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DOUBLE GLAZING BLOGGER MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

F E AT U R E D 4 - DAWS Expands Its “From Stock” Colour Range To 10 Colours For Aluminium Bifold Doors 6 - Sheerline Launches Reverse Butt Joint For The Aluminium Market

8 - Are Fenestration Sector Prices About To Rise Again? 10 - Profits In Line With Expectations At Eurocell 12 - Rocal Endurance Holdings Acquires BDC Aluminium 14 - Endurance Acquisition Of BDC Aluminium Shows Major Intent 16 - Endurance® Doors Creates Academy Of Excellence 17 - Endurance® Doors Spreads Some Positivi-Tea 18 - Brisant Acquires 3 Star Lock Business Deseo 20 - Introducing The Ultion Sweet Universal Blanking Plate 22 - Introducing The Ultion Window Handle

24 - BMBI, The Barometer Of Sales To Builders And Trades, Expands To 92% Market Coverage 26 - October Builders Merchant Sales Fall -4.0% Year-On-Year 28 - Certass Seminar Part 2: Navigating Products, Product Regulation, And Impact On Installers 30 - Five Opportunities In Fenestration In 2024 34 - Is Our Long-Distance Love Affair Over? 36 - Reflecting On 2023 And Anticipating The Path Ahead In 2024

38 - Safestyle Are Back 41 - Show Some Love For Installers This Week 42 - Student Registrations Exceed 500 For Building Our Skills’ Bespoke Industry Careers Fairs In March Double Glazing Blogger www.doubleglazingblogger.com

DGB | 2024

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DYNAMIC, SHARP, AND ENGAGING WITH OVER 5550 PUBLISHED ARTICLES, 6580 COMMENTS AND APPROACHING TWO MILLION PAGE VIEWS, THE GLAZING INDUSTRY'S FRESHEST, SHARPEST AND RELEVANT OPINION AND DISCUSSION IS ON DGB. During 2024 DGB is set to be read by over 250,000 people, with over 200,000 of those unique. They will generate over 350,000 page views this year alone. DGB continues to grow and expand, covering even more of the diverse sector that is UK fenestration. Join the industry's best conversation: www.doubleglazingblogger.com

DAWS EXPANDS ITS “FROM STOCK” COLOUR RANGE TO 10 COLOURS FOR ALUMINIUM BIFOLD DOORS

AALLUUMMI INNI IUUMM

North West based DAWS, the leading trade aluminium supplier to the door and window industry, is proud to announce the expansion of its “from stock” colour range taking the number to 10 vibrant stock colours for its highly popular Smoothfold Aluminium Bi-Fold doors. Sales Director Phill Cresswell said “This exciting development is a testament to DAWS commitment to providing trade customers with not only exceptional quality and lead times but also a wide range of customization options to help them to win more business.” “The 10 stock colours are White, Grey, Black, Cream, Sienna Brown, Agate Grey plus four dual combination colour ways including: Grey on White; Agate Grey on White; Sienna Brown on White and Black on White.

All have been carefully chosen to reflect the homeowners requirements, offering your customers the flexibility to choose a finish that perfectly suits their taste and the overall look of their homes. The expanded colour palette ensures that DAWS trade customers can offer more choices than ever before without extended lead times.” Key features of the new stock colours include: •

Each colour option is covered by a 25 year Qualicoat paint guarantee that ensures longlasting durability, and this coupled with outstanding quality fabrication provides customers with doors that will stand the test of time.

•

Versatile Design: The 10 new stock colours have been thoughtfully selected

to complement a variety of architectural styles, making them suitable for a massive range of residential applications. •

Quick Availability: With these colours now available in stock, customers can enjoy short lead times, ensuring a fast and more efficient delivery process.

Phil concluded by saying “And it’s not just the colour choice that makes the Smoothfold range such a desirable Bi-Folding door. The system is extremely fitter friendly, pre-gasketed with quick glaze beads, toe and heeling devices as standard and sporting the sleek Ultion handle for that extra level of security.” DAWS The Trade Aluminium Supplier you can rely on. For more information about DAWS and it’s expanded range of stock aluminium bifold door colours, please visit www.daws.co.uk or call 0151 374 2851. SPONSORED DAWS

4 DGB Magazine - Aluminium

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SHEERLINE LAUNCHES REVERSE BUTT JOINT FOR THE ALUMINIUM MARKET

Known f o r developing innovative solutions to historic challenges within the aluminium industry, Sheerline has announced the launch of its latest revolutionary product, a Reverse Butt Joint for the Prestige window system. Based on Sheerline’s tried and tested corner cleat, a new patented, precisionmachined, aluminium T cleat will enable Sheerline customers to offer fully internally beaded aluminium windows, that feature both opening vents and fixed panes. It will streamline the fabrication and installation process, enabling fabricators to manufacture the reverse butt joint using Sheerline’s newly introduced Prestige Z transom. This solution eliminates the need for external glazing, reverse adaptors, and dummy sashes, therefore saving time and money. The reduction in 6 DGB Magazine - Aluminium

materials, manufacturing, and labour costs also adds to the appeal of the product and opens a realm of opportunity in the specification sector. Large-scale commercial projects and tenders, where efficiency is key, will benefit from the streamlined approach offered by the Z transom. For instance, it’s the ideal option for projects that require fully internally glazed windows and reduces the need for scaffolding as glazing and remedial work can be carried out from within a building. In addition, the reverse butt joint uses less material when compared to windows that use a dummy sash, which reduces waste

and s a v e s time. Saving 20% on material and labour costs when compared to a window featuring a dummy sash rather than a fixed light. As well as making the installation process quicker and more efficient, there are also visual benefits to consider. For example, the discreet joints give a sleek, modern appearance, adding value to both the visual aesthetic of the window overall and the installation.

perfectly match products in terms of styling, security, and colour. Sheerline understands how important it is for homeowners to feel safe and secure within their homes. That’s why individuals who are apprehensive about externally glazed windows will gain peace of mind from this fully internally beaded product. Dave Watts, Sheerline’s Technical Sales Director said: “Anyone who operates within the PVC -U market is aware of the advantages of reverse butt joints, but within the aluminium industry, they’re relatively unheard of as legacy aluminium systems can’t accommodate them. With our new reverse butt joint, we want to show fabricators, installers, and consumers that there are options for aluminium

As w i t h all Sheerline products, homeowners can easily create consistent styling throughout the home with crisp, clean lines that embrace the trend of bright, airy spaces bathed in natural light. There is also the option to

too!” “Tried and tested is great, but innovative solutions backed up by real-world experience and extensive R&D can offer unexpected opportunities, benefits, and advantages. There are many outstanding features to highlight about our newest product – the fact it streamlines the fabrication and installation processes, but also the fact it gives our customers greater choice, and that’s something we pride ourselves on,” he added. Learn more about Sheerline’s new Prestige aluminium reverse butt joint by contacting Sheerline on 01332 978000 or emailing: info@sheerline.com. Follow @SheerlineSystem for the latest news and updates.

ARE FENESTRATIO ABOUT TO R Around this time four years ago, the COVID pandemic and the threat it would pose to every aspect of our lives was becoming clearer. At the turn of the new year in 2020 it was still very much a China problem, and the worst of the effects of it were being felt in the supply chain, where the fenestration sector was beginning to run short of hardware because of factory shutdowns in China. As we know, later on in the pandemic, as restrictions lifted, the spending floodgates opened and domestic and international supply chains collapsed under the weight of consumer demand. The fenestration sector felt the full force of that. Four years on, for reasons that are very different, we could be about to see a new wave of price increases.

again you might remember became blocked after a vast container ship became grounded, clogging up a supply chain that was already broken. Although we are not seeing a situation like we did in COVID where the entire global shipping apparatus was crippled, disruption in the Red Sea, which looks like it is about to get a lot worse tonight, is more than enough to send shipping prices, and in turn prices of goods to us in our sector, higher. Indeed, we are already seeing other articles in other trade media outlets warning that things may already be turning. In a piece

Houthis and the Red Sea I am sure we are all aware of the rising tensions in the Red Sea as Houthi rebels continue to fire missiles and drones at commercial shipping in the Red Sea. As this is being written, it appears the UK and US are about to launch strikes on the Houthis in an attempt to eliminate their capability to launch these strikes. As a result of the attacks on commercial shipping, companies have been avoiding the Red Sea and re-routing their ships around the Cape of Good Hope, which is adding 15-20 more days to their journeys and of course, this is making things more expensive. The Red Sea is one of the most important shipping routes in the world, with 15% of global trade passing through that route. It then leads to the Suez Canal, which

8 DGB Magazine - Business

by Mila Managing Director Richard Gyde to Window News, he said: If the current situation continues for much longer, the vast majority of UK importers are likely to be looking at delivery delays and rising transport costs – because it doesn’t just take longer for containers to arrive here, but also longer for them to be

ON SECTOR PRICES RISE AGAIN? shipped back empty ready for their next cargo. At the moment, shipping container costs are nowhere near the record levels we saw in the pandemic, but we’re already being quoted prices which are up 175% compared to last year, and we are hearing talk of the dreaded freight surcharges once again. See full piece here: https://www. windownews.co.uk/an-early-warning/ The situation in the Red Sea isn’t going to get better in the immediate future. In fact it is rapidly going in the other direction, and with other countries in the Middle East threatening retaliation for any action taken by the UK and US, the whole region could be off limits for a while.

trading arrangements. The timing of this is pretty difficult. The UK is still suffering from anaemic growth, subdued spending as well as it being post-Christmas. The idea of having to tell customers of more price increases on our products just when things had settled down and surcharges had started to be removed will be sickening to many. But as global instability continues to rise, this may be something we have to swallow and deal with, whether we like it or not. Not only that, this is going to be a further distraction. War is a terrible distraction, and if we wake up in the coming days to something much uglier and much larger, that is certainly not going to work in our favour. Add to the mix that this is an election year and spending tends to slow down as we head closer to an election, which at this point looks set to be held around November or December of this year. If you think that the disruption in the Red Sea is more hype than anything else, it is worth noting that as of the time of writing, Tesla has announced that production out of it’s factory in Germany is suspended due to a shortage of components for their cars. It’s real and it is happening. It may get worse. Not withstanding all of that, if you want to exploit five fantastic opportunities the UK fenestration still has in 2024, click here.

Communication is key We have to take lessons from our experiences during COVID. We learned, although this should never have been alien to any of us, that communication is absolutely vital if there are going to be delays or price increases. Customers down the supply chain have to be told as far in advance as possible to any changes to their

BBUUSSI INNEESSSS Business - DGB Magazine 9

PROFITS IN LINE WITH EXP It is earnings season once again the fenestration sector as the largest publicly traded companies begin to report on their 2023 results. Eurocell have posted a trading update for the year ending December 31st 2023, and as the headline states, it is in line with their expectations for the year. They state that full results will be published on 20th March.

sales performance for the year. We continue to focus on closely managing cost and cash flow and, as expected, have seen some easing of input cost pricing in H2. Despite these challenges, we are pleased to confirm that we anticipate underlying profit before tax for the year ended 31 December 2023 to be in line with market expectations.

Strong cash flow

Trading Performance

Here is the short update, plus data table as published by Eurocell:

Reported sales for the year ended 31 December 2023 were £365 million, down 4% on an exceptionally strong 2022 comparative period, with volume 6% lower. Comparisons by division were as follows:

Eurocell plc, the market leading, vertically integrated UK manufacturer, recycler and distributor of innovative window, door and roofline PVC products, provides the following update for the year ended 31 December 2023.

October. Building Plastics – RMI volumes in the branch network were down 5% on 2022 and remain subdued, with increased competition for limited demand leading to ongoing pressure on margins. Sales include an increase in our made-to-order products, which extend living spaces, such as garden rooms. As reported in September, we experienced persistent input cost inflation H1 2023, particularly for labour and electricity, which we offset with selling price increases where possible. In addition, recycling feedstock prices were significantly higher than the first half of 2022. However, as noted above, we have seen some

Sales vs 2022

6 months to 30 6 months to 12 months to 31 June 2023 31 Dec 2023 Dec 2023

Total Group

-2%

-6%

-4%

Summary

Profiles Division

-1%

-8%

-4%

The trends reported at our half year results in September continued for the remainder of 2023, with some further modest weakening in our key markets. Repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) activity continues to be impacted by low consumer confidence and higher costs of living. The ongoing steep decline in new build activity reflects successive interest rate rises and falling house prices, with house builders reducing build rates in anticipation of falling sales.

Building Plastics -3% Division

-6%

-4%

Profiles – reduced RMI activity and a significantly weaker new build market, partially offset by the benefit of market share gains, resulted in sales volumes 7% below 2022. We have continued to acquire new fabricator accounts, supported by a reduction in UK capacity following the closure of the Duraflex extrusion business in September. In addition, some of our existing fabricators have benefited from an increase in volume following the administration of Safestyle in

easing of input cost pricing in H2.

Against the challenging market backdrop, we have delivered some resilience in the Group’s

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As previously announced, in response to lower sales volumes, we took early and decisive action on costs, with restructuring programmes implemented in Q4 2022 and Q2 2023, securing annualised savings of £9 million, of which £7 million were realised in 2023. The related redundancy costs from the Q2 2023 programme, together with cloud computing costs incurred on strategic IT projects, will be

PECTATIONS AT EUROCELL reported as a non-underlying item of approximately £3.5 million in our 2023 financial statements. We have also continued to focus on efficient inventory management to drive good cash flow performance. As a result, net cash on a pre-IFRS 16 basis was £0.4 million at 31 December 2023, compared to net debt of £14 million at 31 December 2022.

Review of Strategy As reported in September, we have been reviewing our strategy, including the optimisation and expansion of the branch network, an enhanced customer proposition and simplified business structures. We expect to report the conclusions from our review at the time of our 2023 full year results announcement (see Notice of Results below).

Capital Allocation The Board is focused on enhancing shareholder returns and recognises the importance

of our ordinary dividend. We will also periodically consider supplementary distributions, whilst always seeking to maintain a strong financial position. Taking into account expected organic investment requirements and our successful cash flow management in 2023, which resulted in net cash of £0.4 million at the year end, we are now launching a £5 million share buyback programme, full details of which will be announced separately today.

Notice of Results We expect to publish our results for the year ending 31 December 2023 on 20 March 2024. There is going to be a caveat with all 2023 results in that comparing them to 2022 is going to be slightly skewed. 2022 and indeed 2021 were exceptional years in terms of demand, way higher than a normal trading year, so it is likely that we’re going to see small to moderate reductions in revenue for 2023 when compared to the previous year. Any drops should be seen

in that context and shouldn’t spark any serious concerns. To that end, I would judge that single digit reductions, some only a few percentage points, is perhaps better than the general industry performance of late. In a year which saw a number of high-profile bankruptcies, such as UKWDG and Safestyle, these results represent stability. Eurocell forecasted tougher conditions in 2023, took measures to mitigate that, and have come out the other side posting what I think are solid numbers considering how difficult 2023 actually was. There will be more detail in the March trading update, which will give a clearer picture on the overall performance of Eurocell last year, but on the face of it these are numbers that can carry momentum into this year where hopefully things won’t be as volatile or uncertain. You can read the original update here.

Business - DGB Magazine 11

ROCAL ENDURANCE HOLDINGS ACQUIRES BDC ALUMINIUM Rocal Endurance Holdings, renowned for its expertise in manufacturing composite doors, door panels, and specialist plastic extrusions, has solidified its market presence through the strategic acquisition of BDC Aluminium. The transaction, conducted for an undisclosed sum, marks a significant milestone in Rocal Endurance’s growth trajectory. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Witham, Essex, BDC Aluminium has carved a niche as a fabricator of premium aluminium windows and doors catering to both domestic and commercial markets, predominantly in the South of England. The company boasts an extensive product range, encompassing bi-folding doors, sliding patio doors, internal screens, curtain walling, and facades. This acquisition not only enhances Rocal Endurance’s product offering but also unlocks new market opportunities, positioning the Rocal Endurance group for further expansion. Expressing enthusiasm about the acquisition, Stephen Nadin, Managing Director at Rocal, stated: “We are thrilled to integrate the capabilities and expertise of BDC Aluminium into our existing portfolio. BDC Aluminium is a robust and profitable operation, and we plan to nurture and invest in its growth from its Witham base in the South East.” Nadin added: “Our goal is to leverage our extensive knowledge of consumer marketing to propel the business forward, generating leads and creating substantial sales opportunities for our nationwide network of installer partners.”

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David Green, Managing Director at BDC Aluminium, shared his perspective on the acquisition, saying: “After investing considerable effort in building BDC Aluminium, it was crucial for me to entrust the company to a reputable business. “Rocal Endurance perfectly aligns with this requirement. I have full confidence that they will not only take care of our loyal customer base but also support our existing team of 40 staff, who will continue operating from the same premises.” He continued: “I am particularly excited about Rocal Endurance’s plans for the company. Their proven expertise in intelligent marketing and their ability to extend our reach, enabling us to supply installers across the UK, bodes well for a bright future for BDC Aluminium.”

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ENDURANCE ACQUISITION OF BDC ALUMINIUM SHOWS MAJOR INTENT Last week Rocal, producers of Endurance Doors, announced that they had acquired Withambased BDC Aluminium. It meant the year started with a bang as a company predominantly in the composite door space made a massive move into the aluminium side of fenestration. Given the size of Endurance and the huge client base they have around the UK, this is going to transform the business and certainly up the competition within the aluminium space.

Embracing aluminium I know some of you get a tad irritated when I wax lyrical about the future potential of aluminium. In previous posts I have predicted that it would not be long before a major company that has not had exposure in the aluminium market decides to enter that space. Endurance purchasing BDC Aluminium as proven that prediction accurate. Endurance Doors, up until now, has had no exposure in the residential aluminium market. They do have their Avantal range which is a collection of doors designed to mirror the look of aluminium, whilst remaining a composite door. Now, with BDC Aluminium in their portfolio, they now have access to a large range of aluminium window and door solutions: •

Smart Alitherm windows – 400, 300, 600, 800, Heritage and EcoFutural ranges

•

Smart vertical sliders

•

Stellar fully flush casement windows

•

Smart entrance doors – Designer, Alitherm

14 DGB Magazine - Doors

400, Alitherm Plus and EcoFutural ranges •

Smart bi-folding doors – Visofold 1000 and Heritage 6000 ranges

•

Stellar bi-folding doors and patio doors

•

Smart Visoglide patio doors

•

Stellar fully flush door

•

Smart Heritage door

•

Commercial and residential curtain walling systems

•

Heritage internal screens – fixed frames, hinge doors, pivots

That is a very extensive range of products, all of which is now under the banner of Rocal and Endurance. The news is still fresh and there isn’t anything known in the public domain about what existing Endurance customers can expect. However, I am thinking that at least a very large portion of the above product portfolio will be made available to existing Endurance customers during the course of the year. These sorts of acquisitions and mergers take time to bed in and settle. It may be some months before installers will be able to access the products fabricated by BDC Aluminium. But just think about the ramifications of this deal. Hundreds of installers up and down the country are now going to be able to access a huge suite of aluminium window and doors products, perhaps for the first time. Endurance get a ready-made entry into the aluminium space, and are able to give installers the tools and products to help pay back that investment hopefully as quickly as possible. What it also does is put Endurance way ahead of their competitors. Most composite door suppliers still do only composite doors. One or two have an aluminium entrance door within their product range. Endurance however have an entire suite from top to bottom covering all spaces within the aluminium market. It puts them eons ahead of the rest. For now.

A sign of things to come? I continue to believe that much more of the fenestration sector is going to delve deeper into the aluminium space. It is the one area that shows the most profitable and robust growth compared with others. I don’t think Endurance will be the only non-aluminium company to muscle their way in to the space. Whether any other PVCu/ composite door companies decide to join them this year will remain to be seen. But I firmly believe that others will follow in the same foot steps of Rocal and enter the aluminium space in

a very meaningful way. I remain steadfast in my belief that the biggest opportunities in the residential fenestration sector are in the aluminium space. It is here where you have the most dynamic and exciting products that both installers and homeowners can get excited about. And that is the key. Even during tough economic circumstances such as the situation the country is in now, a compelling product and things people can get genuinely excited about will still be enough to convince people to spend. Self-builders and architect work is such a rich vein of opportunity. Installers and fabricators can use aluminium products to help open up new opportunities in these lines of work and exploit the very profitable business that can be found in that part of the sector. Find out more about the BDC Aluminium range here: https://www.bdcaluminium.co.uk/ Find out more about the Endurance range of composite doors here: https://endurancedoors.co.uk/

DDOOOORRSS Doors - DGB Magazine 15

ENDURANCE® DOORS CREATES ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE Endurance® Doors, the manufacturer of solid, secure and stylish composite doors, has implemented a new training initiative which provides further added value for its installer partners whilst ensuring a better customer experience for homeowners. Known as the Endurance Academy, the new initiative entails a free, one day course that’s held at the brand’s dedicated consumer-focused showroom in Brigg, North Lincolnshire. With an emphasis on hands-on learning, it covers a variety of topics including how to conduct more effective pre-installation surveys, best practice door installation and improved door handover to the homeowner. During the course, attendees are also given a tour of the nearby Endurance® Doors’ manufacturing plant. The course is delivered by Ian Longstaffe who is the business’ dedicated training manager. He has over 27 years of experience in the fenestration industry which includes an extensive period as a new build and domestic fenestration installation manager. Upon completion of the Endurance Academy,

those attending receive a GQA level qualification and certificate. Ian Longstaffe says: “The Endurance Academy delivers benefits both for those buying and fitting our products. “For the homeowner, a new door is a major investment that also contributes significantly to the kerb appeal of their property. Given these facts, they want the reassurance of the highest levels of quality at every stage of the process – from the point of production to the point of installation. “Having their door fitted by professionals who have attended the Endurance Academy instantly provides the peace of mind that the work is carried out by skilled and competent individuals. “Following on from that, our installer partners can use the fact that they’ve completed the Endurance Academy as an extra selling point for marketing purposes. “It can also save them the cost of potential call backs and remedial work by optimising their ‘right first time’ capabilities.” SPONSORED DOORS

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Doors - DGB Magazine 16

ENDURANCE® DOORS SPREADS SOME POSITIVI-TEA Endurance® Doors has encouraged its team to enjoy a cuppa and a chat on what’s frequently seen as the most depressing day of the year. As part of its ongoing commitment to the mental and physical welfare of its colleagues, the manufacturer of solid, secure, and stylish composite doors, used Blue Monday – which fell on January 15th, 2024 – to stage Brew Monday. Sharleen Lawless, HR Director at the business, explains: “The concept of Blue Monday first appeared in 2005 and usually falls on the third Monday in January. Whilst the science behind it being the most depressing day of the year is inconclusive, there’s no doubt that in January people’s mood can often be a little lower than usual. “At this time of the year, the weather doesn’t tend to be great, the days are short, failed new year resolutions are common and finances can be tight after the festive period. Whatever the reason or rationale, it remains a great opportunity

to shine a light on mental health and to inspire our team to check in with each other.” As part of the day and to encourage everyone to get involved, Endurance® Doors donated free tea bags to its staff, complete with a message outlining the importance of looking out for each other. Staging Brew Monday, which was originally developed by the Samaritans, adds to a growing number of initiatives from Endurance® Doors which are focused on its team’s welfare. It also offers medical plans, free annual eye tests, an employee assistance programme, which provides 24/7 advice and support for financial, legal, health and other issues, and dedicated wellbeing programmes that cover everything from fitness and nutrition to smoking cessation. Sharleen Lawless, adds: “Endurance® Doors is very much a people-orientated business. We value our team and fully recognise the role our people’s professionalism, enthusiasm, and ability to embrace our values has played in making us the successful brand we are today. Our significant and on-going investment into employee health and wellbeing directly reflects this appreciation.” SPONSORED DOORS

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Doors - DGB Magazine 17

BRISANT ACQUIRES 3 STAR LOCK BUSINESS DESEO On Friday 5th January Brisant Secure acquired the business and intellectual property of Deseo Locking Systems Limited for an undisclosed sum. Deseo, based in Braintree, is an innovative trailblazer with critical security patents to its name. The patented Deseo ALPS cylinder incorporates the UK and European patented Automatic Lock Protection System (ALPS). This system resists all well-

known and many lesser known forced entry methods. Unlike other 3* cylinders that give protection when attacked, Deseo ALPS gives maximum security at all times. This clever, innovative design therefore protects against all existing attacks. And it’s this elegant, simple design concept that also protects against most of the attack methods burglars and locksmiths might imagine. Deseo Locking Systems’ Marcus and Mark O’Sullivan stay on with the business and Mark joins the Brisant-Secure board as Deseo Director.

18 DGB Magazine - Hardware

“We are delighted by this, our first Brisant-Secure acquisition, and excited to welcome Mark and Marcus, both successful innovators,” says Brisant CEO Nick Dutton. “Following the growth of our award winning, smart security range, including Ultion Nuki, Ultion Bolt and more recently our Ultion window handle range, this is a major step on the road to future proofing home security. And it’s a significant development

Deseo’s MD, Mark O’Sullivan, comments: “I don’t think Deseo Locking Systems could have found a better home with the coming together of two strong innovative cultures. Brisant will be an active partner with the resources and the mindset to help us develop the Deseo products and achieve the full potential of Deseo and Brisant Secure. In my new role as Deseo Director for Brisant Secure, the opportunities for synergy and

in the evolution of Brisant as a hardware house.

growth are particularly exciting.” www.brisant-secure.com/latestnews

“As I wrote in a recent letter to editors, burglars will never stop trying to find new ways to break locks. It will continue to be a constant tussle between attackers and defenders, a seesaw when one side achieves a temporary advantage over the other. I think it’s true to say that in this see-saw Deseo firmly tips the balance in favour of homeowners. Not only does it protect against all existing attack methods, it also protects against most of the future attacks we can imagine.”

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DGB | 2024

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INTRODUCING THE ULTION SWEET UNIVERSAL BLANKING PLATE Ultion announces the launch of its latest innovation: the Ultion Sweet Universal Blanking Plate. This addition to the Ultion Sweet furniture range is now in stock and available for shipping. The Ultion Sweet Universal Blanking Plate is specifically designed for doors with an interior handle but no exterior counterpart, such as Juliette balconies. It features a universal fit design, with numerous fixed fixings with a lower fixing on a sliding boss, ensuring compatibility with nearly every fixing requirement. The Ultion Sweet is not just versatile; it’s also incredibly durable. It’s covered in several layers of brass and nickel, making it very tough. It has been tested thoroughly, and it can handle saltwater for over 8000 hours – that’s 30 times more than the usual industry standard, EN 1906:2012. We’re so confident in its quality that we’re offering a direct to homeowner 20-year guarantee. With this guarantee, you can be sure that your customers’ door furniture will look great for 20 years. The ‘edgeless’ design of the Ultion Sweet Universal Blanking Plate is not just about style; it also adds to its security. This smooth, seamless design means there’s nothing for tools like mole grips to grab onto. So, it’s harder for someone to grip and snap off the plate, adding an extra layer of protection. The Ultion Sweet Universal Blanking Plate is a top choice for

20 DGB Magazine - Hardware

door security and style. With its universal fit, robust construction, and sleek, secure design, it sets a new standard in the industry. Ultion stands behind this product with a 20-year guarantee, ensuring your door stays secure and stylish for years. Now available to order here: brisant-secure.com/login-register. php

SPONSORED CONTENT FROM ULTION/ BRISANT SECURE

Hardware - DGB Magazine 21

INTRODUCING THE ULTION WINDOW HANDLE In the fast-evolving world of home security and hardware solutions, professionals in the door and glazing industry demand products that not only enhance security but also elevate style. Enter the Ultion Window Handle, the latest addition to the Ultion Sweet range. The Ultion Window Handle has a full range of colour options. Whether you’re working on a project that calls for a classic White finish, a bold Black, a timeless Gold, or the contemporary appeal of Satin Nickel, this handle has you covered. For aluminium installations, the Satin Silver finish is a perfect match. The Ultion Window Handle caters to various window styles, from in-line to cranked, tilt turn, and fully reversible options. No matter the project, there’s a design that fits like a glove. And for those scenarios where locking isn’t necessary, the Ultion Window Handle offers non-locking variants. Concerned about longevity and reliability? With a 10-year guarantee, you and your customers can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that this product is built to last. Its subtle crank design follows the design ethos of Ultion’s door handles, allowing you to create a consistent and stylish look for your customers.

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To order the Ultion Window Handle, visit brisant-secure.com/login-register. php or call 01924 410 200. SPONSORED NEWS FROM ULTION

M MAARRKKEETT RREEPPOORRTTSS

BMBI, THE BAROMETER OF SALES TO BUILDERS AND TRADES, EXPANDS TO 92% MARKET COVERAGE

The year 2023 is rounding off with a significant relaunch of the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, now featuring builders’ merchants sales data to builders and trades people covering 92 percent of GB national sales, up from just over 80%. Launched in 2015 as a brand of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), BMBI uses data from GfK’s ground-breaking Builders Merchants Panel, The panel captures generalist builders’ merchants’ sales throughout Great Britain to builders and trades people who are directly involved in repairing, maintaining, and improving Britain’s 27.7 million homes. The recent addition to the panel of Huws Gray, JT Dove and CMO Stores, mean the data now tracks the sales of 92 percent of builders’ merchant branches making it the most accurate, comprehensive monitor of market performance available. The monthly BMBI report is well used by merchants, their larger customers and suppliers and is used by construction generally. It has also caught the attention of companies and organisations outside of construction, who want to know what’s happening, what’s important and why. The why is provided by leading brands

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of building materials, components and software – the BMBI Experts – who make sense of the trends and issues for readers. The website is regularly visited by economists and advisors, the national media, the big banks, big six accountants, management consultants, private equity investors, financial institutions and Government departments, anyone in fact who needs to know the trends and what is driving the trends in a complicated and fragmented industry. Across the pond, readership is growing rapidly, and the BMBI website gets regular hits from the US Senate, US State Department, individual senators, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to name just a few. “Since its inception in 2014 GfK’s Builders Merchants leaderpanel has become a key market barometer through its usage in the BMBI,” says Emile van der Ryst, Key Account Manager – Trade & DIY at GfK – an NiQ company. “It’s become a reference point for industry leaders, financial institutions, and government organisations. “After a relaunch of the data in 2020 we are

now pleased to announce the latest relaunch, which comes into effect with the October 2023 dataset. The key missing market contributor, Huws Gray, is included for the first time alongside CMO Stores and JT Dove, both wellknown market players. “This is an exciting new chapter for the service which we believe is a crucial step in providing a relevant and important view of the market, especially in these challenging economic conditions.” Mike Rigby, Managing Director of MRA Research which produces the BMBI report says: “Once you track over 90% of builders’ merchants’ sales of building materials to builders and tradespeople the numbers are, practically speaking, the market itself, not an estimate or approximation of it. That’s a crucial distinction. It’s not like a survey or poll which takes a small slice of the market, which is intended to represent the market, and then scales up. However sound your sampling and rigorous your methodology, there’s a world of difference between scaling up from a small sample, and reporting on 92% of actual sales to the market.”

“The relaunch in the October BMBI report,” confirms BMF Chief Executive John Newcomb, “is a significant step forward in establishing reliable statistics across construction. The BMF’s Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) is the closest measure there is of Britain’s small builder and trades market, and the best proxy we have to the important residential RMI (Repair, Maintain, and Improve) market. “BMBI is as accurate a measure of the market as it’s possible to get. That’s one reason we call GfK’s Builders Merchants leader panel, ‘gold standard’ data. And it’s why so many decision makers and influencers regularly spend so much time poring over the reports and video debates from the BMBI Experts on www.bmbi.co.uk.”

SPONSORED NEWS FROM BMBI/MRA RESEARCH

Market Reports - DGB Magazine 25

OCTOBER BUILDERS MERCHANT SALES FALL -4.0% YEAR-ON-YEAR The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report shows builders’ merchants’ value sales were down -4.0% in October 2023 compared to the same month in 2022, with volume sales dropping -11.5% and prices rising +8.4%. With one more trading day in October 2023, like-for-like sales were -8.4% lower.

The three largestncategories – Heavy Building Materials (-2.4%), Landscaping (-12.5%) and Timber & Joinery Products (-15.0%) – all sold less.

Eight of the twelve categories sold more in October 2023 compared to the previous year, with Miscellaneous (+16.5%) topping the list. Decorating (+10.8%), Workwear & Safetywear (+10.4%), Ironmongery (+7.0%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (+4.7%) also did better than the merchants overall. Landscaping (-6.4%) and Timber & Joinery Products (-9.7%) were the weakest categories.

BMBI uses data from GfK’s Builders Merchants Panel which captures generalist builders’ merchants’ sales throughout Great Britain to builders and trades people who are directly involved in repairing, maintaining, and improving Britain’s 27.7 million homes. The recent addition to the panel of Huws Gray, JT Dove and CMO Stores, means the October 2023 dataset tracks the sales of 92 percent of builders’ merchant branches – up from around 80 percent – making it the most accurate, comprehensive monitor of market performance available.

Month-on-month, total merchant sales were up +2.2% in October compared to September 2023. Volume sales were flat, and prices registered a moderate increase (+2.3%). With one additional trading day in October, like-for-like sales were -2.4% lower. Ten of the twelve categories sold more with Workwear & Safetywear (+19.3%) considerably ahead of the rest. Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+11.6%) also performed well month-on-month. Landscaping (-6.5%) was weakest. Total merchant sales in the year to date were -4.8% down on the same period (January to October) the year before. Volume sales were -13.9% lower, and prices rose +10.6%. With two more trading days this period, like-forlike sales were -5.7% lower. Nine of the twelve categories sold more with Renewables & Water Saving (+35.5%) growing the most, followed by Decorating (+9.7%), Workwear & Safetywear and Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+6.0%).

Tracks 92% of builders’ merchant sales to builders and trades people

The monthly BMBI report is well used by merchants, construction generally, and increasingly companies and organisations outside of construction, who want to know what’s happening, what’s important and why. The why is provided by leading brands of building materials, components and software – the BMBI Experts – who make sense of the trends and issues. The website is regularly visited by economists and advisors, national media, big banks, accountants, private equity, financial institutions and Government, anyone in fact who needs to know the trends and what’s driving them in a complicated and fragmented industry. Across the pond, readership is growing rapidly, and the BMBI website gets regular hits

Market Reports - DGB Magazine 26

from the US Senate, US State Department, individual senators, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to mention a few. Mike Rigby, Managing Director of MRA Research which produces the BMBI report says: “Once you track over 90% of builders’ merchants’ sales of building materials to builders and tradespeople the numbers are, practically speaking, the market itself, not an estimate or scaled up approximation of it. That’s a crucial distinction. It’s not like a survey or poll which takes a small slice of the market, which is intended to represent the market, and then scales up. However sound your sampling and rigorous your methodology, there’s a world of difference between scaling up from a small sample and reporting on 92% of actual sales to the market.” “The relaunch in the October BMBI report,” confirms BMF Chief Executive John Newcomb, “is a significant step forward in establishing reliable statistics across construction. The BMF’s Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) is the closest measure there is of Britain’s

small builder and trades market, and the best proxy we have to the important residential RMI (Repair, Maintain, and Improve) market. BMBI is as accurate a measure of the market as it’s possible to get.” 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 measure of Repair, Maintenance, and Improvement (RMI) activity in the UK. The index is based on actual sales from GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data, which captures value sales out to builders from generalist builders’ merchants, accounting for 92% of total sales from builders’ merchants throughout Great Britain. An in-depth review, which includes commentary by sector experts, is provided each quarter. October’s BMBI report is available to download at www.bmbi.co.uk. SPONSORED RESEARCH

CONTENT

BMBI/MRA

Market Reports - DGB Magazine 27

CERTASS SEMINAR PART 2: NAVIGATING PRODUCTS, PRODUCT REGULATION, AND IMPACT ON INSTALLERS Following the resounding success of its inaugural seminar, “Navigating the Building Safety Act,” Certass is proud to announce the next instalment in the series of sponsored seminars.

on the impact it will have on installers in the glazing industry. •

Selecting the Right Product – uncover compliance issues installers may face.

Seminar Details:

•

National Regulator for Construction Products – Understand their role and influence.

•

Accurate Product Information – Learn how to access precise and reliable data.

•

Products Knowledge – explore what installers need to know about the products they use.

•

Relevant Schemes – Identify market schemes crucial for installers.

Key Topics Covered:

“Navigating Products, Product Regulation and Impact on Installers” Date: Wednesday, 17th January Time: 10 am Registration: www. certass.co.uk/seminar The glazing industry is experiencing a transformative period marked by regulatory changes, making it imperative for professionals to stay ahead of the curve. Certass recognises the need for accurate and reliable information in this dynamic landscape and is excited to deliver another comprehensive seminar that runs through the critical territory of product installation. The seminar will feature Jon Vanstone, Chair of the Industry Competence Committee for the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). With his expertise, Jon will provide unmatched insight into product regulation, focussing

instalment in the series designed to be your compass as you navigate the changes coming from the BSR. Join us on Wednesday, 17th January at 10 am via the webinar link and secure your future in the industry. Certass remains as committed as ever to providing accurate and up-to-date information, ensuring the glazing industry stays informed and prepared for future challenges. SPONSORED CERTASS

NEWS

FROM

The seminar will conclude with a. short Q&A session, offering participants the opportunity to engage directly with the industry expert, Jon Vanstone. Registration is now open at w w w.cer tass.co.uk /seminar. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain critical knowledge and stay ahead in the shifting regulatory environment. This seminar marks the second

TTRRAADDEE BBOODDI IEESS 28 DGB Magazine - Trade Bodies

Don't view industry news through the rearview mirror

News | Reviews | Analysis | Expert opinion @glazingblogger

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GENERAL GENERAL & PVCU & PVCU

FIVE OPPORTUNIT

Happy New Year to you all! I hope that the Christmas break was good for everyone and that plenty of downtime, rest, enjoyment, food and drink was had. We’re all now dragging ourselves back to the office, probably still a bit tired, shocked at the state of our bank accounts and still mulling over whether to keep eating the chocolate that remains in the cupboards at home or stick to the healthy eating plan. I still feel a bit groggy from it all to be honest! But, as we wave 2023 goodbye and the difficulties that came with it, we look towards a new year and the possibilities it will bring. There is no promise that 2024 will be a walk in the park. There are a number of very well documented problems at home and abroad that will no doubt continue to make their presence felt on us all. However, that doesn’t mean there are not opportunities to be had in the fenestration industry this year. Here are just 5 areas that I think will do well in the coming 12 months.

Aluminium internal doors I am speaking on my own personal experience on this one. Aluminium internal doors are insanely popular right now. At our family run business we ended the year on a great run. Indeed sales of the product increased during the course of the year, to a point now where I think we’ll be selling and installing them every single week this year. If we don’t I’ll be very disappointed!

But when you look at the wider aluminium market, internal doors are in such high demand that nearly every systems company have their own product on the market now. Demand being so high in fact that you can scroll through social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram and find brand new companies set up dedicated to sales of just internal doors. There are endless social media accounts now, dedicated to home improvement projects or people covering their own projects, that are splattering aluminium internal doors all over their accounts. And for good reason. Slim frames, lots of glass, stylish hardware and minimal maintenance. These doors look fantastic and grab homeowner’s attention hard. Demand appears to be on a rapid incline and clients appear happy to pay good money, often the same price as external doors or slightly higher, for these doors. 2024 is going to be a very good year for this particular niche.

Flush PVCu windows I think I mention these every year, but it is with good reason. The sales of flush PVCu windows continues to rise year after year, and again speaking from my own experience, they are a huge driver of sales into retrofit installations. They are the biggest innovation to happen to PVCu windows in decades. I cannot think of anything else comparable in terms and aesthetics and design that matches the impact flush windows have had on the PVCu market. Last year I would estimate that somewhere between 40-50% of our sales of PVCu were flush casements. I am anticipating that we will be increasing that ratio in 2024. The attraction is obvious. Clean, flat lines. Thin welds if you’re using a flush system that is produced with a Graf welder. Timber look joints if you’re going for the traditional look. Visually flatter than standard casements. They offer a homeowner a genuinely different option to transform the look of their home.

Aluminium sliding doors Bi-folding doors aren’t going away, but I am anticipating sales of slimline aluminium sliding patio doors to increase in 2024. Homeowners and installers alike are tuning into the benefits of maximizing the glazed area of a door and minimizing the frame work. If

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TIES IN FENESTRATION IN 2024 you are building an extension or already have a large aperture that looks on to a stunningly landscaped garden or dramatic view, why would you want to break that up? This is where slimline sliding doors win. Bifolds have to have more splits, more frame and therefore take away from the amazing visuals big glass and wide-span doors can give you. Yes, the glass is an absolute pain to lift if you’re an installer, and you’ll certainly know about it by the end of the day. But as you can see with this triple track slider that we installed into a property at the end of 2023, the slim frames and large glazed panels make a massive impact. Homeowners are becoming increasingly educated about their options when it comes to aluminium bi-folding doors and sliding doors, and I think we have all noticed the increase in sales of sliders over the last couple of years. I don’t expect 2024 to be any different.

Timber doors Although much of the resurgent energy in the fenestration sector has been in aluminium, I do believe that there is a clear and growing demand for high quality timber entrance doors. What I thought was obvious through 2023 was that on larger projects that included aluminium windows, bi-folding doors or sliders, a growing number of homeowners were opting for a grand, high-end timber entrance door. If you follow the right accounts on social media you could see that trend play out. I believe 2024 is going to see a further surge in demand for high quality timber doors. For me, I am seeing the market as fragmenting further. Market dominance of one material if becoming eroded and homeowners are now able to access a wider range of options for their home improvement projects, and it would be wise for installers to make the most of this new opening. Timber currently plays a small role in the wider fenestration sector, with PVCu still eons ahead in terms of market share. However I see this part of our sector as an opportunity for installers to be able to offer clients something extra. As with most things, quality, range, security and energy efficiency continue to improve, and the hardwood timber doors of today are vastly improved from those a couple of decades ago.

Sash windows I sense that we are moving into a phase where

homeowners are seeking to either restore character to homes that have lost it previously, or add character to their new home or other projects. In which case, PVCu and indeed timber sash windows are going to see an uplift. Obviously not the cheapest window on the market, and against a backdrop of a stagnant UK economy and strained personal finances, you might think it odd I have gone this way. But, what I do believe I am seeing is the more discerning buyer, with the budget to spend, is looking more seriously at sash windows, especially when it comes to traditional and period properties. Nothing comes close to keeping the character and charm of an older home than sash windows. And if we’re looking at the PVCu side of things, the general quality and options within PVCu are getting better year after year. So much so that the traditional barriers with conservation/ planning officers are now being broken through. If you are an installer looking at options to bring in new revenue streams, sash windows I think

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would be a very good way to go in 2024. Of course, these are just my five picks from many, but what I believe could be the most fruitful. I can already hear the rumblings of discontent from some that I didn’t mention a product group that they did, so please leave your own suggestions in the comments section below and

help generate some productive discussion that will help point installers in the right directions through 2024!

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IS OUR LONG-DISTANCE LOVE AFFAIR OVER?

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Bohle’s Managing Director Dave Broxton asks if our reliance on the Far East for cheap products is coming to an end. It would be easy to dismiss the unfolding drama in the Red Sea as an unfortunate episode if it were not for the experiences we shared in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic when the global supply chain almost ground to a halt. And let’s not forget the unfortunate plight of the Ever Given container ship that got wedged in the Suez Canal in March 2021, causing global trade to back up in the Red Sea. You don’t need a long memory to remember the sky-rocketing prices for shipping containers, the heavily delayed cargo (which included component parts for the glass and glazing industry), and the impact this had on companies and their ability to fulfil their promises. It begged the question: ‘has our relationship with cheap imports finally come to an end? If you can’t depend on lengthy supply chains, why should your customers trust you?’ And aren’t we asking ourselves the same question as ships are diverted via the Cape of Good Hope, which can cost more than US$1m in extra fuel, according to reports – all because Yemen-based Houthi militia are attacking commercial ships travelling from the Far East to Western Europe via the Suez Canal. Yesterday, pandemic. Today, geopolitical conflict. Tomorrow…? When things go wrong, the cost benefit of cheap imports disappears. And if you can’t deliver goods, your customers lose money because they can’t manufacture and install products. Today, our modern supply chains rely more on the smooth and timely movement of goods than on the headline low prices. This is precisely why Bohle invested heavily in its own product design and manufacturing capabilities in recent years, especially when it comes to glass hardware. It’s no secret that cheap Far Eastern fittings are available, but if products or components are delayed for weeks or even destroyed, the initial low costs morph into very expensive reputational damage and loss of business. Some companies will look at the post-Brexit situation in Europe and argue that the hoops importers must jump through in order to bring in goods from abroad is equally prohibitive. The associated carriage costs, paperwork, management

time and, in some cases, customs duties can be time-consuming, frustrating, and expensive for companies that don’t have a dedicated import department. We have taken this negative and made Bohle a strategic import partner, because we move huge volumes of goods from our large warehouses in Germany on a weekly basis; we send vehicles over to collect those goods and bring them into the UK. We handle all the paperwork, we handle all the customs duties, and we hold strategic stocks in the UK, which we can then distribute to our customers without unnecessary paperwork.” More importantly, Bohle fulfils the functions of manufacturer, importer and distributor, which removes headaches for companies relying on imports, as well as offering improved lead times to customers. When we get demand for products, we can adjust our manufacturing output and inventory to meet that demand. We avoid the situation waiting for weeks and weeks for a product manufactured in China or the Far East. We are very resilient when it comes to the supply chain, and we can pass that reassurance to our customers, some of whom have bought from Europe and found difficulties with carriage, with customs, and things getting stuck at the port. We urge our customers to talk to us about what their needs are. We will always place goods into stock for a customer with regular needs so they are never more than 24 hours away from getting the product delivered to their door. Ultimately, as an industry we have relied on cheap imports for too long. We have even factored in the failure of cheap imports into our costs. Times have changed and we are in a far better position to support our industries, and offer greater opportunities with quality products with better margins, if we look for trusted supply partners that can be relied upon closer to home. For more about Bohle’s product and service offer, including the latest Home Improvements brochure, visit www.bohle.com email info@bohle.ltd.uk or call the customer services team free on 0800 616151 for more information.

REFLECTING ON 2023 AND ANTICIPATING THE PATH AHEAD IN 2024

In a world filled with change, uncertainty, and evolving challenges, the year 2023 has been a unique journey for many of us in the UK’s lock and hardware industry. It’s a year that demanded an incredible amount of legwork for what, in normal circumstances, might have yielded more immediate results. It’s been a year of growth, adaptation, and, above all, preparation for the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. At Brisant Secure, our focus throughout 2023 has primarily revolved around product development and expanding our product range. We’ve tirelessly worked to infuse the Brisant ethos into more product lines, ensuring that each of these offerings carries with it genuine selling benefits. It’s a commitment we’ve held since the inception of our company, and it remains at the core of everything we do. I’m pleased to announce that all the products we’ve been diligently developing and refining throughout 2023 have found their place in the market. It’s a moment of pride for our team, but it’s also the beginning of a new phase. Now, we eagerly await the opportunity to let these products run through the metaphorical wheat fields of the marketplace, to see how they thrive and meet the needs of our valued customers. As we set our sights on 2024, I can’t help but anticipate that there will be a multitude of questions arising within our industry and beyond. The world is evolving at an astonishing pace, and with it, the needs and expectations of our customers are evolving as well. This is where our 36 DGB Magazine - General & PVCu

forward-thinking approach comes into play. As the CEO of Brisant Secure, I am excited about what the coming year holds. We’ve armed ourselves with a robust product portfolio designed to meet the ever-changing demands of the security market, and we’re ready to adapt as needed. The landscape may be uncertain, but our commitment to innovation, quality, and customercentric solutions remains unwavering. Here’s to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. May 2024 be a year of inspiration, innovation, and accomplishment for us all. By Nick Dutton, CEO of Brisant Secure

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SAFESTYLE ARE BACK Well, sort of. Just before Christmas and in the New Year it is likely you will have seen adverts from Safestyle seeking out installers, surveyors, sales reps and so on. Yes in what seems like a Christmas miracle Safestyle are back, after their demise in October of 2023. It’s a little less simple than that. Here’s what we know.

Safestyle Windows After the business fell into administration at the end of last October, Anglian Home Improvements reached a deal with administrators to buy the order book from the failed business. It meant that customers who placed orders with Safestyle UK, had ongoing installations or those who had just placed deposits would ensure their work would be installed and completed. Since the demise of the Bradford-based brand, it has been revealed the business went under owing large sums to a number of different

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parties. It became clear that the chances of the business being able to be saved was even less unlikely than the market thought at the time. However, the old brand lives on as Safestyle Windows. It is a trading name of Anglian Home Improvements as per the blurb at the bottom of the Safestyle Windows website: Registered office: Safestyle, Liberator Road, Norwich, NR6 6EU. Company registration no. 2540020. Safestyle is a trading name of Anglian Windows Limited and is a credit broker, not a lender, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). FCA Register no: 302334. The register can be accessed through https://www.fca.org.uk The company registration number is the same as Anglian as is the registered office. So whilst a rival national installer has been able to swallow up a competitor, it has chosen to keep the brand name alive. I assume that

they have done so as it continued to command national recognition and would still be able to generate leads and business for Anglian. The situation now is that they are using the brand name of a rival to help generate new leads and business. Perhaps not the way many thought a national would take over another, but these are fluid times we are operating in and the normal ways of doing things appears to be suspended. Just look at how Everest took over Evolution after the demise of UKWDG.

What happens in 2024? Everyone is asking themselves and each other what is going to happen in 2024. Last year was pretty rough on reflection. We lost some major names and the number of jobs lost not only by those going bust but by larger companies cutting their own workforce to remain profitable. The problem with 2024 is that there are a lot of uncertainties we’re going to have to deal with once again. Will inflation remain sliding back to regular levels or will it spike? The troubles in the Red Sea alone could see global prices begin to rise again. Will the mortgage market improve? Will the Bank of England help stimulate the economy and cut interest rates to make credit easier to access? Then there is the election. The one thing businesses and economies hate is uncertainty and elections bring them every single time. What is worse we don’t know when it will be. Some think it could be some time in the summer due to the Spring Budget being brought forward. Rishi Sunak hinted that it would be in H2 of 2024 but wasn’t exactly concrete about it. Elections bring uncertainty because people and businesses don’t know what will be in store for the economy because of the differing policies by the different parties. Until a winner is know, some may choose to hold back on their own spending plans. I still think that we are likely to see a number of other established names go to the wall during 2024. Last year was a damaging year and a hell of a hangover from the post-COVID boom. It will still be spending ripple effects into 2024 and the companies who are exposed to debt and loans could find themselves particularly vulnerable if this year proves to be another subdued year.

General & PVCu - DGB Magazine 39

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SHOW SOME LOVE FOR INSTALLERS THIS WEEK You cannot failed to have realised that this week has been pretty cold so far. Not chilly. Cold. Temperatures have struggled to get above freezing. Some areas of the UK have seen doubledigit negative figures overnight, and there has been snow in the northern half of the UK. But it is the cold that is the major feature this week. As we get our teeth stuck into a new year, it is perhaps worth spending some time appreciating the manual trades in our sector, the window and door installers, who have to work outside in these temperatures.

The cold takes its toll I am based in West Yorkshire and thankfully we haven’t had the amount of snow seen in Scotland or the North West of England. It’s been dry, sunny for the most part and just the odd flurry finding it’s way through. But it has been genuinely cold. Bitter in fact. Not something I would have wanted to stay out in any longer than I would have to. If you’re an installer however, you do have to stay out in the cold all day and it does take it’s toll. You have my respect. It is a hard, physical job at the best of times, and the weather can either make it a bit easier or a bit harder. I doubt anyone is finding installing any easier in the subzero temperatures. This cold spell is due to last until the end of the week, with a change to wetter and milder weather over the weekend. So we have at least another three days of waking up to bitter cold, silicone and foam that won’t set properly, four layers underneath the silicone-stained jumper, two beanies and finger-less gloves that let the cold turn the finger

tips numb. The winters can seem longer than the summers. The UK isn’t blessed with reliable weather and the number of weeks where we can say we have nice weather are outnumbered by the weeks we have poor or difficult weather. It makes for installing windows and doors tricky at best and as I mentioned, it takes a toll on the body of installers. The physical nature of the work, coupled with weeks and months spent in the cold lumping heavy windows and doors around homes hammers the joints, back and shoulders. On the positive side, we’re only a couple of months away from (hopefully) warmer weather, longer and brighter days. We’ll be able to ditch the layers and thermals for something a bit more comfortable and worry less about whether that expanding foam is going to set right in -7c!

Clients that care…or not What this subject did do on X and LinkedIn is spark comments about installers’ own experiences in dealing with their clients when the weather is in the extreme. If you follow DGB on X or LinkedIn the comments are worth a read, and I am sure they will be something you can relate to if you have been on the installation side of the industry! It did remind me of someone of our own experiences at our installations business. I remember a large installation we were carrying out a few years ago that took two weeks. It was a stunning pump house of Victorian era. It was exposed in fields and in a pretty elevated area. It was exposed to the wind and for most of the two weeks it was bleak. Barely got into the mid-single-digit temperatures and rained more days than it

didn’t. It was a difficult job. Scaffolding for a lot of it and the windows were huge vertical sliders. Not a straightforward installation by any means and not a single cup of tea from the clients who were home every single day. The client even had the cheek one day to pass our installers, who were soaked to the skin, cold, with a nice large hot tea in hand to say “bit wet innit lads!”. I remember one of our guys getting suitably irritated. They resorted in the end to bringing a portable kettle and bottled water just to make their own hot drinks. Turning things around, I recall an installation of a full house of windows and doors in July a few years back during a heatwave. It was the mid-30s every day, sun shining from start to finish. The lads put in a superb shift in difficult conditions. I’m pretty sure they lost a stone each in sweat alone! Again, the clients were at home all week as it was the school holidays. Not one offer of a cold drink to our fitters, even though they were in the garden and in audible and visible distance of our lads. They ended up getting water from the outside tap just to drink and brought their own bottled water as they knew they weren’t going to be offered anything. I know these things seem frivolous at the time, but I was always taught that you treat people working in your home with respect. An offer of a drink is a very small but appreciated gesture by all tradespeople, especially when the weather is more extreme. Manners cost nothing, as the saying goes. So I hope all you installers out there this week get plenty of hot tea and coffee, maybe the odd bacon sandwich and biscuits!

General & PVCu - DGB Magazine 41

STUDENT REGISTRATIONS EXCEED 500 FOR BUILDING OUR SKILLS’ BESPOKE INDUSTRY CAREERS FAIRS IN MARCH Fenestration, Glass and Glazing – 50 Careers in one day

roles they include, simply email sayhello@ buildingourskills.co.uk and ask for details.

Building Our Skills – Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice says student registrations for the first of its series of bespoke industry careers fairs in March has now exceeded 500.

The Career Families will be showcased in person at the pilot events to be held in March 2024 as a part of National Careers Week. The first will be in South Yorkshire at the Oakwell Stadium, home of Barnsley FC, and the second in Manchester at the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City Football Club. Building Our Skills is working in conjunction with the education bodies in South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester to bring these events to fruition.

“This is brilliant news,” says Mark Handley, Building Our Skills’ Partnerships Manager. He adds: “Clearly, this new initiative is striking a chord with educators, parents, the industry and students themselves who are seeing the value in it. Our aim is to show the industry to over 1,000 school children and their teachers over the course of two pilot events in March. If the two pilots are successful, these will become annual events enabling us to keep in touch with those who attend as they get closer to thinking about their careers. It is also our intention to expand the number of events into other areas of the country where we are already working with other local education authorities.” As part of the new initiative, Building Our Skills has launched ‘Career Families’ to help students understand the many career options open to them as they get closer to the world of work. The eleven ‘families’ together encompass over 100 individual roles, demonstrating career progression opportunities, training, qualifications and how students can start out on their career journeys in the industry. For teachers, parents and students who want more information about the ‘families’ and the

42 DGB Magazine - General & PVCu

For those in the industry who would like to participate, or would like more information initially please click on this link online.flippingbook.com/view/916107420/

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