The National Fenestration Awards voting phase is still well underway and in just 2 months of voting we have received a record 17,000 votes.
We want to say a huge thank you to our industry for taking time out to vote in our awards, we are thrilled with all the reactions and engagement. Finalists’ social media posts have been brilliant, and we hope to see more and more as our winner’s event gets even closer.
Winners will be announced in the Garden Suite of Doncaster Racecourse where attendees will be able to enjoy an exciting day of racing, dining, networking, and entertainment.
You will be met with a champagne reception on arrival, and then will be able to enjoy a full race card at the Virgin Bet November Handicap this is the final chance to enjoy turf flat racing anywhere in the UK this year, so an exciting atmosphere is anticipated.
Tickets for this event can be purchased by anyone in the fenestration industry here: www.fenestrationawards.co.uk/2022-winners/.
There are just over 11 weeks to go until voting closes on 7th October 2022. Visit our voting page to choose your winners. www.fenestrationawards.co.uk/vote/
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CAN IT BE TOO HOT TO WORK?
There is no legal limit on how hot temperatures have to be in order for work to stop. But could the hot weather stop work anyway?
PAGE 12
WHY FIT IN WHEN YOU CAN STAND OUT?
Exhibitions can be pretty formal and lacklustre, with visitors just ambling around and not having much to stimulate their interest. FENEX is different!
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LEKA LAUNCHES NEW ECOTECH ROOF SYSTEM
Leka Systems, have launched their new ecotech roofing system giving fabricators and installers even more opportunities to add value to their portfolio.
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GQA PARTNERSHIP WITH ‘NOBODY LEFT BEHIND’ INITIATIVE GQA Qualifications is lending its support to a progressive and life-changing initiative for young people called ‘Nobody Left Behind’.
EUROCELL’S WORLD CLASS SUPPLY CHAIN CONTINUES TO SUPPORT FABRICATORS
Eurocell reports it has been successfully performing at almost 100% on deliveries for the past three months.
WE’RE GOING TO NEED TO LEARN TO SELL AGAIN Prising money away to pay for new windows is about to get a lot harder. We’re going to need to learn to sell again.
BUSINESS PILOT - A STEP AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION
The platform has its own set of features and benefits that greatly helps with the day to day management of a business.
NEW TRUCKS FOR NEW SITES FOR WINDOW RECYCLING CNC Recycling are delighted to have taken delivery of the first of two new brand new IVECO S-way tractor units...
Despite all the innovation and the focus on hi-tech new design, urban areas are among the UK’s worst climate offenders.
Globally, the way we heat, cool and power many existing office spaces, homes and factories all combine to make up for 27% of energy-related CO2 emissions.
Whilst we are building new properties and high rise buildings, these all cost huge amounts in terms of building products including, steel, cement and yes, glass.
The construction industry, landlords and consumers don’t necessarily have a great record on key issues still facing us in respect of climate change. Today, there is only a very small proportion of properties that are carbon neutral, and based on current figures it is going to take nearly 100 years to decarbonise every single home and building.
So is there a dirty building storm on the way? Well, some gauge that our cities will need to build 13,000 new buildings every day until 2050 in order to keep pace with the global population growth. While some buildings need desperately to be retrofitted, there are many others that simply need to be razed to the ground.
A huge problem regarding the speed of reclaiming the planet and reducing carbon emissions is of course caused by Governments who are really letting the side down and failing miserably in their endeavours to quickly turn things around.
Although the pandemic lockdowns have re-written the rules regarding work they have not destroyed the working world in general. While many commute today or at least have very flexible working hours now, cities continue to be important and the desire to reach higher and higher with stunning glass designed skyscrapers has not diminished. Penchant for these concrete marvels of engineering continues unabated. Pretty much every city you visit will house a skyline of cranes all working hard to create shiny new landmarks.
Yet, the desire to build more housing has not been restricted to urban areas with some predicting that soon, floor space comparative to the size of New York City will be built across the world, every month until 2060.
As buildings currently generate 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions, with homes alone accounting for nearly 20%, it is clear we all need to do a lot more. We talk of carbon neutral when in fact the scientists have been focussing on carbon negative for some time. Property emissions include the day-to-day running of a building: eg: energy used to light up, heat or cool homes, office blocks as well as shopping malls. The carbon produced in this way accounts for 27% of all annual carbon emissions globally. Embodied carbon on the other hand, relates to emissions caused by the building and maintenance processes and this is responsible for around 10% of annual emissions.
Consumer prices are rising ridiculously quickly and we are now at the highest rate, year on year since the 1980s. Of course, it would be brilliant if The Bank of England could help convince us that reducing inflation is a serious objective. I fear that is really going to take some doing to help the situation, particularly as Huw Pill is now intimating as The Bank of England’s Chief Economist that inflation will return back to its 2% target - this, irrespective of the challenges brought about by the rising cost of living and a fall in GBP. So, more interest rate hikes are clearly on the way.
Electricity has become a serious commodity through all this, with many house builders in the SE experiencing delays in connection to the grid, with 2027 and 2030 being the dates offered for connection. Apparently,
new battery storage and data centres have already chomped away at the capacity regarding this.
Some say the solutions to our fiscal problems and carbon footprints lie firmly in our own hands, by changing diets, how we travel on a daily basis, but in general the world governments need to step up. Changes in weather will continue and this will continue to affect construction and ultimately every single job-site.
By keeping track of time, material and equipment, companies will be able to improve the application processes. Using technology and digital systems efficiently all contributes to reclaiming operations margins - all of which will help to improve sustainability in construction - what many must realise is that climate change is very easily observed but it is not quite as simple to evaluate.
“Consumer prices are rising ridiculously quickly - we are now at the highest rate since the 1980s.”
As a country, we are not used to this level of heat. Infrastructure has not been built with this kind of weather in mind. Roads will likely melt, train tracks will buckle, and energy use will spike as people plug in fans and air conditioning units to try and keep the heat at bay. There is likely to be transport disruption on the roads and railways.
This week, much of England and Wales is set to be hit with record heat. As of writing, London is forecast to hit 40 degrees, something which forecasters only a few days ago said was only a remote possibility. Where I am in Wakefield, we are due to hit 36 degrees on Monday and 39 degrees Tuesday. Certainly temperatures we have not seen in this country.
There is no legal limit on how hot temperatures have to be in order for work to stop. But could the hot weather stop work anyway?
It’s important to remember that the UK rarely gets heat like this. We have had prolonged periods of dry or cold weather, but this kind of heat is usually reserved for the likes of America, central Europe, Asia and other more tropical parts of the world. The fact that the mercury is about to hit 40 degrees for the first time in the UK is a very big deal.
Legally, there is no law in the UK on working in high temperatures. So in that regard, there is no temperature in which it is too hot to work. However, employers are encouraged to ensure that their workers are able to do their jobs in as safe a manner as possible. On social media, I have seen companies from the fenestration sector decide to either work from home, close, or at least close early before the worst of the heat kicks in.
For installers, decisions will have to be made as to whether to work on sites or not. If you’re in an area where there is an extreme weather warning, it’s likely not wise to be pushing through these next couple of days. Working in 38-40 degree temperatures in a manual job, when we’re not used to these conditions, can be dangerous for all involved. There is a real risk of heat stroke. If work can be moved, then perhaps it would be wise to do so.
There are other more practical restrictions when the weather is this hot. For example, plastering becomes very difficult and won’t set properly. If you’re starting a
conservatory or extension and need to lay concrete, it sets much faster in hotter weather and makes it harder to level and finish smoothly.
As with most things in life, common sense just needs to be applied where needed. I think we know when it’s too hot to work. I think we know when it becomes impractical. We know to do the right things such as staying in the shade and drinking plenty. Companies should be considering the conditions and make decisions as required.
It’s been odd to me to see so many people moaning about weather warnings on social media. Comments like “its just summer” or “usual MSM BS” have been peppered across social media platforms. Let’s be crystal clear. This is not normal for summer. The average temperature in July in the UK is around 23 degrees. So we’re 17 degrees higher than normal.
The summer of 1976, which is being used as a comparison, was indeed warm, but the maximum temperature reached just above 35, so we’re well above those stats this week. The previous record was in 2019 where we reached 38.7, and we’re set to surpass that.
41 degrees in the UK is far from normal. Our infrastructure is not built to manage heat like this. We generally have a temperate climate, with temperatures that rarely cause disruption. So when we get warnings like this, they need to be heeded.
With climate change, we’re also likely to see more extremes like this in the decades to come. So whilst we’re not prepared now to deal with temperatures like this, we need to be investing now to adapt to a climate with more extremes.
Over the last two decades, our products have been developed to keep as much heat inside. Glass is now designed to make the most of the light and heat and let it travel inside into the home. Although there are now new trickle vent regulations for new window installations, it’s not going to be enough. I believe glass and frames are going to have to be adapted in the years to come to allow better temperature regulation according to the conditions.
New homes are built to keep in heat. And in January, when it’s two degrees and grey, it’s great. I have a three-year-old Redrow home and the heat retention in Winter is great. At the moment it’s hell. Even with all the tips and tricks about keeping heat out, it’s still far too warm. Homes in this country are built to keep heat in, unlike Spain, where they’re built to disperse heat.
Windows are going to play a vital role in the health of a home. For example, when I left this morning, the heat that I could feel on the inside pane of glass was extraordinary. Products need to be developed to be able to regulate temperature better.
For now, let’s enjoy the weather safely. Stay in the shade where you can and look after those who are vulnerable.
Hardware specialist VBH (GB) turns 40 this July.
After originally supplying British fabricators direct from Germany, Peter Kinze, of VBH group company Heinz Wagner GmbH, persuaded the board that a local company was needed to capitalise fully on the riches that the fledgling UK market could bring.
Peter recruited two experienced industry professionals, Graham Organ and Barry Amey, and Heinz Wagner (GB) Ltd opened in Rochester on 7th July 1982. This company was to change its name to VBH (GB) Ltd in 2009.
The first product lines were mainly European and included brands such as CES, Gege, BSW, Hautau, Wehag, and Fuhr. Wagner even sold door panels for a while. Although many of the brands have disappeared from the range, some, such as Roto and Deventer, are still very much part of VBH’s product portfolio alongside the company’s own greenteQ brand.
None of the original staff members is still at VBH, but there are a number who joined soon after. These include Commercial Manager Robb Crampton, who joined in 1984, and the class of 1985, Lesley Mills and Lee Pollard.
2009 was a milestone year. Not only was there a name change, but the year also heralded the launch of the company’s own greenteQ brand of hardware and ancillaries. This marked the shift from VBH being ‘just’ a distributor of other people’s products to being a hardware manufacturer in their own right.
greenteQ has since grown hugely as the New product Development team has brought in a stream of exciting products dictated by the tastes and trends of the British market. greenteQ is now recognised as a top quality hardware brand, with products for windows, resi-doors, and patio doors, including the Clearspan bi-fold system.
The VBH team celebrated in style with a dinner/ dance at Leeds Castle in Kent in May. Staff from all three UK sites got together to remember old colleagues and, in many cases, to meet new ones.
Our trade sales team is proudly made up of time-served industry experts. We're your local one-stop-shop for competitively priced, quality assured fenestration supply across Kent and the South East
Kolorseal Ltd, has an established reputation for consistent quality when it comes to spray painting UPVC, powder coated aluminium, roofline and composite products. Frequently, Deborah is asked the question why spray painting is becoming increasingly popular.
“Colour has to be one of the most powerful decorative finishes when it comes to making a property stand out. Spray painting protects exterior surfaces from the elements, and it provides a long-lasting finish.
The Kolorseal range has been specifically developed for the building industry, consequently the experience and advice available to customers is second to none.
Architects and specifiers utilise colour to recreate spaces such as offices as completely new environments with consideration given to increased productivity and well-being, so colour shades are important.
Most recently the Anthracite Grey options have been exceptionally popular with both designers and homeowners - but trends can change and sometimes standing out from the crowd will not just make a powerful statement it will potentially add value.
Understanding colours is probably more important than looking at trends to follow. The cooler colours such as green hues and blue tend to create a calming effect while alternative bright shades including red, yellow and orange tend to represent various emotions and they make a strong statement particularly if they are used on the front door.
Darker shades such as navy and black symbolise importance, authority, confidence, and stability. Homeowners choosing these colours are portraying a real sense of elegance and sophistication. It is important when choosing coloured products that the paint used provides a superior performance to standard paints. They need to be completely maintenance free and guarantees should be offered regarding weathering, resistance to chemicals and mechanical abrasion.
When discussing a new project with a homeowner, it is essential to be able to rely upon the quality of the standards of the finished products. An installation or fabrication business will have to rely upon that for referrals.
With people becoming more adventurous in respect of colour on homes and buildings, the Kolorseal team
has to ensure that it can provide solutions for every single customer, on whatever sized project. Our colour palette is vast and it is possible to colour coat products in any RAL or BS colour as standard. Additionally with Farrow & Ball as well as a bespoke range, the company can achieve virtually any colour required.
A ‘Kolorsealed’ product has an intense, rich depth making the overall finish much smoother. Different colours can be used on both sides of any sized window or composite door.
With foiled uPVC products being limited in colour, spray painting offers the unique ability to be matched to existing paint colours, if a reproduction is required, or bold and bright new colours on any renovation project.
The Kolorseal team is always available to advise on the best paint spraying method for any specific job or project. In expert hands it is possible to use the collective knowledge they have gained to advise on any new build or renovation project.
It is essential to know that non-toxic paint is used to ensure that the environment is protected and that people will be safe once the job is finished. This is particularly important when working on commercial projects such as hospitals, schools or hotels.
For those looking for additional options to add to their business, then bespoke options will always make an exceptional statement to homeowners looking for something original. The Kolorseal team fully understands and supports customers knowing a stunning finish can be provided on the projects undertaken, and that they will last the test of time.”
To discuss colour requirements call Deborah on 01924 454856 or visit the website to review the colour palettes. www.kolorseal.co.uk
FENEX– the fenestration expo will take place in a matter of months. The team at Fenex are busy getting everything ready for a never-before-seen trade show.
The show will take place on 17th-19th April 2023. This gave the FENEX team over a year to market and promote our Trade Show. In addition, it provides exhibitors time to plan and design their stand and promotional marketing. The team also wanted it to be early in the year so visitors can enjoy lighter mornings and evenings when travelling to and from Telford.
The Venue
FENEX will be held in halls 1-3 of the Telford International Centre, International Way, Telford TF3 4JH. Telford is situated in the heart of the UK and the Convention quarter hosts several restaurants, hotels, and bars. This is a welcome return to the prestigious venue. The glass and glazing industry once made Telford its home for trade shows and we’re ecstatic that FENEX can now facilitate the industry’s return to Telford. We look forward to seeing you there!
Exhibitions can be pretty formal and lacklustre, with visitors just ambling around and not having much to stimulate their interest. Similar stands can easily morph into one when seeing so many. Also, a lack of facilities such as adequate seating can cause visitors to leave early and have a disappointing experience. FENEX wants to change this by bringing the “show” back to trade shows.
FENEX will be an engaging, lively, interactive experience. Real Hall atmosphere. Live product launches. Seminars - in our large conference area. Massive networking opportunities. Meetings. Lead generation. The best of a trade show, held at Telford with the chance to meet face to face with prospects. FENEX is the perfect place for growth and prosperity.
With access to leaders in the fenestration industry, you’ll be able to learn about all the very latest in product and service innovations. You can even take the stage yourself! Deliver a unique seminar experience you won’t find anywhere else! With our informative and engaging content plus our packed itinerary, there’s sure to be something for everyone. A benefit of networking at FENEX is meeting other influencers in your industry, you may be surprised how you can help a company or how they can help you.
We are launching online exhibitor software for you to set up and use to promote your business at FENEX 2022/2023. The software will allow you to create and edit your exhibitor profile which eventually will be added to our FENEX Mobile Application for visitors to see 24/7 from their mobile devices.
Your profile can include a bio, images, videos, a contact form and links to your company website. Statistics will also be available so you will be able to see how many views your profile has had. The FENEX Mobile App - a completely new piece of tech developed specifically for the event, - will give everyone a chance to see exhibitors’ information wherever they are.
Installer Area: Our Installer Area is precisely that! An area dedicated entirely to installers and their everyday
working lives. Tools and equipment demonstrations, work wear, vehicles and vans, new technology and software that help save time, money, and stress for businesses.
Conference Area: Want your voice to be heard?
Seminars will be held at our conference area at Fenex 2023 in Telford. Topics discussed include recycling and sustainability, skills gap and more. How your brand can stand out
We have put together some top tips for exhibitors to ensure your stand draws the crowd.
We suggest-
Before the trade show: Add the details to your email signature and other outbound digital marketing. Drop FENEX into conversation with customers and suppliers. Make sure people know you’re going to be there.
At the trade show: Interactivity at your stand will attract e.g. live product demonstrations, incorporating a competition or giveaway into your stand to attract visitors. Approaching passers-by with open-ended questions and always being approachable is a must!
If space allows, tables and chairs can provide opportunities for comfortable, private conversation and comfort for visitors. A lead scanner can be used to scan visitors so lead follow-ups can be actioned after the show.
We’ve got some innovative, and exciting plans to spice-up your trade show experience, more information will be released in the coming months!
There are several stand/space options to choose from to find out how you can be at our unique show experience enquire here: www.fenex.co.uk/why-exhibit/book-a-stand-2/.
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
The ALL NEW Timber Fixing Plate from Pure Vista available from July 2022. Install Frameless Glass Balustrade to timber safely with no need for handrail. With the majority of houses being of timber framed construction this new fixing allows the design of a building to incorporate the correct sized framework is included for the installation of a glass balcony. New decking areas can be designed with the right sized timber to accommodate the timber fixing plate or existing can be bolstered up to suit.
Mark, Pure Vista Director said “We were constantly having to help installers or architects get around the issue of having a balustrade installed on to a timber framed building. We ourselves had to come
up with some interesting get arounds or simply having a total redesign. This plate opens up having balustrade fitted to timber which installers can walk away happily knowing it will be secure. The timber plate can be incorporated with our BalconySeal® system to provide a waterproof installation”.
Compatible with POSIglaze base fix this new addition will allow frameless installations onto timber safely. Adam, one of Pure Vista’s Directors said “We are excited to the launch the Timber Fixing Plate, The Timber Fixing Plate is our innovative new secure method of installing balustrade channel to timber. The plate is engineered to spread the load and minimise the risk of splitting or crushing the timber, while also preventing the fixing from pulling out under extreme loads”.
The patented Pure Vista Timber Fixing Plate has been designed to provide a solid fixing where the substrate is timber. It is a square plate with a threaded sleeve in the centre which holds on to the balustrade channel. The Timber Fixing Plates are fixed to the timber using four 6x100mm wood screws. The plates have a 20 microns thick zinc plating which makes them suitable for outdoor use.
It’s possible to rebate squares out of the timber to recess the Timber Fixing Plates, lay the waterproof membrane over the top and use the BalconySeal® system on the top for a waterproof installation. The timber plates have been tested to suit domestic balustrade/balconies up to 1200mm high (0.74kN line load to BS 6180). The wood is required to be a minimum width of 100mm and depth of 120mm.
• SHOP HERE from July
• Visit the POSIglaze Barbour Page Here
• Timber Fixing Plate Installation Guide
“Installers can walk away happily knowing it will be secure. ”
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.
Secured by Design accreditation, the UK’s official police initiative that works with companies to improve security on buildings, remains an important and crucially, widely known way of informing consumers they are choosing the right products to help keep their homes secure. Prestige builds on the success of Sheerline’s Classic range of ultra slim aluminium windows that also passed the BSI BS 4873:2016 / PAS24:2016 security performance test in 2021. The test evaluates the strength of a window at each locking point, as well as its overall performance when under attack.
Continuing Sheerline’s commitment to offering all its products with consistently excellent thermal and security performance, we are pleased to announce that the whole Prestige range now carries Secured by Design (SBD) accreditation.
With the addition of bi-folds and single and French doors included in our scope of approved products, alongside Prestige casement and tilt & turn windows. This means that the complete range of Sheerline aluminium windows and doors now carry SBD approval, alongside double-glazed Part L compliance, giving installers and fabricators the confidence to promote the entire range in a simple and easy to communicate manner.
Product Design Director, Adrian Redshaw stated, “PAS24: 2016 for window units is set at a specific standard to ensure the complete product resists attack. It focuses on withstanding manipulation of the window hardware and combines mechanical loading, leverage and pressure, and impact testing. The Prestige range came through the tests without a hitch, exceeding many of the required classifications needed to gain a pass certificate and allowing us to attain endorsement by the Secured by Design initiative.”
“We expected remarkable results from the Prestige window system, and we weren’t disappointed. We built the system to the same set of principles as our Classic window range; to be innovative, easy to manufacture and simple to install using standard components, while delivering sleek and uninterrupted sightlines that perform to the highest-levels of security.” Adrian commented, “Adding the whole Prestige range to our Secured by Design product listing is a massive accomplishment for us, one which should also give our customers a competitive benefit.”
To learn more about Sheerline, visit www.sheerline.com or www.sheerlinevideo.com. You can also call 01332 978000 or email info@sheerline.com. Follow @SheerlineSystem for the latest news and updates.
“Secured by Design product listing is a massive accomplishment.”
This shows just how quickly Leka products have proved their value in the marketplace.
Conservatory roof innovators, Leka Systems, have launched their new ecotech roofing system giving fabricators and installers even more opportunities to add value to their portfolio. Although Leka already delivers building control compliant roof systems, the new Leka ecotech roof is one of the most technologically advanced roofing systems on the market today, achieving 0.15w/m2k whilst being incredibly economic in the process.
Commenting on the new product introduction, Rhys Hoddinott, Managing Director of Leka Systems, said: “Our new Leka ecotech roofing system ensures compliance for installers but as importantly, maintains a competitive pricing point in the process. The new ecotech roof is thermally efficient by design and is a further extension of our popular Leka Warm Roof, Leka Orangery and Leka xi roofing products but at a more competitive pricing point.”
The new Leka ecotech roof uses the same technological innovation as the market-leading Leka Warm Roof. It is manufactured from a structurally tested, high grade GRP profile system, which means no cold bridging or condensation, as you see in roofs constructed using aluminium and timber. It all adds up to a genuinely lightweight roof that achieves a U value of just 0.15 W/m²K, which will be very appealing to homeowners looking for thermally-efficient products that meet compliance requirements.
Leka roofing products have become popular with fabricators and installers since they made their debut into the industry in 2015. In the past twelve months, the company has trained many fabricators and installers to help them get up and running with Leka products.
Rhys says: “The conservatory roof market is changing rapidly and fabricators need to ensure they’re offering the products that installers need to compete in the new landscape. The changes to Part L of Building Regulations covering thermal efficiency have had a huge impact on many solid roof manufacturers, and it has never been more important for fabricators and installers to offer the best in energy-compliant products. And with the rise in energy prices, more consumers will be looking at ways to improve the thermal efficiency of their conservatories and extensions too.”
In recent years there has been a big shift away from standard white box conservatories to higher value spaces that deliver homeowners greater flexibility. This shift forms part of the recent home improvement boom, with many homeowners either extending their properties or re-purposing existing conservatory extensions. Rhys, said: “Our Leka roofing products are ideal for both new build and refurbishment projects and allow fabricators and installers to differentiate themselves from the competition and add real value to their offer. Our new ecotech roof with its superb u values and price offering will further enhance the Leka roof appeal.”
Leka systems’ commitment to product development is a cornerstone of its ethos. The launch of the Leka eccotech roof is the latest product development that demonstrates its ongoing commitment to working with fabricators to bring the products they need at a price they like!
Conservatory roof innovators, Leka Systems, have launched their new ecotech roofing system giving fabricators and installers even more opportunities to add value to their portfolio. Although Leka already delivers building control compliant roof systems, the new Leka ecotech roof is one of the most technologically advanced roofing systems on the market today, achieving 0.15w/m2k whilst being incredibly economic in the process.
Commenting on the new product introduction, Rhys Hoddinott, Managing Director of Leka Systems, said: “Our new Leka ecotech roofing system ensures compliance for installers but as importantly, maintains a competitive pricing point in the process. The new ecotech roof is thermally efficient by design and is a further extension of our popular Leka Warm Roof, Leka Orangery and Leka xi roofing products but at a more competitive pricing point.”
The new Leka ecotech roof uses the same technological innovation as the market-leading Leka Warm Roof. It is manufactured from a structurally tested, high grade GRP profile system, which means no cold bridging or condensation, as you see in roofs constructed using aluminium and timber. It all adds up to a genuinely lightweight roof that achieves a U value of just 0.15 W/m²K, which will be very appealing to homeowners looking for thermally-efficient products that meet compliance requirements.
Leka roofing products have become popular with fabricators and installers since they made their debut into the industry in 2015. In the past twelve months, the company has trained many fabricators and installers to help them get up and running with Leka products. This shows just how quickly Leka products have proved their value in the marketplace.
Rhys says: “The conservatory roof market is changing rapidly and fabricators need to ensure they’re offering the products that installers need to compete in the new landscape. The changes to Part L of Building Regulations covering thermal efficiency have had a huge impact on many solid roof manufacturers, and it has never been more important for fabricators and installers to offer the best in energy-compliant
products. And with the rise in energy prices, more consumers will be looking at ways to improve the thermal efficiency of their conservatories and extensions too.”
In recent years there has been a big shift away from standard white box conservatories to higher value spaces that deliver homeowners greater flexibility. This shift forms part of the recent home improvement boom, with many homeowners either extending their properties or repurposing existing conservatory extensions. Rhys, said: “Our Leka roofing products are ideal for both new build and refurbishment projects and allow fabricators and installers to differentiate themselves from the competition and add real value to their offer. Our new ecotech roof with its superb u values and price offering will further enhance the Leka roof appeal.”
Leka systems’ commitment to product development is a cornerstone of its ethos. The launch of the Leka eccotech roof is the latest product development that demonstrates its ongoing commitment to working with fabricators to bring the products they need at a price they like!
Onsite 7 can edit your job stage headings, making them more bespoke to your business.
Create a team
Create a customer
‘quotation’ or ‘survey’ to ‘first fix etc.
Create a team
Create a customer
Create a job
Calendar View
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.
Capture your job Onsite
Review your jobs
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.
BUILDING CONTROL COMPLIANT
COMPETITIVE PRICING
GENUINE 2 DAY INSTALL
Michael
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.
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.
We have varied providing hard services. All experienced bottom of support ef ciently.
The ‘hard’ support team, deal directly with our customers, helping them through product queries, providing quick demonstration results and even tailoring their software to their individual business needs.
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 background, service monitoring ensures the maintained
The ‘hard’ support customers, queries, providing results and their individual
WE ARE HERE TO HELP ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS, PROVIDE TRAINING AND CAN EVEN ASSIST WITH SETTING UP YOUR ONSITE 7 SYSTEM
The ‘hard’ support team, deal directly with our customers, helping them through product queries, providing quick demonstration results and even tailoring their software to their individual business
WE ARE HERE TO HELP ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS, PROVIDE TRAINING AND WITH SETTING UP YOUR ONSITE 7 SYSTEM
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| Clearstyle Windows
Leigh Barnes Director | JLS Electrical Services
Michael Hollyer Director | Clearstyle Windows
ability, by customer, and on a job by allocate and review every step of the journey was incredible. It is as if the designed specifically for my Using Onsite 7 I can see the ‘sales stage’ ‘install stage’ and ‘any attended against the jobs. This review previous visits and action assigned to myself or my team members.
Having the ability, by customer, and on a job by job basis to allocate and review every step of the customer journey was incredible. It is as if the 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.
Director | Clearstyle Windows
Leigh Barnes Director | JLS Electrical Services
Having the ability, by customer, and on a job by job basis to allocate and review every step of the customer journey was incredible. It is as if the 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.
The beauty of using Onsite 7 is that any person with the admin console access can find information, or photo/video evidence to relay to the customer.
Leigh
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Director | JLS Electrical Services Director
The beauty of using Onsite 7 is that any person with the admin console access can find information, or photo/video evidence to relay to the customer.
Luke Smith Director | The Green Room Building Co
LukeThe beauty of using Onsite 7 is that any person with the admin console access can find information, or photo/video evidence to relay to the customer.
We can even download a customer job report with their signature and customer satisfaction rating… this is invaluable for our industry.
We can even download a customer job report with their signature and customer satisfaction rating… this is invaluable for our industry.
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.
We can even download a customer job report with their signature and customer satisfaction rating… this is invaluable for our industry.
Director | The Green Room Building CoIn all honesty software and it was developed. perform provide evidence track of jobs footage/notes installations
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 | Clearstyle Windows
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.
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.
CAN EVEN ASSIST
7 SYSTEM
Luke Smith
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.
ONSITE7.CO.UK
It is expected that business and tourism will be greatly enhanced in Birmingham after the Commonwealth Games conclude this month, with some calling it ‘a golden opportunity’ to transform the Midlands. In fact, it is hoped that a new global reputation will be born to make the UK’s second city a leading destination for investment and trade post-pandemic.
The programme for the event is expected to drive long-term economic benefits for a broad range of businesses and communities across the region and the UK which should lead to substantial growth.
The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will create new jobs and build on the areas growing track record for securing international investment. Yet, the organisers of the Games had to announce quite early on that the athletes and officials will have to be housed in three ‘campus’ villages located at The University of Birmingham, The University of Warwick, and The NEC.
So what will become of the site previously set to raise living standards in the Perry Barr area of the city as the Athletes’ Village? It has been confirmed that the area will become a “shipping-container park” that
houses 14 steel containers - yet quite how these will be used to ‘maximise opportunities’ during the Commonwealth Games is yet to be seen.
Apparently Croydon’s Boxpark has set the standards where 4 big screens will be installed to show sports events and movies. They clearly aren’t expecting big crowds until after the games with just 10 vehicle parking spaces and 16 bicycle spaces. Further containers will be added once the Commonwealth Games has finished and these will stay there for 7 years.
When the event was won by Birmingham, the athletes were going to be accommodated in newly built, small flats with partitions that would be transformed into conventional housing post event. Great for the construction side of things and it continues to be the case.
However Birmingham is not just a focus for the games with recent FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) projects at 30, and up by 36%, year-on-year, making the second city the second best performing UK location outside of London for this type of investment.
So the gap is closing on Manchester which had 34 projects. These statistics are despite the West Midlands as a whole seeing a 23% decline in FDI projects in 2019. Coventry also ranked in the Top 20 best performing FDI projects with 8 projects. Most of these investments come from the USA with a 30% stake Quickly followed by 11% of secured investment from Germany, and a further 3% each from India, China and Japan.
Investment in Birmingham and the West Midlands is being led by digital, machinery & equipment, as well
as the transport manufacture sectors. Whilst some say that a better geographic balance is needed it does happily reflect the end of three declining years of market share.
Eventually, the container park will be replaced by permanent housing, as part of a larger ‘Perry Barr 2040 masterplan’, that will include £700m spent on thousands of new homes. In addition there will be a new Perry Barr train station as well as rapid-transit bus services.
Hopefully the plans to use the Alexander Stadium renovation as the new home to UK athletics will further add to the new vision of Birmingham that will include top-quality digital tech business as well as further renovation projects on the back of HS2, which will help to take the city much further forward.
“It is hoped that a new global reputation will be born to make the UK’s second city a leading destination for investment and trade post-pandemic”
Whatever style, size or configuration of conservatory your customers require, Eurocell can supply the components to create the outdoor room of their dreams.
Our latest contemporary conservatory design uses a combination of our exclusive pilaster system, our slimline roof system and our modern highline gutter to create a conservatory for the 21st century.
Our bespoke conservatory solution enables you to fabricate any conservatory design, or you can choose from our range of classic styles, including Victorian, Edwardian, gable-ended and contemporary conservatories.
GQA Qualifications, the awarding and qualifications-writing organisation is lending its support to a progressive and life-changing initiative for young people called ‘Nobody Left Behind’. The scheme combines community sports programmes with construction-related training and qualifications to improve young people’s employment prospects for entry-level construction industry roles.
Nobody Left Behind works with groups of young people who have predominantly been social care service users, and gives support to try and steer them away from dropping into gang culture.
Following a 4-week programme of community sports training with household name sports stars, students move on to work towards gaining GQA’s Level 1 Award in Construction Health and Safety and the GQA green general construction site Labourer’s CSCS card, as well as H&S-related training such as manual handling and traffic marshalling, all accredited through GQA. Civil Engineering Careers, the agency championing the work-related training then facilitates interviews with construction employers who look to offer employment opportunities to programme participants.
Commenting on its work with Nobody Left Behind and Civil Engineering Careers, GQA’s Technical Officer, Phil Douglas, says: “I noticed posts in my local area in Liverpool for community boxing camps, and having been involved in amateur boxing myself at schoolboy level, and also being a boxing fan, I started to find out more about this project. I reached out to and met with the initiative’s team, and it was clear that GQA would be a good fit for the learning element of the programme. We have rapidly built a good working relationship, and have supported the scheme in its development.
“I’m pleased to be working with the programme and its participants, helping them to benefit from GQA-accredited qualifications, CSCS cards and certificates. In addition, I’m happy to report that GQA and Building Our Skills - Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice have provided sponsorship support to help the programme get off the ground. We’ve donated towards a minibus that the initiative needs to help transport young people from further across the area, and we have been very pleased to be able to help in this small way. We have also been asked about development into other sectors in which we work.
“I understand that Nobody Left Behind has set itself the challenge of getting 1,000 young people into employment in the next four years, and that’s a goal we’re honoured to get fully behind. It’s a pleasure to see the sense of achievement on the faces of the young people when they are told they
have passed their CSCS card test, and the joy in their voices when they tell their friends “I’m starting work on Monday.” The initiative is a perfect fit with GQA’s philosophy of people development.”
Barbara Travis, MD of CE Careers who heads up the initiative says: “I am so pleased to have established a relationship with GQA, who support the community initiatives and the education side through a range of accredited courses that help skill young people and give them the best chance of gaining employment.
“As we progress, we will be offering multi-sports including boxing, football, rugby, cycling and hiking. We are offering female-only sessions in boxing with the hope of encouraging more girls to look at construction as a potential career choice, and football camps for both boys and girls with ex Liverpool and England footballers. GQA are a key part of our growth, and a partner that we are immensely happy with as our awarding body.”
Nobody Left Behind is attracting the backing of senior politicians across the Merseyside region, and its aims are a perfect fit with the Liverpool City Region Growth Plan 202124. In addition, well-known sports people are using their platforms to raise awareness of how sport can play a key role in the motivation, training and support of young people trying to find their way to employment.
Detective Superintendent Siobhan Gainer, Head of the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership said: “The progression and employment rate through this initiative is way above the national average for courses such as this. I think its success is down to the fact that it has found such a popular way of engaging young people through sport, and that this has worked hand-in-glove with the opportunity to gain training and qualifications that demonstrably lead to work. Having an employer and a specialist in training has been crucial, and it has both raised the bar for other courses and profoundly changed the course of young peoples’ lives.”
More information on GQA is available at www.gqaqualifications.com.
GQA Qualifications is a multi-industry awarding body writing vocational based qualifications to support a wide range of career paths.
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
There are far more options available to homeowners when it comes to designing or renovating a home and which need to be made quickly. The windows and doors on any home make a massive impression and can affect the kerb appeal of a home when it comes to selling. These are really important points for installers to raise with any potential investors.
A touch of colour in the window frames may seem an old topic nowadays with so much choice already on the market, but not to the consumer who may need help, or at least light steering, in the right direction. There is understanding the location, any local council restrictions that may be in place and knowing the difference between rustic warmth or urban cool when planning with homeowners - done properly colour makes for a good success story all round and will naturally lead to referrals.
Once the homeowners have decided on the style of windows for their home, the colour of the frames should then be the next big aspect to discuss. Whilst it may seem like a simple choice, and for some it really is, there are those who need guidance on colour options available for design styles of both windows and doors if it is to add value.
There are now so many colour options for windows, doors and their frames - but working from the style of property, will help create a great finished result and of course, those all desired recommendations.
For a traditional property, the window frame colour should contrast well with the exterior of the building. By contrast, for more modern properties trends show that different colours that blend well with the house exterior are preferred. Whichever style of property it is important to give as much choice as possible while co-ordinating with the final appearance of the home. Cream frames for example, work well with red brick houses and are an excellent alternative to white and black. Wooden or timber effect frames also would work well on this type of property in a number of colours.
The consumer needs to know how they want their home to look once the project is finished to determine the right colour choice. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder but generally people do like to feel that ‘value for money’ includes advice on the best options for their own individual house. Replacing windows, is a big project with a big budget for some, and the desire is that the look will not be a trend one year, that does not add true value the next.
Keeping all things the same helps greatly! Matching existing colours or adapting it slightly may be preferable for a more traditional property. What is on the inside will be a good pointer as to the type of finished appearance the owners may want to see once the install is finished. The windows will need to blend in harmony with the rest of the house, not detract or de-value it.
Do remind homeowners about the value they are hoping to add in the long term. Just as houses with neutral shades tend to sell well, so do spectacular modern designs, so going bold should not be a concern as long as it is on the right property.
Neutral colours will always be popular and do tend to appeal to a broader consumer audience. This doesn’t mean just white, cream or wood, there are some great shades of grey, green or navy that are perfect for renovations and with companies such as Kolorseal out there, the vast colour palettes will suit every taste.
Another thing for homeowners to consider is the location of their property. Living in an urban environment for example comes with a lot of dust and grime. Very light and very dark tones will show any dirt so mid-tones will help to camouflage that for longer.
On the interiors, the colour of a frame can really make a value added statement - bold colours against white or pale walls really do add a stunning aesthetic that brings an excellent return on investment. The interior colour of the frames are as important as the exterior and will help to theme a house in all the right ways, with the reassurance of adding true value.
“Colour makes a success story THAT will naturally lead to referrals”
16x more rigid than reinforced PVC-U, Sheerline’s aluminium composite door frame eliminates door ‘bounce’ and is the perfect way to provide a premium feel to your installations. Perfectly matching the rest of the Sheerline range. Frames are available in 44mm and 48/49mm sizes to cover most popular composite door blanks.
Following the completion of Eurocell’s new 260,000 sq. ft state-of-the-art warehouse in Alfreton, the company has reported it has been successfully performing at almost 100% on deliveries for the past three months.
This latest company investment has seen the site maximise its storage capacity available by utilising state-of-the-art racking and introducing modern equipment to improve picking and replenishment times. As a result, Eurocell has been able to further increase the overall operational efficiency at the site to better support its network of fabricators.
Mark Kelly, CEO for Eurocell, comments: “The success of our expanded warehouse and manufacturing facility in Alfreton has been great news for our nationwide network of fabricators. This has allowed us to offer full deliveries over the past three months and be better placed to meet market demands, as well as working with the trade to support them as they secure enhanced business building opportunities.
“Serving the needs of our supply chain is a top priority for the business and we have been able to aptly demonstrate how we will continue to do this effectively and efficiently in the years ahead, thanks to the forward thinking and significant investment we have made at the new Alfreton site.”
To further compound the site’s success, Eurocell’s Alfreton warehouse also won ‘Warehouse Initiative of the Year’ at the 2021 Supply Chain Excellence Awards. This latest warehouse investment further future-proofs the business, enabling Eurocell to deliver consistently high levels of service for years to come.
Whatever style, size or configuration of conservatory your customers require, Eurocell can supply the components to create the outdoor room of their dreams.
Our latest contemporary conservatory design uses a combination of our exclusive pilaster system, our slimline roof system and our modern highline gutter to create a conservatory for the 21st century.
Our bespoke conservatory solution enables you to fabricate any conservatory design, or you can choose from our range of classic styles, including Victorian, Edwardian, gable-ended and contemporary conservatories.
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.
CAN EVEN ASSIST
7 SYSTEM
Luke Smith
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.
ONSITE7.CO.UK
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.
The last two years have seen many of us become order takers, rather than salespeople. Demand was so strong and overwhelming in many areas that all we had to do was turn up to work and collect the sales as they came in.
We are very much not in the same place in the middle of 2022. We’re facing a market cooling down quickly, a cost-of-living crisis which is pushing families to the edge and inflation that is out of control. Prising money away to pay for new windows is about to get a lot harder.
We’re going to need to learn to sell again.
No more order taking
It’s easy to sell in an up market or during a boom. 2020 and 2021 are years we’ll likely never experience again for decades in terms of volume and demand. It was insane.
I remember getting very used to going into the office, turning up to do appointments and the clients emailing or phoning back a few hours later to give us the order. It sounds arrogant, but we got used to hoovering up five-figure orders with almost little effort. We knew it wouldn’t last forever, but it was one of the few saviours of what was a very difficult period to trade in.
We, as well as most other salespeople, became order takers. We turned up to work, did what was needed, collected the order, then went home. That is no longer the case. The economic outlook has become much worse than in the past two years, with a recession looking almost certain.
Inflation is spiralling and the cost of living is forcing millions of families to reassess their spending decisions. In an environment like this, it’s big-ticket items that are put further down the priority list. New windows and doors, an extension or a conservatory are on that list.
So, we have to move away from the mentality of an order taker to that of a salesperson again. We have to switch modes. Investing thousands in home improvements as pressure grows to cover the basic costs of living is going to become much harder this year and next. Families are going to have to decide what is more important, with bigger investments being put off for the time being.
It means we have to get sharp. Sell based on our USPs and what makes us better than the competition. Sell based on good customer service and high quality. People are going to need more reasons to part with their cash due to the environment we all find ourselves in.
“Inflation is spiralling and the cost of living is forcing millions of families to reassess their spending decisions.”
The backdrop is becoming harder to work against. People with less money rein in spending. We’ve not had this level of inflation in decades, and wages are not keeping up.
One of the biggest drains on disposable income has been the rise in gas and electricity. The energy price cap has already been lifted this year, with another rise to £2400 in October. This is going to sting millions of people just as the weather turns and Christmas around the corner.
So convincing people to part with thousands of pounds looks much more complex now than it was. That being said, our industry has a great opportunity to help ease the burden of heat loss in homes over the longer term.
New energy-efficient windows and doors are one of the most significant home improvements a person can make to their home. It can save hundreds of
pounds a year in bills depending on the home and what is being replaced. In the context of rising living costs and the need for millions of homes needing to be retrofitted to help the environment, this is a huge USP we must make the most of.
Positive marketing messages need to be going out from our sector to the public to demonstrate the massive benefits new windows and doors can bring when it comes to saving energy. We need to be pushing this hard now to create the leads that will turn into orders in the weeks and months ahead.
Other sectors do not have the same advantage we have. Boilers, solar panels, heat pumps etc do not have the same level of direct impact new energyefficient windows and doors do.
Our products also have the direct ability to totally change the appearance of a home. The others do not. The fact is our sector has many other USPs than other markets and we need to be making sure we get those points across when it comes to selling to clients.
Jason
sector which are currently under development –details of which we will be able to reveal in the coming months.”
As the UK’s largest manufacturer of integral blinds built with ScreenLine® systems inside, Morley Glass is at the forefront of new product developments that are continuously opening up opportunities for installers. This is demonstrated by its recent Uni-Blinds® product launches, including the SV+ cordless Venetian integral blind with symmetrical appeal and the pleated blackout blind, which were amongst the stars of the show for Morley Glass at this year’s FIT Show.
The UK’s leading integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass has signed up to exhibit at the 2023 FIT Show with plans to create its biggest and best stand ever.
After a hugely successful show in May, the company behind the Uni-Blinds® brand has already booked a larger 140 sq. m stand for the 2023 event, which it will use to create a bespoke stand packed with even more products and demo areas, plus increased space for meeting and networking with customers, suppliers and industry stakeholders.
Ian Short, MD of Morley Glass said: “The 2022 FIT Show was a phenomenal success for us – we couldn’t have hoped for a more positive result overall. Re-connecting with so many familiar faces and having the opportunity to get to know new customers after the disruption caused by pandemic was amazing, and it was particularly pleasing to see such a positive reaction to our newly launched integral blind systems.
“So looking ahead, we wanted to sign up for the 2023 FIT Show immediately and develop our plans for even bigger and better presence. This will include another raft of exciting new products to launch to the UK fenestration
All Uni-Blinds® integral blind systems are manufactured by Morley Glass at its factory near Leeds, from where it serves window and door installers across the UK, with orders fulfilled in as little as 10-12 working days when ordered by 10am on Thursdays. Complimentary delivery and unrivalled technical support and aftercare complete the package to help installers successfully sell integral blinds as part of complete window and door package that is tailored to modern homes.
Find out more at www.morleyglass.co.uk.
“Morley Glass is at the forefront of new product developments that are continuously opening up opportunities for installers.”
For installers in the fenestration sector a customer relationship management (CRM) software system is now an essential for those looking to stay ahead of the competition. Business Pilot has been developed by people in the sector over a number of years, all of whom understand the issues associated with staying on top of leads, referrals, invoicing and supplies.
CRMs greatly help any business to increase sales, drive forward growth and ensure that customers can feel reassured about the services they are being offered. While there are a great number of CRM systems available on the market, Business Pilot is the only one that has been developed by people within the sector who understand the whole chain from ordering to quoting through to supply pipelines and communication with each and every customer.
The platform has its own set of features and benefits that greatly helps with the day to day management of a business. Another huge advantage is how simple it is to use.
The Business Pilot system is also not just for those larger companies but has been created to simplify the administration for all sized businesses from SMEs to single traders.
For those working within a team, the Business Pilot CRM gives an excellent overall business analysis for managers with progression status on every project at any stage accessible to installation teams. With an associated App, specifically developed for installers to be updated and to update information on projects as they progress.
For any single traders the platform includes simple methods to keep up to date on any project, at any particular time. Pre-prepared, computer generated emails can be sent out directly to existing customers or potential new ones literally at the touch of a button. Communication is simplified with ‘notes’ that can be attached to a customer, number, project or order.
Another key advantage over other systems is the
“The Business Pilot system is not just for larger companies...”
pipeline status progression which incorporates a stock management system that will ensure stock levels are maintained and computer generated reminders distributed to all relevant parties should stock drop to the pre-set level. With unlimited storage, the data is analysed and organised with analytical tools, email marketing options and the ability to manage every project and lead.
Business Pilots software originated from the need to meet the demands of 21st century business. It offers an excellent ROI (Return On Investment)
Knowing the priorities and goals of a business is simplified for installers, as it can help to clarify areas that may need improvement including strengthening customer service or expanding product lines. By identifying these it will then be easy to determine who will be using the system and at what level.
When looking to use a system such as Business Pilot it is important to create an ‘essential’ features list for a business, so that information gathered as well as business goals and timeline markers will all work consistently to really simplify business management.
Customer support features such as live chat on the app are important today for any business or real-time phone support which are available and will be crucial regarding
any customer queries or should concerns arise by installers on the project. While there are many CRM systems available the simplicity of the Business Pilot will ultimately greatly improve business and supplier relationships
As a collaborative CRM this platform provides an excellent connection with customers right through every department. It is ideal for SMEs or larger companies where sales, marketing and customer support need to be connected with real-time customer information.
Anyone nervous about using a digital platform can be reassured by how easy it is to use and collect large amounts of customer data that will benefit any installation business. Business Pilot can take this a step further however, with analytics of customers buying behaviour, providing companies of all sizes the ability to create better and more relevant marketing to improve the overall customer experience.
www.businesspilot.co.uk
GQA Qualifications is a multi-industry awarding body writing vocational based qualifications to support a wide range of career paths.
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
As glass provides so much natural light, it seems logical that architects looking to create impressive building designs that reflect their concepts. Keeping a building’s occupants happy through improved living is now a very important aspect for homeowners looking to incorporate aesthetic benefits from glass.
Given the technical advances made and the benefits it offers in relation to its production, glass continues to be a distinctive and dominating building material in modern architecture. Architects are using glass facades on houses as well as commercial buildings to give occupants the benefits from added light and stunning views.
Aesthetics in glass design have seen some spectacular architectural creations created over recent years, a large number of glass buildings demonstrate outstanding architectural concepts. London’s ever-changing skyline positively glimmers with glazed superstructures such as The Shard, The Gherkin and County Hall.
The architect leaves a lasting impact in aesthetic choices made when using glass walling, while the energy performance of the glass has become hugely important giving construction companies and builders the scope to offer more glass products for any specific project and its regional climate.
In commercial glazing, where flat glass and coated glass technology is used across building
applications such as curtain walling, storefronts, glazed canopies or even simple skylights, the glass will help to demonstrate stylish looks and high performance benefits.
Today, it is impossible to ignore architecture with glass design becoming more important to the end user. Green design is now more important to the conversation when it comes to specifying products for large and small installations. House design has potentially become more important to many who are now working from home and having to live in the place they now work, as the pandemic shaped working lives for many.
Architecturally, glass is becoming increasingly important in terms of overall house design, as people look to improve or renovate by adding larger glass walls both internally and externally to their homes.
Increasingly, people now judge a building or property by its exterior and the impression it leaves. The design of the modern glass facade is now a much more important aspect in the impression it leaves in the eye of the visitor or passer-by. It influences choices made on a global level.
“Architecturally, glass is becoming increasingly important.”
low density buildings as well as multiple green spaces. Ma Yansong, the architect, has created a 6,027,790-square-foot megacity comprising commercial buildings, hotels, and residences to echo a modern take on a synthetic ski village that is surrounded by huge mountains.
Low buildings with pitched roofs, are in the centre of this man-made landscape of hills and water features, that comes complete with rising glass-and-metal towers around them. Harmonising people and nature together was a focal aspect of the design concept.
The Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, is one of the world’s tallest building and has been built on one of the country’s most important historic sites. This modern icon can be found near to the stadium where independence was declared in 1957.
Fender Katsalidis, an Australian architectural firm, designed the multi-use hospitality, retail, and residential Merdeka that will have 118 stories when finished. This amazing architectural feat will reach 2,227-feet-including its spire when complete. A twostorey observation deck has also been included in what will be the tallest in Southeast Asia.
The Merdeka 118’s glass façade is a series of faceted windows, which is surrounded at its base with a four acre water park, which all combined helps to enrich this culturally significant building.
Nanjing, China, is recognised historically one of the four ancient capitals, however this new megacity houses 9.3 million people.
MAD Architects was contracted for the design concept of the Zandai Himalayas Centre, which is a mixture of stunningly designed tower blocks,
Solar reflection, sound insulation and burglar resistance remain essential on glass curtain walling projects today with increased security now a focal point for architects to incorporate. As the technical performance of insulating glass becomes more and more important during the planning stages, cooperation and creative understanding has to be an essential component in all evolving projects.
With changing legislation, it seems to make so much sense for more glass processors to be involved at the heart of the planning discussions during the collaboration stages.
The changes to Part L of Building Regulations covering thermal efficiency have had a huge impact on many solid roof manufacturers. One manufacturer that’s unaffected is Leka Systems. Leka products have always achieved industry-leading U values thanks to the system’s innovative design. It’s an advantage that’s more important than ever right now.
Rhys Hoddinott, Managing Director of Leka Systems, said: “The majority of our competitors have had to alter their systems to comply with the new regulations. In many cases, this has added complexity and cost to the installation. On the other hand, our Leka Warm Roof, Leka Orangery Roof and Leka Xi are thermally efficient by design and have always been available in a range of U values from an industry leading 0.12 W/m²K. to 0.15 W/m²K. It’s a huge advantage for installers because our roofs are still as easy to fit as they always have been.”
Rhys credits the thermal efficiency of Leka products to the innovation in their design. “We lead the way with innovation and consistently invest in engineering so we have been prepared for changes in building regulations since the day of concept and even future proofed further changes to Part L in years to come.”
The big difference with Leka products is their GRP construction. The material delivers outstanding thermal efficiency but also offers another important benefit in the current climate.
It means they don’t use aluminium, which means they aren’t being affected by the sharp increase in aluminium prices. Rhys commented: “Fabricators and installers using aluminium are having to pass price increases onto consumers because they can’t absorb them any longer. Because we don’t use aluminium, this isn’t something we’re having to do. Our costs have been very sustainable, allowing Leka to become one of the most competitive systems in the marketplace.”
With the rise in energy prices, more consumers than ever before will be looking at ways to improve the thermal efficiency of their conservatories and extensions. Leka Systems always had a compelling offering for this market. With the changes to Building Regulations, it’s an offer that’s just got even more compelling.
“The big difference with Leka products is their GRP construction.”
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National UPVC Recycling company CNC Recycling are delighted to have taken delivery of the first of two new brand new IVECO S-way tractor units from purchased as part of the ongoing fleet replacement and improvement scheme. These vehicles come fully equipped to ensure drivers comfort whilst travelling the length and breadth of the UK collecting UPVC for recycling.
Operations and Logistic Director Richie Knaggs commented “ This represents our continued investment in our growth, our commitment to our customers providing them with the quality of service that they deserve. This commitment to service is the very ethos of the company and something we pride ourselves on.
This also supports our valued members of staff, giving them the comfort and tools to do their fantastic work to the best of their ability. We’ve tried to make it as comfortable as possible for our drivers by specifying that the trucks come with microwaves, fridge freezers and tv’s. To be able to purchase them both from Mike Hooker at North East Truck and Van in Billingham was very pleasing as it supports local business.”
This investment underlines the strategic growth and improvement for this year for CNC Recycling which also includes investments in staff training, IT development, collection vehicles and new production equipment.
It further supports the company’s infrastructure as it opens its 11th UPVC Recycling hub in Stratford Upon Avon this month as it looks to continue to be the trusted and reliable recycling partner for the fenestration industry.
www.cncrecycling.com
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