, providing installers with a great opportunity to capitalise on a growing marketplace. Week four coincides with the clocks going back and onset of the darker evenings. As a result, this week explores how homeowners can protect their properties and secure their gardens and outbuildings. The final week of the campaign has a seasonal focus, centering on Halloween and Bonfire Night – statistically the worst time of year for domestic burglaries and damage. This is an opportunity to promote TS008 compliant letterplate restrictor to prevent key fishing and lock manipulation. Fabricators, distributors and installers will be offered support to provide consumers with details on how to ensure their door and window security meets required standards and also to promote their services. NHSM supporters will also receive a range of promotional collateral that can be distributed to customers to help raise awareness of the campaign.
Kenrick – Feeling Flush
With New Night Vent Option Kenrick has launched a range of locking systems to enable flush sash windows to be positively held in the ‘night-vent’ position. The flush sash night-vent shootbolt has been developed by Kenrick to overcome the common problem associated with some flush sash windows – a restrictive Euro groove position which doesn’t provide enough room to accommodate the double keep on the shootbolt. Steve Williams, sales director at Kenrick, explains: “Many of our customers have been frustrated because they couldn’t offer a night-vent option on a flush sash without sacrificing the external gasket on their windows. This meant that a flush sash window was either completely locked of left open and unsecured with no middle ground.
For further information about National Home Security Month please visit www.homesecuritymonth.com or contact info@ homesecuritymonth.com. For information about Yale DWS, head over to www.yaledws.co.uk.
“We set about developing a solution to eradicate this problem and ultimately give the end user greater flexibility in their locking options. The end result is a unique range of night vent shootbolts, which incorporate specially designed extensions to seamlessly provide a positive night vent facility on a flush sash profile.
*The Express **Yale
“The feedback from our customers
has been terrific and they are delighted to now be able to offer the same security features on a flush sash window that come as standard on other window systems.” The newly developed extensions are compatible with the existing gear box options on three of Kenrick’s top-selling locking systems – Excalibur, Centurion and Centurion Fast Fit. Durable and reliable, these three multi-point locking systems benefit from stainless steel shoot bolts and a robust unhanded die-cast gearbox. PAS 24 accredited, they offer rapid installation for the installer whilst providing ultimate security for the homeowner. The flush sash night-vent shootbolt comes in four sizes – 240370mm, 370-620mm, 620890mm and 890-1155mm – to suit varying window sizes. Keeps are currently available for both Liniar and Halo flush sash windows with more profiles in the pipeline. It has been function tested to 100,000 full cycles (open/close, lock/unlock) and also exceeds the requirements of BS EN 1670: 2007 Grade 4 (severe) rating for salt spray corrosion resistance. www.kenricks.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 45
HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY The comprehensive new high quality doors range from Bowater by Birtley benefits from a decade of collaboration between the company and European manufacturer of high performance door hinges, SFS intec,. More than ten years ago, Bowater Doors, which is now part of the Birtley Group, were producing over-rebated doors and wanted to extend their range to include composite flush doors. At that time, SFS intec were supplying them with the Dynamic 2D hinge for heavy over-rebated doors, which ticked all the boxes for technical abilities, reliability and aesthetics since it could be manufactured in a range of colours to match other hardware. As a result, SFS intec were asked to develop and produce a new hinge for Bowater’s expanding door range.
‘Innovation
Through
Partnership’ Delivers Quality Results
In New Bowater By
Birtley Door Range
“This testing revealed that off-
Ian Glenister, Door Technical Manager at Birtley Group said “The new range of doors from Bowater by Birtley provides options for all budgets, all style of properties and all building requirements, but the thing they all have in common is quality. Every element of the doors’ design is tailored to give end users the very best and hardware is an important part of the mix. “The development of SFS intec’s Dynamic 2DF hinge was key to evolving Bowater’s products and introducing the new range of composite doors. Not only were SFS very open to discussing solutions and coordinating prototypes with their factory in Italy but once we launched our new range, they provided all the aftermarket support needed to ensure an excellent supply and customer service level.”
Today’s Bowater by Birtley range continues to build on the success of this innovation through partnership approach. The comprehensive door range, which includes composite, fire, flood and steel doors, was a big draw at this year’s FIT Show with its brightly coloured composite doors representing the brand in an eye-catching way, but also illustrating the potential for colour finishes with matching SFS intec hinges. Nigel Wood, Business Development Manager for hinges at SFS intec, says: “As a manufacturer of high-performance hinges, we were delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with Bowater to develop a new hinge back in 2006. We worked closely with Bowater’s Technical Manager at the time, which included making several prototypes to test at their testing facilities, enabling us to run several tests to check hinge performance and ease of installation.
regulations, the development of Dynamic 2DF in conjunction with Bowater allowed us to improve the performance, quality and reliability of the door and hinges.”
Nigel Wood adds: “The Bowater brand is renowned in the industry for representing superb quality and SFS intec also has a great reputation for durable, high performance hinges. These synergies between the two companies can only be advantageous for further development projects.
setting the screws, rather than aligning them, increased the stability and durability of the hinge significantly. Despite it being a development project that wasn’t without its challenges, it took just a matter of a few weeks to test our prototypes and then finalise designs to start manufacturing the Dynamic 2DF as the perfect solution for Bowater’s composite flush door range. With its optimum performance, which included meeting all PAS24
46 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
“SFS is keen to partner with customers to develop and evolve other innovative products, in particular to explore the development of our Dynamic 2D-C hinge for a flush application. We firmly believe that working in partnership with customers helps us to evolve our product range and provide the best solutions possible.” Find out more about the Dynamic 2D hinge range and the complete hinge portfolio at www.sfsintec.co.uk.
HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY
Yale Supports
Fire Door Safety Week
Yale has pledged its support for Fire Door Safety week, an initiative designed to raise awareness of the critical role of fire doors and aims to minimise casualties caused by fire. The campaign, which runs week commencing 25th September, will draw attention to specific issues within the fire door industry, such as poor installation and maintenance, and will encourage building owners and specifiers to be more proactive when checking the operation and condition of their current fire doors. Brett Evans, Technical Director for Door Hardware at Yale Door and Window Solutions, commented: “Fire Door Safety week is an
important initiative for the industry and we are proud to pledge our support to a campaign that is engaging and educating people about importance of fire safety and correct specification. “At Yale, we have a wide range of door hardware specifically designed to help building owners and contractors ensure they meet or exceed the required fire safety standards. For example, fire safety guidance states that you should
not need to be searching for a key to exit a property during a fire, recommending thumbturn cylinders be installed for safer access. The high security, Yale Platinum 3 Star cylinder is available with a thumbturn variant enhancing safety for users while also providing a trusted level of security that is synonymous with Yale.” The Yale portfolio also includes the Yale AutoSecure – a multi-point locking system that can assist with gaining fire safety accreditation. The lock can be instrumental in achieving FD60 and contributes to satisfying fire safety requirements. The Lockmaster panic door system from Yale offers the advantage of high performance security and compression, together with accredited emergency egress capability. To complete the doorset, the Yale Firemaster letterplate has been FD30 tested and is Certifire approved CF219. yaledws.co.uk
Endurance Is Backing Fire Door Safety Week Endurance® Doors is again backing Fire Door Safety Week, which will be held week commencing 25th September, 2017 and promoted through social media and through other marketing communications.
Fire Door Safety Week is promoted by the British Woodworking Federation at www. firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk and Endurance® Doors are eager to play their part with their proven solid and secure composite door, that’s achieved a FD30S rating. As well as a free best practice guide on this website, there’s an additional initiative to reduce the amount of fire doors being wedged, with people encouraged to share their images using the hashtag #ClickItKickIt. Thanks to the Rehau specification of the RAUFERNO Fire
Door, Endurance® Doors have been able to lead the solid core composite market with this FD30S performance standard, that also offers an impressive reduced sound reduction to 34db. The range includes standard doors, along with additional top and side light options. With opportunities for sales of internal garage doors that necessitate additional security, it’s also a product USP that’s an important part of their portfolio.
Internal garage doors are a part of the composite door market that’s relatively untapped, when most people assume fire doors means the commercial sector. The reported burglary of Jamie Oliver’s house through the garage door back in October 2015 serves only too well the importance of a high security, internal
garage door.
There’s full technical support on product specification for fire doors on all Endurance® Doors, as customers start to look at the market opportunities. Stephen Nadin, managing director explains: ‘We’ve been quietly promoting our fire doors for a number of years and with the considerable added security they offer, make for a perfect internal garage door. With all the designs and colours now on our online Door Designer it’s an unrealised segment that we hope to penetrate further.’ For further information www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk and you can also follow then on Twitter @ @FDSafetyWeek. www.endurancedoors.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 47
HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY to promote their services and enter a rapidly developing connected smart home market. “Research also found that 55% of UK homeowners like the idea of being able to control their home security through an app, with 41% of those surveyed wanting a Smart Door Lock in their home**. By showcasing the Conexis® L1 Smart Door Lock, the new TV advertisement is aiming to capitalise on this increased awareness and demand for smart door locks, helping to drive sales for our trade partners and reinforce Yale as the security brand of choice.” Backed by a robust online and social media campaign, this is Yale’s biggest ever media spend, helping to drive consumer demand during a key time for security sales when the nights start getting darker and burglaries increase.
Yale is going on TV! This October sees the launch of a brand new advertising campaign with the Yale brand hitting TV screens nationwide. The advert, which will be aired throughout the month on Channel 4, Sky, and ITV, will showcase the benefits of the new Conexis® L1 Smart Door Lock. It will highlight how the Smart Living solution can add convenience to everyday lives as well as giving peace of mind that your home is secure. Paul Atkinson, Sales and Com-
mercial Director for Yale, commented: “This is the first time in recent years that we have used TV as a platform to target UK homeowners, and we’re excited to see the Yale brand in living rooms across the country. “As part of our research for this campaign, independent focus groups were carried out to gauge consumer opinions. One of the main findings showed that 80% of consumers would want the Conexis® L1 professionally installed*. This provides a huge opportunity for the trade
48 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
Paul adds: “Yale is a globally renowned brand and the leading home security company in the UK. This recognition puts us in a strong position as homeowners instantly recognise the yellow circle and associate our products with trust and reliability. Our TV advert will serve to reinforce this positon.” To help fabricators, distributors and installers take full advantage of this lucrative opportunity, Yale has a wide range of promotional materials available to customers. Simply contact your Yale Sales Manager or call 01902 366800 for more details. For further information about the Conexis® L1 or the rest of the Smart Living range, please visit www.yale.co.uk or find us on Twitter @YaleDWS. *Yale **Smart Home Week 2017
HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY
Ultion Filmed Saving Homeowners From Burglars “I don’t think I’m going to be able to do it,” says thief off, but they couldn’t open the door because Ultion was still secure. Amjid has a video doorbell fitted and recorded two burglars trying to break in, and One asks the other for a screwdriver before admitting defeat, saying; “I don’t think we’re able to do it”.
A real-life video of thieves trying to break through a door with an Ultion cylinder for over three minutes and failing has been posted on the @UltionLock Twitter feed by a happy homeowner. Amjid Khan was out for the day when his neighbours called him to say they thought someone had tried to break in. “When I got home, I saw the house was secure but someone had snapped the handle and the external barrel of the cylinder lock. However, the main part of the cylinder was still in the door and stopped the burglars getting in. When I saw what happened I contacted a locksmith immediately – and later that day I tweeted to recommend Ultion to everyone I knew.” “The two sacrificial sections on Ultion had been snapped and the cylinder had gone into ‘Lock Down Mode’”, explains Nick Dutton, CEO of Brisant Secure, which makes Ultion. “The burglars couldn’t get to the attack lock because it was protected deep inside a solid molybdenum core – 25% denser than iron – and secured with a dedicated retaining pin. You can hear how easily the handle got snapped
“The Ultion lock came as standard on my door. I’d asked the installer for a decent lock but didn’t realise how it was until after the fact! I’m just so glad it stopped them getting in. It looks like they tried for more than three minutes.” Amjid continues: “I specifically asked my locksmith for the same replacement lock and I’m upgrading the lock on the back door to Ultion too. I’ve recommended it to all my family and friends.” In fact, Amjid’s locksmith suggested Brisant’s new high security handle Lock Lock, together with an Ultion cylinder. Lock Lock’s seamless, curved, design means it’s harder to remove the handle with mole grips, and it provides an extra layer of security when the internal switch activates the spindle block, to give homeowners like Amjid extra peace of mind when they’re in the house. Amjid adds: “I can’t recommend Ultion enough. It stopped some scumbags getting into my house and they did their best.” Watch the full break-in video at www.brisant-secure.com
Quality Combines To Create The New BLU™
CP80 Cylinder Pull Innovative hardware manufacturer bluTM has combined two of its most popular products – the SE38 security escutcheon and the CP50 cylinder pull – to create the new CP80 – a stunning Euro Profile Inside Cylinder Pull. Manufactured from 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel, the CP80 offers exceptional strength and style with a clean minimalistic look. Perfectly suited for those looking for a bar pull handle on the exterior but who want to keep the interior of the door free and uncluttered, for a beautiful, contemporary, minimalistic feel. Enhanced security comes in the shape of a pressed stainless steel heavy engineered external escutcheon with an anti-drill outer lock cover designed to resist a snap attack on the cylinder. Wider features of the new CP80 include bolt-through fixings from the inside to prevent removal from the outside, PartQ PAS24 certification, precision engineering and the bluTM ‘super-satin’ finish. To add to the quality, the CP80 can be used with the Winkhaus AV2 and GU Heritage multipoint door locks. blu-performance.com/product/cp80-inside-pull-security-escutcheon WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 49
HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY
Conifer Joinery
grows family
business with 1Stop™ service from Quest Hardware
giving Phil the opportunity to pass on his knowledge and skills to the next generation in the family, preserving the craft that was originally shared with him. Phil works with local builders on projects that involve refurbishment and renovations including church refurbishments. He works with private customers on a wide range of timber projects, examples include bespoke timber conservatries, sash windows and wardrobe units. Conifer Joinery use a 1Stop™ service from Quest Hardware, this involves a lockable cupboard that stores a range of woodworking consumables and door hardware that Conifer Joinery have on hand for their everyday projects. Phil Inwood, commented “The quality of our joinery means that we receive all our work through word of mouth and trade contacts alone. Our workload demands vary so having a 1Stop™ cupboard with supplies on hand when we need them helps us manage our consumable and ironmongery needs in a way that means we can complete work promptly and grow our business ” The consumables and hardware are not invoiced until a stock take is completed by Quest Hardware and the items have been used. Phil added “Quest Hardware are a fantastic supplier of woodworking consumables and ironmongery, for power tools and more irregular items I call the Quest Hardware customer support team or our local rep. They are very knowledgeable and helpful, plus the items we order are always delivered quickly”
Phil Inwood, Director at Conifer Joinery has been working in the woodworking industry from the age of 16. Since this early age he has spent his time learning the craft and perfecting the skills needed to create stunning timber and sash windows, doors, staircases and increasingly bespoke furniture. Conifer Joinery has been established for over 9 year and has developed a reputation for the quality of its work across Oxfordshire and beyond. In the last two years Phil and his wife have gradually taken over ownership of Conifer Joinery, based in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, from the previous owner, who has now retired. Phil worked with the previous owner who shared his valuable woodworking business knowledge and skills with Phil. Phil and his family have worked to grow the company, increasing the turnover by around 10% each year in the last two years and has recently expanded the workforce. Phil comes from three generations of Joiner’s, his father is employed part time at Conifer Joinery and his grandfather was also a joiner. Phil’s nephew is currently in his first year as an apprentice at Conifer Joinery 50 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
Daniel Wells, Director at Quest Hardware commented “The 1Stop™ stock management solution is a popular service with our regular clients, it saves them time and allows them respond to work requirements quickly and effectively”. Editorial notes: Quest Hardware have been supplying architectural ironmongery and building consumables to the construction, joinery and shop fitting trade since 1985. As a family owned business customer care and personal service are at the top of our list of proprieties. Quest Hardware has over 12,000 products available in stock and available for next day delivery. Quest Hardware products can be ordered online, over the phone or from our store in Buckingham or Bedford. Quest Hardware staff in the call centre, store and warehouse all carry extensive product knowledge across a wide range of categories and are always happy to advice during the sale process.
HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY
Total Security Presents Opportunity
For Fabrication Market
According To ERA
Window Ware Extends Its Range Of Trojan’s Popular
Powerhouse Athena Door Hinge Window Ware believes in giving its customers MORE of the products they want! So when Trojan’s slimline, yet mighty Athena PVCu door hinge went down a storm when the hardware distributor launched it back in April, the company was keen to bring onboard a full range of options in this popular, high-performing product. To this end, it has just added cream, anthracite grey and chartwell green finishes to its Athena PVCu door hinge range, giving fabricators and fitters a total of 10 standard colours to choose from including white, oak, brown, black, chrome, gold and satin silver. For those fenestration professionals who are working with large or heavy composite doors and looking for a tough hinge to take the strain, there’s now an Athena composite door hinge to suit too – available from Window Ware in white or polished chrome (other colours available on request including brown, satin silver, black, oak and gold). Both the PVCu and composite Athena hinges boast a unique double knuckle construction which delivers impressive load bearing capabilities – three hinges have a combined carry weight of 100kg –
perfectly suited to large or heavy doors. Every hinge benefits from Trojan’s trademark super-simple fitting and adjustment. 3D (height, compression & lateral) alteration on the PVCu variant and 2D (height & lateral) tweaking on the composite option is achieved quickly, accurately and gap-free with the door closed thanks to full float technology. In addition, Athena’s lift-on-lift-off design makes perfecting the fit fast and hassle-free whatever type of door you’re working with. The Athena hinge has been rigorously tested to conform to all the latest safety and security regulations, as well as meet Trojan’s exacting specifications on performance and durability. It is PAS 24:2016 compliant as part of a full door assembly. It has been corrosion tested to the requirements of BS EN 1670 and the painted finishes achieve Grade 5, while the plated finishes meet Grade 4 for proven resilience. It also conforms to BS EN 1191 for repeated window and door opening and has been tested to 100,000 cycles to ensure years of problem-free usage. And, like all Trojan products, the Athena door hinge comes with a 10-year mechanical guarantee. Visit www.windowware.co.uk
Offering ‘total home security’ is now a very real opportunity for fabricators in the UK according to hardware supplier ERA. Just this year alone ERA has developed no less than 14 new innovations designed to deliver ‘total home security’ and is urging retailers to think about how it can deliver value-added security with the installation of its range of ‘plug and play’ wireless alarm systems. Will Butler, ERA Innovation and Marketing Director explains: “we know from our partnership with the Neighbourhood Watch that homeowners are looking to firms like ERA to help them choose the most appropriate level of protection for their home. This presents a very real opportunity for window and door retailers who can bridge that gap and add a further layer of home protection alongside their window and door recommendations. The ERA range of alarms and accessories are very versatile and the only alarm range in the UK recommended by the Neighbourhood Watch, says the company. The portfolio of alarms is designed for all budgets and all sizes of properties with a comprehensive range of accessories that can be added to at any time. WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 51
HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY “aluPilot suits all types of applications, both commercial and residential. Designed as the aluminium window manufacturer’s ‘friend’, it reduces costs through efficient installation.” Four key concepts – fastening, tooling, innovative design and handling – plus a combination of factors are behind the 10 minutes’ time-saving. The fastening concept uses fewer screw positions, which means all the hardware parts can be joined to the sash outerframe using ‘clamp and clip technologies’. The screws don’t enter the profile, so securing components with clamps and clips makes fabrication much faster. Connecting the sash components are drive rods, which are available in seven fixed lengths.
Winkhaus’ aluPilot
Saves Aluminium Window
Fabricators Time And Money The innovative aluPilot fitting system from Winkhaus saves aluminium window manufacturers time and money by making the fabrication process more production-friendly and efficient, says the company. Fabricators can save up to 10 minutes’ production time per window compared to the traditional systems available on the market, according to the company’s calculations. Multiply those 10 minutes saved per window across week-
ly production of several thousand windows, for example, and those time savings really start to add up, significantly reducing production costs of the entire window. Mike Rushen, Winkhaus UK’s National Sales Manager says: “In manufacturing, time really is money. Tests conducted with manufacturers during aluPilot’s development and ensuing roll-out to European systems houses have confirmed these savings.
52 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
This eliminates preliminary work steps, such as punching and cutting connecting rods to length. All the main parts arrive already pre-assembled, so these can be installed straightaway in the window. The aluPilot tooling concept eliminates production steps associated with inserting hardware. Two screwdrivers and an installation lever are all that’s required to install and adjust the components, so no need for time-consuming and costly machines, such as punches. Thanks to innovative design, fitting components are installed frontally into the fitting groove of the sash or frame without the need to punch out the sash groove. As the fixed lengths are delivered cut to size, all components are simply slid into place. Finally, there’s much less handling involved during installation as pre-installed com-
HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY
A comprehensive range of panic and emergency exit hardware is available from Carl F Groupco. Image shows Strand Antipanic gearing (left) and a FUHR emergency exit lock.
Carl F Groupco’s Emergency Hardware Supports Safety Standards ponents reduce the number of parts in a set of fittings by up to 25%. Everything is supplied pre-assembled to the manufacturer’s bespoke requirements. Winkhaus aluPilot caters for all types of aluminium window – left or right-hung, with visible or invisible hinges and all the tilt and turn, tilt before turn or turn only options. The standard hardware can take 130 kg sash weight on the invisible hinges (or top-hung style) and can be upgraded up to 180kg. The Concept range, on visible hinges, can take 130kg. Giant, the new upgraded range, accepts 200kg on a tilt and turn window or 300kg turn only on visible hinges. Mike adds: “We at Winkhaus see ourselves as a partner working with system houses to make their lives easier. aluPilot is a very easy and simple system to work with. Each systems house can truly have its own bespoke window – each one saving 10 minutes to make!” For more information, visit www.winkhaus.co.uk
Established hardware supplier Carl F Groupco is promoting its extensive range of panic and emergency exit gearing, which meets stringent safety standards for public and commercial installations. A comprehensive technical advisory service, including guidance on standards, is also offered by the company. Commenting on the importance of offering support to the hardware sector, John Mitchell, Carl F Groupco’s Technical Manager explains: “It can be time consuming for fabricators to translate standards into hardware selection – recognising this, we ensure that we are well versed in the regulations that impact this process and ensure we are fully equipped to advise customers on the best route to achieve panic or emergency exit doors.
“First, it is important to establish exactly where the door set will be fitted and who will be using it – this will determine what hardware is required to meet regulations. Non-public buildings, for example, where potential users have received full door operation training, require hardware to meet the
EN 179 standard for emergency exits. However, if the door is to be fitted to public buildings or other premises where occupants may not be familiar with exit routes and hardware devices, the door will need to meet EN 1125 for panic exit. Carl F Groupco offers hardware solutions to meet the requirements of both of these standards.” As a long-standing partner of the German lock manufacturer FUHR, products offered by Carl F Groupco include the FUHR 870 and 871 Type 8 emergency exit locks for aluminium, PVCu or timber doors. Proven over 18 years of service, the multipoint locks are capable of achieving EN 1125 panic exit and EN 179 emergency exit requirements: in order to comply, the lock must be used with a tested hardware set, such as the CES free movement cylinder and FUHR panic bar. Carl F Groupco also distributes facefix Strand Antipanic gearing: products offered are the EN 1125 Motorised or Modular Touch Bar, the EN 1125 Modular Push Bar, the EN 179 Modular Push Pad and a lever or knob operated Outside Access device. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 53
GLASS & GLAZING
Guardian Glass Products Enable Complex Curved Façade On
Hamburg’s New Stunning Concert Hall Located on the Elbe River, on the western tip of the HafenCity in Hamburg, Germany, the Elbphilharmonie is one of the largest and most acoustically advanced concert halls in the world and an outstanding example of modern architecture. The Elbphilharmonie boasts stunning architecture in the mixed-used facility. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the building is not just a site for music; it is a fully-fledged residential and cultural complex. The 108-me-
tre-high building, which officially opened in January 2017, accommodates a philharmonic hall, a chamber music hall, restaurants, bars, a terrace with panoramic views of Hamburg and the harbour, luxury apartments, a hotel, fitness centre, conference rooms and parking facilities. The design of the new glass building resembles a hoisted sail or water wave. Extruded from the shape of the original Kaispeicher warehouse that sup-
54 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
ports it, the new glass building is identical in ground plan with the brick block of the older building, above which it rises. However, at the top and bottom, the new structure takes a very different design from the quiet, plain shape of the warehouse below. Complex curved glass façade The new building’s stunning 21,800m2 glass façade consists in part (approx. 5,000m2)
GLASS & GLAZING of curved glass that transforms the structure into an enormous quartz crystal, whose appearance continually changes as it catches the reflections of the sky, the water and the city lights. Josef Gartner GmbH was responsible for developing the glass façade. It is comprised of both flat and curved insulating glass units (IGUs) for the windows, as well as triple laminated curved single glazing for the loggias (covered exterior galleries). One of the challenges was developing the curved glass elements of the façade. Up to that time, nobody has ever bent glass panes of that complex 3-D-geometry. The next challenge was to maintain the functions of the different coatings of the glass during the manufacturing process. The glazing of the façade consists of a low-E coating, a solar control coating, chrome mirror dots and a ceramic silk-screen pattern. The solar control coating and the chrome dots were vital in achieving the customers’ performance requirements. Gartner was concerned that the high temperatures in the bending oven would destroy these layers or adversely affect their performance. “We talked with many companies, but Guardian was the only one that could offer a base layer that would guarantee that the sun protection layer maintains its functions during the manufacturing process”, says Karl Lindenmaier, Senior Project Manager Elbphilharmonie at Josef Gartner. “In close collaboration with Guardian, we were able to achieve and maintain the customers’ requirements.” As well as working with Gartner during the façade design phase, the Guardian Glass team also worked closely with the curved
glass processor, SunGlass Srl. This ensured that the curved glass met the architect’s requirements in terms of performance and aesthetics (i.e. shapes of the curved glass, appearance and colour reflections). Products supplied by Guardian Glass The architects, Herzog & de Meuron, selected as a base glass for the whole façade
Guardian ExtraClear® float glass for its combination of transparency, aesthetics and performance. Guardian also supplied its coated solar control glass, SunGuard® Solar Light Blue 52. This product provided sufficient stability during the glass bending process, while also meeting the architect’s requirements. In a standard insulating glass unit*, SunGuard Solar Light WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 55
GLASS & GLAZING Blue 52 provides a visible light transmission of 47%. It also has a low solar factor of 36% to help reducing demands on the building’s air conditioning and controlling the temperature inside the building. Furthermore, the SunGuard Solar Light Blue 52 coating provided the possibility of applying the ceramic silk-screen pattern directly on the coating. To provide complete performance for the curved IGU windows, Guardian supplied its ClimaGuard® DT thermally insulating coated glass. This product combines neutrality, thermal insulation, durability and easy processing. It offered a remarkably high stability during the glass bending process, while also meeting the architect’s requirements Technical support services In addition to supplying the high performance coated glass products, Guardian also provided technical support including thermal and spectrophotometric glazing calculation data, and thermal stress analyses. Using its vast experience and knowledge base, Guardian was also able to provide invaluable suggestions and guidance on glass bending and ceramic printing of coated glass. *6 mm SunGuard Solar Light Blue 52, coating on #2 – 16 mm Argon – 4 mm Guardian ClimaGuard Premium2, coating on surface #3
Guardian Glass is a major business unit of Guardian Industries Corp. For more information on the products used in the Elbphilharmonie, please visit www.guardianglass.com or www.sunguardglass.com 56 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
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PRODUCT NEWS
Phoenix Doors Launches New ‘Sovereign’
Composite Door Range
The addition of a GU auto-engage lock across the range is proving popular and Haydon predicts that by next summer 60% of the doors they sell will be using this style of lock. Homeowners like the added convenience of securing their properties as the lock engages when the door is pulled shut and simply opened again with the turn of a key. He adds: “This type of lock looks much slicker, leaner and more modern and consequently by introducing it across the product range, it’s possible to have a traditional door style with the latest up-to-date security system. “Trends are shifting towards fresher, more neutral glazing designs set within sharper, cleaner-looking entrance doors. As one of the UK’s major players in the retail door replacement market, we know this marketplace very well and that’s why we’ve launched new products specifically designed to appeal to today’s purchasers and contemporary lifestyles.”
Phoenix Doors, part of the Masco UK Window Group, has rebranded its Continental and County composite door ranges under the ‘Sovereign’ brand in response to evolving trends in the marketplace. The rebranding brings together the Continental and County Collections to offer the widest choice yet in quality 44mm flush-fitting composite doors with new door styles, modern glazing designs and innovative locking systems. “The big news is that both the conventional lift-up lever handle multi-point locking system and the latest ‘slam-shut’ locks with an escutcheon are now available throughout the Sovereign range,” explains Sales Director Haydon Statham. “This satisfies those customers fond of the ‘traditional’ door handle and others who prefer the convenience of a key-opening and ‘statement’ handle appearance – whatever the door style. We have greatly increased the choice for our customers.” According to Haydon, Sovereign represents the latest evolution of their composite doors thanks to advances in lock and hardware design. “Latest developments in hardware have created locking systems with smaller backsets. This means they can be positioned between the edge of the door and the glass, opening up greater scope in door design,” he says. 58 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
Since its move to larger premises in Huntingdon, Phoenix Doors has installed additional paint spraying facilities to fulfil rising demand for coloured composite doors. As well as the standard colours, all the Sovereign doors can be painted in any RAL colour. Accompanying the Sovereign range is a well-produced brochure aimed at helping installers to sell in the home and present this comprehensive collection to its best advantage. www.phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Astraseal Unveils
New Doors Of Distinction A Distinction slab is also more than 17% more thermally efficient than solid and timber panelled alternatives, and comes with a 25-year warranty. “It’s no surprise that one in four doors installed in the UK now uses a Distinction slab,” comments Astraseal marketing manager Zac Nedimovic. “It’s a fantastic product, it excels on all fronts, and that makes it a perfect match for Astraseal – a business committed to offering trade customers the highest quality windows, doors and conservatories, and the sort of exceptional service that helps them grow.
Fast-growing Astraseal has extensively expanded its offering of high-performance composite doors made in-house with the Distinction Doors slab. Boasting a stunning woodgrain finish based on real oak, and coming available in an extensive range of over 30 styles and 40 colours, the Distinction slab is one of the most authentic and aesthetically versatile on the market. Thanks to its rigid polymer sub-frame and high-density, high-impact resistant GRP skin, warping is a thing of the past. What’s more, it offers exceptional security, and a track record of achieving PAS24:2016 and Secured by Design accreditation.
“Trade customers can also benefit from our new online door designer application, which you can visit at www. tradedoordesigner.com. It’s unbranded, so you can send your prospects to it to design their own doors, and even upload a picture of their own house so they can see how the product would look after it had been installed.” Astraseal also incorporates the Distinction slab in its extensive range of 30-minute and 60-minute fire doors, both of which are fully compliant with BS476 Parts 20 and 22. The firm’s FD30 is made with the Winkhaus Ecoframe outerframe, while the FD60 is made with a bespoke timber outerframe. Both doors are available in a range of colours and styles, including sidelights. For more information call Astraseal on 01933 227233 or visit www.astraseal.co.uk
aïr MOD-Series New Generation Entrance Doors aïr has launched MOD-Series, a new generation in entrance doors with captivating designs to create impressive entrances. The double-rebated aluminium residential door range effortlessly combines form and function with a choice of modern, standout designs and the extreme security and thermal performance installers and homeowners have come to expect from aïr. Brand ambassador Jay Patel explains: “aïr is the most impressive range of bi-fold and lift & slide doors which is helping homeowners to transform their properties in to open plan spaces that merge indoor and outdoor living. “The next step for aïr was to introduce a residential door that offered the same sophisticated design and performance for the front entrance as homeowners were demanding for their garden access.” aïr MOD-Series doors offer U-Values up to 1.3W/m2K, multipoint locking, Ultion cylinder lock as standard and a low threshold option for easy access. Fully bonded and glazed in panels are available as well as dual colour options and a choice of door furniture. www.evergladetrade.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 59
PRODUCT NEWS
Epwin Launches Frontier Range Of Composite Door Leaves October 2017 will see the launch of Frontier, Epwin Window Systems’ new range of composite door leaves. Gerald Allen, Epwin Window Systems’ Marketing Manager, comments: “The composite door market is growing and Frontier will help our customers make the most of the opportunities available.” The three ranges, classical, contemporary and cottage, and 25 different designs mean there is a style to suit every house style while a wide range of glazing options help consumers to personalise their choice even further. A Frontier door has a unique thermoplastic woodgrain finish to replicate timber and give a more realistic effect. The range is avail-
able in a capsule collection of 10 popular colours, all with superior scratch and abrasion resistance, helping to keeping doors in great condition for years to come. COOLSKIN technology minimises the amount of solar heat absorption in order to reduce the surface temperature fluctuation throughout the day. In addition to their excellent weather stability the facings are also highly durable with high impact performance during extremes of temperature. Frontier doors are available in slabbed or pre-prepped options so Epwin Window Systems’ customers can choose which works best for their business. They are suitable for standard or low-threshold doors, making them suitable for all project types. Prepped doors
60 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
are supplied fully edge banded for a sleek finish. Suitable locks and door furniture can be supplied through our Safeware hardware division too. Available in 44mm and 48mm options, Frontier solid timber core composite door leaves are manufactured in the UK and are designed to fit perfectly into Epwin Windows’ profile systems to enable its customers to offer a complete composite door solution. Frontier leaves are compatible with Profile 22 (universal composite door outer frame) CD70, Profile 22 Optima chamfered and sculptured systems plus Spectus Elite 70 bevelled and ovolo systems. The range also comes with all the support that is needed including full technical details and marketing collateral to enable Epwin Window Systems’ customers to capitalise on homeowners’ interest in composite doors. Gerald concludes: “Our aim is to be a one stop shop for our customers and the new Frontier range of composite doors reflects this aim in action.” www.epwin.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
7 Out Of 10 Consumers Can’t Be Wrong Swish says 7 out of 10 consumers recognise the Swish brand. And Gerald Allen, Swish’s Brand Manager, says: “Brand recognition like this is a fantastic advantage, as Swish fabricators and installers know. They also know that Swish is a brand that deserves its reputation.” Swish is a British brand with a 40 year heritage. Swish windows have been approved by the Secured by Design scheme, the official UK Police flagship initiative that supports and promotes the principles of crime prevention through secure design and engineering. The system easily achieves the best A++ ratings and triple glazed frames can deliver a U-value of just 0.8.
All products are said to be easy to maintain and keep looking pristine. The range of 28 colours includes woodgrain effects, accent colours and on-trend shades. Swish maintains that aside from giving homeowners what they want and need, Swish also deliv-
Window Warehouse Launches AluK Windows & Doors
Portsmouth-based fabricator Window Warehouse has launched the AluK aluminium window and door suite to its installer customers. Managing Director at Window
Warehouse, Malcolm Cake said: “We have made the switch to AluK aluminium windows, sliding and bi-folding doors to offer more choice and an even better service for customers. “With more
ers for fabricators and installers. The system is easy to fabricate and simple to fit. An impressive range of ancillaries including baypoles, couplers, cills, add-ons and trims make it easy to complete perfectly fitting projects. The colour finishes have no minimum order, so they’re an option for every project. Then there’s the level of support offered by a brand known for its warm and friendly customer service. High quality sales support and literature provide the tools to help secure sales. There’s also the Excellence as Standard member programme, which aims to drive and promote excellence at every level of member businesses. Benefits include access to qualified leads, branded marketing materials, benefits from partners including FENSA, and learning and development options via the Excellence as Standard Academy. www.swishwindows.co.uk homeowners than ever choosing aluminium for their home improvements, installers are looking for the best-quality aluminium glazing products on the market, in order to win domestic contracts. By supplying AluK aluminium, we can offer installers a great product backed by the dependable Window Warehouse service.” The AluK window and door suite manufactured by Window Warehouse offers the slim sightlines and modern aesthetics that homeowners are looking for in aluminium windows and doors. There is a full range of design options, including low thresholds, dual colour options and the choice of chamfered or ovolo beading. Door security is taken care of with PAS 24 accreditations and hardware options include the popular flush ‘pop-out’ handle on bi-folding doors. www.window-warehouse.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 61
PRODUCT NEWS them onto the scheme; the installer is then notified by the fabricator that they need to register with ERA and a welcome pack, including customer literature, is sent out; the customer then registers their guarantee online within 14 days of installation for their lifetime of cover.
REHAU’S Most Secure Sliding
Doors – Guaranteed! REHAU’s AGILA sliding door system is now available with ERA’s enhanced Total Security Guarantee, giving homeowners a lifetime of peace of mind that they have chosen the most secure patio doors on the market. REHAU uses bespoke security hardware from ERA for its AGILA sliding doors to meet the requirements of PAS24, which includes a 12-point locking system and security handles. Under ERA’s new Total Security Guarantee, this hardware is now guaranteed to deliver the ultimate in home security for the lifetime of the doors. In fact, ERA is so confident that its hardware is the best on the market that under the terms of its guarantee it will provide a replacement door, free of
charge, plus £5,000 compensation should a customer suffer a break-in due to the failure of the hardware. Recognised by Neighbourhood Watch, ERA’s Total Security Guarantee scheme is now a key selling point for the AGILA sliding doors and can be used by both installers promoting the doors to potential customers, and also fabricators looking to differentiate their offer from others. The process of registering and claiming through the Total Security Guarantee has been simplified so that customers can easily access the full benefits of the scheme. Once a fabricator purchases and manufactures in accordance with the enhanced security option, ERA registers
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Gareth Jones, Marketing & Technical Director – Windows Division – at REHAU said: “Large span doors are increasingly popular with homeowners as they maximise light coming into living spaces and create a visual connection to the outdoors. “However, in the past some customers have been concerned that while they deliver on style, they don’t hit the mark on security. With ERA’s new Total Security Guarantee, consumers can rest assured that AGILA doors are robust and fitted with the most secure hardware on the market, so they can have both style and security. “This is about offering trade customers the enhanced security option with the security guarantee as an additional, extra option.“ REHAU says AGILA Sliding Doors are perfect for modern living, combining superior design and engineering to bring versatility and a feeling of openness to any home. The doors offer slim sightlines, excellent energy efficiency and noise reduction plus they are low maintenance as they are made from PVC-U. The AGILA sliding doors can be used as a traditional patio door, entrance door or a door leading to a conservatory. For more information visit www.rehau.uk/agila and simply download the new brochure, or call your REHAU regional sales office and request a brochure to be mailed.
PRODUCT NEWS
Bi-Fold Doors Let In More Light
“This was a natural fit for us,” says Ian Kernaghan, Product Manager “And enables us to put something back into society and to champion environmental values with a product that’s both sustainable and energy-saving”.
Children enjoying an eco-adventure at Camp Kernow, an educational not-for-profit organisation based near Truro in Cornwall, are now enjoying the benefits of an Aspect bi-fold door, after Eurocell and Victoria Windows and Doors donated and installed one in a camp classroom. “They’re working fantastically, they’re ideal for us because they let in so much natural light – and we’re off the National Grid, so that’s important,” says Charlie
Nicholson, the manager of the centre. “It also allows us to get the children into the classroom far more quickly than a normal door for briefings and workshops”. Camp Kernow is an is an award-winning not-for-profit organisation with an innovative environmental adventure centre that runs school camps, workshops and summer camps dedicated to educating children about sustainability, renewable technologies and the natural environment.
The doors were fabricated and installed by Victoria Windows and Doors, which has been manufacturing the Aspect bifold since it was launched. “It’s been very successful for us in the South West,” says Cheryl Anthony, who owns the business together with her husband Graham. “We supply to trade customers as well as several newbuild projects here for Westhaven Homes in Thorverton and Heritage Homes in Exeter, which has installed them in a carbon-neutral development. We also get a lot of enquiries from self-builders”. victoriawindowsdevon.co.uk. www.eurocell.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 63
PRODUCT NEWS
SMARTGLASS Announce #Fridayflyer Initiative fully glaze a conservatory on a Friday, before the weekend. The offering is also another indication of how Clayton Glass, the company behind the SMARTGLASS® brand, looks at ever better ways in which to engage with their customer network and it is thanks to their unique logistics arrangements that this campaign can be fully achieved. For the last two years, the company has also been voted IGU Manufacturer of the Year at the National Fenestration Awards. SMARTGLASS® have just launched a #FridayFlyer initiative, which promises a free upgrade to a pre-midday delivery on a Friday. This new initiative is part of a promotion that will last until 20th October for orders, with the last delivery on 27th October, 2017 just before British Summer Time concludes. This will be great news for installation teams and companies looking to
The #FridayFlyer initiative is applicable to all paid for deliveries for any mainland UK postcodes and across the whole SMARTGLASS® range, including the market leading Ultra 86 product. It’s also applicable for SMARTGLASS®-W a unique range of glass for conservatory side frames and large span bi-folding and patio doors. www.smart-glass.co.uk
AluK Launches New Luminia Veranda System
AluK has officially launched its new Luminia Veranda system, designed to give customers an exciting new business strand targeting all those homeowners who want to make more of their outdoor living space. The stylish glazed Veranda perfectly bridges the gap between house and garden, and provides fabricators and installers with a potentially valuable new sales opportunity alongside virtually every bi-fold or sliding door installation. AluK’s Managing Director, Russell Yates, said: “We previewed this product at the FIT Show and the response was fantastic. It perfectly complements our doors, and gives you the feeling of being outdoors whilst being comfortably sheltered from the elements. It lets our customers sell an aspirational lifestyle to homeowners, with the promise of an outdoor living room which
they can use late into Summer evenings, right into Autumn and from the very start of Spring.” The Luminia Veranda is available in four different models to suit any contemporary or traditionally styled property and in four popular coloured finishes - white, cream, quartz and volcan, all with the reassurance of the Qualicoat quality label. The Premium model features thermal breaks, allowing it to be
64 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
combined with low threshold, easy glide glass sliding doors and protective side walls to create a truly year round indoor/outdoor option. The Modern model is a more contemporary option with slimmer sight lines, while the two Enhanced models – available with standard or Victorian style guttering, are the ones designed for larger open spans, with steel reinforcement allowing them to stretch up to 6 metres in width using just two posts. Alongside the stylish aesthetics, the Luminia Veranda is a great illustration of AluK’s renowned design innovation. It has clever features like invisible fixings, water drainage pipes integrated within the posts, adjustable roof pitches, optimised aluminium reinforcement, and cable-free LED lighting solutions in the rafters. AluK stresses that all of the models and all of the features are easy to fit onsite, with the option of choosing either a polycarbonate or glass roof to suit any customer’s budget. www.aluk.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Jack’s TruEnergy Window Is An Instant Hit For Arcalu
Architectural Aluminium Commercial aluminium fabricator Arcalu Architectural Aluminium says that the new TruEnergy Window system from Jack Aluminium has been an “instant hit.”
the window has been designed with the same features that make it so great,” says Nick Hundleby, Director at Arcalu Architectural Aluminium.
Already a regular fabricator of the Jack Door system, Arcalu became one of the first manufacturers to try the new window and is now making around 90 percent of all new windows using the system.
“We do a lot of work in schools and the Jack Door is the only system we’ve used that can cope with the wear and tear it gets from pupils. We’ve fitted countless Jack Doors. It’s a good, solid door and the only one we’ll fit.
“When Jack Aluminium introduced the new window system, we jumped at the chance to try it. We love the Jack Door and
“The window is up to the same standard. It’s easy to fabricate, we’ve had no issues fitting it and Jack Aluminium takes the time
to get the service right. “Best of all are the 5-7 day lead times. We’ve never had a window system we preferred until now because lead times from other suppliers can vary, but every Jack Aluminium product arrives within a week, exactly as promised.” Arcalu has already used the Jack TruEnergy Window on projects including schools in Loughborough and Nuneaton, plus the first phase of a threeyear programme to refit all windows at Derby Royal Hospital. Jack Aluminium’s PAS 24-certified TruEnergy Window uses fewer components to achieve a U-value of 1.4 W/m², double glazed, or 1.2 W/m² triple glazed. www.jackaluminium.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 65
PRODUCT NEWS ing light. All windows and doors manufactured using this method of construction are supplied fully glazed with the glass bonded into place. This process ensures that the mechanical sash joints cannot separate once installed.
This Way, That Way Or The Other Way? “Yes, there are THREE ways to buy your R9 windows from us�, announces Essex based fabricator Climatec Windows. And they are more than happy to shout about it. With investment in new welding and milling machinery, Climatec are now offering the R9 flush sash windows and doors as unglazed products, which will undoubtedly please a lot of installers that prefer to glaze their frames on site. The ETL (External Timber Look) weld is a new way of corner joining and as the first company in the UK to offer this method on sashes, the Climatec PVCu production team has fabricated sample after sample of R9 unglazed flush sash windows and doors to make sure that the highest quality is achieved for their customers. The new ETL weld is the perfect solution to provide a flush sash window or door with a traditionally joined appearance on the external face whilst offering the inherent strength from the weld resulting in a strong, stable sash corner and
therefore no need for glass bonding.
Climatec are in no doubt that the true R9, mechanically joined and glass bonded R9 windows are the most authentic timber look window in the market today, and will continue to promote this as their premium production method. However, by offering an easier on-site solution for installers the decision to invest time and money into adopting this new welding process has been very worthwhile already. Climatec will offer their customers the following three options for their R9 windows and doors:Option 1 is the true original R9 window. Designed to mimic original timber windows with traditional looking butt joints, this authentic appearance is achieved by pre-machining all joins before being mechanically jointed in the factory. The fixed window panes are produced as dummy sashes and therefore all glazing is either into a dummy sash or a top/side open-
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Option 2 is available for both windows and doors and uses the External Timber Look weld method. Whilst still preserving the authentic timber jointed appearance, a specially designed machining process welds the sashes together at the corners in such a way that the external appearance is the same as if it had been mechanically jointed. The internal joint is a welded mitred joint that is 0.5mm wide and on most coloured profiles this is hardly noticeable. The outer frames are produced in the same way as the conventional method, being fully mechanically jointed. With this method of fabrication, R9 windows and doors can be ordered from us unglazed offering you the freedom to obtain your own glass, or alternatively we can supply to you loose. This eliminates the worry of risk that is associated with lifting or carrying heavy pre-glazed frames. Furthermore, a broken glass unit can easily be replaced with no need to change the whole sash. Finally, Climatec’s Option is to provide a fully welded R9 flush sash window and door. Using this method of construction, the sashes are manufactured with fully welded mitred corners while the outer frames are fully mechanically jointed. Windows and doors manufactured using this method can be supplied unglazed. Whilst these sashes might not have a timber joined appearance they are welded in such a way that the mitred joint is only 0.5mm wide and therefore unobtrusive. www.climatec-windows.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Sliders UK Launches Ultra-Energy Efficient
Aluminium Window
A Window Of Opportunity
To Grow Your Business Aluminium windows have proven to offer a sleek, stylish and sharp competitive edge in the industry. The aluminium window range from Sternfenster utilises contemporary materials and innovative manufacturing techniques to deliver a standard of quality that excels in all areas. This collection, available to all Sternfenster Approved Installers, stands as a smart way to offer customers more. This cutting-edge range also includes the aluminium sliding sash window, a brand new addition that brings a harmony between traditional form and modern function. The sliding sash window aesthetic has proven to be loved for generations, with this new style offering homeowners the chance to enjoy an updated standard of quality.
industry, including a brand new aluminium factory, FOM LMT65 cutter and high performance powder coating machine, indicates Sternfenster’s commitment to strengthening their foothold in the industry. As the popularity of aluminium continues to grow exponentially, this will prove to be an incredibly fruitful position to be in.
Joining the Sternfenster Approved Installer Network allows home improvement to gain access to a wide range of market-leading products, a professional support network and a choice of high quality marketing materials. Mike Parczuk, Managing Director of Sternfenster, commented on the aluminium window range:
The degree of window design available allows Approved Installers to benefit from the increased potential for notably reduced aftersales. This is made possible by a market-leading profile design that not only offers an impressive level of thermal efficiency, security and durability, it also offers an extensive lifespan for a home improvement solution that is set to last.
“It’s become clear to us that aluminium windows and doors are leading the market in terms of appearance and performance. This is exactly why we have focussed our recent attention on growing not only our aluminium product range but also the lead times that we can offer in that sector. We want our Approved Installers to offer their customers the best in an easy and effective way.”
Their investment in the aluminium
www.sternfenster.com
Sliders UK has announced the launch of a new ultra-energy efficient aluminium window as part of the strategic expansion of its specialist product portfolio. The 66mm Ultimate EVO XT window, is available in multiple sash options, accommodating double and triple-glazed insulated units of up to 48mm. This, combined with its patented thermal break technologies, means that the Ultimate EVO XT achieves u-Values as low as 0.85 W/m2K – a Passive Haus equivalent standard of performance. It’s also fully tested to PAS24 and is part Q compliant. Steve Mines, Sales Director, Sliders UK said: “The thermal performance that we’re able to achieve with a triple or even a double-glazed unit is incredibly impressive. “We can do this because the Ultimate EVO XT features a very smart thermal breaking system and insulated foam core. “This combined with slim sightlines, plus a wide choice of finishing options and purchase from list price, makes the case for adding the Evolution XT to your retail offer compelling.” www.sliders-uk.com WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 67
PRODUCT NEWS
Quickslide Creates
Windows As Furniture With The
Introduction Of Living Oak As part of Quickslide’s quest to encourage homeowners to consider windows and doors as furniture the company’s design team has added ‘Living Oak’, one of the most authentic woodgrain foils ever developed, to the options for its Vertical Sliding Sash window. Living Oak, with the unmistakeable silver-grey lustre of weathered vintage timber including authentic knots and hand-sawing grooves, is the latest addition to Quickslide’s already comprehensive range of finishes, textures and woodgrains, joining existing classics like Irish Oak, Golden Oak and Cherrywood.
buyers can choose an authentic-looking period window that offers the most advanced energy efficiency and security.
In the continuing quest for authenticity Quickslide also prepares windows using a state of the art seamless welder. Combined with the embossed and distressed rustic woodgrain and a choice of traditional furniture,
Quickslide was one of the pioneers of bringing the classical Sliding Sash into the mainstream market, matching an authentic appearance with high-spec energy efficiency, security and weather resistance.
This is one of the most authentic heritage foils we have seen in a long time and we had no hesitation in adding it to our range straight away,” said Sales & Marketing Director Tom Swallow. “Nothing is growing in demand faster than heritage foils, especially on classical window styles like our authentic Sliding Sash and judging by early reaction from installer partners and consumers, it will be another winner.”
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That window has evolved by continuous improvement over two decades and now includes industry-leading features like seamless welding, deep bottom rail, authentic Georgian bars and hardware options, option of run-through horns, as well as modern twists like trickle vents and quick-release tilt arms. This latest development of the Quickslide sliding sash has been shortlisted as ‘Window of the Year’ in the Build-It Awards because of its appearance, with many innovative features and ancillary features on this model but also because it operates more smoothly and easily due to developments in its mechanism and assembly. Installation has also been considered with quick release sashes to assist transporting and installing on higher floors. www.quickslide.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Balanced Installation With Optima From Profile 22
Eurocell Plots To Foil In Just One Week
In response to the growing demand from homeowners, housebuilders and specifiers for coloured PVC-U windows and doors, Eurocell now offers fabricators a seven working day turnaround for a wide range of foils.
Profile 22 says Optima is fast developing a reputation for offering the best of everything. Record numbers of fabricators are choosing to switch to it and it’s fast becoming the commercial system of choice too. Gerald Allen, Marketing Manager at Profile 22, says that one of biggest reasons for its success is its range of ancillaries, which is one of the broadest on the market. “Fabricators and installers want a product that is better than their rivals’ products and by creating such an extensive range of ancillaries our customers can create a perfectly balanced installation every time,” he explains. “Because Optima is designed for the British market and made in Britain, we can develop a system that perfectly meets the needs of our customers and their projects,” says Gerald. “The UK’s housing stock means one size cannot fit all but our ancillaries mean every project can be perfectly finished no matter what. It’s a valuable advantage that makes a real difference.” Every item in the range is made to fit and function perfectly with the main suite and all are available in the full range of Optima colours and finishes.
Cills are available from 85mm to 225mm and come complete with end caps and couplers but have a single reinforcing size to help with stockholding. Thermal inserts are made from recycled materials. They are simple to use and cut and slot inside the profiles during fabrication to increase the number of insulating chambers and help a project achieve better U values and WERs. The range of baypoles includes variable, square and fixed angle options, enabling the installation of strong and robust bay and bow windows. Couplers are available in a range of sizes from 3mm to 29mm and packers are available in four sizes ranging from 15mm to 50mm. A choice of sculptured and chamfered Astragal glazing bars is available in all Optima colours and finishes, as are run-through casement horns and cover caps. The range is completed with weatherbars, which provide the important finishing touches to installations on French and residential doors. www.profile22.co.uk
Customers can choose from 31 different colours and finishes for any window or door as a made to order item, secure in the knowledge that they won’t be subject to the traditional three- to four-week wait that usually accompanies made to order profiles. The available palette allows the homeowner or end-user the choice of regular favourites Rosewood and Golden Oak or, for those of a more contemporary mindset, soothing and stylish greys such as Anthracite, Slate, Kensington and Hazy Grey. Both Anthracite and Hazy Grey can be ordered with a woodgrain or smooth finish option. Even those who are keen to be at the forefront of design and trends can select in vogue colours such as Light Ivory, Anteak and Chartwell Green or two shades of perennially cool black, Ebony and Black Ash. “Whichever of the colours and finishes fabricators order, we now have the capability to complete that order within seven working days. Even allowing for delivery of say one or two days, this is the quickest and most complete made to order service in the industry. Should a customer wish, they can collect their order from us after seven working days”, says Chris Coxon, Head of Marketing. www.eurocell.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 69
PRODUCT NEWS
Real Aluminium Helps Installers Break Through The Roof With Extended Range Celebrations have been taking place at Customade Group as it toasts to an incredible first year since the launch of REAL Aluminium. Now Customade Group has expanded the range of aluminium products to include a new flat rooflight.
Claire Miller, Customade Group’s marketing director, explains: “It’s been a whirlwind first year for REAL Aluminium and the reaction from the industry has been nothing short of phenomenal. We’re really proud to have enabled so many installers to make the leap into aluminium with absolute confidence and to help their businesses to take off in a lucrative new direction. The range of products from REAL Al-
uminium was already the widest in in the industry and we’re very excited that it’s now got even bigger with the addition of the Flat Rooflight.
“Consumer demand for bright, open spaces that bring in plenty of natural light is at an all-time high and the easiest way to achieve this is with slimline aluminium roof glazing, which lets in 40% more light than vertical glazing. The introduction of the Flat Rooflight to the REAL range will certainly help installers to satisfy this demand with a very sleek, modern product. That’s not all though – the rooflight has been designed to sell because it’s quick and easy to install and competitively priced to enhance
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installer profit margins. The Flat Rooflight, which brings ultimate performance and maximum light in a clean, minimalistic design, complements the fitter-friendly range of aluminium windows, doors and lantern roofs available from REAL Aluminium. Introduced to satisfy the growing trend for flat glazed roof products, it features a 27% slimmer overall frame height to achieve a flush glazed look with minimal internal and external sightlines. It also delivers an outstanding complete roof (glass and frame) U-value of 1.3 W/m2k, without the need for triple glazing. Fitted flush to the internal plaster, the rooflight appears frameless from below to create the illusion of an open roof space. www.real-aluminium.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Pelmets Just Got Quicker! Synseal Group says it has launched the quickest and easiest to install variable pelmet on the market. Available for their K2, Global and Celsius Solid Roof systems, this refreshingly simpleto-use product gives their roof installers the edge in getting quality installations completed quickly. The new variable pelmet system covers pitches from 12.5° to 35° and depths ranging from 300 to an impressive 1100mm, giving customers the flexibility to create the right look for every space. The pelmet has been designed from the ground up to adapt to
every roof configuration, and easily accommodates varying roof pitches and valleys seen in P and T-shaped conservatories. This highly adaptable product comes fully prepped, ready for screwing in place – enabling installations to be
Glazed Roofing Still A Big Market Says Prefix
done in record time with minimal fuss. Phil Parry, Head of Research and Development at Synseal Group, said: “Our new variable pelmet gives our conservatory and orangery roof customers more flexibility to design rooms exactly to their customers’ specifications. Previously customers were limited by only being able to work with equal pitches, so we have designed a variable pelmet which is better suited for Victorian and P-shaped conservatories where pitching may vary. “We are confident that roof customers are going to appreciate the introduction of a variable pelmet which is quicker and easier to fit than market competitors and also comes at a more affordable price. There’s no reason not to give it a try!” email info@synseal.com.
with more choice than ever before in terms of colour, glass specification and architectural detailing. This also extends to the new contemporary URBANroom gutter shroud, which has been designed and developed by Prefix Systems exclusively for their customers. Recent major investment at Prefix Systems has seen the introduction of a state of the art paint line ensure they are well positioned to cope with growing demand for colour roofs. This investment will enable the company to offer its customers any roof in any colour, backed up by superior quality and improved lead times.The evolution and increase in demand for glazed home extensions has come about in two distinct roof forms; true orangeries such as the iX250 and the glass and tile hybrid, in the form of the impressive WARMroof hybrid.
Glazed roofs for a wide variety of applications continue to be at the core of sales for Prefix Systems, across their network of fabrication sites which cover the whole of the UK. The company are in a unique position with such a geographical reach and localised technical support, for the conservatory and lantern roof sector. Their 22-year experience has seen considerable change in the specification of the conservatory roof,
The iX250 utilises a fully insulated, structural deck, which is supplied in easy to handle ladder sections and is topped off with a glazed lantern roof, including the Prefix OPUS hardwood timber offering to the inside face. While the WARMroof hybrid combines their award-winning solid WARMroof, with triple glazed panels integrated into one structure, ensuring maximum natural light with stunning aesthetics both internally and externally. \www.prefixsystems.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 71
G17 AWARDS
Roseview Rounds Off Fortieth Year With Prestigious G17 Nomination Sash window experts Roseview have topped off a phenomenal fortieth year with a nomination for Fabricator of the Year at the prestigious G17 Awards. In the last year, Roseview has grown to turnover of £8.5m, while investing £300k in improvements to infrastructure and its Rose Collection range. Now, all three Rose Collection windows can boast a strengthened astragal bar, while the G Award-winning Ultimate Rose has been further enhanced with a specially extruded mid-section and the slimmest meeting stile on the market.
It has also continued to provide hundreds of leads a month to installers around the country via its consumer-facing website. “A G17 nomination – for one of the most competitive categories, no less – is a fantastic way to round off our fortieth birthday celebrations,” commented Roseview Sales Director Richard Burrells. “It’s been an action-packed twelve months, but despite all the celebrations, our focus hasn’t wavered – we’re in business to give our customers the best, most authentic uPVC sash windows in the world, and we’ll continue to make whatever
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investments and innovations we deem necessary to achieve that.” Roseview’s Rose Collection are one of the UK’s leading range of uPVC sash windows. Competitively priced and highly versatile, the Eurocell-based Charisma Rose is the perfect fit for everything from upgrading existing windows on older properties to installing on modern new-builds. The superbly authentic Heritage Rose, based on the REHAU system, has been accepted for use in conservation areas as discerning as the London Boroughs of Chelsea and Kensington, Lincoln, Worcester, and Cambridge – while the G Award-winning Ultimate Rose is the pinnacle of timber-effect uPVC, boasting features as detailed as run-through horns, full mechanical joints and the new 35mm meeting rail. www.roseview.co.uk
G17 AWARDS
Korniche ‘New Product of the Year’ Finalist 2017 offers consumers enviable clean uninterrupted views that are ever more popular for flat roof extension projects. Not just another Lantern - It’s been a whirlwind several months at Made for Trade seeing the company take on more staff, further product development and manufacturing output rise across the company. Bucking the trend of Conservatory sales, Made for Trade has seen a consistent growth of the Global Conservatory Roof systems which has become a specialism of the company. Alongside this sees Made for Trade’s Fabrication of the Smarts Aluminium Visofold Bi-folding Door breaking company records on a weekly basis whilst maintaining rapid turnaround and delivery to clients nationwide.
Sitting on top of these successes is the Korniche Aluminium Roof Lantern which is seeing unprecedented growth as the market seemingly realises the potential of this exceptional, highly engineered product and the many key advantages the Korniche holds over its nearest competitors. The Korniche appeals to fitters and trade outlets alike and ultimately
The technical attributes of the Korniche, it’s engineering and design pedigree deliver an unrivalled ease and speed of fit, making it a firm favourite with fitters and installers. Gaining favour and appreciation from the installers and builders has been key. Made for Trade have now also been recognised by the window industry through the prestigious G17 awards who have short listed the Korniche Aluminium Roof Lantern for the ‘New Product of the Year’ award. Bradley Gaunt, Managing Director says “We are all very proud of everything we have achieved with the Korniche and that it is being recognised by the industry for its ground breaking design is fantastic news. Most heartening is the positive feedback we continue to receive from the installers and tradesman up and down the country who fit the Lantern, those who have taken a chance on what is a relatively new kid on the block. Having had nothing but praise underpins our belief in the Korniche and that it is a true gamechanger in the industry”
Made for Trade have continued to invest not only in extending the Korniche as a product, with new features in the pipeline but also with customer and marketing support. Alongside showroom point of sale, brochures and samples to suit all scales of businesses Made for Trade have also now released through the Korniche website an account enabled estimating tool KwikQuote.
KwikQuote enables a streamlined approach for clients to easily provide their customers on the spot quotations and orders. Mike Robinson, Roof Manager says, “Everyone we are working with on the Korniche Roof Lantern are simply blown away with the product and service level we provide”. It’s little wonder the Korniche continues to grow its market share and gain popularity with installers and consumers alike with recent record sales and testimonials such as “Best Lantern Roof on the market by far”, “Amazing Roof”, “It took longer to unpack than it did to fit!”. “Aluminium Lantern by Korniche – great product”. “No plastic caps, a smooth clean look”. To find out more about the Korniche, organise a build demonstration and discover how the Korniche will be a profitable addition to your business contact sales@korniche.co.uk or visit www.korniche.co.uk For more information on Global Conservatory Roofs and the Smarts Visofold Bi-folding doors see the Made for Trade website: www.madefortrade.co
WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 73
G17 AWARDS
Double G-Awards Nomination For The Window Company (Contracts)
Diamond Result
sion of the facilities, there has been a surge of business in the new build and schools sectors, a dedicated stand at the FIT Show and the award of the Kitemark for window installation.
For DOORCO
It’s all about the customers for the UK’s leading composite door manufacturer DOORCO Ltd, as they announce their position of finalist in this year’s G17 Customer Care Initiative of the Year. “We are absolutely delighted to able to make this announcement,” says Jayne Sullivan, DOORCO’s Operations Director. “Even being shortlisted is testament to our commitment to our customers and the excellent products and service we provide. As one of the fastest growing and most invested-in door companies in the UK, it has been imperative to ensure that our high services levels are maintained both now and in the future. Project Diamond made this happen. Encompassing our strategic programme of investment and growth, Project Diamond focussed on management systems, IT, staff, premises, tooling and engineering, automation and marketing. “Although DOORCO has grown dramatically in the last 12 months, our strategy of customer care has always remained our focus. Project Diamond was about ensuring we managed our growth to maintain, streamline and future-proof high service levels without sacrifice. A large part of the project was the implementation of a completely bespoke software system that allows our customers to process their orders directly. Handling an unlimited number of prep options and configurations, early results show the new system is already saving customers time and giving them greater flexibility, whilst simultaneously real-time tracking DOORCO’s performance. www.door-co.com.
The Window Company (Contracts) has been nominated for two G-Awards in the Installer of the Year and the Commercial Project of the Year categories. The Chelmsford based commercial specialist is hoping to make it a hat trick of Installer of the Year wins, having taken home the much coveted prize in both 2014 and 2015. The company has had yet another very successful year and the whole team is eagerly anticipating the judge’s assessment visit when they can show off all that has been achieved. As well as yet another expan-
In the equally competitive Commercial Project of the Year category, The Window Company (Contracts) has been recognised for the success of its large scale window and door replacement project at the Haberdasher’s Askes’ Foundation Hatcham College in South East London. This was the perfect example of ‘old meets new’, demonstrating what can be achieved in preserving the character of a historic school with bespoke timber box sashes whilst also maximising best value with a mix of PVC-U vertical sliders and casements. Further details are available at: www.thewinco.co.uk
Double R Difference Recognised In Two Categories At G-Awards Double R Glass & Roofing Systems says it is delighted to announce their finalist position in not one, but two categories at this year’s G-Awards. The specialist IGU and conservatory roof manufacturer has been shortlisted for both Glass Company of the Year and Component Supplier of the Year for its investment in the world’s first For.El vertical Super Spacer Hot Melt IGU line as well as its continued customer focused approach. Ian Sims, Managing Director of Double R, explains: “We think Double R Glass & Roofing Sys-
74 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
tems is different to most other sealed unit suppliers. We’ve been told that it feels different as soon as you walk through the door. It’s home to one of the most friendly and knowledgeable teams in the industry who have a genuinely customer focused approach, vast quality IGU and conservatory roof offering, a 20-year warranty on sealed units and a pioneering philosophy – often being the first to implement new products or machinery. For more information visit www.glassandroofs.com
G17 AWARDS
Further Success For Deceuninck
Customers And Deceuninck On the back of recent news that the company’s sales are up 25% thanks in part to existing customers growing, Deceuninck is delighted to announce that it and two of its aforementioned growing customers, have made it through to the finals of the coveted G-Awards. Rob McGlennon of Deceuninck says: “We encouraged and supported those customers that wanted to enter the G17 awards because we recognise the importance of such third party endorsements. We’re thrilled to have got through ourselves for New Product of the Year with our Heritage Flush Sash, but we’re especially pleased for customers Dempsey Dyer and Building Product Solutions for their finalist positions in the Commercial Pro-
ject of the Year and Fabricator of the Year categories respectively. “Dempsey Dyer has been shortlisted for its part in the prestigious Hinckley Point project, while Building Product Solutions has been shortlisted for their unique business proposition as a successful new build fabricator that is genuinely built on relationships. The Deceuninck entry for New Product of the Year mean-
G17 Award Nomination
Continues Incredible
Year For Jackloc
Company directors Emma (right) and Judith (left) with Father Derek Horne, Jackloc creator
In what has been the Leicestershire firm’s most successful year to date, Queen’s Award-winning restrictor specialists Jackloc® can now add G17 Finalists to their long list of awards and accolades. The firm which has pioneered the original range of universal window and door restrictors, has been shortlisted for ‘Component Supplier of the Year’ at
while was of course for our Heritage Flush Sash – an innovation that delivers a real solution to a growing market and is available in 26 colourways from stock. A product perfectly suited to the ever-growing Heritage sector and looking equally at home in either a country cottage or modern townhouse. We thought at the time of launch it would end up being one of the most talked about products in 2017 and our position in the G17 finals is further evidence that we were right. “Getting through to the finals of such prestigious industry awards alone adds credibility to the work that we collectively do but of course we’ve got our fingers firmly crossed for the awards night in November, for ourselves but genuinely most of all, for our deserving customers.” Contact Deceuninck today on 01249 816 969 or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk
the prestigious G Awards 2017. “It’s been an incredible year so far for The Jackloc Company, first to secure The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation and now shortlisted for the industry’s most coveted awards,” comments Emma Wells, Jackloc Founder and Director. “We are absolutely over the moon to be a finalist for Component Supplier of the Year, the reward for 14 years of hard work creating a range of restrictors which safeguard lives and dramatically reduce risk of falls from windows worldwide.” The nomination recognises Jackloc’s entire range of universal cable restrictors. Designed and manufactured in the Midlands, the range includes push-andturn, swivel/stud and double bullet models. The star of the collection however is the Queen’s Award-winning MK2 key-lockable restrictor. “We couldn’t quite believe it when we read our name on the shortlist,” adds Judith Burrows, fellow Jackloc Director and sister to Emma. “We are so proud to be a finalist at the G Awards and to receive recognition from our industry peers. We know we face some tough competition in our category but we are delighted to be named a finalist.” For more information visit www.jackloc.com WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 75
G17 AWARDS
Two G17 Award Shortlistings
Glazerite
For Glassolutions
Announced As
G17 Finalists
The Glazerite UK Group Ltd have been named G Awards finalists with nominations in both the Fabricator of the Year and Unsung Hero categories. Director, Jason Thompson said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this year’s awards and it is an honour to have got to this stage. We are especially pleased to be up for Fabricator of the Year as it gives all of our staff some well-deserved recognition for their hard work which has helped put us in the running. “Melanie Jacobs was nominated as our unsung hero as she has been the driving force behind the success of our customer services department at our head office in Wellingborough since becoming Sales Office manager in 2010. Her passion, drive and propensity to go above and beyond allow Melanie to effectively lead her team year on year. All of which she does whilst managing the symptoms of rare auto-immune condition Myasthenia Gravismake. She sets a fantastic example to all of us.” Jason concluded: “It will be interesting to see what happens on awards night as there is some strong competition. The Glazerite table has been booked and until then we’re all keeping our fingers crossed that between ourselves, suppliers and customers we win a few of them on the night.” www.glazeritewindows.co.uk
GLASSOLUTIONS is celebrating after being shortlisted for two G17 Awards, the annual glazing industry Oscars. The company’s shortlisting in the Commercial Project of the Year category illustrates the breadth of high quality services the company provides. GLASSOLUTIONS was named as a finalist for its delivery of an innovative and bespoke solution for London’s One Bedford Avenue development. The refurbished building combines commercial offices with retail units and features glass units providing natural light on three sides and features a new main entrance and reception area achieving an attractive aesthetic effect using GLASSOLUTIONS’ exclusive VS-1 curtain walling system. Overcoming logistical constraints, the bespoke sliding track system used to safely install the glass units allowed the project to achieve an accelerated programme. GLASSOLUTIONS’ second shortlisting in the Customer Care Initiative of the Year category reflects the significant growth in online spend and volume of orders placed in the Year 2 development of its industry leading e-commerce app which gives users greater control of their quoting and ordering systems. The user-friendly e-commerce app developed by GLASSOLUTIONS featuring a catalogue of products
76 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
with alignment of offline and online tariff structures enables users to have complete control of their glass ordering. It allows users to configure and order products 24/7 from their smartphones, tablets and PCs. Allowing customers to work smarter by obtaining quotes instantly which enables them to produce quotations for their clients, GLASSOLUTIONS’ e-commerce app has seen a 313% increase in online spend and a 574% increase in the volume of orders placed. Mike Butterick, GLASSOLUTIONS’ Marketing Director, said: “We’re delighted to have been named as a finalist for two G17 awards – it’s a testament to the hard work of our teams right across the business. “It is pleasing to receive recognition for one of our high-profile projects where a number of complex challenges were overcome to meet the building’s requirements. Equally, we are also delighted to be shortlisted for our e-commerce app which is proving hugely popular with our customers and is arguably the only app of its kind in the UK supporting a national glass supply service. “Both of these shortlistings illustrate our dedication to staying at the forefront of the industry in terms of our capability to deliver complex commercial installations and drive for innovation to improve the service offering for our customers. “Once again the G- Awards shortlists showcase the excellent work that’s going across all areas of the UK’s door and window industry. I’d like to wish all the 2017 finalists the very best of luck on the night.” www.glassolutions.co.uk.
G17 AWARDS
Everglade Windows Named G17 Finalist the best in the industry. “Our Sales Support Team is the first contact for customers and their technical product knowledge and commitment to customer care makes our service second-to-none.
Customer care is the top priority for London-based fabricator Everglade Windows and now it has secured a place amongst the finalists of the Customer Care Initiative of the Year at the G17 awards. 2017 marks 37 years of Everglade and the second generation of the family business has now been appointed officially as di-
rectors of the company. Operations Director, Reena Gjoci, says: “We are thrilled to be a finalist in the customer care initiative category. We know that it’s having legendary customers that has helped us to become the business we are today, so making the final cut for this category confirms that our customer service initiatives are amongst
“Being on the shortlist confirms to the new leadership team that we have been successful in preserving the traditional values that Everglade has been built on. After a fantastic first FIT Show and an amazing Customer Conference in July, winning this award would be the icing on the cake for 2017.” The G Awards winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Park Lane Hilton Hotel on 17 November. info@everglade.co.uk
Barnsley based trade fabricator Euroglaze has been nominated for two prestigious G-Awards. The long established REHAU fabricator, renowned for its lean manufacturing efficiencies, has been shortlisted in both the Training and Development Initiative and Trade Marketing campaign categories. In Training and Development, Euroglaze has been recognised for the latest phase in its ongoing programme which has trained and empowered individual teams to take budgetary control of their own departments in order to generate savings and eliminate waste.
Euroglaze
Receives Two G-Award Nominations
And, in Trade Marketing, it is Euroglaze’s high impact advertising and PR campaign which the judges liked, particularly because it has demonstrated how it is possible to deliver a huge return on a fairly modest investment. Managing Director Martin Nettleton said: “We have had a very successful year and these two nominations recognise two of the areas where we have really excelled. We’ll have our fingers crossed for the awards night, but just to be nominated is a fantastic endorsement of the tremendous efforts of the whole team here.” www.euroglaze.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 77
G17 AWARDS Alongside uPVC and aluminium products from leading systems houses including Eurocell, REHAU and Synseal, they have added aluminium verandas, the new Skypod Acute from Eurocell and the Stratus Thermal Lantern Roof.
Double G Award
Nomination For Outstanding Astraseal Master fabricator Astraseal is celebrating an impressive achievement as the firm is shortlisted for not one, but two awards at the prestigious G Awards 2017. The Wellingborough-based business which specialises in uPVC and aluminium is not only a finalist for ‘Customer Care Initiative of the Year’, they’re also in the running for the highly-coveted ‘Fabricator of the Year’ award. “As you can imagine, we are absolutely delighted to be finalists in two high-profile G Awards,” comments Astraseal’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Zac Nedimovic. “The two nominations validate our philosophy at Astraseal of putting our customers first at all times and giving them everything they need to succeed – whether that’s through products, services or support.”
Their nomination for ‘Customer Care Initiative’ recognises ACIN, the firm’s brand-new Approved Commercial Installer Network. Through ACIN, commercial installers can gain unprecedented access to projects worth between £50k-£500k in their local area, where much of the preparation work has already been completed by Astraseal. Members are presented with an almost complete tender to which they only need to add their installation costs. If successful, members receive the supply element from Astraseal and complete the project. As part of the scheme, members also receive nationwide discounts and an abundance of support from Astraseal. Shortlisting for ‘Fabricator of the Year’ comes at a time where Astraseal has once again extended its industry-leading range.
78 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
“We want to give our customers everything they could possibly need under one roof,” adds Zac. “We are constantly investing in our product range to provide our customers with a high-quality selection which helps them stand out from the crowd, win new business and upsell effectively. Of course, the role of a fabricator should be more than that, it’s about providing support, using our expertise and years of knowledge to empower customers or our position to create a platform for talented installers nationwide to reach exciting, valuable projects.” “Above all, awards like this are simply not possible without the unwavering dedication of ourshop floor team who work tirelessly to produce our products. We’ve assembled a highly-skilled team who are incredibly proud of what they produce. Without their hard work, we simply couldn’t receive the positive reception we do or achieve nominations for major industry awards like this.” With one of the biggest portfolios in the industry, Astraseal has built a strong reputation for high-quality aluminium and uPVC products including windows, doors and conservatories. For over 30-years, operating from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, Astraseal’s ethos has been to offer exceptional products with customer service that goes above and beyond. For more information call Astraseal on 01933 227233or visit www.astraseal.co.uk
G17 AWARDS
Yale Conexis L1 Smart Door
Lock Is Shortlisted For G17 Award!
Yale’s Conexisâ L1 Smart Door Lock has been shortlisted in the New Product of the Year category at this year’s G17 Awards.
The Conexisâ L1 has been chosen as a finalist for the prestigious G Awards in the category that seeks to identify an outstanding product that is transforming the industry and improving overall building performance. Speaking about the announcement, Paul Atkinson, Sales and Commercial Director for Yale, said: “The G Awards celebrate product innovation and excellence within the industry and we are delighted to have been selected as a finalist for the New Product of the Year. “The Yale Conexisâ L1 Smart Door Lock is revolutionising the
residential security market by providing a completely key-free locking solution. It has already received critical acclaim after being awarded Consumer Product of the Year at the National Technology Awards, as well as being ranked number 21 in gadget magazine T3’s ‘101 gadgets you can’t live without’. The lock is leading the way for smart home security solutions within the door industry and making it much
more accessible for fabricators and installers. “As a business, we have been putting a lot of hard work into our Smart Living range of connected devices and it’s fantastic to receive recognition for this cutting-edge product.” Offering multiple benefits to fabricators, installers and homeowners alike, the lock encompasses the latest technology, and provides a modern, sleek aesthetic. The device exemplifies Yale’s innovation, while still ensuring the superior level of security for which the brand is known and trusted. Voted for by a panel of experts in the door and window industry, the G17 Awards and Gala Dinner will take place 17th November at the London Hilton on Park Lane. For further information about the Conexisâ L1, please visit www.yale.co.uk/smart-living. For information about Yale DWS please visit www.yaledws.co.uk
Icotherm Is A Finalist
For Component Supplier
Of The Year At G17
Solid roof specialists, Icotherm Roof Systems, is a finalist for Component Supplier of the Year in the top awards for the glazing industry, the G17 awards. “I’m really chuffed we’ve made the shortlist,” says Dave Jackson, the brains behind Icotherm Solid Roof. “Component Supplier of the Year is such a varied category, all the finalists are well-established companies that are so different from ours, I’m looking forward to hearing the final result!
the one component that installers can rely on to be priced right and to fit right so they can sleep tight.”
“I have to give credit to the team at Icotherm. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to maintain the high levels of service and offer such a fantastic product to our customers time and time again.
G17 is one of the first awards events that Icotherm Solid Roof has been a part of. The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at London’s Park Lane Hilton on 17 November.
“As our award entry said: Icotherm Solid Roof is
sales@icotherm.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 79
G17 AWARDS
Mila Scores A Hat Trick Of G-Award
Nominations
Mila has scored a hat trick of G-Award nominations this time around, and is a finalist for Component Supplier, Customer Care Initiative and Trade Marketing Campaign of the Year. The nominations recognise some of the key areas where Mila continues to excel, and it is particularly delighted to be the only hardware company in each of those three categories. In the Component Supplier of the Year category, Mila has been recognised for its overall performance and particularly its success in reducing the risk of corrosion in zinc hardware, while in Customer Care, it has been recognised for its initiative to create a library of cascadable test data for customers. Having won the Trade Marketing Campaign award for the last two years, Mila is competing for the prize once again and has been shortlisted for one of its dedicated digital campaigns. Managing Director Richard Gyde commented: “It’s a great achievement to be the only hardware company which has made the shortlist in such competitive categories. Once again, it’s testament to the hard work of the whole team and to our commitment to excellence” www.mila.co.uk
Real Aluminium Makes It A
Double As G17 Award Finalist It’s a double whammy for Customade Group’s REAL Aluminium brand, which has been named as finalist in not one, but two categories at the forthcoming G17 awards. REAL Aluminium is a finalist in two awards – ‘New Product of the Year’ and ‘Promotional Campaign of the Year – Trade’. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony and gala dinner which will be held at the London Hilton on 17 November. The nomination for New Product of the Year recognises REAL Aluminium’s growth to become one of the industry’s biggest new brands. Launched just a year ago to fill a gap in the market for readily available aluminium products, REAL Aluminium brings the industry’s widest range of aluminium fenestration products within easy reach of the installer. It has cut lead times to just two weeks and helped installers to advance into the lucrative world of aluminium. The ‘easy as child’s play’ campaign behind REAL Aluminium catapulted the brand to phenomenal success in its first year. Victoriously spreading the message throughout the indus-
80 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
try that aluminium doesn’t need to be complicated, the campaign has been nominated for Promotional Campaign of the Year – Trade. Claire Miller, Customade Group’s marketing director, says: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be finalists in two categories in the G17 awards – it means a great deal to us to be up there alongside some well-known names and to be recognised at this major industry event. “This year has been remarkable for REAL Aluminium and we’re immensely proud of this inspiring challenger brand, which has made a lot of noise in the industry and delivered a fantastic boost for hundreds of installers. Installers who once had misgivings about aluminium are flying with REAL Aluminium and it’s incredibly rewarding to have helped them achieve such success in such a short period of time.“The Customade Group is a main event sponsor at the awards and we’re very excited to be part of this eagerly awaited ceremony. We’re really looking forward to seeing the great and the good of the industry on the night and celebrating the achievements of all the winners.” www.real-aluminium.co.uk
G17 AWARDS
Epwin Window Systems
Shortlisted For Three G Awards The finalists for the 2017 G Awards have been announced and Epwin Window Systems has been shortlisted in three categories. The launch of Epwin’s Excellence as Standard membership programme has been shortlisted for Promotional Campaign of the Year – Trade, Profile 22’s Optima Flush Casement Window has been shortlisted for New Product of the Year and Epwin’s fabrication team has been shortlisted for Training & Development Initiative of the Year for helping 253 employees successfully achieve NVQ Level II qualifications. Sharn Samra, Epwin Window Systems’ Marketing Director, said: “We are delighted to be recognised in so many categories because it highlights the quality of our teams and the work we do at Epwin. We’d also like to congratulate our fellow nominees on their achievements.” Excellence as Standard is aimed
Profile 22’s Flush Casement Window is leading the way in changing planning departments’ minds about PVC-U alternatives to timber by offering a compelling combination of sensitive design, thermal efficiency, high security, low maintenance and environmental responsibility. It’s a window that looks like its timber equivalent but performs as a 21st century window should. at fabricators and installers of windows and doors produced under Epwin Window Systems’ three brands Spectus, Profile 22 and Swish and is one of the most comprehensive industry support programmes ever devised. In its innovation and scope, the launch campaign reflected the scale of the programme’s ambition and showcased what makes it different. The strength of the programme and the quality of the campaign have combined to deliver impressive sign up figures.
The Epwin fabrication team has helped 253 members of its team across four of its key businesses successfully achieve NVQ Level II qualifications through its comprehensive training scheme, with many progressing or beginning courses for Level III qualifications. The winners of the 2017 awards will be announced at the awards ceremony in London on 17 November where Epwin Window Systems will be a main event sponsor for the fourth consecutive year. www.epwin.co.uk
Dual Celebrations For Saint-Gobain Building Glass
Finalist In Two Categories At The G17 Awards Saint-Gobain Building Glass, market leader in the innovation and development of high performance glass, has been named as a finalist in two categories at the prestigious G17 Awards. The business has been shortlisted in the Commercial Project of the Year category for its part in the creation of the Leeds Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF). The high-performance SGG COOL-LITE SKN 165 II solar control glazing provides the building’s impressive and distinctive floor to ceiling façade. Chosen for
its experience, sustainability credentials, knowledge and technical excellence, Saint-Gobain Building Glass was well-qualified to meet the required technical demands of the project. The business was the first of its kind to undergo Life Cycle Assessments for its products; an ethos that complements the RERF’s environmental and energy-saving aspects. Meanwhile Chris Lloyd, Product Technical Support Manager is a finalist in the Unsung Hero category. Described as ‘passionate, diligent and a technical font of knowledge’,
The Leeds RERF building, featuring a glazed façade incorporating SaintGobain Glass’s high performance SGG COOL-LITE® SKN 165 II.
Chris has earned an unparalleled reputation for excellence over his 10 years with the business. www.saint-gobain.com or www. saint-gobain-glass.com WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 81
ON SITE
South Cheshire Glass Uses Spectus Elite 70 Frames To
Create Characterful Showpiece Home Trade and retail installer South Cheshire Glass recently had the opportunity to demonstrate its quality and expertise in a charming property near Nantwich in Cheshire. Graham Saunders, South Cheshire’s General Manager, takes up the story: “Our customers had a delightful property but they wanted to replace the windows and doors to take the aesthetics to the next level as well as improve thermal efficiency and security.” South Cheshire Glass is a Universal Trade Frames’ customer and a member of Spectus’ Excellence as Standard installer
programme. They knew that Spectus products could deliver what was needed. Graham says: “We used the Elite 70 system throughout the project. The requirements included casement windows, circular frames, French doors and door combination frames and we used Golden Oak and Chartwell finishes from the Spectrum colour range. Around 40 windows and 15 doors were replaced.” The windows and doors were part of a wider refurbishment programme and installation took place in phases over the course of a year, with separate elevations completed at each visit.
82 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
While the requirements of the project might have been daunting to some, South Cheshire Glass’s experience and expertise were invaluable in this case. “We’ve been in business for over 40 years, so we have a great deal of knowledge,” says Graham. “Our partnership with Universal and Spectus means we supply quality products. We monitor our supply chains closely to ensure everything is on track and our teams of fitters are able to think on their feet during installation to ensure everything goes to plan. It meant everything ran smoothly as we would expect it to.” Graham concludes: “Our customers had a charming property to start with but by working closely with them from beginning to end and understanding their needs we have helped them create a stunning showpiece home.” www.spectus.co.uk
ON SITE
Ecclesiastical Excellence
From Force 8
and arched elements, the trick was to give them a contemporary feel, which we achieved with the anthracite grey colour and our Ricardo door. The Ricardo design is from our new Decadence composite range and has all the latest in security and thermal efficiency”. Using a company such as Force 8 who can provide the doors as well as the frames means that the developer could rest assured that everything would fit and colour match perfectly on site, plus only having to deal with just one company on such a complex project saves time and money. In recent years Force 8 have invested heavily in state of the art equipment, which enables them to create complex designs both in frames and doors, and are one of the few companies that can manufacture arched composite doors with a frame to match. As with all Force 8 arched and circular frames, they are manufactured from a single length of profile with no welds, not only making them aesthetically more pleasing, but also stronger. www.force8.uk
Force 8, the specialist profile bending and door manufacturer has recently supplied a range of unusual frames and doors to a refurbishment development in Lower Green, Astley. The property was originally a Methodist chapel, which is now being converted into townhouse apart-
ments. “Each entrance was individually designed and needed to be in keeping with the history of the building”, comments Dennis Sumner, managing director of Force 8. “ The frame designs are a combination of circular WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 83
ON SITE
CDW Products The Catch Of The
Day For Guernsey Restaurant Aluminium specialist CDW Systems recently supplied its products for a new waterfront restaurant in Guernsey. Octopus Bar and Restaurant is located on the south side of Havelet Bay in St Peter Port, Guernsey. The restaurant boasts ‘one of the best views in Guernsey’ towards Herm, Jethou and Sark and encompasses a maritime and explorer theme that extends to a varied international menu including locally freshly sourced seafood. CDW Systems supplied curtain walling and wide-span sliding doors for the project, which were installed by Stainless Steel Fabri-
cations. Sapa’s Elegance 52 is a high-performance curtain walling system designed to meet the demands of modern architecture. With a 52mm width, Elegance 52 offers slim sightlines while maintaining the necessary strength requirements. The project also incorporated Visoglide Plus sliding doors from Smarts. The system is ideal for maximising light and space in commercial projects, and delivers superior thermal performance. Mike Davis, Managing Director of CDW Systems, comments: “We’re delighted to have our products included in this project.
84 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
Octopus encapsulates a sleek and modern aesthetic internally so it was important the exterior matched. “Our products combine contemporary styling with unmatched performance that is ideal for a marine environment to protect against unpredictable weather and salt corrosion.” CDW Systems has been operating for over twenty-five years as an aluminium specialist, manufacturing and supplying a wide range of windows, doors, shop fronts and curtain walling, using some of the leading aluminium profile systems on the market. www.cdwsystems.co.uk
ON SITE
Keepout Windows Involved In Major Building Overhaul
anthracite grey finish, lending to the feel of a modern city apartment. Alongside this, Keepout also supplied several uPVC French Doors, which were open-out design for ground floor apartments leading on a small a patio area. The project provides an example of commercial buildings being flipped and turned into residential properties; a trend which is happening across all major cities and towns in the UK.
A London based double glazing company has completed a major project that has seen a commercial building converted into modern apartments.
floors and Keepout Windows installed 150 tilt and turn windows at the property – which were dual functioning and dual-coloured uPVC.
Mirah Cohen, from Landcore Ltd, worked with Keep Out Windows on the project. She comments: “Keepout stand out in every way with their professionalism and enthusiasm. Keepout is the most helpful and friendly company I have ever dealt with. The service can’t be compared, simply amazing.”
Technology House is set over two
Externally, the windows had an
www.keepout-windows.co.uk
Bespoke Door Earns Apeer Installer A Glowing Review
The installation of a bespoke door from Apeer was recently completed by experienced installers Joe Roche Glass & Glazing at a property local to their showroom in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Ireland. The family run company, who have been in business with Apeer and installing their products for over 15 years, said that this was the most personalised Apeer design that they have ever worked with, as Director Joe Roche explained: ‘The development process took around 6 weeks in total with much discussion taking place on each aspect of the design to help get every detail just right. Apeer have an in-house spraying facility so were able to offer a beautiful bespoke RAL colour which really
complemented the door’s orchid themed glass design. The glass was also a tailor-made feature created by Apeer’s in-house glass team at the client’s request.
‘The customer was over the moon with the final result, telling us that for the first time in their life they had been able to get exactly what they wanted! As all of our business is generated by word of mouth it was lovely to receive such a positive response and know that we have another happy customer spreading our word. It goes to show that even the largest manufacturers focused on mass production can still be just as capable of producing high quality bespoke designs.’ Joe added: ‘Apeer already offer an impressive number of off the shelf designs – we have over 20 of them here in our showroom – but still equally accommodate those customers who want something more personalised. This coupled with the outstanding insulation values provided by their solid foam core design is what makes them so popular, in my opinion.’ www.joeroche.ie WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 85
ON SITE
Student Accomodation
Refurb Is Tall Order For REHAU Windows When Manchester-based Excell Trade Frames was awarded the contract to replace the windows in a student accommodation block for the Sanctuary Group, the company set to work immediately on the fabrication of the 1,100 REHAU frames required for the job – as well as a plan to overcome the challenge of installing them in a 17-storey building, without access from inside. Wardley House is a student accommodation block in the centre of Bradford, providing high-quality, modern living for up to 290 students from the University of Bradford and Bradford College. Located above the National Me-
dia Museum, the complex was in need of an upgrade so owners Sanctuary Group invested £1.5m in a refurbishment project to be completed in time for the 2016 academic intake. The scope of the work included the replacement of 1,100 windows, new lighting, the replacement of the water and heating system and a facelift for reception/common room areas. The building’s existing windows were single-glazed, metal frame windows, which were inefficient and in a poor state of repair. The contractor on the job, City Gate Construction, worked with RE-
86 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
HAU on a dedicated specification to meet Sanctuary Group’s vision for the refurbishment and the use of REHAU’s TOTAL70 profiles was agreed. REHAU’s TOTAL70 casement windows are designed to meet the requirements of commercial and domestic refurbishment projects, as well as new builds. Available as either chamfered or sculptured profiles, the windows have single leg beads to provide easy but secure on-site glazing. As TOTAL70 profiles are PVC-U, they guarantee maximum energy efficiency yet are low maintenance for building operators. So for Sanctuary Group, the windows will be very much fit and forget. To give a modern, contemporary look, the spec for the TOTAL70 profiles included a grey laminate foil so that the windows and glazing would look completely grey –
ON SITE even with the sun shining on it. Excell Trade Frames, a REHAU approved manufacturer and supplier, won the contract to replace the windows at Wardley House. With a factory in nearby Manchester, Excell measured and manufactured all the windows for the job and transported them to site in Bradford. The installation of the windows had to be carefully planned, as this had to be done from the outside of the building. Eddie McGrath, commercial Sales Manager at Excell said: “In a previous refurbishment, false walls had been put up in front of the windows, giving students access to them via a meter square hatch. Unfortunately, this meant that we couldn’t get complete access to the windows from the inside of the building – the only way was from the outside!” Scaffolding was put up around the building to help with the complex installation. Eddie devised a plan with four teams of fitters, who took out the old metal windows and lowered them to the ground, before hoisting up the 3m2 PVC-U replacements and installing them in position. The planning paid off, and Eddie’s team managed to complete a floor every week to finish the installation in just four months. Matt Janicki, Area Sales Manager for the North West for REHAU Windows Solutions, said: “This was a large scale, complex project, but thanks to a well considered specification and careful planning of the installation, the new windows have unquestionably transformed the exterior of the building. Wardley House is a landmark for students and locals in Bradford and the TOTAL70 windows provide a fresh new look for the building to make it look modern and appealing while reducing energy and maintenance costs for Sanctuary Group.” www.rehau.com
Worthing Chippy Is The Plaice For Jack
Brighton Bi-folds used Jack Aluminium System’s shopfront system to create a bifold door and a bifold window at an upmarket fish and chip shop in Worthing. “Our client was looking to open up the restaurant in two ways,” explains Phil Bedford, Managing Director at Brighton Bi-folds. “One to the outdoor veranda where diners enjoy their posh chippy tea and another to the takeaway counter, so it could be fully opened up in good weather. “A residential-style bi-fold door system was never going to cut it, because the business would be opening and closing the doors and window every day. We needed a robust, commercial system that could withstand daily business use.” Brighton Bi-folds turned to Jack Aluminium’s JD47 Shopfront system for a solution. “We already used Jack Aluminium systems so I asked them if we could adapt it to create a bi-fold. Nothing is off-the-shelf in this industry, and it made sense to use
JD47 to get the benefits of the commercial system’s strength and security. “It also meant that we could put in a level access threshold so there are no trip hazards for customers and easy access for pushchairs, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and people who use walking aids.” The result is an impressive bifold door that opens out onto the high street, so the space can be opened up in the summer when the takeaway counter is most popular. The bi-fold-style window creates an opening from waistheight. It’s in the sit-down part restaurant and opens out onto the veranda. Phil adds: “Using Jack Aluminium Systems works really well for us. One benefit is the fact that they sell in quarter and half bar lengths. For a business like us, it’s great because we use smaller volumes of profile for bespoke, one-off projects without having lots of waste.” www.jackaluminium.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 87
MARKETING “We came to Insight Data looking to build the Milwood brand and establish new partnerships with potential trade customers,” comments Mark Wood, Managing Director of The Milwood Group. “The results from our campaign were far beyond what we ever could have imagined. We have received unbelievable amounts of interest in our products and services, so much so, it’s all hands-on deck to meet this new demand. Since partnering with Insight, we have employed a further eight full-time staff.” “We were hugely impressed with Insight’s professionalism and comprehensive industry knowledge. Whether it was their telesales team, copy writers or graphic designers, we were safe in the knowledge that Insight understood what we do, who we want to target and what our products can offer them. We are delighted with what has been achieved so far and we look forward to working further with Insight Data moving forward.”
Veranda
Specialists The Milwood Group See Unbelievable Results
With Insight Data One of the UK’s fastest growing manufacturers of outdoor living products has seen a phenomenal surge in leads and sales thanks to a little help from Insight Data.
The Milwood Group, which specialises in aluminium verandas, canopies and carports partnered with Insight Data to develop a highly-targeted marketing strategy which includes email marketing and telesales. Alongside promoting their product range, the firm wanted to showcase their new trade partner scheme. 88 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
Insight Data provides marketing intelligence and prospect data for fenestration and wider construction industries. Their database offers accurate data for over 60,000 potential customers including credit ratings, supply information and key decision makers. Through their direct marketing division, Insight Data can create and implement targeted strategies including direct mailers, e-shots, flyers and drop cards. The firm has also invested heavily in its telesales division to offer customers like The Milwood Group, an effective way to outsource telemarketing projects. Each member of staff has received thorough industry training and product knowledge to ensure the best results. “Direct marketing is such a powerful tool, because as the name suggests, it gives businesses direct contact with potential customers”, comments Jade Greenhow, Insight Data’s General Manager. “We’ve forged a close partnership with The Milwood Group and it’s great to see such powerful results from their email marketing and telesales campaign. At Insight, we have a proven track record of helping businesses across the industry generate more leads, advance their marketing strategies and ultimately grow their business.” Insight Data are the creators of Salestracker, the online prospect database, CRM system and integrated email marketing platform. email at hello@insightdata.co.uk.
MARKETING
The Swish Website Gets A New Look Gerald comments: “The website, like all our marketing, recognises how important the decision to invest in new doors and windows is for homeowners.”
The website of homeowner favourite Swish Windows and Doors has just been given a new look. Gerald Allen, Epwin Window Systems’ Marketing Manager, said: “The new Swish website provides an enhanced visitor experience and reflects our confident, reliable, high performing and ethically sound brand.” As you would expect from the retail-focused brand, the new website, which is still at www. swishwindows.co.uk, is aimed at homeowners. There is plenty of information on all Swish
brand products, showcasing their features and benefits plus stunning images to highlight the aesthetics. Visitors can request copies of Swish brochures. They can also read more about the Swish brand, its background and credentials to highlight the reliability and longevity of the brand as well as demonstrate its authority in the market place. At the same time, the news section and information on the member programme Excellence as Standard helps to highlight the forward-thinking nature, quality and dynamism of the brand.
Visitors will find it easy to find details of the Swish installer nearest to them. There is also a call to action on every page for visitors to request a callback from their nearest Swish installer. Gerald comments: “By making it easy for visitors to start the conversation about Swish and their home we can deliver warm leads to our customers and help to drive sales.” Throughout the site there is a focus on Swish’s British heritage and its key USP of a national brand with local installers. There is also a great deal of emphasis on the trusted nature of the brand, with information on the homeowner satisfaction rate plus homeowner reviews. www.swishwindows.co.uk
Enhanced Design Suite For Insight Data’s New Email Marketing Platform
Aiming to make it even easier for their customers to connect with potential prospects, Insight Data has added new, intuitive design features to STEM, their brand-new, integrated email marketing platform for Salestracker.
STEM users can now design and build email campaigns using the platform’s straightforward ‘drag and drop’ feature, easily complying assets, textboxes and calls to action to create powerful email marketing campaigns. Alternatively, users who are confident with coding can create their campaigns in HTML or use one of STEM’s dynamic email templates. “STEM has been designed to help customers connect with prospects much faster and easier by delivering a powerful email marketing platform within Salestracker to take advantage of our unrivalled industry-specific prospect data,” comments Insight
Data General Manager, Jade Greenhow. “Developing and enhancing our design suite is the next step in that commitment and allows users to build their campaigns with ease without any in-depth computing knowledge.” Launched last year, STEM transforms how leading systems houses, fabricators and component suppliers reach potential customers. Instead of exporting data from Salestracker to use in a third-party email marketing platform, users can design, build, test and send campaigns from within Salestracker and then track any responses, leads or enquiries. The addition of STEM now means Salestracker completes the hat-trick, combining an online prospect database complete with over 60,000 prospects from across the fenestration and construction industries, a powerful CRM system to manage enquiries and now a fully-integrated, email marketing platform. hello@insightdata.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 89
MARKETING
Slenderline Offers A Touch
Of Glass With Brand-New Website
New Look Website For ith a clear strategy to take their business to the next level, specialists in heritage sealed units Slenderline Glass have stepped up their online presence with the launch of their brand-new website www.slenderlineglass.com. The new website showcases their full range of advanced slimline sealed units for all heritage and sash windows, as well as their proven technical approach to achieve both authentic aesthetics and ultra-modern performance. Visitors can view glass performance calculations for all their IGUs, in-depth technical information on Super Spacer Heritage – their spacer bar of choice and the exacting standards the firm manufactures to. “We are really pleased with the new website,” comments Slenderline Glass Director, Andy Cocker. “We wanted to create a site that was easy to use and navigate, and would provide a great resource for both existing and potential customers to see why we are one of the leading manufacturers of heritage IGUs – and I believe we have achieved that.” www.slenderlineglass.com.
Freefoam Freefoam Building Products has just given its website in the UK a completely new and dynamic look. The new site has users at the heart of every page, and reflects Freefoam’s confidence in its product range, company credentials and well established brands. Access to information online has led to the continual fragmentation of traditional business and consumer markets. Freefoam has embraced these challenges and developed their new site to address these issues by providing separate areas for both building Professionals and Homeowners – with targeted content and specialist tools to enhance the customer experience for every visitor. With clear imagery to show-case the range and detailed information on every product the site has been designed to help support visitors through every stage of their decision making process. From case studies and design tools to help visualise product colours and finishes to support with scheduling and access to CAD images the site helps to illustrate the options
90 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
available to visitors.
Louise Sanderson, Marketing Manager explains “We recognise how important it is for site visitors to quickly find all the information they need. We have included easy drop down menus for product searching and clear calls to action on every page to help visitors find their nearest Freefoam supplier. We have also added our most popular pages, like Brochures and Technical information, to the home page to allow visitors instant access from the moment they land on the site. We want to help visitors make an informed decision.” Colin St John, Commercial Director “Having a strong online presence is fundamental to any business and this new site reflects our strength in the PVC building product sector. As manufacturers we have developed this site to make it easy for visitors to start an online conversation with Freefoam. The site showcases our products and gives architects, builders and homeowners the support they need to progress their projects.” www.freefoam.com
MARKETING
New Solidor
#StyleMakeover Videos
Click on the picture to watch the video.
A new series of consumer ‘makeover’ videos from Solidor is designed to help installers sell by showing homeowners just what a difference a new door can make. The composite door manufacturer has commissioned a series of professional videos of makeovers on real homes, hosted by property developer/vlogger and TV presenter Georgina Burnett.
The first video is now available to view on the SolidorLtd Youtube channel: http://youtu.be/ v2kXV-rV6YQ. Georgina interviews homeowner Elaine, who wants a replacement for her old 28mm PVC-U white panel door. On closer inspection the door proves to have a number of problems, including a tatty handle with pitting problems, seals coming away from the cor-
ners and a ‘knackered’ lock strip. Moreover, the cylinder takes just 5 seconds to snap with mole grips! The homeowner chooses a new Offset French door from Solidor’s Italia range as it needs to open out fully to allow access for her daughter, who uses a wheelchair, and goes out for the day while the installation team work. On her return, she’s delighted with her front door: the Brescia in Chartwell Green with chrome fittings and Matrix glass. Meanwhile, the presenter highlights key features and benefits – for example, the Ultion 3* cylinder and £1,000 homeowner guarantee. Gareth Bussson, Solidor Group’s Head of Sales and Marketing comments: “The series is designed to generate leads for Solidor installers and help them sell, so they can show homeowners real-life case studies. We – and Georgina – are tweeting about it already using the hashtag ‘Solidor #StyleMakeover’ and have had a fantastic response from customers.”
New Multilingual ‘Warm Comfortable
Homes’ Videos
Thermoseal Group has released 7 new versions of its ‘Warm Comfortable Homes’ consumer video to showcase the benefits of its Thermobar and Thermoflex Highest Performance Warm Edge Spacers. The video is available in English; French; German; Spanish; Italian; Polish and Chinese. It highlights the series of high-profile awards the Group has been presented with in the past year including the honoured Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2017. Watch the videos now at: www.thermosealgroup.com/news Samantha Hill, Thermoseal Group’s Head of Marketing and Communications, tells us: “Starting with a warm family kitchen scene where parents are
Click on the picture to watch the video.
calculating their costs, ‘Warm Comfortable Homes’ zooms into a window and shows its deconstruction right back to the warm edge spacer which separates the two panes of glass in the double glazing. Quoting figures of how ‘warm edge glazing is up to 65% warmer at the edge’, the video then goes on to showcase the differences between Thermobar rigid tube spacer system and Thermoflex silicone rubber spacer system – both of which achieve highest thermal performance figures of 0.14W/mK and 0.135W/ mK respectively. They also achieve highest passive house ratings of phA+.” sales@thermosealgroup.com WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 91
AWARDS “The actual presentation was carried out in a marquee erected on our Wigan Site where we gave our guests Pimms on arrival, as well as a range of refreshments and a selection of food served by a high-profile local catering company.”
Celebrations At Thermoseal Group For Honoured Queen’s Award Presentation The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2017 has now been presented to Thermoseal Group by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mr Warren J Smith KStJ JP at an event hosted at the Group’s Manufacturing and Distribution Site, which also houses the Group’s expanding Technical Centre.
it is the only UK insulated glass (IG) component manufacturer to produce both a rigid tube spacer and a flexible silicone foam spacer in-house. From initial inception of the design, through mixture of raw materials and production of the products to final delivery to the customer, the whole process is subject to Thermoseal Group’s rigorous quality control procedures.
Almost 100 guests attended the event to witness the presentation of the award, followed by a tour of the Group’s Thermobar and Thermoflex Warm Edge Spacer Manufacturing Sites, its new Decraled decorative design studios, as well as its Technical Centre and EN1279 facilities.
Samantha Hill, Thermoseal Group’s Head of Marketing and Communications said: “We were delighted to share our special day with customers and guests from the industry, who joined as many of our Thermoseal Group colleagues as could attend to join the celebrations.
Thermoseal Group now supplies its highest performance warm edge spacers to 22 countries in 5 continents and trials of the products are currently being carried out worldwide. The Group says
“As well as many UK insulated glass (IG) sealed unit manufacturers, journalists and industry contacts, we were also joined by customers from Europe and the Far East.
92 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
As Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant presented the impressive award which was accompanied by a scroll signed personally by The Queen, he said: “These awards are not easily earned. This year only 102 Awards for International Trade have been made nationally, and yours is one of 8 in the West Midlands (where the Group’s Head office is based). The award is not to an individual, not to the management but to the whole workforce.” Thermoseal Group’s Managing Director, Gwain Paterson accepted the award with fellow Director Mark Hickox standing firmly at his side. A large part of Gwain’s speech was a big thank you to all colleagues involved in the Group’s continued growth. He said: “Without you all Thermoseal Group would not be the same. You built up everything around us and your hard work and can-do attitude has contributed to our success – that goes for everyone within the organisation. “It is often very humbling to see the some of the efforts my colleagues go to too achieve the right results. Mark and I started to list all those colleagues we wanted to thank, but the list became far too long and we didn’t want to miss anyone out, so to all the Thermosealians out there thank you. We would also like to thank all our customers, particularly those who attended the event. We thank you for your support, confidence and encouragement, without which we would not be selling the volume of spacer we do today. www.thermosealgroup.com.
AWARDS
Supalite Fabricators
Awarded For Astounding Sales Growth
From left to right Tony Marsden – Absolute Windows (3rd place), James Casby – Supalite, Jonathan Thomas – Supalite South Wales (winner), Alan Watters -Supalite, Mick Bowden – Premier Frames (2nd place), Dave Watters – Supalite
Supalite, the premium manufacturer and supplier of solid roof tiled systems, held its 3rd Annual Fabricator Conference in September and awarded three of its fabricators for their incredible growth over the last 12 months. The all-day conference took place at Jurys Inn, Derby with different representatives from Supalite’s growing number of fabricator network. Proceedings kicked-off
with Managing Director, Dave Watters welcoming the group and introducing members of Supalite’s sales, operations and technical team. With a packed agenda of information to go through, the Supalite team advised on the many key issues its manufacturers wanted to be address, including; the launch of new and alternative products, the development of its Approved
LuxLite Leads The Way With
Built It Award Nomination
Fast-growing roof glazing specialists Roof Maker has been nominated for a prestigious Build-It Award. Celebrating all aspects of selfbuild and renovation, the Build-It Awards bring together architects, manufacturers, and key industry figures to recognise excellence in their sector. LuxLite, Roof Maker’s best-inclass aluminium rooflights for pitched roofs, has been shortlisted in the Best Roofing System or Product category.
LuxLite is the highest specification rooflight currently available for pitched roofs, says the company, and is manufactured in Roof Maker’s Leicester facility Combining fashionable contemporary aesthetics with best-in-class performance, the product excels on all fronts.
Installer Scheme, marketing support and the inclusion of the newly launched CORGI Fenestration Scheme. Dave Watters commented: “We have been working hard over the last 12 months, since we met to gain the confidence of our fabricators, offering a full package of products, service and competitive pricing. Holding the conference, helps us to catch-up and share thoughts with our manufacturers, it is also a good time to recognise those individual businesses who have contributed to making Supalite a success over the last 12 months.” On conclusion of the event, Dave and his team awarded three of the attending fabricators for their astounding performance on sales growth – achieved compared to the previous financial year. Absolute Windows, Manchester, came in 3rd place with over 79%, Premier Frames, Leicester achieved 2nd place with 101% and the overall winner was Supalite South Wales, who has seen a whopping 187% growth. www.supaliteroof.co.uk
It offers outstanding thermal performance, capable of meeting and exceeding Passivhaus standard, durable, easy-clean triple-glazing, and an innovative frameless design that maximises the intake of natural light. LuxLite also comes with an unprecedented 20-year unit seal warranty, double the industry standard, and its marine-grade powder-coated aluminium offers exceptional reliability, durability and weather resistance. Winners will be announced on September 22nd, at a glitzy London award ceremony hosted by comedian Marcus Brigstocke. www.roof-maker.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 93
CHARITY
Prince’s Return To ‘Veterans Village’ Prompts Fresh Calls
For Ex-Servicemen Support In The Industry
Panel and composite door supplier Vista has joined calls from a leading veterans charity for more employment opportunities and support from the fenestration industry for ex-servicemen and women. The calls from Walking With The Wounded, the military charity which supports vulnerable veterans in regaining their independence via employment, have been prompted by the return of Prince Harry to ‘Veterans Village’, a new community in Manchester which the Prince helped to build for ex-military personnel and their families. PR387 - Vertans VillageIn 2015, the charity joined forces with BBC’s DIY SOS and both Princes Harry and William to transform Canada Street in Newton Heath from dilapidated, boarded-up houses into vibrant homes for the veterans. Merseyside firm Vista proudly donated a number of their composite doors to the project and supplied members of their
team to help with the efforts. “For many veterans, employment is a key factor in regaining independence after active service,” comments Gary Lamb, Associate Director for Walking With The Wounded North West. “The Manchester team has undertaken a significant amount of work to raise the awareness of veteran’s employment by looking to open routes to employment with local corporates and businesses, and establish training programmes and work experience which will benefit many in the future. The window and door industry is one sector where we are hoping to gain more awareness and champion ex-military personnel.”
94 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
“From directly supporting this project in Manchester, we were able to see how important returning to work is to ex-military staff and we urge the industry to consider former servicemen and women when recruiting and to make the Walking With The Wounded team aware of any training programs or routes to employment they may have.” comments Vista’s Commercial Manager, John Pinder. Prince Harry, who supports the charity as Expedition Patron, visited residents on Canada Street who are beginning to adjust to life as civilians. His Royal Highness also visited Sherpa House, which provides veterans with accommodation during their pathway back to independence. For more information on how to help Walking With The Wounded, visit www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk or call 01263 863 900. For more information on Vista call 0151 608 1423 or visit www. vistapanels.co.uk
CHARITY project, encouraging local people to keep fit by cycling and enjoying the surrounding countryside. They are also running training and skills classes, providing bike repairs, advice and a loan scheme, and have even built a café for people to stop off and enjoy some lunch.
The Window Company (Contracts)
Helps Community Cycle
Hub To Get Pedalling The Window Company (Contracts) ‘rode’ to support Osborne and Dacorum Borough Council when they were looking for a supply chain partner to install new windows and doors in a disused building which was being turned into a community cycle hub.
The specialist social housing installer was happy to get involved with the project and donated and fitted five new windows and a door in REHAU Rosewood on white
PVC-U profile, as well as an aluminium double door set.
The new windows and doors were the finishing touch for the building in Grovehill, Hemel Hempstead, which has been transformed into a bright, accessible ‘one stop shop’ for everything to do with bikes and cycling. Dacorum Borough Council and Watford Cycle Hub are now working in partnership to run the
Consort Converts Hospitality
Budget Into Charitable Change Consort Ltd is making a positive difference to the lives of disadvantaged people in and around its home town of Nottingham by reassigning money previously budgeted for corporate hospitality. The fabricator, which has long manufactured PVC-U window systems from the VEKA Group, has supported charities such as Emmanuel House – a centre for homeless people – and Fists up for Frankie; a campaign that funds treatment for neuroblastoma (an aggressive form of childhood cancer).
Jo Reynolds (left), manager of Derbyshire Victim Services meets with Consort’s Jeff Dunn (right).
For The Window Company (Contracts), which has long worked with Osborne and Dacorum Council on the installation of replacement windows across much of its social housing stock, it represented the perfect opportunity to give something back to the local community. Managing Director Rob Petre said: “This is a fantastic initiative and we were delighted to be a part of it. Our team went along to the launch event and were really impressed with how the facility is already being used and the positive impact it looks set to have. “We have a policy of always supporting community projects like this where we can see they will make a real difference to the residents whose homes we work in day to day installing new windows.” www.thewinco.co.uk Jeff Dunn, Sales and Marketing Director for Consort explained: “Changes in the law introduced in 2010 left many companies questioning what forms of expenditure would subsequently be considered ‘corporate hospitality’ and what would be seen as ‘bribery’. We chose to avoid any such confusion and instead donate our hospitality budget back into the community that has contributed so much to our success since the company was established in 1950.” Every year, Consort allocates a sizeable donation to worthy causes. This money would previously have been earmarked for corporate gifts and entertainment. www.consortwindows.com WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 95
CHARITY
VEKA Group and Friends of Burnley FC in the Community make a pitch perfect partnership.
VEKA Teams Up With Burnley FC
The ‘clarets’ have made a new signing with Burnley-based VEKA Group as part of the Friends of Burnley FC in the Community programme.
Burnley FC in the Community is a stand-alone charity that works in Burnley and nearby communities on various projects. In less than a year since its launch in October 2016, ‘Friends of’ has already raised £20,000 through donations and fundraising activities to support its charitable work. As one of the country’s leading PVC-U window systems company, VEKA Group is one of Burnley’s biggest employers, with a ‘team sheet’ of over 400 people from the town and surrounding areas. The Group takes an active role in the local community having also recently signed up as main sponsors for Rosegrove FC; a 300-strong club of young foot-
ballers aged from 3-13 years old.
VEKA Group won Employer of the Year at the recent Burnley Business Awards and Large Business Award at the 2017 Red Rose Awards, and is well-known in the area for its employee development and support; an asset which should be invaluable to Friends of Burnley FC in the Community when it comes to helping with the charity’s campaigning, fundraising and outreach programmes. Gabriela Hammond, Head of Human Resources at VEKA Group said: “As a significant employer in the Burnley area, the number of people that work here or are associated with VEKA through spouses or relatives is huge, so we take a lot of pride in getting involved with the community. VEKA has a reputation within the local area for really valuing its employees; it knows they’re its biggest asset.
96 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017
What better way to show that than to give back to the community our employees and their families live in? “VEKA also takes an active role in fundraising for Pendleside Hospice – one of our charities of the year – and sponsorship, as with Rosegrove FC, but the ‘Friends of’ programmes really gives VEKA the chance to share some of its business knowledge and acumen with local charities and causes to help them grow individually. Everyone at VEKA is very proud to be patrons of the Friends of Burnley FC in the Community programme, even the non-Burnley supporters!” Ryan Bradley, Burnley FC in the Community’s Business Development Executive at Turf Moor added: “We couldn’t be happier to have VEKA Group as Silver patrons of our ‘Friends of’ programme. We as a charity are aiming to connect local businesses with community groups and causes so that companies can have a real and positive impact on the community. There are few better-known companies in the area than VEKA so to have them on board is a great ‘signing’ for us and we can’t wait to draw on their business expertise.” www.vekauk.com
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