DGB Magazine March 2024

12

FEATURED

4 - Trending: Internal Doors

6 - The Origin Window Collection

8 - Origin Unveils The Soho External Door

10 - Euramax Fall Into Administration

12 - House Builders Matter To The Fenestration Sector

14 - Prime Glazing Supplies Files For Administration

16 - Tradesmith Ltd Falls Into Administration

17 - Endurance Team Enjoys Show Of Appreciation

18 - Endurance® Doors Continues Carbon Offsetting Commitment

20 - Endurance® Doors Highlights Power Of Online Reputations In Sales Success

22 - Builders’ Merchant Q4 Value Sales Down -5.7% Year-On-Year, Volumes Fall -12.0%

24 - Building Success With A Happy Workforce

26 - New Fortex® Natura Cladding From Freefoam: ‘Just Beautiful’

28 - VEKA’s DNA On Display

30 - Freefoam Release New Edition Cladding Brochure

31 - Universal Arches Is Shaping The Future With The Appointment Of Andy Hornigold As General Manager

32 - First Bespoke Industry Festivals Are Great Success

33 - Building Our Skills Signs Up John Fredericks

34 - GQA Helps Raise Fire Safety Standards

36 - Qualifications And Training –Choosing A Trusted Partner

38 - Certass Marks Four Years Of Unprecedented Industry Collaboration

39 - GQA Helps Droyslden Glass To Upskill Employees

40 - WarmCore Director To Take On Challenge Of A Lifetime

EDITORS COMMENT

A rocky Q1

Welcome to the final edition of the DGB digital magazine for this quarter, and it’s been rather a rocky one.

The start of 2024 has seen a number of high profile administrations at the fabricator levels, and for those keeping track, there have been a fair few installers go as well. The industry stepped into the New Year with a firm and positive foot, but the difficult trading conditions from 2023 appear to have continued.

However, Spring is here (apparently), and with it longer days and shorter nights. Warmer weather and drier days will hopefully put a spring in people’s steps and feel a bit more positive about investing in their homes in the second and third quarters. Historically it has been the Spring where activity usually picks up, so all being well we can look forward to a steadier few months.

Where I continue to find more opportunities is within the aluminium sector. Whether its windows, bi-folding doors, massive sliders or very fancy entrance doors, these are all products homeowners and installers alike can get excited about and see more value in them. They are products which can command a higher price and profit margin, and I would continue to recommend installers and fabricators look at this part of the market to aid opening up new revenue streams. Recession or no recession, there are always ways to survive and thrive.

We hope you enjoy this March edition!

DGB

BUILT BY EXPERTS, TRUSTED BY FABRICATORS

WinDoPlan: Your solution to navigate the Future Homes Standard changes

Generate u-values & windload calculations

Enjoy access to our technical support feedback system

Breakdown the entire window into centre pane, frame and values for thermal calculations

Generate customisable cross-sections and 3D images with just a few clicks

TRENDING: INTERNAL DOORS

Internal Doors have become the most searched-for door type on Google over the last three years and searches have risen by 35% in the past year alone as homeowners look for ways to create functional floorplans that still retain lots of natural light.

It is more important than ever that housebuilders maximise every opportunity to appeal to this market by offering internal doors.

Housebuilders can help homeowners strike a balance in their property by adding Origin’s Internal Door – the OI-30 – to their projects. The steel-look glazed wall and door system, made from premium-grade aluminium, is designed to transform living areas without compromising on natural light. So, properties maintain the light and airy feel homeowners love about open-plan designs, whilst presenting a more practical footprint for modern living.

Made fully bespoke and manufactured right here in the UK, the OI-30 is a housebuilder’s dream product with endless customization possibilities. It is available as a French or single door, or can be coupled with a corner post to create an entirely new room. For larger apertures, fixed panes can be added to the sides or top of the door. It is also available in over 150 RAL colours to match any aesthetic. With some of the slimmest frames on the market, the 30mm sightline and large glazed spaces ensure optimal natural light can flow through a property whilst establishing practical spaces.

Powder coated to the highest standard to resist everyday wear and tear, homeowners will be delighted with how Origin Internal Doors can complement their own interior style.

Find out more: https://trade.origin-global. com/products#internal-doors

THE ORIGIN WINDOW COLLECTION

Modern homeowners are consistently prioritising high-quality finishings in their homes, to give them longevity, security, thermal efficiency and sustainability. Expertly crafted and manufactured in the UK, the Origin Window Collection is suitable for every type of project, from ultra-modern renovations to traditionalstyle homes.

The Window Collection (OW-70 and OW-80) provides housebuilders with some of the slimmest sightlines on the market, meaning properties can maximise natural light inside and make the most of the views outside.

Origin’s aluminium Windows and Doors are built to last, here in the UK, and that’s why they can be confidently offered with a guarantee of up to 20-years. With an industry-leading delivery promise, you can rest assured that your projects will stay on track. If ordered in a popular colour, your Origin Window can be delivered exactly when you need it, even if that’s for the next day.

With Origin’s whole-house solution, you will find the right product for any renovation. Web: https://origin-global.com/

ORIGIN UNVEILS THE SOHO EXTERNAL DOOR

The Soho External Door is the first launch in Origin’s new generation of products, setting a higher standard for fenestration excellence.

The all-new on-trend Exterior door from Origin is the right product to be offering at the right time, helping you to meet every customer want, taste and need.

Tailored Aesthetics

Steel-look design meets unparalleled thermal performance. Fully bespoke, the door allows clients to personalize the glazing bar configuration to create a heritage design with more bars or an industrial/minimalist look with fewer bars. This flexibility ensures that the door fits seamlessly with any residential property style or helps to create high-spec commercial spaces.

Durable and Expansive

Crafted from high-grade aluminium, known for being strong yet lightweight, the exterior door supports large expanses of glass with ultraslim sightlines of just 36mm. This allows lots of natural light into the property and creates a seamless connection between internal and external spaces. Alongside its ability to create durable and hard-wearing product, aluminium also creates a sleek silhouette which is perfectly suited to modern preferences.

Energy Efficient

Engineered to meet the stringent demands of the UK market, the Soho External Door achieves superior weather ratings and already complies with the 2025 Future Homes Standard. With U-Values as low as 0.8W/m2K, the new door system ensures optimal energy efficiency without compromising on performance. Superior weathertight seals further guarantee protection against the elements, ensuring rooms maintain comfortable temperatures in all weather conditions.

Safe and Sound

The Soho External Door prioritises security by using Origin’s exclusive 8-point locking system and a 3-Star British Standard Kitemark locking barrel. These features are proven effective in safeguarding against snapping, picking, drilling and bumping, providing unmatched defence and meet PAS 24:2022 standards.

The Soho External Door is now available on a two-week lead time. Don’t get left behind –start offering Origin today.

Web: https://trade.origin-global.com/

EURAMAX FALL INTO ADMINISTRATION

The tough start to the year continues as Barnsley-based Euramax, a supplier of windows and doors into the new-build and caravan sectors has fallen into administration.

A victim itself

It has been postulated online, via LinkedIn, that Euramax was in itself a victim of the collapse of Ilke Homes.

Ilke Homes collapsed in June 2023 and owed more than 300 creditors more than £300m. Euramax were a supplier to the business and itself was owed more than £600,000, which has since caused cash flow problems at the company.

Notice of the Euramax administration posted on The Gazette

The company employs more than 200 people so will have a significant impact on the the local area, but as of yet administrators RSM UK have commented to say that no jobs have been lost yet.

The business was founded in 1950 and was originally known as Ellbee. They were bought by American firm OmniMax USA which then

changed the name of the business to Euramax in 1993. Then in 2021 they were acquired by UK-based Modular Group Investments – read more here: https://www.doubleglazingblogger. com/2021/02/euramax-acquired-by-modulargroup-investments/

According to the most recent accounts, profit in the last financial year had dropped to £129,000 from £579,000 in 2021. Revenue in the last financial year was £26.5m, the same as the previous year in 2021. The company debts however were over £10m with assets worth just a little over £4m, which put the company in a difficult financial position.

Domino effect

It won’t have escaped you that a number of small to medium sized house builders and construction companies have been going under in recent months. The slowdown in the housing market, caused by rising interest rates, curbed consumer spending and a cost-of-living crisis has slowed the housing market down significantly over the last 12-18 months. As a result, major house builders have been cutting back on building new homes until the market improves. This is something smaller builders cannot negotiate in the same robust manner, which means sadly there has been a steady flow of businesses falling into administration. Ilke Homes was a big one, and went under owing hundreds of businesses £300m in total. This caused a domino effect for the rest of the supply chain. Although perhaps not immediately obvious, the effect has been to cripple other companies that supplied into Ilke Homes. For example, Homes England, a Government housing agency, lost more than £64m on the Ilke Homes collapse.

We may see more casualties in the fenestration sector due to companies in housing and construction going under. The effect isn’t immediate, as we have seen with Euramax it took nearly nine months from the failure of Ilke Homes to create unsustainable problems for Euramax. Of course no one wants to see anyone go under, but with the increasing rate of failures in the construction sector, it would seem logical that the fenestration sector will continue to see the ripple effects in the months to come.

The Soho External Door (OB-36 + )

Steel-look design meets unparalleled thermal performance. Complementing the highly sought after Internal Door, this latest launch is the right product to be offering at the right time.

Don’t get left 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

The other week it was announced that Barnsley-based Euramax was to go into administration, putting at risk more than 200 jobs. The failure was blamed, in part, due to the failure of modular building company Ilke Homes that Euramax supplied to. The collapse of Ilke Homes caused major cash flow problems that the company could not overcome.

Now, it is reported that another modular building company, Lighthouse, is also looking to appoint administrators. This comes as the housing sector remains rocky after a rough 2023 which saw interest rates hammer housing demand and shutter new housing starts around the country.

You won’t have failed to notice also that the fenestration sector is going through it’s own troubles, with a slew of administrations in the past couple of weeks, and The Gazette showing a steady flow of glazing sector related companies hitting the wall since the start of the year.

Although we rightly focus on our own issues in our own sector, the housing and homebuilding markets are one we also need to keep a close eye on this year.

Supply chain cog

A significant portion of our sector supplies windows and doors into the new-build market. And we’re not talking just the major house builders such as

Persimmon and Avant. There are a lot of these modular home builders around the UK that have sprung up in recent years. Not so far in the past there was a surge in interest in modular home building and it was touted as a way to deliver homes to the market faster and more efficiently. As a result, new companies appeared and there was a great deal of energy put into this part of house building.

However, as we are all well aware, higher interest rates began to strangle the market. Homeowners began to stay put, house transactions began to fall, house prices began to slide and house builders put a stop to new starts on sites until there were signs of stability again. In short, homes stopped being built. And if you don’t build homes you cannot fit windows and doors into them.

As a result, we are beginning to see a number of casualties in the modular home space, like Ilke Homes, and it looks like more are on the horizon. This is obviously going to be a concern for all the fenestration companies in the supply chain that supply into house builders. Anyone who makes frames, glass and hardware can expect to take a hit from house builders that go bust.

Over the last few years we have all learned, to some degree of pain and stress, how interlinked all parts of our supply chain are. It came under intense pressure in 2021 and 2022 as COVID restrictions lifted and the flood of saved

HOUSE BUILDERS MATTER TO THE FENESTRATION SECTOR

money was released into the market. But we also need to keep an eye on the construction sector as we are a cog into their own supply chain and if they have problems, we’ll have to suffer the splashback from that too.

Killing cash flow

As we know from the failure of Euramax, cash, and indeed cash flow, is king. A relatively stable company could quickly become unstable if one or two of their clients are suddenly unable to pay their bills. In the case of Euramax, it was a rather large sum from a large modular building company. With other house builders seemingly on the brink, suppliers into those companies are going to be watching anxiously as to their fate and what impacts it could have on them.

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business in any part of the supply chain. If there are delays or unexpected losses in that cash flow, it can cause chaos to businesses, especially small to medium sized enterprises, that rely on consistent flows of money to ensure their own business is able to function. This is one of the reasons why I hate the 30/60/90 day terms that larger construction businesses impose on their suppliers.

You can easily imagine a scenario where a window supplier to a building company is on a 60 day term, but the building company folds before the 60 day term

is up and the window company is out of pocket and stands very little chance of seeing that money. The window supplier could end up being down tens of thousands of pounds, even hundreds of thousands, and that puts an immense dent into the available cash they have, as well as their overall profitability and ability to pay wages, tax bills etc. As far as I am concerned, once the work is done, the person/company should be paid. I see the 28/30 day limit as the absolute limit, and none of this 30 days from end of month nonsense, which means invoices issued at the start of a new month get paid at the end of the following month, thus extending it effectively to 60 days.

Companies up and down our sector should probably begin looking at who they are supplying and indeed their own suppliers to ensure that their own cash flows are safe and secure and use this as an opportunity to shore up their own businesses.

PRIME GLAZING SUPPLIES FILES FOR ADMINISTRATION

Q1 of 2024 is proving to be a tough one for parts of the sector, as Prime Glazing Supplies in Bolton files for administration.

A fabricator of PVCu and aluminium products, the company had set up a distinctive brand with a number of ranges monikered under the “Prime” name. They become the latest in a string of companies that have found trading conditions tough.

Tough trading conditions

This is the notice filed on The Gazette on March 1st 2024:

Prime Glazing Supplies notice posted on The Gazette

View the full notice for Prime Glazing Supplies here: https://www.thegazette. co.uk/notice/4567796

If you take a closer look at The Gazette and search for fenestration related terms like “windows”, “glazing” and “doors”, you’ll notice that has been a noticeable uptick in companies filing for administration.

It does feel like in certain areas things are quieter than the industry would like to admit. Perhaps Q1 has been sleepier than the industry might have hoped for at the start of the year.

Using some anecdotal evidence, we had a delivery from our supplier of half a dozen PVCu frames (aluminium is taking up a lot of our sales at the moment) and our driver said that we were the busiest drop of the day. Eye raising to say the least. We have also been advertising for an additional installer position, with existing installers phoning to express their interest and saying that where they were working at the moment was “dead”. Local competition have resorted to severe discounting in order to generate interest.

It’s all local sentiment of course and things in other parts of the country could be very different, but it does feel to me that trading conditions remain very difficult.

Time to diversify

I strongly maintain that diversifying your business, aiming for the more affluent part of the market is a positive route to take when things are tough. The UK is in a recession, even if it is a

“mild” one. The industry is clearly going through continued consolidation and that may continue throughout the year. Simply hoping that things will turn around is not a plan. That is negligence. It’s time to dig in, do the work and change and update your business, whether you’re an installer or fabricator, and look at new ways to bring in new money. There are always opportunities out there, but they are not going to walk through the door and make it easy for you.

Around two years ago myself and my dad sat down and looked at the situation that was coming. We knew inflation was rising and going to rise for a while. We knew there was going to be a cost of living crisis coming. We knew that the boom was over and that if we wanted to continue to grow and remain stable we had to look at other avenues.

We chose aluminium. We could see the massive growth happening in the residential part of that market and invested in two brand new showrooms to display Origin and Spitfire products. I updated our website and stepped up our social media efforts. It was a lot of work and a lot of money. These things don’t come easy and you have to have a vision. The showrooms were completed a couple of months later than planned but we got there. That decision to spend what we did and change the direction of our business paid off. We have a fitting schedule that now stretches into June and we are working with a client base that keeps us excited as well as being able to work in some amazing homes.

If 2024 is going to be like 2023, there is no time to wait. It’s time to get into recession mode and graft.

TRADESMITH LTD FALLS INTO ADMINISTRATION

In a message posted on Linkedin on Monday, it was announced that Tradesmith Ltd had been placed into administration after 31 years of trading. This follows on from the administrations of Euramax and then Prime Glazing Supplies within the last fortnight.

Managing Director Mark Hutchinson posted the following on social media:

I am sad to see this outcome for the company. I spent some time with Mark and his wife on a trip to the Deceuninck plant in Belgium before COVID and got on very well with them. They were very enthusiastic about their business and it was clear they cared a great deal. They are very knowledgeable and professional people and I am sure they and the whole Tradesmith Ltd group of people will find their talents utilised in new ventures in the coming weeks and months.

Over the past couple of weeks we have also seen the demise of Euramax, a volume-based business that supplied to the new-build market and caravan sector, which was hit by the closure of Ilke Homes. Then, the ending of Prime Glazing Supplies in Bolton on the heels of the Euramax troubles.

Are we looking at isolated cases here, or are we looking at a trend within the market? 2023 certainly was no walk in the park, with volumes down and inflation causing a real pain for fenestration companies. Is it that we are looking at the effects of 2023 playing out in 2024?

Battling distractions

I wrote last week that despite the instability within the sector, there are still ways and means to make the most of opportunities that exist within the sector. You can read more about that here.

Speaking with others and taking note of what I can observe within the wider sector, things certainly do seem tougher out there than perhaps some are willing to admit either to themselves or in public. I know we’ll probably see some PR and opinion pieces sent out across the media trying to paint a different picture in the hopes that we can stick our heads in the sand for a bit longer. But we’re only into March and we are already seeing signs of a pretty difficult market.

What we will find ourselves doing this year is also competing against distractions for people’s attention. The obvious one being an election which is set to take place later this year. Politics is disruptive at the best of times, but when a General Election comes round, which it will in 2024, people’s attention, and often spending habits, are changed until they know what the outcome of the election will be. It can mean people become a bit more cautious on spending on big ticket items, which windows and doors are. That’s not to say people will just stop altogether until we know Labour has won, which at this point they almost certainly will, it just means that we have to be more effective at persuading homeowners to make enquiries and part with their money.

War is also a bad distraction. We have conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and now the Red Sea. The attacks on ships in the Red Sea will have direct economic effects on us all. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza will continue to capture the attention of the public, with the conflict in Gaza already stoking very polarised and emotional positions for many of us. This may also be a crucial year for Ukraine and whether Russia manages to make more progress in their invasion. If they do, then expect things to get very nervous and twitchy across Europe.

The economy also continues to play a crucial role in our own fortunes. At the moment, the UK is in a shallow recession. Some believe that we may already be exiting it. Q1 GDP will be closely watched to see if the UK can shake off the R-word quickly. But even if we do, if growth remains anaemic, it won’t feel any different to most of us who continue to see high energy and food bills and rising mortgage payments. Our sector needs to double down on marketing, keep getting our names and brands in front of homeowners and remain making compelling arguments to invest in our homes for a better future.

2024 looks to be as rocky as the previous year, and I expect further consolidation to happen as the year progresses.

ENDURANCE TEAM ENJOYS SHOW OF APPRECIATION

Endurance® Doors has used Employee Appreciation Day to demonstrate the enormous value it attaches to its hardworking team.

The manufacturer of solid, secure, and stylish composite doors celebrated the annual event, which took place this year on Friday 1st March, by treating everyone who works at the business to a free lunch.

The meal consisted of Greek street food, such as gyros, pittas, wraps and salads, and was provided by a specialist on-site caterer, hired especially for the day.

Introduced in 1995, Employee Appreciation Day occurs on the first Friday of March. It provides employers with an opportunity to recognise and reward employee effort, and to help build a stronger culture through appreciation.

Endurance® Doors’ decision to mark the event sees it join other progressive employers around the world such as Disney, Deloitte, Saint-Gobain, General Motors, and MARS.

Commenting, Stephen Nadin, managing director at Endurance® Doors, said: “As a people-orientated business, every day is Employee Appreciation Day at Endurance® Doors and the wider Rocal group. We fully understand the vital role our people play in enabling us to offer premium quality products backed by equally high levels of service and support.

“That said, we still wanted to mark the specific diary date as it’s an ideal way to formally and unequivocally acknowledge the contribution of our team.

“A highly engaged and committed workforce has been instrumental in our success and growth to date. It will also be key to our ambitious future plans for further expansion and diversification.”

Web: https://www.endurancedoors. co.uk

ENDURANCE® DOORS CONTINUES CARBON OFFSETTING COMMITMENT

Endurance® Doors is building on its already impressive commitment to sustainability.

As part of its robust environmental policies, the manufacturer of solid, secure, and stylish composite doors has used carbon offsetting since 2022 to compensate for any unpreventable carbon emissions caused by its operations.

The business has now entered into a new partnership with Carbon Neutral Britain™ that will enable it to continue this important activity.

Formed in 2020, Carbon Neutral Britain™ is one of the UK’s largest carbon offsetting organisations. It is supported by both individuals and organisations who are looking to play a positive and proactive role in combating climate change.

By investing in different carbon capture or reduction projects around the world, Carbon Neutral Britain™ enables its partners to balance out their carbon footprint.

To date, it has backed projects that have seen additional trees planted in UK woodland, in the Amazon rainforest, and in African mangrove forests. It has also been instrumental in the construction of new wind and solar energy farms.

Endurance® Doors ultimately plans to work with Carbon Neutral Britain™ to become a fully and independently verified carbon neutral organisation certified to the highest global standards.

Carbon offsetting is just one of the many ways in which Endurance Doors is working to minimise its environmental impact.

The business also utilises energy from renewable sources, including solar panels on its factory roof, and makes widespread use of electric vehicles.

In addition, it sends zero waste to landfill,

employs recycled materials wherever possible, and uses timber to produce its doors from trees grown in sustainably managed, PEFC and FSC certified North European forests.

Commenting on the manufacturer’s new partnership with Carbon Neutral Britain™, Andrew Speakman, commercial director at Endurance® Doors, said: “Endurance® Doors is proud to be at the forefront of developing more sustainable solutions for the fenestration market.

“We recognise the urgent need for all individuals and organisations to do more to combat the environmental issues facing our planet. We also know that many homeowners are looking to do their part by making more environmentally responsible product choices.

“To address both requirements, we never stop looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint, to control our resource consumption and to minimise our waste contribution.

“Our new partnership with Carbon Neutral Britain™ reflects that commitment to ever higher standards of environmental performance.”.

Web: https://endurancedoors.co.uk/

ENDURANCE® DOORS HIGHLIGHTS POWER OF ONLINE REPUTATIONS IN SALES SUCCESS

With the home improvement sector continuig to experience challenging trading conditions, Endurance® Doors is urging installers to consider additional ways of ensuring sales success.

In particular, the business, which manufactures solid, secure, and stylish composite doors, is highlighting the power of online reviews in converting leads into actual orders.

Scott Foster, sales and marketing director at Endurance® Doors, comments: “In today’s internetenabled, hyper-connected world, consumers have a greater voice than ever before.

“Whether they’re looking to compliment or complain about a product or service they have received, they can now do so quickly, easily and to an audience that can potentially amount to millions.

“As a result, online reviews have become the ultimate form of word-of-mouth marketing. The

buying process for all manner of products now begins online with purchasers looking at the experiences of other customers before making their own final and informed decision.”

He continues: “Endurance® Doors, in close collaboration with our network of professional installer partners, has gone to great lengths to develop an online reputation that can facilitate sales. As a prime example, Endurance® Doors has over 2,300 independent consumer reviews on Trustpilot, of which more than 87% award us the maximum five out of five stars.”

The composite door manufacturer is keen to point out that online research was important to consumers before the cost-of-living crisis and has grown even more significant in the current economic climate where most households are seeing their budgets stretched. Consumers at the mid to high-

end of the market are still buying composite doors but, with disposable income in short supply, they are purchasing much more prudently and want the reassurance of knowing any expenditure will be money well spent.

“The positive online reputation enjoyed by Endurance® Doors has not happened by chance” adds Scott Foster. “Instead, it’s part of a wider and concerted effort to get closer to consumers and to help our installers sell.

“At every stage of the consumer journey, we are taking steps to turn prospects into advocates. This includes establishing our own bricks and mortar showroom as well as offering virtual design consultations, which enable people to explore different door options from the comfort of their own home.

“Not content to stop there, we even have a specialist consumer facing sales manager and a dedicated consumer phone line.

“Combined, these elements help to ensure the homeowner feels valued and front and centre in everything we do, rather than like an afterthought. This customer-centric approach is reflected in our online reviews and continues to pay enormous dividends.

“It’s been said that a good reputation is the most powerful form of advertising – and we’re inclined to agree.”

Find out more: https:// endurancedoors.co.uk/

BUILDERS’ MERCHANT Q4 VALUE SALES DOWN -5.7% YEAR-ONYEAR, VOLUMES FALL -12.0%

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report reveals builders’ merchants’ value sales in Q4 2023 were -5.7% down compared to Q4 2022, with volume sales falling -12.0% and prices rising +7.1%. With one more trading day in Q4 2023, like-for-like sales (which take the number of trading days into account) were -7.3% down.

Year-on-year, half of the twelve categories sold more in Q4 including Workwear & Safetywear (+8.6%) and Decorating (+7.1%). However, the three largest categories all sold less: Landscaping (-6.7%), Heavy Building Materials (-7.3%) and Timber & Joinery Products (-10.3%).

Quarter-on-quarter, total value sales for Q4 were down -15.7% compared to Q3. Volume sales fell-19.8% while prices rose +5.1%. With four less trading days in the most recent period, like-for-like sales were -10.1% lower. Workwear & Safetywear (+17.0%) and Plumbing Heating & Electrical (+4.4%) were the only two categories to sell more.

Quarter 4 total value sales weren’t helped by December’s performance. Total Builders Merchants value sales for the month were -8.4% lower than December 2022. Volume

sales were -12.6% down, and prices were up +4.8%. Just four of the twelve categories sold more year-on-year, including Workwear & Safetywear (+4.8%), Decorating (+4.1%) and Ironmongery (+0.4%). The four largest categories sold less: Landscaping (-6.2%), Plumbing Heating & Electrical (-6.4%), Timber & Joinery Products (-10.4%) and Heavy Building Materials (-11.0%).

While we would expect to see a drop off in sales in December due to the holiday season, December value sales were -37.5% behind November. Month-on-month, volume sales were down -39.8% with prices only edging up +3.8%. But with six less trading days in December, like-for-like sales were -14.1% lower. All categories sold less.

Mike Rigby, CEO of MRA Research who produce this report, said: “Quarter 4 did little to turn the tide on falling sales volumes through the UK’s builders’ merchants, as 2023 closed -13.7% down on volume sales compared to 2022.

“But despite this drop in activity and the announcement of the UK economy entering a technical recession at the end of 2023, and a continuing stream of gloomy world

news, consumer confidence is increasing. Falling inflation and food prices, and maybe even the prospect of political change with a general election in view have lifted spirits. According to GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index, consumer confidence climbed three points to -19 in January 2024, the best it’s been in 2 years. Better still, consumers’ personal financial index also improved to zero after 24 months of negative scores. Inflation and the prospect of falling bank rates undoubtedly contributed to this. Whether it foreshadows a more positive period for the repair, maintain, and improve markets, and an increase in spend on home improvement projects in 2024 remains to be seen.”

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.

The Q4 2023 BMBI report is available to download at www.bmbi.co.uk.

BUILDING SUCCESS WITH A HAPPY WORKFORCE

In today’s competitive landscape, employee retention is a critical differentiator for businesses in the fabrication industry. High turnover rates disrupt production schedules and can negatively impact customer service. Arched frame specialist Premier Arches has defied the trend by fostering a unique family-oriented environment that prioritises its workforce. We speak to Directors Sean Greenall, Tom Greenall, Dan Maloney, and Joe Trueman…

Since opening our doors in 2015, we’ve seen significant growth, having expanded our premises, increased our arched frame offerings, and made significant business investments.

But what we believe really sets us apart from other companies is our commitment to creating a family-style working culture, and placing an emphasis on fostering strong relationships among our employees to create an environment where they enjoy coming to work every day.

And the results speak for themselves – in 2023, we had zero leavers of choice, boasting

a staggeringly low annual labour turnover rate of just 6%.

This commitment to our workforce is even more impressive considering the company’s significant growth, with a recent recruitment drive expanding our team to 40 strong.

Notably, over 20% of our staff have been with us for more than five years, a statistic we value more than any sales record.

Selling and manufacturing arched and angled frames is a complex job carried out by skilled craftsmen, so our people are our biggest asset. We work hard to protect, support, develop and engage them, not because it drives performance, but because it’s the right thing to do.

This dedication to employee wellbeing extends beyond company culture – for example, we recently made a significant investment in new machinery, boosting production capacity. This expansion has paved the way for further growth, ensuring that new recruits become an integral part of the Premier Arches family.

When people join us, they enjoy their working day, they care about what they do, and they stick around.

L-R: Premier Arches founders Dan Maloney, Sean Greenall and Tom Greenall.

While many businesses focus solely on sales figures and growth rates, we prove that investing in a valued and dedicated workforce can lead not only to increased customer satisfaction, but also to long-term success.

By prioritising our employees and creating a family-style culture, we have built a strong foundation for continued growth and prosperity within the industry.

As all levels of the industry continue to seek ways to differentiate themselves from competitors, perhaps it’s time they take note of our approach. After all, happy employees often result in satisfied customers – something every business strives for.

Finally, in recognition of our team’s unwavering dedication, we would like to express our sincere gratitude. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the talent, commitment, and loyalty of our exceptional staff. Their expertise, collaborative spirit, and passion for quality are the driving forces behind our success, and we are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated team as part of the Premier Arches family.

www.premierarches.co.uk

Unique digital print gives premium natural wood effect – with 10-year guarantee

New from Freefoam Building Products, Fortex® Natura cladding is manufactured using cutting-edge digital printing technology, so it’s virtually indistinguishable from natural wood.

“It has the look and feel of quality planed timber,” says Colin St John, Freefoam’s Commercial Director. “But unlike natural wood, it doesn’t fade, and is guaranteed to look as good in 10 years as it does the day it’s installed. The development of this unique cladding product has taken a significant investment of time and equipment, but the results are beyond our expectations.”

Colin adds: “The feedback from our stockist and Registered Installer customers so far has been incredibly positive, describing it as ‘just beautiful’ – and a market-disrupting product.”

There are six wood finishes available in the Fortex® Natura range: Aged Padauk, Barnwood Oak, Grey Cedar, Greyed Oak, Malted Oak, and Siberian Larch. Each features a non-repeating pattern from expertly edited photographs of real timber. This is printed onto Freefoam’s foam PVC cladding boards using a special ink for external use, and a laquer topcoat for extreme durability. A complete set of aluminium finishing trims is available in colours that perfectly complement the six cladding options, all RAL number referenced for accurate matching to windows, doors, and roofline.

The premium V-groove cladding can be installed

horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Low maintenance, it’s also easy to store, fit and handle, and is 100% recyclable.

Fortex® Natura is supported with a brochure, display boards and hand samples. Call Freefoam on 0800 002 9903 to find out more.

Web: https://freefoam.com/ professional

NEW FORTEX®

NATURA CLADDING FROM FREEFOAM: ‘JUST

BEAUTIFUL’

VEKA’S DNA ON DISPLAY

VEKA plc has unveiled its exciting future plans and how it will continue to lead in the areas that make up its DNA – quality, innovation and sustainability – across the fenestration industry.

The world-leading PVCu supplier shared exclusive details of its strategic direction and latest range of products and services with partners at a recent collaboration event.

systems was on display at the event through a special preview of its brand-new product suite. Developed in collaboration with fabrication partners, to bring enhanced aesthetic appeal and technical prowess to the market, the product looks set to be a game-changer for the PVCu windows and doors sector.

Partners who attended also gained

Fabrication businesses from across the UK & Ireland came together at Crow Wood Hotel & Spa in Burnley, for a full day of partnership activities and information sharing focused on VEKA’s commitment to delivery of the highest quality products, innovative approaches and sustainable solutions.

Neil Evans, Managing Director at VEKA plc, said: “VEKA is dedicated to revolutionising the PVCu sector through our approach to design, innovation and customer focus. Our latest developments and new products, developed through collaboration with industry partners, will introduce a new era to the window and door sector.”

VEKA’s pioneering approach to the design and manufacture of the highest quality

the opportunity to learn about VEKA’s innovative digital design support and specification tool for the fenestration industry, WinDoPlan, designed to help users navigate upcoming changes to the Future Homes Standard. Plus, information was shared about how VEKA Recycling is leading the way and demonstrating its commitment to keeping material in the UK, through its pioneering approach towards enabling a sustainable closed-loop system for the PVCu sector.

Mark Dicconson, Managing Director at John Fredericks Plastics Ltd added: “The day was universally seen as a huge success by everyone I spoke to at and after the event. It was obvious that VEKA wants to engage with customers and assist in their future prosperity with a combination of innovation/service and technical support.

The event exceeded my expectations.”

During the day a range of senior leaders from the VEKA team shared updates and insight with customers, including presentations from Andreas Hartleif, CEO at VEKA Group and

Fishwick and magician Jason Rea.

Neil Evans, Managing Director at VEKA plc, plus many more. Key messages highlighted how VEKA is committed to working hand in hand with industry partners to advance the market and be at the forefront of its future – and how its values drive that focus.

Neil added: “I make no apologies for consistently referring to our dedication and focus on delivering the highest levels of quality, innovation and sustainability, because it’s what we do. These pillars run through VEKA – it’s in our DNA.”

Mark Powell, Sales Director at Direct Trade (Yorkshire) Ltd commented on the event: “It was a pleasure to spend the day with our key partner VEKA – great to see some innovation and ideas to assist our future growth. Time is precious within any business, but it was well worth taking the time out to see what the future offers from our partner.”

VEKA plc is a leader in the design, development and extrusion of PVCu door, window and conservatory systems. Established for over 50 years’, it employs more than 400 people from its UK manufacturing facility based in Burnley, Lancashire, and proudly supplies the market’s most specified PVCu systems in the world.

During the event, attendees also listened to guest speaker, Matt Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Burnley Football Club, share stories and insight around the subject of nurturing talent. Later during the evening celebrations, guests were entertained by entrepreneur and ‘Bank of Dave’ star David

Web: https://vekauk.com/

FREEFOAM RELEASE NEW EDITION CLADDING BROCHURE

Freefoam Building Products are pleased to announce the release of a new edition of their cladding product brochure – The Complete Cladding Solution.

Featuring the full range of PVC-UE cladding options with the addition of two recently released products in this impressive range, Shadow Gap cladding and Fortex Natura cladding.

Shadow Gap cladding is one of the newer additions to the range, featuring a wide 180mm board with the unique new subtle ‘pine’ embossed finish and an attractive deep groove between boards.

Fortex Natura is the most recent edition to the Freefoam cladding product range. A V-Groove style cladding board with the beautiful natural look of wood created with state of the art digital printing technology. A choice of six traditional and contemporary wood decors, giving homeowners the look of wood without the ongoing time consuming cost of regular upkeep.

The new brochure also features detailed

information on each range, colour options, board dimensions, fitting trims and technical data giving installers and homeowners all the information they need to make an informed decision. With new attractive imagery, the brochure highlights the extensive range of cladding now available from Freefoam and illustrates the wide range of applications and options cladding offers.

Louise Sanderson UK Marketing Manager explained “Our cladding portfolio has grown over time and this new literature highlights the incredible diversity and versatility of the Freefoam cladding range.”

Freefoam are committed to offering a full package of sales and marketing support to help customers sell and promote it’s products. This new brochure is part of a suite of tools to aid the sale of cladding. Other items include a free sample service, product display boards for trade counters and handy swatches to illustrate the colour and finish of cladding boards.

Web: https://freefoam.com/professional

UNIVERSAL ARCHES IS SHAPING THE FUTURE WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF ANDY HORNIGOLD AS GENERAL MANAGER

Universal Arches is delighted to tell you that Andy Hornigold (pictured) has joined the company as General Manager. Andy has represented a number of our industry’s leading brands, including Evolution, Sternfenster and Deceuninck and most recently was General Manager at Fire Glass in the North West.

Andy joins at an exciting time, with the introduction of aluminium bending. During 2023, Universal Arches invested heavily in state-of-the-art machinery to facilitate the manufacture of bespoke aluminium curves and arches.

Andy Hornigold brings a new focus to Universal Arches’ business strategy and said: “Having worked in the fenestration industry for many years, I am delighted to have joined Universal Arches at such an exciting and promising time and am looking forward to offering Universal Arches’ customers a complete package to assist their business growth, whilst focusing on customer service and reliability.

Andy continued: “Over the past six months, we have perfected the bending of Aluminium and have spent time training our fabrication and customer service team. We are confident that we can supply shaped aluminium frames in any RAL colour, in just six weeks”.

Universal Arches has been shaping uPVC to create fabulous arches, circles, gothic frames, gable ends and bespoke frames for over 35 years and continues to do so, along with the introduction of aluminium bending.

Universal Arches is the only fabricator of uPVC and aluminium shaped windows and door frames between Stoke-on-Trent and Stockport who can offer an immediate service for a fast turnaround on so many bespoke manufactured products in uPVC and aluminium.

Andy said: “We have also been developing

a bespoke Online Quoting Portal, which is now live. Customers can prepare their own quotes, see a visual of their bespoke frames and place orders for both uPVC and Aluminium shaped frames instantly. 2024 has started very well and optimism at Universal Arches and across the Kaliber Group is high”.

FIRST BESPOKE INDUSTRY FESTIVALS ARE GREAT SUCCESS

Building Our Skills –Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice reports an excellent level of support for its two pilot bespoke industry careers festivals held last week.

“We’re so grateful to everyone who backed this new initiative,” says Mark Handley, Building Our Skills’ Partnerships Manager. He adds:

“In the end, we had over thirty companies take part on each day and just under 700 students visit. It’s been wonderful to see the industry take up the cause of attracting new talent. We’re hoping that these two events will be the first of many.

“Employability skills clinics played a part in enticing schools and students to the festivals, with local authorities having highlighted just how helpful these clinics were going to be in getting students to think about their careers generally, and the fenestration, glass and glazing industry specifically.

“‘Career Families’ were another facet of the careers festivals that helped 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.

It is expected that the events will now expand into additional areas of the country where Building Our Skills is already working with other local education authorities.

The two pilot events were held last week as part of National Careers Week. The first was 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 worked in conjunction with the education bodies in South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester to bring these events to fruition.

Web: https:// buildingourskills.co.uk/

BUILDING OUR SKILLS SIGNS UP JOHN FREDERICKS

Building Our Skills – Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice has secured John Fredericks Plastics Ltd as a supporter.

Mark Handley, Building Our Skills’ Partnerships Manager says:

“The name John Fredericks is synonymous with innovation and a loyal customer base. The company’s enviable and long track record of success in the fenestration industry is well known. We’re very proud to have such a key organisation join us.”

Andy Wadham, Head of Training & Development for John Fredericks adds:

“We’re dedicated to ensuring our staff are given the right opportunities for career development through access to appropriate accredited training and the acquisition of sector-specific qualifications. In addition, our goal of helping to attract newcomers to the industry aligns perfectly with that of Building Our Skills. We have also developed our new Apprentice Pathway 2024 to attract and recruit young people into the industry.

“Accordingly, we are looking forward to assisting the Building Our Skills ‘Inspiration Days’ initiatives, bespoke careers fairs, and taking part in Advisory Panel meetings. I would definitely recommend that other employers in the industry join forces with Building Our Skills, thereby helping to preserve the success of the industry long into the future.”

John Fredericks is a manufacturer of PVCu and aluminium windows and doors that was established in 1970. The company employs 190 staff, servicing over 220 installers throughout the UK. The company’s product range is branded the Ultimate CollectionTM.

For more information on becoming part of the Building Our Skills ‘family’ please email markhandley@buildingourskills. co.uk.

Web: https://buildingourskills.co.uk/

GQA HELPS RAISE FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS

GQA is supporting Fire Door Maintenance (FDM) in their efforts to raise safety standards across the industry. The awarding and qualifications writing body is developing accredited training and qualifications covering fire door installation, maintenance and inspection in partnership with FDM, which is owned by UAP Ltd, a leading door & window hardware supplier.

This month saw FDM officially open a Training Academy at Bury, Greater Manchester. Purpose-built, the 3,000ft² Training Academy is said to be the UK’s first practical training centre for the fire door industry. With a variety of fire doors and components from multiple manufacturers, the facility will provide a dedicated space for hands-on training and classrooms for theory-based learning.

Accredited by GQA Qualifications, the Academy will offer a variety of courses aimed at fire door inspectors, installers, maintenance engineers, Building Control professionals, Local Authority representatives and duty holders in higher risk buildings. The first to launch will be a fire door inspector course, followed by one centred on fire door maintenance, and another focusing on fire door installation. After completion, participants will receive a GQA skills card. The accredited courses and qualifications awarded by GQA are meticulously designed in collaboration with the FDM team to address life safety risks associated with fire doors.

As well as ensuring compliance with the latest fire safety regulations, the accredited training will respond to the Hackitt report’s recommendations following the Grenfell Tower fire. The inquiry into the tragedy revealed fire doors did not perform as expected. Out of the 120 doors in the building, 106 had been replaced and comprised

different hardware from the tested door. This signifies recognition that addressing life safety is a responsibility that demands rigour, quality and demonstrated competency.

The opening of the Academy was attended by GQA. Dan Brown, GQA’s Strategic Relationships Manager says:

“We are proud to partner FDM in this initiative. Post-Grenfell, we are at a crucial time for the built environment. The proper upkeep and maintenance of fire doors is crucial for life safety during evacuations. Neglecting the responsibility to maintain fire doors appropriately is neglecting the value of life itself. The timing of the FDM Academy’s launch is exceptionally relevant, coinciding with a period of introspection in the industry fuelled by the Building Safety Act.”

David Jennings, a director and founder of FDM, added:

“I have been hugely impressed by all of the GQA Qualifications team. Thank you for your unwavering support. We are going to do great things together.”

Topics covered by the courses at the Academy will include areas such as:

1. Key legislation and regulations relating to fire doors and fire door inspections

2. Different types of fire doors and their uses

3. The main components of a fire door set and their functions

4. How fire doors and components are tested and test evidence reports

5. Why fire doors need inspecting and what to inspect

6. When is a fire door compliant and noncompliant with regulations

7. How to use technology to write a fire door inspection report

8. What does a fire door inspection report contain and writing effective reports

9. Dealing with potential conflict during an inspection

Further information on GQA can be found at www.gqaqualifications.com.

The Soho External Door (OB-36 + )

Steel-look design meets unparalleled thermal performance. Complementing the highly sought after Internal Door, this latest launch is the right product to be offering at the right time.

Don’t get left 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

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING – CHOOSING A TRUSTED PARTNER

Employers in the fenestration who wish to hone the skills of their workforce in order to improve their business’s competitiveness face two challenges: carefully managing training budgets whilst also addressing staff time constraints. How to choose a partner organisation who can help them achieve their goal at the same time as ensuring these challenges are met need not be difficult. Dan Brown, Strategic Relationship Manager of GQA Qualifications explains.

Currently, there is a significant amount of work focused on establishing competency, with individuals often overlooking the expertise of an Awarding Body in this regard. In addition, I talk to many people in the fenestration industry who are well aware that plenty of training opportunities exist. However, they do not have the time to audit all the options available, and they certainly do not have big budgets to spend in this area. What they really need is assistance from a qualifications-writing and awarding partner that can also point them in the direction of accredited training that is delivered by an independently and rigorously audited provider. All within the confines of limited budget availability.

I would recommend seeking out a partner

that is a specialist in learning in the sector. A good indicator of this is the number of steering groups on which the partner sits, helping to shape the future qualifications being developed. In addition, working with a not-for-profit organisation assists with keeping spending down.

The chosen partner should have the ability not only to write industry-specific qualifications and facilitate accredited training, but to draw up bespoke qualifications for individual organisations. Employers can thereby create and accredit in house developed training courses and learning programmes in addition to going after existing qualifications.

GQA facilitates an Accredited Training service, offered through a nationwide network of approved training centres. It is aimed at employers in the industry who want to have their in-house training endorsed by GQA Qualifications and gives them the opportunity to deliver training that focuses on candidates’ particular needs specific to their role with the employer.

In essence, accredited training involves:

1. Assessing courses for learning outcomes.

2. Ensuring the existence of an appeals procedure.

3. Maintaining a non-bias approach to assessment.

4. Implementing ‘reasonable adjustment’ for individuals with learning difficulties.

5. Introducing an end assessment to test learners’ comprehension of course content, aligning with the Building Safety Act’s emphasis on a ‘certificate of comprehension’ rather than a ‘certificate of attendance.’

6. Undergoing regular external assessment by an Independent Quality Assessor to verify procedure implementation and ensure uniformity in course delivery.

GQA’s Bespoke Qualification service is aimed at employers who wish to be able to offer those staff undertaking very specific

roles the opportunity to work towards gaining a qualification where one does not already exist. The service is perfect for niche specialist areas which do not lend themselves to meeting the required content of a standard regulated qualification. In close consultation with the company concerned, GQA will develop a qualification that meets the needs of the organisation and the people who require it.

It is also worth checking out what a partner organisation can do in terms of providing reasonable adjustment for people with learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Here at GQA we have close to 200 qualifications covering a broad variety of sectors. The fenestration industry, just like any other, needs training solutions tailored to its specific needs. GQA is poised to contribute to the development of competency-setting initiatives, leveraging our knowledge to position qualifications and training appropriately. This involves identifying the level at which individuals are expected to perform their functions against an industry-recognised hierarchical framework of learning. In turn this provides synchronicity with qualifications from within the education system. Providing this link is critical to any competency assessment or training development to make it relatable to other forms of formal competency attainment.

Employers seeking advice on any aspect of qualifications-writing or wanting to find out about GQA’s network of approved training centre are welcome to get in touch. We can assist with an online assessment test through our GQA Online system. This system utilises a question bank to draw random questions, evaluate learners, and promptly grade assessments within a minute. Our accredited training programs come with the issuance of a plastic or digital GQA Skills Card. This card acts as a verifiable record of competence that can be produced on demand. More information on GQA is available at www.gqaqualifications.com.

BUILT BY EXPERTS, TRUSTED BY

FABRICATORS

WinDoPlan: Your solution to navigate the Future Homes Standard changes

Generate u-values & windload calculations

Enjoy access to our technical support feedback system

Breakdown the entire window into centre pane, frame and values for thermal calculations

Generate customisable cross-sections and 3D images with just a few clicks

CERTASS MARKS FOUR YEARS OF UNPRECEDENTED INDUSTRY COLLABORATION

The Certass Members Only Forum has emerged as the sole example of industry unity and trusted communication in a sector characterised by its traditional independence. Celebrating its fourth anniversary, the forum continues to stand as a testament to the power of collective resilience and innovation during the most testing of times.

The Certass TA Forum was conceived in response to the pandemic, establishing a new benchmark for collaboration. At a time when misinformation was rampant, Certass TA stood out by delivering verified and reliable information, becoming the most credible source for industry updates.

As the pandemic unfolded, Certass TA boldly countered the trend of retreat, freezing membership fees and watering the garden of hope and support among its members. The creation of the COVID pack and active participation in government meetings positioned Certass TA at the forefront of the industry response.

These efforts have been recognised with awards for Trade Association of the Year and Best Membership Engagement, emphasizing the impact of Certass TA’s commitment to its members and the broader industry.

“We never gambled with guesswork. We

understood the stakes were high – livelihoods and family legacies were on the line. Our guiding principle was, and remains, to seek, verify, and deliver the truth,” says Jon Vanstone, Chairman of Certass and Certass TA.

Danelle Vanstone, Head of Member Engagement, reflects, “Our forum is more than a social platform; it’s a genuine community. A community that’s not afraid to tackle the hard questions steers through uncertainty –for the betterment of all our members.”

Looking forward, Certass TA members forum continues as the source for vital industry dialogue, promoting conversations critical for the growth and long-term endurance of member businesses, particularly those locally owned and family-operated. The Certass TA team extends its deepest gratitude to its members for their ongoing engagement and support. The forum is what it is today because of the collective and combined efforts of the members it serves.

Web: https://www.certass.co.uk/certasstrade-association/

GQA HELPS DROYSLDEN GLASS TO UPSKILL EMPLOYEES

A partnership between GQA, the awarding and qualifications writing body and IVS Training & Assessment has resulted in the formal upskilling of thirteen members of staff at Droylsden Glass. The employees have succeeded in achieving a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Fenestration Installation. This GQA qualification is suited to those leading a team of installers or undertaking complex projects.

Operating mainly in the Greater Manchester and Cheshire areas, Droylsden Glass was founded in 1982, and offers a range of award-winning, bespoke windows and doors for both retail and commercial projects. Managing Director Kevin Thackeray says:

“We’re a company that values its staff. We insist on professionalism across every aspect of our work. We place a

great emphasis on staff development, and it’s been great to see thirteen of our employees gain their new qualifications. Our thanks go to GQA and IVS for their involvement in this initiative.”

Nick O’Brien, Director of Operations at IVS Training & Assessment adds:

“Congratulations to Kevin Thackeray and his staff at Droylsden Glass. I’d also like to thank Phil Douglas, GQA’s EQA/Technical Officer for his support throughout this project.”

With GQA Qualifications being part of the CSCS Alliance, IVS were also able to assist the successful candidates with obtaining their GQA CSCS gold Q-card as Supervisors. In addition, Droylsden Glass’s Operations Manager also achieved a Level 3 Diploma in Occupational Works Supervision. GQA Qualifications is the only organisation issuing CSCS cards for the Glass and Glazing industries.

More information on GQA is available at www.gqaqualifications.com.

WARMCORE DIRECTOR TO TAKE ON CHALLENGE

OF A LIFETIME

This September, Global Director of WarmCore, Andrew Charlesworth, will be taking on a momentous challenge as he sets about scaling the highest freestanding mountain in the world – Mount Kilimanjaro.

Dad of three, Andrew 43, will start his ascent up the mountain on 10th September 2024 to raise money for two charities; Kelly’s Heroes, a mental health support charity and Harry’s Pals, a charity that provides emotional support to parents of severely ill or disabled children.

Having found out about the incredible work that organisers Kelly’s Heroes do, Andrew was keen to get involved, however he did have one ask, that he could also fundraise for another charity too, Harry’s Pals. A charity named after his little boy Harry (8) who is severely disabled.

Harry’s Pals, set up by Hayley, Andrew’s wife, provides free counselling and therapy sessions as well as short breaks to help families across the country who are struggling as they grapple with the emotional, practical, and physical implications of their child’s diagnosis.

Andrew is braving this challenge, despite not being his fittest, with underlying concerns about altitude sickness and a fear of heights. Yet there’s the motivation to know the difference that both charities make and the important work that they are doing to help people to feel less isolated and more able to get the help that they need to make for a more tenable and happier future.

Hayley Charlesworth founder of Harry’s Pals said: ‘I am so incredibly proud of Andy, in attempting to climb 6,000 meters and that is no mean feat. I am sure that when the going gets tough he will be motivated by the funding he’s received and the difference that this will make to Harry’s Pals and Kelly’s Heroes. Good luck, we’re all rooting for you!’

Please if you can donate to support Andrew go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ andrew-charlesworth-page or scan the QR code. Whatever you can afford will make a big difference to Kelly’s Heroes and Harry’s Pals. To find out more about Harry’s Pals please go to www.harryspals.org. To find out more about Kelly’s Heroes go to www.kellys-heroes.co.uk.

Please Donate by Scanning the QR Code here: