NFA Magazine March 2024

Hello and welcome to the March edition of NFA Digital.

As we wave goodbye to the first quarter of 2024, it has perhaps been rockier than we would have liked. Industry turbulence has carried over from last year into this year and looks set to have a profound impact on fenestration throughout the remainder of this year.

However, as we have said in previous editions, there are always opportunities where you seek them, and one area that is proving particularly profitable is the burgeoning heritage niche which is becoming very much a sub-sector in it’s own right.

We are seeing a major push from aluminium and PVCu fabricators seeking to make the most of the trend. So in fact, we are really looking backwards to look forwards in this regard.

It makes sense in many ways. Good design is always classic and won’t age, so returning to the heritage aesthetic feels like a natural circling back.

The nominations phase remains open until 2nd April, so there is still plenty of time in which to participate! Visit: https://www.fenestrationawards.co.uk/nfa24/

We hope you enjoy this edition of NFA Digital!

Team NFA

Made for Trade Celebrate the End of 2023 With Long Service Staff Awards

Awards for staff who have attained from five to over thirty-five years of consecutive service with Aanco and Made for Trade.

Made for Trade, a thriving business in its 40th year, is proud to recognise the exceptional dedication of its long-standing staff. Over the past decade, this company has experienced remarkable growth and expansion, now operating across three major factory sites, including the Korniche bi-fold door fabrication facility at Wynyard. With the increase in staff numbers, Made for Trade has become a significant employer in the region.

Amidst their numerous reasons for celebration, Made for Trade takes great pride in the loyalty and commitment of its employees, many of whom have been with the company for several years. These remarkable individuals have reached impressive milestones, with some surpassing 30 years of service with the Northeast manufacturing business. In fact, a remarkable group of five employees collectively boasts an astounding 140 years of service with the awardwinning company.

Amy Pout, Richie Bezance, Brenda Webster, Frank Donaghy, and Kevin Southall are the famous five, whose unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements have made a

significant impact on Made for Trade. Amy has devoted an impressive 21 years to the company, while Richie has reached the remarkable milestone of 20 years. Frank’s dedication spans an incredible 35 years, followed closely by Brenda’s 33 years of service. Last but certainly not least, Kevin Southall is celebrating an astonishing 37 years with Made for Trade.

In recognition of their remarkable service, Made for Trade’s founder, Richard Gaunt, and his son, Managing Director Bradley Gaunt, recently hosted an event to honour these long-standing staff members. Each employee was presented with well-deserved awards and certificates, acknowledging their unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to the company.

Made for Trade’s Long Service Awards truly exemplify the professional and dedicated culture that has propelled this company’s success over the past four decades. As this business continues to grow and prosper, it remains committed to recognising and celebrating the invaluable contributions of its exceptional staff members.

From left to right Brenda Webster, Richard Gaunt, Kevin Southall, Bradley Gaunt, Frank Donaghy, Amy Pout and Richie Bezance.

Factory staff celebrating 5 years consecutive service awards

Second to None Full Aluminium Product Range

PAS 24 Security as Standard and U Values as Low as 0.8.

The manufacturer that treats you as an individual not just a number

Our selection of Aluminium Systems is one of the best in Cheshire. We offer a wide variety that will suit each and every person’s budget and needs. No matter if you are trade or public get in touch today. You’ll be surprised by how convenient and easy it is to do business with us

Full Product Range

• Bi fold doors pas 24 security as standard also super slim 107mm sightlines, trickle vents through sashes or outerframe/ integral cill option

• Internal aluminium steel look doors and screens, ideal product for creating bespoke glazed interior partitions, dividers or walls of glass. hinged, pivot and sliding options

• Aluminium casement windows, pas 24 security as standard slim profiles with a flush or stepped sash options

• sliding patio doors an ultra-modern, superslim sliding patio door solution with double and triple track options and the option of lift & slide. 25mm/50mm interlock options

Market leading sheerline s1 lantern with

thermlock

• Super-efficient flat rooflights for commercial and domestic projects

• Heritage art-deco industrial style doors

• Low-rise curtain walling great for residential and commercial projects

• Entrance doors with endless customisation options

• Commercial doors and framing great for retail and office spaces

Why Choose us?

• Project and product support on site/remote

• Digital brochures available

• Competitively priced

• No frequent price increases

• Fantastic customer service

• Quick lead times

• Delivery to site or business premises

To get a quote see the below contact details:

Start a quote on the website click the following link https://www.vitrinealu.co.uk/

Email a quote at info@vitrinealuminium.com or contact us for a quote on 01925387099

SCAN

The VitrineAlu range of ALUNA Entrance doors encompasses flush & non-flush options, both available in a range of standard size options to suit a variety of openings.

Designed with flexibility in mind, the VitrineAlu style of door is complete with a range of colour, lock and accessory options, as well as optional top & side lights. Fully customisable to be configured and styled through a selection of standard sizing options up to 1100mm x 2200mm maximum.

From stainless steel pull bar handles, to lever handles, there is a wide variety of high-quality door furniture combinations to create the perfect finish for your door. With the stunning design options and excellent thermal efficiency, with U-values as low as 0.68 W/m2K, this style of door combines all the best features for a market-leading door.

Benefitting from the Winkhaus multi-point hook locking as standard, the door is packed with features and accessories for the ultimate security in any home. Option to upgrade to electronic lock with fingerprint reader GU SECURE connect, to ensure your home is as protected as possible.

Sheerline Reveals Installation of the Month Winner (and it’s a stunner!)

Towards the end of 2023, Sheerline announced that its Installation of the Month Competition was open to entries. The company is delighted to reveal last month’s winner was Bristol-based Maynard Windows for their submission featuring Shaftesbury Elms, an exclusive development in Frenchay.

The competition was launched so installers could showcase their work while highlighting the versatility of Sheerline’s products. Shaftesbury Elms is a great example of this, showing how the Prestige range was used across three unique properties.

Every product was produced in RAL 9005 (Jet Black), and aside from ensuring consistent styling across the development, it shows how this broad range seamlessly works together. For instance, to the front, two of the properties have double height glazed entrances with large picture windows. This adds the wow factor when approaching the development and showcases how important natural light is in modern properties. Each property has oversized windows to flood the

space with light without compromising on the privacy of the residents.

Meanwhile, to the rear of the properties, French doors plus casement and fixed windows help to ensure the design brief, of combining traditional features with a contemporary aesthetic, was achieved.

Aside from presenting three beautiful homes, the Shaftesbury Elms project reflects the collaboration required within the fenestration industry to ensure a consistently high-quality finish across projects. With Maynard Windows selecting Master Plastics to fabricate the Sheerline products required.

Matt from Maynard Windows said: “This was the first time I’d entered Sheerline’s competition and would recommend other installers have a go. It’s so easy to move on from an installation –whether it’s a new build, renovation, or development, but actually, it’s really worth revisiting those projects because this is something that I can share with future clients who haven’t decided what style or look they want to achieve.”

Dave Wigley, Head of Marketing,

commented: “Matt put forward a strong entry for December, hence why he won the competition. It’s fantastic to see the different applications for Sheerline’s products – we know how versatile they are, but it’s great to see them showcased like this. The Shaftesbury Elms development is a stunning example of the difference well-chosen windows and doors can make.”

Entering is easy as the only requirement is to submit a photo or video either via email or social media detailing the Sheerline products that have been installed, where the project is, and any other useful information such as the RAL colours and the purpose of the installation.

Installers who choose to enter via social media are encouraged to @ mention Sheerline so the entry can easily be shared. The deadline to submit is the end of each month to be in with a chance of winning a £100 Amazon voucher.

More information about the competition is available via the Sheerline website here: sheerline. com/sheerline-installation-of-themonth-competition-open-forentries Alternatively, contact the team on 01332 978000, or email: info@sheerline.com. Follow @ SheerlineSystem for the latest news and updates

The Residence Collection Comments on the Government Plan to Review Historic Properties Energy Efficiency Barriers

At the beginning of 2024, the Government announced an energy efficiency drive for heritage homes in the UK.

This drive is set to review the wide range of barriers homeowners face when looking to future proof their homes, whilst protecting their heritage. The review will also explore how these barriers are placing restrictions on the UK achieving Net Zero status by 2050.

With approximately 5.9 million properties built before 1919 in the UK1, owners of these heritage buildings face difficult restrictions when looking to upgrade them structurally. With the appropriate energy saving measures, owners of buildings built before 1919 could save approximately £428 per year on their energy costs2, showing the

necessity of the Government’s review.

As the original timber alternative window designer that’s widely accepted in conservation areas, The Residence Collection’s Sales & Marketing Director, Sarah Hitchings has shared her thoughts on the drive and the barriers homeowners face when it comes to upgrades and energy efficiency in heritage properties.

“Trying to change anything in a historic property or conservation area is a long drawn-out process, which can be immensely timely and costly.

“One of the biggest barriers for all homeowners of these properties is that every local authority’s planning department is different. With this, homeowners and planning authorities may not be aware of the innovative products available that can

compassionately upgrade period properties while maintaining their original, historical beauty. This makes it increasingly difficult for homeowners to be granted planning permission to upgrade their properties.

“Reviewing these barriers will mostly be positive for the fenestration industry, as UPVC windows offer a great thermal performance and u-values for any type of home, so owners of older homes will really reap the benefits.

“Plus, this will allow installers within the industry to add another sector to their business. However, not all installers are educated and experienced in fitting windows in heritage properties, so the review must be mindful that there could be a skills gap not just in the fenestration industry but across the board when upgrading period homes.

“As an industry, we must continue to encourage high-quality installations happening in these types of properties so as a sector we can support in preserving these homes while being a part of the solution to improve energy efficiency.”

The Residence Collection has earned widespread acceptance with local authorities in conservation areas and Grade-II listed buildings across the UK, by being designed with Article 4 guidelines in mind. This acceptance allows for an easier planning and installation process, removing some of the significant hurdles to maintaining the historical character of these

The Residence Collection’s R9 is the original timber alternative window that has been installed across several commercial and residential projects since its launch in 2011, making it a fantastic option for energy-efficiency upgrades in historic buildings. With Future Homes Standard 2025 coming up, the u-values for R9 already exceed these requirements, so our windows are future proofed.

Residence 9 windows can be fabricated with Timberweld jointing or mechanically jointed, providing an authentic timber aesthetic. Both methods ensure seamless butt-joint appearance on both the exterior and interior of the windows.

The R9 collection complies with Part L regulations achieving u-values as low as 1.2W/m²K with double glazing and as low as 0.74 W/m²K with triple glazing.

R9 also includes a wide array of colour options – 21 in total – catering to the traditional palette of colours for period properties and allowing homeowners to recreate the timber windows that were originally fitted.

To find out more about The Residence Collection’s R9 collection, please visit:

https://www.residencecollection.co.uk/collections/ r9/

SLINOVA The slimline sliding door

Stylish, minimalist and sustainable.

SLINOVA offers slim sightlines and the flexibility of a dual and triple track door system, as well as a large number of sliding door combinations. With a minimalist discreet design, SLINOVA provides outstanding performance and design, for today’s modern contemporary homes.

rehau.uk/slinova enquiries@rehau.com

Tel: 01989 762600

Is your Aluminium Supplier Future-proofed against the UK Carbon Levy?

Sustainability has always been a core pillar of Sheerline’s business, but it has never been more important than now considering the UK Government’s plans to introduce a carbon levy, which has big implications for importers of carbon intensive products like aluminium.

Reports in December 2023 suggested the Carbon Levy may come into effect by 2027. While systems companies around the UK should not have been surprised by the news, many have been caught flat footed – scrambling to get themselves ready, as decarbonisation climbs the agenda, powered by a probable change of government later this year.

In terms of aluminium, it’s not just largescale manufacturers that could be affected by the changes –this has the potential to affect businesses of all sizes. Fabricators within the fenestration industry must carefully review their suppliers ahead of time to avoid increased costs.

Imported aluminium looks set to be hit with an additional charge through the Carbon Levy. Costs that systems companies who rely on overseas supply will look to their fabricators to cover.

For Sheerline’s fabricators, there is no need to worry about the prospect of smaller margins or additional unexpected costs. This is because of the company’s strategic vision, which was developed with supply chain security and longterm sustainability in mind.

Not only is this to protect the business and ensure its longevity, but also to protect Sheerline’s valued customers. For example, sustainability means many things at Sheerline, encompassing everything from green business practices to where the materials are sourced from.

The latter is important for supply chain resilience

and enables the company to proudly bear its Made in Britain membership. Sheerline’s aluminium is also sourced from within the UK to keep its carbon footprint low while removing the potential for shipping delays or import taxes.

Another element of Sheerline’s sustainability strategy is recycling. All the aluminium offcuts that can’t be used get sent back to the supplier so they can be melted, reset, and reused. This forms part of the closed-loop manufacturing process.

This approach to business operations will

arguably increase in importance in the coming years. Decarbonisation is not an issue that is going to go away, and it’s not something that can be overcome half-heartedly. There are likely to be stringent targets, and consequences for those who cannot comply.

Ross Hartshorn, Technical Production Director, commented: “Sheerline is ready for the future, but many manufacturers will struggle in the coming months and years because the carbon levy has the potential to shake up the UK aluminium market, which extends to the fenestration industry.”

“Our priority is ensuring our fabricators know that when they choose Sheerline, they’re choosing simplicity. We are a one-stop supplier of wholehouse premium aluminium solutions that are designed, extruded, moulded, painted, and assembled in-house. We’re the obvious choice for fabricators who want to embrace simplicity,” he added.

Fabricators interested in finding out more about working with Sheerline are invited to contact the team directly on 01332 978000, or by emailing info@sheerline.com. Follow @SheerlineSystem for the latest news and updates.`

Coastal Group Opens New Brand Centre

A leading innovator in the door and window hardware sector proudly announces the grand opening of its impressive new Brand Centre, set to revolutionise the way customers explore and select door hardware.

Based in the heart of Cornwall just minutes from the stunning Cornish coastline, Coastal Group’s new centre showcases the latest trends and designs in door and window hardware.

“As part of our continuous improvement, we’ve invested heavily in creating an immersive experience for visitors,” explains Coastal Group’s Managing Director, Loren Jenner. “The whole space has been designed to showcase the best of our products, including pull handles, door furniture, multipoint locks and sliding door systems.”

The new Brand Centre features:

• Suited hardware display boards showcasing BLU and Duratique ranges

• Fully operational doors and windows featuring Coastal hardware and the latest multipoint locks from Winkhaus

Folding and sliding door systems from PC Henderson and Roto

Doors from Endurance and Turmacher

• Weatherseal from Deventer and premachined beading from Durodeen

With the latest products on show, customers can browse the wide range of finishes, and take in the quality of the materials in a way that is difficult to appreciate online or from a brochure.

“We’re lucky to have worked with some amazing partners throughout the design and build,”

adds Loren Jenner. “Dale Joinery, Affordable Aluminium, Westbury Joinery, Medina and Sheerline are just some of the partners who have been incredibly supportive while local tradespeople have helped bring it all together.”

With over twenty years’ experience in the hardware industry, Coastal has developed a comprehensive range of products, styles and finishes that combine quality, durability and aesthetics.

“We are thrilled to invite customers to experience our brand new showroom,” continues Loren Jenner. “Our goal is to provide a space where homeowners, architects, door and window manufacturers and joiners can explore our extensive range of hardware firsthand and gain inspiration for their projects.”

The Brand Centre features interactive displays, allowing visitors to touch, feel and test the quality of each product.

Knowledgeable staff are on hand to provide expert guidance to assist customers in finding the perfect solution for their needs.

“The new show room, with its modern design and curated collection of products, will offer a unique experience for our valued customers,” Loren concludes. “It represents a significant milestone for our company, reinforcing our commitment to providing exceptional products and service.”

The Coastal Group Brand centre is open daily by appointment from 8am until 5pm. To find out more and make an appointment to visit, contact the friendly team on 01726 871 025 or email sales@coastal-group.com.

Contemporary design, fast and simple to install. Innovative USPs and highly competitive price points combine to make light work for your projects.

UAP EXPANDS SLIM PULL HANDLE RANGE

UAP is bolstering its range of slim pull handles with new colour options for residential and commercial properties.

The first to launch is the Black Pull Handle. Made from marine-grade stainless steel and finished with a black powder coating, the handle provides a contemporary appearance and exceptional durability. A further two handles are currently in development offering the same qualities with either a granite or rose gold finish.

To enhance aesthetics, all slim handles in the range feature 32mm diameter bars, are available with matching accessories, and can be paired with complementary hardware, including the Fullex Flexi Lock.

Each pull handle has two fixing points with an individual plate on each and comes with an Allen key and two Allen bolts on the upstands. To maximise flexibility, three methods can be used for installation - hidden fixings, bolt through and back to back. For customers, these options also

mean the door can be sent to site without the pull handle, preventing the risk of any damage in transit.

Kamila Kasperowicz, marketing director at UAP said, “These products have been designed to meet the demand for more modern hardware with sleeker handles and a choice of contemporary, stylish colours. The use of 316 grade stainless steel combined with the quality of the coating will prevent any rusting or water damage, ensuring minimal maintenance.

“The different fixing methods are another key benefit providing further options for end users, which can enhance the overall appearance of the handle as well as durability. The bolt through and hidden fixings can result in a neater finish while the back-to-back method can reduce fitting times to just seconds while offering a very strong fixing.”

A window and door system designed to authentically replicate 19th Century timber designs.

It can accommodate 28mm and 44mm glazing to create highly efficient glazed units that offer outstanding thermal and acoustic performance, with a WER rating of A++ and U-values as low as 0.74 w/m2K. Contact your local fabricator today.

New Customer Portal Opens its Doors

Hardware manufacturer, VBH, has launched its new VBH24 Customer Portal.

VBH advise that the Portal builds on the success of the previous VBH online shop, but offers users a number of very useful additional benefits.

As well as placing orders, VBH24 users can view and download supplementary information including drawings, literature, guarantee information and safety data sheets through the Portal.

VBH Marketing Manager Gary Gleeson says, “The percentage of orders arriving at VBH via our previous online shop was high at around 35%, but

we wanted to offer users more reasons to buy online as it is easy for them to use, and gets their orders to our picking teams quicker. The new features have struck a chord with many people who were previously not that keen on ‘online shopping’, with many additional customers now being willing to give it a go.

“Once they see how convenient it is, and see some of the new features including Order Templates, Cost Centres, Item Sharing and Budgets, they quickly become VBH24 converts.”

VBH describes the VBH24 Customer Portal as more than an online shop, as it is a source of information for purchasing and specification teams, as well as having useful tools for other departments, including Bought Ledger and Cost Control.

Gary concludes, “The range of customers using the Portal extends from sole traders spending £100 a month, right up to our very largest customers, who spend millions of pounds with VBH. Something that they have in common is that they find ordering is easier through VBH24, so I would urge anybody to try it. It really is a 24 hour doorway to our stocks.”

For more information on VBH24 or to sign up for access, fill in a Contact Form at www.vbhgb24. com or email VBH at sales@vbhgb.com.

Winkhaus UK – Three New Additions to the AV4 Range

Redefining Security, Functionality and Style

Winkhaus UK is delighted to announce the expansion of the AutoLock AV4 range with three variants: AV4 M4, AV4 Entry Guard, and AV4 U-rail. These additions follow the successful launch of AV4 and AV4 Heritage at FITShow 2023 and continue to showcase the company’s commitment to innovative design, security and style.

1. AV4 M4 – Fourfold Security:

Elevating security standards, the AV4 M4 variant introduces a state-of-the-art 4-hook version, providing users with four automatic security locking points and 5 including deadbolt. This precision-engineered mechanism enhances security and engagement, redefining secure access for residential and commercial properties.

2. AV4 Entry Guard – Innovative Door Chain Alternative:

The AV4 Entry Guard variant offers a revolutionary alternative to traditional door chains. Designed to enhance the appearance of modern doors, it sits flush within the door frame, providing superior security with an elegant touch for contemporary door designs in both residential and commercial applications.

3. AV4 U-rail – Versatile Compatibility for Aluminium Systems:

Available throughout the AV4 range this new faceplate variant seamlessly integrates U-rail and flat plate profiles to suit all major aluminium system requirements.

Winkhaus UK is also introducing six new colour options for the autoLock AV4 range, including Graphite Black, Anthracite, Antique Brass, and Bronze, providing customers with an exciting range of options to enhance their door solutions.

These new colour finishes not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also showcase a commitment to style without compromising on security.

Mike Rushen, Sales Director at Winkhaus UK, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted with the immediate success of AV4 and feedback we are seeing from our customers and the market. We feel AV4 is a game-changing product for fabricators, installers, and end-users, with these new variants and range of finishes providing further widening its versatility.”

The AV4’s features include:

Widest Installation Tolerances: AV4 boasts the widest installation tolerances to date in an autoLock, ensuring adaptability to various door configurations.

Lowest Required Force to Operate: The AV4 series requires the lowest force to operate, ensuring ease of use without compromising on security.

Non-Handed for Reduced Inventory: AV4 is designed as non-handed, reducing inventory and simplifying the procurement process.

Optional Day/Night Latch: The AV4 series offers the flexibility of an optional day/night latch, providing additional flexibility for varying user needs.

Tested to and Compliant with Industry Standards: AV4 is rigorously tested and compliant with the requirements of PAS24 and Secured by Design.

Winkhaus UK remains dedicated to redefining industry standards, delivering innovative security solutions that seamlessly blend with modern living. For detailed specifications, available colour finishes, and more information on the autoLock AV4 range and its new variants, please visit https:// www.winkhaus.co.uk/en/autolock-av4

autoLock AV4

The next generation of automatic door locking solutions

Introducing the new AV4 range of autoLocking solutions and the benefits they provide for modern entrance doors including 2 hook, 4 hook, Heritage, Entry Guard and U-rail variants.

Precision engineered and manufactured in Germany with reduced operational force for ease of use, increased operational tolerances to eliminate issues with doors that warp, non-handed to simplify your ordering and inventory management, with the optional flexibility of day/night mode for re-entry off a latch.

Precisely what you would expect from a Winkhaus door locking system.

For further information please visit winkhaus.co.uk or contact marketing@winkhaus.co.uk

FIRST BESPOKE INDUSTRY

FESTIVALS ARE GREAT SUCCESS

Fenestration, Glass and Glazing – 50 Careers in one day

Building Our Skills - Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice reports an excellent level of support for its two pilot bespoke industry careers festivals held last week.

“We’re so grateful to everyone who backed this new initiative,” says Mark Handley, Building Our Skills’ Partnerships Manager. He adds:

“In the end, we had over thirty companies take part on each day and just under 700 students visit. It’s been wonderful to see the industry take up the cause of attracting new talent. We’re hoping that these two events will be the first of many.

“Employability skills clinics played a part in enticing schools and students to the festivals, with local authorities having highlighted just how helpful these clinics were going to be in getting students to think about their careers generally, and the fenestration, glass and glazing industry specifically.

“‘Career Families’ were another facet of the careers festivals that helped students understand the many career options open to them as they get closer to the world of work.”

The eleven ‘families’ together encompass over 100 individual roles, demonstrating career progression opportunities, training, qualifications and how students can start out on their career journeys in the industry.

It is expected that the events will now expand into additional areas of the country where Building Our Skills is already working with other local education authorities.

The two pilot events were held last week as part of National Careers Week. The first was in South Yorkshire at the Oakwell Stadium, home of Barnsley FC, and the second in Manchester at the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City Football Club. Building Our Skills worked in conjunction with the education bodies in South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester to bring these events to fruition.

GQA HELPS RAISE FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS

GQA is supporting Fire Door Maintenance (FDM) in their efforts to raise safety standards across the industry. The awarding and qualifications writing body is developing accredited training and qualifications covering fire door installation, maintenance and inspection in partnership with FDM, which is owned by UAP Ltd, a leading door & window hardware supplier.

This month saw FDM officially open a Training Academy at Bury, Greater Manchester. Purposebuilt, the 3,000ft² Training Academy is said to be the UK’s first practical training centre for the fire door industry. With a variety of fire doors and components from multiple manufacturers, the facility will provide a dedicated space for hands-on training and classrooms for theory-based learning.

Accredited by GQA Qualifications, the Academy will offer a variety of courses aimed at fire door inspectors, installers, maintenance engineers, Building Control professionals, Local Authority representatives and duty holders in higher risk buildings. The first to launch will be a fire door inspector course, followed by one centred on fire door maintenance, and another focusing on fire door installation. After completion, participants will receive a GQA skills card. The accredited courses and qualifications awarded by GQA are meticulously designed in collaboration with the FDM team to address life safety risks associated with fire doors.

As well as ensuring compliance with the latest fire safety regulations, the accredited training will respond to the Hackitt report’s recommendations following the Grenfell Tower fire. The inquiry into the tragedy revealed fire doors did not perform as expected. Out of the 120 doors in the building, 106 had been replaced and comprised different hardware from the tested door. This signifies recognition that addressing life safety is a responsibility that demands rigour, quality and demonstrated competency.

The opening of the Academy was attended by GQA. Dan Brown, GQA’s Strategic Relationships Manager says:

“We are proud to partner FDM in this initiative. Post-Grenfell, we are at a crucial time for the built environment. The proper upkeep and maintenance of fire doors is crucial for life safety during evacuations. Neglecting the responsibility to maintain fire doors appropriately is neglecting the value of life itself. The timing of the FDM Academy’s launch is exceptionally relevant, coinciding with a period of introspection in the industry fuelled by the Building Safety Act.”

David Jennings, a director and founder of FDM, added:

“I have been hugely impressed by all of the GQA Qualifications team. Thank you for your unwavering support. We are going to do great things together.”

Topics covered by the courses at the Academy will include areas such as:

1. Key legislation and regulations relating to fire doors and fire door inspections

2. Different types of fire doors and their uses

3. The main components of a fire door set and their functions

4. How fire doors and components are tested and test evidence reports

5. Why fire doors need inspecting and what to inspect

6. When is a fire door compliant and non-compliant with regulations

7. How to use technology to write a fire door inspection report

8. What does a fire door inspection report contain and writing effective reports

9. Dealing with potential conflict during an inspection

Further information on GQA can be found at www.gqaqualifications.com.

GQA SHINES A LIGHT ON SITEBASED QUALIFICATIONS

Martin Sadler is EQA/Technical Officer at GQA Qualifications, and he here outlines the qualifications that are available to site-based operatives. GQA is the fenestration industry’s leading awarding and qualifications-writing body.

The Building Safety Act has an underlying need for strong training regimes underpinned with proof of learning. Ensuring correct installation and site practice are a key part of this requirement. Installers must ensure they are equipped to deal with the Act’s edicts. We are here to help ensure they do just that. Through accredited training and the acquirement of vocational qualifications we can ensure that installers do not succumb to the pitfalls that ignoring the Act’s requirements will engender. In addition, we can help with ensuring that companies’ own training courses are assessed for consistency, structure and quality of outcome.

It is not only for the purpose of compliance that strong training regimes and proof of learning are becoming increasingly important in site-based work. There are of course the twin requirements

of maintaining and raising standards. And of course, in so doing, the fenestration industry is safeguarding its installers against accidents and injury.

So, what types of qualification and training are available for site-based fenestration employees today? Firstly, for those who wish to join the industry or are new to it, the Level 1 Certificate in the Principles of Window and Door Installation is ideal. This is a knowledge-based qualification that has been developed to give individuals an understanding of the principal aspects of window and door installation. The qualification does not require candidates to complete practical tasks. However, it is strongly recommended that practical tasks are included.

For people who install windows, doors or conservatories, who have some experience but may still need some support in their role, the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Fenestration Installation is a good choice. This is suitable for both new build and refurbishment work.

Moving on to more experienced on-site operatives including those in refurbishment work, the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Fenestration Installation is an option. This qualification is suited to those who could lead a team of installers, do more complex work and conservatories or are involved in traditional, facetted or structurally glazed curtain walling installation.

For those who carry out surveys for windows, doors and conservatories in the new build or refurbishment sector, the Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Fenestration Surveying is ideal.

People who work for themselves and carry out both surveying and installing should check out the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in the Combined Surveying and Installation of Windows and Doors or Conservatories.

Suitable for those who work as part of a team installing stick and unitised curtain walling systems is the Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Curtain Walling Installation.

When it comes to those who have some experience in glazing, the Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Glazing is the qualification for which to aim.

Finally, workers experienced in glazing who carry out more complex glazing work, and are also

in charge of others will find the Level 3 NVQ in Glazing is ideally suited to them.

With the exception of the Level 1 in the Principles of Window and Door installation the level 2 qualifications ensure that candidates can achieve a Blue Skilled Worker CSCS Card, whilst the Level 3 Qualifications can secure successful candidates a Gold Supervisors Card. GQA Qualifications is the only organisation issuing CSCS cards for the Glass and Glazing industries.

Attaining qualifications is one of the best ways for an individual or company to prove that they have the required levels of competency and knowledge, skills and behaviours. This also goes a long way towards demonstrating motivation to develop and improve skills.

At GQA we are keen to ensure we have qualifications that are right for the industry and the individuals within that industry. If installers and other sitebased operatives feel there is a requirement for a new qualification, they can speak to us since we may be able to develop one. Please email me at martin.sadler@gqaqualifications.com.

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.

Accredited training leading to qualifications

If you are looking to retrain for a new career, or looking to develop your skills to open up opportunities why not consider practical training in window and door installation

Learn about Building Regulations, working safely on site, how to remove windows and doors from buildings and replace with new ones

All courses fully accredited and could contribute towards NVQ Qualifications

With further assessment and achievement, successful candidates can go forward to achieve CSCS Cards to enable them to work safely on site

Training delivered in Sheffield in a fully Covid secure environment

For more information on training contact sayhello@buildingourskills.co.uk

For more information on vocational qualifications and CSCS cards contact info@gqaqualifications.com

www.gqaqualifications.com

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING –CHOOSING A TRUSTED PARTNER

Employers in the fenestration who wish to hone the skills of their workforce in order to improve their business’s competitiveness face two challenges: carefully managing training budgets whilst also addressing staff time constraints. How to choose a partner organisation who can help them achieve their goal at the same time as ensuring these challenges are met need not be difficult. Dan Brown, Strategic Relationship Manager of GQA Qualifications explains.

Currently, there is a significant amount of work focused on establishing competency, with individuals often overlooking the expertise of an Awarding Body in this regard. In addition, I talk to many people in the fenestration industry who are well aware that plenty of training opportunities exist. However, they do not have the time to audit all the options available, and they certainly do not have big budgets to spend in this area. What they really need is assistance from a qualificationswriting and awarding partner that can also point them in the direction of accredited training that is delivered by an independently and rigorously audited provider. All within the confines of limited budget availability.

I would recommend seeking out a partner that is a specialist in learning in the sector. A good indicator of this is the number of steering groups on which the partner sits, helping to shape the future qualifications being developed. In addition, working with a not-for-profit organisation assists with keeping spending down.

The chosen partner should have the ability not only to write industry-specific qualifications and facilitate accredited training, but to draw up bespoke qualifications for individual organisations. Employers can thereby create and accredit in house developed training courses and learning programmes in addition to going after existing

qualifications.

GQA facilitates an Accredited Training service, offered through a nationwide network of approved training centres. It is aimed at employers in the industry who want to have their in-house 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.

In essence, accredited training involves:

1. Assessing courses for learning outcomes.

2. Ensuring the existence of an appeals procedure.

3. Maintaining a non-bias approach to assessment.

4. Implementing ‘reasonable adjustment’ for individuals with learning difficulties.

5. Introducing an end assessment to test learners’ comprehension of course content, aligning with the Building Safety Act’s emphasis on a ‘certificate of comprehension’ rather than a ‘certificate of attendance.’

6. Undergoing regular external assessment by an Independent Quality Assessor to verify procedure implementation and ensure uniformity in course delivery.

GQA’s Bespoke Qualification service is aimed at employers who wish to be able to offer those staff 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. In close consultation with the company concerned, GQA will develop a qualification that meets the needs of the organisation and the people who require it.

It is also worth checking out what a partner organisation can do in terms of providing reasonable adjustment for people with learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Here at GQA we have 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. GQA is poised to contribute to the development of competency-setting initiatives, leveraging our knowledge to position qualifications and training appropriately. This involves identifying the level at which individuals are expected to perform their functions against an industry-recognised hierarchical framework of learning. In turn this provides synchronicity with qualifications from within the education system. Providing this link is critical to any competency assessment or training development to make it relatable to other forms of formal competency attainment.

Employers seeking advice on any aspect of qualifications-writing or wanting to find out about GQA’s network of approved training centre are welcome to get in touch. We can assist with an online assessment test through our GQA Online system. This system utilises a question bank to draw random questions, evaluate learners, and promptly grade assessments within a minute. Our accredited training programs come with the issuance of a plastic or digital GQA Skills Card. This card acts as a verifiable record of competence that can be produced on demand. More information on GQA is available at www.gqaqualifications.com