NFA MAGAZINE JAN23

We are 10!

Nominations are OPEN...

NFA NEWS

The National Fenestration Awards have opened their 10th anniversary awards campaign. Marking ten years since their inception in 2013, the NFAs have grown to become the largest and most prestigious awards platform in the sector.

Last year’s campaign saw more than 2100 nominations submitted, and more than 29,000 votes cast to decide the winners of the 2022 campaign. The NFAs expects the same fantastic engagement this year, with a superb awards presentation even to be held on October 28th at Doncaster Racecourse. With 33 categories reaching all parts of the industry, the National Fenestration Awards are the most inclusive awards platform in the sector.

The NFAs operate in two phases: nominations and voting. The nominations phase is now live. Those wishing to take part are able to visit: www.fenestrationawards.co.uk/nominations/ and from there place a nomination in each of the 33 categories for this year.

The nominations phase will run until 31st March and will close at 5pm. Those nominations will be collated and organised into shortlists. The more nominations people and companies receive the better the chance they will make it through to the final voting phase.

National Fenestration Awards Campaign Opens VIDEO

The shortlists are set to be announced on April 10th, with voting commencing on 13th April. Voting is set to close on 29th September. The winners will then be announced at the awards ceremony on October 28th, which is set to be one of the events of the year.

The NFA team commented: “We’re excited to get this year’s campaign underway. 2022 was a huge year for the NFAs and was rounded off by the best awards night we have held in our history. We will be looking to build on the success from last year to bring the industry the best ever awards for our tenth anniversary!”

The nominations phase is live now. You can find out more about the National Fenestration Awards, as well as discover a range of fantastic sponsorship opportunities via the website: www.fenestrationawards.co.uk

Stay connected with the NFAs: Web: www.fenestrationawards.co.uk Email: info@fenestrationawards.co.uk Twitter: www.twitter.com/NatFenAwards Facebook: www.facebook.com/NatFenAwards LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/51726620

CONTENTS

THIS

MONTHS KEY ARTICLES

PAGE 06-07

VITRINE ALUMINIUM LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCT

The brand-new product can be utilised to create fixed glazed screens, with a range of inset door options for easy access between spaces...

PAGE 10

KOLORSEAL FOCUS ON THE YEAR AHEAD...

Heading into 2023, Deborah Hendry, Managing Director, Kolorseal Ltd, Reviews 2022 but with a strong focus on the new year.

PAGE 13

EUROCELL INVESTS NEARLY £3 MILLION

Eurocell has demonstrated its commitment its network of fabrication partners with significant investment enabling them to increase productivity...

PAGE 17

SHEERLINE ADDS CLIP-IN BEAD OPTION

This fabricator and installer-friendly addition gives Sheerline customers greater choice as part of its game-changing aluminium window and door offering.

PAGE 19

MORLEY GLASS NAMED GGP INSTALLER AWARDS FINALIST

Morley Glass has been shortlisted for the ‘Best Installer Support Programme or Service Initiative’ award in the 2023 GGP Installer Awards.

PAGE 28

2022: A VINTAGE YEAR FOR VBH Hardware manufacturer, VBH, has issued a review of 2022, advising that the year was a great success for the company.

PAGE 46

NEW THERMAL CALCULATOR EXCLUSIVE TO SHEERLINE CUSTOMERS

Sheerline customers can calculate Energy Ratings and U-values quickly and efficiently.

PAGE 49

LOOKING TO WIN 2023?

Having quality hardware on display can be extremely valuable in helping influence the decision-making process, says Coastal Group.

VITRINE ALUMINIUM LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCT FOR 2023

Vitrine Aluminium’s new internal door and fixed glazing system is the ideal product for creating bespoke glazed interior partitions, dividers, or walls of glass, which separate spaces whilst maintaining optimum levels of natural light and an open-plan living aesthetic.

The brand-new product can be utilised to create fixed glazed screens, with a range of inset door options for easy access between spaces. Utilising one door profile across the suite allows for the creation of hinged, pivot, sliding and bi-folding configurations thus allowing for design-continuity across your project with the ultimate functionality.

Our product offers the ideal solution for creating separation between kitchen, living and dining areas

where a heritage or contemporary aesthetic is required. The system also excels in partition offices, studios or entrances in commercial applications.

This system has been added to our unrivalled product offering from bi fold doors, flat roof solutions and entrance doors, a full list of products below:

Existing products

• Bi fold doors - With sleek sightlines.

• Lift & slide/inline sliding doors - Boasting an impressive 47mm interlock and a range of paint finishes (colour matched hardware available).

• Bespoke curtain wall designs - Built to suit all projects both residential and commercial.

• Roof lanterns - The most stylish and secure roof lantern on the market.

• Flat roof lights - Stunning aluminium framed rooflights.

• Commercial doors and framing - With excellent thermals and hardware range.

• Aluminium windows - Beautifully finished flush to the inside.

• All expertly fabricated.

• Shaped frames.

• Heritage doors and framing.

• Entrance doors.

2022 a year of growth

Vitrine Aluminium partnered up with several names in the fenestration industry and have recently installed one of their fantastic lift & slide patio doors in an impressive showroom environment.

The Vitrine aluminium team also achieved a successful System 1 FPC Audit and are now able to manufacture multiple solutions to EN12101-2 NSHEV AOV requirements.

Vitrine’s products also feature in a showroom in Wakefield where they installed a flat aluminium rooflight and slimline aluminium roof lantern offering customers an insight into how much light these will bring to their space.

Vitrine Aluminium feels that their customer focused attitude alongside their unique product offerings keeps the Vitrine brand growing, and more industry recognition means more exposure than ever before.

Industry Recognition

Vitrine Aluminium are very proud of their National Fenestration Award for ‘Bi folding Door Manufacturer of The Year 2021’. Director Duane Rogers credited his business partners and family, as well as the

support from his suppliers after collecting the trophy at the 2021 winner’s event. Duane commented: “It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to where we are now, and we want to thank all who voted for us”.

In the 2022 National Fenestration Awards, Vitrine once again made the shortlist for Bi folding Door Manufacturer of The Year and Aluminium Fabricator Of The Year awards. As the National Fenestration Awards goes into its 10th year the team at Vitrine look forward to the possibility of being nominated for a third time.

Outlook for 2023

More products will be added to Vitrine’s range in 2023 so watch this space!

For more information on Vitrine Aluminium and the whole product offering please visit their website www.vitrinealu.co.uk. Call 01925 387099 or email them at info@vitrinealuminium.com.

See a gallery of Vitrine’s products and installations on the gallery page on their website here: www.vitrinealu.co.uk/gallery.

“It’s taken hard work to get to where we are.”

KOLORSEAL FOCUS ON THE YEAR AHEAD...

The Kolorseal team continues to meet its targets and everyone has shown real commitment to keep things steady throughout the year.

The continued co-operation with customers and suppliers has ensured we are in a positive position moving into 2023.

Heading into 2023, Deborah Hendry, Managing Director, Kolorseal Ltd, Reviews 2022 but with a strong focus on the new year.

As another year heads to a close, the Kolorseal team once again celebrated as a winner - this year the team won NFA Colour Specialist Award 2023 for the 4th consecutive year. After a year of economic uncertainty for everyone, this was a real boost to team morale.

Deborah comments,

“The beginning of 2022 began with change - the Kolorseal team moved into larger premises to ensure that customers demands could be met as orders increased. While supply issues dominated the news at the beginning of the year, for Kolorseal it was a busier than normal period.

There are some lovely projects lined up for next year and have a number of exciting new plans for 2023.

The construction sector as a whole faces challenging economic times with predictions of a 2% slowdown in commercial projects in 2023. Construction output overall is currently predicted to fall by 3.9% in 2023.

Naturally, this downward forecast has been made due to the impact of an economic recession and the uncertainty brought about by the political unrest. This does however mean that the consumer may look to invest in renovation rather than buying and selling which still means we have the possibility of some positive news moving into the new year.

Let us hope that the New Year will remain positive for us all, with continuing innovation and new energy in abundance. The Kolorseal team is looking forward to continuing to work with customers in supporting their businesses.

On a personal note, I am very grateful for all our continuing working partnerships, old and new, and the whole team looks forward to working together next year. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2023.”

For more information on Kolorseal Ltd please visit the website www.kolorseal.co.uk

INVESTS NEARLY £3

MILLION TO SUPPORT GROWTH IN FABRICATOR NETWORK

Eurocell has further demonstrated its commitment its nationwide network of fabrication partners with significant investment enabling them to increase productivity, further expand their businesses and secure their long-term futures.

A total of nearly £3million has been committed by Eurocell. The investment has included allocations provided to onboarding new fabricators to the network, along with the addition of new machinery, software, and programming for existing fabricators to enable them to diversify their offerings and meet customer demand.

Meanwhile, investments have also been made into upgrades and maintenance for equipment currently being used by fabricators, so they can maintain and enhance their productivity and provide an optimised service to customers. In addition, logistics, engineering, and inventory support have also been given as part of the investment alongside lead generation and marketing services to help fabricators in building their businesses further.

The finance package for fabricators is part of Eurocell’s ‘Grow with us’ philosophy, which sees it provide ongoing investment and support to its sector-leading fabricator network to deliver growth and secure their long-term futures. This takes the form of marketing and showroom support, as well as assistance with specification and technical issues, and access to Eurocell’s world-class supply chain – all of which enables fabricators to provide best-in-class products and customer service.

The Eurocell fabricator network currently comprises

fabricators ranging from small, family-owned businesses focused on supporting trade installers, retail customers, new build developers and commercial specifiers.

The focus of the relationship is on sustained growth, through a truly customer-centric strategy encompassing innovation, new products and new routes to market. A collaborative and proactive approach to marketing allows both parties to harness new business opportunities, with new builds and garden rooms currently among the most prominent. Meanwhile, product innovation continues apace within Eurocell, enabling fabricators to regularly offer new, high-quality and supremely efficient systems to their customers.

Andy McDonnell, Managing Director at Eurocell plc, explained: “Our UK-wide network of leading fabricators remains integral. Every action we take is aimed to support their expansion and competitiveness.

“Each fabricator receives technical support from an account engineer to ensure they get the most out of their equipment, while an account manager assists them with strategy and business growth. They also have access to unrivalled technical and specification support – which is extended to any contractors and installers they are working with.

“We also help them by providing new business leads – from commercial, domestic, and new build clients. The aim is always to help them expand their offering through the delivery of high added value solutions for their local customers and to develop opportunities for new business. Through this, they can grow with us by means of a mutually rewarding, long-term collaboration.”

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

Hardware manufacturer, VBH, is reporting a high uptake on the new greenteQ SLIM Omega letterplate, which was launched recently.

The product has been introduced following feedback from VBH customers who were struggling to find a feature-packed letterplate that they could fit to slim mid-rails without it overhanging the profile.

The new letterplate opens to 180° in the same way that the standard Omega product does, but is only 56mm deep. Despite the slim overall size, the internal aperture is only, at 31mm, 8mm less than a standard letterplate. VBH advise that this will cope with most standard postal items.

Omega SLIM is available in nine finishes of the greenteQ Suite, VBH’s range of matching resi-door, window and patio door furniture.

Marketing Manager Gary Gleeson says, “We revamped the Omega range in 2022, giving it a much more contemporary look. We had been hearing for a while that people wanted our original ‘box’ but in a slimmer package, so it seemed the perfect time to lay down the tooling and put some stock in place of the all-new Omega SLIM.

We knew that we had ready-made customers in place, but towards the end of the year we have welcomed many new customers come on board for Omega, too.”

As with all greenteQ furniture products, Omega is supplied with a 10 year mechanical and surface guarantee. The guarantee also extends to plated finishes.

Gary explains, “Our plated furniture has six layers of copper, chrome and nickel to give it excellent protection against the elements. Installers fitting doors that feature greenteQ furniture can rest easy knowing that all the furniture on the door is covered by VBH for a full 10 years, and it suites with their windows and patio doors, of course.”

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

SHEERLINE ADDS CLIP-IN BEAD OPTION TO ITS POPULAR ULTRA-SLIM CLASSIC RANGE

looking for the ultimate thermal performance will be delighted to know that U-values of 1.1 are achievable with standard triple glazed units if required.

A clear advantage over systems based on older, polyamide thermal breaks.

This is a huge competitive advantage for Sheerline users, as many legacy systems are unable to meet the newest standards easily.

With ultra-slim sightlines as low as 36mm for fixed frames and 59mm for openers, as well as a full range of dedicated authentic clip-on Georgian bars, Classic is the ideal aluminium window system for discerning customers looking for the best heritage style window possible.

Other key selling points of the Classic range include the fact that every product is available with Secured by Design accreditation, valued by homeowners looking for extra peace of mind. Testimony to the fact the every Sheerline product is designed to be as secure as possible.

Sheerline CEO, Roger Hartshorn said: “Our new clipin bead system is a game-changer for fabricators and installers who are tired of working with traditional aluminium frames that simply don’t offer the modern benefits that our systems offer.”

“One of our key aims for the Sheerline brand has been to overcome the weaknesses associated with traditional aluminium systems. We’re a solutionsfocused business and the fabricators and installers we work with drive what we focus on. That’s why we’re striving to make aluminium as good as it can be.” he added.

To find out more about Sheerline’s clip-in bead solution, visit the website here: www.sheerline. com alternatively, call Sheerline on 01132 978000 or email: info@sheerline.com for more information. Follow @SheerlineSystem for the latest news and updates.

MORLEY GLASS NAMED GGP INSTALLER AWARDS FINALIST FOR GLASS RECYCLING SERVICE

Uni-Blinds® integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass has been shortlisted for the ‘Best Installer Support Programme or Service Initiative’ award in the 2023 GGP Installer Awards.

The company, which is the UK’s largest manufacturer of IGUs complete with ScreenLine® integral blind systems, is in the running for the award for the free service it offers to installers and fabricators to help them save money on waste disposal costs, while at the same time raising money to improve the environment.

The service involves Morley Glass collecting the postconsumer glass that installers remove as part of window replacement work, and crushing this at its in-house recycling plant, before sending to Saint-Gobain Glass for the manufacture of new glass.

The service is free to installers and fabricators because the glass cullet produced through the crushing process is a valuable raw material in its own right. In addition, Morley Glass delivery vans are on the road delivering Uni-Blinds® integral blind units to customers across the UK every working day, so they are ideally placed to collect waste glass from installers rather than returning to the Leeds HQ empty.

All the money raised through the production of cullet is placed into a fund called GreenVision which is ringfenced to offer £500 grants to micro-initiatives and individuals whose work will improve the local community, environmentally or socially.

Ian Short, MD of Morley Glass said: “We’re thrilled to be on shortlist for a GGP Installer Award and look forward to the awards ceremony in March. From something that started out as a relatively simple idea to help our business save on waste disposal costs, our glass recycling initiative has grown to become a really popular service that our customers value and communities benefit from.

“We know from what installers are telling us that using our service rather than throwing glass into the general waste skip can save thousands of pounds a year. And thanks to the commitment and shared vision of Saint-

Gobain Glass, we are able to support those dedicated to improving their local community too through GreenVision, as well as saving energy and finite resources.”

Since Morley Glass installed its recycling plant in 2020, the company has generated over 1,000 tonnes of cullet. This has reduced the amount of sand needed for glass manufacture by almost 1,000,000kg and cut CO2 emissions by over 340,000kg.

All the companies on the shortlist for the GGP Installer Awards ‘Best Installer Support Programme or Service Initiative’ award have demonstrated how they have had a positive impact on the growth and success of window, door and conservatory installation companies.

The stand-out finalist will be presented with the award at a ceremony taking place on 16th March 2023 at the Midland Hotel in Manchester.

Find out more about Morley Glass at www.morleyglass.co.uk.

Y O U R D I

I T A L D O S E O

T

E N E W

G

F

H

S T H A T M A T T E R S C H A N G I N G T H E S T A T U S Q U O

B E T T E R N E W S

32YEARS OF

SASH WINDOW EXPERIENCE –AND WE’RE READY FOR ANOTHER

This might be the very first time you are considering changing your sash window supplier. Or, perhaps you just want to try an alternative award winning sash window specialist to offer your customers a wider choice. Either way, we would like to help you to increase your VS sales.

With 32 years focussed on manufacturing high quality timber alternative sash windows, we are true specialists and confident that our products will impress your customers. We have also earned a sound reputation for always providing an exceptional level of personal service and our entire team are committed to delivering this.

Our new specification launched in 2019 featuring exclusive new Masterframe Systems, standard with patented Timberweld® technology and we would welcome the opportunity to take you through the improved product offering and delighted to quote.

No matter the size or design of a home or project, if sash windows are required then we can help. If a specialist solution is needed for a conservation area, modern development, school or historic building our sash windows add the right amount of authentic styling to either fit seamlessly into original settings or set the property apart from other new developments.

To see the choices, including patented Timberweld® corner design, download our new brochures here.

Some of the advantages we offer as standard: 10 year guarantee for peace of mind

Made in Britain for continuity

BBA Approval on standard window sizes for longevity Energy Savings Trust recommended for energy efficiency Specialist solutions for challenging projects that require matching new to original designs

Free and safe UK mainland delivery

Quotes with non-priced customer proposal

CAD drawings where required Expert technical support

Free 47 page professional conservation guide

Free product training

Call our friendly sales team on 01376 510410 or email for a quote here.

2022: A VINTAGE YEAR FOR VBH

Pamela Paterson, who became Operations Manager of VBH East Kilbride. Rob Norman was promoted to Business Development Director, and now heads up new product development at VBH. In addition to internal promotions, we expanded our team across all departments in 2022, and now employ over 70 people in the UK.

Hardware manufacturer, VBH, has issued a review of 2022, advising that the year was a great success for the company. The update reads:

“We are pleased to advise that 2022 was an excellent year for VBH, building on the successes of 2021.

We celebrated our 40th year in business with a dinner and dance at Leeds Castle in May. Most of the team made the trip to Kent, including many from our sites in East Kilbride and Wales.

We once again co-hosted our customer golf day in the summer with our friends at Deceuninck. The weather was typically good, and we managed to avoid the scorching temperatures that hit the country last summer. All enjoyed a great day of golf and socialising.

In terms of product development, we saw a steady stream of new products hit the market, including a brand new slim Omega letterplate for narrow mid-rails, a complete re-design of the standard Omega range, new finishes being added to our greenteQ Suite of matching door and window furniture, and new window and door restrictors, among others. Our design team has been extremely through 2022, and we will be introducing many very exciting new products in the first few months of 2023.

VBH made our first forays into the world of sports sponsorship in 2022. As well as providing a full kit for one of Clyde FC’s community teams, we also sponsored Gillingham FC’s match against Sheffield Wednesday, and had greenteQ Q-Smart branding on the Vauxhall Astras throughout the 2022 British Touring Car Championship. Alas, our input did not open the door to a race win!

2022 was a year of internal promotions, with many members of the team progressing to new positions of greater responsibility within the company. These include Louise Eagle and Hayley Martin from our Gillinghambased Customer Service and Marketing teams, and

Towards the end of the year, we were proud to be judged Large Business of the Year at the Medway Business Awards, and were voted Hardware Company of the Year in the National Fenestration Awards.

Our product range and the efforts of our expanded team helped VBH to another record year for sales in 2022, despite the well-documented issues that businesses and individuals are facing in these uncertain times.

Despite these challenges, our On Time in Full delivery score remained in the 96 – 98% bracket for the full year, thanks to our purchasing and logistics strategies.

We continue to self-criticise, and evolve accordingly, to ensure that our service levels remain high through 2023 and beyond.

With the new products and initiatives due to be launched in the coming months, coupled with evolving service practices, we are certain that we will build on this success in 2023, and will continue to offer top levels of service to VBH customers, existing and new.”

To contact VBH, call them on 01634 263263, email at sales@vbhgb.com, or send them a Tweet @vbhgb.

RapidLam Shape: More Scope To Shape The Future.

Shape Cutting of Laminated Glass as a Compact Unit

More possibilities to cut shapes and free forms on laminated glass.

Can be integrated into an existing line, or as stand-alone machine. This compact machine uses synchronised turning cutting heads, providing precise results that match the cutting plan.

• Automatic cutting of free forms in laminated glass

• Can be used as part of a cutting line or as stand-alone machine

• Laser foil separation can be installed at a later date

Create

a customer

how it works

Create a team Create a customer

‘quotation’ or ‘survey’ to ‘first fix etc.

Onsite 7 can edit your job stage headings, making them more bespoke to your business. eg. change the title ‘sales’ to ‘quotation’ or ‘survey’ to ‘first fix etc.

We have varied support staff on hand, both providing hard support and soft support services. All of our team are incredible experienced which helps them get to the bottom of support requests, promptly and ef ciently.

Support

We have varied support staff on hand, both providing hard support and soft support services. All of our team are incredible experienced which helps them get to the bottom of support requests, promptly and ef ciently.

Our ‘soft’ support team work in the background, providing technical updates, service monitoring and security checks. This ensures the very best service levels are maintained for our customers.

Our ‘soft’ support team work in the background, providing technical updates, service monitoring and security checks. This ensures the very best service levels are maintained for our customers.

QUESTIONS,

Michael Hollyer Director | Clearstyle Windows

that any person with the admin console access can find information, or photo/video evidence to relay to the customer.

beauty of using Onsite 7 is that any person with the admin console access can find information, or photo/video evidence

We can even download a customer job report with their signature and customer satisfaction rating… this is invaluable for our industry.

SIGN UP TODAY AT ONSITE7.CO.UK WE ARE HERE TO HELP ANSWER YOUR

We can even download a customer job report with their signature and customer satisfaction rating… this is invaluable for our industry.

SIGN UP TODAY AT ONSITE7.CO.UK WE ARE HERE TO HELP ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS, PROVIDE TRAINING AND CAN EVEN ASSIST WITH SETTING UP YOUR ONSITE 7 SYSTEM

In all honesty it was di cult to find a fault with the software and understood the reasoning as to why it was developed. It simply helps a trade business perform to its best and has certainly helped us provide evidence of the quality of our work, keep track of jobs and have comfort in being able to see footage/notes and photos being taken from site installations if we as company owners are not physically there ourselves.

Director

if software was designed specifically for my business. Using Onsite 7 I can see the ‘sales stage’, ‘survey stage’ ‘install stage’ and ‘any service calls attended against the jobs. This allows me to review previous visits and action visits either assigned to myself or my team members.

Michael Hollyer

Clearstyle Windows

Leigh Barnes Director

JLS Electrical Services

Luke Smith Director | The Green Room Building Co

Leigh Barnes Director | JLS Electrical Services

Luke Smith Director | The Green Room Building Co

The

| Clearstyle Windows

Director

|

Support

varied support staff on hand, both hard support and soft support All of our team are incredible experienced which helps them get to the support requests, promptly and

support team work in the background, providing technical updates, monitoring and security checks. This very best service levels are for our customers.

support team, deal directly with our helping them through product providing quick demonstration even tailoring their software to individual business needs.

honesty it was di cult to find a fault with the and understood the reasoning as to why developed. It simply helps a trade business to its best and has certainly helped us evidence of the quality of our work, keep jobs and have comfort in being able to see footage/notes and photos being taken from site installations if we as company owners are not physically there ourselves.

Luke Smith

Director | The Green Room Building Co

YOUR BI-FOLD DOORS

DESERVE A QUALITY HANDLE SET, SAY COASTAL GROUP

Bi-Fold doors are an extremely popular choice with homeowners, flooding homes with natural light, increasing the feeling of space and providing a seamless link between indoors and outdoors. Hardware manufacturer Coastal Group outline the importance quality handles play in creating an exceptional look, feel and function of Bi-Fold doors.

“We know the care, time and skill that goes into engineering and installation of our customers bifold doors, continuously innovating to offer the best in aesthetics and function” comments Marketing Manager, Neil Jones “As the physical component touched by homeowners, we believe Bi-Fold doors deserve handles with look and function that accentuates the smooth, quality feel of the system our customers have worked tirelessly to deliver”.

Coastal’s KM115 is carefully designed to capture the feeling of quality sought after by manufacturers and installers on the folding leaves of their Bi-Fold systems. It’s slimline design partners contemporary elegance, exceptional useability, and reliable performance. Key features of the KM115 include: Manufactured from solid 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel for durability.

Its ergonomic grip combines with spring function to enhance feel and performance for the user. Euro profile cut-out for use with lockable leaves. For projects not requiring a euro profile, Coastal also offer the KM100 Bi-Fold flat door handle, showcasing the same impressive performance benefits as the KM115.

Coastal highlight another key benefit of their BiFold handle offering - the capability to match style and finish of handles on both the traffic door and folding door leaves.

“Having a matching aesthetic across doors and windows is increasingly desired by homeowners, Bi-Fold doors are no different” comments Manging Director Loren Jenner “Our suited range gives customers a choice of stunning contemporary multipoint lever handles for the Traffic Door to complement our KM115 Bi-Fold handle”.

All handles are part of Coastal’s flagship BLU range, meaning that they are manufactured from 316 Stainless Steel. With the function of Bi-Fold doors being open on a regular basis, handles are left exposed to the various atmospheric pollutants that cause corrosion, especially prominent in coastal areas and on installations around swimming pools. Also known as Marine Grade, 316 Stainless Steel is the recommended material for hardware in these applications.

“Offering a suited range of 316 Stainless Steel handles gives customers peace of mind that wherever in the world their Bi-Folds are installed they won’t be let down by rusting or failing handles” continues Loren Jenner “This is why we’re pleased to offer a lifetime guarantee across our BLU range of products, offering hardware that performs as good as it looks”.

To discuss how these handles would look on your Bi-Fold doors, or to request a sample please contact kevin.richards@coastal-group.com or call us on 01726 871 025.

varied support staff on hand, both hard support and soft support All of our team are incredible experienced which helps them get to the support requests, promptly and

support team work in the background, providing technical updates, monitoring and security checks. This very best service levels are for our customers.

support team, deal directly with our helping them through product providing quick demonstration even tailoring their software to individual business needs.

Director | The Green Room Building Co

honesty it was di cult to find a fault with the and understood the reasoning as to why developed. It simply helps a trade business to its best and has certainly helped us evidence of the quality of our work, keep jobs and have comfort in being able to see footage/notes and photos being taken from site installations if we as company owners are not physically there ourselves.

Luke Smith

NEW THERMAL CALCULATOR EXCLUSIVE TO SHEERLINE CUSTOMERS

While this is no easy feat, Sheerline’s products have been designed with these changes in mind, meaning future legislation and sustainability were key considerations during the research & development phase.

Sheerline has launched a new Thermal Calculator exclusively for its customers so they can calculate Energy Ratings and U-values quickly and efficiently. It has been developed by the in-house R&D team to help customers meet Part-L regulations in line with the government’s 2025 Future Homes and Buildings Standard.

The proprietary software behind the solution produces Certass endorsed results for U-values and Energy Ratings aligned to the Certass Thermal Rating Register. This gives customers peace of mind as the accreditation is legally recognised, reflecting the fact Sheerline has developed a simple yet effective system that demonstrates the energy efficiency of various profile and glass combinations across the entire Sheerline range.

This clever software enables fabricators to self-generate specific thermal ratings for all windows and doors within Sheerline’s Classic and Prestige ranges in as little as 30 seconds. It is easy-to-use, guiding users through the specific information that is required.

This includes the product range, sash feature, whether the product is a window, door or bi-fold along with the frame type. Once fabricators have input these details, they can check their Part-L compliance within seconds while creating labels for the products they are fabricating.

It is a legal requirement that installers supply and fit windows that are not only fit for purpose but are also Part L compliant. There may be instances where installers are required to provide evidence to prove the products they supply are compliant – this powerful tool puts that information at fabricators fingertips.

Under the new legislation, which is designed to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions, there is a mandatory 30% cut in carbon for all new homes. In addition, other buildings, such as office buildings and shops, will have to reduce their carbon footprint by 27%.

As a result, all Sheerline’s products offer easy Part L compliance, so the installers and fabricators they work with don’t have to worry about expensive upgrades to triple glazing or adding additional foam fillets to increase thermal efficiency.

The new rules apply to all window and door upgrades, whether for new builds, extensions, or renovations. For instance, all window and door

replacements after June 15, 2022, must have a maximum U-value of 1.4 (energy rating B for glazed windows and doors or C for single doors). While new builds are subject to a limiting (maximum) U-value of 1.6 for windows and doors.

Roger Hartshorn, Sheerline CEO, said: “As an installer and fabricator-friendly organisation, we pride ourselves on making life easier for our customers. The changes to Part L regulations are not insignificant, and it’s important we meet the new requirements head-on. That’s why we’ve developed our new Thermal Calculator to take the hassle out of generating thermal ratings and U-values.”

“It’s an invaluable tool for our customers, not only to help the country reduce its carbon footprint, but to help homeowners enjoy thermally efficient, warm homes. When customers choose Sheerline, they’re choosing compliance and all the benefits associated with it,” he added.

To find out everything you need to know about the latest Part L regulations, read Sheerline’s handy guide here: www.sheerline.com/ready

LOOKING TO WIN 2023?

In 2023 with the race to ‘wow’ homeowners and win business more competitive than ever. Having quality hardware on display can be extremely valuable in helping influence the decision-making process, says Coastal Group.

“We’ve had a lot of feedback from our customers that physically seeing and feeling the quality of the hardware helps them appreciate the difference this can make to their finished door” states Managing Director Loren Jenner. “We saw the potential to take this concept further and help our customers by introducing high quality Product Display Boards for their showrooms”.

Coastal’s Product Display Boards range have proved extremely popular in showrooms up and down the country, helping to increase sales and make the buyer decision easy according to Coastal Group. “Our customers see a huge benefit in simplifying the selection process for their clients, as well as offering an opportunity to offer something different from their competition” comments Loren Jenner.

Whether its sharp contemporary design or heritage charm you’re looking to capture, Coastal offers a range of standard boards to showcase Classic, Contemporary and Antique designs. The boards are available in four different sizes to fit with your showroom area. Coastal can also design bespoke boards for customers who want to showcase multiple styles on a single board.

“We designed the boards to be in keeping with the quality of the hardware. The aim was to create a striking look for our customers which they would be proud to have in their showroom” says Marketing Manager Neil Jones.

“The hardware is not only mounted onto a premium look grey laminate display board, but the lever handles are fitted with spring cassettes, giving a nice positive action as if on a door”.

Since their introduction into showrooms, Coastal have received some excellent feedback already, as outlined below:

“The display boards provided for our showroom are well made with good quality working samples. We have already had several customers upgrade to Coastal’s products and anticipate many more!!”Door and Window Fabricator

“Coastal’s display boards are superb quality and look great in our showroom. They help our clients visualise the quality of their finished doors and have helped us get the go ahead on multiple projects already.”Manufacturer of Timber Doors and Windows

For customers seeking a solution to help win those all-important orders whilst on the road visiting customers, Coastal also offers a display case option. The key principle behind this innovation is the same as the display boards, putting high-quality hardware in front of the homeowner to make the decision easy, but is beautifully presented in a portable case.

If you’re looking to win sales and simplify your sales process in 2023, email Coastal Group on kevin.richards@coastal-group.com or call 01726 871 025 to discuss your options.

“ Coastal’s display boards are superb quality and look great in our showroom...”

32YEARS OF SASH WINDOW EXPERIENCE –AND WE’RE READY FOR ANOTHER

This might be the very first time you are considering changing your sash window supplier. Or, perhaps you just want to try an alternative award winning sash window specialist to offer your customers a wider choice. Either way, we would like to help you to increase your VS sales.

With 32 years focussed on manufacturing high quality timber alternative sash windows, we are true specialists and confident that our products will impress your customers. We have also earned a sound reputation for always providing an exceptional level of personal service and our entire team are committed to delivering this.

Our new specification launched in 2019 featuring exclusive new Masterframe Systems, standard with patented Timberweld® technology and we would welcome the opportunity to take you through the improved product offering and delighted to quote.

No matter the size or design of a home or project, if sash windows are required then we can help. If a specialist solution is needed for a conservation area, modern development, school or historic building our sash windows add the right amount of authentic styling to either fit seamlessly into original settings or set the property apart from other new developments.

To see the choices, including patented Timberweld® corner design, download our new brochures here.

Some of the advantages we offer as standard: 10 year guarantee for peace of mind Made in Britain for continuity

BBA Approval on standard window sizes for longevity Energy Savings Trust recommended for energy efficiency Specialist solutions for challenging projects that require matching new to original designs

Free and safe UK mainland delivery Quotes with non-priced customer proposal

CAD drawings where required Expert technical support

Free 47 page professional conservation guide

Free product training

Call our friendly sales team on 01376 510410 or email for a quote here.

RapidLam Shape: More Scope To Shape The Future.

Shape Cutting of Laminated Glass as a Compact Unit

More possibilities to cut shapes and free forms on laminated glass. Can be integrated into an existing line, or as stand-alone machine. This compact machine uses synchronised turning cutting heads, providing precise results that match the cutting plan.

• Automatic cutting of free forms in laminated glass

• Can be used as part of a cutting line or as stand-alone machine

• Laser foil separation can be installed at a later date

2023 WILL BE A TOUGH YEAR, BUT WILL HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TOO

First and foremost, a very happy New Year to you all!

The problems the UK, our economy and indeed our own sector faces are well known. Inflation remains a problem. We’re likely at the start of a prolonged recession. Energy bills continue to rise despite Government support. There are strikes all over the place. 2023 is going to be a hard slog, and there are going to be casualties in our sector as a result.

That being said, wherever there are problems there are also opportunities. It is during this recession that UK fenestration needs to read between the headlines and understand where there are avenues to pursue. In a separate post to this, I will explore some of the specific products that I think we should be focusing more on to exploit growth this year. But for now, I want to take a more generic look at where I think we can find some success this year.

I hope that you enjoyed some well-earned downtime over the Christmas and New Year period and that you suitably indulged as I did. Needless to say, the healthier food is back in the fridge and the beer is out of sight for a little bit!

2022 was one of those years where you breathed a sigh of relief. A very different market compared to 2021, fraught with all sorts of varying challenges and difficulties. Speaking to some of my contacts as the year ended, it was VERY hard work to end ahead of 2021.

Shouting the energy-efficient message 2023 will be a year where the cost of energy remains front and centre. Even with Government help, the cost of gas and electricity for homes and businesses continues to rise. Over the past few days, there has been a recent focus on falling wholesale gas prices, with costs dropping significantly. I hope that consumers will see the effects of that drop in the coming months.

Still, compared to 2020 and 2021 levels, energy costs have risen massively, which then put a focus on reducing costs for households where they can. The fenestration sector is in a position to be able to help. New energy-efficient windows and doors can save hundreds of pounds per year by keeping valuable heat indoors. With the main part of Winter still ahead of us, our sector has to make the most of this valuable USP and target its marketing to consumers to emphasise the energy-efficient message. There are millions and millions of homes that are in desperate need of retrofitting to bring them up to scratch. Our industry has a major part

“The high-end market to remain the most resilient and buoyant despite the tough year we all had.”

Jason Grafton-Holt

www.doubleglazingblogger.co.uk

info@doubleglazingblogger.co.uk

@glazingblogger

to play in that effort and so we should find a lot of success down this particular path.

Falling house prices

Hear me out. Usually, our industry likes rising house prices as homes sold for major profits see those profits reinvested into new homes, often into home improvements like new windows and doors.

However, the market is turning, and there are some early signs that the drop in house prices is picking up speed and there is a small chance the reversal in prices could be quite sharp. So why is this an opportunity?

House prices have risen for so long and so sharply, that even with a hefty price reversal, homeowners will still be sitting on profits. But, falling house prices may force a rethink for some people on whether to move or improve what they already have? With at least 250,000 homes per year for the next few years facing higher mortgage costs, many may believe that investing in their current home, which is a cheaper endeavour than moving altogether in a lot of cases, is a better use of their money. If this scenario plays out, our industry can benefit from that. Again, we have to get our message and marketing right to make the most of this situation.

High-end resilience

Speaking on my experience from last year at our own installations business, we found the high-end market to remain the most resilient and buoyant despite the tough year we all had.

The self-builders and the wealthy tend to go for the luxury market. Aluminium, flush PVCu, bespoke aluminium entrance doors, bi-folds, large-scale glazed sliders etc. Standard PVCu won’t do for this type of client.

Despite the recession this year and possibly into 2024, the richer bracket of the population will continue to spend on themselves, their homes and their projects. Recessions and energy prices do not affect this demographic like others, so it would be wise for more of our industry to look to this part of the market to find profitable avenues.

The higher-end market has always been more sheltered than other parts of the market. It’s not as easy as flicking a switch and suddenly selling a different way and a different type of product. It takes time, effort and money to alter your own business. After spending much of 2022 changing things at our place I can vouch for that. But the rewards are worth it, and even more satisfying when you know you’re growing in a down market.

2023 will be hard. I don’t think anyone thinks otherwise. But there are always ways to make a success of things, that is a certainty. It’s simply a matter of putting in the work and keeping focused on the end goal.