20 Premier Arches Celebrates 10 Years Of ‘Shaping Success’
22 The Next Three Months Are Vital
24 True Choice In Colour: Direct Trade (Yorkshire) Ltd And VEKA Align With Market Trends
26 Voilàp Acquires Stürtz
28 Merchant Q2 Value Sales Up +2.8% Year-On-Year As Volumes Pick Up +4.0%
32 Why High-End Developers Are Quietly Returning To Timber Joinery
EDITORS COMMENT
It’s back to school, and it’s back to work. We are gearing up for the final push of the year as we head into Christmas. It has not been the year we had hoped.
We enter a crucial few months after a quieter-than-expected summer, which led to increased pressure on the sector as a whole. Our industry will be hoping for the usual seasonal boost as homeowners rush to complete projects before Christmas and the worst of Winter sets in. Some will be hoping for a busier-than-usual few months to make up for the drab summer.
Industry consolidation continued, with a general consensus that this will continue until economic conditions improve and tangible growth becomes a possibility. Stuga found new owners, which helped to stabilise matters - a rare bit of good news.
All eyes will remain fixed on the budget in late November. Our sector, as will all others, will be hoping to see concrete and realistic plans for growth from the Government. Consumer confidence needs a boost.
As always, it has been an interesting month in the world of fenestration, and I hope you enjoy this issue!
Team DGB
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BDC ALUMINIUM EXPANDS HERITAGE STYLE OFFERING WITH VERTICAL SLIDING WINDOWS
With heritage-inspired design becoming a major trend in commercial and public sector refurbishments, BDC Aluminium is expanding its portfolio with a new focus on traditional vertical sliding sash windows.
Developed by Smart Architectural Aluminium and now available through BDC Aluminium, the VS 600 system gives commercial fabricators access to this fast-growing market.
Suitable for heritage developments, as well as schools, hospitals, office buildings and more, the VS 600 fills a gap in the UK aluminium window sector, allowing periodstyle aesthetics to be delivered with modern day specifications.
Driven by the wider move towards character-rich “new heritage” and traditional styling, demand for sash-style products has surged among designers and specifiers, particularly on commercial refurbishments where modern alternatives lack architectural charm.
Building on BDC Aluminium’s expanding product portfolio, the VS 600 captures the classic appearance of a traditional sash window in a robust and compliant aluminium system.
both authentic in design and engineered for longterm commercial use.”
Unlike many alternatives, the VS 600 offers exceptional durability and minimal maintenance, thanks to its high-performance aluminium construction.
Few fabricators currently offer a thermally broken aluminium vertical slider, making the VS 600 one of the only commercially focused sash systems of its kind in the UK.
Its slim sightlines and authentic styling reflect those found on Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian buildings, making it ideal for sensitive refurbishment projects and conservation areas.
“More and more commercial projects are looking to capture a heritage look without compromising on modern performance,” comments Scott Foster, marketing director at BDC Aluminium.
“The VS 600 enables fabricators to meet that demand with an aluminium sash system that’s
By pairing traditional architectural detailing with the strength, lifespan and regulatory performance of aluminium, it provides a rare and valuable proposition for specifiers.
Engineered for real-world commercial use, the VS 600 features polyamide thermal breaks, concealed drainage and coupling, flush operation and tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning. The system is tested to BS 6375-1 for weather resistance and finished in a marine-grade powder-coat available in over 200 RAL colours, all backed by a 25year warranty.
Decorative sash horns, mullions and glazing bars can be specified to mirror original timber window designs and deliver true period authenticity where required.
Scott adds: “These products reflect everything we stand for at BDC Aluminium – quality-led design, engineering excellence and a commitment to staying ahead of the market.
“We push ourselves to offer our customers the very best products available, combining technical performance with proven commercial appeal.
“As demand grows for heritage-style solutions which don’t compromise on compliance or longevity, we’re proud to deliver a system that truly raises the bar.”
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NEW DIGITAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS INSTALLERS’ SUCCESS
Endurance® Aluminium is investing into a new digital marketing campaign to generate additional leads and sales for its installer partner network.
The new campaign, which will run for the foreseeable future, employs a range of activities
including search engine marketing, online PR, email marketing and social media marketing.
It also harnesses the market penetration and reach of a number of different channels and platforms, including Google, Facebook and Instagram.
Scott Foster, group marketing director at Endurance, explains: “The launch of our new digital marketing campaign closely follows the introduction of our new Endurance® Aluminium installer partner scheme.
“We’ve run a similar scheme for Endurance® Doors for many years, and it’s proved immensely
effective in ensuring mutual success both for us and for our installer customers.
“Based around an ethos of ‘Together, we grow’, it offers these important partners market-leading levels of support in a range of different areas to help them grow their sales, their profits, their reputation and, ultimately, their business.”
Reflecting this, the launch of the new Endurance® Aluminium digital marketing campaign is just one of numerous ways in which the fabricator of aluminium windows, doors and internal screens is working to deliver commercial benefits and added value for its installer partners.
The business also offers access to specialist training and to sales and marketing resources that include product samples, showroom materials and custom-branded literature.
The new digital marketing campaign will augment Endurance Aluminium’s existing lead generation activity. This already includes TV advertising, a ‘Find an installer’ feature on the fabricator’s website and other online tools such as configurators that enable people to customise their own heritage and bifold doors before requesting a quote.
Currently, this lead generation activity sees the fabricator distribute hundreds of warm leads on a weekly basis to installers local to the source of the enquiry.
Scott adds: “Across the Endurance Group, we have a genuine partnership approach and believe in giving our installers everything they need to succeed. That means not only offering them high-quality products but also providing them with the tools to help sell our range.
“Our investment into the new digital marketing campaign highlights that commitment and is just the latest in a long line of business and sales support initiatives that we have planned.”
DIRECT TRADE (YORKSHIRE) LTD SHORTLISTED FOR TWO CATEGORIES AT G25 AWARDS
Direct Trade (Yorkshire) Ltd, a proud VEKA fabricator, has been announced as a finalist in two categories at the prestigious G25 Awards. The company has been shortlisted for Fabricator of the Year, while team member Jason Gostling has been named a finalist in the Rising Star category.
The Fabricator of the Year shortlist recognises businesses that demonstrate outstanding product quality, customer service and innovation. As one of the UK’s leading VEKA fabricators, Direct Trade (Yorkshire) Ltd has continued to strengthen its reputation across the fenestration sector with consistent investment in technology, product development and customer support. Meanwhile, the Rising Star nomination acknowledges emerging talent within the industry. Jason Gostling has quickly established himself as a key member of the Direct Trade team, with his commitment, technical expertise and drive marking him out as one to watch for the future.
Direct Trade (Yorkshire) Ltd Sales Director Mark Powell, commented:
“It’s a real honour to be recognised in two categories at this year’s G25 Awards. Being shortlisted for Fabricator of the Year is a reflection of the dedication and hard work of our entire team, while Jason’s Rising Star nomination underlines the strength of the next generation in our industry.”
VEKA Sales Director Amy Steven, commented:
“Direct Trade and VEKA’s relationship has gone from strength to strength this year, cemented with a new 10 year supply partnership. We’re delighted they have been shortlisted for Fabricator of the Year and look forward to celebrating the event together in November.”
The winners of the G25 Awards will be announced on Friday 28th November at a ceremony held in London, where companies and individuals from across the glazing and fenestration sectors will come together to celebrate achievement and excellence.
For further information about Direct Trade (Yorkshire) Ltd visit: www.directtradeltd.co.uk.
NORDAN ACQUIRES MAJORITY SHAREHOLDING IN ESK GLAZING
NorDan Secures Majority Shareholding in Esk Glazing to Strengthen UK Market Reach
NorDan announces the acquisition of a majority stake in Esk Glazing Ltd, a leading supplier of glazing and specialist interiors in Arbroath, to expand its regional operations and improve service delivery across Scotland’s public, residential, and commercial sectors.
Founded in 1974 by Eric Irons and now led by his son Craig Irons, Esk Glazing has built a strong reputation in Northeast Scotland for supplying quality windows, doors, conservatories, and bespoke stained-glass design. Esk, which recently marked its 50th anniversary, joins NorDan, nearing its 100th, bringing together more than 150 years of combined industry experience. Both have grown by pairing technical expertise with a peoplefirst culture, values that have guided them for decades.
Esk Glazing’s recently refurbished headquarters and expanded Trade Centre, alongside its strong expert team of 35+ staff, have set a strong foundation for growth. Under NorDan, these facilities and skills will now deliver even greater efficiency, choice and service to clients across
Scotland.
From fully certified insulated fire doors to bespoke glazing solutions, Esk Glazing’s capabilities enhance NorDan’s offering, enabling additional integrated, end-to-end solutions that combine quality, durability, and design flexibility.
The acquisition also enhances NorDan’s existing regional footprint in Scotland, which includes established team hubs in Aberdeen, Inverness, and Livingston. NorDan’s Scotland North and Scotland South divisions already deliver tailored solutions across a wide geography, from urban regeneration sites to rural and coastal developments. Esk Glazing will now play a key role in enhancing NorDan’s delivery capacity, skilled workforce, and additional local presence – particularly in the East of Scotland. As the existing Director, Craig Irons of Esk Glazing will retain a significant shareholding and ensure continuity of leadership, customer relationships, and long-term vision.
Read the original press release here: nordan.co.uk/nordan-acquires-majorityshareholding-in-eskglazing
STUGA GAINS GLOBAL STRENGTH AS STÜRTZ JOINS VOILÀP GROUP
Stuga Machinery has confirmed an exciting new chapter as its parent company, Stürtz Group, becomes part of Voilàp Group – the Italian-based global leader in automation and digitalisation. The move unites three well-established machinery names – Stuga, Stürtz and Voilàp – and marks a significant step forward for UK
fabricators. Customers can expect continuity from Stuga’s trusted UK team, combined with the additional strength, innovation and resources of a strategic global partner. With Voilàp’s backing, our customers can now plan with confidence, knowing that Stuga and Stürtz have a stable, long-term foundation.
From UK engineering to international strength
For more than 40 years, Stuga has designed and built its own range of sawing and machining centres in the UK, supported by a full in-house engineering, production and aftersales service operation. That specialism has made Stuga a trusted partner to fabricators of all sizes, helping them automate uPVC window and door production with reliable, UK-supported machinery. Since joining the Stürtz Group in 2022, Stuga customers have benefitted from a wider portfolio of welding and cleaning systems, giving them the ability to scale automation across the factory floor. Now, with Voilàp’s backing, Stuga is able to continue investing in service, innovation and longterm support – combining the stability of a trusted UK brand with Voilàp’s long-term vision, industry
knowledge, technology expertise, and financial strength.
What it means for UK fabricators
· Same team, stronger foundation – Stuga continues to operate with the same UK management, engineering and service team in Great Yarmouth, now strengthened by Voilàp’s international scale and resources.
· UK expertise, global reach – Stuga remains a respected UK brand, delivering home-grown expertise, now able to draw on the capabilities of an international industrial group.
· Wider automation options – Alongside Stuga’s UK-built solutions, our customers continue to benefit from Stürtz’s proven product range, plus access to Voilàp’s expertise in advanced automation and digital innovation.
· Confidence for Stürtz users – UK customers with Stürtz installations can continue to rely on Stuga’s local service team while benefitting from strengthened global resources.
· Resilience for the future – Reinforced supply chains, ongoing investment in parts and product development ensure reliable, long-term operations.
Backed for the future
“By bringing Stürtz and Stuga into the Voilàp family, we combine proven machinery and customer focus with our global scale and vision for innovation,” says Valter Caiumi, President & CEO of Voilàp Group. “Together, we can deliver intelligent, connected production systems that make the factory of the future a reality.”
“Our customers know they can rely on Stuga’s UK team, and that hasn’t changed. They now benefit from the best of three worlds: Stuga’s local expertise, Stürtz’s proven technology, and Voilàp as a strategic partner,” adds Stuga’s Managing Director, Ed Williams. “This means we can invest in more service, innovation, and long-term support – helping our customers feel confident today and secure for the future.”
For more information, contact Stuga on 01493 742 348 or email machinesales@stuga.co.uk.
CONTINENTAL EXTERIOR FILMS ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH LAMEXT
Continental is globally known as a tire manufacturer. However, the technology company is also active and highly successful in many other areas. With Continental Exterior Films, the company develops surface solutions for the construction industry, showcasing its expertise in this field. Recently, a new sales partner for the UK market was introduced: Mike Dean from Lamext.
When it comes to the window market in the UK, Mike Dean can impress with nearly 30 years of experience in the industry. “We are delighted to
announce Mike Dean as a partner, who is wellconnected and experienced, to serve as the point of contact for our customers in UK.”, explains Dominik Dörr, Senior Sales Manager Exterior at Continental. “We are confident that with our combined expertise, we can meet the demand for innovative surface solutions for building elements
in the UK and look forward to working together.”
Originally started as a tire manufacturer, Continental is now a globally operating company that has found a home in a variety of different industries. The technology company develops surfaces such as films and coated substrates used in the automotive, furniture, construction industries, and DIY trade. For the design of building elements, the specialists manufacture and market high-quality exterior films for window profiles, front doors, garage doors, and facades. These exterior products were previously marketed under the brand name Skai, and ideally combine design and function.
Conti® woodec and Conti® mattex – …and it feels like home: The surface specialist’s two latest product lines are Conti® woodec and Conti® mattex.
They combine the best of two worlds for the high-
quality design of the building envelope. Deep matt plain colours from ‘Jet Black’ to ‘White’, which correspond exactly to the appearance of powder-coated aluminium, meet woodec decors such as ‘Tropea Oak coffee’ or ‘Jura Pine’, which are almost indistinguishable from real wood. Since 2024, the range has also been expanded by Conti® mattex Shine decors.
The coated PVC-U window profiles are not only visually appealing but also low-maintenance and easy to clean. Thanks to the patented coolcolors technology, they remain in top form even after years of extreme weather conditions. Their function is based on special pigments that reflect the heating near-infrared radiation of the sun. The result: windows covered with films from Continental Exterior Films stay cool and stable in shape.
ENDURANCE® DOORS UNVEILS GAME-CHANGING INVESTMENT
Endurance® Doors has unveiled a new investment with the ability to deliver transformative benefits for its business.
The manufacturer of high-end composite doors for quality-minded installers and homeowners officially opened a remodelled and significantly upgraded assembly hall at its Brigg production site on Wednesday, 17th September 2025.
To mark the occasion, a commemorative ribbon was cut by Stephen Nadin, CEO of the Endurance group, and Dawn Huntrod, Regional Director (North) from Made UK – the not-for-profit organisation which champions UK manufacturing and engineering.
Commenting, Tom Stephens, operations manager at the Endurance group, said, “The launch of our new assembly hall marks a significant milestone in Endurance’s relentless pursuit of production excellence.
“It has been developed following an investment of
over £200,000 and as part of our ongoing journey towards truly lean manufacturing, where our entire operation is geared around minimising waste, maximising productivity and delivering the greatest value for our customers.”
Drawing on inspiration and experience from the automotive industry, where lean manufacturing is the sector norm, Endurance’s new assembly hall employs a single-piece flow system as opposed to the more commonplace batch production method.
This innovative approach optimises production speed and volumes whilst simultaneously ensuring better quality control.
New Endurance doors now pass along a line of carefully planned workstations with conveyors, tilting tables and other specialist technology being employed to reduce physical handling.
This reduced handling minimises the risk of damage to the door and the amount of exertion required by production operatives, enhancing
their welfare and protecting them from potential injuries.
Each workstation is also dedicated to a specific part of the door production process and sees operatives working to a well-thought-out and thoroughly defined set of standard operating procedures. This helps to ensure consistently high standards of quality and workmanship as well as minimal scope for human error.
Production accuracy and efficiency are further enhanced by a new MES (Manufacturing Execution System). Making full use of digitalisation, this system uses barcoding to allocate the correct components to a specific door. It also provides operatives with easy-tofollow guidance, including instruction videos, on best practice component fitting.
In addition, a new and dedicated packing cell has been developed. This supplies both the workstations in the assembly hall with components and collates and packs ancillaries, such as handles, cylinders and escutcheons, which are supplied separately with the door for fitting by the installer.
This packing cell uses QR code scanning to identify what items are needed on each order and
to ensure the correct parts are picked and packed with exceptional accuracy and reliability.
Tom concludes: “There are four core principles to lean manufacturing, which range from striving for continuous improvement through to understanding the customer and their perception of value. These maxims are becoming increasingly embedded within the fabric of Endurance® Doors and the wider Endurance group.
“As a business, we have already accomplished much and adopting lean manufacturing will help us to take those achievements to new levels.
“Our new assembly line will be a catalyst in that. It will enable us to offer doors on shorter lead times and with even greater quality assurances, meaning fewer issues and potential callbacks for our installer partners, as well as increased homeowner satisfaction.
“We are understandably proud of the investment in our new assembly hall.
“So much so in fact, that we welcome customers to visit us and to experience the many benefits it can offer for themselves.”
MARKET CONSOLIDATION HAS MORE ROOM TO RUN
We began the new working week with the news that Universal Arches, one of the longestestablished bending companies in the sector, was to close. Posts on LinkedIn begun to drop from staff saying that they had been told not to come into work on Monday morning.
Confirmation via email was then sent to clients explaining the closing of Universal Arches and some reorganising of the other parts of the Kaliber Group, which includes KAT UK and Spitfire.
This continues the brutal consolidation phase that our industry finds itself in. And there is a lot more room for it to run as well.
Room to run
Despite the odd slightly over-optimistic industry report, I think most of us would agree that the summer was a rather drab affair. Yes, the weather was stunning for the most part. But in terms of business activity, it was pretty subdued to the point where the VEKA UK MD wrote an editorial piece saying as much.
Then we hit our usual quiet period as schools broke up for the summer holidays and millions made their getaway for vacations.
Now we are in what is normally a busy preChristmas period. Three months where homeowners usually try to rush jobs to completion before the worst of Winter sets in, and they can show off a nice new front door
when the family comes round for dinner.
Whether this has materialised in the same way as previous years, I’m not sure. Speaking from my own personal point of view and our own family business, there has certainly been an uptick in enquiries. These now need to be converted to orders if we can say that the expected pre-Xmas rush has begun. I think it has, but a couple more weeks under our belts will tell us more.
What I do know is that this period of painful market consolidation does have more room to run. Business activity just does not seem to be brisk enough to warrant thinking otherwise. Had the sector had a busy summer, then perhaps we would be able to think a little differently, but from where I’m sitting, and from the conversations I’m having, we’re still on very shaky ground.
Top tip: if you want to get a true sense of how busy a company is, speak to their delivery drivers. They are the ones who see the number of frames going into installers, and tend to give you a very honest answer about how things actually are.
Time to buy and sell
The fact of the matter is that there are still too many companies in the sector when you look at demand levels. That goes specifically for installers and fabricators.
What we are likely to continue seeing in the installer part of the market is companies deciding either to sell up or to close. I already know of a number of companies that have decided to call it a day due to the difficult market conditions, and these businesses have tended to be run by people of a certain age who have been able to retire and step away from the market.
At the fabricator level, I believe we will continue to see a fast-paced M&A phase where bigger companies swallow up smaller competitors. We will also perhaps see more established names sadly fail as market conditions continue to bite.
I still do not rule out further moves at the systems company level. Although we have seen the launch of a takeover of Epwin Group by VEKA’s parent company, I still think there is some room for perhaps one more deal to consolidate that part of the market further. Maybe not this side of Christmas, but perhaps some way into 2026.
Looking ahead
What this all underlines is that the glass and glazing industry is in the middle of a structural reset. The pandemic years created unusual levels of demand, and many businesses scaled up to meet it. But that demand was never going to be permanent, and now we’re seeing the other side of the cycle where supply must
realign with reality.
The companies that will endure are the ones that have invested in efficiency, automation, and service. It is no longer enough to simply make or fit a good product. Margins are under pressure, competition is fierce, and homeowners are far more selective in how they spend their money. Those that can differentiate on quality, customer service, or brand identity are the ones most likely to emerge stronger when the dust settles.
For those looking to exit, either through retirement or acquisition, now may be as good a time as any. Consolidators are still active, and while valuations aren’t what they were three years ago, there remains an appetite for sustainable businesses with decent order books and modern operations.
For the rest, the message is clear: tighten operations, look after existing clients, and prepare for more bumps in the road. This consolidation phase won’t last forever, but while it does, resilience and discipline are going to be key.
By the time we get through the other side of this—whether that’s 2026 or beyond—we may find ourselves with a leaner, sharper, and more stable industry. But to get there, more closures and more acquisitions are almost certainly on the cards.
PREMIER ARCHES CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF ‘SHAPING SUCCESS’
Specialist trade fabricator Premier Arches is marking a major milestone this September as the company celebrates its 10th anniversary.
Since opening its doors in 2015, Premier Arches has grown to become the UK’s leading supplier of arched, angled, gable, and bespoke window and door frames. Over the past decade, the company has built a reputation for quality, reliability, and service, supplying thousands of installers, fabricators, and trade counters nationwide.
From a small start-up to a trusted partner across the fenestration sector, Premier Arches has consistently invested in its people, machinery, and processes to deliver precision-made frames that save customers time, hassle, and cost.
“Reaching 10 years in business is a fantastic achievement for everyone here at Premier Arches,” said Sean Greenhall, Managing Director at Premier Arches. “From day one, our mission has been simple – to take the headaches out of
shaped frames and provide our customers with the products and service they can rely on. The fact that we’ve grown year on year is a testament to the hard work of our team and the loyalty of our customers.
“This anniversary is about celebrating the past decade, but also about looking ahead. We’re committed to further investment and innovation to ensure Premier Arches remains the go-to name for shaped frames in the years to come.”
The 10th anniversary comes on the back of a strong period of growth for the company, including new hires, expanded capacity, and increased demand across its wide product range.
Premier Arches will be marking the occasion throughout September, celebrating both the team behind the success and the customers who have supported the business over the last decade.
To find out more about Premier Arches, go to premierarches.co.uk.
THE NEXT THREE MONTHS ARE VITAL
For England and Wales, this is the week schools go back after the summer holidays. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, they are already back.
This is also the week that traditionally the industry sees an almost immediate uptick in business activity as people seek to complete projects before Christmas and Winter sets in.
But this year has been far from normal. Anything we assumed we could rely on from previous years cannot be assumed for 2025.
Crucial Quarter
Even before the school summer holidays, the general commentary, even from some of our industry bigwigs, was pretty blunt. Summer was quiet.
Then we headed into the school holidays, which is always our sector’s quiet period, other than Christmas. For once, the remarks about the sector from most parts of the industry appear to be on the same page.
This is a good thing. Acceptance of the situation we are in, acknowledging we’re in a bind, rather than pretending everything is fine, means we can be clearer-headed about the difficulties coming down the road. It means we can plan better and be more creative.
This coming quarter is going to be vital in all sorts of ways. We would normally expect the next couple of months to be busy, with homeowners rushing projects to completion before Christmas. In a more traditional market, we can usually see an uptick in business at the installer level, the same week kids go back to school in England and Wales. We’ll see if this year provides the same pre-Christmas rush.
We’re going to need it. Business activity has not been what we had hoped for in 2025. It has been more difficult than we would have liked. Labour have failed to provide any meaningful growth or improvement in living standards, and with a November 26th budget which is likely to see a raft of new tax increases, that trend may sadly stay the same.
But the reason this quarter is crucial is that it will determine whether some companies survive into 2026 or not. Q1 of the coming year is usually
when most major bills, like VAT and corporation tax, require to be paid. It is the reason we sometimes see a rise in companies going under during this period, if they cannot meet those obligations.
A busy quarter will mean companies make it through another year. A quarter like the others may mean a different outcome.
Navigating events
The industry is going to have to put a real shift in if it wants to see results. And it is going to have to compete with an increasing amount of media noise around things like the budget, due to be held on November 26th, ongoing economic worries and battered consumer confidence. There is going to be a lot of noise to cut through.
For installers, it means making your arguments to invest in home improvements as compelling and as sharp as possible. There are still plenty of windows and doors out there that need replacing, but we’re competing against other markets and priorities, so ensuring your message to homeowners is clear and persuasive is going to be important.
Fabricators in turn need to give their installers as much help as they can get. Which will, in turn, benefit them as well. Arm installers with as much marketing material as they need. Give them the tools to do their job so that sales can flow back up the supply chain. The same is true when it comes to systems companies supporting fabricators. They too need the tools to do their jobs so that syscos can feel the benefit.
We know it won’t be easy. This year has been far from easy for anyone. It has not been the year anyone had hoped for. Filled with closures and market consolidation the likes very few of us have ever seen.
But that does not mean we cannot end the year on a better note, and perhaps begin the next one with a bit more momentum. As an industry, we have to try and drown out the negative noise from Labour and sell the dream of upgrading homes to homeowners as attractive and appealing to people as we can. Remember that people still aspire to improve where they live, even in a difficult economy.
The next generation of door is here. The new Origin OB-36+ system is available in 2 di erent collections. The Soho aesthetic is perfect for replicating a sought-a er steel-look design, whilst the Contemporary style o ers an elegant way to maximise light levels in a home. Both systems are 2025 Future Homes compliant for thermal e ciency and feature sightlines of just 36mm.
Don’t get le behind. Stand out from the competition and futureproof your business by opening an account with Origin today. Call 0808 192 0042 or visit origin-global.com/partner-with-origin
TRUE CHOICE IN COLOUR: DIRECT TRADE (YORKSHIRE) LTD AND VEKA ALIGN WITH MARKET TRENDS
Direct Trade, a nationwide VEKA fabricator since 2005, has further strengthened its long-standing relationship with the system house by signing a new ten-year supply agreement earlier this year. This milestone cements more than two decades of partnership and demonstrates a shared vision for delivering premium PVCu products to the fenestration market.
At the heart of this collaboration lies a mutual understanding of what installers and homeowners truly need when it comes to colour choice. In a market where some suppliers push an ever-expanding palette of shades that complicate production and overwhelm customers, Direct Trade and VEKA are committed to something different: clarity, reliability, and relevance.
A Fabricator’s Perspective
Mark Powell, Sales Director at Direct Trade (Yorkshire) Ltd, explains:
“Whilst others flood the market with endless shades and finishes that confuse customers and complicate supply, we know our customers can trust us to deliver something different. True choice isn’t about how many colours you can offer – it’s about delivering the right colours: tested, trusted, on-trend with market demands, and available when our customers need them. That’s what gives installers the confidence to sell and homeowners the assurance they’re making the right choice.”
Direct Trade’s own order book reflects this point. Their two most requested foil colours today are Anthracite Grey and Agate Grey, with Rosewood and Beck Brown following closely behind. This pattern mirrors broader consumer preferences, where greys and darker tones continue to dominate the market.
VEKA Innovation: Feinstruktur Foils
VEKA’s recent investment in Feinstruktur foils has been developed precisely with today’s market demands in mind. Feinstruktur introduces a finely textured surface finish that is only available through VEKA, offering a look and feel that cannot be replicated elsewhere in the industry.
“This exclusivity is a powerful tool for VEKA Installers, giving them something genuinely unique to present to homeowners”, explains Mark.
“In a competitive landscape where many products can appear similar at first glance, having access to finishes that are both ontrend and unavailable from rival systems suppliers creates a tangible point of difference. Homeowners are increasingly influenced by the premium aesthetics they see in aluminium products, and Feinstruktur provides a way to mirror that desirable finish in PVCu – combining contemporary design with all the benefits of durability, thermal performance, and affordability that PVCu delivers.”
By offering Feinstruktur Anthracite Grey and Feinstruktur Black as stocked colour options, VEKA ensures that installers don’t just have access to an exclusive product, but that it is also readily available and supported by the reliable delivery standards the brand is known for. This means installers can respond to customer demand quickly, without the long lead times that can put projects at risk.
For installers, this kind of exclusivity does more than enhance their portfolios – it strengthens their reputation as providers of cutting-edge solutions. Being able to say “this finish is
only available through VEKA” elevates the conversation with homeowners, enabling installers to build trust and close sales more effectively.
And when paired with VEKA’s exclusive OMNIA double flush system, Feinstruktur foils unlock even greater opportunity: a system and finish combination that represents a competitive edge unmatched in the current fenestration market. Together, they put VEKA Installers in a position not just to compete, but to lead.
Setting the Standard Together
Amy Steven, Sales Director at VEKA, reinforces the message:
“We’re proud to support long-standing partners like Direct Trade with a colour offering that is as forward-thinking as it is practical. Our aim has never been to flood the market with choice for
choice’s sake, but to deliver finishes that are proven, on-trend, and backed by the reliability VEKA is known for. With the introduction of Feinstruktur foils and our exclusive systems like OMNIA, we’re giving fabricators and installers the tools they need to stand out and succeed.”
For Direct Trade and VEKA, true choice is not measured by quantity but by quality and relevance. By combining a carefully curated colour portfolio with exclusive innovations and dependable delivery, they are helping installers thrive in a demanding marketplace – and ensuring homeowners benefit from products that meet their style expectations without compromise.
This approach, underpinned by a 20+ year partnership and a new ten-year supply agreement, demonstrates how collaboration between fabricator and systems supplier can deliver lasting value to the fenestration trade.
VOILÀP ACQUIRES STÜRTZ
After the news that Stuga’s parent group, Stürtz, was to be placed into administration in Germany, it appears we now have a resolution which puts the entire group, including Stuga, on a firmer footing.
Earlier today, Voilàp announced that it had acquired the Stürtz group. This was the statement they made via their website:
Voilàp expands in smart factories and acquires Stürtz
The Voilàp Group, a multinational based in Italy specialising in the design and production of smart systems for industry and cities, announces the acquisition of Stürtz Group, a leader in the automated production of PVC processing machines, located in Neustadt, Germany. Stürtz has revenues of approximately 65 million euros, employs more than 350 people, and has international subsidiaries in Canada, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. With this acquisition, the Voilàp Group aims to further strengthen its position as a global leader in the supply of high-end machinery for the construction of windows and facades, as well as a key player in the field of industrial applications. The acquisition of Stürtz ideally complements Voilàp’s existing portfolio, which already has a consolidated global leadership in aluminium processing machinery through its brands Elumatec, Emmegi, and Tekna, and in
glass processing through its brands Keraglass and Mappi. Stürtz Group’s leadership in PVC processing machines adds to the expertise already developed within Voilàp with the production of Someco machinery.
“We consider this operation a unique opportunity to develop an increasingly broad system of intelligent and interconnected machines for the factories of the future. With Stürtz, we acquire unparalleled expertise in automated processes,” said Valter Caiumi, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Voilàp Group. “Over the years, we have carried out numerous acquisitions and have demonstrated the ability to restructure complex businesses, improve their competitiveness, and ensure long-term growth. This was the case, for example, with Elumatec, a German company acquired ten years ago that has become a world leader in its sector in perfect synergy with the Group’s other activities.”
The acquisition includes the production plant, the real estate company, machinery, intellectual property, brands, software, workforce, order backlog, and inventories. At the same time, Voilàp will acquire the shares of the international subsidiaries in Canada, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Stürtz’s more than 350 jobs will be maintained in order to safeguard the valuable know-how of its employees. Stürtz will continue to exist as an independent brand and organization.
Voilàp has created an intelligent ecosystem that spans across different sectors, extending into four areas:
• design of Smart Factories, intelligent plants with interconnected machines, big data management, and predictive analytics to optimize performance, reduce downtime, and anticipate customer needs;
• development of Smart Retail, innovative points of sale equipped with screens and software to meet and anticipate customer needs when purchasing windows and doors;
• enablement of Smart Advertising, through the supply of screen systems and software for indoor and outdoor communication;
• provision of hardware and software solutions for Smart Buildings, with the integration of sensors and Internet of Things elements in windows and doors.
The transaction was led by Britta Hübner, restructuring expert and managing director of Hübner Management. The management consultancy Beceptum International acted as advisor for the acquisition, while the international law firm Linklaters served as legal advisor. Intesa San Paolo and Banco BPM supported Voilàp in financing the operation.
Stürtz Maschinenbau GmbH is a leading supplier of machinery and automation solutions for the production of plastic and aluminum windows. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Neustadt/Wied-Rott, the company stands for technical innovation, user-oriented solutions, and comprehensive service. With an international sales network, its own subsidiary in the United States, and more than 350 employees, Stürtz offers worldwide precision technology “Made in Germany.” www.stuertz.com
Voilàp is a multinational group that designs and produces systems for the smart industry and smart city, based on interconnected hardware and software elements for data acquisition and management. A world leader in the design and production of machines for the transformation of materials used in intelligent and sustainable construction (aluminium, PVC, steel, and glass), Voilàp serves the building market (Smart Buildings) and industry (aerospace, railway, automotive, lighting, renewable energy, furniture, etc.). Through Internet of Things solutions, it applies the know-how developed in the smart industry to reconfigure traditional businesses, such as retail, real estate, DOOH (Digital Out of
Home), and logistics. With its 1,600 employees, Voilàp is present in over 60 countries worldwide and recorded consolidated revenues of 350 million euros in 2024.
You can read the original article here: https:// www.voilapholding.com/en/news/voilapacquires-stuertz
Stuga also published a statement via their Linkedin accounts:
Big news for Stuga: now part of Voilàp Group — same team, same service, even bigger future
We’re excited to share that Stürtz Group, the parent company of Stuga, has been acquired by Voilàp Group. For over 40 years, we’ve proudly designed and built machinery in the UK, supporting fabricators across the industry. That commitment remains as strong as ever.
What does change is the opportunity ahead. With Voilàp S.p.a.’s scale, resources, and track record of innovation, this partnership opens the door to even more investment in product development, digitalisation, and long-term support. As Valter Caiumi, President & CEO of Voilàp Group, explains: “This transaction is a unique opportunity to develop an increasingly comprehensive system of intelligent and networked machines for the factories of the future.”
This is an exciting step forward for Stuga, Stürtz Maschinenbau GmbH, and most importantly — for our customers.
Our team is here for you. If you’d like to know more about what this means for your business, let’s talk.
Contact us
Tel: 01493 742348
Email: machinesales@stuga.co.uk
You can read the original Linkedin post here: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/ urn:li:activity:7374024372618940416/
This is a positive outcome for the group and should retain jobs for the long term. Too often this year, we have seen the demise of many established companies without seeing a positive outcome at the end, leading to job losses and financial losses. This will hopefully bring stability to the group, and those involved can now look forward to more positive initiatives.
MERCHANT Q2 VALUE SALES UP +2.8% YEAR-ON-YEAR AS VOLUMES PICK UP +4.0%
The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report reveals builders’ merchants’ value sales for Q2 2025 were up +2.8% compared to Q2 2024. Volume sales were up +4.0% year-onyear, while prices came down -1.1%. With one less trading day this year, like-for-like value sales were +4.5% higher.
Nine of the twelve categories sold more by value in Q2 2025 compared to the same quarter a year before, with value sales for Renewables & Water Saving (+13.0%) increasing the most. Of the two biggest categories, Timber & Joinery Products (+3.7%) performed better than Total Builders Merchants, while Heavy Building Materials (+2.7%) fell just behind. Decorating (-2.0%) was the weakest performing category.
Quarter-on-quarter, builders’ merchants’ value sales for Q2 2025 were +11.7% higher than the previous three-month period (January to March 2025). Volume sales saw a double-digit increase (+13.9%) while prices were down -2.0%. By value, nine of the twelve categories sold more with seasonal category Landscaping (+46.8%) well ahead of the rest. Heavy Building Materials (+11.1%) and Timber & Joinery Products (+11.0%) recorded strong value sales growth but were behind Total Builders Merchants. Plumbing Heating & Electrical (-8.9%) was the weakest category.
With two fewer trading days in the most recent quarter, like-for-like value sales for Q2 were +15.3% up compared to Q1.
Quarter 2 finished strongly, with total value sales for June up +5.6% year-on-year. Volume sales increased by +6.7% and prices were 1.0% lower. All bar one category sold more in terms of value with Renewables & Water Saving (+14.1%), Plumbing Heating & Electrical (+12.2%),
Workwear & Safetywear (+10.5%), Ironmongery (+8.4%) and Timber & Joinery Products (+7.9%) increasing the most. Heavy Building Materials (+4.9%) value sales grew more slowly than Total Builders Merchants, while Decorating (-0.5%) was the weakest category.
Month-on-month, June total value sales were -0.9% behind May. Volume sales were down -0.1% and prices fell -0.8%. By value, just four categories sold more: Kitchens & Bathrooms (+6.1%), Plumbing Heating & Electrical (+3.9%), Workwear & Safetywear (+3.8%) and Ironmongery (+1.9%). Of the two largest categories, Timber & Joinery Products was flat (0.0%) while Heavy Building Materials (-0.6%) declined less than Total Builders Merchants. With one more trading day in June, like-for-like sales were down -5.6%.
Mike Rigby, MD of MRA Research, who produced this report, said: “After a difficult start to the year, the Q2 BMBI report has promising signs of growth in the builders’ merchant sector and Repair, Maintenance and Improvement markets. Volumes are rebounding, and while June was no great improvement on May, things are headed in the right direction.
“The latest ONS data suggests improvement, estimating total construction output to have grown +1.2% compared to Q1, with new work (+1.1%) and repair and maintenance (+1.4%) on the up. Again, the month-on-month picture is subdued, with June output growing just +0.3% compared to May. The ONS reports that private housing repair and maintenance, up +3.7%, was the main driver of growth.
“The big question is whether this momentum can be sustained into H2 with growing concerns about possible tax rises in the Chancellor’s
Autumn Budget.
“A 0.25% cut in interest rates to 4% in August, the fifth since August last year, has yet to get people spending much more or the economy moving. But August’s GfK consumer confidence index is up two points to -17. Looking back 12 months and looking forward 12 months, the biggest improvements are to personal finances with both scores up by three points. The lift is most likely due to this 7th cut in interest rates, making the cost of borrowing the lowest for more than two years. Encouragingly, the Major Purchase Index, which is associated with home improvement project spend, also rose two points. And GfK’s savings index, which is not included in the confidence index, dropped four points, which suggests people are a little more likely to spend than save compared to July.
“Despite more encouraging news, now would be a very good time for the Chancellor and Prime
Minister to make good on their promises to clear the obstacles to build 1.5 million homes by the end of this parliament and get Britain building and the economy growing.”
Set up and run by MRA Research, the BMBI – a brand of the Builders Merchants Federation – is a monthly index of builders’ merchant sales, and the most reliable, up-to-date proxy for Repair, Maintenance, and Improvement (RMI) activity in the UK. The index is based on actual sales from NiQ GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data, which captures value sales out to builders from generalist builders’ merchants, accounting for 88% of total sales from builders’ merchants throughout Great Britain. An in-depth review, which includes commentary by sector experts, is produced each quarter.
The Q2 2025 BMBI report is available to download at www.bmbi.co.uk.
WHY HIGH-END DEVELOPERS ARE QUIETLY RETURNING TO TIMBER JOINERY
by Joe Trueman, Director at Glyngary Joinery
In recent months, I’ve noticed a subtle yet compelling shift among high-end property developers – a quiet pivot back to timber joinery. It’s a trend not loudly announced in marketing brochures, but unmistakably present.
As someone who’s at the heart of timber craftsmanship, I’d like to share what’s really driving this resurgence – and why it matters to premium development today.
Heritage and authenticity at the core
When you’re working on a property with architectural pedigree – whether it’s a Grade II*-listed Georgian townhouse or a carved oak entrance in a new-build luxury home –replicating the genuine material quality matters. Timber delivers that authenticity in a way aluminium or uPVC simply cannot. It brings a
tactile warmth, characterful grain, and timeless refinement that resonates with customers looking for substance, not just style.
This isn’t hypothetical. Bespoke joinery firms like Stuart Interiors report commissions for period-inspired grand staircases, oak-panelled libraries, even restoring furniture for Historic Royal Palaces – often combining centuries-old joinery techniques with modern functionality. It’s proof that heritage craftsmanship still remains a differentiator.
Longevity: Built to last, not replace
Premium developers understand that quality backs prestige. Timber joinery from Glyngary, crafted with Accoya®, offers lifespans of 60+ years – far longer than the 15–20 years typical of uPVC frames. That longevity delivers real value, avoiding repeated replacement and enhancing lifecycle cost efficiency.
Moreover, timber stores carbon throughout its long life – an embedded sustainability benefit often overlooked in traditional joinery. Unlike synthetic alternatives, it becomes more than an aesthetic choice, it becomes an investment in the building’s environmental legacy.
ESG: From buzzword to boardroom principle
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) themes have found their way from corporate presentations right into developers’ material specifications. Timber’s low embodied carbon, renewability, and recyclability make it an obvious front-runner – especially when carbon efficiency is as important as upfront cost in development forecasts.
Government policy is offering further tailwind. The UK’s Timber in Construction Roadmap 2025 positions sustainable timber use as essential for achieving net-zero targets – supporting both housing delivery and green jobs.
Similarly, more than 30 percent of top UK homebuilders now operate timber frame factories, signifying a systemic shift towards timber-based systems.
Projects like London’s Paradise SE11 – the UK’s lowest-carbon mass-timber office – demonstrate timber’s appeal among developers committed to ESG, delivering both aesthetic distinction and CO2 savings equivalent to building 24 homes.
Design flexibility, thermal performance, and value
High-end developments demand both beauty and performance. Modern engineered timber frames – especially when paired with double or triple glazing – achieve stunning U-values. Glyngary’s double-glazed Accoya® frames hit 1.2 W/m²K, while triple glazed drop to 0.68 W/ m²K, outperforming building regulations by 50 percent or more.
Timber is also bespoke by nature. Whether it’s slender flush casements or ornate paneled doors, developers value the ability to customise – minimising compromises between design integrity and thermal efficiency. Highperformance timber effortlessly crosses the bridge between visual excellence and energy performance.
Quiet momentum turning into mainstream
Timber isn’t yet universal – but among top-tier developers, it’s gaining momentum. Historical data shows that even as far back as 2014, the timber window market in housing outpaced the overall sector – with growth in both unit volume and installed value.
Now, with ESG, heritage, and regulation converging, the premium joinery niche is expanding. Those who invest early position themselves ahead of both market demand and regulatory shifts.
Final thoughts from the workshop
From where I sit, this isn’t nostalgia – it’s evolution. High-end developers are quietly returning to timber joinery not because it’s oldfashioned, but because it delivers on every tier – authentic craftsmanship, long-term value, environmental performance, and unmistakable elegance. At Glyngary, that’s where our passion lies – making timber not just beautiful, but compellingly sensible.
To find out more, go to www.glyngaryjoinery.co.uk and drop us a line.
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