DGB Magazine May 2024

Going back in time

The original co-founder of Evolution returns as the new owner and Google data shows public interest back to 2016 levels

EVOLUTION UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

pg 20

GOOGLE TRENDS DATA SHOWS SEARCH DATA AT 2016 LEVELS

pg 36

3 Editors Comment

4 Rocal Staff Take Steps For Charity

6 Sunak Calls General Election On July 4th

8 Value Sales In The First Two Months Were -3.4% Down On Jan-Feb 2023, Volume Was -5.5% With Prices Up +2.2%

10 The Entire Life Cycle At A Glance

12 Eurocell Sets Benchmark For Recycled PVCu In Extrusion

14 Brisant’s Lock Is First To Pass The New Security Test

15 Certass Reporting: Competence Takes Centre Stage At BSR Conference 2024

16 Anglian Home Improvements Acquires Everest Assets

18 Anglian Home Improvements Acquires Everest Order Book 20 Evolution Under New Ownership

22 UK Out Of Recession

24 Making A Statement

26 Origin’s Solution To Standing Out From The Crowd

28 Review: Origin OI30 Aluminium Internal Doors

32 JFP Named Manufacturer Of The Year At Made In Yorkshire Awards

33 Revamped Production With Fully Automated Line

34 Eurocell Opens Wembley Branch To Kick Start Next Phase Of Network Growth

36 Google Trends Data Shows Search Data At 2016 Levels

38 Introducing Freefoam’s New Range Of PVC Window Accessories

40 Is This The End Of The National Installer Model?

42 The Cornerstone Of Trust: Why Quality Manufacturing Matters

44 The Man Behind OMNIA

EDITORS COMMENT

Back In Time

Hello and welcome to another packed edition of the DGB Digital Magazine!

I think it is fair to judge the month of May as yet another turbulent one within our sector. We discovered the fate of Everest, which ultimately ended up the way of Safestyle and was swallowed up by Anglian Home Improvements. We have seen in the space of just seven months three household national installers become one. Quite remarkable.

May was also a month where it felt like the industry was revisiting times gone by. This month DGB featured analysis which showed Google Trends data for popular door search terms had sunk to 2016 levels. That was the year of the Brexit referendum and it reinforces the point of

view that demand remains suppressed.

We also witnessed the return of Surgit Singh to Evolution as he once again took the helm of the company he sold ten years ago. The news was met with positivity from the sector, with hope that he could revive Evolution into the influential business it once was during his first phase of ownership.

Finally, we also saw this month the announcement that the UK would be going to the polls on July 4th. After 14 years of Conservative government, it looks like we will be seeing the return of Labour to power. That is according to the polls at the moment of course.

As we head towards the start of summer, at least on the calendar, the second half of the year could be just as dramatic as the first half.

Enjoy this edition of DGB Digital!

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BUILT BY EXPERTS, TRUSTED BY FABRICATORS

ROCAL STAFF TAKE STEPS FOR CHARITY

Members of the Rocal team have stepped up – and out – for a worthy cause.

A group of 27 colleagues from across the business, whose brands include Endurance® Doors, BDC Aluminium and Rocal Extrusions, recently completed a 10-mile sponsored walk on behalf of the Beat Goes On 31 – a locally based community group that fundraises for charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

Every week in the UK, 12 young people aged between 14 and 35 – many of whom had previously seemed completely fit and healthy – lose their lives to Young Sudden Cardiac Death (YSCD). It remains the biggest cause of natural death for this age demographic with around 80% of those affected showing no prior symptoms.

CRY aims to reduce young sudden cardiac deaths by increasing awareness, funding medical research, and providing free heart screening such as electrocardiograms (ECGs) and echocardiogram (an ultrasound scan of the heart). This screening is not currently available to those aged 14 to 35 through the NHS unless they present with potential symptoms.

CRY also supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions as well as individuals and families who have been bereaved as a result of YSCD.

The Beat Goes On 31 was set up in 2021 by husband and wife, Stephen and Gill Ayling. Their son, Nathan tragically passed away from YSCD in 2019, at the age of just 31.

The Rocal team also has first-hand experience of the devasting effects of YSCD. The walk was held in memory of Craig Sunderland, a member of Rocal’s production team who also sadly lost his life to YSCD.

In total, the Rocal Ramblers raised £1,386 through their efforts. This money will be enough to provide heart screening for approximately 25 young people.

Stephen Nadin, managing director at Rocal, comments: “The Rocal Ramblers have done the entire business proud.

“The money they have raised and the screening it will facilitate has the very real potential to save lives.

“It’s a great effort and cause, and a really fitting tribute to Craig. I know the team would also like me to thank everyone that so kindly supported them.”

Web: www.rocalextrusions.co.uk/

(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.

SUNAK CALLS GENERAL ELECTION ON JULY 4TH

Rumours began last night that there was going to be an imminent announcement as to when a General Election was going to be called. Those rumours built during the day and very little was done to deny them.

Now we know. Rishi Sunak is to dissolve Parliament on May 24th with a General Election to be held on July 4th.

Summer election

The news of this years General Election follows on from news that inflation in the UK fell from 3.2% to 2.3%, the the Conservatives perhaps hoping that slightly better economic news will give them some sort of boost at the ballot box. That, frankly, is about as likely as snow falling in July.

They are at least 20 points Labour in the polls, with the Tories looking at the most significant loss at the ballot box since John Major lost to Tony Blair in 1997. They may believe that as the date nears that gap in the polls will narrow, but I cannot see how a gap of that size can be overturned in any meaningful way.

So the UK will head to the polls with most of the country expecting Sir Keir Starmer to become the next Prime Minister of the country and will see Labour back in power for the first time since 2010.

A boost for spending?

As is often the case when major votes creep closer, the public tends to become more cautious when it comes to spending. I have sensed things becoming a little more stagnant as the public perhaps waits on news as to what the timeline for a vote is going to be.

I remember in the weeks running up to the EU Referendum that business activity in our sector slowed until the result of the vote was known. Then, once the dust had settled, the public resumed spending and we got busy once again. Even if the debating of the result carried on for a number of years.

I feel like the same thing has been playing out for the last couple of months again. But what I would hope now is that with a date set, and opinion polls so overwhelmingly in favour of Labour being the winners, the public might feel a bit safer in spending again on bigger ticket items.

Of course there is going to be weeks of campaigning and policy announcements to be made which will affect the personal finances of us all, and these will likely sway some people’s decisions in the weeks to come. But what I would hope is that with at least some level of certainty now, people can begin to make financial decisions again.

VALUE SALES IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS WERE

-3.4%

DOWN ON JAN-FEB 2023, VOLUME WAS

-5.5% WITH PRICES UP +2.2%

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in April, shows builders’ merchants’ value sales were down -4.7% in February compared to the same month a year ago. Volume sales dropped -7.5%, while prices increased +3.1%. With an extra trading day this year, like-for-like sales were down -9.2%.

Year-on-year, eight of the twelve categories sold more than February 2023 with Workwear & Safetywear (+18.3%) the leading category. Miscellaneous (+10.2%) and Decorating (+6.2%) also

did better than merchants overall. But two of the largest categories – Timber & Joinery Products (-6.4%) and Heavy Building Materials (-7.9%) – were down. Renewables & Water Saving (-20.9%) was the weakest category.

However, February total value sales increased +4.8% compared to January 2024. Volume sales increased +8.1% and prices were down -3.1%. With one less trading day in February, like-for-like sales were up +9.7%. Eight of the categories sold more month-on-month with Landscaping (+17.0%) well ahead of the rest. Heavy Building Materials (+5.8%) and two small categories,

Renewables & Water Saving (+7.1%) and Services (+6.6%) did better than total merchants. Plumbing Heating & Electrical (-2.1%) and Workwear & Safetywear (-4.2%) were the worst performers.

Total merchant sales in the 12 months from March 2023 to February 2024 were -5.5% lower than the same period the year before (March 2022 to February 2023). Volume sales were -12.5% lower and prices were up +8.0%. With an additional three trading days in the most recent 12-month period, like-for-like sales were down -6.7%. The three largest categories – Heavy Building Materials (-4.8%), Landscaping (-10.4%) and Timber & Joinery Products (-13.3%) – all sold less.

Total value sales in January to February were -3.4% down on the first two months of 2023.

Mike Rigby, Managing Director of MRA Research which produces the BMBI report says: “With housebuilding still in the doldrums, repair and maintenance is quietly holding the fort for the construction industry. According to the latest ONS data, in the three months to February 2024, there was a 1.6% increase in repair and maintenance work, while month-on-month, private RMI was the only sector out of nine to increase output (0.2%), although very modestly.

“GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index shows that after steady improvement throughout

2023 confidence has stalled, with the overall index score unchanged at -21 for a second month. Despite another round of rises in household bills from April (everything from council and road tax, water bills, broadband costs and even stamps increased at the start of the month), consumers are surprisingly upbeat about their own situation – the Personal Finance Index pushed up to +2 in March 2024 – the highest score since December 2021. But the Major Purchase Index dropped two points and the Savings Index dived four. However, with inflation back under 4%, potential interest rate cuts coming in the summer, house prices on the rise again, and a general election and new Government in prospect there are reasons for optimism.”

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-todate 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.

February’s BMBI report is available to download at www.bmbi.co.uk.

THE ENTIRE LIFE CYCLE AT A GLANCE

The FDES (Fiche de Déclaration Environnementale et Sanitaire) for construction products provides information on their impact on the environment and the health of building users. This declaration, which is essential in France, focuses on the entire life cycle of a product. It is the decisive instrument for selecting suitable construction products for sustainable buildings. Swisspacer was one of the first on the market to publish the FDES for Swisspacer Advance and Ultimate as well as the Swisspacer Georgian bars. The Swiss company is also the only warm edge

manufacturer to have extended its EPDs to EN15804+A2 (Cradle to Grave).

Since the amendment of the French environmental regulation RE 2020 on 1 January 2021, manufacturers of construction products have been required to provide comprehensive evidence of the environmental and health impacts of their products, the FDES. It provides information on the entire life cycle, on all product components, raw material extraction, supplementary products during manufacture, installation and maintenance, as well as for transport and packaging.

In addition to the EPD (Environmental Product Declaration), the FDES also includes information on health and user comfort: the effects of the product on the health quality of indoor spaces and water are also assessed. In addition, the contribution to the quality of life in the building is recorded, including hygrothermal, acoustic, visual and olfactory comfort. The FDES must be verifiably prepared by an independent organisation and audited by a third party and is valid for five years. The particular advantage: the FDES provides objective, comparable, multi-criteria, quantitative and qualitative information. It forms the basis for architects, planners and building owners to make the right choice for the most sustainable building possible.

Swisspacer is one of the first manufacturers to publish the FDES for the warm edge spacer bars Swisspacer Advance,

Ultimate and the Swisspacer Georgian bars. The premium manufacturer has also updated its EPDs and is the only one on the market to extend them to the EN15804+A2 “Cradle to Grave” standard. This underlines the company’s ambitions in terms of sustainability: “Our spacer bars demonstrably help to save energy –and therefore CO2 – in buildings. We will also continuously reduce our footprint in production and have it reliably documented by EPDs and FDES,” emphasises Björn Kluth, Head of Sales and Marketing France at Swisspacer.

The FDES is published in the French national reference database for environmental and health data on construction products INIES. Like the updated EPDs, it is also available in the Swisspacer download area.

Web: https://www.swisspacer.com/en

EUROCELL SETS BENCHMARK FOR RECYCLED PVCU IN EXTRUSION

Eurocell, which operates the largest PVC-U recycling operation in the UK, achieved 32 per cent recycled PVC-U in extrusion in 2023, up from 27 per cent in 2021 –setting a new bar for recycled materials in the design and manufacture of its PVC-U windows and doors.

Eurocell’s dedication to sustainability is demonstrated through its innovative manufacturing processes, where its profiles division blends raw PVC resin with recycled materials sourced from the company’s cutting-edge recycling plants located in Selby, North Yorkshire, and Ilkeston, Derbyshire.

These facilities are pivotal in transforming factory offcuts and old window frames, which would likely end up in landfill, into reusable raw materials. In 2023 alone, Eurocell’s recycling operations saved the equivalent of approximately 3 million window frames from landfill. The business operates a closed-loop recycling system to ensure that waste PVC-U can be reused, significantly reducing environmental impact.

Sandra Gaspar, Head of Recycling at Eurocell, commented: “The increase to 32 per cent in the proportion of recycled materials in our extrusion process, is a testament to our ongoing commitment to sustainability and demonstrates how we are leading the way in PVC-U recycling.

“By integrating more recycled content into our products, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also provide our customers

with high-quality, sustainable building solutions. We are helping the industry reduce waste and lower its carbon footprint, which is what we want our forward strategy to help deliver as we look to make further inroads in our recycling operation.”

Looking ahead, Eurocell has set an ambitious target to increase the proportion of recycled PVC-U in its products to 40% by 2030. The company’s recycling initiatives also extend beyond its own operations and they are actively working with third-party sites to optimise material recovery and reduce waste, aiming to increase the percentage of waste recycled to 88% by 2025 and to 93% by 2030.

Eurocell facilitates efficient PVC-U recycling for installers and fabricators through its closed-loop recycling system. By offering reliable and timely collections from any UK site, Eurocell ensures that PVC-U waste is managed responsibly. The service includes all aspects of waste management, from collection and transport to documentation, with waste transfer notes provided to demonstrate responsible handling – a testament to why the home improvement specialist won “Best PVC-U Manufacturer & Recycler 2023 – UK” at the Design and Build Awards 2023.

With a focus on continuous improvement and innovation, Eurocell is leading the way in PVC-U recycling within the industry, providing sustainable, low-carbon products, to meet the growing demand for sustainable building products.

BRISANT’S LOCK IS FIRST TO PASS THE NEW SECURITY TEST

Following a successful test on 25th April, Brisant-Secures patented ALPS lock technology is the first to pass the 2024 security test update introduced in January. This update will be used for 3* euro cylinder locks by Secured by Design, PAS24 and Sold Secure Diamond.

Why is there a new standard, and why hasn’t everyone heard about it?

In the never-ending tug-of-war between burglars and security standards, installers need to know they are selling the most secure doors to homeowners. So, the BSI, Sold Secure and Secured by Design have moved fast to ensure that the new security test will prevent inventive burglars getting ahead and finding a way to defeat 3* locks. The new 2024 standard will reassure door makers, installers, and homeowners that doors with 3* locks continue to be the gold standard for door security.

Nick Dutton, CEO of Brisant-Secure, the creators of Ultion, said: “We are delighted to be the first to attain the new security standard. The reason nobody else has achieved the standard is because it is so tough. We knew when we acquired the Deseo business earlier this year that the ALPS (Always Locked Protection System) lock was close to achieving this new standard, so we focused on adding even more patented measures to get the test result last week. It’s also proof of Brisant’s commitment to being first with a solution to new security attacks.”

Web: www.brisant-secure.com

CERTASS REPORTING: COMPETENCE TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT BSR

CONFERENCE 2024

Certass is proud to report on the successful conclusion of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) Conference 2024, held at the NEC in Birmingham. As the only organisation in the glazing industry with a unique position at the heart of the competence conversation, we are thrilled to highlight the significant strides made in enhancing competence within the building safety sector

Competence at the Heart of Discussions

With Jon Vanstone, our Chair, leading the Industry Competence Committee (ICC), Certass is uniquely positioned to influence and drive the competence agenda across the built environment. Vanstone’s dual role as Chair of both Certass and the ICC highlights our pivotal position in promoting and communicating the standards of competence.

enhancing their competence. Emphasis was placed on the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), structured peer reviews, and the introduction of modern apprenticeships to foster practical learning and mentorship.

3. Competence in Practice: Another critical session explored the practical aspects of competence. Discussions highlighted the necessity for ongoing CPD, real-time performance monitoring, and periodic internal audits to ensure continuous professional growth and adherence to regulatory standards.

4. Evolution of the Competent Person Scheme System: The conference also addressed recent developments in the Competent Person Scheme System, focusing on ensuring that industry professionals are adequately assessed and qualified to meet stringent regulatory requirements.

Jon Vanstone’s Leadership in Competence

Key Highlights from the BSR Conference 2024

1. Introduction to the Role of the ICC: The conference commenced with an in-depth presentation on the ICC’s role in improving industry competence. Jon Vanstone, in his capacity as ICC Chair, detailed the committee’s objectives, which include setting clear industry standards and guiding professionals on effective implementation practices.

2. Future Pathways for Registered Building Inspectors (RBIs): A dedicated panel discussion explored the future steps for RBIs in maintaining and

Jon’s leadership has been instrumental in steering the conversation on competence. His extensive experience in the glazing industry, coupled with his role at the ICC, has enabled Certass to be at the forefront of these critical discussions. We are committed to leveraging this unique position to enhance industry standards and ensure the safety and integrity of building practices.

Certass: Leading the Way

As the only organisation in the glazing industry with this unparalleled influence, Certass is dedicated to championing the cause of competence. Our involvement in the BSR Conference 2024 reaffirms our commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and safety within the industry.

We will continue to communicate our insights and share knowledge with our members.

For more information on the outcomes of the BSR Conference 2024 and our focus on competence, please contact Certass.

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

ANGLIAN HOME IMPROVEMENTS ACQUIRES EVEREST ASSETS

Manning, Partners at ReSolve, were appointed joint administrators to Everest 2020 Limited (“Everest” or the “Company”) on 24 April 2024.

The transaction ensures that where possible Everest customers impacted by the Company’s insolvency will have the opportunity to have their home improvement projects carried out in full by Anglian Home Improvements.

Following on from the announcement that Anglian would step in to fulfil existing Everest 2020 orders after the collapse of the company, Everest’s administrators have announced that Anglian Home Improvements have reached a deal to acquire the assets and intellectual property of Everest.

Anglian acquires assets

Here is the statement that was published on the Resolve Group’s website:

Anglian Home Improvements (trading as ASHI Group Ltd), the UK’s leading home improvement company, has today completed a transaction which sees it acquire the customer order book, brand and intellectual property, and certain other assets from Everest 2020 Limited (in administration).

Cameron Gunn, Chris Farrington and Lee

Anglian Home Improvements manufactures a wide range of home improvement products at its factory in Norwich, and is responsible for the employment of circa 1,500 people across the UK. It has over 40,000 living space orders under warranty and 400,000 orders of windows and doors under warranty. These products are installed throughout Britain from the North of Scotland to Cornwall.

Anglian is proud to achieve the Made in Britain accreditation, which showcases the best in British manufacturing. As a company that has been manufacturing its own products for over half a century, Anglian is proud of its British heritage and is focused on raising the standard across the industry.

Peter Mottershead, executive chairman of Anglian Home Improvements, said:

“Since the announcement last week that Anglian had reached agreement with the joint administrators to take on the Everest 2020 order book, our customer service teams have been working hard to make contact with all customers impacted to review the status of their orders and where possible progress their project. Having been manufacturing and installing home

improvements for around 60 years, we are looking forward to helping them transform their homes.”

Cameron Gunn, joint administrator of Everest and senior partner at ReSolve, commented:

“We are pleased to have completed the transaction with Anglian which will provide much needed certainty to customers over their home improvement projects. We will continue to provide support to the affected employees throughout this process.”

Three becomes one

In the space of just seven months we have seen the “big three” reduced to just a single entity. Anglian Home Improvements now owns the Safestyle and Everest brands as well as both orders books and all other assets each company was able to offload. How many of us thought this would be the outcome even in the middle of 2023?

It does mean that from a consumer perspective the amount of choice has been reduced, something that the relevant agencies might want to look at in the future. And although many of us, including myself, derided how they conducted their sales practices and methods, their marketing activities did generate leads for the wider market which ultimately benefitted smaller companies who could provide a better service. That marketing influence has now gone.

As I have explored in previous articles, the business models of these types of companies simply did not work in today’s market. Consumers are spending less on new windows and doors this year as they did

last year, with the postlockdown boom firmly out of sight. The highvolume/low-margin models were particularly exposed as demand cooled, costs rose and inflation ran rampant. From an outsider’s point of view, there was very little work done to radically change these models and the end result was two out of the three national brands have gone to the wall, with hundreds of job losses as a result.

Industry watchers will now observe Anglian and how they manage merging these two brands in the coming years. Are they going to be able to adapt to a very different market place? Their business model is similar to that of Safestyle and Everest. They will face the same pressures and circumstances. They will have to make changes themselves if they are to stick this period out.

Read the full statement here: https://www. resolvegroupuk.com/news/anglian-homeimprovements-completes-transaction-toacquire-everest-2020-assets/

ANGLIAN HOME IMPROVEMENTS ORDER

`In news that was perhaps widely expected, it has been announced that Anglian Home Improvements have reached an agreement to fulfil the orders on the books at Everest. This is a similar arrangement to that of Safestyle when that business closed.

Here is the statement in full from Anglian:

ReSolve agrees contract with Anglian Home Improvements to fulfil Everest 2020 Ltd customer orders

Cameron Gunn, Chris Farrington and Lee Manning, Partners at ReSolve, the leading independent business advisory practice, were appointed as joint administrators of Everest 2020 Limited (“Everest” or the “Company”) on 24 April 2024.

Following a previous sale out of administration which took place in 2020 and despite significant investment, Everest has continued to face financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Upon appointment, ReSolve worked rapidly to assess all available options, including a prospective sale of the business as a going concern. Unfortunately, that offer did not materialise and therefore the majority of employees were made redundant on 29 April 2024. ReSolve is providing support to those employees, including information on how to make redundancy payment claims, and have engaged specialist firm Evolve to assist.

The joint administrators have now reached an agreement to sell certain assets to

Anglian Home Improvements (“Anglian” or the “Purchaser”), trading as ASHI Group Ltd. While the terms of the agreement are finalised, the joint administrators have entered a sub-contractor arrangement that will enable customer orders to be fulfilled by Anglian where possible. This will ensure all Everest customers impacted by the Company’s insolvency will have the opportunity to carry out their home improvement projects.

The interim agreement will enable customers to arrange completion or fulfilment of their orders, including those customers who were midway through the installation process, as well as customers who had booked an installation with Everest.

Cameron Gunn, joint administrator and senior partner at ReSolve commented:

“Despite our best efforts to secure a sale of the business as a going concern, we were racing against the clock and unfortunately it was not possible. We are now focused on supporting employees during this difficult transition. We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Anglian Home Improvements which gives Everest customers the certainty and peace of mind that their home improvement projects can now be completed.”

Peter Mottershead, executive chairman of

IMPROVEMENTS ACQUIRES EVEREST

BOOK

Anglian Home Improvements said:

“Anglian Home Improvements has agreed with the administrators to support Everest customers in what we know is a very difficult situation, and we hope this agreement will go some way towards alleviating the concern and burden on those Everest customers who have been impacted. Our customer service teams will be making contact with customers in the coming days and weeks to discuss the status of each order with the customers and where possible arrange completion of orders, prioritising those who were part-way through the installation process. I can also confirm that Anglian Home Improvements will honour the terms of the contract, including the price, that had previously been agreed with each customer.”

ASHI group.

From a retail perspective, it will be a relief to the thousands of clients that were either waiting on work to be completed or to have work started. Sadly, the closure of Everest has meant the loss of hundreds of jobs and I hope that they all find new employment as soon as possible.

The deal means clients that have ongoing work are going to see their projects completed, with Anglian then turning to all existing Everest clients who are yet to have their projects started.

The statement does not mention the brand being taken up by Anglian in the same way they did with Safestyle. However, there is still work being done by ReSolve and it may be the case that new information is published which will explain what is going to happen to the Everest brand. I do still think that Anglian will take the brand on and incorporate it into their newly reorganised

Another point I might add is about monopoly. We have seen the rapid consolidation of three established, national brands, to one in the matter of 6 months. Could this be something that the Competition and Markets Authority takes a look at?

There will be further updates in the coming weeks and this story will be updated when new information becomes available.

Read the original statement in full here: https://www.anglianhome.co.uk/news/ administrators-of-everest-2020-ltd-agreecontract-with-anglian

Everest 2020 Ltd Put Into Administration: doubleglazingblogger.com/2024/04/everest2020-ltd-put-into-administration/

Everest Staff Made Redundant: doubleglazingblogger.com/2024/04/evereststaff-made-redundant/

EVOLUTION UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

In what will be seen as a positive move for the business, Evolution, whose parent company Everest 2020 recently went into administration, has announced that they are once again owned by original co-founder Surgit Singh.

This is the statement that was sent out to clients earlier this afternoon:

Over the past few months, we understand there has been uncertainty regarding Evolution Windows due

questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The Evolution Management Team

If you remember before Everest 2020 took over Evolution, it was highly anticipated that Surgit would once again take over at that time and bring stability back to the business. It was greeted at the time with great enthusiasm and approval that the original team was going to be back at the helm.

to the UKWDG Administration in October and the recent developments with Everest 2020. We appreciate your patience and continued support during this time.

We are thrilled to share some positive news with you. The co-founder of Evolution Windows, Surgit Singh, has now purchased 100% ownership of the company. This transition marks a significant milestone for Evolution, and we are confident that it will bring stability and renewed growth to our business.

With this change in ownership, we remain dedicated to providing you with the highest quality window solutions and exceptional customer service that you have come to expect from Evolution Windows.

Thank you for your loyalty and understanding. Should you have any

As

we know, it was not to be and Everest 2020 took over until they fell into administration a few weeks ago, with the loss of hundreds of jobs. However, Surgit is now back and I think the industry, as well as clients of Evolution will once again be feeling a lot more positive about it’s future.

An official press release has been sent out via Evolution:

Surgit Singh, the owner of Aluco Aluminium Ltd and Ventiss Ltd, has today announced the acquisition of 100% share ownership of Evolution Home Improvements Ltd. Evolution, a renowned specialist in timber alternative manufacturing, is based in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.

In recent times, Evolution was under the ownership of UK Windows and Doors Group and more recently Everest 2020 Ltd (now in

administration). This marks a significant milestone as prior to this Surgit was the co-founder of Evolution in 2004 before selling the company to Masco in 2014.

Evolution is renowned for its high-quality timber alternative products. The company has earned a strong reputation for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs in the window and door industry.

Taking control of Evolution once again, Surgit Singh, along with his experienced management team, aims to reclaim Evolution’s position as the market leader in the timber alternative industry. The strategic focus will be on innovation, sustainability, and fostering long-term relationships with all stakeholders, including staff, customers, and suppliers.

Partners from ReSolve, the business advisory firm, were appointed as joint administrators to Everest 2020 Limited on 24 April 2024, of which Evolution was a subsidiary. This sale by the administrators to Mr Surgit Singh secures the future of the business as well as the jobs of all its employees.

Chris Farrington, Partner at ReSolve and joint administrator to Everest 2020, commented:

“We are pleased to have completed the sale of Evolution to Mr Surgit Singh, one of the original founders of the business. We were able to move quickly, securing the future of the business and over 60 jobs. We wish Surgit and Evolution all the best for the future.”

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

EMBRACE THE FUTURE!

UK OUT OF RECESSION

It has been confirmed this morning, as had been expected, that the UK had left the shallow recession it had entered in 2023. Figures released from the ONS this morning revealed that the UK grew 0.6% in Q1 of 2024, with 0.4% of the growth coming in March alone.

Fastest growth in two years

The figure of 0.6% was higher than was expected, although most of that growth came from the services sector as well as healthcare and transport. The areas that the public rely on on a day to day basis.

These figures this morning make the UK the joint fastest growing economy in the G7 for Q1 alongside Canada. It is a rare bit of good news that may inject a bit of a feel-good factor into spending just as the summer arrives and the better weather is finally here.

Inflation is coming down but slower than all of us would have liked. It means a summer interest rate cut is more likely to happen in the autumn now, which will worry families whose mortgages are due to renew in the next few months. And that is an area which is still going to put pressure on up to a million households this year. Even with a rate cut or two this year, mortgage rates are still way higher than a few years ago, and with hundreds of thousands of mortgages due to renew this year, many of us will be paying hundreds of pounds more per month. However, for added context, the average GDP per head is still £300 lower than when Rishi Sunak took power, meaning there is

still plenty of room to go before people start to feel a tangible benefit in their pockets. Also, perversely, good news might be bad news when it comes to interest rates. If the UK economy continues a stronger-thanforecast path, it may tempt the BoE to keep higher interest rates for longer, which in turn could cause more pain for homeowners. As with most things, there is a flipside to everything.

Uncertain outlook

For the fenestration sector, I still believe the outlook is mixed. We have already seen a very high number of casualties since the start of the year, and my own conversations with key people still point to a sector that is suffering generally from lower demand. However, there remains good opportunities in the residential aluminium sector, where higher quality products command better margins and more demand. Especially in areas such as internal doors and sliding patio door. Installers should continue to look at these product niches and make the most of the rising interest in them.

I still believe the high volume-based business model is at risk, and we have seen in the types of businesses that have gone to the wall, like Safestyle and Everest, that low-margin and high-volume models are not working well right now. Companies should continue to diversify their approach, cut costs where they can and adapt to a market that is likely to remain well under postlockdown book levels.

(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.

MAKING A STATEMENT

Today’s market is a competitive one. Builders and housebuilders are constantly having to seek new ways to differentiate themselves to homeowners that have a growing desire for modern aesthetics that don’t compromise on performance. They are no longer satisfied with ‘standard’. This is where Origin’s latest product, the innovative OB-36+ can help set your offering apart from the rest.

wThe OB-36+ isn’t just another door. Its sleek bi-fold, French and single door design is underpinned by two aesthetics. The Soho features sought-after steel-look glazing bars, which instantly elevate the exterior of any property, whilst the Contemporary offers a sleek, modern impression. But it isn’t just about looks.

Thermal Efficiency

Origin understands that homeowners aren’t just prioritising aesthetics; they are also focussed on performance. It’s no surprise then that our internal R&D team has designed the OB-36+ to boast superior thermal performance, exceeding the requirements of the 2025 Future Homes Standard a year early, with U-Values as low as 0.8 W/m2K. This will keep household bills low and be a selling point when discussing new build properties with potential buyers.

Unmatched Security and Safety

Peace of mind is paramount, and homeowners deserve to feel safe in their

property. The OB-36+ delivers on this promise with a robust, unique 8-point locking system and a 3-star British Standard Kitemark locking barrel. Together, these two elements offer unparalleled security against forced entry, including picking, bumping, and drilling.

Alongside security, safety is critical. The OB-36+ is child-proof and features fingersafe gaskets to prevent fingers from getting trapped when the doors are closing. This ensures the whole family will remain safe.

Fully Bespoke

All of Origin’s products are made bespoke in the UK from the highest-grade aluminium to customer’s exact specifications. This means homebuilders can choose the size, configuration, colour, and hardware that best suits the home’s style, requirements, and spatial needs. With over 150 RAL colours to choose from and almost endless configuration possibilities, customers can easily design a product to match every property type, from the ultra-modern to heritage.

Together, these elements create a worldleading bi-folding door that can be specified with confidence to offer something different, and better, than the competition.

The Soho and Contemporary OB-36+are now available. To work with Origin, please visit https://trade.origin-global.com/partnerwith-origin or call 0808 192 0042.

ORIGIN’S SOLUTION TO STANDING OUT FROM THE CROWD

Customers are clearer than ever on their expectations when purchasing a property, no matter whether it’s for residential or commercial purposes. Now, more than ever, professional builders need to offer something different to stand out from the crowd, especially in a competitive market.

The Soho External Door

Prospective buyers are looking for three things: quality, service and aesthetics. Our latest launch, the Soho External Door, encapsulates all these elements. The new exterior door is a bi-fold, French and single door system designed for the modern era. It not only boasts steel-look glazing bars and ultra-slim sightlines, but it is already 2025 Future Homes compliant.

Designed by Origin’s in-house R&D team and handcrafted in the UK to exact specifications, this exterior door supports professional housebuilders in attracting high-end clients with its sleek look, giving any property a high-quality superior feel.

Tailored Aesthetics

Responding to trends is important for anyone looking to attract new clients and grow their business in 2024. The Soho External Door imitates modern style preferences with fully bespoke glazing bar configurations. This offers flexibility when creating a specific look for a property. To create a heritage look, customers can specify more glazing bars, or for an industrial, steel look, clients can opt for fewer. What’s more, the new exterior door can be specified as a bi-fold, French or Single door.

Robust Durability

As with all of our products, the Soho External Door is engineered from the highest-grade aluminium to support large expanses of glass. With ultra-slim sightlines of just 36mm, the door allows a natural stream of light into a property, creating a seamless connection between interior

and exterior spaces. Known for being strong yet lightweight, the aluminium door creates a sleek silhouette, which is perfect for modern preferences while also being durable and hard-wearing.

Peace of Mind

It’s vital to property owners that they have peace of mind when it comes to security. Statement glazed doors shouldn’t compromise on security. The new door utilises our own 8-point locking system alongside a 3-Star British Standard Kitemark locking barrel. These are proven to protect against snapping, picking, drilling, and bumping, offering a defence that is second to none, as well as complying to PAS 24:2022.

Energy Efficient

The door not only looks timeless, but it’s engineered to meet the stringent demands of the UK market. Complying with 2025 Future Homes Standard a year early, the door offers superior U-Values as low as 0.8 W/m2K. With energy bills remaining a concern for all property owners, it’s superior weathertight seals further guarantee properties are protected against the elements and maintain comfortable interior temperatures all yearround.

Don’t get left behind. Stand out from your competition and futureproof your business by partnering with Origin today. Call 0808 192 0042 or visit origin-global.com/partner-withorigin

REVIEW: ORIGIN OI30 ALUMINIUM

INTERNAL DOORS

If you follow me on social media you will know how much I love these doors. We sell and install them at our place nearly every week and I think the upside potential to this product is absolutely massive.

So I thought now would be an ideal time to actually do a review on this killer product.

Origin OI30 – what you need to know

Before I wax lyrical about what I think about these, here are some of the main bullet points you should know about this product:

• first launched in Black, now available in more than 150 colours – matching the same offering on their other products

• available in fixed screens, corner sections, single doors and double doors

• 4mm, 6mm and 6.8mm glazing options

• three ranges of handles: standard, contemporary, knurled

• available with or without an outer frame

• available with or without kick plates and bottom panels

• option to have latch and key locking where needed

You can download the full technical manual on the range by clicking here.

By far Black is the most popular. In fact I have only quoted ONE door that has not been Black. It was Oyster White I believe. But Black works in most settings and it the colour that is most associated with the classical steel-look that is very much back in fashion both in interior design and for external windows and doors as well.

Solid build quality

These things aren’t cheap, and they’re not meant to be. These internal doors are designed to create a statement inside a house and is leagues above any off-the-shelf standard internal door type product. So, for the money you and the end user will pay, you would hope that the quality and build reflects the price point.

It does. Once glazed these frames are solid and when they are installed they open and close with a reassuringly solid click. I did mention in the bullet points that the Origin OI30 internal doors come with three glazing options. We chose to go for the 6mm toughened option. Mainly because, having kids of my own and a busy house, that extra protection for the glazing may well come in handy more than you think, and it raises the overall weight and feel just that bit higher.

Another, perhaps less intended but certainly positive point is

that homeowners are coming back to me saying that these are good for blocking out noise. I personally don’t use that as a USP as these doors are not specifically noisereduction internal doors. But this does appear to be a happy coincidence.

The handles also deliver on style and quality. I personally prefer the Knurled style handles to the rest as I think it provides a small bit of additional contrast to the minimalist frames. However we do sell a lot of the standard shape handles which come in Black and seem to be popular due to their simple design. I like the Contemporary range as well but find the grip not as comfortable as the Knurled or standard handles.

The Origin OI30 internal doors do come with door stops as additional items and also has a keep which can be installed into the floor to allow the bottom shoot bolt on double doors to be engaged. However, drawing on my experience in selling these so far, almost no one chooses to have either as a lot of the time these are going into renovation projects with new floors and I don’t think clients fancy the idea of drilling holes into expensive new floors to have a door stop as a potential toe-stubbing tool.

Creating the steel-look

The heritage, steel-look is very much back with a bang and is one of the reasons why the Origin OI30 internal doors are so popular. They have very thin frames and in Black do a very good job in creating the steel look that was born in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Although it is a style that has never really fallen out of fashion, the power of social media is certainly turbo-

charging their resurgence and I expect that trend to continue for the next few years and even longer than that.

Although the popular option is to have two or three horizontal splits across the doors, you can add more and add vertical splits as well to really go for the steel bar effect. It is worth noting that the more splits you have the less glazing there will be so therefore less light. One of the benefits of these doors is to allow light to flow between rooms.

What I have also found is homeowners are using these doors to put back in barriers to open-plan living spaces. I sense that we are now comfortable past the large open-plan phase of interior design, with homeowners wishing to close off spaces to make them feel cosier. What these doors do allow though is to move between open and closed spaces on demand. For example, if you are entertaining and have friends and family round and you need that space again, you can just throw the doors open and you go from divided space to open space again. Even when closed, the glazing does allow for a more open feel than a regular timber internal door does.

Gallery

Here are some handpicked examples of some of our own recent installations. I particularly like the single door with side and top panel as well as the 3m wide double doors and side panels used as a screen:

Areas to update

As with all things in life, improvements can be made. There are a couple of updates

I would love to see added to this range over time. The first is to produce a fire rated option of this door. At the moment the internal doors are not fire rated, but as they become increasingly popular, and they will, the demand for fire rated internal aluminium doors will rise. These will need to be used on renovation projects such as loft conversions/extensions.

The second is to incorporate some more design options. I am seeing a rapid increase in dedicated internal door companies and they are offering different design options. I think if Origin were to add a fire door option and allow for more designs, they could corner a very wide portion of the market. The way they market their brand and operate the website as a lead generator means they have significant brand power, and ticking off these two small boxes would give them additional fire power.

Future potential

I strongly believe that the demand for steel-look aluminium internal doors is only going one way and that is up, and fast. We have noticed a huge increase in our area for these doors and social media is doing a very effective job in driving that demand.

For anyone who follows home improvement accounts on Instagram or Pinterest I can guarantee you will have seen these doors in plenty of homes and that is helping to educate the wider public online about the availability of these fantastic doors.

If you are an installer and looking to add new revenue streams to your business in these tough times, this is a very profitable one to look at. The doors are simple to install, often within an hour once you have a few under your belt. They command good margins and they are designed so well they pretty much sell themselves. This is a quick and readily available opportunity and I would urge installers to take a serious look at them.

Find out more about Origin OI30 internal doors: https:// origin-global.com/internaldoors

JFP NAMED MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR AT MADE IN YORKSHIRE AWARDS

John Fredericks (JFP) joined other leading lights of the region’s manufacturing industry at Insider’s 2024 Made in Yorkshire Awards – and walked off with the prize for Manufacturer of the Year.

Held at New Dock Hall at Royal Armouries in Leeds, and compèred by television presenter, journalist and newsreader Sameena Ali-Khan, the event celebrated the world-class companies in Yorkshire and the Humber, along with the products they are making and selling across the world.

JFP, the Huddersfield-based window and door manufacturer, received praise from the judges for its commitment to ongoing investment in its people and facilities, leading to significant growth.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have been named Manufacturer of the Year,” said Mark Dicconson, Managing Director of John Fredericks. “This is a true testament to the whole JFP team, along with continued loyalty and support from all our customers. It’s that combination that makes us the success we are today.

“We are very proud of this achievement. As a company, we’ve been trading continuously for more than 53 years and throughout that time we’ve constantly strived to provide our customers with the very best products and exceptional service.

“With plans for continued investment in machinery and our people in the pipeline, we’ve got more exciting times ahead. Watch this space!”

This latest recognition comes after being named SME of the Year at the annual Business for Calderdale Awards in October last year.

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

REVAMPED PRODUCTION WITH FULLY AUTOMATED LINE

John Fredericks Plastics (JFP) has revamped its production facility with a state-of-theart, fully automated frame welding and corner cleaning line, enabling them to service customer demand with even greater efficiency.

The award-winning Huddersfield-based window and door manufacturer has invested significantly to further improve quality. The new line has also sped up fabrication, increased capacity, and optimised workforce structure. Trading continuously for more than 53 years, JFP has a long history of continuous investment to stay ahead of the curve of product development, providing customers with the very best choice and outstanding service.

“We’ve always prided ourselves here on looking ahead and being proactive rather than reactive,” said Mark Dicconson, Managing Director of JFP. “We’ve seen an increase in demand for foiled products and this is only going to continue to rise, so we’ve made this latest manufacturing upgrade in advance of this.

“The set up is really, really impressive, with the most advanced machine available. We’ve now got an URBAN SV 800 automatic corner cleaner fed by two URBAN AKS 6600 8-headed welders, all on a fully automated conveyor system, along with a transfer table and cooling racks for foiled products.

“Operating through barcode recognition, the system has been designed to recognise different profiles, whether foiled or not, and automatically enter the profile size, thus removing the chance of human error. This enables absolute accuracy and consistency, and increases output.

“This is in addition to the SV 800 automated sash line we installed in April 2023, which increased our efficiencies by almost 50 percent and enabled us to produce an additional 100 frames per day!”

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

Read more about John Fredericks: https:// www.doubleglazingblogger.com/johnfredericks/

EUROCELL OPENS WEMBLEY BRANCH TO KICK START NEXT PHASE OF NETWORK GROWTH

Eurocell has opened the doors to a new branch and trade counter in Wembley, which marks the start of its new 5 year growth strategy.

Eurocell Wembley is part of a network of more than 210 from the home improvement specialist in the UK, with a further 9 branches expected to open in 2024.

The new branch, officially opened on 29 April, will be a one-stop-shop for home additions and building products for trade professionals looking for PVC-U windows and doors, composite doors, roofline solutions, outdoor living products including garden rooms, composite decking, fencing, and much more.

Speaking on the growth of its network, Eurocell CEO, Darren Waters said; “Eurocell Wembley marks the beginning of the next phase of expansion for our branch network, as we look to locations where we are not currently represented.

“Our branches have been servicing the trade since 1995, and our national reputation for product and service excellence is now second to none. We have a great proposition that we are looking forward to rolling out further, to service the growing needs of trade professionals with quality products from the UK’s number one brand.

“The Wembley branch looks fantastic and I know our specialist trade counter staff are looking forward to welcoming new customers, and providing them with the support and advice that they need to service their clients’ home improvement projects. We’re looking forward to announcing further branch openings in the second half of this year.”

Inside Eurocell Wembley, visitors will discover a vast array of PVC-U products, available for immediate collection. It will also offer everything from Fascia Boards, Soffit Boards, Guttering, and Cladding to Conservatory Roofs, Solid Conservatory Roofs, Skypod Lantern Roofs and a complete range of silicones and sealants, fixings, and tools.

Experienced branch manager Katie Skarratts will oversee the team. Speaking on the opening, she said: “We are excited to welcome the trade community from in and around Wembley. We have been busy getting the branch ready and it will be well stocked with our range of home improvement and building products including our improved window and door ranges.”

For more information about Eurocell Wembley, visit: https://www.eurocell.co.uk/ branch-finder/wembley

(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.

GOOGLE TRENDS DATA SHOWS SEARCH DATA AT 2016 LEVELS

Back in COVID times (remember that?) much of the industry lauded Google Trends as an indicator as to how the market was performing. Indeed, data from Google Trends for search terms like “patio door” or “French doors” showed that there was a significant spike in interest as we were all spending a lot more time at home and people wanted to make the most of their outdoor space.

That seems a long time ago now and we are all well aware our fortunes have spun just as quickly into reverse. I plugged in those same search terms the industry used to quantify it’s trajectory and the results are pretty clear.

Below pre-pandemic levels

Using Google Trends, I used the following four terms:

• Patio doors

• French doors

• Sliding doors

• Bifold doors

A lot of people still refer to sliding doors as patio doors so I included both terms to get as broad a picture as possible. I took the timescale back to when data was first collected by Google to give the fullest picture. This is what they came back with:

The peak couple of years post-lockdown are obvious to see. Then you can see a persistent slowdown in search traffic as more of the economy opened up, inflation and then interest rates began to bite and people restricted their spending once again.

If you trace where we are today back to find the same levels of search interest it will take you back to 2016 which is well below pre-pandemic levels and back to the Brexit referendum. If you cast your minds back to when that particular event happened it caused a dip in business activity levels in the aftermath of the vote.

My own personal view is that it feels very much like the wilderness years post-2008 and the financial crisis. Speaking with an industry connection last week they too

compared the current climate to that of the period of austerity that followed the financial crisis, with the number of company bankruptcies also showing similarities to that period of time.

for two years on the trot. Times were good. But it raised the bar and it meant that there suddenly bigger mouths to feed. Then inflation came and people started to pause their haste to spend. Then higher interest

Bigger mouths to feed

If we are looking at signs of interest in our products being at 2016 levels, then that is going to be a problem. COVID was actually a boost for our sector. The cash that landed in people’s pockets due to furlough and vacation refunds was spent, in large part, on home improvements as these were the only sectors able to open while many were closed. We all remember the massive strain our supply chain was under as people rushed to spend their money on new windows and doors and all things home improvements.

It caused the size of companies to grow in all parts of the supply chain. Extra staff were hired, new storage facilities were bought or rented, machinery was purchased to make more frames per week, wages rose to keep existing talent and attract new key people. A lot of companies had record years

followed to try and kill inflation which in turn depressed the economy and brought things back down to earth with a bump. Larger companies need that continuous flow of revenue to maintain the new heights they scaled.

As we well know, that demand has melted away very swiftly and the companies that took on debt to facilitate that growth are finding keeping the lights on hard work. As the saying goes: Only when the tide goes out do you learn who has been swimming naked.

Turns out there’s quite a lot of naked going on, and if the Google Trends data is any kind of semi-accurate indicator, we’re going to be partying like its 2010, which will be less party and more like an afternoon trip to Blackpool in the middle of November.

INTRODUCING FREEFOAM’S NEW RANGE OF PVC WINDOW ACCESSORIES

Freefoam Building Products, a leading manufacturer in the PVC extrusion sector, is delighted to announce the launch of its newest line of PVC window accessories. This investment will significantly enhance our Window Trim offering and give Freefoam customers a comprehensive suite of trims to service the window installation market.

The new range comprises a new 12mm quadrant, a new 25mm Square trim and a new 28mm Fillet, all offering the perfect solution for a neat and professional finish to any window or door installation.

Designed with meticulous attention

to detail and crafted from high-quality materials, our new range of PVC window accessories is the perfect complement to any residential or commercial project.

Freefoam recognise the strength and popularity of colour in the Window and Door sector. The new range is available in a wide range of colour options designed to match and complement and is suitable in a variety of situations, both traditional and contemporary homes.

Freefoam have always been at the heart of the roofline sector offering an outstanding market leading range of fascia, soffit and gutter products.

These new additions to the existing Window Trim range re-position Freefoam as a leading manufacturer, and opens up new opportunities for PVC suppliers.

Key features of our new PVC window accessories include:

• Versatility: Our accessories are designed to fit a wide range of PVC window profiles, ensuring compatibility and ease of installation.

• Durability: Built to withstand the elements, our accessories are engineered for long-lasting performance, providing years of reliable service.

• Aesthetic Appeal: With stylish

designs and colour options, our accessories add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any window installation.

“We are thrilled to introduce our new range of PVC window accessories to the market,” said Colin St John, Commercial Director “With these new additions to our Window Trim range, we aim to provide our customers with a comprehensive choice of high quality products, allowing them to meet the needs of Home Improvement, Window and Door installation companies. ”

Web: https://freefoam.com/ professional

IS THIS THE END OF THE NATIONAL INSTALLER MODEL?

Safestyle are gone, with the brand and order book swallowed up by Anglian. Everest, as of last week, are now in administration, with buyers sought for the ailing company and hundreds of jobs on the line.

There has been a plethora of bankruptcies over the past few weeks and months, to the point where it’s been hard to keep pace with the rapidly changing landscape. It has been across the board, with installers and suppliers being hit as hard as each other.

But one thing that most of these administrations have in common is the business model. Companies that rely on mass volume at low margins. It’s a risky strategy in a subdued market, and so we have seen the results.

With only one last household installer name left, Anglian, are we now looking at the end of the national installer business model?

Big mouths to feed

National installers of windows and doors have been around for decades. Anglian and Everest are and were both over 50 years old. They were household names in an industry that at that time was just about getting to grips with PVCu windows. Everest was perhaps the one with the strongest brand recognition at the time, and even those that were not born then will remember the Ted Moult adverts, especially the one at the Tan Hill Inn:

YOUTUBE VIDEO: Everest’s Original Tan Hill Inn TV Adverthttps://youtu.be/ MBPWJfq4dDA

At the time, PVCu was taking off in a huge way, and punted aluminium and timber windows to the back burner. PVCu quickly became the primary material choice for homeowners, and so the likes of Anglian and Everest, as well as others, boomed. Then Safestyle came along and joined the White Gold era which made a generation of people in fenestration very wealthy indeed.

These companies became big beasts. However big beasts require a lot of intake to keep them fed and functional. And as with all things, change stops for no one. But the methods of national installers did not. Hardselling, door canvassing and aggressive sales tactics remained even whilst the general public became wise to their methods and were vastly more educated than previous generations of customers thanks to the internet. So whilst smaller to medium sized firms adapted and changed, the largest, like huge shipping vessels, continued on their immovable path.

And so what many thought would always happen, happened. Last October we saw the demise of Safestyle UK, with the loss of hundreds of jobs and the order book and brand being bought by Anglian. Now, just six months on, Everest have fallen to the same fate. Both companies running out of cash in a tough market operating a model that was not fit for the times. What happens to the order book of Everest remains to be see, but we are now down to one of three household name brands.

https://youtu.be/MBPWJfq4dDAhttps:// youtu.be/MBPWJfq4dD

COVID shakedown

They say it takes a good crisis or recession to shake off the deadwood. It appears we are seeing the same thing happen right now. The industry exploded with demand as the first lockdown ended. As a result, everyone grew at rates few had ever seen before. Then hyper-inflation struck and a few months later began an 18 month cycle which saw rampant price increases across the board. The country as a whole saw inflation rise rapidly, which walloped everyone.

And then the inevitable slowdown came, and as the shore went back out we would see who was wearing swim shorts, or however that saying goes. Turns out, quite a few were caught short and what we are seeing play out right now is the hangover of that boom.

As for the nationals, the bigger they are the more volume they need to keep their lowmargin models afloat. They never changed. Their entire business was based on selling mass volume at low margins with a view to beating others on price. That can only work in an affluent market, which we certainly are not at the moment. Then factor in higher production costs, higher labour costs, higher transport costs etc and you find yourself quickly running out of cash. If you cannot continue to feed the beast, then that beast dies.

That is why smaller to medium sized firms manage turbulent times better. They are quicker to adapt, change/add products to their portfolio, update business models and generally do the things required at pace to accommodate the moving market. In times

like these, the smaller you are generally the better you fare.

For me, the national model is firmly a thing of the past. First, their sales methods are archaic and a good portion of the general public do not want to be sold to in that manner. They’re far more educated and do their research before they approach companies for quotes. Drop closes in the home after 5 hours of demonstration has to be confined to history. Second, mass volume in a stagnant economy just does not work for installers. There are far too many overheads, which have only become more expensive over the last few years. Those models should have switched to a digitalfirst channel, focusing on the quality of the product and service. Something smaller firms can do better. Third is the marketing itself. I have not seen a good TV advert for double glazing ever – stop wasting money on TV ads. The generation you want to buy windows doesn’t watch anywhere near as much TV as you’d think, and they skip past the ads! We are very much in a digital age and both Everest and Safestyle should have committed fully to becoming more streamlined and adapting their businesses to the digital age.

Once the industry carnage is over and the number of companies is smaller at the end of this year than we started with, we are going to see a brilliant opportunity for high quality, smaller firms make the most of the newly available market share. The massvolume, low margin national installer model is no longer viable in my opinion and what we are most likely seeing are the final days of this era of our sector.

THE CORNERSTONE OF TRUST: WHY QUALITY

MANUFACTURING MATTERS

As the industry strives to meet the evergrowing demand for high-performance solutions, Premier Arches recognises that exceptional manufacturing quality is no longer a nicety, it’s the cornerstone of success. We speak to Managing Director Sean Greenall…

The UK fenestration industry plays a pivotal role in shaping the built environment. With a growing emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency, and occupant wellbeing, the demand for high-performance solutions is reaching unprecedented levels, and in this dynamic landscape, quality manufacturing has become more crucial than ever.

Beyond aesthetics, meticulous production processes ensure components meet stringent performance criteria, contributing to energy-efficient buildings, occupant comfort, and ultimately, a more sustainable future for the construction sector.

At Premier Arches, exceptional manufacturing quality is the cornerstone of everything we do.

We simply refuse to send products to our customers that are not manufactured to an exceptional standard. This philosophy isn’t just a management decision, but a cultural principle deeply ingrained in our entire manufacturing team of over 20 skilled professionals.

Achieving flawless results

At Premier Arches, we prioritise exceptional quality from the very beginning. Our fabricators undergo a rigorous training programme, ensuring they possess the expertise required to work with complex arched and angled profiles. This translates to flawless results in every frame we produce.

Meticulous quality control is also paramount in our manufacturing process. Every frame undergoes a thorough inspection before it leaves our facility. This robust process leaves no room for error, guaranteeing that

all our products meet the highest standards.

While efficiency is important, it never comes at the expense of quality at Premier Arches. Our company culture prioritises meticulous craftsmanship over rushed production, ensuring every frame we build is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also built to last.

Finally, we understand that the right equipment makes all the difference. That’s why we invest in state-of-the-art machinery and tooling specifically designed for working with arched and angled profiles. This guarantees precise fabrication and consistent results in every single frame we produce.

Empower your business with exceptional quality

In today’s competitive market, trust is paramount. By prioritising exceptional manufacturing, we offer fabricators and installers the confidence that they’re

receiving high-performance products built to the highest standards.

For fabricators, replicating the success they’ve achieved with square frames on arched projects often requires significant investment in specialised machinery and expertise. This lengthy and complex process might deter them from taking on lucrative bespoke jobs.

Premier Arches exists to bridge that gap by specialising in the “awkward products” others shy away from.

When it comes to arched and angled frames, exceptional manufacturing is the foundation for trust, performance, and a successful project.

At Premier Arches, we are committed to delivering exceptional quality in every product we produce, empowering our clients to confidently shape the future of sustainable architecture.

Visit www.premierarches.co.uk

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

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THE MAN BEHIND OMNIA

The designer behind OMNIA, the window system that will ‘set the standard for windows over the next 10 years’, has revealed it was customer feedback that drove him to create the revolutionary new system.

Phil Gregory, Design and Development Manager for VEKA plc, began visualising the system that would later become OMNIA when a customer challenged the finished look of her new windows.

“This particular customer had purchased flush-fitting windows, but as we all know, existing systems in the UK are only flush on the outside,” Phil said. “She told me she didn’t buy the windows for her neighbours, but for herself – so why weren’t they flush inside? The conversation stuck with me and was the inspiration behind OMNIA – it was our starting point.”

What followed was a three-year-long period of research and development which would result in the UK’s first double-rebated, double-flush system, which offers a

complete suite of design opportunities for casement windows, tilt and turn windows, residential and French doors using just nine different profiles. OMNIA also looks set to transform fabrication by offering the highest levels of technical performance, with a hidden co-extruded gasket system that is automatically mated with the extrusions during manufacture, meaning no more time-consuming fitting by hand.

Here, Phil talks through his backstory and that of OMNIA, the processes he and his team went through to create such gamechanging technology and shares the response from the industry so far.

A natural designer

Phil began his career in a window and door fabrication business at the age of 16. He then spent 12 years working for several PVCu fabricators in a variety of roles before joining a large composite door manufacturer, initially working within production, then progressing into a technical role.

Joining VEKA in 2013, his first position was as a Technical Support Officer providing technical support to internal and external customers and partners. Between dealing with enquiries, he was responsible for authoring and maintaining VEKA plc technical manuals and documents. However, product design was calling, appealing to Phil’s natural appreciation for aesthetic and function. It wasn’t long before he started to become more involved in the development of VEKA products – earning a role as Design Engineer, and eventually progressing to Design & Development Manager.

“I’ve always been appreciative of good design – not only in function but form also,” he said. “One detail of PVCu windows that I always found puzzling is how many aspects don’t line through – particularly sight lines on glazing – so I’d often be found looking at the dimensions of systems to see if you could produce them in new ways to improve this.

“I’m also really interested in modular design capability; products that work together

seamlessly in different ways to create new opportunities and outcomes, which is something that influenced me throughout the development of OMNIA.”

Belief in the concept

Following that influential customer interaction, Phil pulled together a small team of experts to come up with a new solution –one which would not only provide the industry with a double-flush system, but one which also eased the challenges of fabricators.

“We initially began looking at the next evolution of our systems in 2019, building a brief for what this solution could be,” he said. “In 2020, we began looking into trends and legislation to see what the future might hold for windows and doors, because we wanted to ensure longevity of the system – though changing standards are not easy to predict. In 2021 we presented our first concept for OMNIA to the board.

“One of the most important considerations was to produce a solution that could be integrated into any fabrication facility, including existing production methods and third-party products such as hardware. Once we had a concept we believed in, and which would achieve this, we began to involve more stakeholders to understand how OMNIA could benefit them. We sought their feedback and implemented it, to make sure the solution could work for as many people as possible.

“What we have created here is all you need, together in one place – for the first time in the industry, there is a full suite to make all the different window and door types. And they will all match in their appearance.”

Revolutionary design

The finished product from Phil and his team ticks the boxes of several other industry firsts.

As well as the automatically mated coextruded gasket system, OMNIA also supports various mechanical jointing techniques, including timber weld and VEKA’s patented, highly-cost effective ProJoin Gen 2 method. In practice, this means that recreating the look of a classic mortice and tenon joint is easy – ideal for when it comes to projects in conservation areas and the increasing demand for authentic detailing.

VEKA’s time tested profile details reduce bespoke tooling requirements – another big industry win – while for installers, the suite’s 70mm depth makes for an easy swap out of old units. Crucially, it offers full compliance with 2025 building regulations.

Harking back to his love of modular design, Phil said: “I have tried to incorporate as many common design facets in the range

as possible, as well as thinking about what could be added in the future, to create a wealth of different combinations, styles and solutions that give homeowners everything they need but also make life simple for the fabricator and installer.

“There have been challenges throughout this project, just as there always is in product development, but involving industry experts and sharing ideas and concepts along the way has been a huge benefit. Working collaboratively at every step means we’ve produced a solution that can be rolled out smoothly without barriers or surprises.”

Quantum leap

Described by VEKA as a ‘trailblazing, quantum leap in fabrication’, OMNIA has received a thoroughly positive response since its launch to the industry in April – something Phil anticipated but is nonetheless thrilled to see.

“We believed we had a good idea when we presented OMNIA for the first time, but the enthusiasm and belief we’re seeing today is overwhelming,” he said. “It makes me so pleased to know we worked on problems until we found solutions, to meet the high expectations that we put on ourselves.

“This has been the most challenging design project I have ever been involved in, but as we move into the next stages of the journey and launch into the market I – like many others who have been involved along the way – am excited to see the products installed, starting a new chapter in the range of systems, solutions, and services VEKA offers.

“We’ve built more than five decades of market-leading experience and expertise into OMNIA, and it is the right design at the right time.”

Read the review of OMNIA here: https://www.doubleglazingblogger.com/2024/04/ first-impressions-of-omnia-by-veka/

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