NFA Magazine July 2023

NEW PRODUCTS

New products bring new opportunties. Ultion and Sheerline launch innovative products to their portfolios.

NEXT STOP LONDON

Made For Trade gear up for their appearance at London's Homebuilding & Renovation Show

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Hello and welcome to another great edition of the NFA Digital magazine!

Summer is fast approaching, although the weather thinks otherwise, and many of us will be heading off to warmer destinations, perhaps with kids in tow, to take a well-earned break.

Whilst the seasonal getaway is upon us, our industry is busy. In this edition we have plenty of companies bringing out brand new products aiming to excite installers, fabricators and homeowners alike. With the market now in a very different phase to that of a couple of years ago, the sector is innovating quickly to find new ways to bring in fresh revenue streams and keep product portfolios expanding.

New products bring new opportunities and we expect that trend will continue in the coming months.

Remember that voting in the 2023 National Fenestration Awards is still open and doesn’t close until September 29th, so there is plenty of time to place your votes and play your part in chosing this years winners. Thousands of votes have already been cast and every single one really does count!

We hope you enjoy this month’s edition of NFA Digital!

Team NFA

IN THIS ISSUE

6 - New Sweet Classic Door Knocker

7 - Ultion CashBack: Installers Can Now Earn 5% on Every Ultion Product Sale

10 - The Power Of The People

14 - How Eurocell’s Partnership Approach Is Supporting Its Network Of Fabrication Partners

18 - Kolorseal’s Colour Spraying Services Attract Attention

22 - NEXT STOP LONDON - Made For Trade Capitalises On National Homebuilding & Renovating Shows That Are Proving Busier Than Ever

28 - SheerVent: A Flush Intelligent Roof Vent For Sheerline’s S1 Lantern

32 - SheerVent Advances An Already Market-Leading Lantern

40 - What On Earth Is Going On?

44 - Attracting New Business Through Waste Frame Recovery

47 - Morley Glass Agrees Leeds Knights Title Sponsorship For Next Two Seasons

New Sweet Classic Door Knocker

Brisant Secure has expanded its Sweet furniture range to include a Classic Door Knocker, providing homeowners and trade professionals with a traditional option that complements the contemporary design of the Sweet range.

The Sweet range was introduced as a cutting-edge design with contemporary aesthetics. The introduction of the Classic Door Knocker means that doors with a traditional design can now benefit from the performance, durability and unique guarantee of Sweet door furniture.

This new addition carries all the exceptional benefits synonymous with the Sweet range. It features an incredible 8000-hour tested coating, surpassing industry standards by over 30 times, compared to the flagship EN 1906:2012 corrosion standard, which typically requires only 240 hours of testing. Moreover, Brisant Secure stands behind the quality of its product with a remarkable 20-year direct-to-homeowner guarantee. The Classic Knocker is available in all six colors offered within the Sweet range, including the popular Rose Gold.

“We understand that our customers have diverse preferences when it comes to

door furniture, and we are committed to meeting their needs,” said Nick Dutton, CEO at Brisant Secure. “The addition of the Classic Knocker to our Sweet range gives homeowners and trade professionals that traditional option. We believe this new offering will add a touch of elegance to any entrance while maintaining the quality and reliability that Brisant Secure is known for.”

The Sweet Classic Knocker is available now. For more information about the Sweet range, please visit our website at https://www.brisant-secure.com.

Ultion CashBack: Installers Can Now Earn 5% on Every Ultion Product Sale

Ultion announces the launch of Ultion CashBack, an exclusive program that enables installers to earn 5% from the sale of any Ultion product to their customers for the next 12 months.

Ultion CashBack offers installers a unique opportunity to secure an ongoing income stream. By enrolling in the program, installers can earn 5% of the total sale amount for every Ultion product purchased by their customers, including extra keys, locks, trackable keys, smart locks and lubricant, or padlocks that work with the previously supplied key.

“When we heard about Ultion CashBack, we were excited about the opportunity it presented,” said Michael Dunne, at Gemini Windows. “It encourages us to sell more locks and keys and provides us with a chance to earn some money from it.”

Enrolling in Ultion CashBack is hassle-free. Each commission earned will be communicated via email, and installers will receive a monthly payment at the end of each month, conveniently deposited into their bank account. To monitor earnings easily, Ultion provides a user-friendly trade portal for installers to track their

commissions effortlessly.

We are thrilled to introduce Ultion CashBack and provide installers with an opportunity to unlock a steady income stream,” said Nick Dutton, CEO at Ultion. “This program empowers installers to maximise their earnings and reinforces our commitment to building strong relationships.”

For more information about Ultion CashBack and how to enrol in the program, visit www.ultion-lock.co.uk/cashback/. Join the Ultion community today and start earning more with every sale!

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The Power Of The People

Kamila Kasperowicz, Marketing

Director at

UAP, gives an insight into the company’s people-

more than 100 employees, and a co-operative structure meaning every staff member owns a share of the business.

The companies which have joined UAP in recent years have been strategically acquired, bringing complementary products into our portfolio and ensuring customers have an unrivalled choice of hardware. David, who has been nominated as Managing Director of the Year at the 2023 NFA Awards, has not only identified these companies, but led the seamless integration of their people.

development of our people.

As UAP has expanded, we have sought to attract new talent into our business too. Rhyann Renzulli, our marketing executive, is just one example.

focused culture and the team members in the running for an NFA Award.

UAP’s rapid growth in recent years has brought many changes, but one thing that has stayed the same is our commitment to our people. As our biggest assets, we want our people to feel happy, safe and valued. This aim has seen us develop and foster a culture focused on employee wellbeing, innovation, training and professionalism.

Our CEO David Jennings, who founded UAP in 1996, has been the driving force behind our culture and growth. As a company that started life packing door knockers in a small room, we now have seven brands in the UAP family,

With a focus on upskilling, wellbeing and collaboration, David has also orchestrated the launch of the UAP Training Academy, Doggy Daycare for staff, and most recently, our relocation a new, larger site which will take place

Rhyann, who is a finalist in the Young Person of the Year category at the NFA Awards, began working part-time with UAP while at university, joining our team on placement. As part of her degree, she conducted extensive research into wellbeing and internal marketing at UAP, interviewing our staff to find out what they valued the most. She graduated with a first class degree in business and marketing, and was offered a permanent role in our marketing team in June 2023.

A rising star, Rhyann is working on a variety of events that support our wellbeing strategy, applying the knowledge she gained during her research. She is also using her skills to support our team with internal communications, newsletters and email marketing.

later this year. This move will bring all our processes under one roof, including a new training facility to support the ongoing personal

Looking ahead, we will continue to be powered by our people. From operations through to senior management, who we are drives what we do and will continue to shape, strengthen and evolve UAP as well as our future success.

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Making Doors Special

How Eurocell’s Partnership Approach Is Supporting Its Network Of Fabrication Partners

Eurocell’s philosophy of ‘Grow with us’ is more than just a mantra, it’s living and breathing through its network of fabrication partners and its focused, partnership approach is key to supporting their growth. From family-run businesses celebrating decades in operation, through to newer companies, Eurocell is helping fabricators achieve their commercial ambitions.

Sustainability credentials and product innovation from Eurocell have helped Warwick Development North West win business and keep pace with changing client demands.

The family-run operation has benefitted from new business wins across the commercial, new build and social housing sectors thanks to expert support received from Eurocell, but also the sustainability credentials offered through its recycling scheme and use of recycled PVC-U, and high-quality product options including Modus and Logik.

Warwick Development North West has seen how ‘Grow with us’ can work in practice. It has continued to evolve the Eurocell products it offers alongside investments in machinery and this, in addition to its valued partnership with Eurocell, has seen it benefit from an uplift in trade.

Viewing itself as one team with Eurocell, Warwick Development North West also attended Eurocell’s recent fabricator forum and valued the opportunity to share best practice and find out more about the practical ways Eurocell is supporting its network of partners.

Greg Johnson, Managing Director at Warwick Development North West, summarises why the partnership with Eurocell is so important to the company: “Eurocell is a strong and reliable partner and has been able to support us as we’ve diversified and grown our business with varied products and investments in machinery. We really value working as one team with its team and how it enables us to win contracts and deliver high quality products and service to our customers.”

Gemini UPVC Ltd based in Oldham has been in business for 38 years and continues to go from strength-to-strength. It is currently planning to expand its premises to continue to meet demand and is looking to update its site and add a showroom. Its expansion plans are following continued growth and investments in machinery made possible by Eurocell. This means it now has the infrastructure in place to bring in and service new accounts.

For Gemini UPVC Ltd, Eurocell’s range of products have been vital in its growth, especially the ability to mix and match and integrate systems, while the forward-thinking innovation of Eurocell has meant the team at Gemini UPVC Ltd has felt supported as it has continued to drive the business forward.

Expansion plans have also been key for Leamore Windows in Walsall. Over four decades, this familyrun business has grown from offering glazing repairs to its current operation manufacturing

windows, doors, bifold doors, and conservatories, among others. Now employing 75 staff, the business’ factory showroom has been refurbished and is set over two floors, showcasing hundreds of products. With a full package of support available, wide, innovative product ranges, and sustainability credentials proven through its recycling operations, Eurocell is committed to helping fabricators grow. As the examples of Warwick Development North West, Gemini UPVC Ltd, and Leamore Windows demonstrate, this can unlock significant opportunities for businesses and see them thrive.

To learn more about the range of products and support available for fabricators from Eurocell, visit https://www.eurocell.co.uk/growwithus

Kolorseal’s Colour Spraying Services Attract Attention

At the FIT Show this year, awardwinning colour coating specialist, Kolorseal, returned home with good results after some positive discussions held during the entire event. Colour coating really made its mark.

Deborah Hendry, Managing Director considered this was due to people becoming aware of how easy it is to incorporate a diverse choice of colours into a business model - one that enables fabricators and installers to stand out from the crowd.

The company took a different approach by producing an alternative option on a popular colour by colour coating a window in Light Grey 17, from the Farrow and Ball chart. Visitors to the show were attracted by the aesthetic and could see how broader colour choice could create potential new business.

As a company that offers a niche service to window and door fabricators, the Kolorseal team is recognised for creating dynamic colour coated options that last and will enhance building design. With a dedicated site and multiple spraying and drying booths, Kolorseal continues to lead the way in colour coating services, thanks to a dedicated team and reliable delivery.

Deborah

comments, “Being able to demonstrate how to make projects, renovations and new builds more outstanding so that they will gain greater recognition for a business made the whole FIT experience very worthwhile.

Moving forward, the clever customers know that offering something bespoke will suit the needs of the homeowners who consider colour as important as style of product.”

Additionally, Kolorseal’s fast turnaround and delivery options provide greater reassurance when it comes to project deadlines, which proved an important consideration for those who spoke to the team.

Deborah concludes, “Value, difference and lasting quality were key words that kept being repeated, so we now have an excellent new channel of enquiries to explore, with installers and builders also looking to attract new sales opportunities.”

Kolorseal is an award-winning, niche company that supplies colour coating services for upvc, aluminium and rainwater products for the fenestration and building sectors. For more information contact the team on 01924 454 856 or visit the website: www.kolorseal.co.uk

NEXT STOP LONDON

Made For Trade Capitalises On National Homebuilding & Renovating Shows That Are Proving Busier Than Ever

Following on from a rapturous reception at the 2023 FIT Show that saw not just a standout product unveiling but also an in-house fundraising challenge en route, Made for Trade are gearing up for more of the same at the Homebuilding & Renovation Show London, coming up on September 22nd- 24th.

Taking place at London’s ExCeL, the regional variant

follows hot on the heels of a hugely successful national version of the event back in March. Here, a 9% increase in footfall was recorded from the previous year to generate some 26,000 people on site - proving that the housing renovation market is far from seeing doom and gloom but still stronger than ever here in the UK.

The success of the National event made a notable

impact on MfT’s year; providing not only sales and leads to many of the Made for Trade customers in the Midlands area, but also getting the multiaward winning Korniche product range in front of thousands of new customers. MfT are now able to utilise the next in the programme of busy H&R events to introduce the new Flat Rooflight to the industry and attendees of the London exhibition, where the reception is expected to be just as positive as at its FIT Show launch.

The Korniche Flat Rooflight takes all the USPs and attributes on which the brand has made its name in the industry, and applied them to a flat glass system in order to meet consumer and trade demand for such a high quality engineered product with Korniche’s unrivalled ease and speed of fitment. The aesthetic appeal mirrors that of the Bi-Folding doors and Roof Lantern, with a sleek and ultra-slimline profile alongside the highest thermal efficiency – something buyers want to see now more than ever.

Made for Trade have once again invested further in nationwide promotion for the Korniche brand for the benefit of trade partners and are set to join at the ExCeL with a significant display, and more product placement than ever. MfT will look forward to having the full three-product range: the new Flat Rooflight joins the display alongside the Roof Lantern and Bi-Folding door in single, patio, four and five leaf configurations. The MfT stand layout is designed in such a way that the marketleading and multi-award winning benefits to both the homeowner and their trade installer are clear

to see to save time, hassle and money; truly a winwin component for extensions and home builders.

As per the FIT Show in May, Korniche and Made for Trade brand ambassador Mark Millar will again be on site in support of the pioneering North East company at the London exhibition. The TV presenter and recognised tradesman with be meeting new and existing customers and helping

to promote the trio of Korniche products - of which he has first hand experience - to consumers, before he makes an appearance on the event’s ‘MasterClass Stage’ on Saturday 23rd.

As consumers continue to request Korniche by name to their builders and installers, The Homebuilding & Renovating Shows are the ideal platforms at which to showcase Korniche products to homeowners in a position to invest in their own self-build projects and upgrades; further building the brand in a way that works for both parties.

Are you a London-based installer or trade retailer, or homeowner looking to plan a new project? With proven sales success UK-wide as trade partners realise the consumer-led benefits of Korniche engineering, this is one show that really cannot be missed – head to the ExCeL in September to see the products for yourself and speak to the Made for Trade team to see why Korniche is the brand for you.

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Sheerline has announced the launch of SheerVent, a revolutionary roof vent for the S1 lantern. It offers an innovative approach to ventilation that doesn’t compromise on the stylish and modern aesthetic associated with the award winning aluminium glazed roof.

Designed to enhance Sheerline’s award-winning S1 roof lantern, SheerVent can not only be specified on new projects but can even be retrofitted to existing installations. With a sleek minimalist design, the intelligent roof window sits flush with S1’s rafter bars unlike alternatives that sit on top of the bars. Creating an almost invisible roof vent when closed –for a truly beautiful finished product.

Customers have the option to upgrade to powered actuators to create an automated intelligent ventilation system. This can be further enhanced by discreet sensors, which can be installed away from the lantern to monitor for rain, wind, and light, giving customers peace of mind if the weather suddenly changes.

Unlike traditional vents, SheerVent does not require the use of muntin bars and offers reliability without the risk of leaks and water ingress. The product is fully thermally broken and uses the same highperformance 28mm glazing as the S1, ensuring spaces are cosy in winter and cool in summer.

This enables customers to create bright, airy living spaces with a consistent aesthetic throughout the home – a trend that has grown in popularity over the past few years and continues to be an attractive

option for both renovation and new build projects. Another popular feature SheerVent offers – as with all Sheerline products – is colour choice. Customers can choose from a standard colour range as well as opting for custom or dual colours depending on their needs.

SheerVent is currently being manufactured in-house by Sheerline to ensure the company’s stringent quality processes are met before it is rolled out to fabricator customers across the country. There is already a waiting list in place for customers who wish to supply the product.

Also revealed at FIT Show 2023 was Sheerline’s new 3 Way option, which adds even more styles to the S1 roof lantern. It includes the same aesthetic style and appeal of the 2 and 4 way designs but gives customers an option for wider roofs that don’t rely on jack rafters.

S1 includes in-built security features as standard, is stylish with clean, crisp lines and deep internal rafter and ridge bars to create the popular architectural aesthetic, all while offering exceptional thermal performance.

Roger Hartshorn, Sheerline CEO, said: “SheerVent was hugely popular when we unveiled it at FIT Show 2023. It’s the next phase in the evolution of one of our most popular products – the S1 roof lantern. Customers often ask us about ventilation options that don’t compromise on the overall quality and look of the roof lantern.”

SheerVent: A Flush Intelligent Roof Vent For Sheerline’s S1 Lantern

“With SheerVent, we’ve achieved this thanks to our continual investment in both our equipment and products. We’re committed to overcoming the issues traditionally associated with aluminium products to ensure Sheerline keeps its’ competitive edge, and our customers remain happy,” he added.

To find out more about SheerVent and the new 3 Way option, contact the team on 01332 978000, email: info@sheerline.com or visit the website to view the full range of products: http://www.sheerline.com.

SheerVent® Advances An Already Market-Leading Lantern

As the architectural industry constantly pushes the boundaries of innovation, one name stands out amongst the rest - Sheerline. Known for their impeccable craftsmanship and cuttingedge designs, Sheerline has once again captured the spotlight with their latest innovation: the SheerVent® opening window for the Sheerline S1 lantern roof. With its remarkable aluminum slim sight lines, exceptional ventilation capabilities, and promising potential for installers, the SheerVent® is set to redefine the way we view roof windows.

Aesthetics Meets Functionality

The first thing that catches the eye with the SheerVent® is its slender aluminum sight lines. Sheerline has seamlessly integrated high-quality aluminum frames, allowing for larger glass surfaces and maximizing natural light infiltration. The result is an unobtrusive and sleek design that not only enhances the

and modernity. By minimizing visual interruptions, this innovative feature enables the window to blend harmoniously with any architectural style, from contemporary masterpieces to timeless classics. With the SheerVent®, form meets function in perfect harmony, enhancing both the interior and exterior of buildings.

Embracing the Power of Ventilation via the Roof

Ventilation is a crucial aspect of any living space, and SheerVent® takes it to a whole new level by introducing roof-based ventilation. Unlike conventional windows that open to the side, the SheerVent® opens upwards, allowing hot air to escape through the roof, promoting a healthier indoor environment and optimizing energy efficiency.

This roof-based ventilation concept not only ensures a consistent airflow but also reduces

aesthetics of any space but also ensures an unobstructed view of the world outside.

The SheerVent’s slim sight lines present a paradigm shift in roof window design, giving architects and homeowners the opportunity to create spaces that exude sophistication

the risk of rain ingress during those unexpected showers. The cleverly designed rain baffles prevent water from entering the interior, so residents can enjoy the benefits of natural ventilation, rain or shine. Moreover, the SheerVent’s innovative mechanics allow for easy operation, giving users full control over the amount of ventilation required, from a gentle breeze to a complete opening for maximum airflow.

Opening New Sales Opportunities for Installers

SheerVent® not only caters to the needs and desires of homeowners but also presents a wealth of new sales opportunities for installers and professionals in the architectural and construction industries. By introducing a product that sets new standards in both design and functionality, Sheerline has effectively provided installers with a powerful selling point that can easily sway potential customers.

The ability to offer a roof window with such slim sight lines and exceptional ventilation capabilities can give installers a competitive edge in a

with a unique chance to upsell their services and offer high-end, innovative solutions that differentiate them from their competitors.

Excellence in design

The SheerVent® opening window for the Sheerline S1 lantern roof is a testament to Sheerline’s commitment to innovation and excellence in design. With its aluminium slim sight lines, roof-based ventilation, and potential to enhance sales opportunities for installers, the SheerVent® sets a new standard for roof windows.

crowded marketplace. Forward-thinking homeowners and architects, seeking to enhance their living spaces with state-of-theart features, will undoubtedly be drawn to the SheerVent’s allure. This presents installers

Architects and homeowners alike will be captivated by its elegant aesthetics and functional brilliance, while installers will recognize the opportunities it brings for expanding their businesses and offering cutting-edge solutions to their clientele. The SheerVent® is not just a window; it’s a statement, an experience, and a game-changer in the world of roof windows. As we move into a new era of architectural excellence, the SheerVent® leads the way as a shining example of what the future holds for roof window design.

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).

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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.

WHAT ON EARTH IS GOING ON?

All of a sudden, things feel a tad unstable. After years of relative serenity in terms of supplier relationships at the fabricator/ systems company level, that now appears to be changing, and at some pace.

You cannot fail to have noticed that there is quite a lot of movement happening right now, and it’s making waves. So let’s try and break down exactly what has been happening.

All change

The process began a few months ago when it was announced that Duraflex had lost its supply agreement with Safestyle UK and that Liniar would take its place. This is a huge supply contract and provided UKWDG with a significant portion of the group’s

revenue. There had been longterm concerns about Duraflex, but this appeared to be the final stroke which led to the decision by UKWDG to close down Duraflex.

The closing of a systems company is a significant decision. Not only for the business that is closing it but who they supply to. For fabricators of Duraflex, it leaves them in an uncomfortable position. They are left looking for new suppliers, which is not a simple process. When an installer decides to change suppliers, the upheaval is relatively minor, although not perfectly simple. For a fabricator, there is a ton of internal changes that need to be made, including stock holdings, machinery, tooling, marketing, communications

to their own clients, warranties on previous products etc. It’s a massive shift, hence why a decision to change systems company is such a major decision.

UK Windows and Doors Group as a business is what you call vertically integrated. Within the group, you have trade counters and fabricators. Duraflex supplied those other businesses within the group, with the exception of Evolution which is supplied by VEKA. UKWDG had to seek out a new supplier for the other companies within the group. That new supplier turned out to be VEKA. They had an already established relationship with Evolution, so it appeared to be the most readily available option to go with. That

decision however has not been without some vocal scrutiny, which I will come on to later.

So, that’s one company out of the way. Next are Eurocell and Polyframe. As you’ll know, Polyframe was part of the failed Customade Group. It is still referenced on their website. Polyframe were users of Rehau and Duraflex. However, they announced this week that they had a new supply agreement with Eurocell. You can read more about that here. This is a major gain for Eurocell but again represents a major change for Polyframe and their own customers, who are going to need to rapidly get up to speed with new product offerings and marketing changes.

Then we had the announcement that Glazerite has added Deceuninck’s 2500 series to their portfolio. You can read that announcement by clicking here. Glazerite is one of the biggest VEKA/Halo fabricators in the country and has been for a while. The decision to then add a system from Deceuninck is a massive decision. The addition of the 2500 series has been touted as an option mainly for Glazerite’s commercial installers. But the 2500 series, as advertised on Deceuninck’s website, is also aimed at residential properties. My read

of this decision is that Glazerite are giving themselves options should the nature of their trading relationships change or the market dips further. Perhaps there is also a little bit of needle with the UKWDG supply decision, but that is unlikely to be confirmed publicly.

Following on from the UKWDG supply deal with VEKA, there was then a statement from Modplan confirming that it was “business as usual” and that they would continue their operations with VEKA. Although the statement was issued to show stability in an unstable market, it was also an opportunity for Modplan to politely voice their disquiet at the decision to supply UKWDG. They did also acknowledge that change was inevitable.

The pattern of change has not been limited to the window and door profiles part of the market. Conservatory roofs have also seen major moves. Prefix, up until recently one of Ultraframe’s biggest fabricators of the Classic roof system, has now moved over to the S2 Sheerline roof. The S2 system has been developed from the K2 roof system. There are stories about the relationship between the two companies, which may provide context to the decision to move roof systems. But as with window and door profiles, the effort required to change systems like this is massive, not only for Prefix, but the clients of Prefix as well.

Relationships tested

The supply deal between UKWDG and VEKA has certainly raised some eyebrows within the sector. Indeed, it has perhaps been the catalyst for some of the recent changes and statements mentioned above.

What is clear is that in these testing market conditions, where

business is harder to come by and the slowdown is beginning to hurt, relationships are being tested. Companies are looking for new ways and additional opportunities to win new business and keep revenue coming in. This is where tough decisions are now beginning to be made. The priority right now is survival and profitability. If that means companies have to look elsewhere for new opportunities then that is what is going to happen.

To be clear, although others may not like it, VEKA is well within their rights to seek out new business opportunities. One came up with the removal of Duraflex from the market, and they were able to fill that gap. They were very likely aware that some of their other fabricator customers would not like it, but as

Modplan referenced in their own statement, change is inevitable. VEKA have every right, as do other systems companies to increase their market share. We have seen that with Eurocell striking a deal with Polyframe.

From my vantage point, the market is becoming more unstable. The slowdown is likely ruining plans and budgets made in 2022. There is most certainly a scrappy battle going on to win new business. It is the kind of environment where we expect more existing relationships to be tested, and perhaps more changes similar to what we have seen in the last few weeks. Indeed, it’s going to be a testing time for everyone.

Attracting New

Russell Hand, Head of Product Management and Technical at REHAU UK, explores how robust frame recycling infrastructure and onsite waste collection networks can be a motor to generating sales for installers and fabricators, in an increasingly sustainability-conscious market.

Security, airtightness and aesthetics are the key considerations that come to consumers’ minds when choosing windows and doors. More and more though, sustainability is climbing toward the top of that list, as many fabricators and installers are potentially finding when speaking to their customers.

As a result, ensuring adequate eco-friendly practices has become the centre of the sustainability discussion. A 2023 survey from management consultants Boston Consulting found that over 75 percent of consumers are trying to reduce their impact on the environment. Notably, consumers would expect the same from the brands and

companies they engage .

Sustainable Practices

According to research conducted by built environment specialists BRE Group, the demand for businesses to show their sustainability credentials also applies to the construction sector. Over two-thirds of respondents in its consumer survey considered sustainable features, including good insulation and triple glazing, to be important when buying a new property .

There may be advantages to educating customers at the time of sale, however, costs must also be considered. If a window or door’s appearance, security, or performance are compromised, potential buyers will be more influenced by their wallets than by environmental factors.

Only eight percent of the same Boston Group survey respondents would pay more for sustainable products and services despite expressing awareness of greener practices.

Frame Recycling With uPVC Made Easy

With uPVC, it is possible

New Business Through Waste Frame Recovery

for fenestration professionals to highlight how they fit into a complete circular economy to help finalise a sale and highlight the extra value services they provide. Many long-standing beliefs regarding the material, most of which being unrecyclable or harmful to the environment, have been refuted.

Polymer can be a highly sustainable raw material, and due to its thermoplastic nature, uPVC windows can be recycled up to ten times before any significant performance loss. Yet throwing frames away rather than recycling them is not only bad for the environment, fitters may also fall foul of the increasingly strict Landfill Tax.

Available Recycling Networks

Approximately two tonnes of 30-40 windows are disposed of weekly by the average window manufacturer, which could be put back into the supply chain. Replacing one skip a month and using a supplier’s recycling network can lead to annual savings of £4,000. This further highlights why window and door professionals should talk to their suppliers over whether they are working with recycling specialists.

REHAU, for instance, partners with CNC Recycling to ensure fenestration professionals nationwide have access to sustainable alternatives to landfill for old windows and doors. Old

polymer is then fed back into the supply chain via REHAU’s polymer recycling facility, PVCR, which processes the material so it can be used in new high-performance frames.

Closing The Loop

The PVCR site can process over 14,000 tonnes of post-consumer windows and doors every year. PVCR within the wider REHAU Group exemplifies the company’s belief in ‘planet over profit’ and has received multi-million pounds’ of investment from REHAU in state-of-the-art equipment and machinery, with sustainability targets prioritised.

The uPVC salvaged at PVCR is screened to guarantee it can be used again in high-performance frames, with 55 percent of the material reclaimed for mainline window production at REHAU’s extrusion factory in North Wales. The remaining polymer can also be recycled and deployed in other less critical fenestration products.

For any supplier in the modern windows industry, being able to demonstrate this whole circular economy of resources from waste to new products must be the standard. Installers and fabricators looking to verify the sustainability of their operations should demand similar transparency from these companies. This helps inform the consumer and bridge the gap on what sustainability looks like in the windows industry and assists

in purchasing decisions.

Who Benefits?

REHAU’s UK operation of recycling plant, collection network and extrusion facility is a closed-loop entirely within the country’s borders, set up to exclusively serve its UK customers. The practical benefits of this, including that additional materials are readily available, can be felt further down the supply chain. Work can be carried out quicker and more attractive project deadlines can be put to the customer, further increasing the likelihood of new business.

Installers and fabricators that can demonstrate the sustainability of their business practices and how they integrate into the larger circular economy will prosper in a market that is continually placing a greater priority on being environmentally friendly. To do so, they must collaborate closely with suppliers who run recycling facilities and networks that can assist companies in reducing their on-site waste disposal costs in terms of time, money, and resources.

For more information on REHAU’s sustainability commitments, visit here.

Morley Glass Agrees Leeds Knights Title Sponsorship For Next Two Seasons

Leeds-based integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass has signed a deal to extend its sponsorship of ice hockey team Leeds Knights for at least the next two years.

The company will continue to be “Title Sponsors” of the team who were crowned the Planet Ice NIHL National Division Champions this year, and expectations are even higher for the 2023-24 season which begins in September.

The officially named “Morley Glass Leeds Knights” describe the sponsorship agreement as ‘pivotal’ as it helps to reinforce their ambition to be one of the established sporting brands in Leeds - starting with the defence of its title. The funding will enable the club to include new and

upgraded branding within the rink and the Morley Glass logo will be prominently positioned on its new jersey design for the 2023-24 season.

Warwick Andrews, Managing Director of Leeds Knights said: “We are delighted to have extended our deal with Morley Glass; their investment for the next two years provides us with the confidence to build for the future. Morley Glass have been instrumental in supporting the growth of the club and it will be a pleasure to work alongside them as an integral part of our team.”

Ian Short, MD of Morley Glass added: “It has been amazing to see the work that everyone involved with Leeds Knights puts in, which is reflected in how

much they’ve achieved in such a short period of time. We’re proud to support the team and wish them the very best of luck for next season.”

The NIHL National Division, in which Leeds Knights play, is a professional ice hockey league formed of 11 teams nationwide and is the second tier of ice hockey in the UK. Leeds Knights entered the league after the Covid pandemic, following the opening of the new 2000-capacity Planet Ice Arena in 2019.

To find out more about Leeds Knights visit www.leedsknights.com.

And find out more about Morley Glass at www.morleyglass.co.uk.