Fenestration Digital Edition 50 AUGUST

Hello and welcome to the August edition of Fenestration Digital!

As the summer begins to draw to a close, we will naturally begin to look towards the end of Q3 and the start of Q4 to see what the end of the year has in store.

If we are to see a return to normal, we should see the usual seasonal rise in sales as homeowners look to complete projects before the worst of the winter weather sets in. After what has been a very challenging year in some parts of our industry, we will hope that the period between September and November will be a strong one.

Elsewhere, we continue to see the industry innovate and bring new products to market in remarkably quick fashion. The race to provide new sales opportunities for installers and fabricators is perhaps the most energetic it has been for years, and it’s great to see!

We hope you enjoy this months issue!

Team Fenestration Digital

SHEERLINE CELEBRATES BEST OF GLASS AND GLAZING AS A MAIN SPONSOR OF G23 AWARDS IN NOVEMBER

Sheerline is delighted to be one of the main sponsors of the G23 Awards for the first time this year. The renowned industry awards celebrate the best of the glass and glazing industry and are taking place on Friday 24th November, at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

Well established within the industry, the annual awards are now in their 19th year and enable the glass and glazing community to display the breadth of innovation and success achieved across the whole industry. This is reflected in the range of categories open to submissions.

This includes Best Business Initiative of the Year, which is a new category for 2023, as well as Fabricator of the Year, Glass Company of the Year, Installer of the Year, and the Unsung Hero Award. The latter highlights the team member that goes the extra mile for their organisation.

To show just how much this person is appreciated, they will receive industry-wide

recognition as they collect their trophy on stage, plus a champagne lunch for two at Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill. To nominate an individual, all that’s required is 500 words outlining why he or she should win.

This year, the independent judging panel includes familiar faces from the Glass & Glazing Federation, RISA, and the Certass Trade Association.

Last year’s ceremony was hosted by comedian Hugh Dennis and included a collection for GM Fundraising and Hope House, which is an industry charity. Details about this year’s ceremony are being kept under wraps, but it is sure to be an unmissable event.

David Wigley, Head of Marketing for Garnalex and the Sheerline brand, said: “To be one of the main sponsors of the G23 Awards means we are directly supporting and rewarding those within the industry who are developing innovative solutions and challenging the bounds of what is possible. It is hugely rewarding for everyone within the Garnalex and Sheerline team.”

“Industry awards are extremely important. They shine a light on those who are going above and beyond, they recognise talent, exceptional performance, and the best in the industry. It is fantastic to be part of this – we’re very much looking forward to the ceremony in November and the opportunity to celebrate these achievements,” he added.

To find out more about the awards, visit the website here: https://g-awards.com/2023/ en/page/home or to find out more about Sheerline, visit this link: https://www. sheerline.com

autoLock AV4 & AV4 Heritage

The next generation of automatic door locking solutions

Introducing the new AV4 range of autoLocking solutions and the benefits they provide for modern entrance doors.

Precision engineered and manufactured in Germany with reduced operational force for ease of use, increased operational tolerances to eliminate issues with doors that warp, non-handed to simplify your ordering and inventory management, with the optional flexibility of day/night mode for re-entry off a latch.

Precisely what you would expect from a Winkhaus door locking system.

For further information please visit winkhaus.co.uk or contact marketing@winkhaus.co.uk

The VitrineAlu range of ALUNA Entrance doors encompasses flush & non-flush options, both available in a range of standard size options to suit a variety of openings.

Designed with flexibility in mind, the VitrineAlu style of door is complete with a range of colour, lock and accessory options, as well as optional top & side lights. Fully customisable to be configured and styled through a selection of standard sizing options up to 1100mm x 2200mm maximum.

From stainless steel pull bar handles, to lever handles, there is a wide variety of high-quality door furniture combinations to create the perfect finish for your door. With the stunning design options and excellent thermal efficiency, with U-values as low as 0.68 W/m2K, this style of door combines all the best features for a market-leading door.

Benefitting from the Winkhaus multi-point hook locking as standard, the door is packed with features and accessories for the ultimate security in any home. Option to upgrade to electronic lock with fingerprint reader GU SECURE connect, to ensure your home is as protected as possible.

EUROCELL RECYCLE TO EXHIBIT AT THE RESOURCE & WASTE MANAGEMENT EXPO

Eurocell Recycle are excited to announce that they will be exhibiting at the Resource & Waste Management Expo 2023. Highlighting their closed loop recycling process and how it keeps thousands of tonnes of PVC-U out of landfill every year, visit them on stand R-K212 to find out how Eurocell Recycle can help with your PVC-U waste.

Taking place on 13-14 September 2023, at the NEC, Birmingham, the Resource & Waste Management event is set to be bigger and better than ever; focussing on the circular economy, net-zero, and material processing solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.

Speaking ahead of the event Sandra Gaspar, Head of Materials Management at Eurocell Recycle said ‘We’re thrilled to meet this year’s visitors at the event. At Eurocell Recycle we are always looking for new ways to prevent post-industrial and post-consumer windows and door frames going to landfill. We work closely with Window Fabricators, Window’s installers, construction, commercial, refurbishment and social housing partners to ensure old PVC-U frames are recycled and reused, providing a proven structure and full traceability documents for all PVC-U removal projects. Come and speak to us on stand R-K212 to see how you can contribute to the PVC-U Circular Economy.’ As well as RWM, the show will be

bringing together the Contamination & Land Remediation Expo, Flood & Water Management Expo, and Energy, Fuels & Decarbonisation Expo under a brand-new umbrella event: the Environmental Services & Solutions Expo (ESS). The event will feature cutting-edge technologies and strategies in net-zero emissions, resource management, circular economy, water scarcity and management, biodiversity conservation, and environmental emergency response.

Attracting over 12,000 international visitors, the trade show unites industry pioneers, visionary entrepreneurs, and professionals to collaborate, learn, and inspire one another towards a greener future. Be part of the future of the waste, recycling, and resource sectors.

The Resource & Waste Management Expo is free to attend, and you can register for your ticket here: https://www.essexpo.co.uk/four-shows/rwm/?utm_ source=EXH23EUROCE

We look forward to welcoming you to what is sure to be the most comprehensive, thought-provoking, and valuable event in the waste, resource & recycling calendar. To find out more about the Resource & Waste Management Expo, visit the event website www.ess-expo.co.uk/rwm and keep up to date with event news and key insights.

Why fit BLU™

316 (A4) Stainless Steel Pull Handles?

y A Lifetime Guarantee to back-up your door’s guarantee

y Quicker to fit with only 2 fixing points

y Made from 316 (A4) Stainless Steel to withstand corrosion

y Higher strength and thicker inner wall to prevent handle bend

y Additional finishing processes ensure quality your customers can feel

y Suited range of door and window hardware

Take action now to give your doors the competitive edge and win more orders -

Email brooklyn.jenner@coastal-group.com

to ask about a sample for your showroom

Making Doors Special

A quaint chapel-turned-home in the market town of Cowbridge, South Wales, is now sporting REHAU’s energy efficient Rio Flush Fit windows, following bespoke fabrication from GRM Windows.

Situated in the Vale of Glamorgan and just 12 miles West of Cardiff, Cowbridge is characterised by its defensive walls and medieval look, and is home to many period stone-construction buildings, one such building is a former chapel that has since been turned into a home.

Keen on keeping as much of its look and historic appearance, the owner of the chapel-come-home had retained its distinct tall arched timber windows since purchase. However, being single-glazed, the 14 windows around the property were losing a lot of heat and not offering good thermal performance or energy efficiency. Upgrading to double glazed timber windows was not an option for the building given the unique dimensions of the window openings and the costs involved.

REHAU RIO FLUSH

To solve the challenge, one of the longest established window fabricators in South Wales, GRM Windows stepped in. Founded in 1979, the fabricator has been exclusively manufacturing REHAU’s windows for over 25 years.

Richard Gambling, Managing Director at GRM Windows offered up an innovative solution to the owner following a bespoke design, specification and testing phase, all 14 windows were replaced with REHAU’s Rio Flush Fit windows, finished in a ‘Pearl Grey’ grain foil in a fully welded system.

Speaking on the project, Richard said: “This chapel at Cowbridge was one of the most interesting and challenging projects we have had in our long history. There were many considerations we had to account for including the energy performance, security, aesthetics and unique dimensions of each window.

“We overcame all the hurdles thanks to REHAU’s Rio Flush Fit system, as well as the

CHAPEL HOME RENOVATION WITH FLUSH FIT WINDOWS

support and help we had from REHAU during the design phase. Without REHAU and their brilliant profiles, this project would not have worked.”

To meet the design needs, all windows were foiled and then delivered to GRM Windows factory to be manufactured into the unique arched style with the use of a specialist welding firm.

Additionally, the casement windows all achieved the highest BSI weathertightness ratings for wind, air and water, BSI KM 13358 - BS EN 12608 (BS7412), with U-values between 1.4 – 1.6 W/M2K.

Steve Tonkiss, Head of Sales South for REHAU’s Windows Division, supported Richard throughout the project. On the success of the project, Steve said: “When Richard approached us to look into this lovely period property at Cowbridge, we were absolutely delighted. It is not often that we get the chance to make a difference to these historic buildings, but we were able to meet Richard’s client’s brief exactly with the Rio Flush Fit system.

“With the new windows, the owner can now benefit from better heat retention and spend less on energy, to lock the heat in the building. Not only that, but they are also virtually maintenance-free, preserving the building’s fantastic exterior, while being safe and secure too.”

For more about REHAU’s Rio Flush Fit windows, click here.

GQA Qualifications is a multi-industry awarding body writing vocational based qualifications to support a wide range of career paths.

Accredited training leading to qualifications

If you are looking to retrain for a new career, or looking to develop your skills to open up opportunities why not consider practical training in window and door installation

Learn about Building Regulations, working safely on site, how to remove windows and doors from buildings and replace with new ones

All courses fully accredited and could contribute towards NVQ Qualifications

With further assessment and achievement, successful candidates can go forward to achieve CSCS Cards to enable them to work safely on site

Training delivered in Sheffield in a fully Covid secure environment

For more information on training contact sayhello@buildingourskills.co.uk

For more information on vocational qualifications and CSCS cards contact info@gqaqualifications.com

www.gqaqualifications.com

SHEPLEY WINDOWS AND REHAU

LTD. CELEBRATE 15-YEAR

PARTNERSHIP WITH RIO FLUSH FIT WINDOWS LAUNCH

Based in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester, fabricator Shepley Windows celebrates its 15-year anniversary with leading polymer supplier REHAU by introducing the industry-leading Rio Flush Fit Window to its portfolio.

Since the start of the partnership in 2008, REHAU has proudly stood as Shepley Windows sole supplier of window profiles, continuing to grow together and distributing the highest quality solutions, with the fabricator introducing REHAU’s Rio Flush Fit Window range, featuring brand new colours and finishes.

Supplying from as far north as York and as south to Cornwall, Shepley fabricates over 2,000 frames every week across two sites, including standard casements, heritage, tilt and turn and flush sash windows. Tony Ball, who previously served as REHAU’s Sales Manager for 14 years and who is now the Sales Director at Shepley Windows, said: “The working relationship of the partnership has been incredibly fruitful, constantly enhancing our portfolio with new products. Our partners at REHAU have been supporting our expansion into the commercial sector, providing insightful advice and assistance underpinning our growth.”

To celebrate the anniversary, Shepley is launching an extensive six-month marketing campaign to showcase the Rio products, allowing customers to get familiar with the range, its benefits and aesthetics. Rio Flush Fit Windows are specifically designed so that the opening sash of the window sits flush with the outer frame, giving a unique sleek and seamless appearance.

On the decision to change to fabricating the Rio range, Tony commented:

“We are seeing customers asking for unique and efficient windows, more and more, and REHAU’s Rio range allows us to tap into this trend perfectly. We can manufacture mechanical joints as well as welded joints, and together with different colour options and finishes this means there is a choice of style for everyone.

The Turner Oak finish is particularly striking as it means customers can retain the traditional timber look, while also benefitting from better heat retention, noise reduction, durability and being virtually maintenance free. The upcoming launch of REHAU’s Rio range is set to be a swift and efficient ‘switch off-switch on’ changeover. The upgraded technology will be brought back into the manufacturing process, ready to start production from 10th July.

Looking to enhance the experience, Shepley has redesigned the packaging for Rio, ensuring that each window arrives in faultless condition, ready to transform buildings.

Shepley is looking forward to the integration of REHAU’s Rio range, recognising its potential to expand in the window industry. REHAU is dedicated to delivering exceptional products and services, and our partnership with them reinforces Shepley’s position as a leader in the market. With the July launch on the horizon, customers can look forward to experiencing the benefits of the Rio range and the continued commitment to excellence in the window and door manufacturing industry”, concludes Tony.

Rob Horton, Director at Horton Building Plastics and one of Shepley’s most significant customers, has been using its services since 2017. “It is the customer service that sets Shepley apart, as they are always happy to jump in and action operations quicky. Between Shepley and REHAU, they have provided us with the best systems on the market matched with the best aftersales support”.

For more information about the Rio range click here.

MORLEY GLASS HELPS INSTALLERS ‘SWITCH ON’ TO SMART GLASS SALES OPPORTUNITIES

The new Uni-Switch® switchable glass product from Morley Glass will help installers unlock sales potential with customers looking for premium window and door privacy solutions according to the company’s MD Ian Short.

Switchable smart glass may be one of the latest technology-driven products for windows and doors of all types but, until now, it has been a very niche purchase. This has largely been due to the product’s often complicated supply chain and lengthy lead times, which has made sourcing it problematic for installers.

With the launch of Uni-Switch®, Morley Glass is hoping to change that, with a superior switchable glass product available

in a lead time of just 15 working days. The company believes there is fantastic growth potential for switchable glass at the top end of the market, chiefly because it matches the ambitions of customers who are seeking the highest quality, most technically advanced windows and doors. And there is a growing demand in the commercial market too, given how switchable glass is ideally suited to interior glass elements like partitions and doors in offices, healthcare facilities, schools, colleges, universities, leisure facilities and hotels.

Uni-Switch® switchable glass uses an electrical current, which is passed through a thin film applied to the inner pane of

laminated glass, to change its appearance from opaque when the power is off, to transparent when the electricity supply is switched on.

It is very straightforward to install, and it can be used for everything from a standard casement or French doors, to vertically sliding sashes, bi-fold doors and rooflights. The glass remains highly transparent with a light transmission level of over 78%, with the lowest angle haze, and 99.9% of harmful UV rays are blocked.

The film is highly configurable too, including being available in 12 different colours and shades. This unlocks amazing creative potential as logos can be incorporated into the film so they are visible as required, and differences in the opaqueness can be achieved – for example, the film could be applied to just one half of the glass pane or applied to reveal shapes such as stripes or circles.

Ian Short said: “The reaction that UniSwitch® received when it debuted at the FIT Show in May was incredible. We’ve taken time to get the right system in place, and to set up our business in a way that

makes pricing and sourcing the product very straightforward for our customers – that’s going to make it easy for installers to buy the system from us.”

Uni-Switch® also overcomes one of the main technical challenges associated with many other switchable smart glass systems – the level of electrical current. Switchable glass usually works using a 110V current, whereas the Morley Glass product requires only 40V. One of the main benefits that results from the ‘low voltage’ is that it allows switchable smart glass to be incorporated into bi-fold doors more easily. Visual clarity is optimised through the use of low-iron glass and the product can be incorporated into double and triple glazed units without compromising other important performance criteria – such as the highest levels of thermal insulation and advanced solar control in sunny aspects.

Morley Glass offers full technical support and installation guidance for Uni-Switch®, in line with all its integral blind systems, along with world-class aftersales service.

Find out more at www.morleyglass.co.uk.

MARKETING AWARD FOR ‘BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA’

Leading integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass has been recognised for the creativity and effectiveness of its social media campaign in the run up to, during and after the 2023 FIT Show by picking up a highly sought-after industry award.

The company has been named the winner of the award for ‘Best Use of Social Media’ in this year’s FIT Show Marketing Awards, a programme designed to acknowledge and celebrate the very best of the fenestration sector’s marketing efforts aligned to the event. As winners are selected by a judging panel of industry professionals, every FIT Show Marketing Awards trophy is greatly respected, particularly given the number of high calibre entries that are submitted every year.

The social media campaign undertook by Morley Glass for the 2023 FIT Show spanned multiple platforms to ensure there was an opportunity for people across the industry, at all levels, to find out about its presence at the show and register for VIP tickets. From LinkedIn and Twitter to Facebook and Instagram, consistent messaging and creative posts gave thousands of people the chance to engage with the company and explore more about the show.

It was a strategy underpinned by many months of work behind the scenes in the months prior to the show to coordinate the launch of several new products at the NEC. These included its new switchable glass system, Uni-Switch®, and an integrated blackout blind for flat glass rooflights, which were ultimately the company’s showstoppers.

Charlotte Gilbert, Marketing Assistant at Morley Glass said: “This year’s FIT Show was an amazing experience all-round that left us all buzzing for weeks after, so to win this award for best use of social media is absolutely fantastic! Being recognised by our industry peers in this way confirms that our hard work, creativity and consistency of messaging was the right approach, and this was reflected in the high levels of engagement we saw.”

A major focus for the Morley Glass team was to register as many visitors as possible via its unique URL, which resulted in a conversion rate of 51% from registered contacts to attendees – more than any other exhibitor. But its FIT Show marketing campaign was not only about social media – the company also supported the PIGS networking event and the show itself through sponsorship, as well as running an extensive advertising and PR campaign.

MD of Morley Glass, Ian Short, added:

“We’re delighted to win this award, which really is the icing on the cake of what was an amazing experience – and perfect to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our business. The show was our busiest yet and the ideal platform to launch our new products – and we are already looking forward to being able to do this all again when the show returns in 2025!”

Morley Glass is the UK’s largest manufacturer of bespoke ScreenLine® integral blinds which go into every Uni-Blinds® Venetian or pleated unit. These are all handmade at its Leeds factory from where it supplies products to installers across the country with complimentary delivery in the shortest lead times available – as little as 10-12 days when ordered by 10am on Thursdays. Find out more at www.morleyglass.co.uk.

WINKHAUS AUTOLOCK AV4 RANGE LAUNCH: SECURE, CONVENIENT & SMART

Since Winkhaus introduced the first hooked autoLock almost 20 years ago, our AV autoLocking range has delivered an innovation timeline of industry firsts. The new autoLock AV4 is no exception and continues to innovate, introducing a host of new features and improvements suitable for multiple markets and applications.

Mike Rushen Winkhaus UK Sales Director

– “We introduced AV4 at the FIT Show in May to significant interest from across the industry. AV4’s wider installation tolerances and lower operating forces are going to provide immediate and long term benefits for fabricators, reducing the need to revisit sites due to warping doors. The introduction of Smart control and notifications via the Winkhaus doorControl application and blueMatic EAV4+ motor are further enhancements to look forward to later this year”.

The autolock AV4 range consists of the AV4, AV4 Heritage, blueMatic EAV4 and blueMatic EAV4+ motors and the Winkhaus doorControl application. The new AV4 product family is available in a range of backsets and faceplate sizes including U-rail, providing suitability for all door constructions. The autoLock AV4 is an automatic multi-point locking system which locks automatically when you pull the door closed, without the need to lift a handle or use a key.

autoLock AV4 benefits: All important aspects at a glance

• Widest installation tolerances

With an optimised hook design, the autoLock AV4 has the widest installation tolerances, reducing the need to adjust the lock through the life of a door, saving time and money.

• Lowest operating forces With 40% lower operating forces than the market leading AV2.

• Non-handed Being a nonhanded lock, autoLock AV4 simplifies your ordering, manufacturing and inventory process with

50% reduction in parts.

• Solid anti-push back hooks The door locking system features two solid hooks which throw automatically when the door is closed, ensuring complete engagement of the hook and security against the lock being pushed back as proven by PAS24.

• Central magnetic trigger Located in the central position, the magnet activates the trigger once the door is fully closed which reduces the risk of damage to the door frame.

• Heavy duty steel keeps Heavy duty keeps manufactured using high grade steel, plated to comply with EN1670 Grade 5, very high corrosion resistance.

• TaFa – the innovative daytime latch The innovative daytime latch allows you to open the door from the outside without the use of a key. Single hand actuation for flexible entry is useful when instant access is needed over a short period of time.

autoLock AV4 Heritage

The autoLock AV4 Heritage is a modern multi-point locking system with a heritage cylinder position comparable to a tradition

blueMatic EAV4 & EAV4+ Motors

The autoLock AV4 & AV4 Heritage can be upgraded to a motorised door locking system using a blueMatic EAV4 motor or blueMatic EAV4+ motor; perfect for those who want to enjoy increased flexibility and features in addition to the all the benefits an autoLocking system provides. The EAV4+ motor works in conjunction with the Winkhaus doorControl application to enable Smart control, notifications and privacy options for your autoLock AV4 and EAV4+ motor through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (LAN) connection.

autoLock AV4 range meets the requirements of the PAS24 standard and is approved by the Police ‘Secured by Design’ security initiative. The autoLock AV4 is suitable for Composite, Timber, Aluminium and UPVC doors.

SLIM AND SLIMMER

Hardware manufacturer, VBH, has announced that its popular range of greenteQ Clearspan hardware for aluminium bi-fold doors has been expanded further.

Clearspan is part of VBH’s Lifestyle range, which includes hardware systems for bifold, lift/slide, inline sliding and tilt/slide doors.

In its standard form, Clearspan is a slim hardware system that is currently available to suit many of the leading aluminium profile systems.

The addition of the Altro variant means that many fabricators and installers now have access to an even slimmer hardware option.

Altro works in conjunction with the existing Clearspan locks and magnetic catches, as well as Alpha, Securifold and Coastline handle options for the passage door and a choice of Aspire, Centrefold and Slimfold handles for the intermediate

locking points.

Although Altro’s hinges and running gear are slimmer, VBH advise that, at 120KG per sash, the weight capacity is the same as that of the standard system.

Dan Powell, Head of Brand at VBH says, “We developed the Altro variant in response to feedback from customers who wanted to see even less hardware on their bi-folds. It runs just as smoothly as the standard Clearspan system, but provides a finished article that is less hardware/more door.”

Altro is available in a choice of black and white finishes and is supplied with the greenteQ 10 year performance and surface guarantee as standard.

To find out more about Clearspan Altro, or any other hardware in the VBH range, contact the company on 01634 263263, email at sales@vbhgb.com, or send them a Tweet @vbhgb.

Limitless

PORTAL HS provides the best outlook for a light and barrier-free life.

➊ Flood the room with natural daylight. The fixed glazing merges seamlessly into the floor with the ECO PASS SKY threshold. ➋ When the sash is open, the minimal threshold height allows barrier-free access to the outside. ➌ The DRIVE axxent HSA integrated lift & slide drive can also be operated via an app for even greater convenience. When design makes life easier: that‘s room comfort. info-uk@siegenia.com

SIEGENIA Window systems · Door systems · Comfort systems

Available in timber and the following PVC profiles: Schüco CT 70 / LivingSlide / ThermoSlide

Veka Topline / SLIDE 82 / MOTION 82

Deceuninck HS476 / Monorail LS

PVC GEALAN S8000 / S9000

Profine Premidoor 88 LUX / 76

Rehau Geneo / Synego

Salamander evolutionDrive / ID

Aluplast HST 85

WHY TÜRMACHER DOORS USE BLU HARDWARE AS STANDARD

In a recent collaboration with Coastal Group, Türmacher provided a stunning entrance door for their Brand Centre. Coastal Business Development Manager, Charles Davies caught up with Türmacher Director - Paul Brumfield - to discuss his door offering, the benefits BLU brings him, and why he uses BLU Hardware for his doors.

Türmacher use bespoke craftmanship and modern joinery techniques to offer a precisely engineered, yet stunningly elegant door option, designed to provide a truly grand entrance that will last for years and years to come.

Paul highlighted how the BLU range, being made from 316 Stainless Steel, is unparalleled in durability and it isn’t going to drop to bits or rust.

How does Paul see the BLU Hardware range working with the longevity of his doors and help deliver on his door promises?

‘We like the quality of the hardware, it’s a really good mating with the quality of the door’ says Paul. ‘We’ve got a lot of choices with the BLU range which can take us from a traditional to contemporary or modern look. You’ve got a lot of solutions’ continues Paul.

‘The suited hardware solutions give us the right tools for our customers to visualise what their door could look like. The letter plate, escutcheon, handle and so on all matching. And they look superb.’

‘It just looks quality, it feels quality as well,’ Paul adds ‘Customers always say to us, when they pick up the BLU hardware and lift it out the box – that’s heavy – there’s a weight to it, and it’s just presented really well and fits so well on the door.’

If you would like to know more about Coastal’s BLU range, request your free BLU book, by email to marketing@coastalgroup.com

www.coastal-group.com

GQA INTERVIEWS NEW NON-EXECUTIVE

GQA Qualifications has appointed Chris Beedel, Head of Government Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations at the GGF as a non-executive board director. Here the fenestration industry’s leading awarding and qualifications-writing organisation chats to Chris about his new role.

What does being a Director of GQA mean to you?

It’s an absolute privilege to have become a director of GQA. I’ve worked in the fenestration industry since 2017, but been very involved in compliance all my working life. I’m therefore well steeped in competent persons schemes, and one of my goals is to try to ensure that qualifications remain high on the agenda of the GGF and FENSA.

I’m confident that together we can make decisions that positively affect the industry’s future workforce.

What do you think are the strengths of GQA?

One of GQA’s key strengths is its longevity: this year the organisation is 21 years old. Over its lifetime, GQA has seen many changes in the industries in which it operates, none more so than in construction and fenestration. However, it has successfully adapted in order to remain relevant and useful. Today, GQA helps to ensure that the attainment of qualifications is meaningful in securing professional development and long-term careers. It’s wonderful to see GQA front and centre in fenestration, and playing a key role in the frameworks that shape and manage the industry’s future.

What does your experience bring to the table?

I’ve been very fortunate to have had a varied and international career, whilst focusing mainly on quality assurance. From the world of polymer science to that of electronics, I have seen a good range of management cultures. Hopefully I can therefore bring to the table a breadth of knowledge not only of fenestration but also of the manufacturing processes and good governance of other sectors. Having been a director at FENSA for many years I learnt that corporate independence and impartiality are vital to good governance. These are certainly approaches I’ll be bringing with me to GQA.

What changes have you seen in GQA over the past twenty years you’d like to highlight?

Modifications to the building regulations form a key backdrop to the changes I’ve seen GQA have to accommodate. In addition, the organisation has diversified successfully and now operates in multiple sectors, not just

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

fenestration and construction.Diversification into new markets and adaptation to new regulations have both required a nimble and flexible approach from GQA. This ability to evolve has helped it become the impressive organisation it is today.

How important do you feel qualifications and training are?

They’re very important. In this post-Grenfell world, proving competency is going to be more vital than ever. Qualifications will be under the spotlight, and we need to ensure that they are fit for purpose and genuinely providing opportunities for the future. There’s a driving test analogy that I believe is apt here: knowing the theory is fine, but putting knowledge into practice is equally important. Behaviours on site are going to be under scrutiny and that’s no bad thing.

Where do you see GQA heading in the future?

Changes in the regulatory system and the introduction of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) are likely to bring about a step change in skills, knowledge, education and behaviours, and the competence framework will have to reflect this. The good news is that standards in the industry will be driven upwards as a consequence. In addition, consumer confidence in the fenestration industry is bound to rise. The industry is currently facing some of its biggest challenges yet in retraining and reskilling, and I see GQA playing an important role in addressing them. I also expect GQA’s activities will help to answer the needs of the Future Homes Standard, which will have a positive impact on improving standards in residential construction. All in all, I am very optimistic about the future of the fenestration industry and therefore that of GQA.

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

autoLock AV4 & AV4 Heritage

The next generation of automatic door locking solutions

Introducing the new AV4 range of autoLocking solutions and the benefits they provide for modern entrance doors.

Precision engineered and manufactured in Germany with reduced operational force for ease of use, increased operational tolerances to eliminate issues with doors that warp, non-handed to simplify your ordering and inventory management, with the optional flexibility of day/night mode for re-entry off a latch.

Precisely what you would expect from a Winkhaus door locking system.

For further information please visit winkhaus.co.uk or contact marketing@winkhaus.co.uk

LEVEL 3 NVQ IN OCCUPATIONAL WORK SUPERVISION FOR ELENA REZMERITA OF MAC ROOFING & CONTRACTING

GQA Qualifications and its approved centre, Absolute Training Solutions are lauding the achievements of Elena Rezmerita, having supported her in the attainment of a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision. The 42-yearold London-based Quality Assurance Manager is an employee of MAC Roofing & Contracting Ltd.

Commenting on her NVQ success, Sean Monaghan of Absolute Training Solutions said:

“The standard of work has been excellent throughout her learner journey and her attention to detail when it comes to Health and Safety is the best I’ve seen. Elena was the ideal candidate for the Level 3 NVQ diploma as her job role covered many of the units and elements within the qualification. When we gathered the requisite evidence and carried out our assessments, it was clear that Elena was not only very competent within her job function, but she was able to produce excellent evidence to cover the NVQ-relevant criteria. I was there as the Independent Quality Assessor to observe the process and see at first hand the standard of the assessment visit.

“The quality of work produced, and the excellent portfolio of evidence has inspired us to aim even higher with our NVQ delivery. Based on Elena’s achievement, we are now accredited to offer higher level NVQ qualifications in site supervision (level 4) and site management (level 6). The aim will be to offer level 6 to Elena in the future.”

Speaking for GQA, the awarding and qualificationswriting organisation, Jim Gregory (EQA) said:

“Currently only 15% of the UK construction industry is female, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics. This makes Elena’s achievement of successfully completing the GQA Occupational Work Supervision level 3 NVQ not only something she should be proud of, but helps to change the perception of women in the construction industry.”

Elena Rezmerita added:

“I strongly believe that certification should be mandatory in the construction industry. Vocational qualifications are not only a great means of developing a person’s career, but they help to prove that people are competent, and

therefore assist in driving up standards in the industry. In order to apply for an NVQ, people have to prepare and be committed, and the end result is worth the effort.

“For me, having the extra credibility that this qualification affords is really important. Would you believe me when I say that I spent twenty years in the beauty industry! I worked as a make-up artist for MAC Cosmetics and I’m now with MAC Roofing – talk about a bizarre co-incidence! To move from beauty to construction was a leap. I started out doing admin, and then progressed from there, gaining my CSCS card, and gradually gaining on-site experience until I was even tasked with more of a supervisory role on a large cladding project. Over time, my work transitioned to quality assurance. I’ve worked on some pretty large schemes, including Kings College Hospital from which most of the evidence required as part of my NVQ application derived. A few years ago, there were barely any female site managers, and not many women in supervisory roles on building sites. Today, this is changing, and I’m very proud to be part of this changing picture. Achieving this

qualification helps to reaffirm that I’m ‘up to the job’, and I’d encourage anyone to go for it.

“Absolute Training Solutions were very patient with me. They sent me a brief, and outlined all the requirements. They let me work at my own pace and I’m very grateful for their support.”

From its base in the Northwest of England, MAC Roofing & Contracting has been successfully roofing and waterproofing buildings nationwide for over 45 years. The company has developed a reputation for providing outstanding levels of workmanship, technical support and customer service to both public and private sector organisations across the UK. It works in partnership with the industry’s leading manufacturers in order to provide high performance, innovative construction solutions. MAC operates predominantly in the areas of flat and pitched roofing plus external cladding for clients in many different industry sectors. More information on GQA is available at www.gqaqualifications.com.