INDUSTRYNEWS
BRIGHTER FUTURES AHEAD FOR WHITELINE APPRENTICES Sussex-based fabricator Whiteline is building upon its continued success by setting up a new apprenticeship scheme to help develop a workforce for the future. The ambitious Eastbourne Company has recruited five youngsters to its initial intake of apprentices who are already actively developing their skills and experience. A mixture of on-the- job learning and formal training helps the group to blend theory with practice. The constant flow of innovations such as new Whiteline products, production improvements and customer initiatives
provides a dynamic operational environment in which the recruits can learn quickly and flourish. To celebrate the new scheme a celebratory event was held in the Whiteline showrooms, attended by the apprentices, Eastbourne
‘on-the- job learning and formal training helps the group to blend theory with practice’
MP Stephen Lloyd, Mayor of Eastbourne Councillor Mike Thompson, dignitaries, press and other staff. Mr Lloyd said: “I am very pleased to have the opportunity to visit Whiteline and to meet everyone involved in this employment success story.” A factory tour was a popular element of the day, especially as the new FlushSASH range is now featuring heavily in the expanding production schedule. www.whiteline.co.uk Tel: 01323 723724
SURPRISINGLY GOOD RESULTS FOR DISTINCTION DOORS “With the economy in the doldrums and seemingly unending bad news from the banks, politicians and stock markets, 2012 looked like being a tough year, but it has surprised us. While expecting to make budget, we have actually exceeded it and 2012 is another record year for Distinction Doors,” says Chris Champion, Marketing Manager.
‘continual and increasing sales’ “There is a steady flow of new customers, and existing customers appear to be experiencing continual and increasing sales even though the Olympics and Jubilee will have slowed sales for them during the summer.
“This year has been very much a year of development and putting together an ever increasing portfolio of products. The whole process of bringing products to market is long and involved and we will see the benefits of this effort next year. “It would be fair to assume that the economic and political outlook will look very similar in 2013 but, with an extensive range of new products being launched, Distinction is looking forward to next year and expects yet another record year for turnover. Margins will continue to be difficult to achieve, or improve on, but overall we feel confident for the future. With the FIT show in April we are looking forward to showcasing our much expanded product offering: we have some exciting, very different products that will appeal to the growing home improvement market.”
FairTrades are going….
‘The industry doesn’t currently have a trade show and it is vital that it should’
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DEC 2012
FairTrades will be in attendance at the FIT Show next April, as the leading trade association looks to recruit more members and take advantage of networking opportunities with other important industry representatives. For almost 30 years, FairTrades has been promoting recommended builders, solar providers and double glazing firms, roofers, plumbers and joiners to the public and building sector and providing self-certification for the replacement of doors and windows. Despite previously exhibiting at Eco-Build and the KBB Show, FairTrades feel it is important that they show their support for a
show that focusses on both the installer and the fabricator. Head of Marketing, Kathryn Cowles commented: “The industry doesn’t currently have a trade show and it is vital that it should. Other past shows seemed to forget the importance of the installer in the industry, whereas the FIT Show is bringing them in and showing that this event is as much for them as it is for the fabricators. “A large proportion of our membership base is in the glazing industry so it was important for us to get involved more within it, so it was a natural progression to choose to exhibit at the FIT Show.”
To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com