Glass News December 2020

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BUILDING OUR SKILLS LAUNCHES PRACTICAL TRAINING PROGRAMME Glass News Earpiece DEC.indd 1

Other courses offered include working at height, materials handling and asbestos removal. The new training programme is to be delivered initially via Building Our Skills' Sheffield academy and then will be rolled out to a network of centres throughout the country delivering consistent content.

In the light of findings from a recent YouGov survey commissioned by GQA Qualifications, the introduction of the new

Commenting on the programme development, John Ogilvie, Director of Building Our Skills said: "This is a great step forward for the industry. The new programme, coupled with our plans for a nationwide network of practical training centres demonstrates our commitment to raising standards in fenestration. In addition, it is good to know that we have the backing of parents who, as revealed by the YouGov survey, agree that vocational training, careers and/or vocational qualifications can be beneficial to young people as an alternative path to going to university. Clearly the new programme also represents a great ongoing learning opportunity for existing industry employees who can use it as part of their Continuing Professional Development. It's gratifying that we are able to offer training to support industry employees to do their jobs to the highest standards."

Additions to the new training programme are expected soon in the form of training for surveyors, Tilt 'n' Turn maintenance, advanced installation techniques and curtain wall installation.

More information on Building Our Skills Making Fenestration a Career of Choice - is available at www.buildingourskills.co.uk.

THE RIGHT PEOPLE READ GLASS NEWS Issue 117 | December 2020

DIGITAL EDITION

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The new programme includes an introduction to the principles and practicalities of window and door installation; guidance on how to adhere to the relevant Building Regulations; and optionally a health and safety qualification leading to the provision of a CSCS card.

training programme is very timely. The survey results reveal a clear desire for more vocational training opportunities amongst parents with school-age children.

INSTALLERS | FABRICATORS | BUILDERS | CONTRACTORS | ARCHITECTS | SPECIFIERS

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Building Our Skills has announced the launch of a practical training programme in line with its twin aims of bringing more new people into the fenestration industry and upskilling existing industry employees in order to raise standards and support career development.

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LINIAR’S OUTDOOR RANGE CASH GENERATOR: THE DECALU 163 LIFT-AND-SLIDE DOOR Deceuninck Aluminium has launched the Decalu163 Lift-and-Slide aluminium patio door, part of the new aluminium system company’s expanding offer.

A complete aluminium window and door offer, Decalu combines significantly reduced manufacturing times and increased installation efficiencies, with a dual-colour, textured and marine grade finish – as standard.

Able to accommodate individual sash weights of up to 400kg, and with single, twin and triple-track options, the new Decalu163 offers a high degree of design flexibility.

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Nigel Headford, Deceuninck Aluminium’s Business Development Director, said: “The Decalu163, is a highly engineered lift-andslide door. It accommodates incredible individual sash weights – up to 400kg – which creates real design flexibility.

“And, the same as the rest of our offer, it’s available in dual-colour and marine grade finishes as standard.

“It’s a premium aluminium lift-and-slide door but with increased manufacturing efficiencies and the price point at which we can supply it, generates high-margin opportunities for fabricators and installers.

For more information call 01249 816 969, email deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk.

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DECEMBER 2020

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

2020 MAY NOT HAVE BEEN A VERY HAPPY YEAR BUT EVERYONE AT

November 2020 crossword solution:

GLASS NEWS WISHES YOU A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS

2020 may not have been a very happy year but everyone at Glass News wishes you a Very Happy Christmas I’m writing this in a state of anger.

When I think of how our industry has been denigrated over the years with the ‘double glazing salesmen’ innuendo and references to White Gold – all very much things of the past – and then read of the wasted £millions, or possibly £billions, over this pandemic period, it makes me fume. Fraud? Ineptitude? Jobs for friends and families? Idiots in public health and the civil service who are promoted rather than being sacked and then given honours and even peerages, our country being run by politicians who have no knowledge of working practices and have never held down a proper job in their lives…we have really gone to the dogs.

The latest episode that has fuelled my angst is the story about the PPE gravy train. Funnily enough it isn’t so much about the individuals who have conned the government of out all this cash as they have seen an opportunity and capitalised upon it. No. The really guilty parties are the inept and, basically, stupid people within the government and public services who have let them do it. Will anyone be brought to book for this? Of course not. It will be all swept under the carpet and we, the taxpayers, will pay for it.

Meanwhile, I honestly believe that the fenestration industry, as a whole, has performed admirably. Companies have invested substantially to protect staff and customers and have maintained a service that has been more in demand than ever. The cash saved from commuting and taking holidays has translated into a boom for home improvements from which we have benefitted and the only worry on the horizon is how long this boom can last. At some point we will all have to pay for Rishi’s largesse and you can bet your bottom dollar that the UK’s middle classes will cop for it!

It is now being said that we may well be back to normal around Easter, thanks to all these vaccines that have suddenly appeared and, funnily enough, all around

the same time. Cynicism being my middle name I can’t help feeling that big business is driving this with each vaccine company trying to outdo another! Nevertheless, let’s hope that, in true Churchillian style, this is ‘the beginning of the end’.

In my various interviews and conversations this month the subject of budgeting has raised its head. It has never been the easiest thing in the world to do but I can’t help feeling that performance in 2021 could be extremely difficult to forecast. The general consensus is that 2020 has recovered to budget levels with some claiming that they have surpassed expectations. Ironically, and as we view the world post Covid, 2021 could be a harder year as surplus income is channelled towards leisure pursuits. We shall see.

We are nearly at the end of the year and are no clearer on Brexit and what it will mean to us all. With time so short it would not come as a surprise that some announcement, good or bad, could appear even as we go to press!

One thing we have learned this year is that things move very quickly and things happen that would, perhaps, have benefitted from more thought and research. One minute we have the papers telling everyone that the Green Homes Grant could boost the value of your home and double glazing is acknowledged as the improvement with the best individual percentage gain and next we find few installers qualify to provide products for the Green Homes Grant. It’s nice to see fenestration get a mention but still no news as to how the homeowner finds a local Trustmark installer registered for the scheme. Happily for our installers, they all pretty much booked up with work well into the New Year but we’ll see how things go with the scheme extended through to 2022.

CONTENTS 4

Trade News

6

Exclusive Interview: Deceuninck

8

Trade News

10

Exclusive Interview: GGF Commercial

12

Exclusive Interview: Veka Recycling

14

Trade News

18

Installer Focus

22

Energy Efficiency

24

Trade News

Chris GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? Email Chris at: chris@glassnews.co.uk

Christina Shaw Managing Director / Advertising Enquiries M: 07805 051322 E: christina@glassnews.co.uk

36 Hardware

‘TIME OUT’ WINNERS – NOVEMBER!

41

Sudoku: Bernie Simpson, Nottingham

48 Machinery

Eye Spy: Mr A March, Exeter, Devon

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Spot the Difference: Mr S McGoldrick, Renfrewshire Crossword: Michelle Carroll, Scarborough Congratulations to all our winners! Good luck in this months Time Out pages!

@GlassnewsMag

Tech Talk

44 Doors 48

Emma Champion Advertising Manager M: 07508 263262 E: emma@glassnews.co.uk

Industry Awards

50 Windows Cold Calling

56 Glass 58

Product Review 2020

64

Software & IT

66

Trade News

Justin Lazenby Finance Director / Press Release Enquiries M: 07711 828710 E: justin@glassnews.co.uk

72 BMBI 73 Aluminium 74 Letters 75

Face To Face

76

Careers & Qualifications in Fenestration

77

Charity News

78

Time Out!

79

Find A Supplier

Chris Champion Editor / Editorial Enquiries M: 07850 267223 E: chris@glassnews.co.uk Kate Carnall Graphic Design E: kate@glassnews.co.uk

glassnews™ is a registered Trademark.

The views contained herein are not necessarily those of glassnews™ and whilst every effort is made to ensure information throughout is correct, glassnews™ does not accept liability for errors. The views expressed by contributors and the content of letters, are not necessarily those of glassnews™ and therefore cannot take responsibility.

Christina Shaw

/GlassNews

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THE MULTI-AWARD WINNING

ALUMINIUM ROOF LANTERN

Don’t lose out on sales

After my earlier rant it’s nice to see one national newspaper exposing the government and civil service for their vast waste and profligacy while we, the common man and woman, all batten down the hatches. I really hope they follow through and we see people properly punished – good news for the construction companies: we’ll need lots of prisons!

Finally, a special thank you to everyone for your support for Glass News during 2020. Everyone at Glass News joins me in wishing you a Very Happy Christmas and a successful and prosperous New Year.

We look forward to working with you all during 2021 and hope that we shall all be able to re-establish face to face contact as the pandemic comes under control.

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3

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SEH BAC SIGNS LANDMARK AGREEMENT WITH PURPLEX One of the UK’s leading home improvement companies, SEH BAC, has signed a 5-year partnership agreement with Purplex, the glazing industry marketing agency. The deal, thought to be the industry’s biggest ever marketing agreement, will see Purplex manage the marketing strategy for SEH BAC across all channels, from digital to PR, radio and TV. SEH BAC is the retail window and conservatory company within One Group Construction, the £150m turnover building and engineering group, with an HQ in Ipswich and 13 showrooms across the South East.

Peter Wheeler, MD of SEH BAC commented: “We have worked with Andrew and the Purplex team for a number of years and they know the market better than

anyone. As we embark on a new, ambitious 5-year growth plan it was important to have Purplex on the team, and signing a 5-year marketing deal shows real commitment on both sides.”

Purplex was formed in 2004 by Andrew Scott, the well-known industry veteran and marketeer who has acquired, built and sold several window companies. The awardwinning agency works with some of the most successful brands across retail, trade and commercial sectors.

Discussing the new 5-year deal, Andrew said: “SEH BAC has a heritage dating back decades and we want to build on this story with a brand that consumers trust. As the industry consolidates there will be many opportunities ahead, and the companies with the strongest brands will win. SEH BAC has a dynamic, ambitious management team who really understand the power of marketing.”

Peter Wheeler, SEH BAC MD (Left) and Andrew Scott, Purplex Marketing MD

As the industry recovers from Covid, Brexit and other challenges SEH BAC are already well-placed to scale-up and acquire market share, with a talented operational and sales team already in place.

For more information please visit www.purplexmarketing.com.

“We have worked with Andrew and the Purplex team for a number of years and they know the market better than anyone. As we embark on a new, ambitious 5-year growth plan it was important to have Purplex on the team, and signing a 5-year marketing deal shows real commitment on both sides.”

4

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: DECEUNINCK

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

POSITIVITY AND REMEMBERING THAT THE CUSTOMER IS KING IS DECEUNINCK’S MANTRA Listening to Rob McGlennon’s dulcet tones you could almost be persuaded by anything he says, and without realising you are having your leg lifted!

cope with restrictions and how to provide safety for our staff and customers, so 2021 will be more of the same. His belief is that we are well positioned within the fenestration industry to remain working safely.

But the MD of Deceuninck UK talks an awful lot of sense and is very open about his company’s performance and the difficulties we have all experienced over the past year.

Rob is a glass half full kind of guy and is a firm believer in playing the cards as they are dealt, whether it’s Covid, Brexit or anything else that is thrown at us. As ever, he is well worth listening to as he talks with Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion.

As Rob says, bad news seems to be good for our industry! Everyone was forecasting a serious downturn post March 2020 and what have we got? Customers with full order books and installers who usually work on a forward order book of two months now booked out until Easter 2021.

According to Rob it is looking positive for next year and it’s worth listening to his take on house prices, interest rates and what homeowners will spend their money on in the coming year.

November time and thinking of budgets?

How do you budget for 2021? Will next year be good or bad? Rob McGlennon has strong views as, as he says, everyone is currently punching above their weight and Deceuninck has experienced volumes never seen before. Vaccines are on the horizon but we’ll have this virus around for some time but his view is that we’ve learned how to

And does that mean Deceuninck are planning for growth in 2021, as they do every year?

Amongst all this, Brexit is still there although it has taken a back seat in newsworthiness. Deceuninck, with its bosses in Belgium, must be looking at Brexit with more trepidation than most.

However, Rob McGlennon has firm thoughts on a deal being done and is

looking at the Brexit issue positively. Rob has a very sanguine view that we are all in business and the politics are left to the politicians – there is nothing we can do about it and will simply have to work with what is placed in front of us. But has the threat on import and export duties and putting plans in place slowed Deceuninck’s development plans for products? It seems not.

Is colour and flush sashes still the big sellers? And where does colour now rank against the white finish? Over six years colour, in production terms, has increased from 30% to nearer 70%. Where does that stop and will we in the UK mimic Europe where 70% colour is the ceiling?

Operating the warehouse much like a supermarket, Deceuninck picks stock from the shelves and replaces that stock continuously. Has that been difficult? Has it been difficult maintaining resin supplies?

Over the past five months Deceuninck have been up, year on year, by 35% so Rob admits it hasn’t been easy to replenish stock.

Teamwork and experience has proved more valuable than automation at Deceuninck and when they hit a difficulty they work

through it, always remembering that the customer is king.

30 colourways from stock. Has Deceuninck managed to maintain this? Rob is very open about the pressures on keeping to lead times and even more investment is being made as growth is fully expected to continue in 2021. And new products – will we see new products appearing, generally, in 2021? Will Deceuninck have anything new? The answer to that is very clear and that is that will be no surprises as they work closely with their customers and produce what their customers need. No rabbits out of the hat!

Recycling? How does that work and how green can we become as an industry? Rob McGlennon is very positive about the way the industry is going and emphasises how we, as a country, need to get back to being positive about everything and especially the future.

And what of the next 5 years? It’s all looking good for the fenestration industry. Rob believes that industry consolidation is at an end and it’s all about looking forward. Rob McGlennon, for one, is pleased to be in this industry rather than other industries that are struggling through these difficult times!

VIDEO LINK

6

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

NEW FREEFOAM VIDEO FEATURING UK MARKETING MANAGER, LOUISE SANDERSON Freefoam are pleased to launch another short video in a series to mark our 30 year anniversary. This film features Louise Sanderson, UK Marketing Manager.

Louise has worked at Freefoam for 10 years and explains how her role has changed and developed over that time. Working with both direct customers to help them promote and sell Freefoam products and also working with installers to give them the support they need to develop sales.

Louise explains “I’m still amazed how many products we manufacture and deliver every single day. Our success has been down to our products, which installers genuinely love fitting.“ Colin St John, Commercial Director, summarized “Part of being a business that is 30 years old is being able to change and adapt and that’s what our marketing team have done. They’ve done some brilliant work over the last few years, particularly with social media, and Louise has been a big part of that - getting out there generating interest in our products, interest in our customers and our customers customer’s.”

Watch the video below.

Louise Sanderson, UK Marketing Manager

VIDEO LINK

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December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

System 17-65

Facilitating multi-storey construction Metal Technology have launched their new System 17-65 Curtain Walling.

Designed for use in high-rise or multi-storey applications, the system accommodates greater floor slab deflection and glass movement.

Based on the successful System 17 50mm Curtain Walling, this latest system also adopts the same stick built assembly process, with overlapping transom to mullion connections, and incorporates many of the same manufacturing and installation principles used within our System 17. Based on 65mm wide mullion and transom profiles, System 17-65 facilitates greater glass movement, caused by increased differential mullion movement often associated with large floor slab spans, greater floor slab deflection, taller glass units, and larger building movement often found in modern high-rise buildings.

The system incorporates a suite of structural mullion and transom profiles, ranging from 50mm to 225mm, along with a range of projecting cover cap options. A flat pressure cap also offers a cost effective alternative to silicone pointing while still accommodating increased building movement without compromising on glass cover and the performance of the system. The system can accommodate up to 54mm thick glass units, in 1mm increments, to facilitate a wide variety of double, and triple glazed units to help facilitate even the most demanding thermal, guarding and/or acoustic requirements.

To complement its successful testing to CWCT weather performance and PAS 24 security standards, System 17-65 has also completed acoustic testing to BS EN ISO 10140-2 at the UKAS accredited test facility at Warrington Fire, using a variety of acoustic glazing configurations.

metaltechnology.com www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2020

9

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: GGF COMMERCIAL

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GGF COMMERCIAL, PROVIDING SUPPORT ACROSS THE INDUSTRY

Anda Gregory, Managing Director of GGF Commercial is talking to Glass News’ Editor Chris Champion about the trials of 2020, what the various companies within GGF Commercial, Installsure, BFRC, Risa and FENSA, have been doing and her expectations for 2021.

Anda has been out of circulation over the past year on maternity leave but is now back at work and happy to be interacting with grown-ups again. Although some may say it is difficult to distinguish between children and people in the fenestration industry! As anyone who knows Anda will tell you, she is the consummate professional. But how did she find herself in the MD role at GGF Commercial?

Anda’s background is as an Oxford graduate with a Masters in Chemistry, so why would she go to KPMG after graduation? Her career boasts a number of well-known names such as Which? but listening to her you can quickly understand her path towards the GGF. However, there are surprises along the way and the young blades within our industry who fancy themselves with a pool cue would be advised to steer well clear of Ms Gregory.

GGF Commercial has gained a high profile since Anda’s arrival and it is a compliment to her managerial style that the individual companies have continued to progress in her absence with quality managers taking individual responsibility for their companies over the past year. What have Installsure, BFRC, Risa, FENSA and Borough IT been up to? How has the pandemic affected them and their customers and how have they maintained the high level of service that they offer? Has demand changed in any way? Are rainbow ratings relevant when people are eager to spend their holiday and

commuting money on home improvements and just want someone to get on with the job? Has FENSA, as the leading certification body, noticed changes in registrations and, as the leading body, they must have valuable information on trends that would be helpful to the industry. Are there plans to publish this information? Did FENSA’s TV advertising have the desired effect? Has it raised the image of fenestration with the public? Anda answers all these questions and it is clear that, despite the year we have just had, the companies that comprise GGF Commercial have been carrying on providing the essential service to our industry.

Where is Anda’s focus for GGF Commercial for 2021 and going forward? Indeed, is she optimistic for both her company and

the industry as a whole? Supporting the industry during this difficult time has been important and although technology has played its part there have been many instances where on site inspections have been necessary. GGF Commercial, like everyone in the industry, has applied the government advice for safety for their staff and customers but this has not deterred them in any way and they go into 2021 with confidence. Watch the interview to find out how GGF Commercial support the industry.

GGF Commercial has more to announce and is holding an Editors’ Virtual Christmas Party at which further plans will be shared, so watch for the report in the January edition of Glass News for details. A Virtual Party? I can’t wait to find out how that works…

"Has FENSA, as the leading certification body, noticed changes in registrations and, as the leading body, they must have valuable information on trends that would be helpful to the industry."

VIDEO LINK

10

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

BRAND NEW LAUNCH!!

LAUNCH DATE FEBRUARY 2021

Monthly Email News Residential & Commercial Fenestration

Readership

The readership of A Window Into Aluminium is a mixture of architects, specifiers, fabricators and installers, together with the CAB membership and wider aluminium fenestration market. If any part of your business involves aluminium windows, doors, conservatories or shopfronts, or the hardware and machinery which complete the package, then you will benefit from reading and featuring within A Window Into Aluminium every month. A Window Into Aluminium covers all aluminium products used in building construction, including cladding, roofing, structure etc.

Advertising Email: emma@awindowintoaluminium.co.uk

Press releases Email: justin@awindowintoaluminium.co.uk

www.awindowintoaluminium.co.uk All general enquiries: christina@awindowintoaluminium.co.uk A Window Into Aluminium is produced by Glass People Ltd (Glass News).

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: VEKA RECYCLING

PVCU, A SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT, MADE MORE SO BY VEKA RECYCLING

Just how important is recycling to our industry and to the whole world? Simon Scholes, Managing Director of Veka Recycling talks with Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, about this issue and how Veka Recycling is committed to persuading both the industry and the homeowner of the importance of recycling.

Recycling of PVCu is not new to Veka with their Kent plant gathering material and sending it for recycling in Germany and France, as long ago as 1993. Now it’s the turn of the UK with Veka Recycling opening the doors of their new plant in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.

How has that come about? What is the

investment and can that cost be recouped?

Is that even important to Veka or is commitment to recycling PVCu all that matters?

Simon answers all these questions and gives an insight into one person’s passion for his subject as well as explaining the methodology. For instance, is Veka Recycling just for Veka itself or can the whole industry benefit? Can competitor system houses buy bead from Veka Recycling? How do installers become involved and how do they get waste product to the Wellingborough plant? Is there a cost and, if so, does it compete favourably with the cost of taking product to landfill?

said that although not a legal requirement for the installer to recycle product it can come back on the homeowner if their old windows are not disposed of properly. That must be an incentive on everyone to recycle.

How does the installer prepare the old windows for recycling? Removing hardware, gaskets et al? This state-of-the-art Veka Reycling facility takes the lot, separating out the metals, rubber and so on and producing bead ready for extrusion. If it’s that easy and costs no more than taking the skip to the tip for landfill, why would anyone do anything else but recycle? Is recycled PVCu inferior to virgin product? Can the two be mixed?

So, what is the lifespan of PVCu and if a window frame is in place for 30 or 40 years how many times can that polymer be recycled? Does this make it as sustainable as aluminium? Shouldn’t we be telling the homeowners of the sustainability of PVCu?

Simon talks about his background and how his passion developed. How he has been able to lead this project for Veka and the sense of satisfaction it brings in providing this UK based recycling plant that anyone can use, either to dispose of frames or to buy bead.

We never see local advertisements from installers using sustainability as a USP for their window fitting service. Why not? It is

Is calling it Veka Recycling a problem and will it prevent competitors using them because of the Veka name? Simon answers

that along with all the other important questions on the subject of recycling PVCu and you will enjoy listening to his answers.

His passion and knowledge is compelling.

"How does the installer prepare the old windows for recycling?

Removing hardware, gaskets et al?

This state-of-the-art Veka Reycling facility takes the lot, separating out the metals, rubber and so on and producing bead ready for extrusion. If it’s that easy and costs no more than taking the skip to the tip for landfill, why would anyone do anything else but recycle? Is recycled PVCu inferior to virgin product? Can the two be mixed?"

VIDEO LINK

12

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

NEW VIDEO

FEATURING TECHNICAL OPERATIONS MANAGER, GEOFF BARNETT Freefoam are proud to launch a second video in a series to mark our 30 year anniversary, featuring key people who have played a significant part in the growth and development of the business.

This new short film features Geoff Barnett, Technical Operations Manager. With a role at the heart of our manufacturing business hear why Geoff came to be part of the PVC industry and find out about the part he has played in the site expansion and significant increase in production capacity moving from just four extrusion lines back in 2008 to today’s total of 15.

Having worked for Freefoam for 12 years Geoff sees the strength of the company coming from its people and the way they are encouraged to interact and work together.

Geoff comments “Freefoam is a proactive business, with an abundance of people all trying to do their best. It’s great!” Geoff explains how operating as an independent manufacturer has had it’s challenges but Freefoam continues to prosper year on year and he sees the a positive future.

Colin St John, Commercial Director, summarized “People have always been at the heart of everything we do at Freefoam. Our success is based on surrounding ourselves with good people, and Geoff is amongst the best in his field. Working with his teams to move our mixing facilities from Stockport to a brand new multi-million pound mixing plant in Northampton was a complex and extremely challenging project and highlighted Geoff ’s skills and expertise. This development has given us control of our entire process facility which has without doubt helped us grow and support our customers.”

View video here: https://we.tl/t-8TbEsZYqgM

Geoff Barnett, Technical Operations Mangager

VIDEO LINK

14

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

STELLAR APPEAL

Since its launch in 2019, Stellar window and door system has been blazing a trail in aluminium system design. With its slimline flush aesthetics and quick installation properties, Mark Austin, Sales Director (Aluminium) at Epwin Window Systems, discusses why more fabricators and installers have turned to Stellar.

AN EXACTING BRIEF: Stellar was the result of extensive market and customer opinion to develop a brandnew aluminium window and door system aimed at the retail and light commercial sectors. The overriding mandate was to address the need for a cutting-edge aluminium window and door system which mirrored the design advances that had been seen in PVC-U product development.

Stellar was designed from scratch by a team of internal aluminium experts and delivers on all aspects of modern-day

16

the moment and the flush aesthetics present a straightforward sell. It is a stand-out aluminium product.”

Stellar continues to attract much consumer appeal, a view shared by Brent Walker, Owner of Walkers Windows, who said: “I call Stellar a ‘showroom product’.

When customers see it on display, they are immediately drawn to it. It is visually different from other aluminium windows on the market and its contemporary, highend aesthetics make it a very easy sell.”

Stellar has the slimmest sightlines on the market – it is at least 30% slimmer than the main competing systems, which delivers a 12% larger glass area too.

window and door design. The results are an extraordinary example of what a refusal to compromise on excellence can deliver.

FLUSH AESTHETICS: Stellar’s flush aesthetics offer a unique proposition in aluminium system design and it’s easy to see why. Traditionally windows had flush lines to the exterior and a shaped or stepped profile inside. With Stellar, that stepped design is still an option, but now the flush lines can extend inside and out with the first fully-flush window option. It’s the ultimate in streamlined

aesthetics and offers the fabricator and installer a point of differentiation.

EASY TO SELL The appeal of what flush aluminium aesthetics deliver are summed up by Darren Capitano, owner of Abbey Windows. He said: “Stellar is a superior aluminium window and door system and the slimline, flush aesthetics make it an attractive product to sell to our customers. The lowlevel gaskets mean the frames look even slimmer, which taps into the trend for big expanses of glass which are so popular at

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper STRAIGHTFORWARD FABRICATION: Stellar has a unique pre-gasket system which saves up to 20% on fabrication time and reduces overall waste. The patent-pending Reverse Butt Joint means no dummy sashes or reverse adaptor profiles are needed, so the system uses up to 30% less aluminium. It takes fast-fit espagnolettes so no shootbolts are required too.

Robin Squibb of Clearview Glaziers became one of the first fabricators to manufacture Stellar. Robin said: “We have found the Stellar window and door system a breath of fresh air to fabricate. It seems like aluminium windows should have always been this way. No horrible adapters everywhere just clean, neat lines. It is straightforward to manufacture. We are delighted.”

VIDEO LINK

AN AWARD-WINNING SYSTEM QUICK FITTING: Stellar is an internally glazed system with patent-pending knock in beads which makes glazing rapid and is a unique feature normally only seen on PVC-U windows. Installer Darren Young of DP Joinery, Stoke on Trent, summed up his experience of fitting Stellar: “The Stellar bifold door was the best bifold I’ve ever fitted. I saved loads of time because the beads clipped in and it gave the neatest finish I’ve ever seen, plus the speed of fitting, about an hour quicker than a comparative aluminium bifold door, meant we reduced the time spent on site.”

Stellar achieved double-award winning status at the prestigious G19 Awards in London. The system picked up New Product of the Year and the Promotional Campaign of the Year.

Stellar has been one of the biggest system launches for many years and its intelligent design and superior aesthetics continue to attract a great deal of attention.

Stellar was designed to take aluminium systems to the next level and with more products due to be launched in 2021, the star in aluminium shines brightly.

For more information visit: https://www.stellaraluminium.co.uk/

VIDEO LINK

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2020

17

INSTALLER FOCUS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

FIRESIDE CHAT NO. 3:

SUPPLY CHAIN COMPLEXITIES Freefoam announce the release of the latest ‘Fireside Chat’ video, discussing the complexities and challenges of the supply chain for manufacturers.

In this third video Colin St John, Commercial Director, gives an overview of the supply chain, highlights how a huge range of variables impact the ability to

control the process and suggests ways to improve.

This latest video is part of a series of informal discussions covering pertinent themes and current issues designed to open up discussion about important industry topics.

Marketing Manager Louise Sanderson explains: “We’ve developed these videos so installers, stockists and the wider market can learn more, and agree or disagree, about important issues and trends that affect them.

"Freefoam Commercial Director, Colin St John, has worked in roofline for around 20 years and he gives great insight into changes in the industry and their implications for the future.”

View video here: https://bit.ly/3k3TshJ To view all Freefoam video’s, visit: https://bit.ly/3duEoax

VIDEO LINK

18

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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INSTALLER FOCUS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

NEW ONLINE MARKETPLACE

IS AIMED AT INSTALLERS This month sees the launch of a new, first-of-its kind online service aimed at fenestration industry installers. Recognising that the business support needed by installers and SMEs in the industry is often difficult to reach, 'UBoom' aims to make such support not only affordable but instantly accessible.

Incorporating products and services chosen specifically for the sector, UBoom offers installers an invaluable and vast range of toolkits to help their business boom.

From business management tools, employment contracts, training schemes, marketing, sales, telephone answering services, photography, social media, website audits, feedback programmes, showroom support and much much more, UBoom pulls together the most appropriate and affordable fenestration industry support and presents it all in one 'at a glance' place.

Whether it be creating a virtual showroom or sourcing the right software for selling windows and doors online or getting hold of an easy invoicing system, UBoom has done all the hard work and identified the ideal solutions for installers from a range of tried and trusted suppliers.

UBoom is the latest initiative from Inside the Box Marketing. Commenting on the launch of UBoom, Director Chris Globe says: "Like any other successful enterprise, UBoom is simply solving a problem. Over the years it has become clear when talking to installers and SMEs in the fenestration industry that they have all the same business needs and challenges as largescale companies. However, so many of the business systems and support tools in the market are often too expensive and not

necessarily appropriate for them. We believe that solutions that are specifically tailored to the sector, hand-picked, affordable and all in one place are something that installers and SMEs will truly benefit from”.

“Similarly, as Inside The Box Marketing approaches ten years in business we have met so many small suppliers over the years with fantastic products which will really benefit the industry; it felt like the right time to put all the parties in this landscape together and so we have created UBoom”.

"I'm also thrilled that we have so much interest expressed by managers of fenestration industry membership groups. They see UBoom as a great way of helping their networks become stronger and more profitable by accessing the toolkits on the platform. For network managers we can create their own UBoom marketplaces tailored to the needs of their own members. In addition, I can see a time when the systems houses also recognise UBoom as a means of providing extra support to their fabricator/installer customers, particularly with reference to the sales and marketing products it offers”.

"At a time when online trading is increasingly becoming the most practical way forward for many businesses, the team at UBoom is confident the industry will welcome the help it provides."

Installers and SMEs wishing to find out more, and fenestration industry suppliers interested in featuring their products and services on the UBoom website should head to www.uboom.co.uk or email sayhello@uboom.co.uk.

“At a time when online trading is increasingly becoming the most practical way forward for many businesses, the team at UBoom is confident the industry will welcome the help it provides.”

PRICEPOINT CHOSEN AS PARTNER FOR REMOTE SALES SOFTWARE BY INDEPENDENT NETWORK Pricepoint sales has been chosen by Independent Network, powered by Veka, as a partner to provide its members with software to enable them to sell to homeowners remotely.

With the ongoing issues around visiting people’s homes or inviting them to showrooms the opportunity to embrace a modern means of selling is perfectly timed.

Pricepoint sales software has been developed by industry stalwarts MP Logic and includes over 1 million designs, a comprehensive range of product types, a home-owner visualiser to enable customers to upload a photograph of their home to overlay new window and door designs on to, and the opportunity for installers to upload their existing price lists to provide accurate and professional quotes within minutes.

Speaking for Independent Network Head of Partner Programmes Karen Lund commented. “we are delighted to put the Pricepoint remote sales software forward to our membership. It is exactly the kind of innovative product we are always looking for, and especially in these challenging times we know it will really help them to continue working, and indeed prosper".

20

The system is intuitive and easy to use, can be used without the need for an internet connection, and for those companies with more than one user has a built in CRM management system.

Speaking for Pricepoint, Sales and Marketing Director Shaun McAllister expressed his delight at the launching of the new partnership.

“For us this is a great moment; to be working with a network which has been in existence for over 25 years and is renowned for the quality, craftsmanship and service delivered by its members working out on site is truly exciting”.

“We know that the software we have developed by working in consultation with the installer sector is truly comprehensive and there are more developments to come”.

“We will be working with Independent Network members to offer free trials and training, as well as providing ongoing support once they are using the system as a part of their daily sales operations”.

“We know our software will be a major asset to them not only in the immediate circumstances but in the long term as well, and we very much see this as the start of a long and successful partnership for all concerned”.

More information on Pricepoint Sales www.pricepointsales.com.

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

FLEXIBLE THERMAL PERFORMANCE

HELPS C70S TARGET SPECIFICATION SECTOR Launched last month, AluK’s new C70S window system is designed to help AluK fabricators and installers win more business.

“AluK customers will be able to offer three different spec options and three different price points – massively broadening the appeal of the C70S but with minimal additional stockholding.”

One of the key aspects of that is the fact that it offers completely flexible thermal performance.

Instead of relying solely on the glazing and spacer bar to vary the U-Values, the C70S features clever foam inserts which mean the profile itself can be used.

This, AluK says, makes the system hugely attractive to commercial

specifiers because they will be able to dial up or dial down the performance to suit not just the specification on each project, but the budget as well.

Sioned Roberts, AluK’s Marketing Director explains that it will be a big benefit for customers competing for business against other systems. She says: “AluK

customers will be able to offer three different spec options and three different price points – massively broadening the appeal of the C70S but with minimal additional stockholding. It’s a really original and innovative approach, targeted primarily at the commercial market, but it can obviously be used in retail sales as well.”

There are three distinct modes in the new C70S – standard, partial and hi – depending on the number of foam insulation strips inserted in the profile. In hi mode, performance is an impressive 1.1W/m2K with triple glazing and 1.3W/m2K with double glazing, but if project demands are lower than that, specifiers can opt for standard or partial mode with fewer insulation strips to reduce their costs.

The AluK C70S might have variable thermal efficiency but when it comes to wind and weather performance, there is no room for compromise. In tests, the system has achieved class-leading water tightness of 1500Pa, which is the highest you can achieve in a UK test house and more than double the industry standard of 600Pa. Air permeability is also an impressive 600Pa and wind resistance is 2400Pa, even with large span openings.

With the option to add acoustic glazing of up to 50mm in the TBT and open out variants, AluK says that the applications for the system are even wider than for its existing and still hugely popular 58BW window system. The C70S can be installed anywhere from exposed coastal locations to noisy, urban environments.

The innovation evident in the new system extends beyond just the foam insulation. Much of the design and development has been focused around making the system quicker and easier to fabricate and install than other light commercial windows in the marketplace, so that AluK customers fabricating the C70S can effectively increase their margins.

For instance, the C70S can be fabricated using either standard

22

Sioned Roberts, Marketing Director, AluK

corner crimps or new, singlefixing mechanical cleats. These offer a real improvement on the dual fixings normally required and save valuable time in the factory. There is also a universal EPDM carrier groove for quicker and more reliable fitting of the EPDM strip and a clever clip in Z-adapter profile for reversed glazing fixed lights which doesn’t need a frame reverser.

This new AluK window is available in a wide choice of configurations including side and top hung casements and TBT windows. It has the same slim 89mm sightlines as AluK’s 58BW range, so customers will be able to mix and match the system to achieve a uniform aesthetic across a broad range of applications. It also has a range of ancillaries and couplers for installation alongside doors and curtain walling.

Both inward and outward opening windows have been successfully tested to PAS24 for security making the C70S suitable for all projects requiring Approved Document Q compliance.

It is available now from stock in grey, black, white and dual-colour variants, and other finishes and colours can be ordered on fast and efficient lead times direct from AluK’s vast, Covid-19 secure 350,000 sq ft Chepstow factory.

More info: https://bit.ly/32ZxMwR

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MASTER FITTER CHALLENGE

CARL F GROUPCO’S WINDOW WIDGETS – RISING STARS CHALLENGE LAUNCHED SERVICE COMMITMENT LAUNCHES NEW TRADE COUNTER NETWORK

The ever-popular Master Fitter Challenge is back. Now officially launched and open for entries, the Master Fitter Challenge 2020/21 now features not only its traditional competition for experienced installers, but a brand new and exciting ‘Rising Stars’ challenge for those who have been installing for under two years.

The Master Fitter Challenge 2020/21 will see finals take place during April 2021 with winners presented with their awards and prizes at the FIT Show in May next year.

Launched at the inaugural FIT Show the contest will allow participating installers to nominate Timber, Aluminium or PVCu products as their specialist field of expertise in order to generate a 'best in class' result for each category.

The rules for the Master Fitter Challenge will be similar to previous years, but with a greater emphasis on the use of video judging in earlier rounds in order to accommodate ongoing social distancing requirements. Online interviews will also be carried out, which will feature nonscripted questions about installing, building regulations and other key areas. These techniques will be complemented by on-site judging in later rounds, and will cover off such demanding elements as bay and bow windows, bi-folding doors, box sashes or other products nominated by the installer in the material in which they chose to specialise. A head to head live final will be held in April 2021 featuring the two most successful competitors at which they will be required to install products in at least three material types.

The new 'Rising Stars' challenge will also see entrants judged by means of a mixture of video content, online interview, shared onscreen visuals and on-site activity. Support and mentoring will be offered to entrants as they pass through the challenge's early rounds to help in their skills development.

Entrants of this competition will be asked

to install a window, traditional door or a composite door. As with the Master Fitter Challenge a head to head will be held for the final two winners in April 2021.

GQA, the fenestration industry’s leading awarding body, is managing the Master Fitter Challenge once again. Mick Clayton, Chief Executive Officer of GQA says: "We all know when it comes to installation the highest standards are so important, arguably the most important thing in the industry.

Here at GQA we're constantly striving to raise these standards even further. We know that many thousands of installers in the industry feel exactly the same as we do and it’s why we are delighted once again to be managing the Master Fitter Challenge and the brand new Rising Stars Challenge. These challenges are a great way for installers to showcase their skills, and over the years we have seen some brilliant installers help to show the industry in its best light."

Nickie West, Operations Director at The FIT Show, and major promoter of the Master Fitter Challenge shared her thoughts: "The Master Fitter Challenge has been a part of the FIT Show since the very first event and has been a great success every time. Installers are such an important part of the market, and it is right that we should try to recognise their skills, commitment and dedication to doing a great job to the highest standards every day. We are delighted that once again the Master Fitter Challenge will be a major part of the FIT Show in 2021, and that for the first time we have introduced a new Rising Stars Challenge to complement it for those newer to the industry. It’s something we are really excited about. All of us at the FIT Show would encourage as many installers as possible to join the challenge, and we would like to wish all those who do the very best of luck!"

For more information on how to enter visit www.masterfitterchallenge.co.uk.

Reflecting on a year that has been dominated by the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, Carl F Groupco highlights its commitment to On Time In Full deliveries and customer support.

Despite C-19, the hardware distributor has maintained its strong partnership relationships with leading manufacturers and has continued to add new lines to its catalogue of over 7,000 products. Additions to the company’s portfolio in 2020 have included MACO’s new MKV shootbolt featuring a slimline 21mm universal backset to cater for all eurogroove depths, enhanced cam design and reduced operating forces on handle movement.

Commenting on the past year, Managing Director John Crittenden said: “I feel this has been the most difficult period experienced by the industry, primarily because of coronavirus but also because we have the shadow of Brexit hanging over us.

“However, the will of both our staff and suppliers has meant we have faced the issues and pulled out all the stops to maintain supply. We pride ourselves in offering On Time In Full deliveries and this focus has never been more important than in these difficult times.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Carl F Groupco staff representing us across the UK and pay special tribute to the people who have worked throughout this difficult period at both our Peterborough and Cumbernauld distribution centres. Additionally, it is important to mention our suppliers who have worked with us to maintain essential deliveries.”

Looking ahead, Carl F Groupco is confident that any future challenges presented by 2021 will be met with the same fortitude and positivity that has been shown by its staff and suppliers during the last twelve months.

The company wishes all of its customers and suppliers a healthy and happy New Year.

Twitter: @Carl_F_Groupco www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

Window Widgets have just launched a new Trade Counter Network, that is already looking to boast over one hundred partners in the first few months after launch and in time will spread right across all areas of the UK. Already a business with an unrivalled product range of consumables and ancillaries, this strategic plan to drive new sales through trade counters will help support installers, builders and fabricators with a more localised and immediate supply of products. There’s already a dedicated landing page at https://tcn.windowwidgets. co.uk and from a direct link on the home page to help visitors find local trade counters within a 20-mile radius.

The search facility returns what products they offer and the best contact details for our range of UK manufactured products, many of which carry CE Marking under our factory process control and certification to EN1090. Leading industry names such as Dekko Window Systems, Midland Building Plastics, SUN Trade and Tradelink are already listed on the website, yet Window Widgets are actively looking for further trade counters to join this network, as they look to expand to over one hundred across the UK in the coming months.

Adrian Clare, technical sales executive at Window Widgets commented: ‘We’ve spent considerable time in putting this new marketing strategy together and we’re already reaping the rewards. With our knowledge rich website and big pink product catalogue, there’s also a wealth of supporting information for anyone visiting these trade counters.

He continued: ‘With all the factors affecting the industry at present, there’s never been a better time to find trusted business partners and that’s why so many trade counters have joined us in the first few months.’

For further information visit windowwidgets.co.uk or you can also request a free 158-page product catalogue and accompanying wall charts from Adrian Clare at e-mail adrian@windowwidgets.co.uk or by calling 01452 300912. You can also add to their following on Twitter @Windowwidgets.

John Crittenden, Managing Director, Carl F Groupco

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December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

QUICKSLIDE STRIKES GOLD WITH COMMITMENT TO QUALITY West Yorkshire based fabricator, Quickslide, has been awarded a Gold CMS Certification Mark from certification providers, CENSolutions. This is the 6th year that Quickslide has received the Gold level certification, a notable achievement that illustrates the company’s ongoing commitment to outstanding quality and manufacturing processes.

100% for its aluminium windows and doors, 96% for its PVC product range and 98% for its insulated sealed glass units.

manufacturing to the highest standards in the industry.”

Quickslide’s managing director, Ben Weber, commented: “We are very proud to receive another Gold CMS Certification Mark, firstly because we have worked extremely hard to constantly maintain our high standards, but also as it demonstrates just how serious we are about the quality of our product and service.

Quickslide’s windows and doors are tested annually for compliance to enhanced security standard PAS 24: 2016 as well as BS 6375 for weather performance. Its manufacturing processes are also externally verified by ER Certification, to ensure the fabricator meets the required testing and manufacturing criteria to satisfy product standards and certification schemes.

“In the current climate, where levels of demand are high and limitations on supply are putting a strain on working relationships, our installer partners can be assured that we remain focused on

“At Quickslide we are always looking at ways of enhancing our standards, processes and the end quality of our products,” continued Ben. “We appreciate that no business, including Quickslide, can achieve

perfection, however we are always striving to improve our methods to consistently get as close to this as possible.

“This proactive approach has proved to be invaluable, allowing us to identify further improvements, highlight any quality concerns that occur and to put measures in place to prevent issues from happening – even throughout the challenging COVID period, which has presented its own set of significant challenges. The business quickly moved to 3 production shifts with higher staff volumes - rather than its usual single shift - despite the complexities of maintaining our quality levels with more active staff, more products being made and across 120 working hours.

To help support this, over the last 12 months, we have introduced more regular and extensive quality assessments with our senior management team, all our factory team leaders, our transport manager and our customer care team. During these unprecedented times for the industry, clear communication has never been more important and by working even more effectively with our team and suppliers, we can ensure the quality of materials and the quality of our products doesn’t fall short of our high standards,” concluded Ben.

The Gold CMS Certification Mark represents the highest level of endorsement from CENSolutions, which audits Quickslide twice a year in order to assess the standard of its products and the operation of its systems and procedures.

In its most recent inspection, Quickslide achieved its best appraisal to date, scoring

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

2020’S HOME IMPROVEMENT

SPEND SET TO CONTINUE INTO 2021

Did you know that that since the beginning of the initial lockdown in March, UK homeowners have spent a reported £55 billion on home improvements? For Liniar, after witnessing a huge increase in demand across all ranges since re-opening its doors in May, this comes as no surprise.

open up homes to outdoor spaces. From fencing and decking upgrades to garden studios for offices, home gyms and even bars, we’ve seen a high demand for projects that increase property values whilst also boosting the quality of family life whilst people have been at home.”

WHERE DID THE MONEY COME FROM? With unemployment on the rise and the economy in dire straits, spending is still strong within the home improvement sector, as many of us are still experiencing - but how? Of the homeowners surveyed by money.co.uk, a combined 34% said they were using the money they'd saved for a holiday or a special event - like the purchase of an engagement or wedding ring.

According to money.co.uk, 65% of UK homeowners chose to improve their properties between March and August 2020, spending on average over £4,000 each. But as the economy becomes more unstable thanks to another lockdown and uncertainty around Brexit, will it continue over the coming months?

This wasn't the full story, though. Many homeowners were choosing to improve their living spaces instead of putting money into their general savings. In contrast, others reported having more disposable income since they were no longer spending time at restaurants and bars or going out shopping unnecessarily.

WHY ARE HOMEOWNERS INVESTING?

WILL THIS CONTINUE?

At a time when the future was unclear, and the economy was in freefall, the UK’s population still spent on improvements to their home - which goes against everything we think would usually happen during a period of economic instability. When money.co.uk asked UK homeowners why

As we head into the winter months, we're seeing the trends for garden renovation staying plateaued at current numbers, way above normal levels for this time of year.

they chose to invest in their home, their top answer was to make them more comfortable while they were spending so much more time there.

Video conferencing was also a cited as a reason for home improvement, with 40% of respondents admitting to the dreaded 'Zoombarassment'. With digital meetings more commonplace, many chose to improve the rooms where they host meetings, resulting in a workspace they’d be happy to show off.

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From maintenance-free fencing and composite decking to bi-folding doors and lantern roofs, homeowners seem to be continuing to make their pandemic dream homes a reality as we head into 2021.

Whilst the supply chain has grappled with the unprecedented demand, homeowners have had to be patient when it comes to having their projects completed – many installers are now taking orders into February and beyond.

POPULAR 2020 HOME IMPROVEMENTS

For now, there remains a high degree of positivity that the current trend will continue into Q1 and Q2 of 2021, helping the industry recover a proportion of the sales it lost during temporary closures in 2020. The report’s findings suggest that 73% of interviewees admitted that even when lockdown measures ease, they'll continue staying home as much as possible.

Liniar’s Group Sales Director Nigel Bishop comments: “We’ve seen considerable upswings in the popularity of outdoor products, with fenestration ranges such as patio and bi-folding doors helping to

Learn more about Liniar at: www.liniar.co.uk and read the full report about UK home improvement spending during 2020 at: www.money.co.uk/guides/renovation-nation.

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

UPDATED CONSUMER BROCHURES FOR EVERY RESIDENCE The consumer brochures for The Residence Collection, which includes R2, R7, R9 and RD (Residence Doors), have all been recently updated with their renowned style, content and vision. This helps make them the standout retail publications in the window and door sector.

market, yet sharing the same architectural lines from the outside as R2 and R9. The 24-page brochure is intended to inspire the masses, where the product philosophy and design options are explained with unique photography throughout.

R9 needs no introduction, but the 36-page brochure is designed with the consumer, building specifier and even local authority planner in mind, with Conservation Area details contained within and the design criteria for the ultimate true timber

alternative platform carefully presented.

Throughout all three brochures are details on RD, the Residence Doors brand, which now benefits from a dedicated 16-page brochure of exceptional engineered residential, open-in and open-out double doors.

Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director for The Residence Collection enthused: ‘We’ve always been proud of our consumer-facing marketing and the latest incarnations of our brochures continue to inspire homeowners across the UK. Powerful and persuasive marketing has not only helped build our business, but those of our manufacturing and installation partners over the years and we’re now investing in the brand more than ever before.’

As one of the most highly regarded brands in the industry from a marketing perspective, sumptuous and detailed new photography feature throughout the new brochures, helping to inspire style savvy consumers with a better window and door proposition.

As much as R9 has defined the true timber casement alternative, R2 is now starting to inspire consumers and specifiers looking for the ultimate contemporary window and one that boasts bold and square architectural lines throughout. These are featured in the new 28-page brochure, along with new case studies and a wide range of unique finishes, including several dual-colour options.

For further information please visit www. residencecollection.co.uk and www. residencecollectiontrade.co.uk. You can request a free brochure pack via e-mail at journey@residencecollection.co.uk or by calling 01452 348650. You can also add to their following on Twitter @residence9 and engage with them on other social media platforms including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest and Houzz.

The commercial success of R7 has been significant over the last 18 months, given the fact that it’s a window and door platform of 75mm and aimed at the middle

APEER’S YEAR OF INVESTMENT AND GROWTH Apeer has invested £285,000 in machinery in the last 12 months, with even more planned for 2021.

With this significant investment, the composite door specialist – and producer of the Lumi frameless window – plans to ramp up product development in coming months, ready to offer even more to customers looking for both high quality and breadth of choice.

Among the new additions to its Ballymena facility in Northern Ireland is a waterjet cutter with a 3m by 2m bed, which became the company's first foray into this type of technology when it was purchased in June.

It has not only sped up the processing time for cutting laminated glass, it also means Apeer now has the capability to cut all types of glass, as well as other materials, into any shape – opening up possibilities for new and innovative design features for future products.

and tilt table, the new glass washer can wash glass up to 3m by 2.5m in size, ensuring high quality results on the largest of units.

composite doors, as well as full five-axis machining capability for potential new projects.

Two additional jib cranes with vacuum lifters were introduced on site as part of Apeer’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of its employees in dayto-day operations while also improving production workflow. And a second SCM Accord 25FX 5-axis CNC Router will be installed in February, joining the first which was commissioned in January 2018, as part of an on-going machinery replacement and upgrade programme. This will give Apeer even greater capacity for machining

“Our investment programme over the past year has been an important part of our commitment to ensuring Apeer can push further with product development, enhance the quality and range we offer, and increase production capacity where it is needed as well as overall efficiency in our factory,” said Asa McGillian, Apeer’s managing director.

“We want to ensure Apeer is well equipped to continue meeting consumer demand, in terms of our products’ quality, quantity and choice.

“And we’re not stopping there. We have plans to invest a further £100k in the new year to install a second seamless welder - to join the new machine we purchased this year – as well as upgrade spray booths and add a large overhead crane to better handle the more sizable glass and Lumi units.

“Collectively, all of these factory enhancements should give Apeer far greater flexibility and will allow us to continue offering our customers the best possible products and service.” www.apeer.co.uk

A new Butyl extruder and hot glass press, along with a new large glass washer installed in November, will help Apeer service growing demand for its popular Lumi range. Production of the frameless windows continues to increase, due to growing demand in the replacement market as well as new builds. With its integrated inspection

28

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

DOWSIL 791 DEFIES THE FIRTH RECOVINYL: OF TAY’S WORST WEATHER FOR PVC RECYCLING REACHES A NEW ICONIC MUSEUM FAÇADE

HIGH IN UK AND IRELAND

The UK and Ireland collected and recycled a total of 143,428 tonnes of waste PVC across all PVC recycling formats in 2019.

Within this total, PVC window profiles accounted for 86,057 tonnes, according to latest industry figures.

Playing a key role in the striking V&A Dundee museum’s unusual façade were Dowsil 791 and 895 glazing sealants.

Manufactured and supplied by The Sherwin Williams Company, the sealants were specified to help resist the gale force winds and rain that blow into the location across the Firth of Tay from the North Sea. Created using a unique structure of interlocking concrete walls jutting out over an historic dock-front, the V&A Dundee is now one of Scotland’s most recognisable modern buildings. Opened in 2018, the structure of the design museum was created by Japanese architectural practice Kengo Kuma and Associates to mimic the appearance of a Scottish sea cliff; with world-renowned Arup providing multidisciplinary services including structural and facade engineering. Wates Construction was the main contractor for the project while Pro-Sealant Solutions Ltd, from Bellshill in North Lanarkshire, was the specialist sub-contractor responsible for sealing the building’s bespoke glazing system.

Prior to the commencement of the work on site, Pro-Sealant Solutions helped create a sample panel of the glazed, reconstructed stone façade in early 2016 for the project team to assess. The sample was constructed using Dowsil 791 Weatherproofing Silicone Sealant in black for the glass to glass joints, as well as Dowsil 895 Structural Glazing Sealant for a glass corner of the structure.

The Sherwin Williams Company, manufacturer and distributor of Dowsil products in the UK, provided all of the technical and test data necessary to confirm the suggested Dowsil products’ compatibility with the façade materials. The specified products needed to demonstrate their ability to meet the extreme weather demands of the estuary location.

Having demonstrated the suitability of the Dowsil products for the job, Pro-Sealant

30

Solutions’ installation teams were on site for more than two months over a period from the summer of 2016 to the end of the following year. It was necessary that the sealant specialists made repeat visits as different sections of the elevations were installed and came ready for glass-to-glass, and glass-to-stone sealing.

Gerry O’Brien Jnr., the son of Pro-Sealant Solutions’ founder, commented: “As a specialist in the sealing of glass façades and other flagship projects such as this, we work all over the UK and Ireland and always try to make use of the Dowsil sealant range where the contract allows us.

“Dowsil 791 is a high quality, reliable product, which is why it is our preferred choice. In addition, the fact that we are a Dow Quality Bond member provides an additional degree of confidence for clients and proves that our applicators are well trained and audited to meet world class application standards.”

Dowsil 791 is a specially developed weatherproofing low-modulus silicone sealant: available in clear as well as white, grey, black brown, bronze, stone, buff limestone and anthracite. It is suitable for un-primed application to glass, metal, masonry and other porous or non-porous substrates, which offers +/- 50% movement of the original joint width, making it ideal for expansion, perimeter and other joints.

Dowsil 895, for its part, is a specifically developed structural glazing sealant suitable for bonding glass, metal and other construction materials. It is able to provide weather resistance right up to hurricane force conditions: making it ideal for the extremely testing climate on Scotland’s east coast. The product conforms to the European standard for structural glazing (ETA-01/0005).

For more information on Dowsil’s range of sealants and adhesives, please visit https:// specification.sherwin-williams.co.uk/.

Second only to Germany, the UK’s achievement represents 18.6% of the 771,313 tonnes of waste PVC recycled throughout Europe in 2019 – a new record high and 4.3% up on the previous year.

Window profiles and related building products account for 47% of the total PVC recycled across Europe.

Recovinyl®, the PVC industry’s recycling scheme, was the largest contributor to this total and registered a total of 769,233 tonnes of PVC waste entirely recycled in Europe in 2019.

In 2019, 13 new recyclers joined the Recovinyl network.

Demand for recycled rigid PVC remained very high. At the same time, more PVC waste was available from cables – particularly in the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Poland and the UK – due to reduced exports to China.

Industry concern continues over changes to the Basel Convention, an international treaty governing shipments of hazardous waste, that has deemed PVC to be a ‘notifiable’ waste.

This would create more paperwork and cost for UK-based suppliers, making the import and export of waste PVC between the UK to the EU more difficult.

Changes to the Convention, which will come into effect from 1 January 2021, will see non-hazardous plastic waste that is not recyclable or is ‘difficult’ to recycle categorised as waste requiring ‘special consideration’ and listed in the Convention’s Annex II. Some single polymer plastic wastes, such as PET and PP, are exempt, whereas PVC is not.

Richard McKinlay, Head of Consulting at resource recovery specialist Axion, Recovinyl’s Regional Representative for the UK argues that this is not justified for PVC as it is a highly recyclable material, as demonstrated by the success of the Recovinyl scheme throughout Europe and other projects like RecoMed, the medical PVC recycling scheme.

He says: “Under the Convention rules, PET is ‘green-listed’, even though in reality PVC is much more widely recycled than PET

and the recyclate used widely in durable and long-life products, for example in the building and construction sectors.”

While the UK has a well-established PVC recycling infrastructure, especially for window profiles, Richard explains that much cable waste from Europe is imported for use in traffic management products and that this supply chain is needed to maintain production. Current uncertainty could mean UK manufacturers losing out on useful raw materials.

He adds: “Recovinyl continues to grow and satisfy the huge demand for recycled PVC in the UK and across Europe. Recycling is the best environmental solution for PVC as it can be readily recycled. It’s right that we continue to use this valuable raw material resource in new products and set an example for the treatment of other waste construction materials.”

Simon Scholes, Managing Director of VEKA Recycling comments that while the legislation will mean more paperwork, it also forces the industry to be ‘more professional’ and offer a reliable and sustainable service to companies handling waste PVC. He continues: “The industry in general has stepped up and made PVC recycling happen. What we’re doing is still right and significant investment has gone into recycling this material to a quality ready to be re-used in new long-life products.

This is something to be encouraged, not discouraged.”

Simon adds: “As an industry, of course we will overcome these future hurdles. We’ve invested too much time, money and passion not to make it succeed.”

Cumulatively, 5.7 million tonnes of PVC have been recycled within the Vinyl 2010 and VinylPlus frameworks across Europe since 2000, preventing the release of 11.4 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.

Check out your nearest Recovinyl recycler at https://recovinyl.com/all-recyclers.

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

UBOOM – BUSINESS SUPPORT FOR WINDOW AND DOOR INSTALLERS This month sees the launch of a new, first-of-its kind online service aimed at fenestration industry installers. Recognising that the business support needed by installers and SMEs in the industry is often difficult to reach, 'UBoom' aims to make such support not only affordable but instantly accessible.

Incorporating products and services chosen specifically for the sector, UBoom offers installers an invaluable and vast range of toolkits to help their business boom.

From business management tools, employment contracts, training schemes, marketing, sales, telephone answering services, photography, social media, website audits, feedback programmes, showroom support and much much more, UBoom pulls together the most appropriate and affordable fenestration industry support and presents it all in one 'at a glance' place.

Whether it be creating a virtual showroom or sourcing the right software for selling

32

windows and doors online or getting hold of an easy invoicing system, UBoom has done all the hard work and identified the ideal solutions for installers from a range of tried and trusted suppliers.

UBoom is the latest initiative from Inside the Box Marketing. Commenting on the launch of UBoom, Director Chris Globe says: "Like any other successful enterprise, UBoom is simply solving a problem. Over the years it has become clear when talking to installers and SMEs in the fenestration industry that they have all the same business needs and challenges as largescale companies. However, so many of the business systems and support tools in the market are often too expensive and not necessarily appropriate for them. We believe that solutions that are specifically tailored

to the sector, hand-picked, affordable and all in one place are something that installers and SMEs will truly benefit from”.

“Similarly, as Inside The Box Marketing approaches ten years in business we have met so many small suppliers over the years with fantastic products which will really benefit the industry; it felt like the right time to put all the parties in this landscape together and so we have created UBoom”.

"I'm also thrilled that we have so much interest expressed by managers of fenestration industry membership groups.

They see UBoom as a great way of helping their networks become stronger and more profitable by accessing the toolkits on the platform. For network managers we can create their own UBoom marketplaces

tailored to the needs of their own members.

In addition, I can see a time when the systems houses also recognise UBoom as a means of providing extra support to their fabricator/installer customers, particularly with reference to the sales and marketing products it offers”.

"At a time when online trading is increasingly becoming the most practical way forward for many businesses, the team at UBoom is confident the industry will welcome the help it provides."

Installers and SMEs wishing to find out more, and fenestration industry suppliers interested in featuring their products and services on the UBoom website should head to www.uboom.co.uk or email: sayhello@uboom.co.uk.

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

With insulbar RE-LI Ensinger is optimising the insulating bar in two different ways: It consists of 100 % unmixed recycled polyamide which is foamed in a special manufacturing process and thereby significantly improves the lambda value.

Innovative concept: Ensinger is presenting a modular system for insulating bars. Diverse geometries can be achieved quickly and easily without having to develop new tools each time.

ENSINGER TO SHOW INSULBAR INNOVATIONS AT BAU

Insulating bars make it possible to

improve the energy efficiency of windows, doors and façades in a way that is sustainable and conserves resources.

“As a leading trade fair, BAU remains an important meeting point for the industry - even if the coronavirus means we can only come together online”, says Matthias Rink, Sales Director at Ensinger. “Between 11 and 15 January we will be using our virtual showroom to present highlights from our portfolio along with two innovations.

In addition, we will be available in live chats to personally

“Between 11 and 15 January we will be using our virtual showroom to present highlights from our portfolio along with two innovations.” answer all questions related to thermal separation in metal systems.”

Existing and potential customers can already register via showroom.insulbar.com to arrange appointments.

For the first time, Ensinger will be presenting insulbar RELI, which conserves valuable resources in two ways. The insulating profile combines the outstanding environmental footprint of unmixed recycled polyamide with the greater insulating effect of foamed material. Compared to conventional polyamide bars, the consumption of fossil fuels and CO2 emissions drop by around 90 % and water consumption by almost 75 % in the production phase. In addition, the lambda value is significantly improved thanks to the foamed design of the material.

INSULBAR INSULATING PROFILES FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND EFFICIENCY Another innovative concept is presented and discussed with insulbar MIP (Modular Insulating Profile). This is a 'construction kit' for insulating bars for which a patent has been filed. It allows basic profiles and functional zones to be combined without the need to develop new tools each time.

The intention is to use this modular concept to produce a wide variety of profile geometries even more quickly and easily in the future.

During the coronavirus crisis, proper dialogue with customers in an atmosphere of mutual trust is still very important to Ensinger - the plastics specialist is inviting customers to its digital showroom.

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Ensinger's showroom is all about sustainability and conserving resources. All insulbar product solutions contribute to green construction and to the attainment of climate goals. It is not only the core benefit of insulbar, the thermal break in metal frames of windows, doors and façades, but also the materials used, e.g. unmixed recycled polyamide in the case of insulbar RE and RE-LI, which pay into this 'account'. www.insulbar.com

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CWG CHOICES SUPPLY ULTION PREMIUM LOCKS AS STANDARD CWG Choices, the leading trade supplier of windows and doors, is standardising on Ultion premium locks as “Ultion is synonymous with security”.

CWG Choices Managing Director, Chris Powell, explains why they have decided to use Ultion as standard: “As the leading trade manufacturer of windows and doors in the UK one of the reasons we switched to Ultion was the brand awareness for both our consumer and trade customers. We know Ultion gives comfort and credibility to consumers, and our partnership is at the forefront of security. Ultion has all the security accreditations and provides

a guarantee for any break-ins as a result of lock failure. To date we have not had a claim.”

Brisant, the hardware house that created Ultion, Sweet, Lock Lock, and Ultion Smart, has supplied CWG Choices for four years and will now be provided as standard following an increase in demand for their trade network. Brisant and CWG Choices are partners in a mission to provide homeowners with robust security.

Sold Secure Diamond testing is the most demanding security test there is, and Ultion insists on it. The lock attack is sustained,

under no time limit and the tester is free to use any tools. The expert locksmith testing Ultion gave up after an hour. This is security that CWG Choices installers can be proud to talk about! This result led to Brisant introducing a £1,000 guarantee. Should a burglary take place within 5 years from the date of installation, and entry was achieved by snapping an Ultion lock, homeowners will be given £1,000.

Nick Dutton, Ultion CEO, comments on the partnership with CWG Choices Ltd: “We’re very pleased CWG Choices has made the decision to switch to Ultion as standard. Installers can be confident that

Chris Powell and Nick Dutton

they’re fitting doors with the robust security homeowners expect. And a solid guarantee to back it up!”

For CWG Choices call 01536 271940 or visit www.cwgchoices.com.

Discover more about Ultion at www.ultionlock.co.uk call 0115 784 3162 or email ultion@brisant-secure.com.

CULT KNOCKERS FROM ENDURANCE The ongoing product development programme at Endurance Doors continues to realise stand out offerings and this includes new door knockers from cult hardware manufacturer, Brass Bee. For some consumers, the knocker on a new front door makes a statement, much in the same way as the style and finish chosen.

The Door Designer from Endurance Doors already adopts several contemporary and traditional knockers, but these latest additions add a feel of both luxury and exclusivity.

This unique range of knockers is inspiring and includes the designs of bumble bee, dragonfly, dog/cat paw and sea shell in a range of finishes, helping to make a real individual statement on any Endurance door.

Stephen Nadin, Managing Director of Endurance Doors commented: ‘Not only are we looking to inspire Installer Partners with outstanding products, service and marketing, but also consumers too. We believe that an entrance door should be

unique and given the number of designs and finishes on offer, we can achieve that. But a defining knocker presents the opportunity to really stand out.’

He continued: ‘Our thirst for product development and innovation continues, as we look to build the most influential and trusted brand in the composite door sector.’

For further information on the Endurance Solid and Secure composite door range and a free marketing pack, please call the

sales office on 01652 659259, visit the new website at https://endurancedoors.co.uk, or e-mail marketing@endurancedoors.co.uk.

You can also add to the Twitter following @EnduranceDoors.

KENRICK HELPS TO STAMP OUT OPPORTUNIST BURGLARIES With the number of ‘sneak-in’ and ‘home invasion’ burglaries increasing as the Coronavirus lockdown continues, Kenrick is urging fabricators and installers to specify high security hardware products to help homeowners protect their homes.

Steve Williams, Kenrick’s sales and marketing director, explains: “Many police forces have reported a rise in the number of sneak-in thefts and home invasion burglaries as the restrictions have continued and we want to remind people how important it is to secure their homes properly.

“With this pandemic occupying our minds, how many of us think about locking the door while we do things like pop to see a neighbour, wash the car, do some gardening or clean upstairs? And how often do we leave the door unlocked for family members to come home? This is the perfect chance for an opportunist to sneak in and grab a few items without being noticed.

“Even more frightening, is the rising crime of home invasion burglary, where a burglar follows the homeowner to their front door, forces their way in behind them and steals from the home. This type of crime is very distressing, particularly at a time when we all need to feel safe in our homes. Thankfully, it is very simple for homeowners to protect themselves and their

36

properties with the right security products.”

Kenrick’s Excalibur Fast Lock is a high security door lock that has been designed to combat both types of burglary and help to make homeowners feel safer in their homes.

Built to the same exacting standards as the Excalibur door lock, the Excalibur Fast Lock operates in the same way as a standard lever/lever lock. Its main difference is when closing the door; the user simply lifts the lever as they enter through the door and it is then securely locked from both sides without having to use a key. To unlock the door, the user turns the key and pushes the handle down.

In addition to providing fast, secure locking, the new lock has an obvious advantage over other fixed pad locks and fast locks because the user cannot accidentally lock themselves out – they have to physically throw the lever to engage the hooks to lock the door. This design feature overcomes the risk of the homeowner being locked out by a small child slamming the door from the inside or by a gust of wind blowing the door shut.

bolts to deliver its strength and security.

Three roller cams provide =/- 1mm adjustable compression, with one roller placed directly below the gearbox to aid with compression in the centre of the door.

The gearbox is sprung on both spindles, which means that there is no need for costly sprung handle sets.

For greater flexibility, the system allows fabricators to use just one lock for all applications on both front and back doors.

Its twin spindle design means that both lever/lever and lever/movable pad unsprung handles can be used with only one lock to provide more choice for the end user.

Designed to be quick and easy to install, the door lock is also fully extendable with 300mm extension pieces for added convenience.

The door lock will also work with a thumb turn cylinder as an option which eliminates the need to use the key on the inside to open the door.

The Excalibur Fast Lock is available on all variants of 35mm backset locks in a choice of lever/lever, twin spindle and split spindle.

It is compatible with PVC-u, timber and composite doors. It meets the requirements of PAS 24, 2012 and Secured by Design.

It has been function tested to 30,000 full cycles (open/close, lock/unlock) and also exceeds the requirements of BS EN 1670: 2007 Grade 4 (severe) rating for salt spray corrosion resistance.

The Excalibur Fast Lock utilises three sintered steel hooks and two steel anti lift

The Excalibur Fast Lock is part of the Kenrick range of door locks, which includes

the original Excalibur door lock, the timber door lock and the Excalibur split spindle door lock. Each lock has been engineered to provide the highest levels of security and to provide long and trouble-free service.

Kenrick is a leading supplier of hardware solutions for PVCu, aluminium and timber window and door systems. The company has a proud heritage spanning more than 200 years, having been established by Archibald Kenrick who manufactured buckles and livery fittings. Kenrick’s range of top quality products includes the market leading Excalibur multi-point locking system, the four-point Centurion system and the Easifit and Espagnolette locking systems.

Tel: 0121 553 2741 - www.kenricks.co.uk

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

FUHR EMERGENCY EXIT & PANIC HARDWARE FUHR EMERGENCY FULLY & COMPLIANT MULTIPOINT FUHR EMERGENCY EXIT & SINGLE PANIC LOCKING FOR AND DOUBLE DOORS EXIT & PANIC HARDWARE HARDWARE MECHANICAL GUARANTEE

FULLY & COMPLIANT 10 MULTIPOINT YEARS AND FULLYFOR & COMPLIANT MULTIPOINT LOCKING SINGLE LOCKING FOR SINGLE AND DOUBLE DOORS DOUBLE DOORS MECHANICAL MECHANICAL GUARANTEE GUARANTEE

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Full hardware package including panic

emergency exit, orpanic EN 1125 for panic Double door EN 1125 options are exit available All hardware sets tested to EN 179 for

outsidefor access handles andcomposite, bars, Suitable aluminium, compliant PVCu orcylinders timber doors including panic Full hardware package

emergency exit, orEN EN1125 1125 foroptions panic are Double door panic Mechanical or electronic operation exit available

bars, outside accesscomposite, handles Suitable for aluminium,

Mechanical or electronic operation Double door EN 1125 panic options are

available

and

PVCu or timbercylinders doors compliant

Suitable for aluminium, composite,

PVCu or timber doors

Mechanical or electronic operation

For further information or or a quotation getinintouch touch today Fortechnical further technical information a quotation get today t. Peterborough: 393330 e.e.sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk t. Peterborough: 0173301733 393330 t. Cumbernauld: 01236 721557 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk t. Cumbernauld: 01236 721557 w.w.www.carlfgroupco.co.uk For further technical information or a quotation get in touch today

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

UAP’S FIRST PODCAST IS OUT NOW

HARDWARE INTEL: EAR EDITION HAS HIT THE AIRWAVES UAP Limited are producing their first ever podcast, bringing you fascinating facts about door hardware and the industry.

“Hardware Intel: Ear Edition is a new way for UAP to engage and connect with their audience in a world that’s becoming more reliant on digital communication.”

Presented by TV presenter, interior designer and property consultant Sian Astley, the podcast will run over six episodes released monthly, and each focusing on a different topic – from home security for everyday life, to fire safety and regulation. Each topic is discussed between Sian and two of UAP’s experts, who each bring vast experience and knowledge to the conversation.

will see a discussion about hardware safety for global urbanisation between Bill Murray, General Manager of Locking Systems, now a part of the UAP Group, and Richard Morris, National Business Development Manager for UAP.

The first episode, which was released in November, discusses how the door hardware industry may be affected by Covid-19, and what new products and features may make their way into the mainstream as a result. UAP’s CEO David Jennings and Sales Director Barry Halpin discuss the development of copper hardware for its anti-bacterial properties, and how SMART hardware may be able to help. The following episode in December

38

Hardware Intel: Ear Edition is a new way for UAP to engage and connect with their audience in a world that’s becoming more reliant on digital communication.

It supplements the popular UAP magazines, Hardware Intel and Cars, Keys & Locks magazine which have also shifted to digitalonly formats this year.

The podcast will be available to listen to on the UAP website at uapcorporate.com, as well as all the popular podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podfollow and Listen Notes.

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

NEW MACO MKV SHOOTBOLT SUPPLIED BY CARL F GROUPCO Carl F Groupco is proud to announce that it is a stockist for MACO’s new MKV shootbolt.

Developed and designed alongside fabricators and installers, the MKV provides advanced window security.

Special features of the MKV include a slimmer, smaller 21mm universal backset to cater for all eurogroove depths, enhanced cam design and lower operating forces on handle movement. Testing standards are assured as the MKV has undergone assessments that exceed PAS24. Benefits include fast fitting as all screws are on one face. The shootbolt is available in telescopic or croppable versions.

Hardware distributor Carl F Groupco and MACO have an established relationship dating back 26 years. The full MACO range is featured in the Carl F Groupco catalogue including espagnolette, shootbolt and Tilt before Turn gearing.

The MACO MKV is suitable for use with aluminium, PVC-u and timber profiles: side/top hung casement, French casement and fully reversible windows are catered for. The MKV can also meet Disability Act (DDA) standards when using the REACH low handle height option.

Carl F Groupco confirms a continued service during the ongoing challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic with both its Peterborough and Cumbernauld depots fully operational.

The new MACO MKV shootbolt is available from hardware distributor, Carl F Groupco

Carl F Groupco: www.carlfgroupco.co.uk Twitter: @Carl_F_Groupco Product Link: https://bit.ly/3eMzO7S

ULTION TO BECOME A FAMILY OF PREMIUM LOCKS WANT TO SAVE YOURSELF A SMALL FORTUNE Brisant has developed the Ultion family to provide an Ultion secure solution for all situations. With a focus on extreme security and innovation, hardware house Brisant is announcing two new locks: the Ultion 1* cylinder which is being launched now, and a new Ultion 3* product which will be launched in the new year.

The new Ultion 1* cylinder has been tested by master locksmiths and is Sold Secure Gold accredited. The cylinder can be used with 2* security handles to achieve 3* security overall.

Specifically developed in 2019, Brisant upgraded the original Ultion lock to the WXM with more molybdenum and the strongest key on the market. This 3*PLUS solution delivers extreme durability for where locks are subjected to extreme stress.

This change was evidenced by its marketleading cycle test, beating the 100,000 requirements by a further one million cycles. The marking on the lock is changing to show this achievement by displaying the 3*PLUS. Then, in the new year, Brisant will be launching a new Ultion 3* lock to sit between the new 1* and the existing

3*PLUS. The intention is for the lock to be TS007 3* rated and Sold Secure Diamond security rated.

Uniquely, the new 1* and 3* Ultion locks can be keyed alike. So, with one single Ultion key homeowners can access all areas of the home: a PVC entrance door with a 3* Ultion, a PVC panel inner door on a porch with 1* Ultion, a bifold door with a 3* Ultion, and even a garage door or shed.

All Ultion locks are backed with the Ultion security guarantee against burglary by lock snapping. The guarantee does not ask the homeowner to report on the performance of the installer, as some guarantees do.

Nick Dutton, Brisant CEO, comments: “Ultion has become so successful in meeting the security needs of the industry that it’s become the default for extreme security.

We listened to customers wanting to extend the premium Ultion brand to other areas and we responded, so homeowners and installers can now buy doors for other areas around the home that will protect against even the most determined burglar.”

Discover more about Ultion at www.ultion-lock.co.uk call 0115 784 3162 or email ultion@brisant-secure.com.

IN HARDWARE COSTS? READ ON...

Aluminium fabricators could save themselves a small fortune by changing their hardware buying habits and going direct to the manufacturer – this is the view of Michael Hewitt, sales director of Durham based AT Precision.

AT Precision manufacture rollers and hinges for aluminium bi-folding doors, and Michael puts forward a convincing case as to why fabricators should re-think how they currently source components.

“Most aluminium fabricators buy their bi-fold hardware from either their systems company or a distributor. Buying profile and hardware from the same source is probably quite convenient, and even buying hardware from your distributor may seem more cost-efficient, but it’s by no means the best value for money,” comments Michael.

“An aluminium fabricator making 10 bi-folds per week could save themselves £1,200 per week – or £60,000 per year – by sourcing their hardware from AT Precision.

We do the math as part of the AT Precision sales pitch, and fabricators are often staggered when they see the savings they could be making.”

than the zinc-based components you find on the market. Our products are at the premium end of the market, but our prices are much lower, which is a real ‘win win’ for aluminium fabricators.”

If high quality and low cost isn’t enough to convince you to switch over to AT Precision, the company has one more major selling point up its sleeve – speed of service.

“We offer next day delivery as long as you place your order with us by 1pm,” explains Michael.

“The window industry supply chain is really creaking at the moment, so we’re finding this element of our service is really appreciated by our customers.”

AT Precision bi-folding hardware is compatible with Smart Systems, and they will soon be offering solutions for other aluminium systems in the not too distant future. The company will also be launching a range of gaskets and plastic components later in the year.

For more information, contact AT Precision on 0191 581 6508, email sales@atprecision. co.uk, or visit www.atprecision.co.uk.

A £60,000 saving sounds great, but the pessimist would of course assume this means there is a compromise in quality. Not so according to Michael.

The new Ultion security family

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2020

“Our products are manufactured using cast aluminium, which is much better quality

39

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

WIN-WIN: GET BOTH QUALITY AND SAVINGS ALL IN ONE GO FROM AT PRECISION It’s every business’s objective to reduce costs while maintaining quality. Aluminium bi-fold hardware company, AT Precision, is here to help you do just that. If you’re a fabricator looking to save money, Michael Hewitt, AT Precision’s Sales Director, explains how you can get both quality hardware and save £60k a year…

affordable prices, too. And at AT Precision, that’s just what we’re offering.”

SAVE A FORTUNE In fact, by going to AT Precision, fabricators can save £60k a year, simply by re-thinking their hardware buying habits.

“Most aluminium fabricators buy their bi-fold hardware from either their systems supplier or a distributor. Buying hardware from the same source is probably quite convenient, and even buying hardware from a distributor may seem more cost-efficient, but it’s by no means the best value for money,” Michael explains.

“An aluminium fabricator making 10 bi-folds per week could save

themselves £1,200 per week – or £60,000 per year – by sourcing their hardware from AT Precision.

We do the math as part of the AT Precision sales pitch, and fabricators are often staggered when they see the savings they could be making.”

But AT Precision haven’t stopped there.

In this day and age, thanks to the likes of Amazon, we’re so used to instant results, which is something that hasn’t really been practical within the fenestration industry, where lead times can typically be up to a few weeks.

AT Precision, however, are bucking that trend, offering next day delivery for orders made before 1pm. In addition, delivery

is free within the UK on all orders over £250.

“We’re finding this element of our service is really appreciated by our customers,” comments Michael.

“The window industry supply chain is really creaking at the moment, thanks to the current economic climate, so we’re determined to break that mould and give fabricators something they can’t get anywhere else – value for money, savings, and quick turnaround times.”

Having hit the ground running, AT Precision is planning on expanding their product range, and will be offering solutions for other aluminium systems in the not too distant future. The company will also be launching

Michael Hewitt, AT Precision’s Sales Director

a range of gaskets and plastic components later in the year.

Michael comments: “We are delighted to be offering our customers the best hardware products, at the best costs. We look forward to helping our customers save money in the future, and seeing them grow their businesses.”

For more information, contact AT Precision on 0191 581 6508, email sales@atprecision.co.uk, or visit www.atprecision.co.uk.

While a national lockdown has left the economy struggling, the fenestration industry has been booming over the past few months.

AT Precision, an aluminium bi-fold hardware supplier, is no exception.

QUALITY GOODS The Durham-based company started off six years ago by making mechanical brackets, and then moved on to the aluminium window industry, manufacturing cleats compatible with Smarts Systems and AluK. They soon spotted an opportunity to expand into the bi-fold hardware market, which saw them launch their Everglide range of bi-folding door rollers, top guides, pull handles and hinges – all compatible with Smarts Systems.

Today, they are one of the leading suppliers of aluminium bi-folding door hardware, ventilation systems and cleat systems in the UK, selling to over 100 fabricators across the country.

“Our products are at the premium end of the market, but our prices are much lower, which is a real win-win for aluminium fabricators,” comments AT Precision Sales Director Michael Hewitt.

“In this current climate, fabricators are not only looking for good quality products, but

40

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TECH TALK

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TECH TALK with Strafford Cooke, Technical Director, Mila

THE END OF CE MARKING? The very fact that the letters CE actually stand for Conformité Européenne should tell you that this is one of the areas which could change when the Brexit transition period ends at midnight on 31 December 2020.

With the vast majority of UK fabricators being required to CE mark their windows and doors since 2013, changes to the way products have to be marked to comply with The Construction Products Regulation will obviously impact on almost the entire industry.

Thankfully though, the government seems to have acted quickly to put together plans for an alternative if the UK does leave without a deal (which at the time of writing seems likely), and the various Notified Bodies (Element, BSI, BBA etc) have been proactively organising themselves to ensure that there is a smooth changeover.

If my understanding is correct, fabricators who manufacture and place their products on the

market in England, Scotland and Wales can switch from CE marking to a new UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) safety marking from 1 January 2021, if their goods have been conformity assessed by a UK Approved Body (formerly a Notified Body).

CE marking can continue until 1 January 2022 though and UKCA marking will not become mandatory until that date.

UKCA will also follow the same EU Harmonised Standards rules and regulations as CE marking (they will become UK Designated Standards instead).

That means fabricators who currently selfassess to AVCP 3 will still be able to make their own Declarations of Performance (DoP) that their products meet the essential health and safety requirements designed to safeguard the end user.

The Certificates of Conformity (FPC) used for AVCP1 as proof for CE marking will still be able to be used for UKCA as well, but there is an important distinction coming.

Construction products marked UKCA will need to hold Certificates from a UK ‘Approved Body’, while those marked CE and sold within the EU will need to hold Certificates from an EU ‘Notified Body’.

This doesn’t need to concern fabricators too much because the likes of Element and BSI have already established themselves as both types of Bodies and customers will be able

to choose which they require, depending on where their products are sold.

Given that most fabricators manufacture the majority of their products for the home market in England, Scotland and Wales, I think the new UKCA marking is pretty much all that they will need, and the main tasks will be to update labelling and packaging to use the new logo and Declarations of Performance (DoP’s) to reference the UK Regulation and Approved Body details.

While there is still uncertainty around a deal, Mila has opted to have the option of both UKCA and CE marking on all the hardware we supply for emergency exit, panic doors, fire doors and escape routes which needs to be marked independently of the door set.

There are a couple of important points to make though.

Windows and door sets which are manufactured or in stock and ready to place on the home market before 1 January should continue to display the CE mark as normal. UKCA marking will only apply to products manufactured after that date.

While the CE mark will continue to be recognised in the UK for a limited period, the UKCA mark will not be recognised in Europe.

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2020

Strafford Cooke, Technical Director, Mila

And, as things currently stand, the UKCA scheme only applies to England, Wales and Scotland and doesn’t apply to Northern Ireland. Separate guidance has been issued on a new UK(NI) mark and choosing whether to use the CE or UK(NI) mark will come down to where products are manufactured, where they are being sold and which body has issued the conformity assessment.

The government is obviously encouraging all manufacturers to be ready to start UKCA marking their goods from 1 January 2021. However, if a Brexit trade deal is agreed before the end of the year, then I’m sure we will see further changes to these plans. My advice is to pay close attention to all the notifications you receive from your Conformity Assessment Body and make sure that you take the action they recommend.

More details at: www.mila.co.uk

By Strafford Cooke, Technical Director, Mila https://bit.ly/2UB3FHp

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DOORS

INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION

FROM ENDURANCE Endurance Doors continues to invest in their powerful consumer marketing programme with their new customer case study, featuring Instagram influencer, Vicky Burdon. Vicky opted for a stylish new solid core Fuji door from the Urban Collection.

Vicky’s Instagram account, ‘House on the Crescent’, boasts over 47.3k followers and she’s highly influential when it comes to home improvements, colour and product design as she looks to extend and renovate her 1950’s style home. She’s already been winner of numerous interior design awards on social media and has also been featured in Real Homes magazine.

The Fuji door was selected by Vicky as a perfect contemporary design to match the Anthracite Grey garage door on her home.

Clear glass was specified in the door and side light and together with a white interior finish, it’s transformed the hallway into a light and airy environment at the front of the house.

Vicky enthused: ‘The Endurance Door not only looks beautiful on the front of our house, but it’s also extremely secure. I’ve had many comments through my Instagram account from homeowners wanting the ultimate entrance door and so they’re now becoming fans of these impressive doors too.’

Scott Foster, Group Head of Sales and Marketing at Endurance Doors concluded: ‘Consumer testimonials are an important part of our marketing strategy as we look to become the dominant brand in the sector.

Vicky’s 1950’s home is now more secure and looks exceptional too, as you would expect from a highly influential Instagrammer.’

For further information on the Endurance Solid and Secure composite door range and a free marketing pack, please call the sales office on 01652 659259, visit the new website at https://endurancedoors.co.uk, or e-mail marketing@endurancedoors.co.uk.

You can also add to the Twitter following @EnduranceDoors.

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

WIDER APPEAL FOR STELLAR BIFOLD The Stellar aluminium bifold door has proved popular with fabricators and installers ever since it came to market last year. It’s innovative, quick-fitting design has seen a growing number of installers fitting Stellar, and this appeal looks set to increase as a result of the new bifold hardware which allows for wider door apertures.

Paul Booth, Design Director – Aluminium Products, explains: “The new Stellar bifold door hardware allows for an increase in sash sizes of 1200w x 2500h with a maximum height plus width of 3500.

This allows the Stellar bifold to be used in wider door apertures which are very much on-trend with consumers at this time.”

patent-pending knock-in beads, typically seen on PVC-U products, which makes glazing quick and straightforward.

Installer Darren Young of DP Young Joinery in Stoke-on-Trent summed up his experience of fitting the Stellar bifold door.

He said: “The Stellar bifold door was the best bifold I’ve ever fitted. I saved loads of time because the beads clipped in and it gave the neatest finish I’ve ever seen, plus the speed of fitting, about an hour quicker than a comparative aluminium bifold door, meant we reduced the time spent on site. As a result, we have secured

more work for the Stellar bifold door with consumers.”

The ease with which the Stellar bifold is installed is impressive and it’s an element of the overall system’s design that has never been more important with the industry fitting in the ‘new normal’. And with the introduction of the new Stellar bifold hardware to deliver on larger aperture sizes too, it delivers another powerful proposition for aluminium fabricators and installers.

Tel: 0845 300 9356 www.stellaraluminium.co.uk

As you would expect from an Epwin Window Systems’ product, the new bifold hardware meets all quality and testing standards. The hardware is PAS24:2016 compliant, meets BS 6375-2 accreditation for the operation and load strength of internal/external doorsets and has undergone all weather, security and cycle testing at the new larger door sash sizes.

The door hardware range is available in black finish as standard and 7016 anthracite grey is available to order too.

Like all products in the Stellar portfolio, the Stellar bifold door was designed to help installers maximise their productivity on site with the quick fitting properties of the products. This is achieved by the

A FADE TO SLATE GREY FOR ENDURANCE As the demand for product development and innovation continues in the composite door sector, influential brand, Endurance Doors, has launched a new grained Slate Grey finish, expanding their door slab colours and finishes to twenty, inside and out.

An Endurance Door is one that’s made to order, so there are no generic door blanks, but a carefully made solid and secure composite door, packed with unique product features and detailed manufacturing processes. The introduction of Slate Grey expands the number of grey options to four and it sits between the everpopular Anthracite Grey and Elephant Grey in the range, along with the heritage inspired and lighter Pearl Grey.

looking for a more customer-focussed, pioneering and innovative partner, then we’d be delighted to hear from them.

For further information on the Endurance Solid and Secure composite door range and a free marketing pack, please call the sales office on 01652 659259, visit the new website at https://endurancedoors.co.uk, or e-mail marketing@endurancedoors.co.uk. You can also add to the Twitter following @EnduranceDoors.

There are also twenty-nine different frame finish combinations within the Endurance Doors range that perfectly match the door slabs, so homeowners can pick their perfect finish inside and out. In addition, with over eighty different door designs in the range, there’s the opportunity to create a perfectly unique composite door, with the popular online Door Designer.

Scott Foster, Head of Group Sales and Marketing for Endurance Doors commented: ‘Grey is very much the in colour at present, as we can see with interior design influences and with other consumer buying trends. We’re a business that thrives on product development and in bringing these latest colour influences to market, ultimately for the betterment of our Installer Partners and homeowners.

He continued: ‘If installers feel that their current composite door offering lacks colour and finish options inside and out and are

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December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

DOORS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

NEW AND IMPROVED SCHÜCO ASS 70 FD BI-FOLD DOOR SYSTEM The Schüco ASS 70 FD bi-fold system has long been a mainstay of both residential and commercial buildings – and now Schüco has improved its technical values. The ASS 70 FD system is available in a more diverse range of vent widths, meaning fewer vents are needed and therefore fewer aluminium sightlines.

The thermally insulated Schüco ASS 70 FD bi-fold system offers a wide choice of opening types, is fully adjustable, has even larger opening widths and extremely quiet movement. The new maximum vent width of 1500 mm is available in an HD design for Schüco ASS 70 FD bi-fold units. Furthermore, the maximum vent weight has increased to 150 kg.

The new technical values have been achieved to offer class-leading sightlines and features while continuing to meet the quality, specifications and expectations of the original Schüco ASS 70 FD system.

Other new features and benefits include a 90° corner opening that opens both inwards and outwards. There is also a new flat threshold profile with optimised drainage, a magnetic retaining catch to facilitate vent locking and a screw-fixed corner and T-cleats for easier on-site installation. Additionally, the new ASS 70 FD system has been PAS 24 tested. These improvements offer further aesthetic benefits such as greater transparency due to minimal aluminium sightlines.

All of these improvements are advantageous to both the fabricator and the customer. Fewer vents mean less fabrication time, which in turn means a lower overall cost for the customer.

The original Schüco ASS 70 FD already offers additional design options thanks to the opening type with a 90° corner. These improvements offer further aesthetic benefits such as greater transparency due to minimal aluminium sightlines.

Furthermore, the ASS 70 FD system previously required 4 panels, but the bigger vents have made is possible for the system to achieve the same size door as a 3-panel model.

Further technical information about the improved Schüco ASS 70 FD system can be found here: https://www.schueco.com/uk/fabricators/my-workplace

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45

DOORS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

DHF GUIDES ITS MEMBERS ON CE MARKING CHANGES FROM 1 JANUARY 2021 DHF (Door & Hardware Federation) has hosted a series of webinars and produced briefing papers for its membership in relation to UKCA marking and what they need to consider from 1 January 2021.

After 31 December 2021, CE marking will no longer be recognised in the UK and UKCA will be the only recognised conformity mark for the UK market. UKCA marking will not be recognised in the EU 27 nor in Northern Ireland.

The new UKCA marking will apply to goods placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland), replacing the existing CE mark. It will relate to goods that are currently required to carry the CE mark, such as construction products and machinery. UKCA marking will be recognised in the UK from 1 January 2020, following the end of the current transition period. Provided that organisations retain the necessary testing and/or certification, they will be able to continue applying the CE mark after this date. Indeed, applying both marks is permissible, provided they are kept separate.

Throughout November, DHF hosted a four-part webinar series highlighting the pertinent aspects of the changes. The four webinars covered such topics as: moving goods from the EU 27 to the UK, placing goods manufactures in the UK on the UK market, moving goods from the UK to Northern Ireland, and goods manufactures in Northern Ireland. The pro-active trade association has also produced a series of briefing papers, setting out the details of the new UKCA requirements, all of which are available to download from the DHF website: www.dhfonline.org.uk.

"The five guidance documents based on information released by the UK government – have been created to explain exactly who is responsible for which element of the process in an easy-to-read format.”

46

Michael Skelding, DHF’s General Manager and Secretary stated, “The five guidance documents - based on information released by the UK government – have been created to explain exactly who is responsible for which element of the process in an easyto-read format and cover moving goods from the UK to the EU 27, moving goods from the EU 27 to the UK, placing goods manufactured in the UK on the UK market, moving goods from the UK to Northern Ireland, and goods manufactured in Northern Ireland.”

He continued, “This information is subject to change, for example, the possibility may still exist of a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) which could permit certification from EU bodies to be recognised for UKCA marking purposes, and certification from UK bodies to be recognised for CE marking purposes. In the absence of such an agreement, UK certification will cease to be valid for CE marking after 31 December 2020, meaning that any manufacturers reliant on such certification will have to switch to UKCA marking on 1 January 2021.

SELLING COMPOSITE DOORS JUST GOT EASIER!

TommyTrinder.com has launched a new composite door module in its groundbreaking Framepoint® sales and quoting app. Developed by installers for installers, Framepoint® now includes photo-realistic designs for all the major composite door manufacturers. “This means installers can just use one app to model windows, front and patio bi-fold doors for homeowners – and create fantastic looking quotes in minutes, not hours,” explains Chris Brunsdon, CEO of Tommy Trinder.

Installers can now show composite doors set in welded or mechanical outerframes (bevelled, ovolo, square), with or without cill horns.

Installers only have to touch and tap in the Framepoint® app to see composite doors in situ alongside all their PVC-U, aluminium and timber products on their property and put them all together in a fantastic looking quote.

“These details make it so much easier to sell (and upsell) composite doors. This is just one of the free upgrades our installer subscribers have seen from Framepoint® since our launch in January,” comments Chris. “Follow us on Facebook (@TommyTrinderTechnology) for previews on the next modules, due to be released this autumn!”

"No other sales design tool on the market shows as many options in as much detail,” adds Chris, a previous installer himself.

“It dawned on me as we built the new composite door option just how unique it is.

"They can choose composite doors as part of a coupled item - abutting any style of window (sash, flush, casement, tilt & turn).

They can even show composite doors within a bay for porches, for example, with bespoke Georgian or lead layouts in top lights or side panels.”

For more information on Tommy Trinder’s Framepoint® app and its new composite door module, visit www.tommytrinder.com.

“The webinars have been extremely wellreceived and we are delighted to be able to guide our members on what they need to be looking out for when it comes to CE and new UKCA marking rules and regulations come the new year,” he added. “These webinars, together with our guidance documents, should deliver a good overview of a complex subject, and we will, of course, keep our members updated should changes occur.” www.dhfonline.org.uk

Framepoint®’s latest upgrade makes it even easier to sell composite doors

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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MACHINERY

INDUSTRY AWARDS

FENSA LOOKS FORWARD HERE COMETH THE COMET TO CELEBRATING 2020 INSTALLATION OF THE YEAR

FENSA is proud to announce that it will be celebrating the 2020 FENSA Installation of the Year in conjunction with the new, virtual GGP Magazine 2020 Installer of the Year awards, scheduled for 18 March, 2021.

The 2020 FENSA Installation of the Year Award is open to all FENSA Approved Installers. Every installation this year that has received a 5-star rating from both the homeowner and local FENSA assessor, will be automatically entered into the shortlist for the main award, which will be presented as part of the virtual

ceremony hosted by Glass & Glazing Products Magazine.

Chris Beedel, FENSA’s Director of Membership, commented: “This year has arguably been the most challenging time the industry has ever experienced. We have faced the uncertainty of lockdowns, unprecedented levels of activity from homeowners looking to improve their properties and high levels of stress as supply chains buckle under the strain.

“But despite all this, FENSA Approved Installers across the country have met these challenges head on, in many instances embracing new and innovative working practices to ensure the high levels of professionalism associated with the FENSA brand have been maintained throughout.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has meant that all large-scale live events, including industry awards, have been cancelled or postponed

“This year has arguably been the most challenging time the industry has ever experienced. We have faced the uncertainty of lockdowns, unprecedented levels of activity from homeowners looking to improve their properties and high levels of stress as supply chains buckle under the strain."

this year,” continued Chris, “so we are delighted to be able to recognise the incredible efforts of our Approved Installers at the virtual GGP Magazine Installer Awards in March next year.”

In addition to the 2020 FENSA Installation of the Year Award, FENSA is also encouraging its Approved Installers to enter the GGP Magazine Installer Awards, which feature a total of nine categories catering for exceptional residential and commercial projects, as well as outstanding individuals, support programmes and technical innovations.

“This year, with all the additional challenges that have been encountered through the on-going Covid crisis, the GGP Magazine 2020 Installer Awards will be a fantastic way of recognising the talent in this industry,” concluded Chris. I would encourage all FENSA Approved Installers to enter, to order to demonstrate their skills and to have the opportunity to prove they are the best of the best.”

THE CATEGORIES ARE AS FOLLOWS: • Best Installation – Residential – Up to £20k • Best Installation – Residential – Over £20k • Best Installation – Commercial • Best Conservatory or Orangery Installation up to £35k • Best Conservatory or Orangery Installation over £35k • Outstanding Achievement • Rising Star

Given that it is the first Emmegi Comet R4I model to be installed in the UK, ‘Here Cometh the Comet’ seems an appropriate title for a two-minute time-lapse video which charts the arrival of the 5-axis CNC machine at Alitex’s factory in rural Hampshire.

Alitex manufactures high-end Victorian-style aluminium greenhouses and conservatories and already has ten Emmegi machines installed, ranging from a single head saw supplied way back in 2002 to a five axis Satellite XT machining centre supplied in 2016.

This time around, driven by the renewed focus on gardens and outdoor space which has been one of the features of the pandemic, the company needed to expand its machining capacity still further to keep up with demand.

Following discussions with Emmegi (UK), Alitex chose the brand-new Comet R4I model, which is the latest version of Emmegi’s 5-axis, 4m Comet R4 machining centre. The I stands for ‘Independent’ because it offers independent positioning of the motorised vices. While the electrospindle is operating in one area, the machine can be automatically setting up the vices ready for machining in the next, saving significant amounts of operator time.

The Comet R4I further optimises efficiency by machining from -15° to 90° on the horizontal axis and a full 360° on the vertical axis. It has a 12-piece tool magazine with guaranteed fast changeover and a mobile worktable to make for easy loading and unloading of bar lengths up to 4m.

Having been an Emmegi customer for so long, Alitex had complete faith in the delivery and installation of the machine, even during the current restrictions. The team were particularly impressed by the fact that Emmegi in the UK arranged a virtual Factory Approval Test (FAT) of the Comet R4I at its factory in Italy before it was delivered.

Emmegi’s Sales Manager, Andrew Jones, explained: “Some of the Alitex team were originally scheduled to travel out to Italy to carry out the FAT test for themselves, which was obviously not possible under the current restrictions, but we worked out the next best thing.”

Now that the new machine has been installed, it is generating considerable interest amongst other UK customers. Alitex is so pleased with the installation that, while travel to Italy still requires extended quarantine, it is allowing serious potential buyers to see the machine in action at its factory just outside of Petersfield.

Alitex’s two-minute time lapse video shows the Comet R4I arriving on the lorry from Emmegi, followed by the unloading, installation and set-up. Viewers who watch to the end can catch a glimpse of Andrew Jones himself who was on site for the big day.

More details at: www.emmegi.com and www.alitex.co.uk.

• Best Installer Support Programme or Service Initiative • Best Technical Innovation For more information, further details on categories and how to enter, please visit: www.ggpinstallerawards.com.

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December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TECHNAL WINDOW SPEC TAILORED FOR COVENTRY STUDENT VILLAGE TECHNAL has adapted its FY65 aluminium window specification to meet the narrower than normal opening vent dimensions at a best-in-class £52 million student village in Coventry, balancing the requirements for daylighting, ventilation, student safety and aesthetics.

A total of 3,500sqm of TECHNAL FY65 aluminium windows together with the company’s MX52 curtain wall and STII high traffic entrance doors were fitted at the 893-home development. The installation not only contributed to the creation of an uninterrupted, zero combustible façade but also provided a low maintenance solution for the building owner – AXO Student Living.

This is the second Coventry-based student residential project TECHNAL has worked on recently with façade contractor CASU Consulto and main contractor Galliford Try, the first being nearby Godiva Place.

Designed by award-winning practice FBM Architects, Paradise Street is inspired architecturally by the original medieval city of Coventry. The scheme’s homes are arranged in a ‘wall’ and three towers to address the busy ring road, with a gatehouse opening into a 2,000sqm piazza.

WINDOW DESIGN BALANCES VENTILATION AND DAYLIGHTING To enhance student wellbeing by maximising ‘free air’ ventilation and minimising the use of artificial light, every

single window in the development is floorto-ceiling with each student’s desk located across the window so they can take full advantage of the views of the city.

Balancing the ventilation and necessary daylighting requirements led to the introduction of a fixed and opening vent to each room. This however, presented a whole different design challenge when it came to the window detailing, hailing a true example of design and technical collaboration between the architect, contractor, fabricator, and, of course, TECHNAL to get it just right.

Daniel Holden, Managing Director at Leeds-based façade contractor, CASU Consulto explains: “One of the key challenges we faced with the design specification was how narrow the opening vents had to be to maximise the size of the adjacent fixed light within the aperture.

TECHNAL was tasked with ensuring we could achieve an opening vent that was some 53mm narrower than the minimum recommended size, whilst still achieving PAS 24 compliance.”

Initially, TECHNAL and CASU worked together to produce a comprehensive document to demonstrate that the proposed solution met thermal, air and weather tightness. It also confirmed market-leading results in terms of the TECHNAL system’s performance.

WINDOW PROTOTYPE ENGINEERED AND TESTED Once approved, the team engineered and fabricated a prototype window that proved locking points, gearing, hinges and handles all worked without clashes. ‘Pull-out’ tests were also undertaken to validate the system’s capability.

ELIMINATING SERVICE PENETRATIONS THROUGH CLEVER ‘VEIL’ FEATURE Another design priority was the creation of an uninterrupted façade. Putting it into context, FBM Architects Associate Director, John Senior describes the building’s composition: “At street level, the first three storeys are constructed using a red, handmade facing brick. This represents the social and human element to the city of Coventry and fits in with the traditional aesthetic of the local terraces. In contrast, the 12 to 14-storey aluminium clad towers mirror the city’s industrial and engineering heritage, especially with the development located on the former Merlin Engineering factory where the legendary spitfire aeroplane engines were manufactured.

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“To optimise student safety whilst at the same time creating a façade without visually apparent service penetrations, we specified an opaque or non vision veil over the opening window, providing a safe and secure barrier. The window prototype was used to conduct ‘pull-out’ tests to ensure the veils offered a suitable barrier.”

Designed by CASU, the veil detail featured castellated Scandinavian larch cladding fitted to a bespoke mill finished fixing system installed on to the opening window lights. This format spans the first three storeys or townhouses, as they are known, providing a degree of softness and texture at the lower level.

For the windows on the towers, perforated metal screens were fixed over the opening windows enabling access to all services whilst avoiding the display of over 1,000 vents on the building’s façade.

The building design also underwent Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling, testing the façade’s wind flow dynamics. As a result, the window reveals are deep-set to break-up the flow of wind across the facade. Likewise, horizontal banding shelves were incorporated for the same functional reason whilst adding to the building’s design.

EXCELLENT THERMAL AND ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE

Complementing the subtle textures used for the façade’s anodised aluminium panelling as well as the interior colour scheme, the TECHNAL systems are dual colour.

Externally they are finished in pearl beige (RAL1033) and white, internally.

Other TECHNAL systems installed include 500sqm of MX52 Visible Grid Curtain Wall. This has been installed into an angled brickwork detail, creating an interesting wedge shape design to the common room spaces.

To the main entrance, TECHNAL high traffic STII doors have been installed and tested to Secured by Design. These feature maglocks and automatic gearing that are tied into the Building Management System, ensuring all doors open in the event of evacuation.

The project overall involved a lot of offsite fabrication. CASU manufactured and delivered weeks in advance to ensure materials were distributed on site effectively.

This ensured the job was finished, internally at least, way ahead of the completion of the building fabric.

For more information on TECHNAL systems, please visit www.technal.com/en/uk.

The windows, which in the tower situations are 1.2m wide x 2.1m high, had to meet a high thermal performance with a U-value of 1.4 W/m2K. Because of the smaller window size, alongside a specially coated double glazed unit that achieved a centre pane U-Value of 1.0W/m2K, CASU and TECHNAL specified thermal foam inserts for the profiles, ensuring compliance with the thermal requirements.”

Acoustically, three different zones were identified across the building, with each zone having its own individual acoustic performance requirements derived from the environmental noise surveys.

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

QUITE SIMPLY, THE UK’S MOST AUTHENTIC TIMBER-ALTERNATIVE SASH WINDOW

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01234 712 657

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WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ROSEVIEW REDEFINES TRADITION WITH THEIR

NEW SASH WINDOW

Respected specialist sash window manufacturer Roseview has launched its new Ultimate Rose Mk3 window.

A significant redevelopment of their class-leading Ultimate Rose window, the new version includes a range of features that push the boundaries of what was thought possible with timber-alternative windows.

The key feature of the new window is what Roseview describes as seamless technology. Using techniques and equipment not seen in the UK before, Roseview has removed virtually all the visible capping and shadow lines that normally identify a window made from uPVC. At the same time all the key joints and junctions on the window use true mechanical butt joints—built and oriented exactly the same way as a timber window.

Combined with a range of new features such as a deep cill, exclusive matt textured foil finish, internal removable staff bead and reprofiled putty-line astragal bar detail, Roseview claims that the latest incarnation of Ultimate Rose redefines traditional window authenticity.

“We are very excited to launch the new version of Ultimate Rose.” said Roseview director Mike Bygrave. “When it comes to conservation-grade traditional window authenticity, it is simply unparalleled.

“Since the first prototype we showed at FIT Show 2019, it’s been clear that we were onto something a bit special. We’ve worked tirelessly over the last eighteen months to turn that vision into a reality, so it’s great to see the result come to market.

“When it comes to authenticity, there are two key areas you need to concentrate on,” Mike continues, “building in the features that you see on original windows and—just as importantly—taking away those that you don’t. That’s what we’ve done with Ultimate Rose.

“We already had the 35mm industry-beating midrail, slim puttyline profiles and true mechanical butt joints. We’ve added a deep Victorian cill option, removable staff bead, seamless no-horn version and matt paint-effect textured foil finish. But it’s what we taken away that really makes the difference. The tell-tale horn cap line has now gone. The external midrail is solid, with no interlock caps or shadow lines to ruin the effect. Even the astragal bars have been had their nosing reduced by 2mm to better match a timber profile.

“The result epitomises what we do at Roseview. Ground-breaking developments and class-leading quality, without increasing prices.

The new version of Ultimate Rose costs the same as the previous one.” Mike concludes.

For more information visit www.roseview.co.uk or call 01234 712657.

SCHÜCO EXPANDS RANGE WITH NEW AW CT 72 WINDOW SYSTEM The new AW CT 72 window system from aluminium specialist Schüco combines the timeless design and intelligent technology that are reflected across its product portfolio.

Designed for cost-efficient and simple fabrication, the system can be used in both residential and commercial settings.

The level of prefabrication of Schüco AW CT 72 can be increased through profile processing leading to faster production and improved reliability. Profiles can be supplied to be customer-rolled, pre-rolled or rolled by Schüco and a dual colour option is also available. Polyamide and polythermid insulating bars are available.

The glazing bead does not require a glazing bead clip but can be clipped into the vent profile direct.

The system features the Schüco CoreTec fitting which was developed especially for Schüco AW CT 72 and is perfectly tailored to the window.

Reducing the complexity of fabrication means that both larger fabrication companies with industrial processing facilities and also smaller scale fabrication can significantly increase their efficiency levels. Fabricators also receive additional planning support through the SchüCal and SchüCad software solutions, as well as other Schüco services.

With AW CT 72 opening units, all gaskets are located in the vent frame, removing the need for installation in the outer frame and further simplifying the fabrication process.

The Schüco AW CT 72 window system also benefits from the Integralmaster sun shading available to be built into the glazing bead. The Integralmaster is an internal roller blind system without bulky cassettes or lateral guides.

The AW CT 72 offers an optimum price-to-performance ratio thanks to its balanced combination of basic depth, face width and a U value of 1.3 W/(m²K).

The new AW CT 72 window system is an impressive addition to the Schüco range of modern, high-tech aluminium windows.

For more information on Schüco AW CT 72, visit www.schueco.com/uk/fabricators/magazine/aw-ct-72-window-system

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THE GOVERNMENT MUST PROVIDE MORE FUNDS FOR THE REMOVAL OF UNSAFE CLADDING The British Safety Council supports the call by the House of Commons Housing Committee that the Government must protect leaseholders from having to pay towards removing flammable cladding from their homes.

The Housing Committee said it was alarmed that a £1.6 billion Government fund set up after the Grenfell fire was inadequate to cover the cost of repairs needed.

Mike Robinson, the British Safety Council’s Chief Executive, commented: “The Government must provide sufficient protection against leaseholders paying the bill for the removal of unsafe cladding from tower blocks. Making sure those buildings are safe – and that people feel safer in them – should be the Government’s responsibility at no cost to leaseholders.

The Government has failed to deliver its pledge, made after the Grenfell tragedy, to provide safe alternatives to dangerous cladding on all buildings in England taller than 18 metres

by June this year. According to the Government’s own figures, only a third (155 out of 455) of high-rise buildings with similar cladding to Grenfell had this replaced by September 2020.

It has now been over three years since Grenfell, in which 72 people lost their lives, and action to deliver this commitment should be accelerated.” www.britsafe.org

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CONSERVATION CREAM FROM PREMISLIDE

THE RESIDENCE COLLECTION

Clotted Cream R9 windows and doors from The Residence Collection, recently graced a beautiful project in a Staffordshire conservation area, much to the delight of the homeowners.

A Grained White internal finish was specified to keep things neutral, featuring polished chrome pear drop handles and black butt hinges. The front elevation of the house also featured Georgian bars to the windows, in keeping with the requirements from the local planning officer.

Ramsey Singh, the homeowner, enthused: ‘We’re so happy with the new windows and I would, and have, recommended The Residence Collection to friends. I have no doubt that they are a quality product and will be here for years to come. We hope to use R9 in another upcoming project which will be starting soon, a full restoration of an 1856 farmhouse in 250 acres of land.’

Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director of The Residence Collection commented: ‘This is yet another wonderful

example of our windows and doors gracing properties in conservation areas. Planners love the windows as do the homeowners who enjoy them and with the many benefits over timber, including better energy efficiency, sound insulation and the fact that they require little maintenance.

She added: ‘Beautiful homes warrant beautiful windows and R9 remains the only true timber casement alternative window on the market. Our manufacturing partners enjoy the margin they provide, as do our installation partners across the UK.’ For further information please visit www.residencecollection.co.uk and www.residencecollectiontrade.co.uk.

You can request a free brochure pack including the stylish and inspirational My Residence Magazine via e-mail at journey@ residencecollection.co.uk or by calling 01452 348650. You can also add to their following on Twitter @residence9 and engage with them on other social media platforms including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest and Houzz.

PERFECTION FOR SCHOOL RENOVATION PROJECT

A trusted German partner for KÖMMERLING, Kaspari GmbH, recently completed a renovation for Middle School Vulkaneifel in the Ulmen community, Eifel region using the PremiSlide and System 76 tilt and turn product platforms.

Kaspari installed 105 PremiSlide sliding windows in the classrooms, due to the fact that the opening sashes slide horizontally and don’t intrude into the limited space inside these teaching rooms. A further 70 tilt and turn windows were installed into other rooms where space and access was less of a critical issue. The company also dismantled the old aluminium windows, separated the materials according to type and recycled them.

Managing director and window manufacturer Holger Kaspari said: ‘I was enthusiastic about the choice, because it is the best alternative to the conventional tilt and turn windows. PremiSlide offers much more space for modern interior design concepts, as opening the windows does not impede the space in any way.’

The planning office responsible for the modernisation project was IBS Ingenieure

and the responsible engineer was Christoph Braun who added: ‘We were very satisfied with the choice of the KÖMMERLING PremiSlide 76 sliding system. With this property we achieved a Uw value of around 0.84 W/(m²K) with triple glazing.’

The KÖMMERLING PremiSlide 76 sliding system has a total installation depth of 158 mm and the depth of the sliding sash is 76 mm. The PVC-u profile consists of a 5-chamber construction with slim sight lines which ensures the greatest possible incidence of light and increased solar energy gains. The system is also made from sustainable PVC-U with lead-free stabilisers and a high percentage of recycled material.

Facility manager Manfred Diewald is also satisfied with the new sliding windows and said: ‘Firstly, we can simply implement the ventilation requirements of the government for the cold season, namely, to ventilate every 20 minutes for 5 minutes, and thus minimise the transmission of Corona viruses. Second, ventilation improves the indoor climate, which has a positive effect on learning behaviour.

He added: ‘Thirdly, we protect the climate through highly efficient thermal insulation, reduced CO2 emissions and by significantly minimising our heating costs. And fourthly, the new windows ensure significantly better sound insulation. Thanks to the sliding windows, we can now use the entire classroom with maximum gaps between desks.’

Leigh Cooper, commercial sales manager of profine UK concluded: ‘This is an excellent international case study as to what can be achieved with KÖMMERLING systems.

It addressed a number of scheme criteria and also helped satisfied the ventilation requirements to minimise the transmission of viruses under German law.’

PROFILE 22 OPTIMA WINDOWS FITTED IN CONTEMPORARY NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT Over 250 Profile 22 Optima Flush Tilt and Turn windows were manufactured and installed in a new build contemporary apartment block on a prominent plot in Shirley, West Midlands.

The fabrication and installation contract was awarded to experienced Profile 22 Approved Contractor Kingfisher Windows, a leading manufacturer and supplier of windows, doors and conservatories.

The new build development comprises of 27 two-bedroom apartments with privileged expansive views overlooking Shirley Park which offers approximately 37 acres of open parkland.

The project specified Flush Tilt and Turn Windows manufactured in 7016 anthracite grey to deliver the streamline contemporary aesthetics required. Optima Flush Tilt and Turn windows are suitable for large windows in medium or high-rise buildings and the opening sash sits inside the window frame, creating its ‘flush’ appearance which was crucial to deliver the modern clean aesthetics.

Marketed as Park View, the contemporary building design is both striking and distinctive and aspires to set the benchmark for any future development in Shirley, fitting of its prominent corner setting.

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As you would expect from an awardwinning system, the functionality of the Optima Flush Tilt and Turn is exceptional and supports the exacting quality standards: In tilt mode, the window offers secure ventilation which was important on the

lower floor apartments. The tilt before turn operation improves safety and the gearing prevents selection from tilt to turn while in tilt mode and vice versa.

As an experienced commercial contractor, Kingfisher Windows is used to working with new build developers to exacting standards. It meant the windows were fabricated and installed smoothly and efficiently.

With the apartments now completed, the contemporary apartment development brings both visual interest and muchneeded homes to the local area.

Tel: 0808 101 4143 – www.profile22.co.uk

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

WINDOWS

COLD CALLING

DANNY WILLIAMS

‘COLD CALLING’ Each month our special correspondent Danny Williams* replies to a reader’s letter...

NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE APPOINTED AT GAI The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) has appointed Simon Forrester as its new Chief Executive.

Simon’s career began in the NHS, moving into senior management roles in professional institutions and trade associations more than 25 years ago.

He has held leadership roles in the healthcare, business tourism, jewellery and construction sectors, including five years as chief executive of the Association of Interior Specialists (now FIS) and over seven years as chief executive of the British Pest Control Association.

His most recent role has been as chief executive of the National Association of Jewellers, the UK’s leading jewellery trade association which also incorporates the Institute of Registered Valuers. He is also a director of the Institute of Association Leadership, the professional network for chief executives within the UK’s membership sector.

Simon was named Trade Association Chief Executive of the Year in 2016. He has an award-winning track record of delivering increased membership benefits, including improvements to training, governance, codes of conduct and best practice in business management.

He also has an MBA from Birmingham City University, specialising in association development and innovation in not-forprofits.

One of Simon’s earliest duties will also be the preparation of the GAI’s revitalised brand and relaunched events in 2021. He takes over the GAI’s most senior executive role from Angie Corkhill who had led the GAI for the last three years.

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2020

“We are a small family home improvement company in Berkshire mostly specialising in replacement windows and doors but occasionally getting involved in other trades. I have seen that the Green Homes Grant scheme is being extended and we are being asked about grants by our customers. I am struggling to make head or tail of it to be honest. Can you throw any light on it?”

DJ Reading I can DJ. And it’s very simple: don’t waste your breath. For a start you need to be compliant with PAS 2020:2017; PAS 2030:2019; and PAS 2035:2019, and a member of the Trustmark scheme. No? According to the BSI website these are standards ‘Sponsored by the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), this PAS is a key document in a framework of new and existing standards on how to conduct effective energy retrofits of existing buildings. PAS 2035 covers how to assess dwellings for retrofit, identify improvement options, design and specify Energy Efficiency Measures (EEM) and monitor retrofit projects. Meanwhile PAS 2030, which was redeveloped in conjunction with PAS 2035, covers the installation, commissioning, and handover of retrofit projects. Organizations which trade using the Trustmark government endorsed quality scheme are required to comply with PAS 2035.’

And to my mind these look like requirements that are designed to exclude the vast majority of established window and door companies, with just a handful of window companies in each area apparently complying with these standards. And if I was cynical, I would smell some sort of conspiracy between the government trying to coral window companies into the Trustmark scheme and at at the exclusion of the GGF (now no longer associated with Trustmark) and even FENSA, through which I believe you can become a

“Because windows and doors are tagged as ‘secondary measures’, that is those available after homeowners have dealt with such improvements as insulation and low carbon heat sources including air and ground source heat pumps.

And with a grant of £5k maximum for private individuals there won’t exactly be a lot left for replacement windows after the installation of a ground source heat pump.”

source heat pumps. And with a grant of £5k maximum for private individuals there won’t exactly be a lot left for replacement windows after the installation of a ground source heat pump.

member of Trustmark (but I assume, only after you have become compliant with PAS 2030/PAS 2035). Phew….I know.

I note that our beloved GGF advises that it is pursuing the Government to try and spread the love to homes that have the earliest double-glazed windows installed but otherwise, our industry appears to be woefully underrepresented in all of this.

HOWEVER….let us assume that you have decided to go down this convoluted route and decide to go through the processes and become compliant….you’re all set, right?

Well maybe…as long as you can find the handful of homes with what I describe as ‘unicorn’ - that is single glazed – windows, which you might just struggle to find in your neighbourhood; perhaps start with any stately homes nearby?

And it gets better, or worse, depending upon your point of view. Because windows and doors are tagged as ‘secondary measures’, that is those available after homeowners have dealt with such improvements as insulation and low carbon heat sources including air and ground

What is crystal clear however, just so you can respond to those customers looking for handouts towards their new bi-folding doors and smart flush sash windows (replacing knackered old vintage Monarch ali frames) is that they most certainly can forget all about any sort of government bailout.

The Green Homes Grant scheme is designed with worthy enough ideals, perhaps, but it was launched poorly and after early hopes for a bonanza by the double glazing industry, it quickly became clear that it would only benefit the leakiest homes with work for few, if any mainstream replacement window and door specialists.

On a final note DJ I have to ask you why you are interested at all? I cannot believe that you, just like every other window and door installer in the UK, are not also completely rammed with work and especially in the usual mayhem that is the run up to Christmas. Leave Green Homes, such as it is, to the birds and focus on upselling punters that are gagging for new full priced, fully specced windows and doors, that won’t require going back to school and a mountain of paperwork to get the business.

A Very Happy Christmas to both my readers, whoever their god may be.

* Danny Williams is managing director of Chelmsford based Pioneer Trading and has been involved with all aspects of the windows and doors industry for 35 years. His activities include manufacturing a full range of windows and doors in PVC-U and aluminium, an IGU facility, retailing and commercial contracting.

55

GLASS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

WORLD-CLASS GLASS When Planet Roofing wanted to upgrade its new premises, including all the windows, there was no doubt who would be the best supplier for the job: leading glass specialist TuffX. The new factory premises in Basildon, Essex, was completely refurbished this year, including new windows to the front and side to complement the building’s new sleek black cladding.

TuffX’s Ambi Ultra glass was chosen for the windows due to the south-facing aspect of the building. Ambi Ultra is a strikingly dark, self-cleaning, low-E solar tinted product which allows 8% light transmission whilst achieving 91% solar heat reflection and a U-value of 1.0, making it the highest performing product of its kind available on the market. It is this combination of high performing features that makes Ambi Ultra the ideal choice to reduce glare and heat in offices and factories, as well as for south-

facing conservatories in the home. In total, 100m2 were used in the refurbishment.

The factory, which had not been modernised in 30 years, was completed in August 2020. The result is as stunning and as it is practical: Planet Roofing’s customers can’t miss the eye-catching black cladded building as they enter the Ilford Trading Estate.

“It’s turned us into something of a landmark in the area. It has completely transformed the factory and the glass does the job we expected of it,” said Paul Rickman of Planet Roofing.

“We've had a great relationship with TuffX for many years. With TuffX we knew we’d get the right product with excellent customer service and efficient delivery.”

TuffX’s Managing Director Graham Price said: “We’ve worked with Planet Roofing for a long time, supplying glass for their rooflights, and were delighted to be chosen to help transform their new premises.”

“We were able to advise on just the right glass for the job and deliver it to the standard Planet Roofing knew to expect from us. The finished result functions brilliantly and looks fantastic. We wish them many happy years to come in their new location.” www.tuffxglass.co.uk

MILESTONE FIRSTS IN WRIGHTSTYLE FIRE TEST Wrightstyle, the leading advanced glazing system specialist, has successfully achieved a milestone fire test with international significance.

integrity and insulation is required – for example, in atriums, fire escapes and between buildings, or as a fire break between different areas of a building.

The test at Warringtonfire on one of Wrightstyle’s steel and glass advanced curtain wall systems has breakthrough significance for a number of fire safety applications.

This also provides a tested advantage to provide fire protection between higher risk areas such as car parks and workshops and lower risk areas such as offices and a building’s reception.

The company, which supplies its external and internal systems worldwide, tested its WSL SR60 curtain wall framing system with SCHOTT PYRANOVA® 120 glass to 148 minutes integrity and insulation.However, the test was carried out with the exterior building surface facing into the furnace.

This made the test significantly more demanding on the system components.

It makes the Wrightstyle system an ideal solution in places where a high level of

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Wrightstyle high performance systems can be found across the UK, and from the USA to New Zealand. Contract completions in the past few weeks have been in the Kingdom of Jordan, for a new tourist village, and Hong Kong, for a flagship museum of art.

‘HEALTHY’ ECO-FRIENDLY MIRROR ADDED TO RANGE OF SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS MIRRORS The latest innovation from Saint-Gobain Glass is MIRALITE PURE, a lead and solvent-free, mirror, demonstrating huge health benefits and environmentally friendly credentials to ecoconscious customers.

Saint-Gobain removed lead from its mirrors more than 10 years ago. The next step has been to remove the solvent used in the silver protection paint. This has now been achieved with MIRALITE PURE and the solvent has been replaced by a water-based paint, which is a real technical achievement due to the complexity of the process involved.

Jenni Young, Market Manager - Premium Residential and Design & Deco said: “MIRALITE PURE is another example of Saint-Gobain going above and beyond the minimum requirements of legislation and industry standards and putting the health of consumers and environmental protection first. This philosophy results in next-generation products that are future-proofed and anticipate the needs of health and environmentally aware consumers and building owners.”

The way in which MIRALITE PURE is created is healthier and more environmentally

mirrors. This advancement helps to improve indoor air quality when in its end application, as it avoids the release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and formaldehydes into the atmosphere, which can cause eye irritation, respiratory problems, and other health issues.

Made with high quality PLANICLEAR glass, MIRALITE PURE provides a high level of light and creates a neutral reflection.

It is more opaque than standard mirrors but is just as durable. It complements Saint-Gobain Glass’s existing range of MIRALITE ANTIQUE mirrors, which are highly decorative and vintage in design.

MIRALITE PURE is more modern in design and ideal for use in the home such as bathrooms and hallways, as well as in commercial premises including hotels, restaurants, offices, retail and sports facilities. It can be framed or unframed, or simply used as a decorative feature to line a wall or add to furniture such as tabletops, doors and other surfaces. Its black coated backing also means it is perfect for creating backlighting effects such as use with LED lights.

It is easy to process, drill and can be easily cut to many different shapes

during processing. It also fits all types of cutting and edge working operations.

For added design flexibility it can be customised with a logo, a sandblasted design or engraved on the face opposite the coating.

Jenni Young says: “The result of ongoing investment in innovation, MIRALITE PURE combines superior quality with responsible environmental practices, typical of Saint-Gobain Glass.

“It is made from 30% recycled glass and 20% less paint is used in its manufacture. The paint that is used is water-based which limits odours and potential exposure to harmful substances which improves wellbeing and air quality. It is also 100% recyclable.

“It is a very practical and adaptable product that can fulfil many different design aspirations and is a welcome addition to our mirror range.”

MIRALITE PURE is the latest addition to the range which also includes MIRALITE VERSAILLES (clear) and three colour choices (grey, bronze and clear) in the MIRALITE ANTIQUE range of vintage decorative interior mirrors, which have been designed to have the appearance of aged mirrors whilst being produced to the latest quality, manufacturing and environmental standards.

The company has long expertise working across sectors on both large and small projects. A good example of multidirectional compartmentation would be to provide a fire break between a supermarket and its underground car park – and Wrightstyle has been involved in such projects.

Jenni adds: “These nextgeneration mirrors are now replacing older silver coating processes in order to eliminate the health risks posed to the environment and its users during their manufacture and end use.”

In addition to adding further test evidence to an already comprehensive list, the test incorporated steel spandrel panels, making it one of the first alternative infill options to achieve two hours of integrity and insulation performance.

For more information visit https://bit.ly/3kIeamB. The latest innovation from Saint-Gobain Glass is MIRALITE PURE, a lead and solvent-free, mirror, demonstrating huge health benefits and environmentally friendly credentials to eco-conscious customers

friendly than traditional

Follow Saint-Gobain Glass UK and Ireland on LinkedIn or Twitter @ SG_GlassExperts.

2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk and does not flakeDecember or chip

BRAND NEW LAUNCH!!

LAUNCH DATE FEBRUARY 2021

Monthly Email News Residential & Commercial Fenestration

Readership

The readership of A Window Into Aluminium is a mixture of architects, specifiers, fabricators and installers, together with the CAB membership and wider aluminium fenestration market. If any part of your business involves aluminium windows, doors, conservatories or shopfronts, or the hardware and machinery which complete the package, then you will benefit from reading and featuring within A Window Into Aluminium every month. A Window Into Aluminium covers all aluminium products used in building construction, including cladding, roofing, structure etc.

Advertising Email: emma@awindowintoaluminium.co.uk

Press releases Email: justin@awindowintoaluminium.co.uk

www.awindowintoaluminium.co.uk All general enquiries: christina@awindowintoaluminium.co.uk A Window Into Aluminium is produced by Glass People Ltd (Glass News).

PRODUCT REVIEW 2020

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PRODUCT REVIEW

THE GLASS NEWS ROUND UP OF

PRODUCTS TO ADD

TO YOUR PORTFOLIO

INFINITY ROOF LIGHTS FROM TUFFX Infinity roof lights from TuffX are available in a wide variety of configurations that provide a practical and yet stylish solution for providing natural light to dark interiors.

or walk-on versions manufactured using toughened laminated glass, both of which offer superb thermal performance.

Supplied direct-to-site as ready assembled units, Infinity rooflights are available as fixed, triple or double glazed rooflights

TuffX delivers nationwide, with all units manufactured in-house at its state-of-theart manufacturing facility.

Conventional roof lights in anthracite grey frames and standard stock sizes are available for dispatch in 3-4 days whilst bespoke units are supplied 10 to 14 days from order. Walk on roof lights also enjoy fast turnaround times and can be manufactured in bespoke sizes up to 2.9mm x 1200mm.

HELPING YOU GAIN MORE SALES IN 2021

A LASTING LEGACY Quickslide has reaffirmed its market leading status in the heritage sector with the Legacy VS, a next generation vertical slider designed to tap into increasing consumer demand for highly authentic, high-quality period style products.

The West Yorkshire based manufacturer worked closely with Spectus for the development of Legacy, which includes options for fully mechanical timber look butt joints or seamless Graf welds and a comprehensive palette of colours and foils. These include a total of 11 woodgrain foiled finishes, a bespoke colour matching service and options for decorative glazing.

Legacy presents discerning homeowners with a window that raises the bar for period authenticity.

Kitemarked to BS EN 12608 and PAS 24 and Secured by Design accredited, Legacy can meet Band A Window Energy Ratings when glazed with 24mm IGUs.

Adrian Barraclough, Quickslide’s chairman, said: “We put all of our extensive design experience and market knowledge into the creation of Legacy, and the result is one of the finest vertical sliding box sash windows on the market.” www.quickslide.co.uk

With an ovolo shape to the frame, bead, sash and cill, Georgian bars, run-through sash horns with foiled end caps, a deep bottom rail, colour-matched wool-pile seals and flush gaskets,

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December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

PRODUCT REVIEW 2020

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

A GENUINE ALTERNATIVE TO ALUMINIUM When composite door specialist, Apeer, set about designing a new, smooth aluminium style finish for its premium Silka entrance door, the company knew that the finished item would have to look and feel as good as the real thing.

As a result, the Ballymena based manufacturer spent over a year in R&D to perfect the fibreglass skin, including a new paint finish that requires all Silka doors to be air dried, rather than processed in the usual infrared lines.

The finished result, which is available in eight styles, a selection of popular colours, and with options for stainless steel or ‘all glass’ glazing trims, has proven to be a huge hit.

According to Apeer’s managing director, Asa McGillian, the success is

due to the appeal of Silka’s aluminium aesthetics combined with the performance advantages of a composite: “With our smooth skinned Silka, it is almost impossible to distinguish it from a genuine aluminium entrance door.

“The benefit for consumers of course, is that a 70mm, triple glazed, double rebated composite is an inherently more robust door – and one that doesn’t come with such an exclusive price tag.” www.apeer.co.uk

REVOLUTIONARY PRICING APP Getting more leads from existing website visitors and better conversion rates is a constant battle for installers. Virtape’s Double Glazing App provides just that.

It allows prospective customers the chance to download the app from the installer’s website onto their smartphone, use it to measure their windows and doors and then submit them to receive an accurate price for replacement ones in under 90 seconds. They can then confirm it by booking a survey and signing up in the normal way.

Tests results have shown that between 4%-10% of website visitors downloaded the App for an instant price, with 20% of downloads measuring windows and doors with the app, and over half of those booked a survey to confirm.

And with consumers uncomfortable with

bringing salespeople into their homes due to social distancing, and many looking for affordability before they even get involved with sales, pricing remotely has never been more important.

habits have changed the traditional sales, survey approach, and installers are having to adapt to win more work.

Digital platforms and shifting customer

For more information, visit www.DoubleGlazingApp.co.uk

The future of pricing jobs is here now.

The Liniar ModLok™ Sliding Patio Door • Smooth, effortless glide • Fully sculptured for a beautiful finish • Wide range of colours and handle options for personalisation • Upgrades available for enhanced security for Part Q compliance • Keep your home warmer with U-values as low as 1.0 W/m²K

Ask your installer for Liniar www.liniar.co.uk 01332 883900 sales@liniar.co.uk 59

PRODUCT REVIEW 2020

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR: ECOSLIDE BY VICTORIAN SLIDERS Over the last 15 years, ECOSlide has established itself as one of the most popular timber-alternative sash window products in the fenestration industry.

Tens of thousands of homes throughout Britain and Ireland now benefit from the vintage curb appeal and outstanding thermal performance it can provide.

In emphasising energy efficiency from the very start, ECOSlide was well ahead of the curve.

Today, as we battle to try and reach Britain’s hugely ambitious net zero target for 2050, it’s more relevant than ever.

Victorian Sliders designed ECOSlide to be A-rated as standard, with the option for an A+ rating with units filled with Argon gas, and every component can be recycled up to ten times with current technology.

It’s also extremely secure – using top and bottom toughened glass

EVERGLIDE RANGE The Everglide Range from AT Precision includes bi-folding door rollers, high quality top-guides, pull handles and hinges, all of which are made from cast aluminium and are compatible with Smarts Systems.

AT Precision are one of the leading suppliers of bi-folding door hardware, ventilation systems, extruded gaskets and cleat systems to the UK fenestration industry, selling to over 100 fabricators across the country.

as standard as well as an antijemmy bar – and comes in a vast array of foils and finishes.

In 2020, the product excels on multiple fronts – something that’s only been made possible by over a decade of far-sighted and continuous investment by Victorian Sliders.

Despite the huge challenges posed by the pandemic, it’s been a bumper year for ECOSlide, with a staggering 83,000 frames

manufactured in just the last twelve months.

With a vaccine in sight, we’re predicting great things in 2021 – and you can rest assured that ECOSlide will continue to go from strength to strength.

For more information visit www.victoriansliders.co.uk or call 01269 846200.

RÄUM

Räum is a luxury collection of aluminium windows and doors, designed to help installers target the higher end of the market.

Manufactured by Dekko Window Systems, Räum products include bi-folding doors that can reach 3m in height and U-values as low as 1.1, a lift and slide door that can carry up to 400kg and reach a maximum height of 3m, and a range of slimline windows which are engineered for uncompromising performance and stunning aesthetics.

All Räum products are available in any RAL colour, including dual colour, and come in four different finishes – matt, gloss, woodgrain or a special scratch-resistant Coatex finish.

All products are also covered by a 10-year manufacturing guarantee – including locks, handles, profiles, laminates, and all other components used in the finished product.

For more information, visit www.dekkowindows.com.

At their state of the art manufacturing facility in Durham, all products are produced to the highest standards of quality control and testing, and by manufacturing in-house, the company is able to offer prices directly to fabricators, saving them thousands of pounds a year.

In addition, the company offers next day delivery for orders made before 1pm, and delivery is free within the UK on all orders over £250.

For more information, visit www.atprecision.co.uk.

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December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

PRODUCT REVIEW 2020

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

EMBRACE THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION WITH ADMINBASE Incorporating a series of dedicated, intuitive mobile apps for sales, surveying, installation and servicing into a fully integrated, web-based management system, AdminBase is helping installers to revolutionise the way they do business.

Eliminating the need for inefficient paper-based orders, surveys and invoices, AdminBase allows installation companies to create and manage appointments, generate orders with suppliers and organise installations. As an installation progresses, it also creates legally binding documents, accepting digital signatures from homeowner customers, before linking seamlessly to major accounting applications.

A system that has evolved from 20 years of installer management experience, AdminBase can also create automatic email and SMS updates for customers and uses software that can spot patterns in a business, encouraging users to address areas for improvement, and do more of what works.

Rhonda Ridge, managing director, said: “From marketing, to contract management, sales and remedial work, AdminBase offers installers a bespoke, modern and mobile solution, one that is designed to vastly improve efficiencies and eliminate the errors associated with old fashioned paperwork.”

For more information go to: https://www.abinitiosoftware.co.uk

RESIDENCE COLLECTION LINEAL

The Residence Collection is a luxury timber effect window system that exudes classic charm and can be used to replace original timber windows in heritage properties, or installed in more modern homes as a highperformance alternative to standard uPVC. Dekko Window Systems is the largest fabricator

of Residence windows in the country, offering it in three options - Residence2 , Residence 7, and Residence 9.

Residence2 PVCu windows have a stylishly contemporary finish, perfect for modern properties. Their exterior frame sits flush with the outside wall to create a sleek look with excellent

weather protection and reduced maintenance.

Made using nine-chamber PVCu profile, these windows provide excellent thermal performance.

Residence 7 windows create a flush appearance both inside and out. Their sevenchamber design provides high levels of thermal and insulating performance, while providing a stylishly sleek appearance which perfectly complements both traditional British properties and contemporary homes.

Residence 9 windows are so called because of their ninechamber profiles which are designed to keep warm air in and cold air out.

This system is capable of achieving energy ratings of A+ and will accommodate the highest performing 44mm triple glazing and 28mm double glazing.

For more information, visit www.dekkowindows.com.

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2020

WINDOW RANGE

The Lineal Range of flush casement windows is one of the most popular products from PVCu fabricator Central RPL. It provides both top performance and stunning aesthetics for heritage and traditional applications, and is available in two ranges. Classic is manufactured using standard welding techniques, and Heritage, which takes the requirement for a period property a step further by replicating the traditional timber joint using the latest in flush PVCu welding technology.

The Lineal Range of flush casement windows is designed to deliver fantastic thermal performance. In addition, colours, textures, and wood finishes have been carefully selected to complement different building materials and environments. There are soft, subtle shades, creams and greens, striking greys, and a host of timber effects.

For more information, visit www.centralrpl.co.uk.

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PRODUCT REVIEW 2020

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

INSIGHT DATA: SALESTRACKER

PRODUCT REVIEW 2021

Salestracker is Insight Data’s groundbreaking online portal, which combines a comprehensive prospect database with a powerful CRM system and an integrated email marketing platform – STEM. Salestracker brings together live data for over 60,000 potential customers, including contact details and business information such as key decision-makers, suppliers, output and credit ratings. Whether it’s architects, housebuilders, main contractors, local builders or fellow professionals from the fenestration industry, Salestracker allows users to target the right prospective customer for their business.

At the heart of Salestracker is ‘real-time data’ – hugely valuable information on Britain’s glazing businesses that Insight Data put through an in-depth seven-stage verification process to ensure its accuracy.

Insight Data’s team of expert in-house researchers make over 20,000 calls per month to gather and update these records, and through a direct feed with a leading credit reference agency, they’re able to check companies’ finances, and identify companies that have gone bust, moved location or changed directors – ensuring their 700+ users have access to the most up-to-date data and market intelligence.

For more information, please call 01934 317075 or visit www.insightdata.co.uk/

IN PRINT & ONLINE!

Book your slot!! £195 + vat

Deadline date 15th January 2021 Email: emma@glassnews.co.uk

Safety and security in any building should never be compromised, and the Fireshel 30-minute fire resistant door provides the perfect solution for local authorities who need fully EN tested 3rd Party Accredited, replacement Fire Door sets, that are compliant with the latest 2020 MHCLG Annex A recommendations.

Manufactured by Shelforce, the composite fire door has been fire and smoke tested from both the inside and outside and PAS 024 Security tested. The door set, complete with fanlight glazing panel, achieved 49 minutes fire resistance when EN1634-1 tested.

It utilises the FireFrame® dual fire, smoke and security compliant fire door set solution from Winkhaus which includes the FD30 / FD60 FireFrame® outerframe, and the Winkhaus AV2 auto-locking multi-point door lock with optional access control.

The Fireshel offers the end user assurance that all the components used in its manufacture have been tested and approved against the new 2020 Q Mark Fire and Security Composite door Set requirements.

!

IZE PR

FULL COMPLIANCE

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Circle three differences in the boxes below, fill in your contact details and send your competition entry to: FAO: Miss Christina Shaw, Glass News Competitions, 19 Heather Close, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9UU or Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk. Entry deadline: 20/12/20.

For more information, visit www.shelforce.com.

Name: Tel: Address: Postcode: Email:

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December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

“I WANT SOFTWARE TO SELL WINDOWS AND DOORS THAT’S AS SIMPLE AS SKETCHING ON A PAD. THAT CAN’T BE THAT DIFFICULT…CAN IT?” Call me sad, but I’ve always loved selling windows. 25 years in the industry, and I’ve tackled most parts. But selling windows face-to-face with clients has always been the best bit. I often joke that it’s a hereditary disorder; My father sold windows for 50 years, and (believe it or not) his father before him did too! I really had no hope.

The Framepoint® platform was born of frustration. Frustration at trying to sell windows to customers with the wrong piece of software to hand; software that was clunky, overly complicated but most of all dull and boring.

told Rob. “And have them appear in full, photo-realistic quality, priced and ready for me to take the order. And I want to be able to show a client exactly how they’ll look on their house too!”

That was in 2012. I never actually asked Rob outright how long it might take to build this holy grail. But in my mind, I’d thought one year. The team grew. My bank account dwindled. Seven years later, with the support of a bunch of talented coders, Rob delivered.

To be fair, the goal posts moved considerably. Turns out it wasn’t just windows that I wanted the software to draw and quote; I needed doors, double doors, composite doors, sash windows, patios, bi-folds and tilt—turns too. Plus, of course, bays. Oh and by the way, the app would need to be able to configure all these products in PVCu, aluminium and timber!

That simple premise lead me to knock on the door of Rob Franks. Rob was my erstwhile IT Director at TimberWindows.

Com; a company I founded in 2004 and sold, to private equity, in 2009.

Would I invest again if I knew the time and costs involved? The problem is I was hooked; and still am. From the first time I drew a window on Framepoint® with my finger, and saw it render on the screen before my eyes - lifelike, accurate and in glorious technicolour – there has been no going back. After that it’s just been a question of chasing down every last detail from thresholds to trickle vents, packers to patterned glass – every option available to touch, tap and see.

“I want to be able sketch windows on a computer, just like I do on my A4 pad,” I

We launched proper in November 2019. I roped in the best two sales guys I knew and

Surely it was possible to design a piece of software that got the customer’s heart beating faster and helped me win an order?

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Framepoint® as their ‘virtual showroom.’

Hooking up, sharing screens and carrying out sales demo’s remotely saw volumes of quotes and makeovers on Framepoint® surge through spring and summer; In February less than £6m of quotes were done on the system, by June we were running north of £28m.

Christopher Brunsdon

we hit the road demo-ing the product to window installers up and down the land.

By Christmas 2019 we had twenty-five companies using the platform, which felt good but didn’t exactly swell the coffers.

Framepoint® is not expensive. Coming from an installer background I know that margins are tight. Framepoint® is available from under £100 a month so that installers of all sizes can benefit; that commitment to affordability is important to us.

We’ll finish 2020 with around 250 installation companies using Framepoint®; about 750 individual users. With Corona it’s been a roller coaster first year of trading, but our mission is certainly clear. We are here to help installers sell better; to Sell with Wow. Face to face, in a showroom or remotely.

To find out more about the platform and its benefits visit the main site www.tommytrinder.com.

By: Christopher Brunsdon, Founder & CEO - TommyTrinder.Com

Feedback from these early adopters gave us confidence, though. There were reports of huge time savings – for some Framepoint® was cutting quoting time in half. Also real wins for installers in minimising error.

Many reported improved conversion rates and a sense of pride in presenting more professionally.

By the time of the first lockdown we were at about fifty or sixty subscribers. Like most businesses, we wondered what was going to happen next. Then a weird thing happened; sales and activity rocketed. Faced with the prospect of no longer being able to conduct home visits, installers turned to

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

LESSONS LEARNED IN LOCKDOWN Wars tend to drive technological development and with many describing Covid-19 as a hidden ‘enemy’, then perhaps it is fair to say that we are at war with this insidious, unseen ‘foe’. But some changes will remain.

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we live and work, affecting the way we go about everything and in the tiniest detail. It is also extraordinary how quickly we adapt: when watching a movie or TV programme do we not all wince now when people hug?

A wave of cautious relief and optimism greeted the announcement that a workable vaccine was in sight, although it will be months before we can drop the dreaded facemasks, social distancing and obsessive handwashing. But whilst many of the changes driven by the necessity of having to protect ourselves and others against Covid-19 will disappear, others will remain,

some of them good ideas that were simply accelerated by the pandemic.

Of these, remote working is likely to remain; even if offices are repopulated a greater flexibility is likely to become the norm, with staff and especially managers and owners, able to work just as effectively from home – or anywhere for that matter – due to the widespread adoption of new technologies and amended social attitudes. How archaic is the notion that people will only work hard if they are in an office?

Ab Initio’s redoubtable AdminBase system, by way of its web-based version that was

developed almost miraculously late in 2019, is one such gamechanger that will undoubtedly continue. Because although many of its recent adopters may have been driven into the arms of AdminBase as a means of managing their businesses more effectively whilst isolated from their offices, the key is the element of management efficiency the system allows, irrespective of where that might be applied.

Rhonda Ridge, managing director of Ab Initio and developer of AdminBase, insists she had no premonition of the pandemic when she and her team developed the webversion of AdminBase. This, quite literally,

Rhonda Ridge

allows full access to AdminBase through virtually any computer, anywhere there is decent Internet connection, including smartphone tethers and dongles: “Over the twenty-odd years since I launched AdminBase we have continuously developed the system as new technologies have emerged and new operational requirements have developed; and that was the case when we developed the web version. But in doing so it was simply to offer an extra element of versatility to AdminBase, not to become one of its key elements.”

For many of those taking on AdminBase during an extraordinary sales surge that began in May and has continued unrelentingly since, the benefits of control the system affords became essential when combined with the flexibility of being able to pull strings from virtually anywhere: “As a business at Ab Initio we work remotely anyway and so when the first lockdown came we were able to continue unaffected,” explained Rhonda. “After a few days of lockdown, installers began to think about their businesses, how they could improve them but especially, how they could deal with the times ahead. The enquiries began then and never stopped, building to consecutive record sales months in August and then again in September. This may be our best year ever in fact,” confirmed Rhonda.

Whilst the new adopters of AdminBase had done so to keep on top of their businesses, what nobody predicted was the explosion in sales of windows, doors, conservatories, and other glazing related home improvements that happened immediately following the end of lockdown. Having AdminBase in place allowed these installers a degree of control that would have been unimaginable had they continued with their existing, unconnected systems, even without the sales surge.

Which is why AdminBase will be one of those institutions that will continue, long after the elbow and fist bumps have been dropped.

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2020

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CONSERVATORY OUTLET HONOURED AS ONE OF

1000 COMPANIES TO INSPIRE BRITAIN Conservatory Outlet Group has been officially recognised by the London Stock Exchange in its annual publication of 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain.

The report, which is in its 7th iteration, identifies the fastestgrowing and most dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises from across the country. This

includes companies that have not only grown their own revenue, but have also consistently outperformed industry peers.

Unlike other reports, 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain is compiled based on factual information as opposed to nominations.

Conservatory Outlet Group’s inclusion within the prestigious publication has been largely attributed to its rapid and expansive business growth over the past 12 months.

Comprising of three companies –

Conservatory Outlet, Clearview Home Improvements & Pennine Home Improvements – The Conservatory Outlet Group registered annual sales of over £44m in 2019. The successes have continued into 2020 and, despite the sizable disruption caused

by COVID-19, Conservatory Outlet posted a year-on-year sales increase of 20% for June, July and August.

This unprecedented level of success has been reflected in the performance of the Conservatory Network of independent retail

customers, many of whom have broken their own monthly sales records in the period immediately following the easing of the nationwide lockdown.

Quick to respond to the everchanging landscape caused by COVID, the company introduced a number of key initiatives during lockdown that ensured continued business growth. This included the launch of an online sales forum in early April which allowed its customers to come together to discuss the latest techniques and tools to further perfect their approach to the pandemic.

The success of the sales forum was followed by a ‘lockdown sales competition’, introduced

by Conservatory Outlet’s senior management team, which saw salespeople from across its Network of customers compete against each other using video conferencing software to generate the most ‘virtual’ sales orders over a four-week period. The competition generated over £4m in sales throughout its duration.

In spite of the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, the Conservatory Outlet Group has continued to innovate throughout the year, and in early-August launched an innovative new aluminium range of windows and doors to add to its extensive product portfolio – the Eclipse Collection. Satisfying a growing demand for increasingly modern home improvement products, the entire Eclipse range is categorised

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by super-slim, high performance frames of just 34mm. The collection has been met with adulation from Conservatory Outlet’s customers, as they position themselves for increased top-end market penetration.

Backed by the consistent sales growth, the company recently revealed a hefty £500,000 staged investment in its 60,000 sq ft manufacturing base. The three-stage plan, which began in September, will take six months to complete and features a sizable investment in state-of-the-art equipment, key infrastructural changes and a 10,000 sq ft factory expansion.

Greg Kane, CEO at Conservatory Outlet Group, said: “It’s an honour and privilege to be officially recognised alongside some of the most impressive companies in the country. Our team have worked incredibly hard over the past 12 months to ensure we offer our customers unrivalled levels of service, backed by a product portfolio that we’re confident is amongst the most diverse on today’s market. Our retail businesses are performing at an exceptional level, breaking sales records on an almost weekly basis, and are meeting the demands of a hugely buoyant marketplace.

We’re proud to be flying the flag for the home improvement sector on such a prestigious list and, with our phased investment over the next six months, look forward to an equally successful end to 2020 and beyond.”

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MORLEY GLASS AND VIDEO PRODUCTION 4 JOIN FORCES TO HELP INDUSTRY UNLOCK VIDEO’S POTENTIAL The UK’s leading integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass is putting video at the heart of its marketing and customer care programmes and supporting installers to do the same, to provide customers and end-users with easy access to key information and resources in an increasingly ‘online first’ world.

The company is working with video marketing specialist Video Production 4 to create valuable, powerful video content, with more than 50 productions already completed. These serve many different purposes, from ‘how-to’ instructional videos to help installers and end-users resolve common maintenance issues so engineer visits can be minimised, to virtual factory tours, marketing presentations for its UniBlinds products and insights into how its integral blinds are made.

But in addition to boosting its own communications resources, Morley Glass is also supporting Video Production 4’s efforts to help the industry use video more smartly as society adapts to the Covid-19

restrictions. It is providing window and door installers with their own professionally produced 3D virtual showroom videos without the need for significant outlay – and some completely free of charge.

Their joint effort has already enabled 22 window and door installers to benefit who can ensure their customers can still visit their showrooms in a virtual, socially distant way to support the sales process. And this 3D showroom virtual tour offer is still open to installers, who can take advantage of by contacting Video Production 4’s Alan Tisch in the first instance.

Ian Short, MD of Uni-Blinds® manufacturer and leading sealed unit manufacturer Morley Glass, says: “The video projects delivered by Alan and Video Production 4 have been extremely beneficial, particularly this year as installers have found it much more difficult to attract potential customers into their showrooms, or get out to see customers in person to demonstrate their products and services.

professional who is easy to work with and understands how to communicate the benefits of even the most technical subjects.

He takes time to understand the USPs of every product or service, and with his creative flair he is highly skilled at bringing these to life in his finished videos.”

Alan Tisch co-founded Video Production 4 after a long career in broadcast television with BBC News, ITV and Sky, as well as setting up Liverpool FC TV. He has developed a loyal and growing client base in the fenestration industry as businesses increasingly realise to potential of video to be a powerful customer engagement tool when the approach is right and production

quality is high.

Alan says, “Video is the most effective way to engage and connect with your potential customers but all too often it is difficult to know how to use it in the right way and simply too expensive for the modest marketing budgets of many SMEs. We can help by building a clear strategy that delivers video content with a very positive return on investment, and that is where I think we have been able to gain an edge by creating videos with purpose rather than just as a ‘nice to have’.”

Video Production 4 already works with several of the door and window sector’s most respected and successful brands, including Masterframe, Saint-Gobain Glass, Emplas and Morley Glass. Whilst they are all adopting their own approaches to video to suit their different objectives, they all share the common goal that the final video must be able to demonstrate a positive return on investment.

Find out more at www.videoproduction4. co.uk or call Alan Tisch on 01924 911234.

“Alan is a dynamic video marketing

VICTORIAN SLIDERS EXCITED TO FORCE 8 BRING EXHIBIT AT NEXT YEAR’S FIT SHOW THEIR SHOWROOM Following on from a successful year which marked their 15th anniversary, Victorian Sliders, Europe’s largest specialist manufacturer of PVC-u vertical sliding sash windows, are excited to announce that they will be exhibiting at the 2021 FIT Show this May – and it’s set to be their biggest exhibition ever.

Based in South Wales, the company manufactures the ECOSlide PVC-u sash window, which replicates the appealing aesthetics of timber, but is more affordable, thermally efficient, and easier to maintain.

Today, ECOSlide is one of the most successful sash window products in the history of UK fenestration.

The FIT Show is the UK’s only dedicated event for the window, door, flat glass and components market, giving systems companies, fabricators, installers, architects and specifiers access to the latest timber, aluminium and PVC-u products, new hardware and furnishing solutions, as well as unrivalled opportunities to network and develop new business opportunities.

Victorian Sliders Group Managing Director Andy Jones comments: “Whilst 2020 has been a bit of a rollercoaster, we’ve had a great sales year, and are now producing a record number of window frames per week.

Due to restrictions brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, 2020’s FIT Show was unable to go ahead. This May, however, they plan to come back bigger and better – and so does Victorian Sliders.

“We’re really excited to be exhibiting at the FIT Show, and whilst we can’t say much about it just yet, we will be keen to show off some new innovations – the result of our constant commitment to customer service and product development.

“Covid-19 has posed a huge challenge, but despite that, the fenestration industry is booming. The FIT Show this May is set to be a huge success, and we’re delighted to be attending.”

The FIT Show will be held at the NEC in Birmingham from the 25th to the 27th of May 2021. Visit the Victorian Sliders exhibition at stand J15.

Visit www.fitshow.co.uk.

Victorian Sliders FIT Show 2019

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2020

Based in South Wales, Victorian Sliders started up in 2005 and is now Europe’s largest specialist manufacturer of PVC-u vertical sliding sash windows. For more information visit www.victoriansliders. co.uk or call 01269 846200.

TO YOU

With the present pandemic and a host of ever changing restrictions, visiting showrooms to view new products for your company was difficult; now with the new lockdown it’s a bigger challenge. Without a visit, it makes it difficult to get a handson feel for new products, and ordering online or from a brochure before you have even tried the product can be daunting.

This is particularly relevant when it comes to composite doors, as clients like to test the system to see how it works and feels.

With the FIT Show many months away and still no real guarantee it will take place in its present format, getting clients in front of products has become very difficult. Force 8 will be manufacturing as normal through the new lockdown, but have once again come up with a unique idea, if you can’t come to the factory or showroom to take a look at their products, they will bring it to you.

Force 8 is introducing a mobile display installed in one of their low loading vehicles. If you let them know which products you are interested in, the display will be customised to your needs and arrive at your factory or office at a time to suit you. They will be featuring all their door products from the unique arched frames to the new Stable doors with the ability to be installed to open either way. Everything is arranged in accordance with the new health and safety rules in mind. Social distancing

can be easily observed, as only one person at a time can enter the display vehicle. After each person has viewed and tested the products everything will be cleaned and hand sanitising dispensers will be available within the display vehicle.

“We understand how difficult it is to make a decision based on images alone, without being able to properly inspect a door product, try the locking system and feel the finish, the mobile display seemed to be the only solution”, comments Dennis Sumner, managing director of Force 8. “First and foremost we wanted to make sure our customers are happy with our products and have full confidence in them, which is difficult if you are just working from the website or a brochure, actually seeing and using the product is the only way, and to be honest there is no substitute for that”.

If you want to view any of the Force 8 door ranges, they invite you to get in touch and make an appointment for a visit. Let Force 8 know what products you are interested in seeing and they will arrange the display accordingly to suit your requirements.

For further information visit their website www.force8.uk.

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TRADE NEWS

£15K COVID-19 SECURITY INVESTMENT MEANS IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR VICTORIAN SLIDERS DURING LATEST LOCKDOWN Victorian Sliders, the leading manufacturer of PVC-U sliding sash windows, have announced that they are operating as normal during the second national lockdown, and continuing to deliver sash windows across the UK. The company has invested over £15k in a high-tech COVID-19 prevention system, which passed with flying colours after a recent safety check by the local authority. The system includes heat sensor cameras, facial recognition cameras, and a QR scanner questionnaire.

According to Group Managing Director Andy Jones, the company will continue to put safety at the very heart of their operations.

“Companies that sit within the construction and manufacturing industries have been given the green light by the Government to trade as normal – as long as it’s in a COVID secure manner – so for us it’s very much ‘business as usual.’ Ultimately, the safety of our staff, customers, suppliers and partners is our number one priority, and we have invested heavily in this area to ensure we protect everyone whilst continuing to offer the same level of quality and service that our customers have come to expect.”

For anyone that visits the Victorian Sliders HQ, the COVID secure measures are easy

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MORLEY GLASS CRUSHER REACHES 200 TONNE RECYCLING LANDMARK Integral blinds specialist Morley Glass & Glazing has prevented more than 200 tonnes of post-consumer glass from going to landfill and 64,226kg of CO2 emissions from going into the atmosphere, whilst raising money for “green” projects.

Covid security investment at Victorian Sliders

to spot. The firm has set up a large marquee outside the factory where all employees and visitors must undergo several checks before they are allowed into the main building. This includes an automated temperature check, facial recognition for all employees, and a comprehensive Covid-19 questionnaire for everyone. Anyone who fails to meet the required criteria are instructed not to come into work and to seek assistance from the company’s HR department. The same temperature check is also repeated at the end of the day.

Andy Jones concludes: “This latest lockdown presents us with a new challenge, but here at Victorian Sliders, we are doing everything in our power to meet the strong market demand and support our customers with their sash window projects. We wish all our customers and the wider industry the very best during this time and hope everyone stays safe.”

Based in South Wales, Victorian Sliders started up in 2005 and is now Europe’s largest specialist manufacturer of PVC-U vertical sliding sash windows.

For more information visit www.victoriansliders.co.uk or call 01269 846200.

The recycling landmark has been reached after the sealed unit manufacturer dedicated part of its Leeds manufacturing space earlier this year to serve as a collection centre for waste glass or “cullet”, which it then returns to Saint-Gobain Glass to be reused in the manufacture of new glass. All the money Morley Glass receives for the cullet is placed in a green fund and donated in £500 grants to support charities looking to invest in environmental and sustainable initiatives.

Using recycled glass has a direct and positive impact on the environment and the amount of energy used in the glass manufacturing process. A furnace melting recycled glass will require 30% less energy than one which is melting raw materials, and using one tonne of cullet can save up to 1.2 tonnes of raw material, including 850 kg of sand. This means that CO2 emissions can be reduced by approximately 300kg, which is equivalent to the amount of energy needed to power the average home for six months. This means Morley Glass has recycled enough cullet to power an average home for 100 years!

When Morley Glass & Glazing heard that Saint-Gobain Glass had decided to increase the amount of cullet used in its float glass production and needed to find a way to obtain it quickly and easily, the business knew it could help. So whenever Morley

customers take delivery of their integral blinds, they can then use the company’s empty delivery vehicles to send the waste glass they have removed from residential properties back to the Morley collection centre. The cullet return scheme saves Morley Glass customers the cost and inconvenience of disposing waste glass via landfill or other commercial recycling schemes, which may charge for the service.

Ian Short, managing director at Morley Glass & Glazing said: “We still have a long way to go in our green journey but we hope that by sharing our experiences we’ll be able to inspire others to do the same.

2020 has been an unprecedented year for many industries, but we hope to be able to continue making a difference where we can. It makes perfect sense to recycle postmanufacturing and post-consumer glass, and the added benefit is that local good causes will also benefit.”

If you aren’t already taking advantage of the cullet return scheme, but would like to know more, visit https://www.morleyglass. co.uk/glass-recycling-leeds/

VEKA ANNOUNCES MAJOR PRESENCE AT FIT SHOW 2021 VEKA PLC has announced its participation at FIT Show 2021, with what has been described as a ‘substantial stand and significant brand presence’ at the event.

In a joint announcement by outgoing Managing Director Dave Jones, who retires at the end of the year and Neil Evans, his successor, VEKA has committed to a significant stand at FIT Show. Alongside this, the industry leading systems house is set to sponsor the VIP Lounge, which will be positioned adjacent to the company’s stand, at the show next May. VEKA’s appearance at FIT Show 21 reflects the VEKA Group’s commitment to live events, with an approach that will be reminiscent of the company’s Fensterbau appearances, confirming a strong commitment to personal relationships with its customers. “It’s part of the philosophy for VEKA worldwide,” said Dave Jones.

“We’ve always had that association of going to live exhibitions whether it’s Fensterbau,

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whether it’s Glassex or whether it’s the FIT Show,” he said.

“From our point of view we’re very happy to be part of it again; it’s great, a place where we can network, [visitors can] see the product, touch and feel it and so it’s the complete package from our point of view,” added Dave.

boost for 2021 with a redesign and additional facilities, VEKA will also sponsor FIT Show TV, which has proved to be a highly popular element of the event, with live video interviews and event coverage.

FIT Show 2021 will be the third for Neil Evans, and a natural progression for the company he says: “We’ll continue to build on the experiences we’ve had in the past,” said Neil, who assumes the role of Managing Director at the turn of the year.

Speaking about this latest show of support from one of the industry’s leading brands, FIT Show event director Nickie West said: “We have been chomping at the bit to announce that VEKA will, not only be exhibiting at FIT Show 21, but will have a significant brand presence across the show, including their sponsorship of our revamped VIP lounge.

“We will exhibit product but more importantly it’s the social element. We saw that the last time at the FIT Show. The vast majority of our customers wanted to come and talk, to come and socialise, to continue to build relationships and that is what we plan to focus on,” asserted Neil.

“I cannot thank the industry enough for their unwavering support for its flagship event. To add VEKA to our ever expanding and exciting lineup for FIT Show 2021 is a further sign that the market is more ready than ever to reconnect with the industry face-to-face at FIT Show next May.”

In addition to its sponsorship of FIT Show’s VIP lounge, which is to receive a significant

Watch the exclusive FIT Show & VEKA interview here: https://bit.ly/35D4Egn

Dave Jones

Neil Evans

FIT Show is the UK’s number one, awardwinning showcase for the glass, glazing, window, door, hardware and components industry. FIT Show will return to the NEC 25 - 27 May 2021, Halls 2 and 3.

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MRG SERVICES LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE TITON TO EXHIBIT AT VIRTUAL SHOWS Leading Glass Industry training provider MRG Services has just launched its new website at www. mrgservices.org.uk.

Paul Gray, at MRG, said: “We are delighted to have launched our updated website. It brings the details of our comprehensive industry training programmes in one easy to navigate platform for improved user engagement. This allows companies of all sizes to find out more about the programmes available, which can be tailored to meet the needs of all businesses and help upskill new and existing staff at every level.”

MRG partners with a wide range of companies throughout the industry from multi-nationals, to large PLC’s, SME’s and even individual installers, delivering a broad range of qualifications including

Apprenticeship Standards and NVQs. Paul added: “There has never been a more critical time for companies of all sizes to look at developing their staff through high quality funded and commercial programmes. It has been proven time over those businesses that invest and upskill their staff continue to succeed. And as an experienced specialist national training provider, we offer flexible and responsive programmes that meet the needs of the learners, employers and the wider community.”

The new website provides detailed information on the many programmes which cover not only a suite of glass-related qualifications but also Management, Business, Competency Updates, Facilities Management, Sales and the exclusive award-winning Bullet Proof © Manager

Programme. These include live-facilitated skill sessions, supported e-learning platforms and one-to-one mentoring resulting in an ILM L5 Operations/ Departmental Manager Standard.

MRG’s management and delivery teams have over 20 years’ experience in training and development in the fenestration industry.

Furthermore, the business is on the government’s register of apprenticeship training providers which means they are able to access government funding for most learners.

Paul said: “If you are an SME that doesn’t pay into the Apprenticeship Levy system, then the government will fund 95% of the costs of training.

The difference that funding makes is remarkable. A Level 2 Apprenticeship for an existing or new member of staff, could cost you as little as £175.”

Titon will be exhibiting at Fenex, the UK fenestration sector’s first ever virtual exhibition aimed at the window, door, conservatory and glazing industry.

With routes to market challenged by the constantly changing pandemic, participating in virtual exhibitions is becoming the new normal and offers so many more opportunities in a safer environment.

Titon will be showcasing their range of Window and Door Hardware products during the first show in January, followed by the main event - Fenex 2021 - in April next year. Rounding up the digital shows will be the Aluminium Expo to be held in July.

Tyson Anderson, Sales & Marketing Director at Titon said, “We’re really excited at Titon to be taking part in the first digital exhibition in this sector, and are looking forward to seeing what this new show environment can bring us. The real benefit of virtual exhibitions is the flexibility it gives everyone in being able to attend whilst still remaining busy and at their place of work.

There’s nothing better than face to face meetings, and we’re looking forward to the time when we can all get back to that, but there’s no doubt whilst we are restricted and the future is uncertain, a digital show helps us all. Fenex gives us a glimpse in to what we can be doing more of in the future, not just in times of pandemic but also on an ongoing basis regardless of the current situation.

“We’ll be working hard between now and the show to tailor our marketing material to welcome and interest visitors to Fenex. We look forward to seeing you at our stand and talking to you whilst you are there, as we’ll have staff available on-line to chat to.”

Visitors to Fenex exhibitions and conferences will be able access the stands, resources, chat facilities and meeting rooms multiple times a day, allowing for much needed flexibility during the working day. Access will be via a simple registration process to be announced by the organisers shortly.

For more information about Fenex, please visit: www.fenex.co.uk.

For more information about Titon’s Window & Door Hardware range, visit www.titon.com.

Paul continued: “The internet is now the first place people go when researching for their business and it was vital to develop a website that clearly delivers the range and benefits of our comprehensive training platforms.”

Tel: 07710 665402 www.mrgservices.org.uk

RÄUM RAMPS UP WITH 25,000 SQUARE-FOOT ALI FACTORY Dekko, UK glazing’s premier high-end product supplier, has expanded its manufacturing capacity with a new aluminium factory.

The 25,000 square foot facility, located close by the fabricator’s main base in Greater Manchester, will allow Dekko to significantly ramp up production of its celebrated Räum range.

First launched five years ago, Räum bifolds, patio doors, windows and entrance doors offer sleek sightlines, smooth operation and first-class thermal performance.

The range has benefitted hugely from the soaring interest in premium aluminium

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2020

glass and glazing products that’s taken place in recent decades, and helped installers across the country break into lucrative new markets.

Consistent high demand has led Dekko to invest in the new factory, which is allowing it to scale up production, and hold more stock, cutting lead times, as Sales Director Kurt Greatrex explains.

“When we first launched Räum five years ago, we expected it to do well, but we had no idea just how popular it would go on to be.

“At the time, aluminium products were held in high-regard – bifolds especially. But there were some in the industry who were still understandably cautious. I think some people feared it was just a fad, and would quickly disappear.

“Five years on, that’s clearly not the case – aluminium windows, bifolds and patio doors have become a central part of twentyfirst century home improvement, and we’ve been delighted to see dozens of Räum installers reap the benefits.

“After five years of very strong demand for Räum, we decided the time was right to invest, and expand our ali fabrication capacity.

“With our new factory, we’re able to offer more products, more quickly – and the extra space allows us to hold more stock, which means shorter lead times.

“With demand for high-end glazing products soaring after lockdown, we’re confident that Räum will continue to go from strength to strength in the years ahead.”

For more information please visit www.dekkowindows.com/

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THERMOSEAL GROUP RAMPS UP ITS WARM EDGE PRODUCTION AND INCREASES ITS IG COMPONENT STOCKHOLDING Following the purchase of its new 2-acre warm edge production site in Wigan, Thermoseal Group has invested significant additional funds in the extensive reconstruction of the building to accommodate a raft of new equipment to further automate and increase its Thermobar and Thermoflex Warm Edge Spacer production capacity.

Production Manager Mauro Asciona to oversee Thermoflex Production, as well as additional warm edge production staff.

We have also invested in equipment which will considerably increase Thermoflex production capacity. In line with this, we have purchased additional technology to automate and streamline our processes and further improve quality.

The new site on Challenge Way, Martland Park in Wigan, which is a stones-throw from Thermoseal Group’s other main manufacturing and warehouse sites, will now be the Group’s ‘Centre for Innovation and Manufacturing’. With BREXIT imminent, it has also become a primary site to house increased stockholding of raw materials and finished goods. The Group now operates from over 400,000 sq. ft. across its 4 UK locations.

“Thermobar production equipment and processes have also seen significant investment to further increase capacity and automate the complete production process.

The first automatic line will be installed in January 2021.

Thermoseal Group’s Managing Director, Gwain Paterson, tells: “This Challenge Way site is an exciting development for us, not just in allowing for increased production and stockholding capacity, but also for expansion of our Technical Centre and EN1279 test facilities. The site also has room for further expansion and has been designed to provide the best environment for our staff.

“With two new laboratories and a variety of additional test rooms kitted out with the latest equipment for developing a wide range of IG products to EN1279 requirements, our Technical Team have everything they need to ensure we supply the best products at the highest quality standards every time.

“In addition, there are a number of meeting rooms and space and facilities for the comfort and convenience of our team, including larger canteens, locker rooms and showers.

“In conjunction with the purchase of this new building, we have also taken on a new

“It’s been a difficult year and with BREXIT rapidly approaching I’m sure there are some further challenges on the horizon for everyone, but please be assured that we are doing everything we can to maintain continuity of supply to the UK market, as well as to our growing list of export customers whilst increasing our capacity to meet future demand.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of those members of our team involved in the renovation of the new building and who are currently undertaking the mammoth task of setting up operations at the new site. I’d also like to thank the rest of the team for their hard work and commitment in continuing to strive to meet and exceed customer requirements throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, I would like to thank our valued customers for their help and understanding regarding delivery schedules as the increased demand has led to slightly longer delivery dates for some stock items.

“It’s good to see that there is a vaccine on the horizon bringing a light at the end of the tunnel where some element of normality can resume.”

Tel: 0121 331 3950 www.thermosealgroup.com

WORKPLACE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT HELPS BUSINESSES BECOME MORE PROFITABLE Paul Gray of specialist industry training provider MRG Services UK has a clear message for business owners looking to increase profitability. “If you want to strengthen your business and prepare it for the future, it’s vital to invest in your people.”

There are several reasons why this is so important not least the positive impact on business productivity and profitability. Paul said: “Research shows that organisations that lead, support and develop their workforce effectively are 17% more productive and 21% more profitable. A typical Apprentice delivers productivity gains of over £10,000 a year – and you can almost double that figure in the window industry.”

Training and development are crucial for tackling two of the biggest challenges facing the industry: the skills gap with existing staff and the struggle to attract younger workers. Nearly 70% of employers say that employing Apprentices has improved staff retention and 65% of Apprentices stay working for the company that trained them when they complete their Apprenticeship.

What’s more, 86% of employers said that

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Apprentices helped to develop relevant skills for their business and to fill their skills gap.

Paul commented: “There are two popular misconceptions when it comes to business owners investing in training and development: The first is that Apprentices need to be new members of staff and secondly that training can be too expensive for an average business. Both are not true as an Apprentice can be an existing employee as well as a new one and as we are on the government’s register of Apprenticeship training providers (RoATP), we are able to access government funding for most learners.”

MRG’s management team has over 20 years’ experience in training and development in the glass-related industries.

Businesses benefit from the most effective qualifications for their workforce and participants benefit from high quality, flexible, blended learning, comprehensive support resources, the exclusive MRG e-portfolio support resource and additional personal development. The result is a compelling proposition that delivers an impressive return on investment.

Paul concludes: “There has never been a better time to invest in the future of your business. And development in your people is the best investment you can make.”

Tel: 0800 085 3596 www.mrgservices.org.uk

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SKY HIGH IN ARCHITECTURAL GLAZING: LIVERPOOL’S LANDMARK HORIZON HEIGHTS This flagship new build student accommodation development, comprising over 1,000 bedrooms across two tower blocks of 21 and 19 storeys, is located on a cleared brownfield site opposite Liverpool’s Lime Street Station.

The development is a mixture of cluster and studio flats with communal areas and ground floor retail space. It is part of a detailed landscaping plan that will revitalise the retail area and enhance the pedestrian experience for both locals and visitors to the city.

For the client Unite Students, architects Falconer Chester Hall designed the two towers to respect the local context of both the train station and the nearby buildings in the aesthetics and materials used and specified Metal Technology for the façade.

It is the largest single building completed to date by this developer and architect with a material palette which includes aluminium cladding, a series of perforated panels and curtain walling with window inserts.

For this project with an installed value of £7m, Metal Technology also worked closely with fabricator Walsin for main contractor McAleer and Rushe and developed a bespoke chamfered 230mm curtain wall cap which was used to create a pod around the perimeter of the glazed curtain walling.

scheme won the Student Accommodation award at RICS Social Impact Awards 2020.

All Metal Technology’s systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards. Used individually or together,

they offer complete design flexibility for creative expression with the assurance of value engineered structural, weather and security performance. www.metaltechnology.com

Metal Technology MD Calvin Wilson said “working collaboratively with Walsin to bespoke this challenging technical solution for such a signature building is evidence of our capabilities to deliver a project to meet advanced design demands and we are delighted to have our systems showcased in such a landmark development”.

Products used were Metal Technology’s System 5-35 Thermal Tilt turn Window suite, System 17 Curtain Walling with bespoke cap, System 23 louvres (P33) and System 5-20D Thermal door. This significant BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rated

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2020

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BMBI

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

BUILDERS MERCHANT BUILDING INDEX

BUILDERS’ MERCHANTS’ SALES TO BUILDERS SURGE IN SEPTEMBER Emile van der Ryst, Senior Client Insight Manager at GfK comments: “There is an expectation that the remainder of the year will be more challenging due to the second lockdown, but the sector will benefit from being allowed to remain open for trading. Digital development will continue at a rapid pace, while Brexit will bring its own challenges. The recent performance does however underline some positivity after this turbulent and uncertain year.

“The merchant trade industry is already showing signs of returning to normal, with these Q3 results emphasizing its resilience. By the end of June, the year to date figures were down by -23.9% in value. However, these figures bounced back to -15.4% by September thanks to a 2020 Q3 performance that saw growth of 1.0% versus 2019 Q3. September especially stood out with growth of 8.3%, albeit with one extra trading day compared to 2019.

“The cornerstone of this Q3 growth has been the core categories again. Landscaping has been the big winner in 2020,

with its growth up by 24.2% in value from 2019 Q3. In addition, Timber & Joinery is up by 3.5% in value versus last year, while Heavy Building Materials only saw a decrease of -1.0%. “ John Newcomb, CEO of the Builders Merchant Federation says: “The results for Quarter 3 show construction making a V-shaped recovery from the initial shock of the first Covid-19 lockdown, but is this set to continue?

“After reporting a record fall in construction output in Q2, the latest report from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows record growth in Q3, with

construction output growing by 41.7%, with new work and RMI growing substantially.

Emile Van Der Ryst

“New work was up by 40.8%, with private new housing the largest contributor, growing by 84.4% in Q3 2020 compared with Q2.

Repair and maintenance grew by 43.4%, with private housing RMI the largest contributor, growing by 70.9% in Q3 2020 compared with Q2.

“However, although ONS found construction output grew for the fifth consecutive month in September, at 2.9% this was the lowest rise in that time. The level of construction output in September 2020 was 7.3% below

John-Newcomb

that in February, with only infrastructure and private new housing having returned to above their pre-pandemic levels of output.

“The Construction Products Association’s State of Trade Survey for 2020 Q3 found that one-third of heavyside manufacturers and almost a half (48%) of lightside firms reported a rise in sales compared to Q2 2020. That said, product sales remained lower compared to the same period last year.”

For the full report, including comments from the BMBI’s panel of leading industry Experts, please visit www.bmbi.co.uk.

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GfK’s Builders Merchant Panel GfK’s Merchant Panel includes national, multi-regional and regional merchants such as Buildbase, Jewson, Travis Perkins, EH Smith, Gibbs & Dandy, MKM and Bradfords.. GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data represents more than 80% of the value of the builders’ merchant market. GfK insights can trace product group performance and track relevant features. GfK can also produce robust like-for-like market comparability, tailored to the requirements of an individual business.

The Builders Merchant Building Index Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) appears every month, in print and online. A full quarterly report is published every three months. The BMBI is a brand of the Builders Merchant Federation. Launched and produced

by MRA Marketing, it uses sales-out data from GfK’s Builders Merchant Panel. BMBI includes a panel of leading industry Experts, who speak exclusively for their markets.

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ALUMINIUM

CAB LAUNCHES CURTAIN WALLING INSTALLERS CSCS CARD The Council for Aluminium in Building is delighted to announce that its one-day ‘Curtain Walling Essential Knowledge Course’ has gone live in November. The CAB course, which has been accredited by the GQA, is an introduction to curtain walling. It is intended as a revision for experienced curtain wall installers and for individuals who have little, or no knowledge of the fundamentals of this type of glazed construction.

The introductory course forms part of a mandatory module leading to the award of a newly created CAB Curtain Walling Installers CSCS Card but, it can also be used by CAB members as a valuable training tool to teach the fundamentals of curtain wall systems to staff and new employees. Since 2017, glass, glazing or fenestration CSCS cards are only available via GQA Qualifications. CAB has partnered with GQA and CSCS to develop a route to obtain the newly created CAB Curtain Walling Installers CSCS Card.

Applications to attend the Introductory Course for the CSCS qualification will be managed by CAB and candidates can apply by completing the enrolment form which can be found on the CAB website. CAB will then liaise with candidates to book a convenient course date and the training will be carried out by a GQA Approved Training Provider. The cost to attend the one-day course is £249 plus VAT but CAB members will qualify for a discounted rate of £199 plus VAT. Training Centres will offer guidance to delegates to apply for a trainee card, temporary card or renewal card.

Further information regarding the criteria and process for applying for a CAB Curtain

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2020

Walling Installers CSCS card can be found on the GQA Qualifications website.

The aim of the CAB one-day Introductory Course is to offer candidates an introduction to the extensive glazed walling seen on building structures known generally as ‘Curtain Walling’.

So, for the candidate new to the industry, what is a ‘Curtain Wall’? What is its function? What should it do? How it is constructed? These are all questions explained by the Course in general terms.

Common terminology used in describing the system and its functions are also introduced so that meaningful conversation and understanding can be conducted by candidates once the Course has been completed successfully. The Course has been designed to be a generic approach to curtain walling systems and covers the Principles of Construction that is common across all systems manufacturers.

For the more experienced curtain wall installer, the review of the fundamentals of the curtain wall terminology and construction are reintroduced. Along with the key issues of surveying, installation and fixing, interface details with other parts of the building structure are also covered to give the candidate a broad understanding of good practice. Expected levels of quality are introduced, as are potential areas of failure by way of example. The crucial implication of ‘getting it right first time’ is emphasised as remedial work required after completion can be both costly and difficult to achieve.

If you have would like any further information about CAB training or to obtain a copy of the CAB One-Day Course Manual for internal training purposes, please contact julie.harley@c-a-b.org.uk.

Despite the pandemic, it is business as usual at CAB and staff are on hand at the offices to answer any aluminium fenestration related questions. Information is regularly updated on the CAB website at www.c-a-b.org.uk. For Association Membership enquires please contact Jessica Dean at the CAB offices by email jessica.dean@c-a-b.org.uk or telephone 01453 828851.

Once the One-Day Introductory Course has been successfully completed, the candidate will take an approved system house Curtain Wall Product Training Course and successfully complete the end of course assessment. To be classed as fully trained and receive a ‘CSCS Skilled Workers Card’ candidates will need to have achieved the relevant NVQ or Competency Update Qualification. Full guidance on the CSCS card process will be offered during the initial CAB One-Day Training Course.

To ensure the whole process is kept up to date and continues to meet best practice, all Approved Training Providers will take part in regular formal review meetings with CAB, GQA and systems house experts.

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YOUR LETTERS

LETTERS

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? Feel free to get in touch with your views on the industry, legislation, government, or even the newspaper.

Contact Chris: chris@glassnews.co.uk

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Dear Father Christmas, Everyone at The Window Company (Contracts) has been very good this year. We’ve looked after each other and our neighbours, even in the toughest of times. We’ve paid all our bills on time, nurtured clients and been polite and understanding to our suppliers.

For Christmas, could we please have: • Stable supply so that we can plan our work schedules a bit more easily next year • A ready supply of skilled fitters to help us keep up with the demand • A hassle-free Brexit for us and our suppliers If it’s not too much to ask, could you also see your way to providing lots of resin so that the systems companies can get back to something like normal and a very big float tank so that there’s enough glass to go around to keep the prices stable.

Oh, and could you help the hardware companies to get hold of more stock?

We’re not just asking for us, but for all the hardworking installers across the UK. We’ve battled through 2020 together and we’re thrilled at the news about the vaccine, but a bit of your Christmas magic would definitely help!

Love from David Chair, The Window Company (Contracts) Ltd

Dear Chris,

Dear Chris,

Dear Chris,

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but what value does copycatting bring to the glazing market?

I ask because we’ve recently noticed an increase in the number of companies and products that are coming to market with dumbed down versions of RegaLead’s decorative glass designs.

Even without the Coronavirus pandemic, this is peak season when it comes to importing freight from Asia. Black Friday, Thanksgiving and Christmas combine to drive huge spikes in demand, and logistics businesses across the west also ramp up their orders to cover Chinese New Year shutdowns.

It is clearly not something any of us want but a second national lockdown for England wasn’t unexpected, to the point that it was perhaps, inevitable.

Whilst we have no objections to healthy competition, which drives innovation and delivers value, we fail to see how these tactics drive the market forward in any way. Isn’t this ‘flattery’, in fact, theft?

We certainly aren’t the first or last in the industry to have our work poorly imitated for someone else’s financial gain, and we aren’t the only company who has resorted to legal action in the past. Decorative glass design is an artistic work and a truly creative process, which is an area that is clearly protected under copyright laws.

For the last 35 years, we have built our business on the creativity and innovation of our people. In the ‘90s, we were the first company to bring glass bevels to the UK and transform the decorative glass market. We also developed the coloured films which are now treated as the industry standard. We have never been afraid to innovate and take risks with new ideas.

We create unique designs to give customers more choice and upselling opportunities, as we all know decorative glass is a major contributor to selling a door and making a good profit. We are firm believers that attention to detail is of utmost importance to the design process and that £1,000+ doors, and the customers who buy them, deserve welldesigned, quality glass products.

However, as with many things in life, there will always be someone who can ‘do it cheaper’, but at what cost? The dumbing down of a glass design not only reduces the aesthetic value, but its performance too. We have invested time, technical development and significant money into our decorative glass designs to make them look fantastic and perform well, so that the glass unit is not the weak link in the door. After all, a composite door warranty is only as valid as the weakest link.

This includes ensuring that our IGUs are Document Q and Document L compliant and tested to EN1279, so that customers can CE mark with confidence with access to complete documentary evidence. We also operate the ISO:9001 and deliver consistency in design for the whole door system, with suited sidelights and toplights.

When installers and fabricators are buying decorative glass, they shouldn’t assume that because the glass looks similar that it will perform the same. They aren’t just buying the aesthetics that help to sell doors. They are buying the performance, the testing, the compliance, the certainty, and the confidence that the glass being fitted isn’t the weak link in their composite door.

Best wishes, Guy Hubble, RegaLead Ltd

However, this year there’s something of a perfect storm brewing. I’ve started to see some coverage of this in the national press, but it hasn’t been covered in the trade yet, despite the fact that it has the potential to impact on every single business which relies on goods coming into the country – and not just fenestration hardware.

Essentially, we are now seeing massive cuts in air, rail and sea freight capacity with resulting delays and a surge in prices, just at the point when worldwide demand for many goods has reached record levels.

Our logistics partners and our sourcing office in China both tell us that market rates for sea freight have shot up in recent weeks as competition has increased for space on containers. At the same time, many carriers are avoiding the UK altogether or have introduced a UK Port Congestion Surcharge because of the operational difficulties and slow turn around at UK ports. And this is before we even start to factor in any impact that a no-deal Brexit might have.

At Mila we are obviously doing all we can to secure sufficient space for the huge orders we have on the way from our Chinese suppliers. But, along with every other major UK hardware supplier, we face having to pay double, treble or even quadruple the cost for that space if we want to bring those orders in on time.

One logistics company has described the situation in Asia as ‘Total Meltdown’ and it seems likely that we will see prices in the UK have to rise if we are to have any chance of restoring product availability to normal levels early in 2021.

I am not scaremongering, and I can assure Mila customers that we are very much ahead of the game when it comes to securing the freight capacity we need from what is available. However, I do think the hardware industry has a duty to warn fabricators and installers of what might lie ahead and sound a responsible note of caution so that they can start to factor in yet another consequence of the pandemic.

Richard Gyde, Managing Director, Mila

If you’re reading this in Manchester, Liverpool, large parts of the North East, the Central belts of Scotland, Northern Ireland (and at least for the next few days) Wales, very little has changed at all.

Large parts of the country have been working with strict controls in place for weeks and months.

In this respect for many of us things are the same as they were yesterday, while for a few, things in the last 72-hours have at worst ‘rewound’ to May. We put in strict controls and safeguards when we returned to work in April and they have remained in place. Hand sanitizers, visors, PPE, social distancing, regular disinfection of all surfaces, doors, new processes for deliveries – our safe return to work didn’t stop and COVID-19 won’t stop us or the many responsible and adaptable window and door businesses nationwide.

Our priority remains the well-being and safety of our colleagues, customers and supply partners. We are, however, confident that we can continue to work safely and within Government guidelines.

Should this change, we will review our position in line with whatever is required of us, however, we are committed to a ‘business as usual’ approach.

The Government has also made it clear in its latest guidance that while taking every precaution to prevent the transfer of COVID-19, tradespeople can continue to work in other people’s homes.

We will do everything we can to support our customers in continuing to do this. This includes Covid-19 retail sales support and guides.

Ryan Johnson, Emplas

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

FACE TO FACE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THIS MONTH: Louise Sanderson, Freefoam Marketing Manager Louise has worked at Freefoam for 10 years. With a passion for marketing and customer support, Louise has played a leading role in Freefoam’s successful marketing campaigns and Registered Installer scheme. Outside of work, Louise enjoys a mix of sports and culture and can often be found visiting art galleries or exploring Northamptonshire by bike.

The job you do I manage all aspects of Freefoam marketing, and support our existing customers with Point of Sale and literature to help them grow their businesses. I manage three websites, the Registered Installer programme and our Public Relations and social media activity – my days are very varied.

Your greatest achievement Playing my part in the growth at Freefoam. I’m particularly proud of our latest campaign, #Helping Customers Grow. The campaign is a mix of PR, social media posts, videos and customer testimonial adverts in print and online that gives our customers a platform to explain in their own words how Freefoam helps their business. It’s been really rewarding to be show what a tangible effect Freefoam has on all these other businesses around the UK.

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU...

Where were you born and where do you live currently I am Northampton born and bred.

I’ve lived in four different villages in and around Northampton and still live here!

Your education and the subject or activity in which you excelled I left school at 15 and did all my higher education studying parttime whilst working. I studied for my Chartered Institute of

Marketing Diploma part-time at the University of Northampton, and I enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside and meet other marketers.

Your favourite sports or interests I like a mix of sports and culture.

In lockdown I’m enjoying cycling as well as running. In normal times, watching Wimbledon for the two weeks in the summer is a yearly highlight. I also love visiting art galleries and exhibitions of contemporary and traditional work.

Your biggest regret in life Perhaps not a regret, but possibly a missed opportunity of not

going to university, if just for the experience. I would have studied History of Art – perhaps a goal to make for the future.

The temptation you can’t resist I’m tempted to say a glass of Prosecco, but I’ll go with a good book! I save all recommendations and books that look interesting in an Amazon wish list. Currently I have over 75 – still lots to get through.

Someone or something that inspires you My children. It’s been a joy watching them grow up and inspiring to see how they navigate the world. It’s so rewarding to be

with young people who see things differently and to learn new things from them.

We welcomed our first grandchild in the summer so I’m looking forward to the next chapter of family life.

YOUR CAREER...

When and how you joined the industry I joined Freefoam 10 years ago to implement marketing in the UK, and it’s grown from there.

I’m proud we’ve seen sustained, organic growth every year.

AND YOUR FUTURE...

What would you like to do if you weren’t in this industry Probably property development.

I’ve done up a few houses over the years and always enjoyed taking on these projects.

A particular ambition Just to be happy and healthy.

The way you want to be remembered As someone who worked hard and was respected. My mantra is “Never look back, keep moving forward”.

If you would like to appear in ‘Face to Face’, or would like to nominate someone else to be featured, simply email chris@glassnews.co.uk. www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2020

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CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SPONSORED BY GQA AND BUILDING OUR SKILLS GQA Qualifications is the only issuer of CSCS cards for the Glass and Fenestration industries.

Building Our Skills is a strategic campaign designed to help bridge the growing skills gap in the Fenestration Industry

NEW APPOINTMENTS

GLAZERITE WELCOMES NEW MEMBER OF THE BOARD The Glazerite UK Group Ltd has announced further changes to its senior management team, following the recent appointment of Group Managing Director, Robert Brearley. Mike Johnson, who has been with Glazerite since it was founded in 2000, is to move towards retirement during the course of 2021, with Mark Johnston taking on the role of Group Finance Director.

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Mark joins the trade fabricator from his role as Finance and Commercial Director at Sovereign Group Ltd, which produces windows and doors for social and affordable housing properties. Group Managing Director, Robert Brearley says of his appointment: “Mark has extensive commercial and financial experience across a range of sectors, and we’re delighted to welcome him to the business. He will

NEW APPOINTMENTS

NEW FACE AT THE CONSULTANCY work closely with Mike for a transitional period, so we have a seamless handover before Mike enjoys his wellearned retirement.”

Alongside founders John Hewitt and Jason Thompson, Mike has played an instrumental role in evolving Glazerite into a leading trade fabricator, with four manufacturing divisions and a £29 million turnover.

Mark, who joins Glazerite on 4th January 2021, says of his new role: “I’m delighted to be joining Glazerite.

It’s a forward-thinking organisation with exciting plans for growth, and I’m really looking forward to playing my part in further enhancing its position as a market leader.”

With demand booming across the industry for online sales and lead generation tools, The Consultancy is expanding its web development team so that it can keep on delivering outstanding service to clients.

Stephen Hamill has joined the Hartlepool based team to work on a range of exciting new projects for some of the biggest brands in fenestration.

A WordPress expert who estimates that he has worked on more than 1000 websites during his career, Stephen brings a vast amount of experience to the role. He will be helping to create brand new WordPress websites for clients, as well as focusing on developing new online tools which enhance the customer experience and engagement on existing sites.

Paul Callaghan, Managing Director of The Consultancy, said: “We’re growing fast, and not just because of the shift online triggered by the pandemic. Clients are increasingly

recognising that they get the best value from their online marketing spend if they choose the industry experts.

“We’ve created more than 40 new websites for clients already in 2020 and, just in the past six months, have seen a 25% increase in the number of companies using our Glazing Vault window and door designers.

“Stephen is the second new web developer to join us this year and gives us the additional capacity we need to keep pace with demand. Following our integration into the Business Micros Group at the start of the year, we’re in great shape as we prepare for our next exciting chapter.”

More details at: www.theconsultancy.co.uk.

December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

CHARITY NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

COMMUNITY SUPPORT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER, SAYS LINIAR Looking back at 2020, the year has been defined by one major event – the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone has been affected in one way or another, but some more than most.

Charities who rely on fundraising events and activities are struggling to provide the support they once provided and communities have lost the ability to gather for the benefit of their mental health.

Industry-leading systems company Liniar recognised this early in the year and has carried out a number of initiatives to support its local community through these difficult times. Group Marketing Director Sue Davenport reflects on the importance of staying true to the company’s values.

“For decades, community support has been one of the Liniar’s fundamental pillars.

We’re a large Derbyshire employer and our local community includes employees, suppliers and customers.

Community is also one of the four main stakeholder groups of our parent company Quanex Building Products – so we always have community projects on the go,” comments Sue.

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY “We know that businesses impact communities in more ways than simply providing residents with employment opportunities. From works traffic to factory noise and waste, companies need to be aware of the potential negative impact they can have on the neighbourhood around them.

LINIAR’S COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY “Liniar has long been a champion for apprenticeships, offering young people development and training opportunities since the company began,” explains Sue. “We’ve had three generations of families working here in different departments, and the culture is very much family and community oriented.

“For this reason, we’ve always tried to support as many local community projects as we can. Over the years, this has covered sponsoring youth sports teams and supporting local events, as well as collecting food and essentials for disadvantaged groups and helping heat the village church over the winter. It’s this involvement which helps to forge long-term relationships with the people around us.

MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER “In 2020, our support has been even more important, and we’ve seen increasing requests for help from those in need.

“We’re thankful that we’ve been in a position to provide that essential support, as many other businesses are simply unable to do so, thanks to the pandemic. Our well-documented PPE project to produce protective visors is still ongoing and has been well-received not only in our local community but throughout the country – but we’ve tackled many other projects alongside this.

“The lockdowns and restrictions imposed this year have meant that charities which usually rely on fundraising events for vital support have really suffered. This year we chose a ‘main’ charity to focus on – Age UK Derby & Derbyshire – and we’ve also helped raise money for other charities such as NHS Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity and Rainbows Children’s Hospice, through raffles and virtual events.

“In addition, we joined forces with a local public house in October to provide free meals during half-term week to children, and we’ve recently installed a new memorial stage at a local nursery school to remember a young pupil who sadly passed away. We’ve even made substantial donations to Age UK and Rainbows in lieu of Christmas gifts this year, which has been fully supported by our customers.

QUANEX SUPPORT FROM THE US “Our winter community activity usually focuses on collecting food for local food banks, amongst other projects – and this year Quanex is backing efforts Group-wide by matching all donations with a monetary one. This means we can not only collect vital food and supplies for local charity Selcare, we can give them a financial donation alongside it, making the initiative a true partnership between company and team.

“Our employees love being part of a Group that makes such a positive impact to its communities around the world!” declares Sue.

FUTURE COMMUNITY PROJECTS Going into 2021, Liniar is launching a platform to co-ordinate support for charitable initiatives across the whole business. Group Managing Director Martin Thurley explains: “The launch of the PPE programme and our call for volunteers during furlough made it clear that a large number of Liniar employees wanted to be a part of helping their community – and we want to give them more opportunities to do just that, with our support.”

“Giving back should be something we do naturally, and the platform will enable us to build this into our budget, nominate chosen charities, and encourage everyone to put projects forward for consideration, then get involved.

“Our community ties are strong and touch every person within our business. Long after 2020 is just a distant memory, Liniar will still be an active leader in ‘doing the right thing’ for the people around us.”

“Many companies choose to have a positive impact on their local community by engaging with residents, helping with local events and actively making a positive difference to those around them – and that’s what Liniar has always endeavoured to do.”

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2020

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TIME OUT!

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

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Fill in your answer and your contact details below and send your competition entry to: FAO: Miss Christina Shaw, Glass News Competitions, 19 Heather Close, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9UU or Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk.

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December 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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USEFUL NUMBERS

British Plastics Federation (BPF) Tel: 0207 457 5000

Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) Tel: 0207 939 9101

British Standards Institution (BSI) – Standards & Publications Tel: 0208 996 9001

GQA Qualifications (formerly Glass Qualifications Authority) Tel: 0114 2720033

BSI – Assessment & Certification Tel: 0845 080 9000

Health & Safety Executive (HSE) – Glass & Related Industries Phil Smith, HM Principal Inspector Tel: 01782 602300 David Appleton, HM Inspector Tel: 0115 9712800

BSI – Product Certification & Testing Tel: 08450 765600 BBSA (British Blind & Shutter Association) Tel: 01449 780444 Building Research Establishment (BRE) Tel: 01923 664000 Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) Tel: 01453 828851 Dekura Tel: 01952 201631 Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) Tel: 01827 52337 Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) Tel: 0845 053 8975

Proskills – Head Office Tel: 01235 833844 Proskills – Glass & Related Industries Neil Robinson Tel: 07917 015 322 Recovinyl (via Axion Consulting) Tel: 0161 355 7618 The Glazing Ombudsman (TGO) Tel: 020 7397 7200 UK Green Building Council Tel: 0207 580 0623 Veka Recycling Tel: 01322 38721

Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA) Tel: 0207 645 3700

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Wood Window Alliance (WWA) Tel: 0844 209 261

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www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2020

Roofline WP Oct.indd Untitled-1 1

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