NFA MAGAZINE MAY23

Hello everyone and welcome to May’s edition of NFA Digital!

We want to say a massive thank you to the hundreds of you who have already taken part in the voting phase of the 2023 National Fenestration Awards. The response has been immense and we have had a record number of votes submitted for the opening few weeks of a campaign. There is still plenty of time left to vote and more often than not nothing is decided until the final few days.

We’re also able to report that more than half of the tickets for the Winners Event on October 28th have now been sold. This is unprecedented demand for what is one of the leading industry events. Tickets are on a first-come firstserved basis, so when they’re gone, they’re gone. If you are a finalist be sure not to miss out on what is set to be an amazing day and evening!

Elsewhere in the sector, the FIT Show opens this month, against a backdrop of slowing demand within the industry but a burgeoning aluminium sector. The dynamics within the industry are shifting at some speed and it is going to be interesting to see how the rest of 2023 plays out and how the industry looks at the end of the year compared to the start of it.

We hope you enjoy this month’s edition and good luck to all the finalists in the 2023 National Fenestration Awards!

Team NFAs

IN THIS ISSUE

6 - ATT Fabrications Chooses Sheerline for Transformational Architechturally Led Project

10 - UAP Announced As Media Sponsor Of National Fenestration Awards

12 - More Than Half Of Tickets Sold Out For #NFA23 Winners Event

14 - REHAU To Join 2023 National Fenestration Awards As Category Sponsor 18 - Reeded Glass Is Back!

22 - Kolorseal Withdraws From NFA Race

Says

ATT Fabrications Chooses Sheerline

Architecturally

County Durham-based ATT Fabrications have collaborated with THF Homes to enhance an architecturally led new build design using Sheerline’s range of advanced, thermally efficient aluminium windows and doors. This impressive new build project features three sets of Prestige Bi-Fold Doors, two Prestige Composite Door Frames and 15 Classic Beadless Windows –which were specified in a flush frame with stepped sashes. These products were selected because they fit the client’s brief of being attractive, thermally efficient, and featured the super slim sightlines Sheerline is known for.

Another feature that helped Sheerline’s Classic Beadless Window stand out from the competition is the patented jointing method. This unique method of construction simplifies the fabrication process, eliminating the need for crimping and specialist machinery. While also reducing the misalignment of frames and locking in quality.

As well as helping the client achieve a sleek, modern, airy aesthetic, this combination of products was selected to ensure there was a consistent look across the property. Sheerline prides itself on offering a perfectly matched range of aluminium windows, doors, bi-folds, and roof lanterns.

Perfectly matched doesn’t just refer to the brand’s styling, it also extends to colours (with custom and dual options available), high performance U-values and energy ratings, security, and guarantees. When a manufacturer reaches this level of consistency, it gives homeowners extra peace of mind. All products on this project were chosen with Cream exteriors and Hipca Gloss White interiors.

ATT Fabrications has been trading as a large, high-volume fabricator for many years. Based in the North East of England, the company supplies large DIY chains, trade, as well as directly to the public from its’ factory in County Durham.

The company manufactured all the windows and doors supplied and were particularly impressed with Sheerline’s product range, short lead times, and the fact the team were extremely responsive to their enquiries, offering a high level of support at all stages of the project.

Providing an agile and responsive service is a key part of Sheerline’s ethos and strategic approach to customer service. The brand provides online and on-site support to fabricators and installers, as well as advice to homeowners to ensure all its’ customers get the most out of their products and benefit from the unique features of the Sheerline range.

Andrew Devlin, Managing Director of ATT Fabrications, commented: “We’re

“Our proven ‘whole-house’ solutions enhance new build and renovation projects aiming to achieve an ultra-modern, super sleek aesthetic, but we’ve also got products that provide a subtle upgrade for traditional, character, and heritage properties, so homeowners can retain their property’s charm without compromising on thermal efficiency or security.”

Sheerline For Transformational

Led Project

delighted to have supported THF Homes as part of a project to design and build a stylish home on an exclusive development in the picturesque village of Lanchester, Country Durham. The property needed the wow factor as all the homes in this development are valued at £1 million plus.”

“This task was made easier thanks to Sheerline and its’ Classic System because it suits the traditional style of the build while adding a contemporary feel. Both THF and the installers appreciated the fact the windows came pre-glazed using the beadless system,” he added.

Roger Hartshorn, Sheerline CEO, commented: “That ATT Fabrications chose Sheerline for this project is fantastic – the finished result is a refined, modern looking home that encapsulates everything we offer as a brand. That our aluminium windows, doors, and bi-folds were selected highlights the versatility of our products.”

“Our proven ‘whole-house’ solutions enhance new build and renovation projects aiming to achieve an ultramodern, super sleek aesthetic, but we’ve also got products that provide a subtle upgrade for traditional, character, and heritage properties, so homeowners can retain their property’s charm without compromising on thermal efficiency or security.”

To find out more about Sheerline’s perfectly matched aluminium windows, doors, bi-folds, and roof lanterns, visit the website here: http://www.sheerline.com or contact the team on 01332 978000 or via email: info@sheerline.com

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UAP Announced As Media Sponsor Of National Fenestration Awards

Manchester-based UAP, the specialist in locks and hardware for doors and windows, has joined the National Fenestration Awards as a media sponsor.

Established in 1996, UAP has more than 3,000 product lines and is one of the largest hardware companies in the UK fenestration market. The company has grown rapidly in recent years and now operates across seven brands: UAP Fullex, UAP Locking Systems, UAP Intelligent Hardware, UAP Firemongery, UAP TradeLocks, UAP Security Hardware, and online specialist X-Fort.

Speaking about its sponsorship, UAP’s CEO David Jennings said: “It’s great to be joining the National Fenestration Awards in its tenth anniversary year. Over the last decade, the awards have gone from strength to strength, demonstrating innovation and success throughout the fenestration industry. We’re looking forward to showing our support and recognising the achievements of companies and people working across the sector.”

A representative from the National Fenestration Awards commented: “Having UAP on board is great news and further contributes to the growth of the awards this year. UAP is an impressive company and we’re delighted to be working with them in this special year!”

Both the finalists and winners of the National Fenestration Awards are determined by nominations and votes from individuals working in the fenestration industry. This process has seen UAP’s products and people shortlisted in five categories this year.

Voting for the winners of the 2023 National Fenestration Awards is now open, with anyone working in the UK fenestration sector able to participate. The closing date for voting is September 29th, with winners being announced on October 28th at a sparkling awards presentation at the prestigious Doncaster Racecourse.

To find out more about the shortlists and to take part in the voting, please visit: https://www.fenestrationawards.co.uk/vote/

Stay connected with the NFAs: Web: fenestrationawards.co.uk

Email: info@fenestrationawards.co.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatFenAwards

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatFenAwards

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/51726620

Further information on UAP’s wide range of fenestration hardware can be found at: https://uapcorporate.com/

To buy tickets or sponsor this great event, please visit: fenestrationawards.co.uk

METICULOUSLY

No1 VS Fabricator in the UK

BY

Graf Weld or Fully Mechanical

PAS 24 and Secured by Design

Energy Rated ‘A’

More Than Half Of Tickets Sold Out For #NFA23 Winners Event

Just a few weeks into the voting for this year’s National Fenestration Awards, more than half of the tickets for the Winners Event on October 28th have now been sold. After a nominations phase which saw thousands of submissions from across the sector, the tenth anniversary campaign has seen a record number of votes cast in just the opening few weeks of the voting phase of this years competition.

October 28th sees the industry come together at the prestigious Doncaster Racecourse for a day of live racing, entertainment, food and drink, networking, and of course the all important awards presentation. The industry is now voting across 33 categories to choose who they think should be crowned the winners for 2023.

The National Fenestration Awards, established in 2013, set out to find and reward the very best people and companies in the UK fenestration

sector in the most inclusive and fair way possible. Since then, the awards have grown to become the biggest in the industry. The wide array of categories ensures as much of the sector is represented, and allows everyone who works in fenestration, whether they are CEOs or factory floor workers, to take part.

The NFAs said: “to have more than 50% of the tickets for the awards presentation sold out at such an early stage is fantastic and is a testament to the growth and popularity of the awards. The tickets are on a first come, first served basis, so when they’re gone, they’re gone!

We’re looking forward to seeing so much of the industry there on the day and night. There are some fantastic plans in place for the event and we can’t wait to announce the winners on October 28th!”

To find out more about the Winners Event in October, as well as reserve your tickets, visit: www.fenestrationawards.co.uk/winnersevent/

To take part in voting in the 2023 National Fenestration Award, visit: www.fenestrationawards.co.uk/vote/

To find out more about sponsorship opportunities, visit: www.fenestrationawards.co.uk/sponsorship/ Stay connected with the NFAs: Web: fenestrationawards.co.uk

Email: info@fenestrationawards.co.uk

Twitter: twitter.com/NatFenAwards

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ NatFenAwards

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/ company/5172620

REHAU

REHAU, one of the leading PVCu systems companies in the UK, are to join the National Fenestration Awards for 2023 as official sponsor of the Machinery Company Of The Year category.

REHAU found success during the 2022 National Fenestration Awards campaign, being voted winners of the highly competitive Systems Company category. They now join the National Fenestration awards in their tenth anniversary year, which promises to be the biggest and best yet!

Speaking on REHAU joining the NFAs as a category sponsor, the NFAs said: “REHAU are a worldclass systems company, serving not just the UK but markets around the world. Their success last year is a testament to fantastic products and service they bring to UK fenestration, and we are very much looking forward to

working with REHAU during this very special tenth anniversary campaign.

REHAU’s Head of Marketing, Stephen Beresford commented: it’s fantastic to be joining the National Fenestration Awards as official sponsors of the Machinery Company Of The Year category. We are so proud of our success last year and are excited to be part of one of the most inclusive awards platform in the sector. The Machinery Company category is certainly an important one and we are sure this is going to be a hotly contested as always!”

REHAU are market-leaders in PVCu window and door products, but also supply high quality products to the curtain walling, plumbing, heating and furniture surfaces sectors. Established in 1948 in the town of Rehau in Bavaria, the company has grown

and expanded throughout Europe and the UK to cement itself as one of the leading building products suppliers.

Voting for the winners of the 2023 National Fenestration Awards is now open, with anyone working in the UK fenestration sector able to participate. To find out more about the shortlists and take part in voting, please visit: The closing date for voting is September 29th, with winners being announced on October 28th at a sparking awards presentation at the prestigious Doncaster Racecourse. To find out more about tickets and how to sponsor this great event, please visit: You can find out more about REHAU’s award-winning range of window and door solutions by visiting their website:

https://www.rehau.com/uk-en/

Stay connected with the NFAs: Web: fenestrationawards.co.uk

Email: info@fenestrationawards.co.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatFenAwards

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatFenAwards

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/51726620

Reeded Glass Is Back!

They say everything comes back around eventually. In the world of glazing that rule appears no different. Reeded glass is very much back in fashion! Reeded glass is back!

I have to admit when I first started to see Reeded glass appear I wasn’t too convinced. I was of the opinion that it was old-fashioned decades ago, and it still looks old-fashioned now.

That being said, after seeing it used in some installations, including one of our own the other week, I am starting to change my mind. This is Reeded glass in a window that we recently installed in a client’s home. Their Bathroom was decorated in a Gatsby-style era, with dark blues and White subway-style tiles. So the Reeded glass worked well with the entire decor:

Reeded glass was fitted into flush frames and the

client was very happy with the end result. I went to go take photos of the installation and the effect was better than I expected. Although it is not as obscure as some of the other patterns, which will be a consideration for some when you remember that this will be mostly used in bathrooms.

I mentioned on Twitter that Reeded glass was making a comeback and Manchester-based The Window Co tweeted me this picture in response: It does look nicer in Black than any other colour in my opinion. And it does look rather nice when it is used with aluminium internal doors. This is an image Origin have of their internal doors with Reeded glass:

There is something aesthetically pleasing about Reeded glass and Black frames. Perhaps it is the simplicity of the Reeded design with the classic

colour that is Black. When it comes to design, it is said that simple is timeless, and both the colour Black and Reeded glass fit that bill.

Although I am coming around to the idea of Reeded becoming popular again, I can’t say that I am overly thrilled by it. It’s certainly insta-worthy at the moment, and makes for some good imagebased social media posts. But I think the design is fairly limited and perhaps not the best choice for someone wanting high levels of privacy in their Bathroom or loo.

Fashion cycles

Reeded glass is a design from many decades ago. Indeed, one of my clients commented to me the other day they remember Reeded glass from her Aunties house in the 1970s where they had a serving hatch between the Kitchen and Dining areas. Serving hatches. Remember those?

So it got me wondering whether we will ever see less popular glazing options return to us in the years to come. Diamond leading has only fairly recently fallen out of favour. I remember when I first started selling windows and doors it was still in reasonable demand, although not massive. But in the years since we have seen it erode away further, to the point where we perhaps only sell diamond leading on a handful of jobs every year, and usually only to match existing windows in a house. Perhaps we’re a few decades away from diamond lead being popular again.

Mahogany frames were a wood grain choice from many moons ago before Rosewood became the darker wood grain of choice. So much so that many suppliers dropped Mahogany altogether. There are

one or two that still supply it now but that number is vastly reduced compared to what it used to be. I was never a fan of the colour, to begin with, and the quality of the wood grain effect was poor. But, as we are seeing with Reeded glass, perhaps it only takes a few viral images on social media in a couple of decades’ time and customers might want to see it available once again.

I’m not sure I want to see either diamond leading or Mahogany PVCu make a comeback any time soon. Our industry has made good progress on developing our product range into a much more modern and better quality suite of options. A return to either of these would only remind me of how things were and how we need to make sure we keep taking steps forward. Like PVCu panelled doors. I for one am glad to see the back of them. The composite door market wiped most of that out, and is now only a small percentage of the overall door market. They took could make a comeback in a couple of decades time, but I think that is a particular product that has had it’s day and is unlikely to return in any meaningful way.

You never know, by the time we get to 2050 conservatories might be popular again. Well, maybe not.

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Kolorseal Withdraws From NFA Race

Over the last 10 years, the Kolorseal Ltd team has enjoyed being part of the NFAs and fully sup-ported all it stands for as an event for the industry. Having won the last four years category of colour specialist, Deborah Hendry, Managing Director, considers it is now time to step aside whilst holding the title.

She comments, “As another strong female stated recently, knowing in your heart when it is time to go is so very important and now is definitely that time. As a team we have proven ourselves to be worthy winners and we are so grateful for all the support we have received from the industry.

To make meaningful and sustainable progress however, companies need to open up the stakes for others to get a chance to win.”

Kolorseal Ltd is therefore removing itself from the

NFA nominations stage with Deborah believ-ing that stepping away from the competition, while the company is at the top, is both necessary and the right thing to do moving forward.

Deborah concludes, “As nominees Kolorseal has had a great experience, winning four NFA acco-lades, which demonstrates that all our accomplishments and success stories have been recognised.

The whole team is very grateful to those who have nominated us again and to those who voted for us over the years. Now is the time for a graceful exit from the NFA race and it will be very excit-ing to see who wins this category at this year’s event.”

Kolorseal is an award-winning, colour coating specialist with a niche target audience in the fenestration and building sectors. Please visit the website www.kolorseal.co.uk for more information.

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Pull Handles For An Exceptional Entrance, Says Coastal Group

Door manufacturers are continuously pushing the envelope to craft entrance doors with the best durability, thermal efficiency, and aesthetics that deliver exceptional kerb appeal. The front entrance door marks the beginning of the journey for homeowners and visitors alike, each carefully considered detail including the hardware must be perfect in capturing the narrative for the quality behind the door.

Coastal Group believe it’s fundamental that doors of this quality must be paired with hardware that matches, outlining their flagship BLU range of pull handles as the “statement ironmongery” that truly makes an exceptional entrance.

“The handle is often the first thing touched on front entrance doors, so we’ve gone the extra mile to ensure

the right impression is given” comments Coastal Group Head Of Sales, Adrian Welch. “Each of our pull handles are precision engineered with an extra finishing process to create a smooth super-satin finish for the highest-quality look and feel”.

Coastal Group attribute advanced engineering capabilities that set their pull handle range apart from the rest, including:

- Superior durable fixing method to ensure the handle does not come loose.

- Higher tensile strength so the handle will not bend over time, removing the need for a middle stem that can conflict with the locking gearbox.

- ¬¬All components are made from 316 Stainless Steel for ultimate lasting performance.

Coastal offer a wide range of pull handle designs in their BLU range to suit various door styles – from inline to offset, round to square, rectangle and curved as well as a range of size and fixing methods. However, perhaps the most popular addition to the range has been the introduction of black pull handles. “Black ironmongery is becoming more and more sought after by homeowners to achieve the sleek, contemporary look” continues Adrian Welch. “Our new BLU PVD stainless satin black pull handles are the perfect accompaniment for modern contemporary doors”.

homeowners are searching for. We’ve even introduced smart access technology through our BLU-e biometric pull handle”.

The BLU range of pull handles continues to gather recognition as a hallmark of quality on front entrances. An industry leading composite door manufacturer comments “We were introduced to the BLU range of door hardware after we were let down by a supplier. Coastal were able to step in and deliver a great service and great product. We were impressed from the start as they not only got us out of a potential hole but were happy to go the extra mile for us.”

The Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) finish process provides an ultra-thin, extremely strong protective layer on top of the hardware, giving the black pull handles a more premium look which showcases the satin grain of the stainless steel. The PVD process is the same as used by many high-end watch manufacturers to achieve the desired premium look and feel of their watches.

“Our customers often outline how the pull handles being part of a suited range of matching furniture including door knockers, letter plates and escutcheons is a major benefit to their offering” comments Managing Director Loren Jenner. “Maintaining a consistent look and feel across the furniture on your front entrance door emphasises that ‘wow factor’

Manufactured from the finest 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel, the reassuringly robust BLU range of pull handles come with a lifetime guarantee. This gives peace of mind to manufacturers and installers that wherever in the world your doors are fitted, they won’t be let down by ironmongery that rusts and fails. Coastal outline they have recently doubled their stockholding capabilities by adding a second warehouse, allowing them to maintain a large stockholding across their range of pull handles. To enquire about handles for your showroom or see the quality of our pull handles for yourself, you can request a 300mm sample pull handle by emailing kevin.richards@coastal-group.com or calling us on 01726 871 025.

DGU’s Commitment To Quality Sees It Achieve Part 2 Super Spacer® Heritage Pass

One of the UK’s leading IGU manufacturers has achieved a pass in stringent BS EN 1279 Part 2 testing with Super Spacer Heritage.

Over 27 years, Edgetech customer Premier DGU has been offering outstanding products and service to fabricators around the South-West.

Dedicated to constant reinvestment, the firm has remained at the cutting edge of technology – which in turn has allowed it to maintain the highest quality standards.

Premier DGU operates three unit lines, and has invested heavily in machinery, including more recently a glass toughening plant.

However, the company also has extensive expertise in hand-finishing units to virtually any requirement, and a long track record of manufacturing exceptional heritage units.

Premier DGU Director Barry Clarke comments:

“We’re delighted to have achieved a pass in Part 2. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, and our uncompromising commitment to quality. We’d like to thank our amazing team, our long-standing spacer supplier Edgetech, and Steve Monk at CENSolutions, who was an integral part of us achieving the pass.”

Steve Monk commented:

“I am delighted for Barry and his team at Premier DGU on achieving this pass to BS EN 1279:2. Premier DGU have always been committed to achieving the best possible outcome with regards to quality – including by working with CENSolutions’ third-party accreditation CMS Quality Mark Schemes for BS EN 1279 and BS EN 12150. They regularly score very highly when audited by both us and ER Certification for UKAS accreditation. CENSolutions pride ourselves on our working relationships with clients and providing up to date industry advice, so I am very pleased I could assist Premier DGU in achieving their goals.”

Premier DGU are long-term users of Super Spacer – the globally respected warm-edge spacer bar that helped revolutionise energy efficient IGU production.

Edgetech Managing Director Chris Alderson comments:

“We’re extremely pleased to see Premier DGU achieve Part 2 with Super Spacer Heritage. We’ve seen their dedication to quality first-hand, so it’s no surprise to see them passing stringent testing. We look forward to helping them produce exceptional IGUs for many years to come.”

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

Why fit BLU™

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y A Lifetime Guarantee to back-up your door’s guarantee

y Quicker to fit with only 2 fixing points

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y Additional finishing processes ensure quality your customers can feel

y Suited range of door and window hardware

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Making Doors Special

Hardware manufacturer and supplier, VBH, has published the latest edition of its popular greenteQ hardware catalogue. The catalogue features items from the company’s own greenteQ hardware brand, which has expanded rapidly since its launch in 2009.

At over 100 pages, Issue 6 is the largest edition yet, and covers hardware and ancillaries for PVCu, composite, aluminium and timber residential doors, ‘Lifestyle’ patio doors and windows.

New greenteQ Hardware Catalogue

Ben Shephard, marketing assistant at VBH says, “It’s been a while since we published a greenteQ catalogue, and we are very glad to get Issue 6 out there, as the greenteQ brand is now so popular across all sectors. “There are many changes from Issue 5 so I would urge everyone involved in buying hardware to take a look, as there will be something in there for you. For example, many people are unaware that we offer a selection of adhesives, cleaners and lubricants from stock, so customers can buy their construction

chemicals with their hardware.” Highlights of the new additions to the catalogue include the iQ range of window and door locks that work with Kubu to link windows and doors to a smart home network, the Orion TS007 3 star cylinder, Sigma Velocity door hinge and Clearslide sliding door gear. There are also the Q-Smart electronic fingerprint door handle, new additions to the Clearspan range of bi-fold door gear and many other new products besides.

Ben adds “Cataloguing the greenteQ range is an ongoing project, as our greenteQ New Product Team is constantly adding new products to the range. This is great for our customers, of course, as they always have the latest in ‘hardware tech’ available to them, but we in the VBH Marketing Team certainly feel the pain of the guys painting the Forth Rail Bridge!”

Download a copy of the new catalogue from www.vbhgb.com, or to find out more about the hardware in the VBH range, contact the company on 01634 263263, email at sales@vbhgb.com, or send them a Tweet @vbhgb.

Orion Has The Power To proteQt

VBH, the hardware manufacturer behind the greenteQ range, advises that the door industry and the Great British public at large have welcomed its Orion TS007 3 Star profile cylinder with open arms.

Orion is the top-level profile cylinder in the greenteQ range, which also includes the entry level 6 pin Gamma, and TS007 1 Star Q-Star models. As a 3 Star rated cylinder according to the TS007 Kitemark, Orion offers protection against drilling, picking, bumping and snapping, all without the need of additional hardware such as a security handle or cylinder guard.

Orion comes with five keys as standard, and is available in nickel, brass, key/key and thumb turn variants, all of which can be keyed alike for multi-door installations. Each Orion cylinder is supplied with a full 10-year performance guarantee. However, VBH advise that it is, perhaps, the additional proteQ10 anti-snap guarantee/ Key Security Scheme that has grabbed the attention of fabricators, installers, locksmiths and the general public alike.

Hayley Martin, Media Coordinator at VBH says, “Being involved in promoting Orion is a dream as it pretty much takes care of itself!

“The snap guarantee element is very simple. We will pay the homeowner £2000 if the Orion cylinder is snapped and a break in is successful as a result. We’ve had no claims yet. The Key Security aspect is really popular. When the homeowner registers their guarantee online, they are prompted to set up a password. Once the password is set, additional keys can only be cut when the password is given. This has proved a real hit.”

The door manufacturer or installer do not get involved in any registrations, claims or additional key cutting. Orion’s five keys are supplied with a card that tells the homeowner how to register for their guarantees and Key Security scheme online. VBH advise that it takes just a few seconds and is very secure, with no eyes on the password. The site also has details on how to obtain additional keys. Hayley adds, “We’ve had well over 6000 registrations from launch, which represents a lot of customers with that secure feeling that greenteQ Orion and proteQ10 bring!”

The Orion cylinder range is a finalist in the Best Door Component category of the 2023 National Fenestration Awards. The winner will be announced in October. VBH is a finalist in twelve categories, including Best Hardware Company for the 5th year in succession.

To find out more about greenteQ Orion 3 star profile cylinders or any other hardware in the VBH range, contact VBH on 01634 263263, email at sales@vbhgb.com, or send them a Tweet @vbhgb.

Sigma Hinge Family Set to Expand

VBH, the hardware manufacturer behind the greenteQ range, has announced that the Sigma door hinge ‘family’ is being bolstered by two exciting new additions this spring.

Sigma is the umbrella name for the entire greenteQ resi-door hinge range that, until now, includes three models to suit PVCu and composite doors.

Firstly, the company has recently launched a new butt hinge for aluminium entrance doors. The hinge will carry sashes weighing up to 90KG and is available in white, black, anthracite grey and F1 silver anodised finishes. VBH advise that no jigs are required to fit the hinge, known as the Sigma Aluminium Butt Hinge. Following closely behind is the Sigma Velocity Hinge for rebated doors. The 2-knuckle construction T-Hinge design provides an alternative to the popular Sigma Flag hinge, which VBH advises is still immensely popular with fabricators and installers.

Building on the jigless theme of the Aluminium Butt Hinge, once Velocity’s frame part has been positioned and fixed using a jig and the supplied screws, the sash part is ‘self-locates’ prior to fixing. This, coupled with the fact that the hinges are supplied pre-assembled means that fitting is reportedly very quick.

Rob Norman, Business Development Director at VBH, says, “Like the original Sigma Flag, Velocity carries 100KG doors and provides full 3-D adjustment. It’s been developed in response to calls for a compact unit that speeds up production times on the bench.”

Sigma Velocity has been successfully tested to PAS24:2022 as part of a PVCu door assembly, and is approved for use on installations that are covered by the Q-secure consumer security guarantee. Velocity is available in eight colours of VBH’s greenteQ Suite of matching resi-door, patio door and window furniture, which comes with a minimum ten-year mechanical and surface guarantee on all finishes. Rob adds, “The greenteQ ethos is all about giving our customers great quality, useful features and choice. The Sigma family is no exception to that.”

To find out more about greenteQ Sigma Velocity or Aluminium Butt Hinges, or any other hardware in the VBH range, contact the company on 01634 263263, email at sales@vbhgb.com, or send them a Tweet @vbhgb.

Kolorseal To Appear On Ouickslide Stand At The FIT Show

FIT Show certainly draws a crowd and the Kolorseal team, along with mascot Geri the Giraffe, intends to be part of that by joining forces with Quickslide for the leading UK event.

A display featuring Quickslide’s Legacy Sash Window in a bespoke light grey has been dedicated to Kolorseal’s colour coating services to demonstrate the quality and extensive choice available. This will help to inform customers how a Kolorful option can yield greater profit margins.

For Managing Director, Debbie Hendry the FIT Show is the ideal platform to show a sample of what Kolorseal can offer fabricators and installers alike to help them grow. As part of the Quickslide stand this will give visitors to the show a chance to understand more about the benefits of colour, whilst also learning about complementing shades right across a new build or renovation project - from roofline to window and door frames as well as composite doors.

With an extensive range of colour charts including RAL, BS and NCS, Kolorseal also offers expert colour-matching of well-known paint brand colours. FIT Show is the place to be, to discover the diversity available from Kolorseal.

Kolorseal can highlight how greater choice can bring greater business opportunities to fabricators and installers. For example, on heritage projects or installations where colour is dictated (or necessitated), by the surroundings, Kolorseal’s unique colour coating processes and quick turnaround will give reassurance on the quality standards provided.

Deborah Hendry comments, “We are very excited to be able to be part of the Quickslide FIT Show exhibition this year, and we hope to see many of our industry friends on Stand R31 where we can highlight the many benefits to be gained from offering bespoke colours.”

If you would like to make an appointment to meet at the FIT Show, call the team on 01924 454 856 or simply pop along and we will look forward to welcoming you onto the stand.

Kolorseal is an award-winning, colour coating specialist supplying to the fenestration and building trades.

Close collaboration with Bohle, the components manufacturer and supplier, showcases the benefits of GQA’s ‘Accredited Training’ service, and is helping the company to raise standards in UV bonded glass technologies and practices. GQA is the fenestration industry’s leading awarding and qualifications-writing organisation. Its Accredited Training service is aimed at employers in the industry who want to have their inhouse training endorsed by GQA Qualifications and gives them the opportunity to deliver training that focuses on candidates’ particular needs specific to their role with the employer.

When Bohle wished to develop an optional unit on UV glass bonding as part of a pre-existing Level 2 and 3 NVQ Diploma in Glass Processing, the company turned to GQA’s specialist service to put it in place. This optional unit is now helping

GQA Helps Bohle Standards

Raise Industry Standards

Bohle to shape accredited training in UV glass bonding offered by the company today.

Amanda Carr is Bohle’s UV Bonding UK Technical Specialist and is a qualified trainer and assessor in adult learning. She explains:

“Working with GQA hasn’t just resulted in a qualification tailored perfectly to our customers’ and partners’ needs, it’s really given us the opportunity to promote the benefits of UV bonded glass technologies as a whole. Offering accredited training with a specific standard against which learners can be measured is ideal. This approach is helping to raise standards in this part of the fenestration industry, and needless to say it’s a very positive thing for Bohle with which to be associated.

“I really appreciate the impartial support we’ve received from GQA to help maintain and improve industry standards. It’s great that we have such a comfortable relationship with the organisation that results in a productive, open dialogue. Insights from GQA on how we can develop and improve our training offering are invaluable. We’re looking at more ways we can work with the organisation to support our customers further through accredited training. In particular, the area of glass handling is a focus, and we’re also assisting the GGF to achieve standardisation of approach where possible.”

Commenting on its Accredited Training service, GQA’s EQA/Technical Officer, Martin Sadler says:

“Using our Accredited Training service means that employers can develop their own training to suit their employees or their customers’ needs with the

GQA stamp of approval to show the quality of the training delivered. The GQA-branded certificate we offer is an important tool and highlights the third party endorsement we bring. We can also help to develop specific courses in the consultation phase of our collaboration.”

In addition to its Accredited Training service, GQA also offers one in ‘Bespoke Qualification’. Together, the two specialist services are helping the fenestration industry to develop training solutions tailored to the specific needs of employers and their staff. The two initiatives mean that employers can create and accredit in-house developed training courses and learning programmes in addition to utilising existing qualifications.

GQA’s Bespoke Qualification service is aimed at employers who wish to be able to offer those staff and customers undertaking very specific roles the opportunity to work towards gaining a qualification where one does not already exist. The service is perfect for niche specialist areas, which do not lend themselves to meeting the required content of a standard regulated qualification.

GQA has close to 200 qualifications covering a broad variety of sectors. The fenestration industry, just like any other, needs training solutions tailored to its specific needs. The organisation’s services are helping to facilitate this, and are contributing to raising standards and assisting in shaping careers. More information on GQA is available at www.gqaqualifications.com.

GQA Podcast Tackles Issue

In Construction

GQA Qualifications has teamed up with some of the construction industry’s heavy hitters to produce a podcast tackling the subject of competence in the supply chain. Called ‘Raising the Bar’, the podcast is the first of a planned series by the awarding and qualifications-writing organisation which aims to debate some of the key issues affecting the building industry today. Taking part in what proved to be a wide-ranging and lively exchange of views were staff from the tier one construction group, Wates; AluK, specialists in the design and testing of aluminium products for the fenestration industry; Century Facades,

responsible for some of the country’s tallest glazed buildings; GQA’s Technical Officer and its Strategic Relationships Manager.

The latter, Dan Brown, explains why the topic of competence was selected by GQA for the first podcast:

“The subject of competence lies at the heart of so much of what is currently shaping the changes we’re witnessing in the construction industry. How do we define it, prove it and maintain it? Why is it so important? These are big questions. They’re being asked more and more in this post-Grenfell landscape at a time when the Building Safety Act is currently

Issue Of Competence

overhauling the regulation of construction products and the construction of higher-risk buildings in the UK.

“The podcast sheds light on what built environment professionals can do to address these questions and provides fascinating insights from both ends of the supply chain. I’d say this is required listening for sub-contractors, product manufacturers and installers. There is a facades bias to the podcast, but the general principles underpinning how to define competence, measure it and maintain it are valid for all areas of the building industry.”

Here are some of the conclusions drawn by speakers in the podcast:

* The key to preventing mis-selling, incorrect installation and shoddy site practice is to drive up competencies through accredited training and the achievement of qualifications.

* The most sensible way of proving competence is by means of independently accredited training that makes good use of end point assessment. Proof of attendance alone is not enough.

* With the Building Safety Regulator now having the power to prosecute not only a corporate body but also individuals identified as not meeting their responsibilities, contractors are going to be taking the ‘who are we safest with’ approach. This means that early adopters of accredited training for

staff in order to prove competence will find it commercially useful because they will be at the front of the queue when it comes to handing out contracts. A knock-on effect of this will be that proving competence will take precedence over securing the lowest price.

* People at all levels should be willing to upskill and have their competence tested. Better informed people make better decisions.

* Accredited training must be fit for purpose, ie functional and not job title focused. If no qualification is in place in a particular area of the industry, then new accredited training can be tailored to suit it. This should be carried out annually in order to prove continued competence.

IIn addition to questions being posed to the podcast’s panel of experts by GQA, questions were also submitted by other construction industry members. The questions covered changing product specifications, why training is important in the construction industry, how the introduction of a Building Safety Regulator will affect competence, and how competence can be better engrained at the procurement stage.

To listen to the podcast go to https://omny.fm/shows/the-big-green-q-a. Anyone wishing to provide feedback about the podcast can email dan.brown@gqaqualifications.com.

Morley Glass Supports Entrepreneurs Unlock

Uni-Blinds® integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass is partnering with a Leeds-based product designer and business owner who has created an innovative programme to help young people develop their creative and entrepreneurial skills. The Creative Enterprise Challenge is the brainchild of Sami Lovett, founder of Just Lovett Design, who wanted to create a “real life ‘The Apprentice’ meets ‘Dragon’s Den’ experience” for young people aged 1218. With the support of Morley Glass, the programme’s main raw material – wood – is provided free of charge, and additional sponsorship make it accessible to all. Running during the school holidays, the programme takes the best aspects of these successful TV shows and blends them with practical skills workshops led by Sami, where two teams of five compete to develop a winning product from scratch. Over the course of five days, the students are tasked to meet a sustainable

design brief that involves designing a brand, product, marketing video and start-up business plan. The young people develop their creative skills, as they are required to make their own products using recycled materials. These include high quality wooden boxes, which were previously used for transporting integral blind systems, along with plywood sheets provided by Morley Glass. Sami teaches the students handicraft, graphic design and digital fabrication skills and they learn essential business skills too, enabling them to cost out their products with a view to making a profit at retail.

At the end of the week, each team presents in ‘Dragon’s Den’ style to pitch their creations to an expert panel of judges who are successful entrepreneurs themselves. And if the teams are happy with their finished products, they can then go on to sell them to their previously identified target market should they

Scheme To Help Young Unlock Their Potential

want to.

Ian Short, MD of Morley Glass said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be supporting Sami and the Creative Enterprise Challenge because it brings together two things that are close to my heart – sustainability and developing our entrepreneurs of the future. The programmes that have run so far have shown just how capable young people are at being able to take a brief, work as a team and create finished products of amazing quality that have blown the judges away. “Whilst we initially started our partnership simply as a supplier of wood after Sami contacted us, we quickly saw the potential of her programme and wanted to do more. That’s why we offered to provide funding that has ensured places on the Creative Enterprise Challenge have been subsidised to date, and we hope to continue supporting Sami as her scheme grows.” Sami is a successful product designer and workshop

instructor who founded her Just Lovett Design business five years ago. She also runs Just Lovett Workshops where she empowers people to get creative to boost their wellbeing.

Sami added: “The Creative Enterprise Challenge aims to educate and inspire children, who will walk away at the end of the week with so much more than a product and a business plan. We’ve seen the transformation that’s possible in just one week, with the children often starting out a little nervous, but by the end of the week they’ve made new friends and really built their confidence.”

Further details about the programme can be found at www.justlovettworkshops.co.uk/creative-enterprise-challenge.

SHADING FOR EVERY DOOR

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