NFA MAGAZINE AUGUST 2023

Hello and welcome to the August edition of NFA Digital!

This is perhaps the first summer since COVID and the end of lockdown restrictions where there has been true unfettered access to vacations and holidays. As a result, we have perhaps felt something which feels a bit like seasonal normality. That natural dip in business activity as we all head off on holiday during the summer school holidays. But we’re now at the end of the summer, and approaching the start of September. The traditional time of year where the fenestration sector sees a very marked uptick in business activity as the public seeks to complete those last minute home improvement projects that they have been putting off for the rest of the year.

Given that the sector has had a pretty difficult year so far, we will all be hoping for a very strong autumn period to end the year on a high! NFA voting remains open until September 29th, with thousands of important votes already cast. Each one can make the difference, so make sure you take a few minutes to play your part. There is still plenty of time left.

We hope you enjoy this months issue!

Team NFA

IN THIS ISSUE

6 - Winkhaus autoLock AV4 Range Launch: Secure, Convenient & Smart

10 - Level 3 NVQ in Occupational Work Supervision For Elena Rezmerita of MAC Roofing & Contracting

14 - Edgetech’s Success Celebrated at Quanex awards

15 - Edgetech to Showcase “a Spacer for All Solutions” at Vitrum 2023

18 - Morley Glass Helps Installers ‘Switch On’ to Smart Glass Sales Opportunities

22 - Morley Glass wins FIT Show Marketing Award for ‘Best Use of Social Media’

28 - Sheerline Expands Sales Team to Continue Growth

32 - Garnalex Awarded QUALICOAT Approval for State-of-the-Art In-House Paint Plant 36 - Sheerline Celebrates Best of Glass and Glazing as a Main Sponsor of G23 Awards in November 40 - Why Türmacher Doors Use BLU Hardware as Standard

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 non-handed 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 eye-level cylinder pull. The autoLock AV4 Heritage share all the benefits of AV4.

Always compliant and always precise, 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.

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 & 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-year-old 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 qualifications-writing 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 makeup 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 onsite 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.

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Making Doors Special

Edgetech’s Success Celebrated at Quanex awards

For Quanex (the billion-dollar, US building products powerhouse that owns Edgetech, Liniar and other leading brands), celebrating success is an integral part of the culture.

This is why the Houston-based firm is proud to hold an annual internal awards event – and this year, Edgetech’s unwavering commitment to safety was singled out for praise.

Edgetech Coventry received a Safety & Stakeholder Emerald Award for its rigorous safety processes and for the exemplary conduct of its employees.

In addition, Jason Blundred, Edgetech Coventry’s long-serving Head of Operations, received the President’s Service Award for his decades of outstanding work at the company.

Edgetech Managing Director Chris Alderson comments: “At Quanex, we passionately believe that highlighting and celebrating our successes is a vital part of sustaining a world-class business.

“Recognising the incredible contribution made by thousands of Quanex employees around the globe makes us proud of everything we achieve.

“For me, it’s especially gratifying to see Edgetech’s tireless efforts to maintain a safe, efficient working environment be recognised in this way.

“I’m also extremely pleased for Jason. His commitment to the company is incredible, and we’re extremely fortunate to have him.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all our fantastic employees. Without their hard work and dedication, none of what we do would be possible.”

Edgetech employees gathered to watch the event, streamed from Quanex HQ in Houston, Texas, while enjoying fish and chips and ice cream from a van hired especially for the occasion.

For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk

Edgetech to Showcase “a Spacer for All Solutions” at Vitrum 2023

Warm-edge spacer bar experts Edgetech, who are a proud part of the Quanex family, will exhibit their highly successful Super Spacer® range at the Vitrum show in Milan.

From 5th- 8th of September, the biennial event will draw thousands to the Fiera Milano exhibition centre.

Showcasing the latest in glass manufacturing technology, it will be an excellent opportunity to show exactly what Super Spacer® has to offer.

Edgetech Managing Director Chris Alderson comments: “In 1989, Edgetech was the first

manufacturer to introduce flexible, foam-based warm edge spacer systems.

“Super Spacer® continues to excel on all fronts – delivering on everything from energy efficiency and room comfort to streamlining unit production and ensuring an aesthetically pleasing edge seal.

“As countries across Europe strive for net zero in the built environment, and solutions like triple glazing increasingly become the norm, these benefits will prove more powerful than ever.”

In addition to the extensively tried-and-tested Super Spacer®,

products such as the Super Spacer® T-Spacer™ SG, specially developed to meet the requirements of the structural glazing and XXL glazing market, will also be on show.

Furthermore, Edgetech will display a selection of new colour variants, including samples in ruby and green. These will complement the company’s standard colour range of Grey, White and Black.

Visitors will find Edgetech at Hall 7P, Stand S04.

For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www. edgetechig.co.uk

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 Uni-Switch® 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 lowiron 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 worldclass aftersales service.

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

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

Morley Glass wins FIT Show Marketing Award for ‘Best Use of Social Media’

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 UniBlinds® 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.

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

Sheerline Expands Sales Team to Continue Growth

To help make their innovative, thermally efficient aluminium range available to more installers, homeowners, and specifiers across the whole of the UK, Sheerline have expanded their Sales Team with some new key appointments. Further strengthening the companies reach North and to the South West.

With the imminent launch of their slimline Classic Heritage Door, Sheerline now offers truly whole house solutions, allowing fabricators and installers to offer easy-tounderstand, fully compliant products that share a unified platform.

To help spread the message of just how good aluminium can be, Howard Hirst joins Garnalex as Area Sales Director ¬– North. Howard brings with him a wealth of experience and looks forward to helping existing customers realise their growth ambitions, as well as expanding Sheerline’s network northwards. He

will also cover the North of Wales. Also strengthening the Sales Team is Martin Hepburn, who started as the Area Sales Manager covering the West Midlands, South Wales and South West at the beginning of July.

No stranger to the fenestration industry, Martin brings with him over 30 years’ of experience in commercial management, business development, and strategic sales planning. He’s spent the past five years as the Commercial Sales Manager (Trade and Retail) for Reynaers.

Tony Basile Sheerline’s National Sales Director, comments: “These new positions, working alongside Paul Greenaway who covers London and the South East, are key to helping us deliver the service levels we are committed to, for each and every Sheerline customer.”

Roger Hartshorn, Sheerline CEO,

also said of the new appointments: “It’s fantastic to welcome Howard, and Martin onboard. Having worked with Howard at both Eurocell and Liniar, I’m confident that we will continue to achieve our ambitious growth targets. It’s good to have him back in the family!”

“With these new appointments, we’re combining the best of tried and tested with new blood to create a strong and experienced team with a depth of knowledge from across the industry. That we’re able to attract and retain such talent is a testament to our commitment to our people, products, and customers,” he added.

To find out more about Sheerline and its’ new products, visit the website here: http://www. sheerline.com, Alternatively, contact the team on 01332 978000 or email info@sheerline.com

INTEGRAL BLINDS ARE NOT JUST FOR BI-FOLDS

Our bespoke integral blinds are made to measure to suit all window and door applications (including bi-folding and sliding doors).

morleyglass.co.uk

Garnalex Awarded QUALICOAT Approval for State-of-the-Art In-House Paint Plant

Garnalex’s in-house state-of-the-art powder coating plant has been recognised for its’ quality assurance processes after being awarded a QUALICOAT coating applicator approved licence – the world’s leading quality label for aluminium coatings.

This is especially significant as Garnalex is currently the only manufacturer in the East Midlands to hold the coveted licence. As well as helping them stand out from the competition, the licence gives customers peace of mind as they know the company’s products are of the highest standard.

To gain the licence, Garnalex underwent QUALICOAT’s rigorous approval process, which involved a detailed application outlining every step of the company’s powder coating process and submitting samples for testing.

Being an approved licence holder means Garnalex has and will continue to adhere to QUALICOAT’s specifications for its’ plant, equipment, coating materials, and finished products. QUALICOAT has a continuous monitoring programme in place.

For licence holders, this ensures they keep their approval, while their customers continue to benefit from the highest

standards possible. This is in line with QUALICOAT’s mission to maintain the standards and quality of coatings for alloys and architectural applications.

Since investing £1.3 million to bring powder coating in-house, Garnalex has gained control over its’ quality assurance processes while Sheerline’s customers have benefited from improved quality delivered in as responsive and agile way as possible.

Ross Hartshorn, Technical Production Director, said: “Since bringing our powder coating in-house, our paint plant has gone from strength to strength, gaining multiple industry recognised accreditations, including the QUALICOAT coating applicator approved licence.”

“This is all part of our strategy to ensure we maintain our edge and keep both Garnalex and Sheerline ahead of the competition. The team have worked hard to ensure we gain this approval – it’s a fantastic result, particularly as we are the only manufacturer in the East Midlands to hold this quality licence,” he added.

To find out more about Garnalex’s stateof-the-art powder coating plant, visit the website here: https://www.sheerline.com

Sheerline Celebrates Best a Main Sponsor of G23

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

of Glass and Glazing as

Awards in November

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

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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@coastal-group.com

www.coastal-group.com

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 bi-fold, 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.

GQA Interviews New Director

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

New Non-Executive Director

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 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.

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.ess-expo.co.uk/ four-shows/rwm/?utm_ source=EXH23EUROCE

We look forward to welcoming you to what is sure to be the most comprehensive, thoughtprovoking, 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.

TOTAL70C Quality Frames for

When care home provider Northcare looked to build a new luxury property on Glasgow’s south side, they wanted nothing but the best for everything. Given the scale and bespoke requirements of the project, the company turned to commercial windows specialists Hadrian Windows Systems to fabricate and install all frames required.

Established over 30 years ago, Northcare Ltd (Northcare) is a care home provider that owns and operates facilities in the South Lanarkshire, Glasgow City, East Renfrewshire and Edinburgh areas. When the company began building its latest home ‘Balmoral’ in 2021, in the affluent Giffnock area on Glasgow’s south side, the need to ensure all aspects of the build met the level of quality associated with Northcare was key.

Purpose-built as a ‘five star’ luxury care home, Balmoral was constructed to differ from the traditional concept associated with such facilities. With the

building being designed and decorated to the highest standards and twisting the traditional and the modern, residents’ comfort was prioritised above all else.

Consequently, when it came to window specification, the home’s designers wanted to ensure as much light could pour into the property as possible, giving its rooms and communal areas a light and airy feel while ensuring optimal thermal comfort. This meant a variety of windows and frame sizes were required, from those for residents’ rooms to larger lobby glazing.

Finding the Right Windows Partner

Given the scope and scale of the project, Northcare were unable to find a nearby fabricator

for Luxury Care Home Living

or installer to carry out the window works. This led the company to look further afield for a company that could take on the project and work alongside other construction professionals progressing the build. After a detailed scoping exercise, Northcare found Hadrian Window Systems (HWS), a commercial glazing fabricator and fitter based in Blaydon-on-Tyne.

The company’s experience carrying out projects a distance away from its Northeast base was a key consideration for Northcare, as John Bowen, Installation Manager at Hadrian Window Systems, explains. “We regularly work at a national level, so the distance from Blaydon to Giffnock wasn’t a concern for us. However, as with any project of this nature, there were always going to be challenges to overcome.

“Given the build’s start in August 2021, fallout from COVID lockdowns remained a concern due to their effect on supply chains. Because of this, project planning was less straightforward than usual, especially over distance and when it came to fitting in with the larger construction site’s workflow.”

Close Communication

He continued: “We had to work and communicate closely with other trades and Northcare themselves to ensure our installation team was ready and available on site when they needed to be. This involved working in concentrated bursts to ensure we were flexible enough to accommodate any disruption to any

other professionals on-site. We’re happy to say this approach was very effective at combatting practical issues caused by COVID.”

With communication key and longer lead times expected, the HWS team needed to ensure the full support of their suppliers if the project was to run smoothly. As the company enjoyed Authorised Partner status with polymer provider REHAU, it was well-placed to smooth over any potential COVID-induced disruption.

“Hadrian Windows Systems’ status as a REHAU Authorised Partner demonstrates that our two companies share high standards of service and professionalism,” says Gary Cameron, Area Sales Manager for REHAU UK. “As our over-20-year partnership has grown stronger, Hadrian’s made the decision to become an Authorised Partner and specialise in the installation of REHAU products, which we’ve been thrilled to see.

“Of course, their specialising in REHAU products and polymer puts the onus on us, the supplier, to ensure consistent provision of materials to the site, to specific deadlines. While potential COVID disruption did have to be addressed on

this particular project, I’m pleased to say that by working closely together and establishing lead times well in advance, everything ran smoothly.”

Specifying the Perfect Windows

A key consideration across the Balmoral project was that HWS’s window designs had to account for the difference in ventilation regulations between England and Scotland. As the Scottish Technical Standards stipulated more background ventilation, diverging from the England & Wales Building Regulations used at the time, the HWS team worked closely with REHAU to adapt their existing designs.

Specifically, HWS adapted all frames provided by REHAU to include glazed-in trickle vents to allow for the higher air circulation stipulated by the Scottish Technical Standards. REHAU’s TOTAL70C frames comprised the majority of frames for the project, having been selected for their energy efficiency rating, which can achieve up to 0.8 W/ m2K, thereby exceeding regulations set out in Part L of the Future Home Standards.

Similarly, the sealed, double-glazed units considerably reduced outdoor noise, allowing occupants to better relax undisturbed. This was an especially important consideration given the building’s leafy suburban location and proximity to the busy Kilmarnock Road. Given how close it was to this busy thoroughfare, the fact the TOTAL70C frame has achieved the PAS24 security accreditation was also a standout feature on this particular build.

The frame style options also available with the TOTAL70C allowed for a variety of casement designs, including in the care home’s reception and lobby areas. All windows were provided in REHAU’s Anthracite Grey smooth finish with white on the inside, further mirroring Northcare’s commitment to twisting the modern and traditional.

Assisting in Installation

A further consideration that HWS took into account on this project was that Balmoral’s architectural design meant the supplied TOTAL70C solutions would be installed vertically and stacked three

stories high. This presented a challenge for HWS to ensure the structural strength of the windows and eliminate the possibility of frames expanding or settling incorrectly. Traditional couplers were therefore not suitable to the task, as they would not be capable of bearing the larger glazed sections required.

“Of all the aspects of this project that could have potentially caused us difficulties, the stacking of the bigger frames stood out,” John said. “However, what could’ve been a headache proved to be anything but – following consultation with REHAU and working with Northcare’s architectural team, we were able to use T-spar expansion couplers that had greater wind and dead load capabilities. As a result, we were able to give the larger glazed sections greater wind resistance while mitigating any issues that could have come from fitting with larger vertical loads.

He concludes: “Overall, we were very happy with how the installation at Balmoral went, and so was Northcare. In fact, the quality of the works provided can be seen in the fact that they want to work with us in the future on additional care home projects, which has been really encouraging to hear.

“Our experience with REHAU fitting frames for this particular project has also inspired us to look into further works of this kind up and down the UK. Their assistance, coupled with the confidence we have that they will always promptly supply frames of the highest-quality, gave us the peaceof-mind we needed during what could have been a complicated project.”

For more information about REHAU’s TOTAL70 window system, click here.