NFA Digital Magazine Feb 2025

Welcome to this edition of the National Fenestration Awards Digital Magazine, where we continue to celebrate the innovation, growth, and achievements shaping our industry.

From Conservatory Outlet’s thriving apprenticeship programme and FDM’s impactful first year in fire door safety training to REHAU’s commitment to tackling the skills gap, this issue highlights the people and businesses driving fenestration forward.

We also explore key market trends, including the rise of minimalist hardware and Sheerline’s latest product innovations, while VBH and Winkhaus mark major milestones in security and excellence.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of the sector, these stories showcase the dedication and ingenuity that keep our industry moving.

We hope you find inspiration in this edition— enjoy the read!

Team NFA

IN THIS ISSUE 4 Conservatory Outlet’s Apprenticeship Programme Sees Further Success 8 An Award-Winning End To 2024 For Conservatory Outlet As Its Retail Network Achieves Impressive Growth 13 FDM Celebrates First Anniversary, Training Over 600 Professionals In Fire Door Safety 16 Building Our Skills Welcomes Support From REHAU 18 Keystone Market Research Publishes Latest Consumer Fenestration Trends Report With Expanded Industry Sponsorship 23 Sheerline’s Classic Heritage Door Ideal For Internal Installations 24 Sheerline Reveals Colour Trends From 2024 27 Sheerline Launches Versatile Structural Coupler 30 The Rise Of Minimalist Hardware In Glass And Fenestration Design 34 A First For VBH At The Installer Awards 36 VBH Strengthens Sales 38 Winkhaus 25 Year SBD Anniversary 42 Welcome To Winkhaus

Conservatory Outlet’s Apprenticeship Programme Sees Further Success

Michelle Horne (left) and Sarah Fox (right) received their Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Operations Management from Conservatory Outlet’s Head of HR, Karen Starkey (centre) Wakefield’s Conservatory Outlet is celebrating its expanded support for learning and development as two members of senior management are the first to pass through the company’s Degree Apprenticeship programme.

Michelle Horne (Operations Manager) and Sarah Fox (Account Manager) have completed their Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Operations Management.

To achieve this qualification, comparable to a foundation degree, the pair had to participate in monthly training masterclasses across the course’s two-year duration. Alongside these regular workshops, Michelle and Sarah also received oneto-one mentoring and had to complete a series of practical activities and examinations.

Their final assessment was centred around the delivery of a project they implemented at work, culminating in a presentation about their chosen project’s impact on the business to a panel of

academic teachers and business leaders.

Completing the course was a full-circle moment for Michelle, who started her career in the industry as an entry-level apprentice and has since gone on to mentor other learners in the business. This role in helping newcomers to the industry saw her named Mentor of the Year in the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards.

“Apprenticeships have been central to my entire career,” Michelle explains.

“Recently, I’ve been helping with Conservatory Outlet’s apprenticeship programme, mentoring several school-leavers as they join the business and begin their professional careers. So, being able to enter the classroom again, so to speak, and become a learner again was a privilege.

“If you’d have asked me when I first left school whether or not I’d end up with a qualification like this, I’d say absolutely not!”

“Conservatory Outlet has been incredibly

supportive and placed great faith and trust in me.

They’ve believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. They gave me the best chance to succeed and grow, both personally and professionally.”

It’s a similar story for Sarah, who jumped at the chance to undertake the Level 5 qualification. After completing a Level 2 and Level 3 course earlier in her career in a different sector, she felt the time was right to dip back into academia after recently moving into a more senior role within the business.

Michelle and Sarah’s achievement is just the tip of the iceberg. Several staff members who are enrolled in the course are expected to complete their final assessments in the coming months, and they will mark the first ‘class’ to graduate from the company’s Degree Apprenticeship programme.

Karen Starkey (L), presenting Sarah Fox with her Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Operations Management

These specific higher-level training qualifications come after a hugely successful year for Conservatory Outlet’s apprenticeships scheme.

The company continues to provide training and development opportunities for both new and existing members of its workforce, with nearly a quarter of the manufacturer’s 180-strong team benefitting from access to additional work-based qualifications.

Karen Starkey, Conservatory Outlet’s Head of HR, concludes: “It’s great to see Michelle and Sarah thrive and obtain their Level 5 HND Diplomas. As a company, we firmly believe in apprenticeships and provide a variety of pathways for people to advance their careers, such as this Graduate Degree Programme or support for newcomers to the sector or workforce with Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications.

“We’ve invested £250,000 into training and development. As we continue to grow the business, we must have the ability to bring through and nurture talent. Michelle and Sarah are the first two to benefit from our Degree Apprenticeship programme, and many more will undoubtedly follow.”

For further information, please visit www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk or follow the company on its socials @conservatoryoutlet.

Karen Starkey (L), presenting Michelle Horne with her Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Operations Management

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An Award-Winning End To 2024 For Conservatory Outlet As Its Retail Network Achieves Impressive Growth

Conservatory Outlet’s end to 2024 was extra special as the manufacturer capped off an extraordinary year as it was recognised by its peers in the Wakefield region for its impressive growth during broader market struggles.

Retailers to grow their year-on-year sales by an industry-busting 27%.

The leading fabricator of windows and doors was presented with a special award after successfully increasing its frame count and revenue this past year whilst supporting its Network of Premium

Managing Director Mick Giscombe noted that the victory was an extra special achievement for all involved: “It’s no secret that it has been a tough

As a result, Conservatory Outlet was presented with the Business Growth Success award at the Wakefield Business Awards.

time for our sector. But our team has stuck to our vision of adding value to everything we do. We’ve fostered a culture of growth and excellence and have used our knowledge and expertise to propel our retail partners forward.

The Wakefield Business community praised Conservatory Outlet’s leadership and effective marketing and sales support, which they noted was a unique and sustainable approach to business growth.

All of Conservatory Outlet’s Premium Retailers benefit from highly tailored and optimised marketing activity and access to one of the country’s leading digital agencies. This marketing mix of on- and offline activity generates a stream of highly qualified leads.

“We provide our Premium Retailers with an exclusive suite of products backed up with top-ofthe-line marketing campaigns,” Mick continues.

“Additionally, we support our retailers with fully funded sales training, Network-wide best practice workshops, IT sales platforms, and architecture.

This next-level support package has allowed our retailers to flourish. And if they grow, we grow too.”

Bruce Turner, Technical Officer at the Glass and Glazing Federation, echoes these words. After visiting the company towards the end of last year, he noted that “Conservatory Outlet is a forwardthinking company. Their strategy is to help provide growth, not just to themselves but also to their customers.

“Helping their customer base is core to their business model, and the investment in marketing, manufacturing, and IT has helped push everyone forward.”

As well as leading the way in Wakefield to drive growth in the region and across the UK, there was further cause for celebration in the Conservatory Outlet ranks, as Clearview Home Improvements, one of its Premium Retailers, was named Installer

of the Year for the third consecutive year.

The installer picked up the prize at November’s G Awards, with the Preston-based company making history by becoming the first company in the ceremony’s history to win the same award three times – a feat made even more impressive by doing so in consecutive years.

“Clearview’s success is unprecedented and highlights the calibre of the businesses we choose to work with,” Mick continues.

“We’ve worked closely with Clearview’s management team, and they’ve utilised our central support offering, such as aid with marketing campaigns, software improvements and our Sales Training Academy to ensure they remain the best in the sector.”

“Their commitment to every last detail is outstanding and creates a seamless, positive and outstanding customer journey. Being named Installer of the Year once is a tremendous achievement for them. But to win it three years in a row is something special. A huge congratulations to them!”

With a successful end to 2024, attention turns to keeping that momentum running throughout 2025 and beyond.

“Our mantra is always to add value,” Mick notes.

“Whatever we do, from being a fabricator to helping our retail partners grow through bespoke training seminars and community events, we always look to add value to the businesses we supply. In the first quarter of the year alone, we will host a series of operations, sales, and marketing events across the country. And, of course, we will continue to invest further to ensure that our products and services remain best-inclass.”

Mick concludes: “We give our retail partners every chance at succeeding and growing even more over the coming years.”

FDM Celebrates First A Over 600 Professiona

Fire Door Maintenance Training and Development (FDM by UAP Ltd) marks a successful first year, having trained over 600 industry professionals and receiving industry recognition since its 2024 launch.

Over the past 12 months, FDM has played a key role in raising competency standards in fire door awareness, inspection, installation, and maintenance. More than 350 industry professionals have completed fire door awareness or inspection training, while over 200 professionals have gained hands-on expertise in installation, repair, and maintenance.

FDM was established to address the growing need for high-quality fire door training after the Grenfell tragedy, ensuring professionals across the industry have the skills and confidence to meet evolving fire safety regulations.

Since launch, FDM has partnered with over 50 industry leaders and top suppliers of door sets and components, including Falcon Timber, GGF, Mann McGowan, Lorient, PDS, IG Doors, Sentry, Strongdor, NorDan, and many more.

Recognised for its practical, industry-led approach, FDM has quickly become a leading training provider. Learner feedback reinforces its impact, with: 92% of participants finding the practical sessions highly relevant

Anniversary, Training als In Fire Door Safety

94% saying the course content was easy to follow and understand 95% describing the training as engaging and enjoyable FDM’s commitment to raising industry standards was celebrated at the 2024 NFA Awards, where it won the “Training and Development Company of the Year” in recognition of its impact.

Looking ahead, FDM is set to expand its offering in 2025, launching an innovative app at the Fire Safety Event to support professionals in ensuring compliance when installing and maintaining fire doors. A new online training platform will also debut, streamlining course bookings and providing CPD-accredited training to further enhance industry skills.

Nicola John, Managing Director of FDM, said: “This year has been a journey of collaboration and innovation. Every learner who steps into our training centre – from contractors to builders’ merchants – reinforces the importance of what we’re doing. I couldn’t be prouder of the foundation we’ve built for FDM, and we have a lot in store for the industry this year.”

For more information about FDM — Training and Development, or to book a course, visit https://fdmltd.co.uk/

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Building Our Skills Welcomes Support From REHAU Industry big hitters REHAU have thrown their weight behind Building Our Skills - Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice.

REHAU, one of the country’s leading uPVC window systems companies, has provided support to Building Our Skills for approximately a year, and has now formalised this backing by becoming a National Partner. Becoming a National Partner means REHAU now has access to the widest range of services, initiatives and materials afforded by the organisation. These include Building Our Skills’ bespoke industry careers fairs, a workplace visits programme, a role with the BOS Advisory Panel, and a wealth of new opportunities and assistance in skills training, apprenticeships and the development of programmes to help attract new starters to Rehau’s many business units.

REHAU’s Stephen Beresford, Head of Marketing, comments: “Becoming a Building Our Skills National Partner is a great fit for us. We have a mutual interest in bringing talent into the industry. We hadn’t found the right vehicle before to enable us to help achieve this, and I’m very pleased that joining forces with BOS affords us this opportunity. It’s incredibly important that employers are able to attract young people into fenestration in order to ensure that it thrives. I think many of them are unaware of the sheer breadth of roles that we offer.

“As a company we have already completed several college visits, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of these undertaken through BOS. In addition, we attended both of the BOS careers festivals last year and are engaged with the programme for 2025. We had brilliant feedback from visitors and staff, proving that they are definitely the way forward. All in all, working with Building Our Skills is going to be a key part of our future plans to help attract the best talent and safeguard future skills.”

Building Our Skills’ Partnerships Manager, Mark Handley, comments: “It’s fantastic to have the support of REHAU.

Their commitment has been first class. I would also like to stress that these mutually beneficial partnerships are also ideal for smaller organisations too. Companies can also take on a formalised partnership with us at regional or local levels.

We’re calling for the industry - companies large and small - to get behind us at this very important time in our development. We all know about the skills challenges the industry is suffering, and we know we have to act if we are to protect its future and secure a long term sustainable future for it.”

Feel free to visit www.buildingourskills.co.uk for more information or email me directly at markhandley@buildingourskills.co.uk.

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Keystone Market Research Publishes Latest Consumer Fenestration Trends Report With Expanded Industry Sponsorship Keystone Market Research is delighted to announce the release of its Winter 2025 Consumer Fenestration Trends Report, a highly detailed analysis of homeowner preferences, buying behaviours, and market trends. This comprehensive report continues to build on the success of previous publications and explores material preferences, glazing styles, energy efficiency priorities, and the implications of the upcoming Future Homes Standard.

This year’s report is made possible through expanded sponsorship, with leading industry players Endurance Doors, Epwin Window Systems, the GGF, Liniar, and VEKA supporting the initiative. Their contributions ensure greater accessibility of this unique resource across the fenestration industry, with sponsors able to share the report throughout their supply chains, helping businesses make informed decisions based on detailed consumer insights.

Key findings from the report include: Triple Glazing and uPVC Lead Preferences: Triple glazing continues to dominate, while uPVC emerges as the most popular material for both windows and doors this time, offering affordability and energy efficiency.

Rising Popularity of Sliding Patio Doors: Younger and wealthier homeowners are driving demand for sliding

patio doors, which have overtaken bifold doors as the preferred style.

Low Awareness of the Future Homes Standard: With only 18% of homeowners familiar with the standard, the report highlights that the onus is on the industry to promote energy-efficient upgrades as it looks unlikely currently that the standard will drive additional homeowner sales.

Charlotte Hawkes, founder and director of Keystone, shared her perspective: “Amid the continuing economic pressures our market is dealing with, this report provides actionable insights to help businesses navigate shifting consumer priorities and outline the pockets of opportunity still available.

I’m especially proud of the expanded sponsorship, which underscores the industry’s commitment to understanding homeowners’ needs and delivering data-based support throughout the supply chain.”

Businesses interested in to supporting the fenestration industry, and their customers, with Keystone’s trusted consumer insights are encouraged to reach out as a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain available.

For more information about the Winter 2025 Consumer report and Keystone’s research services, visit: www.keystonemr.co.uk.

TOTAL70 and SKYFORCE A winning combination for the Retrofit Project, Cavernham Court.

Selected by long-standing partner Midpoint Windows, these systems were the perfect solution for transforming a 7-storey office building into 113 luxury apartments. The result – a stunning high-end apartment complex showcasing REHAU’s TOTAL70 window system and SKYFORCE Juliet balconies.

To find out more simply scan the QR code. enquiries@rehau.com Tel: 01989 762600

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Sheerline’s Classic Heritage Door Ideal For Internal Installations The launch of Sheerline’s Classic Heritage Door zero-threshold option makes it ideal for internal installations. The announcement comes at a time when many homeowners are reviewing their living spaces and adding partitions back into their once open-plan homes.

Aside from being a rising interior design trend, broken-plan living offers homeowners practical benefits, enabling them to create spaces specifically for their needs. For example, if they work from home or require discreet storage spaces.

To maintain the bright, airy flows of light and space associated with open-plan living, homeowners can benefit from internal glass partitions. Thanks to the zero-threshold option, Sheerline’s Classic Heritage Door offers this solution.

Sheerline’s period-inspired lockbox design provides authentic heritage styling and homeowners can customise it to make it truly their own. For example, they can choose a single or French Door, unique styling, colour, and alter the number of Georgian bars.

Ben Hartshorn, Sheerline’s Technical Manager, said: “Our zero-threshold Classic Heritage Door is the ideal solution for homeowners who want a stylish partition with heritage aesthetics. It’s a timeless look that works just as well in an ultra-modern home as a character property.”

Click here: www.sheerline.com/product/ classic-heritage-door-trade to find out more about Sheerline’s Classic Heritage Door.

Sheerline Reveals Colour Trends From 2024 As a fully vertically integrated UK manufacturer, Sheerline paints all its own profiles in-house.

This ensures an agile and responsive service for customers while also enabling the company to track every colour it sprays.

Sheerline’s 2024 statistics reveal that Anthracite Grey remained the most popular colour overall.

However, it wasn’t as popular as in 2023, as it accounted for 33% of orders last year compared to 38% the year before.

This would suggest homeowners are slowly moving away from Anthracite as their default choice. This thinking is supported by Sheerline’s figures, which reveal the company sprayed a total of 54 different greys, including bespoke options such as Pebble

and Slate Grey.

Consumers are moving away from the once dominant Anthracite, instead opting for a variety of bespoke colours. This trend is not only being seen within greys, but across the entire spectrum as homeowners choose bespoke colours to add individuality to their homes.

Eddy Webb, Sheerline’s Production Director, commented: “What stands out is the number of different colours we sprayed last year. The figure has risen from 45 in 2023, to 115 colours in 2024, which tells us consumers are increasingly choosing a unique look instead of simply copying what everyone else has.”

While the number of homeowners picking bespoke colours has drastically risen in the past year, neutrals from Sheerline’s traditional and premium ranges have also performed well. This includes Pure White, Hipca White Gloss, Cream, Agate Grey and Chocolate Brown.

Jet Black has been consistently popular over the past few years, but it’s expected to become even more popular this year thanks to the rise in demand for heritage style products. These are ideal for both internal and external installations.

Sheerline offers standard colour combinations on five-day lead times. To find out more about this service, contact the team directly on 01332 978000 or email: info@sheerline.com

Sheerline Launches Versatile Structural Coupler Sheerline’s Structural Coupler is ideal for Grand Design-style projects such as those featuring architectural aluminium utilising Prestige Bi-folding Doors sitting under large gable frames.

The clever component can be used in vertical and horizontal orientations, with the latter featuring a cill nose in-built to help with drainage, offering joints additional protection.

There’s also a retro-fit option for existing installations. It’s the ideal solution to help overcome remedial site issues by reducing deflection.

It works by increasing the rigidity of single components in instances where the wind pressure could be more than the deflection allowance.

As well as increasing the integrity of installations by strengthening them, the couplers help increase spans by up to 35%.

Each coupler has a variant suitable for the Classic and Prestige ranges ensuring there’s something for every project.

Sheerline’s Design Project Manager, Jon Crohill, said: “We’re confident fabricators and installers will find this versatile component helpful. The rule of thumb is to double a span you need to increase strength by eight, or to increase by 50% increase strength by four.”

Call 01332 978 000 or email info@sheerline.com for more information about Sheerline’s Structural Coupler.

UKAS is recruiting!

We are seeking independent contractors for ISO 17065 Certification in the field of Windows and Doors (Fenestration) Installation.

We are seeking professionals with in-depth technical knowledge and practical experience in fenestration (Windows and Doors) installation, including design, manufacturing, testing, and inspection.

Candidates should be familiar with industry regulations, particularly the Building Regulations 2010 and related amendments, as well as product installation standards and certification schemes like the Competent Persons Certification Scheme.

While experience with ISO/IEC 17065 and UKAS accreditation is a plus, it’s not essential. Ideally, applicants will have 5+ years of industry experience, though highly skilled candidates with less will be considered. This role offers flexible, independent work in a dynamic, growing industry.

To find out more about the opportunity scan the QR code or visit us online at ukas.com/ careers

Scan this QR Code to view our candidate privacy notice:

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The Rise Of Minimalist Hardware In Glass And Fenestration Design

The demand for minimalist design in modern architecture is reshaping the world of glass and fenestration.

Frameless glass doors and windows are taking centre stage in both residential and commercial spaces, offering unobstructed views and stylish designs.

Loren Jenner, Managing Director at Coastal Group, explains: “Minimalist design appeals in today’s world as it focuses on function with none of the distractions. It helps create calm in an increasingly busy world of noise. Clean lines, neutral colours and sleek finishes offer a welcome break.”

Minimalism has become a defining characteristic of modern architecture and design, celebrated for its ability to create spaces that feel open, uncluttered, and harmonious.

Rooted in the principle of “less is more,” minimalism emphasises simple forms, and a limited colour palette, allowing materials and natural light to take centre stage. This design philosophy has gained widespread appeal as homeowners and businesses seek environments that promote tranquillity, and reduce stress. In particular, frameless glass doors and windows have emerged as iconic features of minimalist spaces, offering seamless transitions between inside and out while enhancing the connection to nature.

As a leader in hardware innovation, Coastal Group is proud to offer a range of sleek and modern hardware solutions that perfectly complement this growing trend.

Loren Jenner, Managing Director at Coastal Group, continues: “The rise of minimalist design aligns perfectly with our vision of creating hardware that

blends beauty and functionality. Frameless glass doors and windows look great with hardware that enhances without overpowering. Our products are designed to do just that, offering the perfect combination of style and practicality.”

Coastal Group’s stainless steel hardware, including its door furniture, pull handles and flush pulls, embodies the minimalist aesthetic that architects and designers seek. With clean lines and a contemporary finish, these products are not only visually striking but also built to withstand the test of time.

Coastal Group’s commitment to quality is evident in every product, with 316 marine-grade stainless steel ensuring longevity and resistance to corrosion, even in the most challenging environments. The company’s engineering expertise also plays a pivotal role in its success.

Phil Walklett, Engineering Manager at Coastal Group, explains: “Our team is dedicated to innovation and precision. Designing hardware for low profile glass requires meticulous attention to detail to achieve the strength, durability, and sleek finish that our customers expect. We’re proud to provide solutions to these demands that also work well with modern architectural trends.”

With a focus on minimalist hardware, Coastal Group continues to support architects, designers, and installers in bringing their visions to life.

Whether it’s a stunning residential project or a cutting-edge commercial space, Coastal’s hardware ensures that form meets function flawlessly.

For more information about Coastal Group’s hardware solutions, visit www.coastal-group.com or contact their team directly.

Marketing Support to Grow Your Sales Give your marketing a boost in 2024 with Marketing Support from Coastal Group.

Take advantage of a wide range of marketing tools including custom brochures, posters, display boards and cases, all branded with your company logo to maximise impact. y Reach more customers y Upsell door and window hardware y Increase sales Get in touch with the team at Coastal to discuss how we can support your marketing efforts in 2024.

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A First For VBH At The Installer Awards

VBH, the company behind the greenteQ furniture and hardware brand, has announced that it has been shortlisted as a finalist at the 2025 Installer Awards.

for it.

The company has reached the final in the Best Installer Support Program/Service Initiative category with the greenteQ furniture guarantee that was introduced during 2024.

VBH advise that the guarantee goes further than a simple 20 or 25 year term. If a customer qualifies for the enhanced guarantee, VBH will deal with any claims directly with the consumer.

The guarantee covers the finishes of the company’s own brand greenteQ Suite and stainless steel architeQ ranges of resi-door, window, and patio door furniture for 20 and 25 years respectively.

VBH stress that the guarantee covers ALL finishes, providing ‘no nasty surprises if someone needs to make a claim.’

Gary Gleeson, Marketing Manager at VBH says, “This is the first time that we have entered these awards. This year we felt that our new greenteQ Furniture Guarantee gave us something that has real relevance to installers of all sizes, so we went

“Happily, the judges agreed, and we are very pleased that our guarantee has reached the final cut.”

Gary explains, “The enhanced guarantee takes away all the hassle and expense that installers and fabricators get if they receive a claim. We will ascertain the problem and, if it is a product fault, we’ll replace the item of furniture directly without quibble. If it’s misuse, we’ll explain the issue to the consumer and offer advice for the future. Either way, the consumer gets their issue sorted quickly, and the manufacturer and installer are left free to do what they do best. That’s selling windows and doors!”

The winners will be announced on 13th March.

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

VBH Strengthens Sales

VBH, the company behind the greenteQ hardware brand, has recently strengthened both its internal and external sales teams with two new key appointments.

The external team has been bolstered by the arrival of Victoria Woods in the position of Regional Sales Manager for Scotland.

Victoria adds to the already considerable bank of experience within VBH’s Scottish team, having spent 14 years in the industry, including 4 years in her previous position with another hardware company.

Based near Glasgow, Victoria is ideally positioned to visit VBH customers throughout the country.

VBH General Manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Allan Price, says, “Scotland has always been a very important area for VBH, with some of our largest customers being north of the border. The recruitment of Victoria has allowed us to increase our market share even further, and I’m delighted to have her on my team.”

Moving further south, Anne Lees has joined VBH in the new position of Internal Sales Co-ordinator for the Midlands region. Ann joins the existing Internal Sales team to complete full office-based outbound sales coverage across the whole of England and Wales.

Like Victoria in Scotland, Ann is hugely experienced, having spent 15 years in a similar role at another major hardware company. VBH advise that her friendly disposition and excellent product knowledge have been extremely well received by her new customers.

National Sales Manager for England and Wales, Adrian Gale, told us “Ann brings a wealth of knowledge and experience into the role, and we are really happy that she has joined VBH at this exciting time. She is a great asset to the Sales Team.”

VBH advise that further additions to the sales team are in the pipeline.

TO DELIVER THE BEST,

START WITH THE BEST

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Award-winning quality and reliability for fenestration experts.

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Winkhaus 25 Year SBD Anniversary

Internationally renowned door and window hardware company Winkhaus are celebrating with Secured by Design (SBD), the official police security initiative, after reaching 25 years of membership.

Having joined SBD as one of the first members in 1999, Winkhaus UK Ltd has been continually demonstrating its commitment to high-quality, crime prevention-standard products for a quarter of a century.

Working closely from day one with Jon Cole and the SBD team, Winkhaus’ innovative products are designed to meet the requirements of the SBD initiative, with testing completed at the company’s own UKAS accredited test laboratory. The Winkhaus technical team continue to support the enhancement of standards, always one of the first to implement new legislation, aiding fabricators in their compliance journey and adoption across the wider construction industry.

As Secured by Design members, Winkhaus have a number of products which have achieved Police Preferred Specification across multiple product categories: Door Hardware: •

Winkhaus armorPlate Gearbox Protector

•

Winkhaus armorShield Cylinder Guard

Window Hardware: •

activPilot Concept Concealed Hinges and Face Fix Hinges

Guy Ferguson, Police CPI, commented: “We are delighted to congratulate Winkhaus on their anniversary. Working in partnership with one of our earliest members, we have enjoyed an enduring and mutually supportive relationship.”

Since the inception of Secured by Design, member companies have helped to achieve: •

The building of more than one million homes to SBD standards

•

Crime reductions of up to 87% on new developments (2017) and 61% in major refurbishment projects (2009)

•

Sustainable year-on-year crime reductions – a significant achievement when most SBD homes are social housing, mostly in deprived and higher crime areas

•

An overall reduction in property crime of 60%

Door Systems: •

Winkhaus Timber System with Halspan Double leaf FD30

•

Winkhaus Timber System with Halspan Single leaf FD60

•

Winkhaus ‘FireFrame®’ FD30S Fire Security Doorset System Nanya Doorleaf

•

Winkhaus ‘FireFrame®’ with OCL Capstone 2020 Solid and Glazed Doorleaf

Locks: •

AV2 Automatic Multi-Point Lock

•

AV2 Heritage Automatic Multi-Point Lock

•

AV2E Automatic Multi-Point Lock

•

AV3 Automatic & FAB Slave Door Lock in Double Doorsets

•

AV3 Automatic Multi-Point Lock

•

AV4 Automatic Multi-Point Lock

•

AV4 Heritage Automatic Multi-Point Lock

•

Winkhaus Cobra™ Multi-Point Lock

•

Winkhaus FAB Slave Door Lock

•

Winkhaus FGTE Multi-point door lock for Double Doors

•

Winkhaus Thunderbolt™ Multi-Point Locking System

•

Winkhaus Trulock Multi-Point Locking System

•

Winkhaus UGTE Multi-point lock for Aluminium Double Doors

•

Winkhaus XR6-51 Europrofile Cylinder

Justin Harris, Managing Director Winkhaus UK, shared: “We are proud to have reached this milestone of 25 years, working in partnership with a shared ethos to enhance standards and drive awareness of the requirements for safe and secure solutions. As a day one member of the SBD initiative, SBD has been a key part of our fabric for the majority of our 32 years in the UK.”

Our members and their accredited products are contributing to safer communities and reduced fear of crime for hundreds of thousands of people across the nation.

You can find out more about Winkhaus UK and their Secured by Design accredited products on their dedicated member page.

Secured by Design (SBD) is owned by the UK Police Service with the specific aim of reducing crime and increasing safety for businesses and individuals.

SBD seeks to improve the physical security of buildings and the surrounding area using products such as doors, windows, locks and walling systems along with fencing systems that meet the SBD Police Preferred Specification security requirements.

SBD have many partner organisations, ranging from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government through to local authorities, housing associations, developers and manufacturers and work closely with standards and certification bodies.

SBD is the only way for companies to obtain police recognition for security-related products in the UK, through the Police Preferred Specification - a product-based accreditation scheme developed 25 years ago, which provides a recognised standard for all security products that effectively deter and reduce crime. SBD work with manufacturers and standards authorities to ensure that security standards are current and updated to keep pace with emerging crime trends.

Learn more about Secured by Design and our member companies at: www.securedbydesign.com/

Invisible technology.

Visibly captivating.

This has DRIVE!

DRIVE axxent LS: the new concealed lift-slide drive.

Designed to look good. Made to perform. We have completely redeveloped our lift-slide drive to reflect this philosophy. The battery-operated motor is completely concealed within the sash and moves large elements both quickly and extremely quietly. What‘s special about this is that it doesn‘t just look like a manual solution.

There is hardly any difference in the production process either. No thicker frames, no covers and no special design. All the components in the DRIVE axxent LS are easy to integrate into conventional profile systems and connect with Plug & Play.

From manual to motorised in just 20 minutes. This has DRIVE! www.siegenia.com • info-uk@siegenia.com

360° room comfort

Welcome To Winkhaus Winkhaus UK Strengthens Product Management Team with Two Key Appointments

Daniel Grodecki Manager

Joins

as

Product

Winkhaus UK is delighted to announce the addition of Lewis Froggatt and Daniel Grodecki, to its product management team. These appointments underline Winkhaus’ commitment to providing exceptional product and design support to our valued partners across the aluminium and fenestration industries.

Lewis Froggatt Joins as Aluminium Product Manager

Bringing over 15 years of experience in product design and development, Daniel Grodecki steps into the role of Product Manager, further enhancing Winkhaus’ bespoke design capabilities.

With a strong background in engineering design across a range of materials, significant CAD expertise, and a focus on innovation, Daniel will support customers from concept development through to prototyping and testing.

With over 18 years of experience in the fenestration industry, Lewis Froggatt brings a wealth of expertise to his new role as Aluminium Product Manager. His background spans fabrication, purchasing, and a decade in production management, giving him a deep understanding of the aluminium sector.

Commenting on Lewis’ appointment, Alastair Wheeler, Aluminium Systems Manager, said: “Lewis’ extensive knowledge further enhances the added-value services we provide to aluminium systems houses and fabricators. His expertise will be instrumental in developing tailored solutions to meet both the current and future needs of our customers.”

Speaking about Daniel’s appointment, Mark Alton, Head of Product Management, highlighted: “Daniel’s skill set will fast-track our customers’ bespoke developments, helping us deliver futureready solutions with speed and precision. His design expertise strengthens our ability to respond dynamically to our customers’ evolving needs.”

A Continued Commitment to Excellence The appointments of Lewis Froggatt and Daniel Grodecki reinforce Winkhaus UK’s dedication to innovation and superior customer support. By expanding our product management team, we are better positioned to deliver tailored solutions that align with the future needs of our partners.

autoLock AV4 The Turning Point Frustrated with doors that are difficult to operate and unlock?

Tired of costly site visits to make adjustments?

The Turning Point is here AV4 is designed to address these problems, requiring 40% less force to operate than the market leading AV2 and up to 70% less than competitors solutions, so when tolerances change, AV4 continues to function and remain easy to operate. call-outs and the + Reduce associated costs customer satisfaction + Increased and your reputation

The award winning autoLock AV4 Door Component of the Year & Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year

WINKHAUS.CO.UK