Glass News August 2021 by Christina Shaw

GQA QUALIFICATIONS REACHES

20-YEAR MILESTONE!

Issue 125 | August 2021

SEE PAGE 12

ALUMINIUM & STEEL

IS !! TH NTH MO

FIT Show organisers have announced the further postponement of its September 2021 event until May 2022, in response to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding COVID-19.The fenestration industry’s flagship UK event will return to the NEC from Tuesday 10 - Thursday 12 May 2022. The announcement follows delays to the easing of COVID restrictions across the UK, a rise in UK cases, lack of clarity regarding restrictions for large-scale events and ongoing disruption to international travel.

THE RIGHT PEOPLE READ GLASS NEWS IS !! TH NTH MO

FIT SHOW 2021 MOVES TO MAY 2022

THE UK’S LEADING TRADE NEWSPAPER FOR WINDOWS, DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES

SEE PAGE 24

VERTICAL & HERITAGE SLIDERS

GQA QUALIFICATIONS REACHES Nickie West

FIT Show event director Nickie West comments: “We have been monitoring the ever changing situation in relation to COVID-19 and, after careful assessment, we believe that it is best for our exhibitors and visitors if we postpone FIT Show until May 2022.

20-YEAR

MILESTONE!

“It’s always our priority to run a safe and successful event for our audience. Continued on page 12...

GQA is a major advocate of vocational careers and qualifications for the industry, and in the 20 years since it began operating has grown a network of approved centres delivering its qualifications from an initial 15 to over 200. It is a sign of the progress made by the industry, that at its outset, GQA offered just 11 qualifications. Today it offers 238 and over the past 20 years, they have issued a staggering 142,000 qualification certificates.

Contact GQA today to find out how a qualified workforce can help your business.

www.gqaqualifications.com

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AUGUST 2021

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

NEW REGULATIONS TO CONSIDER AND INDUSTRY FUNCTIONS BECOME MORE LIKE MOVING TARGETS! It’s a strange feeling as we creep ever closer to post Covid freedom. It’s that same feeling as coming out of a long winter and spring is in the air – a feeling of hopefulness as we look forward to the rest of the year. Of course, that feeling is slightly out of kilter with the seasons but you get the general idea! Will it make much of a difference to us all? The industry is operating pretty well given the supply issues but the telling thing will be the buying public and how they react to an increase in prices. Inflation has risen again and at a time when governmental financial assistance is being phased out and as consideration is being given as to how the £billions spent over this pandemic will get repaid. Tax increases? Removal of the pensions triple lock? These things will have an effect on disposable income and whether anyone wants to dig into savings for home improvements. Yes, interest rates are still extremely low but the financial future is definitely uncertain for everyone and bear in mind that every other sector of the economy will now be competing for those hard earned £s. We’ve had it pretty good but now the leisure and holiday markets want the population’s cash and after such a long break it is pretty certain that holidays and getaways will be high on a lot of people’s wish list. Having started writing in this vein I have just received a release from Ryan Johnson at Emplas who voices the issues our industry faces, very eloquently. Far be it for me to repeat those things that he has written and I commend Ryan’s writings as a ‘must read’. One thing I shall liberate from his musings, and repeat for you, is the need to now re-engage with your marketing plans. It is time to stimulate the lead generation funnel because although business has just been walking in the door over the past year, we cannot expect that to continue as every sector opens for business. Just saying! Christina and Emma will be delighted to talk to you about your advertising plans. Although there are problems to be faced, we also have the prospect of actually seeing people again and renewing acquaintances. First out of the blocks is Deceuninck with

its Golf Day down near Calne in Wiltshire and I suspect other functions and open days will be fast on it heels. Of course, the FIT Show which should be when we all get a real opportunity to meet up has now been postponed until May 2022 so, although I, for one, am thoroughly looking forward to seeing everyone again, albeit with everyone looking around two to three years older than when we saw them last, it will be a little further in the future! The Glazing Summit may be another chance for the industry to meet and exchange views. And this year, that exchange of views will be very important. Will the discussions centre on supply, on finding competent staff, on training and apprenticeships or CE marking or UKCA marking? In truth it may include all those, and more, but the new marking protocols are important – indeed, essential. The article from the GGF highlights that after 31st December 2021, CE marked products will no longer be compliant in the GB market (England, Scotland and Wales) and products will require to be UKCA marked to be UK CPR compliant. Simultaneously, products exported from the UK and placed into the European Union market will have to be CE marked for EU CPR compliance. There are exemptions and, surprise, surprise, costs involved. Nothing new there! It’s definitely worth reading, learning and inwardly digesting this piece from the Glass and Glazing Federation. Time is short and should you require testing, this can take three months or longer and there is also a distinct lack of testing facilities available. Just a day goes by and what seems to be clear is that nothing is clear at all! One minute it’s Freedom Day and the next we’re warned of yet another surge in infections: uncertainty is rife. Planning ahead is fraught with problems and between starting to write this Page 3 contribution and continuing with it a couple of days later, functions that seemed like a racing certainty to be happening as scheduled could now be struggling to get out of the starting gate. The Olympics being just one example with competitors but few spectators and, at only a slightly lower level, PIGS in Manchester has just been announced. Being nimble and adaptable seems to be the name of the game but planning industry functions of every kind take time and money to achieve and we can only hope that those investments are worthwhile. I have a feeling that we have a way to go before we can truly say that Freedom Day is here.

CONTENTS

July 2021 crossword solution:

Glass News Interview: Smart Ready® & Brisant Secure

Glass News Interview: AdminBase

CONTACT DETAILS

8 BMBI 10 Product Search 12 Front Page Story

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

12 Aluminium & Steel 18 Doors 22 Installer Focus 22 Orangeries & Conservatories

‘TIME OUT’WINNERS – JULY!

24 Vertical & Heritage Sliders

Sudoku: Sharon Cottingham, Crowborough, East Sussex

43 Windows

34 Trade News

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

46 Face To Face 48 Marketing 52 Hardware

Eye Spy: Mr L Stones, Redcar, North Yorkshire

54 Installer Network 56 Heritage Property 58 Machinery

Spot the Difference: Kate Hartdegen, Kingston-Upon-Thames

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

62 Colour 62 Software & IT 64 Industry Awards

Crossword: Cynthia Webster, Bradford, West Yorkshire

66 Glass 66 Energy Efficiency 67 Letters

Congratulations to all our winners! Good luck in this months Time Out pages!

68 Partictions & Screens

Chris Champion Editor / Editorial Enquiries M: 07850 267223 E: chris@glassnews.co.uk

69 Cold Calling 69 Trade News 78 Careers & Qualifications in Fenestration 80 Time Out!

Kate Carnall Graphic Design E: kate@glassnews.co.uk

81 Find A Supplier

@GlassnewsMag

Christina Shaw

/GlassNews

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.

Deadline for copy: 16th of each month Please recycle this newspaper so we can continue to use recycling in our effort to help the environment.

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GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: SMART READY® & BRISANT SECURE

BIG V SMALL? THE PROS AND CONS OF DIFFERENT SIZED COMPANIES An interview with Smart Ready®’s Giovanni Laporta and Brisant Secure’s Nick Dutton was always going to be wide ranging and thoughtprovoking as they are two of our industry’s best known and often controversial figures. Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, talks to them about the pros and cons of big companies versus smaller companies within the context of innovation, COVID reaction and fallout, and the current huge supply chain issues. Along the way, some big FIT news is released and spoiler alert: Apple gets a lot of airtime! Before we get into it the interview proper, the elephant in the room is the FIT Show. With Gio’s announcement that Smart Ready® was withdrawing from the show Nick Dutton also confirmed that Brisant Secure would not be exhibiting. Gio’s reasoning was about making a tough decision and being responsible given the circumstances and the timing for September just wasn’t right. Nick’s take on it was about supply issues and the need to be discussing raw material cost increases and having to pass these on to customers did not sit comfortably with spending a fortune on marketing and being on a soapbox in Birmingham. Nick felt that would be disrespectful to his customers. All valid points and, of course, reflected in the thoughts of many including the FIT Show organisers who have now announced postponing the show until the Spring of 2022. We’re looking at the differences between small businesses and larger ones. How maybe smaller businesses have the flexibility and nimbleness to pivot based on

market demand and trends and innovations they’re able to create, and push through faster. R & D is at the heart of the brand, not just ‘another department’. In talking to both Gio and Nick it is clear that both of them feel that the big companies have, largely, ‘knackered’ the market particularly in the realms of smart products and this, maybe, is the difference between small and large companies with large companies sometimes taking so long to develop products that never get launched, or perhaps products that simply don’t work as they should. Does this scar the public and particularly when it comes to smart products? Both Gio and Nick are quick to say that this isn’t a witch hunt against large companies but they do point out that if large brands get something wrong then it makes it harder for the smaller and perhaps more nimble companies – the entrepreneurs – who are trying to do things correctly. They both agree that it shouldn’t be a battle between large and small and they shouldn’t be enemies: they should be allies in bringing new technologies and products to the public. Nick cites a case of a householder who has become sceptical about anything ‘smart’. The small company tells the householder that if they can set it up, fit it and have it working with their ‘phone in 5 minutes, then they pay for it. If it takes more than 5 minutes they get it for free. The owner/managed can do that but the larger organisation would probably issue a written warning to the rep! So, is bigger better when it comes to innovation? Listening to Gio and Nick’s reasoning as to why the smaller and more nimble companies are better is compelling. But surely the large companies have the resources, the money and the people to enable development and get products to market? Again, I would urge you to listen to the interview as it is explained how bureaucracy can hamper research and development.

What about talking to the market and getting feedback? Surely that’s essential and much easier for the large company to achieve? Again, there are good answers to that and Gio points out that when you are innovating you are ahead of the market and the thoughts and expectations of the trade and the buying public. Of course, feedback is important but the product needs to be launched to get that feedback. Nick stresses that a small company like Brisant can have an idea, see something, develop it, speak to customers and start working on it next week. Agility with scale – so important with tech. He says that obviously global firms have mastered that, but within our sector he doesn’t believe the big boys have grasped it. Has the pandemic given companies the time to think about and develop new products? Nick quickly points out that you could never suggest that a pandemic was a good thing! What it has done is ensure small companies work much closer with their customers and it has become more important to support the customer base than develop new product. Asking Gio whether a small company is in a better position to provide business opportunities to its customer base, he replies that that is 100% correct. He emphasises that the messaging between brand and customer doesn’t get lost in translation. Citing Apple, Gio describes how Steve Jobs got the whole model right – a global brand that seemed to talk to everyone individually but is that continuing with someone different at the helm? Are large more companies more interested in big fat pay checks and the P&L than innovating? As you would expect, Gio and Nick have strong views on that one! Nick points out that large companies can copy and

Nick Dutton

Giovanni Laporta

imitate or simply acquire smaller innovative companies. Everyone has improved their communication systems during Covid and here we are Zooming instead of burning both fuel and time meeting up together. Will these new systems remain? Both Nick and Gio strongly believe that we have changed the way of working and, largely, for the better – certainly better for the environment. We touch again on the FIT Show and I would suggest that listening to both Nick and Gio on the subject is worthwhile and probably mirrors many peoples’ thoughts. It’s clear that everyone wants and values the FIT Show but sometimes hard decisions need to be made and Covid and its resulting aftermath has made postponement the right thing to do. Supply chain issues are one of the results of the pandemic and as Nick points out, he still has a month’s worth of stock on that ship that tried doing a three point turn in the Suez Canal! It really has been a perfect storm and when it comes to smart products the semi-conductor shortage is key and that also affects the motor industry among others. Going full circle, we talked at the start about small companies being more nimble, but small companies rely on large companies for supply of raw materials and components. Basically, both large and small companies are reliant on each other in many ways. Listening to both Nick Dutton and Gio Laporta has been fascinating. These are two larger than life characters who are well known in our industry and who are not afraid to tell it as it is. I recommend watching the full interview Gio and Nick!

Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/tZaPUssQzzc

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: ADMINBASE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ADMINBASE. A CRM SYSTEM FOR TODAY’S INSTALLER, HOWEVER LARGE OR SMALL The AdminBase installer management system is widely used in the fenestration industry and Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, talks to Rhonda Ridge, the Managing Director of Ab Initio Systems about AdminBase and how it was developed and came to the market. While being a modern Customer Relationship Management system, AdminBase has its roots going back over 20 years, so it’s tried and tested and constantly being updated to match the needs of the current market. But how did it come about? Rhonda explains that it wasn’t so much a ‘lightbulb’ moment but about devising a system to help her manage a company’s administration. She was a financial controller in a company that had little in the way of systems and, from a spreadsheet that did the job, Rhonda progressed to devising a DOS based system at a time when Windows had yet to exist! It’s worth listening to how Rhonda developed AdminBase and how she developed it to be the cutting edge CRM system it is today. But what is AdminBase?

Rhonda describes its functions and how it manages every aspect of an installation business from the original enquiry right the way through to the service guarantee and beyond. In between there are many processes unique to an installation business and AdminBase gives the company owner a one stop solution to manage and control all of those steps. Having developed AdminBase, what was take up like initially? Certainly slower than today but the sale to each customer produced reams of paper covering the additional features a customer required! As those features were added, then so the customer base grew. And is it very different today from that original piece of software written some 20 years ago? Rhonda realised early on how installer companies required different things so she decided to try to produce a system that incorporated all those needs. That meant that all new features went into the latest version so it was compatible with a previous version but also flexible enough to be customised to be used in different ways. Changes to the software are driven mainly by customer requirements but also by keeping abreast of new technology and then integrating that into AdminBase. For instance emailing, SMS and so on. It may be thought that software such as this would be for large companies only but,

in fact, companies may have as many as 150 users or right down to single use. It’s software for all and that’s one of its main benefits. Has the advent of smart phones and other technology influenced the take up of AdminBase? Originally many small companies felt they had to grow before taking on a CRM system but the demise of Filofaxes and written notes has persuaded even very small companies to adopt a system early on to ensure that they are starting in the right way before things become unmanageable. Ab Initio has experienced a surge in demand for AdminBase over the past two years: has that been driven by the pandemic? Although remote access of AdminBase has been available for around ten years, Covid has promoted working from home and the need for easily accessible systems. Paper is the killer for working from home so web based systems are king and the ability to upload documents, email customers, provide order acknowledgements and be in constant contact with the customer, is where AdminBase wins. Adding in the Google maps feature so a company can see where their staff and customers are at any time has proved invaluable and speeded up service dramatically. So too has the Amazon type ability to track orders and for the customer to be kept informed every step of the way.

Ab Initio Managing Director, Rhonda Ridge

AND HOW WILL ADMINBASE DEVELOP IN THE FUTURE? WHAT ARE RHONDA’S PREDICTIONS? Rhonda replies: “Measuring a window just by looking at it might be a way off but what I think the industry is crying out for is a fully integrated system which automates the ordering of products from the survey so that there is a seamless flow from quoting to surveying, to ordering, and to installation. This is our focus for AdminBase – and we are very close to achieving that with our mobile apps. Whatever the future brings AdminBase will be right there to incorporate it and lighten the administrative burden of the installation company.” With over 20 years experience in developing a CRM system for the fenestration industry it is well worth watching Rhonda Ridge’s interview as her knowledge and foresight escalates her position of MD of Ab Initio to one of CRM guru for our industry!

Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/O_AJ8IE856k

AdminBase Apps brought the system to the front line

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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BUILDERS MERCHANT BUILDING INDEX

BUILDERS’ MERCHANTS’ SALES UP YEAR-ON-YEAR AS INDUSTRY CONTINUES GROWTH TRAJECTORY The latest figures from the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) published in July reveal that year-on-year sales through UK builders’ merchants are on an upward trajectory, as the industry continues to meet sustained high demand for building products, with Timber & Joinery Products and Landscaping continuing to lead the field. YEAR-ON-YEAR Total Merchants value sales were up 79.6% in May 2021 compared to May 2020 with no difference in trading days. Comparisons with May 2020 show a turnaround in fortunes for many categories. Tools performed the best (+180%) after being the weakest category

in May last year, and six other categories more than doubled year-on-year sales, including Kitchens & Bathrooms (+154.9%), Plumbing Heating & Electrical (+118.1%) and Timber & Joinery Products (+115.1%). The country was still in full lockdown in May last year, so significant increases are expected. However, total sales were also up compared to May 2019 (+7.9%), with two less trading days. Average sales a day were 19.3% higher over the same period.

LAST THREE MONTHS

MONTH-ON-MONTH

Total value sales in March to May 2021 were 110.6% higher than the same three months in 2020, helped by one more trading day this year. Again, Tools (+179.7%) performed strongly, followed by Timber & Joinery Products (+147.3%) and Landscaping (+130.8%). Only four categories failed to at least double their sales this year. Total sales were up 17.5% on the same three months in 2019, with no difference in trading days.

Month-on-month figures indicate that May sales failed to reach the record-breaking heights seen in March and April (-6.1% on April, with one less trading day). All categories sold less, but some did better than merchants generally including Kitchens & Bathrooms (-1.8%), a positive sign that inside trades are getting back on their feet after being hampered by the winter lockdown.

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.

ROLLING 12 MONTHS Merchants’ value sales in the 12 months June 2020 to May 2021 were 20.8% higher than in the same 12 months a year earlier, with two more trading days in the most recent period.

INDEX May’s BMBI index was 141.4, with two less trading days. Nine of the 12 categories exceeded 100, with Landscaping (220.5) and Timber & Joinery Products (173.2) both out-performing merchants overall.

The Builders Merchant Building Index MRA 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 Research, 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.

For the full report, including comments from the BMBI’s panel of leading industry Experts, please visit www.bmbi.co.uk.

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2021

FRONT PAGE STORY

ALUMINIUM & STEEL NEW!

Continued from page 1... The sharp rise in positive cases, coupled with the ongoing ambiguity surrounding what restrictions would need to be in place by September, created too much uncertainty. “We have worked closely with our stakeholders and the NEC to create a new timeline that we believe is both safer, and provides greater certainty for the market. “By postponing until the Spring of 2022 we believe that the majority of the UK will have been vaccinated, supply chain issues will have started to ease and we will be able to return to large scale events. “I remain steadfast in my belief that no other platform can compete with the power of live events when it comes to connecting brands with the market. It has never been an option to flip FIT Show to virtual, it just would not deliver what our market wants and needs - face-to-face interaction, and to see, touch and compare all of the latest products side-by-side.” “We will, however, be delivering our CPD approved learning programme virtually

in September as a key touchpoint in our campaign, to engage with our FIT Show community between now and May.” The majority of the brands who signed up to exhibit at FIT Show 2021 will move over to the postponed May 2022 timeline. The new dateline will also present a more secure proposition for brands who may have been hesitant to exhibit in September. Following the postponement, FIT Show will maintain its biennial frequency, returning for its scheduled dates in May 2023 onwards. Nickie added: “As always, we are committed to running a safe and successful event for the industry when we return in May 2022. FIT Show will follow Fensterbau, making it the first UK flagship event to reconnect the market. “I’d like to sincerely thank everyone who has demonstrated such resilience, determination and loyalty during these most challenging times. Your support is what FIT Show is built on. As a team, and a business, we are extremely grateful. We look forward to seeing you all, face-to-face, next May.”

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CONTACT Christina Shaw M: 07805 051322 | E: christina@glassnews.co.uk Emma Champion M: 07508 263262 | E: emma@glassnews.co.uk 12

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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ALUMINIUM & STEEL

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

A KEY ELEMENT IN BUSINESS SUCCESS When Mark Creaby started a high-end glazing business in the Home Counties at the start of the first lockdown in 2020, his priority was to find a supplier that could match the ambition and the exceptionally demanding standards of him and his team. He found that in Blackburn-based AluFold Direct, which has been supplying Mark’s fast growing Open Square Glazing business with aluminium windows and doors for more than a year and been a key element in its early success. Open Square Glazing has been buying AluFold slimline casement windows, bi-fold doors and sliding doors all on guaranteed short lead times and all delivered direct to sites in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and now London. During that time, Open Square has added two full time fitting teams, expanded to cover north London as well as the Home Counties and opened a dedicated showroom in Eastcote. For Mark Creaby, the big benefit of buying from AluFold Direct is the consistent reliability in product quality, service and value. He says: “We’re very much targeting the high-end domestic refurbishment market and small-scale premium developers. We provide design advice and full project management, as well as bespoke

“We’re very much targeting the high-end domestic refurbishment market and small-scale premium developers.”

structural glazing works and supply and installation services and we’re concentrating on building a reputation which will win us recommendations and repeat business. “We have to know therefore that our fabricator won’t let us down on product quality or on delivery. Even in the hectic market over the last year, AluFold Direct has always been there to rely on and we’ve been able to concentrate on growing the business without worrying about our supply chain.”

PANIC BAR FROM CARL F GROUPCO SUITS SCOTTISH REGULATIONS

Mark likes the fact that AluFold Direct is on an upward trajectory and feels like an exciting business to partner with right now. He adds: “Russell Yates and the team at AluFold Direct have left us in no doubt that they will work hand in hand with us to help Open Square Glazing to grow even more over the next few years. There are all sorts of initiatives planned right across their product and service offering and I feel confident that these will give our business a really valuable boost.” The first of these initiatives is AluFold Direct’s recently launched online quoting tool, which enables trade customers to get an instant price for nearly every product in the range via the new website https://alufolddirect.co.uk/. All they need to do is enter in their sizes, select glazed or unglazed and standard or nonstandard colours, and the tool will calculate the price and send it instantly by email. For users like Mark Creaby, it means they can be generating quotes for customers at any time that’s convenient to them and update and requote as many times as they like before placing their order. Mark says: “We’re already buying windows and doors and, thanks to the new quoting tool, we’re also pricing up projects with aluminium roof lights and sky lanterns as well, which will bring another new dimension to our business. As the lockdown restrictions finally start to ease, it feels like the sky is the limit for us.” More details at: www.alufolddirect.co.uk and www.opensquareglazing.com.

Carl F Groupco, leading manufacturer of door and window hardware, including panic and emergency exit components, expands their range to include the CISA FAST Touch Panic Exit Push Bar.

on panic exit doors should protrude no further than 150mm for Category 1 doors and 100mm for Category 2 doors: the CISA Fast Touch Panic Bar is well under this regulation, protruding only 75mm from the door.

Compatible with FUHR panic exit door locks, the panic bar features fast touch operation and a special mortice panic function that works alongside the eurogroove fit FUHR multipoint panic lock range. The stainless-steel satin PVD finish provides a clean and crisp appearance.

Certified in accordance with EN 1125 and CE marked the CISA panic bar has been tested beyond the expected parameters requested by regulators. Combined with approved hardware, including the CES free movement cylinder, the set complies with BS EN 1125 for panic exit hardware, and is approved for use in public buildings and premises where individuals may not be trained in escape hardware including schools, flats, and office blocks.

Technical Manager John Mitchell comments on the addition to the range: “We are always looking to source hardware components which can offer our fabricator partners enhanced functionality and the ability to comply with the latest standards and regulations. “The CISA solution will be of particular interest to our Scottish fabricator partners. Scottish regulations stipulate that hardware

“The regulation in Scotland is in place to ensure safe exit in a panic situation… the less the hardware protrudes from the door, the less likely that clothing will get caught on the door when using the exit.”

Carl F Groupco’s experienced and qualified support team are available to advise customers of the most suitable hardware solution for any application, including compliance with emergency and panic exit requirements. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

Product Link: https://www.carlfgroupco.co.uk/products/cisa_fast_touch_panic_Push_Bar

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Right now the demand in home building and improvement has never been higher. Which although great for business, doesn’t come without its supply chain headaches. However, this isn’t the case at AluFold Direct. Pre-empting this scenario we’ve worked hard with all of our trusted partners to make sure that we have the supplies of what you need, when you need it. So if you’ve got the demand, we’ve got the supply.

ALUFOLDDIRECT.CO.UK

ALUMINIUM & STEEL

PERLA WINDOWS JOINS STEEL WINDOW ASSOCIATION London-based Perla Windows has joined the Steel Window Association (SWA). Perla Windows is one of the UK's most prestigious suppliers and installers of steel and aluminium fenestration systems for interior and exterior windows, doors and façades. The company operates in the UK and Europe and deals directly with architects and developers. The team prides itself on innovation, design and meticulous planning within pre-defined budgets. Director, Nick Vassilopoulos, comments, "Having worked in the high-end residential construction industry for nearly 20 years, we noticed a gap in the market and started Perla Windows in 2015. We pride ourselves on being a small, well-run and responsive business offering excellent service, quick lead times, competitive pricing and fantastic aftercare. Considering the constantly changing nature of the construction industry, we felt it essential to join the SWA as, by working with them, we can always be a step ahead of the game regarding changing legislation and construction standards." For further information on the Steel Window Association, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk or call 020 3475 8049.

“ We pride ourselves on being a small, well-run and responsive business offering excellent service, quick lead times, competitive pricing and fantastic aftercare.”

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

FENTRADE ALUMINIUM DOUBLES ITS MANUFACTURING CAPACITY Aluminium trade fabricator Fentrade has just doubled its manufacturing capacity to keep pace with growing demand. Chris Reeks, Director of Fentrade, said: “We’re a young business that’s growing fast, so when the lease for the unit next door to ours came up, the opportunity was too good to miss. The expansion will help us continue to deliver exceptional service to our growing customer base.” The expansion is not the only investment Fentrade is making to support its growth. The company has invested in Window Designer Cloud Pro from First Degree Systems to improve its administrative procedures for its production as well as its customer base. There is also a significant machinery investment which is planned to facilitate the expansion which will continue to improve the efficiency in the factory as well as further enhance the overall quality of the finished products. Investment in jobs will also feature with more roles being created for the factory and offices alike.

Award-winning Fentrade is based in Newport, South Wales, and works with trade and retail customers throughout Wales and the West and along the M4, M5 and M6 corridors. It partners with renowned industry brands such as AluK and VBH Greenteq and manufactures a full range of aluminium windows, doors, bifolds, inline sliders, GFT commercial screens, shopfronts and curtain walling products. The company is a member of the Council for Aluminium in Building. Tel: 01633 547787 – www.fentradealuminium.co.uk

Chris attributes his company’s rapid growth to its commitment to the highest standards in every area. He comments: “We might be a young company but each member of the team has many years’ fenestration experience. It means we know what works. We communicate with our customers at every stage, offer superb attention to detail and ensure reliable on time, in full deliveries direct to our customers.”

WILL THE INDUSTRY FIND A WAY?

RESPONDING TO THE FUTURE HOMES STANDARD Within a year, we’ll see the first changes to Part L of the Building Regs, in line with the requirements of the Future Homes Standard. In June 2022, U-Values for windows and glazed doors in new build will reduce from 1.4 to 1.2 and for opaque and semi glazed doors they will standardise to 1.0. The expectation is that, by 2025, there will be a further reduction for windows to 0.8. That stand-out 0.8 figure will obviously challenge the whole market – not just in system development, but in glass and hardware as well if triple glazing is more widely adopted in response. If you accept though that the main driver behind the Future Homes Standard is to decarbonise first new build homes and then existing housing stock in the UK, then the inherent sustainability of aluminium and the fact that it fits perfectly with the green agenda, means it is likely to be more in demand than ever. As AluK pointed out in the press back in February, the industry arguably didn’t engage adequately with last year’s consultations on the Future Homes Standard and, as a result, many sectors now find themselves playing catch-up. Certainly, there seems to be only limited awareness of the potential impact of the changes, even though they are set to be published this December. For me, it’s either a question of the bulk of the industry being too busy coping with increased volumes and supply issues to look that far ahead, or a degree of complacency around the Future Homes Standard because somehow this industry ‘always finds a way’.

It’s an approach that’s clearly working. Chris concludes: “This is the start of an exciting period of expansion for us. Watch this space for further details.”

Of course, previous experience does suggest that legislation can drive improvements in thermal performance, security and recyclability which were previously considered impossible. However, the scale of the drop from the current 1.4 U-Value for windows to 0.8 in less than four years will require an industrywide effort and not just a reliance on the ingenuity of engineers and big investments in R&D by systems houses such as AluK. At AluK, we certainly feel at this point that we have a responsibility to increase awareness of what the next four years are likely to look like in the aluminium sector and beyond. I can start by reassuring our customers and the wider market that AluK has the commitment and the budgets to deliver fully Future Homes compliant products in time for the deadlines – both by enhancing our existing ranges and developing new. We are already looking at new materials and new processes and considering the implications for fabrication and installation. We will also be engaging with specifiers, other building fabric suppliers and customers on product development and market changes during the course of 2021.

However, I think it’s very likely that Future Homes compliant products will look a bit different to what we have now and potentially take longer to fabricate and install as well as being more expensive – at least in the short term because of the probable need for bigger frames, triple glazing and higher performance hardware. Development work might be well underway at AluK, but we’re pushing hard to increase awareness of the urgency behind the changes taking place and to communicate the implications they might have on developers starting projects now and future home buyers. The Future Homes Standard obviously only applies to new build properties at the moment and, if you’re not involved in that market, it might be tempting to think that it doesn’t affect you. However, the Future Buildings Standard which will apply to existing buildings and housing stock is already being consulted on, and experience should surely tell us that changes in the new build part of the market generally make their way into the replacement market pretty quickly. There’s definitely no room for any complacency on this issue. More info at: www.aluk.co.uk. By Sioned Roberts, Marketing Director, AluK

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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CONTACT Christina Shaw M: 07805 051322 E: christina@glassnews.co.uk Emma Champion M: 07508 263262 E: emma@glassnews.co.uk

DOORS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

NEW DESIGN OPTIONS

FOR GRIPCORE

SALES GROWTH FOR THE TRIED AND TRUSTED TRISYS™ GLAZING CASSETTE FROM ODL EUROPE ODL Europe has reported continued sales growth for its tried and trusted TriSYS™ glazing cassette. Nathan Barr, Managing Director of ODL Europe, explains: “TriSYS™ is the market-leading composite door glazing system for a reason. It’s packed with innovative features that make assembly quick and easy while still delivering outstanding quality to our customers. We’ve seen unprecedented demand in recent months and continue to build up healthy stock levels using our in-house injection moulding capabilities as we continue to supply our growing customer base.”

GRiPCORE, the new solid core composite door from DOORCO, is now available with an exclusive design portfolio which includes new and updated door styles, 25 new colours and 7 exclusive glass choices. The collection is available to view in a dedicated brochure, which also showcases FLiP, DOORCO’s own door glazing cassette system. Ben Aspinall, Marketing & IT Manager explains more about the new GRiPCORE collection and brochure: “GRiPCORE is an important addition to the DOORCO product portfolio. The new technology is a hybrid of modern and traditional materials that has been engineered to deliver a stronger, heavier and more robust door that will not move/bow/twist more than 3mm, crack or delaminate. It is truly the most engineered door we’ve ever produced and therefore deserves a fresh set of design options too. “GRiPCORE was launched earlier this year around the same time as FLiP, our exclusive new door glazing cassette system. With FLiP, the possibilities are endless, and we’ve made the most of the new options on GRiPCORE. We’ve given some of our

best-selling styles a facelift. For example, contemporary styles like Links Oakmont, Square, and the Augusta range have been transformed with the use of FLiP Flat Stipple. We’ve also introduced some new designs, like Pinehurst. Rather than traditional twin tops, has square glazing cassettes on a 6/4 Combi door blank. “To complement these new styles, we’ve added some exclusive new glass designs to the GRiPCORE portfolio. These include two designs by Jeyda, our Creative Consultant, which were commissioned during the first lockdown, as well as five exclusive designs from RegaLead. “No new collection is complete without a new colour range. For GRiPCORE, we’ve introduced a mix of heritage shades in a semi-matt finish, and some fresh new semigloss colours, like Bright Magenta, and of course, GRiPCORE Yellow. “All the chosen glass designs and colours have been hand-picked to suit the GRiPCORE brand and allow customers to take the design of this new product to the next level.”

The speed and ease of fitting are down to TriSYS™ intelligent design which

consists of just three parts. The outer frame and inner cassette screw together to hold the door glass into place and the inner frame then simply snaps on. An innovative clip system eliminates screw hole covers, giving a more attractive finish. It also means no preparation, no adhesion promotor and no special primers are needed. Nathan said: “Our TriSYS™ three-part glazing system is an intelligent and uncomplicated cassette system, and having been fitted in millions of doors worldwide, it comes with a tried and trusted pedigree.” TriSYS™ is available in a full range of sizes and a choice of colour options including white, red, green, blue,

black, grey, chartwell green, oak and rosewood. It is the tried and tested glazing cassette solution and meets PAS24:2016 and Secure by Design requirements. It is manufactured with high-performance resin, so it needs less long-term maintenance. As well as being the market leader, TriSYS™ is part of a value-added suite of glazing cassette systems from ODL Europe. The Craftsman Framing System is designed with architectural style in mind. The broad flat-profile frame is designed to blend perfectly with the finishing details on the door. And for true craftsmen door aesthetics a dentil shelf is also available. ZEEL™ is the next generation of glazing cassettes. It’s a sleek, versatile contemporary glazing cassette that blends seamlessly into the door, allowing the door glass to take centre stage. And the Spotlights® frame and glass system has been designed to provide the ultimate in design flexibility. TriSYS™ cassettes are manufactured in-house at ODL Europe’s Bootle headquarters, which gives the company complete control over its cassette production and eliminates the reliance on third parties.

Want to see GRiPCORE for yourself? Visit DOORCO on stand F5 at FIT Show.

As this range of glazing cassettes shows, ODL Europe is the company that builds value into building products which has resulted in its continued sales growth. Nathan concludes: “Our growing customer base appreciate the ease of fitting our products and strong design aesthetics, which is why demand for our TriSYS™ glazing cassette has never been stronger.”

For more information call: 01625 428955 or visit: www.gripcore.com.

Tel: 0151 933 0299 www.odleurope.com

The new brochure is available online via https://bit.ly/2Ur8S7J. We also have a new dedicated brochure explaining more about FLiP and the options available, which is available online via https://bit.ly/2VfbndQ or you can request a printed copy (which includes both products) from customer services.

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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DOORS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

STELLAR LIFT & SLIDE PATIO DOOR ODL EUROPE TAKES CONTROL OF OPENS UP MORE OPPORTUNITIES DOOR CASSETTE PRODUCTION The Stellar Lift & Slide door from Epwin Window Systems supports current market trends perfectly with its slimline, clean aesthetics and quick fitting innovations. With the recent resurgence in sliding door popularity driven by consumer demand for a larger glazed area, the Stellar Lift & Slide door is fast becoming the sliding door of choice with installers. Philip Parry, Business Development Director at Epwin Window Systems explains: “Like all of the products in the Stellar range, the Lift & Slide Door is an example of the exceptional results you get when a product is designed with the fabricator, installer and end user in mind. The Lift & Slide Door continues the Stellar innovation of utilising pre-gasketed profiles and our recently patented pre-gasketed aluminium knock-in beads. Not only is it quick and easy to glaze minimising installers time on site, it also delivers a neat, clean gasket line for a superior overall finish and eliminates common issues associated with systems relying on old fashioned and time-consuming installation techniques which can often deliver poor aesthetics further down the line.” Available in 2, 3 and 4 pane variations, the Lift & Slide Door is suitable for openings of up to 6.5 meters. Sash widths of up to 3 metres wide are available with a choice of 96mm, 68mm and 50mm interlock widths

to achieve the best combination of perfect sightlines and size capability. Combined with Stellar’s slim sightlines, it means the door delivers the large glass area and clean, pared-back aesthetics that are so desirable. Phil said: “There is a growing market looking to give their home something different to the more common bi-fold with the constraints that they can present, and the additional glazed area is welcome to those looking to maximise the amount of glass and minimise obstructions to their view”. The doors are easy-to-use thanks to the use of Lift and Slide technology, which means there’s a built-in system that takes some of the weight when opening the panes. The range of threshold options means the door can meet various access needs including a low threshold for an almost seamless transition. Others are designed to offer easy access for wheelchairs and for more exposed locations. The system has been fully UKAS approved to PAS24:2016 and exceeds all requirements for BS/EN6375-1,2 & 3 in its standard form, also meeting Secure by Design requirements with appropriate glazing. The multi-award-winning Stellar aluminium system has been gaining plaudits since it came to market in 2019. It’s fast becoming the go-to aluminium system of choice with installers who appreciate it slimline aesthetics and ease of fitting. Phil concludes: “Epwin has set a new standard for the domestic aluminium system sector. Stellar is a pre-gasketed system offering superior aesthetics that is adaptable, attractive and simple to install and is available from a systems company with a customer-focused friendly approach, making it a true star performer.” Tel: 0845 300 9356 www.stellaraluminiun.co.uk

ODL Europe, which manufactures high quality core products and value-added upselling lines, has taken delivery of an injection moulding machine for their door cassette production. Nathan Barr, Managing Director of ODL Europe, said: “This is great news for our business and customers because it gives us control over our complete cassette production and means we aren’t reliant on third parties.” He added: “The increase in demand every business has seen in recent months is good news for our industry. At the same time, it’s caused supplier delays and increased pinch points on production output. This latest machine investment allows us to take control of our product inventory to minimise the impact of industry-wide delays on our customers.” The machine is a 1,200 tonne Jupiter two platen injection moulding machine from Haitian Plastics Machinery, the world’s largest producer of plastic injection moulding machinery. The Jupiter is the fifth machine

Nathan said: “Absolute Haitian Corporation has been instrumental in the supply of machines to ODL in the US and their expertise has been invaluable in our UK operations too.” The machine has been delivered to the Bootle-base business in mid-May with production schedules running from the end of June 2021. Nathan said: “Having anticipated a rise in product demand in 2020 we commissioned the machine investment was due to be delivered in March 2021. Due to the Global shipping container backlog this has delayed receipt of the machine by six weeks but we are committed to getting up and running as quickly as possible.” The new machine is part of a much larger series of investments by ODL Europe to help meet its continued growth strategy. This has included several new appointments of senior personnel and the company has launched three new composite doors this year, including the Guardsman Composite Fire Door, which is the result of a six-figure investment in research and development and delivers impressive and consistent test results. ODL Europe is a leading name in the composite door sector and as its investments show, it has an ambitious plan to cement its reputation. Tel: 0151 933 0299 – www.odleurope.com

THE SECURITY EVENT, THE FIRE SAFETY EVENT AND THE DOOR & HARDWARE FEDERATION ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP Taking place from 7th – 9th September 2021 at the UK fire & security industry’s iconic home, the NEC Birmingham, The Security Event and The Fire Safety Event have rapidly grown in popularity becoming the premier national security and fire safety events in the UK for the commercial, enterprise and domestic markets. As a supporting partner, the Door & Hardware Federation will be hosting their own stand welcoming new and existing members discussing how their support can help businesses achieve compliance through their technical advice and training, continually raising the standards of the industry. The Security Event and The Fire Safety Event continue to attract significant interest and support marking a monumental shift in the UK fire & security event landscape. Hosted at the UK’s best-connected venue, The NEC Birmingham, the events are easily accessible to the entire UK fire & security sector, firmly establishing them as the industry’s favourite events. Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, Head of Commercial Operations commented “ DHF

to be installed at ODL Europe and increases production capacity by a further 25%.

is extremely pleased to have its inaugural outing this year at The Security Event and The Fire Safety Event. DHF has, for many years, made or continues to strive for, change and awareness in these sectors. The creation of TS 007 for the locks and building hardware sector has made selecting safe products easy for the consumer and the work we continue to do to strive for third party certified fire doors is ongoing. It offers the perfect platform to continue our clarion call.” Tristan Norman, Group Exhibition Director comments: “We are thrilled to be working with The DHF as an event partner for The Security and Fire Safety Events. We are passionate about championing professionalism and raising standards within the UK fire & security sector. Together we can continually raise standards through collaboration, debate, learning and sharing best practice within the sector. The wait is nearly over to reunite the UK fire & security communities at the NEC Birmingham in September. Collectively hosting 300+ leading businesses showcasing world-leading innovations, technologies, solutions and services.”

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

DOORS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

FLIP BROCHURE NOW AVAILABLE Leading composite door supplier, DOORCO, has launched a new brochure to showcase the wide range of options available for FLiP, their exclusive new door glazing cassette system that has a revolutionary Foam in Place technology and unrivalled aesthetic freedom.

“FLiP offers the freedom to choose the design, finish and colour to suit any style of house and to make a unique statement. The three design options include clean, modern profiles through to traditional bevels, and each has its own range of sizes which are illustrated. We also offer the customer the chance to explore the texture/

Ben Aspinall, IT & Marketing Manager at DOORCO explains more about FLiP and the new brochure: “When we started exploring the options for a new glazing cassette, we knew we needed to create a system that was not only easy to install, but also offered customers choice. With FLiP the possibilities are endless and the best way to showcase this is in a brochure. Rather than adding FLiP to our already extensive door catalogue, we’ve created something bespoke to help our customers really understand the new options available to them.

finish of each design option. There is Standard – a redesigned traditional bevelled option with a woodgrain finish; Flat Stipple – the new modern choice that offers a squared-off profile with a smooth finish; and Flat Grained – the eclectic choice that combines the modern squared-off profile with a woodgrain effect.

“The brochure also explains FLiP’s key features, such as the revolutionary Foam in Place technology - pre-applied foam that offers a superior seal preventing any water ingress and offering significant savings during installation. FLiP also has moulded connectors for strength and stability that are flexible to use with 24-26mm glass ensuring a flush fit, a unique tilting head that adjusts to the thickness of the glass, and an innovative angled corner protector that reduces flare. “FLiP has been launched in familiar shapes and sizes to suit our current product range, but we’re already working on what’s comes next! We have the opportunity to explore how we can really take door design – contemporary, traditional and beyond – to the next level.” The new FLiP brochure is available online via https://bit.ly/3jLFN1w. FLiP designs can also be seen in the new GRiPCORE brochure which is available online via https://bit.ly/3hnSoXe or you can request a printed copy (which includes both products) from customer services. Want to see FLiP for yourself? Visit DOORCO on stand F5 at FIT Show. For more information call: 01625 428955 or visit: www.flip-uk.com.

GRiPCORE technology is a hybrid of modern and traditional materials. DOORCO’s signature 4mm GRP skins are pressed onto a unique matrix of cross laminated engineered timber and hardwood stiles and rails. Safety and security have been built into GRiPCORE’s DNA, delivering a stronger, heavier and more robust door that will not crack, move or de-laminate. Available as a one size fits all 914mm (44mm) door. Find out more →

www.gripcore.com

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2021

INSTALLER FOCUS

ORANGERIES & CONSERVATORIES

RISA STATS SHOW FENSA APPROVED INSTALLERS CONTINUE TO DELIVER DESPITE INDUSTRY CHALLENGES

LEKA SYSTEMS REPORTS 100% YEAR-ON-YEAR SALES GROWTH

RISA, the GGF Group’s inspection and auditing company, reports that a high standard of work is being carried out by FENSA Approved Installers across the country, despite the challenges posed by skills and materials shortages. RISA, which carries out more than 1,000 assessments every month, has continued with its on-site compliance inspections over the last year, while ensuring that customer and assessor safety was paramount throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the past four years, RISA inspectors have consistently rated more than 94% of installations by FENSA Approved Installers as ‘satisfactory or better’. This figure reached 97.3% in 2020, and currently stands at 96.6% in 2021, meaning the vast majority of work carried out has been deemed by RISA’s assessors as ‘satisfactory’, ‘above average’ or ‘excellent’. Dave Mechem, operations director at RISA, said: “There’s no doubt that the industry is dealing with several issues at the moment. Quality, in terms of product and installations, has seen a very slight deterioration, as fabricators try to keep up with demand and installers face increased workload pressures. But that decline comes from a hugely impressive starting point and as our satisfaction ratings evidence, the overall standard is still incredibly high.”

“Nor can it be denied that we are in the midst of a skills shortage which adds further pressure to the system. That said, a huge effort is being made within the industry to pick up the slack, and statistics show that the vast majority of FENSA Approved Installers continue to deliver a consistently high and compliant standard of work despite these challenges.” The average homeowner satisfaction rating for paying customers, excluding tenants, in 2021 also currently stands at 4.1 out of 5, which means most homeowners considered work carried out by FENSA Approved Installers, comprising factors including satisfaction, sales and product recommendation, to be of and ‘above average’ standard. In addition RISA have carried out more than 650 MTC assessments between January and June this year alongside increasing numbers of installers using the FENSA Training Academy to gain new accreditations and qualifications. Mechem continues: “Companies understand that having fully trained, qualified staff equates to improved installation work and reduced costs on remedial work being carried out. The RISA team see excellent installations from accredited staff every single day without fuss and it is vital these standards are maintained under increased consumer demand.”

The market certainly shows no signs of cooling according to latest figures released by Tommy Trinder; Quotes for prepared by installers on the Framepoint® platform hit a record high of £150m in the second quarter. “We continue to be amazed by the numbers,” says founder and CEO Chris Brunsdon. “£150 million is an eye-watering amount of install business to be quoted in just three months - a 13% increase on quarter one.” The firm reports that average quote values are also on the rise. In the first three months of the year the average quote prepared for a homeowner on Framepoint® stood at £5,300. In the second quarter this rose by over 11% to £5,900. Says Chris; “Framepoint® subscribers have always been able get a bit more on every job because it’s so easy to

show off premium features such as foils, dual colours, dummy vents, mechanical joints, flush casements, surface mounted bars etc. But the ongoing rise in average quote values also points to supply chain price rises filtering through, together with installers taking improved margins as order books lengthen.” The number of installers using Framepoint® continues to grow too; more than 125 installation companies have signed up to use the service in the first half of this year. But it’s not just new business

that is fuelling growth, explains Chris; “Quoting on Framepoint® is fast - it saves installers time. In an effort to maximise efficiencies existing subscribers are quoting more and more of their work through the platform. Basically, installers want to make every penny they can out of this boom and there is a growing understanding that working smarter is key.”

Rhys says that demand for his company’s Warm Roof remains strong, but it’s the Leka Xi modular buildings and the Orangery Flat Roof Conversion Kit where demand is really taking off. He comments: “Sales in these areas show how consumer tastes are changing and why it’s so important to keep your finger on the pulse to maximise the opportunities.” The Orangery Flat Roof Conversion Kit replaces fibreglass, traditional build, glass or polycarbonate conservatory roofing systems with a lightweight, tiled, orangery-style roof. It updates the look of a conservatory and turns it into a year-round room, something that’s incredibly valuable to consumers who may be working from home more often than before. Like all Leka products, the Orangery Flat Roof Conversion Kit is fast and easy-to-fit. It is built from four simple ladder kits made from GRP and there are no aluminium or timber components. It complies with building regulation U-values and is approved by MFA, the licenced building inspector.

The Leka Xi is a modular conservatory wall and base system. It provides a warm, sustainable alternative to a traditional block- or brick-built conservatory base and wall. It’s typically installed on concrete pads, so it saves time, mess and stress when considering a new build conservatory or single storey extension – in fact, installation takes days rather than weeks, which makes it perfect for rapidly delivering a home working space solution. Rhys comments: “As our sales growth shows, our products are tapping into homeowner demand more than ever. As such, they represent a great opportunity for fabricators looking to diversify their revenue streams. It’s why I’d urge fabricators to get in touch and secure their territory today. There’s never been a better time to get on board.” Tel: 0800 773 4040 – www.lekasystems.co.uk

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FRAMEPOINT ACTIVITY SUGGESTS RECORD DEMAND IN Q2

Leka Systems has just reported 100% yearon-year sales growth. Managing Director Rhys Hoddinott said: “We’re delighted to be reporting such strong sales growth because it means we are helping our customers to secure more business than ever before.”

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August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT SUPPLIER FOR

CONSERVATORY ROOFS? Connaught have been fabricating the Ultraframe System for over 18 years.

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VERTICAL & HERITAGE SLIDERS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SASH WINDOW SALES ARE SOARING.

WHY? BECAUSE THEY TICK ALL THE BOXES

Sash window experts Victorian Sliders have experienced record-breaking sales in the first half of 2021. Marketing Manager Geoff Bishop gives his thoughts on what’s behind the ongoing boom. Last March, I don’t think any of us could’ve predicted the situation our sector would be in nearly 18 months later. Back then, prospects looked bleak – society was on the brink of shutting down almost entirely. But Victorian Sliders, and dozens of other businesses across the glass and glazing sector, went on to enjoy the most successful year in our history. Between March and August 2020, mortgage comparison site money.co.uk estimates UK homeowners spent a staggering £55bn on home improvements – and even in 2021, that enormous demand shows no sign of slowing. According to Barclaycard, home improvement spending rose 34.4% in March this year – the biggest surge since July 2020, when the first lockdown lifted. At Victorian Sliders, we’re seeing that translated into huge numbers of sales and orders – which means we’re confident that millions of homeowners are being specifically drawn to quality sash windows like our own much-celebrated ECOSlide.

THE SASH WINDOW RESURGENCE Why is that? There’s not one simple answer. In part, we think it’s the continuation – and acceleration – of a trend that’s existed since the 2000s. Once, choice in glass and glazing was extremely limited. The vast majority of the windows sold and installed in Britain were PVCu casements, and most of them were white. Then, in the years that followed, there was an explosion of choice. Manufacturers began offering a whole range of different, more stylish products, as homeowners began to treat doors and windows more like an extension of their interior décor. Now, the experience of living under lockdown has pushed home improvements up the priority list for millions of people around the UK, and they’re eagerly seeking

out products that can add to the character and curb appeal of their properties. That’s also likely to have been driven by the estimated £180bn homeowners are thought to have saved during the course of the pandemic. Much lower fuel and commuting costs for many, combined with the fact costly luxuries like foreign holidays have been off the table, has allowed them to invest in higher-end home improvements. That means sash windows, with their timeless, elegant aesthetics, are benefitting hugely.

character, by replacing the casements that have been installed in the decades since with much more authentic alternatives. But even people living in much more modern properties are embracing sash windows, too.

NOT JUST FOR HERITAGE

Once widespread across the country, sash windows declined throughout the twentieth century following the development of the first PVCu casements – but over the last twenty years, they’ve staged a major comeback.

In recent years, there’s been a noticeable rise in the number of new-build developments designed to have a traditional look and feel – hundreds of ECOSlide windows have been installed in houses of this kind built by Hope Homes in West Kirkbride, for example. Even people living in contemporary-style homes are realising that sash windows can be used to add personality to their properties.

People with older properties are increasingly seeking to restore their historic

The reason we’re seeing such huge demand for ECOSlide in particular, though, is that

it offers everything homeowners want from a sash window, without their traditional downsides. Early sash windows were exclusively made of timber – which meant they offered great aesthetics, but came with a wide range of drawbacks. They required extensive maintenance to keep looking their best, including regular sanding and painting – and if homeowners didn’t keep on top of that heavy workload, the windows would quickly start to deteriorate. But today, with the huge advances in window technology that have been made by forward-thinking manufacturers like Victorian Sliders, thousands of people around the country are enjoying sash windows without those issues.

ECOSLIDE – SUSTAINABLE, AUTHENTIC AND EXTREMELY VERSATILE With products like ECOSlide, you get windows that offer authentic timber-look aesthetics, easy maintenance and excellent thermal efficiency, all while minimising the impact on the environment. ECOSlide comes with an ‘A’ Window Energy Ratings as standard (A+ ratings with an Argon-filled unit) and is extremely secure – unlike many competitor products, it uses top and bottom toughened glass as standard, and features an anti-jemmy bar. It’s also available in a vast array of foils and any RAL colour, as well as offering runthrough sash horns. For installers, it’s a win-win – stylish, much sought-after, high-performing PVCu sash windows backed with a ten-year guarantee. Don’t miss out on booming interest in sash windows – contact Victorian Sliders today, and find out why we’re trusted by thousands of installers countrywide! For more information visit www.victoriansliders.co.uk or call 01269 846200.

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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VERTICAL & HERITAGE SLIDERS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TIMBERWELD® AND HALO MAKE

THE PERFECT MATCH FOR GLAZERITE INSTALLERS

The leadership might have changed at the Glazerite UK Group following the completion of the recent management buyout, but the new team of directors have the same passion for investment, innovation and installers, with a host of exciting plans afoot. One of the five-strong MBO team is Matthew Thomas, the Managing Director of Glazerite East, which focuses on the Halo portfolio. Having been with the fabricator for three years, Matthew has already overseen a huge transformation of the site to align it with the rest of the group. Innovation in manufacturing efficiencies and products includes the adoption of Timberweld® technology across the

company’s flush sash range to replicate authentic timber windows. This has allowed Glazerite greater flexibility in manufacturing across its sites, while increasing product choice for its installers. Matthew says: “We tested Timberweld on Halo Flush Sash over the course of several months, with the support and technical expertise of Masterframe, Total Machinery Solutions (TMS) and VEKA. As a result, we are now able to strengthen our portfolio to include a timber-look butt joint across all three of our flush sash window options.

Before

in output - more than doubling the number of frames the site was able to achieve. Its current capacity is 700-750 frames per week, a figure set to grow even further by 2022 thanks to recent investment.

“Not only does it give us consistency in manufacturing, it allows for a greater throughput of products without compromising on quality.” The market demand for heritage-style windows is strong and set to continue with high growth, as consumers seek a solution that combines low maintenance and durable uPVC with an aesthetically pleasing, timber-like finish. Matthew adds: “Glazerite has always had a strong commitment to innovation. We combine these ambitions with continuous investment into our facilities, our portfolio and our people. Everything we do is always with customers in mind and by introducing Timberweld, we’ve been able to open doors for installers who haven’t previously specified R9 for example, as it can now be ordered unglazed and is therefore easier to handle and transport.” Matthew is also delighted with the service his team has been able to offer installers keen to specify Timberweldfabricated Halo. One such installer is Northamptonshire-based A-Team Glazing who has just completed the transformation of a stone cottage using Halo Flush Sash in Pebble Grey. A-Team owner and Glazerite installer, Adam Pardon, explains: “The homeowner wanted to replace the existing rotten frames with uPVC because they wanted something that would help to reduce the road traffic noise, and which was low in maintenance, more energy efficient and secure. They were also keen to replace the wood with something that looked handcrafted and timber-like to blend in with the stonework surrounds and the period charm of the cottage. Halo using Timberweld offered the perfect solution and the homeowner is thrilled with the results.”

Matthew Thomas

After

Matthew adds: “This year’s investment has also allowed us to add a new corner cleaner and a sash horn miller. This means we can now manage the run-through sash horn process fully in-house and has removed our dependency on third parties manufacturing it for us. This ultimately benefits our installers as it gives us much greater flexibility on lead times.” Matthew is now looking ahead to the next phase of Glazerite’s plans. He adds: “We are continually trying to find ways to broaden and improve what we offer our installers, whether that’s enhancing our production facilities, investing in new technology and machinery or adding to our service offering. The introduction of Timberweld has been a real game-changer for us and our customers, and we’re looking forward to finding more ways to meet the needs of our installers and their customers.”

In addition to the introduction of Timberweld, Glazerite East has undergone a number of changes since it was acquired by Glazerite in 2016. Improvements to production has led to a significant increase

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

How hard is your

FABRICATOR WORKING FOR YOU?

Behind every great installer is a fabricator relationship built on a comprehensive and specialist product range, combined with exceptional customer service. The fundamentals such as service, customer care, and quality should be a given, but choosing wisely means you can get a lot more from your fabricator. Breadth of product range: You should never lose out on a job through lack of specification, so having access to a range of profile systems, products, colours and finishes is a necessity. Marketing support: Marketing costs and resources are often prohibitive to carry out effectively for many businesses. The right fabricator can add value with marketing support that will promote your business and save you time money and effort.

Enhanced benefits: Sometimes it can take an enhanced technical product or extended warranty to seal the deal and win the business, so ensure your fabricator can offer you something that makes you stand out from the crowd. Flexible service: From business support packages to tailored deliveries, the right partner will help you achieve your business goals by recognising and meeting your individual needs. A good fabricator really makes the difference. Make sure you are working with a partner that is the right fit for your business! Call us to find out how we can work together on 01933 443222 or email sales@glazerite.net.

UK Group Limited

Tel: 01933 443222 Email: sales@glazerite.net

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VERTICAL & HERITAGE SLIDERS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

QUICKSLIDE COMMITS TO QUALITY WITH PAS 24 AND WEATHER TESTING PVC-U window and door manufacturer, Quickslide, reports that its Legacy VS window has, once again, passed the rigorous testing regime for the PAS 24:2016 security standard, as well as the latest weather resistance performance requirements. Based on the Spectus vertical slider and described by Quickslide as a ‘true heritage’ window, Legacy has been enhanced with additional reinforcement and longer screws to secure location, side extrusion blocks, sash locators, and upgraded locks, keeps, latch and aluminium tilt arms, all supplied by hardware and security specialist, ERA.

Quickslide’s Managing Director, Ben Weber, said: “Attention to detail is paramount at Quickslide and this latest PAS 24 and weather testing success is testament to the superior quality of our products. “For us, it’s not just about passing the tests, but ensuring that we uphold these high standards by manufacturing each and every frame with consistent performance, quality and production efficiency.” Manual PAS 24 testing includes attacking the window with various tools to try and displace the beading, with an aim of removing the glass to gain entry. A force of up to 3kN is applied in various positions

in an attempt to dislodge the sashes from the frames. This year’s PAS 24 testing included a window that was just 420mm wide, reassuring customers that Legacy can still meet the security standard, even at its minimum size. Ensuring that Legacy can also withstand the ever-changing British weather conditions in terms of water tightness, air permeability and wind resistance, weather testing was also achieved to an overall UK exposure category of 1200. Key aesthetic features of Quickslide’s Legacy include an authentic ovolo shape to the frame, bead, sash and cill with a wide

range of detail customisations including Georgian bars, run through sash horns and a mechanical deep bottom rail. Further on-site production processes including woodgrain foiling and frame shaping are available to emulate traditional windows ensuring authenticity. www.quickslide.co.uk

SPECTUS VERTICAL SLIDING WINDOWS FITTED IN PRESTIGIOUS NEW BUILD DEVELOPMENT 77 Spectus Vertical Sliding windows have been manufactured and installed in the first phase of a new 900 home development in Holbeach, Lincolnshire. The prestigious Holbeach Meadow Development features a mixture of one-five-bedroomed homes and is designed and built by Ashwood Homes. The Spectus Vertical Sliding windows were specified for installation in the new executive five-bedroomed detached homes on this first-phase. The new build project was awarded to Spectus’ fabricator Highseal Manufacturing Company based in Scunthorpe. Established in 2012, Highseal is an experienced fabricator and installer committed to delivering product excellence at every level. The business operates under stringent CE Markings and BSi Kitemark standards ensuring their products meet Approved Document Q requirements.

The Spectus Vertical Sliding windows were manufactured in anthracite grey on white with run-through sash horns and chrome hardware for traditional styling. Several sets of French doors were also manufactured in the Spectus Elite 70 system to complement the exacting specification of the new executive properties. The popular Spectus Vertical Slider is a design-classic that sympathetically captures many of the key features of traditional window design combined with all the benefits of a modern-day window. This includes superb energy efficiency and smooth operating balance mechanisms that ensure ease of use for the homeowner. Chloe King, Sales Manager at Ashwood Homes, said: “We specified sash windows on our five-bedroom executive homes to complement the high-end traditional features of the properties. At the same

attention to detail was superb, including undertaking any snagging that was needed. We have been delighted with the quality of the windows and doors and feedback from our customers on the ease of operation has been excellent.” Ashwood Homes has over 25 years’ experience in the residential property market. Each development is carefully designed to provide a sense of space for homeowners with exacting build standards maintained throughout. time, we selected anthracite grey on white to provide a contemporary look and feel that is so popular with our customers.” The experienced HighSeal team worked closely with the developers to ensure the windows and doors were installed to the exacting standards throughout the first phase. Chloe said: “The Highseal team were very professional and helpful. The

Commenting on the new development, Holly Donaldson of Highseal Manufacturing Company, said: “We were pleased to have been involved in this first phase new build project. Holbeach Meadow is a superb development and we are looking forward to delivering on the remaining phases with them.” www.spectus.co.uk

GRAND GEORGIAN BUILD GETS THE QUICKSLIDE TREATMENT Frithsden Construction, a family run business specialising in quality high-end residential homes, completed a stunning, Georgian period-style new build with heritage vertical sliders supplied by Quickslide. The beautiful 5,500ft2, five bedroom brick-and-block build in Little Gaddenden, Herts, was created over three floors using Flemish handmade bricks for the outer wall – just one example of the attention to detail paid to the design and build by Frithsden Construction’s husband-and-wife team Anthony and Julie Hayes. The Hayeses readily admit they are obsessed with not only the details but also practicality, which is how they came to choose leading

fabricator Quickslide for their full-height period-style windows. Quickslide supplied heritage wood graineffect vertical sliding sash PVCu windows for the project. The Hayeses originally wanted timber windows, before discovering the wood grain effect PVCu sash made a great, energy efficient, secure and low maintenance modern alternative. In particular, they praised the authentic look of the wood grain effect and run-through horn details. Frithsden Construction have been buying from Quickslide for five years, having first discovered the leading fabricator after researching extensively for a quality supplier that was both competitively priced

and offering good aftercare and warranty. Frithsden highly recommended Quickslide on completion of the project, not just for its quality products, but for the whole buying process, which they commended as being straightforward and easy – particularly praising their sales manager, Jess, for being very helpful and always available for any queries or advice. “Our customer service is as important to us as our products,” said Quickslide’s Chairman Adrian Barraclough. “Since we established and popularised the PVCu vertical slider as a real alternative to traditional timer sash windows, more and more customers are discovering our heritage windows give them exactly what

they need – authentic, traditional looks coupled with low maintenance, comfortable modern living. “We offer something to suit every type of build and style. And our great team of people make the choosing and buying process easy and approachable, so every customer can be sure they’ll get the right products that they want and need.” www.quickslide.co.uk

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADITIONAL

WINDOW REVIVAL

As specialist fabricator Mercury Glazing enters their 20th year of manufacturing Vertical Sliding windows, Steve Cross Director of Mercury Glazing discusses why the continuing popularity of sliding sash windows is now part of a wider traditional window revival. Sash windows have been the hallmark of British homes for centuries and evoke the elegance and period aesthetics like no other window choice. What was once the default window on heritage and architectural sensitive properties, has now become part of a much wider trend with consumers and developers embracing traditional design across modern properties too. When we manufactured our first Spectus Vertical Sliding window back in 2002, the white casement window was pretty much the default option when it came to PVC-U products. On launch, the Spectus Vertical Sliding window was ahead of its time and was purposely designed to offer a viable PVC-U alternative to the traditional timber sash window. Fast forward twenty years and the Spectus PVC-U Vertical Slider is the product that most planners and conservation officers now

readily accept as a true alternative to timber windows. But what’s interesting to note is the shift in demand into today’s modern homes as the window’s high-end characteristics mean it is more relevant than ever. As one of the UK’s biggest fabricators of the Spectus Vertical Slider, manufacturing both the welded and mechanically joint versions, our experience in the industry combined with the volumes we fabricate means we have an excellent overview of the trends in the vertical slider market. Even before lockdown one, we had witnessed a step change in demand for our vertical sliders in modern properties. But this demand has been accelerated with consumers having spent time researching their windows whilst investing in their homes. As a result, they have turned to feature-rich products with high-end

detailing to deliver their aspirations.

Since 2020 we have doubled our turnover and remain well on track to continue to meet our ambitious growth strategy over the next four-years. We recently opened a second manufacturing plant in Gloucester, have made a considerable six-figure investment in automation machinery from Haffner and recruited several high-level appointments to our talented team.

The broader appeal of the vertical slider, especially in modern homes is encouraging. Consumers and contractors are still seeking traditional window styling with heritage detailing such as sash horns and soft heritage hues. But by removing the heritage detailing you can also produce a window that offers clean lines and adds immediate aesthetic value for modern properties too. What’s interesting is the opportunities that projects like these present. New build, modern homes might be considered standard white casement window territory. But as this example shows, using our Vertical Slider offers a way to add greater value to a sale and satisfy consumers’ appetite for these window styles. Despite the differences in the heritage and retail markets, they both have several features in common. These centre around the modern-day advantages our Vertical Sliders brings. Every Vertical Slider we fabricate has a U value of 1.3/m2K as standard. We see that self-builders, in particular, are interested in the thermal efficiency of the products they choose and

The Vertical Slider is and will always be considered a key product for the heritage sector, but the upturn in modern homes and the demand for traditional window appeal has never been stronger. For more information visit www.mercuryglazing.co.uk. the U values play an important part in their decision-making process. The ability of our Vertical Slider to deliver good looks and excellent thermal efficiency is a compelling proposition. Security is an important consideration too. Our Vertical Sliders meet the requirements of PAS 24:2016 as standard and we also offer an option to upgrade to a Secured

by Design version where security is paramount. It isn’t just the products where our Vertical Sliders makes the difference. When you work with Mercury, you don’t just get high-quality products; you also get the experience of our dedicated internal team who will work with you throughout the buying process regardless of business size.

VERTICAL & HERITAGE SLIDERS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNEST The buyers of Heritage Windows focus on attention to detail more than any other style, says Quickslide’s Adrian Barraclough. Attention to detail is everything, he insists. “I truly believe that the focus on developing Heritage window styles, including VS replacements and the popularisation of flush sash, has given our industry a new lease of life in the past 15 years,” says Adrian Barraclough. And as the Chairman of Quickslide, the company that is widely credited with popularising the replacement VS window, you might expect him to say that. But as one of the UK’s leading Heritage window specialists, you would also expect Adrian to know what he is talking about. Heritage – or traditionally styled - windows are growing in demand, in particular flush sash, and it is fair to say that they have invigorated the replacement window market: where just a few years ago the choice for most homeowners replacing their windows was standard casements, the flush sash style is now offered by almost all systems producers and these days, at prices that are often comparable with standard casements. And of course, the very simplicity of the style allows styling authenticity to be achieved quite easily, so the potential for styling faux pas can be limited to dubious choices in the colour of the frames. Not so for traditional vertical sliding box sash frames however, for which the devil is very much in the detail. As the market for the style has grown then so too has demand for greater authenticity by homeowners. Where once the relative handful of VS buyers were happy to have an affordable, efficient replacement window that might have been short on detail, now such buyers are highly conscious of every element. And that is fine, believes Adrian: “The VS window is one of the defining style elements of the property they are installed in and so they have to look just right. If the detail is wrong, especially when there are others in the street, it stands out like a sore thumb,” he says. “In a street of period homes set close to each other, neighbours will check every detail for authenticity.” Which is why Quickslide continues to commit so much resource and energy

Adrian Barraclough

“Profile shapes and classic mouldings, traditional horns or lamb’s tails, colours and finishes and authentic but updated hardware including counterbalances, timber looking joint options , handles and other fittings have all been sourced or developed to emulate original box sash windows as closely as possible. And to perform at least as well as any other, ‘standard’ replacement window,” he added. into continuously refining the details of the company’s VS frames: “Despite the improvements in aesthetics and period features we have continued our quest to design and manufacture VS windows that are as close to the originals as possible. There are always improvements to be

made; if we have the look right, then we will look at ways of manufacturing the detail more efficiently and cost effectively, and also to make them more robust. We don’t want detailed mouldings to damage easily compared to the rest of the frame,” explained Adrian.

Working so hard to ensure something looks authentically period does not come cheap. As well as automated equipment to achieve accurate-looking joints for example, as more than half of all Heritage windows produced are ordered in colour, Quickslide installed a paint shop that allows the application of traditional colours and with frequent colour changes for the specials requested by customers: “We promote special colours to allow our installer and builder customers to offer more attractive products,” reflected Adrian, “And then we have to invest to facilitate that. We make the investment to allow our customers to give their customers more choice. “We made one of our largest ever investments with the addition of a new Schirmer cutting and machining centre, costing more than £800,000. That came online in February last year…and just as we were getting our people trained up on the machines we had to close the gates for the first lockdown,” remembers Adrian. “At the time we could not believe the timing and had we any idea, we would have cancelled or postponed the order. Now of course, as we are the busiest we have ever been, we are delighted that we have such equipment, which helps us to produce more than 1,000 frames, mostly Heritage, each month. “Every home owner is determined to continue improving their homes. But none more so than owners of traditionally-styled properties, even modern interpretations. And they have had the time to do their homework during the past 18 months! They know their stuff. And I am delighted to say, so do we.” www.quickslide.co.uk

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

SLIDING SASH

THINK VERTICAL SLIDING WINDOWS – THINK MERCURY WINDOW FROM MERCURY THINK VERTICAL WINDOWS THINK MERCURY offers SLIDING superb energy efficiency and–high security THE ORIGINAL

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offers WINDOW superb energyFROM efficiency and high security MERCURY offers superb energy efficiency and high security

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Run through horn Suitable all marketfor sectors Run through option for addedhorn WER Secured market sectors including new build authenticity option for added dimension ensures the vertical andnew heritage including build by Design jointed options authenticity Suitable for all of welded Run through horn sliderChoice is suitable for timber box and heritage option available market sectors or mechanically as standard option for added 128mm front to back sash replacements WER Secured new build jointeddimension optionsensures theincluding authenticity vertical by Design A+ 128mm front to back slider is suitable for timberand box heritage WER Secured option available as standard sash replacements dimension ensures the vertical by Design Add value toisyour portfolio by working industry’s leading Sliding Sash specia A+ with the slider suitable for timber box option available 128mm front to back WER Secured as standard replacements Addsash value to your portfolio leading Sliding Sash specialists dimension ensures the vertical by working with the industry’s by Design A+ slider is suitable for timber box option available as standard sash replacements Phonewith 01452 344 leading Sliding Sash specialists Add value to your portfolio by working the 383 industry’s

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

LIGNUM, BY THE JOINERY NETWORK, IS SECURED BY DESIGN Lignum, by The Joinery Network, is the UK’s first timber window and door system with the Secured by Design Police Preferred Specification, available exclusively to glazing manufacturers and installers. The full UKAS test registered and third party checked Lignum system includes flush casement, box sash and spring balance vertical sliding windows, along with French, single, entrance and bifold doors. Secured by Design rigorously tests security, robustness and long-lasting use to ensure safe living environments can be achieved. Owen Dare, Founder Director of The Joinery Network, says: “Timber windows are a timeless choice and have always been liked by homeowners for the beautiful style they offer. However, there has never been a centralised system, which has prevented timber being added to product ranges in the same way PVCu and aluminum windows have been. That’s why we have invested in the design and development of Lignum. “Lignum timber windows and door offer a real alternative to discerning homeowners who want home improvement products that offers unique design flexibility, sustainability and has proven performance values. Thanks to our work with Secured by Design, the glazing industry can offer homeowners a timber system that meets those demands and offers a genuine alternative to PVCu and aluminium.

“Lignum also overcomes supply chain issues which have hit the PVCu market, as all Lignum windows and doorS are manufactured in the UK.” Doug Skins, Development Officer at Secured by Design, said: “I am delighted that The Joinery Network have joined Secured by Design, with their Lignum system of timber windows and doors having achieved Secured by Design’s Police Preferred Specification. This is great news for small and medium joineries who wish to produce Secured by Design windows and doors and I look forward to working with The Joinery Network over the coming years.” The Secured by Design Lignum system has also been tested to PAS 24:2016, Document Q, BS 6375: 1, Document L1B, and Document M certification, creating the most superior range of timber windows and doors. To find out more about adding Lignum timber windows and doors to your range, email hello@thejoinerynetwork.co.uk.

NEW HOMES FEATURE FREEFOAM FORTEX EMBOSSED CLADDING Freefoam are delighted to release a new case study featuring Fortex embossed Double Shiplap PVC cladding on four new homes in Stourbridge. Built by Worcester based house builders 11:11 Property the four large detached houses are built with an attractive mixture of brick, render and cladding in Argyl Brown and Cappuccino colours. 11:11 Property specialise in small exclusive developments in the Black Country, North Birmingham and North Worcestershire, particularly the use of old brown field sites to re invigorate and improve local areas. These four individually designed exclusive properties feature a soft colour palette consisting of pale grey windows, white render and two different brick finishes – the darker brick with the lighter cladding in Cappuccino and lighter brick with the darker cladding in Argyl Brown.

developers like 11: 11 Property many of whom offer their own standard 10 year guarantee on all properties. Freefoam launched the Fortex range over 15 years ago and the range now includes double shiplap cladding and weatherboard cladding. The colour options have been extended over that time as consumer trends have developed and changed. From the original white and pale cream options to the more contemporary sought after shades of grey with the Fortex portfolio now including four grey options. Gavin summarised “We’re already considering using Freefoam cladding for another development, so I would have no hesitation in recommending it.” View video at: https://bit.ly/3wrKWi5 www.freefoam.com

Gavin Warr, Managing Director 11:11 Property, explained “We take great pride in the standard of finish of our properties. We have used cedar cladding on previous developments but found the Freefoam cladding online and have been very pleased with it. It was excellent for ease and speed of installation and looks really good, which is very important to us, as we want to provide high quality homes that are attractive to prospective buyers.” Sourced from local Freefoam stockists UPL Ltd and fitted by on site carpenters the Fortex cladding range comes with up to 10 year guarantee. This works well for property

Fortex Cladding, Cappuccino

FENSA SCOTLAND LAUNCHES Following consumer and industry demand, FENSA is delighted to announce it has launched a scheme in Scotland, with the first FENSA Scotland certificates expected to be issued to homeowners from July. The FENSA Scotland scheme is for the installation of replacement windows and doors, and it launches as Scottish installers have recommenced work again following lockdown. The scheme is part of FENSA’s mission to improve window and door replacements across the UK, by professionalising installers and protecting homeowners.

FENSA Scotland is a voluntary scheme that will be tailored specifically to Scottish building standards, which differ to those in England and Wales. Membership will be open to any installation businesses that undertake work in Scotland, regardless of where the company itself may be based. When homeowners choose a FENSA Approved Installer, they receive a FENSA certificate when the work is complete: all the proof they need of a job done right. This certifies the work complies with building regulations and verifies that every FENSA Approved Installer’s guarantee is backed by insurance. Each FENSA

Approved Installer, from large national brands to small local companies, is assessed regularly by FENSA to ensure its compliance to building regulations is continually maintained. “Being FENSA-Approved is now a regular requirement seen in pre-contractual agreements for both commercial and domestic work,” said Chris Beedel, FENSA’s Director of Membership.” So we’re delighted to be extending our scheme into Scotland following both consumer and trade demand for it.” “We’re also thrilled to announce Clydebuilt Home Improvements, Everest 2020 Ltd and RRS

Improvements Ltd as among the first installation companies to join FENSA Scotland. For all our FENSA Approved Installers we aim to provide a real boost to the installation industry in Scotland at this crucial time. We look forward to issuing our first certificates in Scotland and give businesses and homeowners there the same assurance and confidence that a FENSA certification has done in England and Wales for almost 20 years.” Everest 2020 Ltd Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Billy Grant, said “Everest 2020 Ltd is proud to be one of the first companies to join FENSA Scotland. As a national home improvements company

Everest are delighted that our customers in Scotland now have the same assurance and peace of mind of the highly recognised FENSA certificate as those in England and Wales.” “As one of Scotland’s leading home improvement companies, Clydebuilt Home Improvements is excited to be a part of FENSA’s Scotland expansion,” said Antony Walsh, Clydebuilt Home Improvement’s

Operations Director. “FENSA accreditation will provide our customers the peace of mind they need when selecting home improvement services for their homes.” RRS Improvements Ltd Managing Director, Andy Fleming said, “We are delighted to be one of the first companies in Scotland to become members of FENSA Scotland. This is an important additional layer of security and assurance for our customers.”

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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BARCODE SCANNING IN PLACE GET AHEAD FROM SALES THROUGH TO OF THE GAME DELIVERY AT QUICKSLIDE Barcode scanning is now in place from sales through to delivery at Brighousebased VS specialist, Quickslide. Designed to increase the level and accuracy of information between the window and door fabricator and its Trade Partners at every stage of the order process, this latest development is part of the company’s efforts to continuously improve the quality of its service. It follows a series of earlier investments designed to enhance the customer experience. The £2m programme of growth includes a new dispatch centre, completed on time last year, despite the challenges of lockdown. The introduction of a dedicated facility for all finished goods means handling is minimised and delivery vehicles can be loaded faster, ultimately enabling Quickslide to service its customers more efficiently. Other investments include the installation of a state-of-the-art Schirmer CNC machine, two corner cleaners and two quad welders, plus the addition of four new delivery vehicles linked to Quickslide’s EvoNET business management system. Communicating directly with each vehicle’s TomTom satellite navigation, EvoNET devises the most efficient delivery route

for the day and keeps customers informed of their order’s progress via text and email alerts, allowing them to manage their daily workloads more effectively. EvoNET is also able to alert drivers if anything has been left off the vehicle prior to departure, or if an order is left on board by mistake during delivery. This significantly reduces the risk of errors and gives Quickslide customers even greater confidence that their orders will arrive on time and in full. Ben Weber, Quickslide’s Managing Director, said: “Barcode scanning enables us to keep track of orders, reduces paperwork and streamlines efficiency but just as importantly, it helps our Trade Partners manage their workload more effectively. This helps them deliver what was promised to their homeowner customers, ensuring that a better service is achieved right throughout the supply chain. “Quickslide is firmly committed to continuously evolving to maintain our position at the very forefront of the window and door industry and we believe our latest improvements to the processing, manufacture, transport and delivery of our product range are a clear example of this.” www.quickslide.co.uk

The Bank of England has just raised its estimate for UK GDP growth in 2021 to 7.25% - up from the 5% it forecast in February. Further easing of restrictions, it says, will pave the way for a boom in pent-up demand. Alongside that, construction industry data from the Purchasing Managers’ Index shows that orders in the construction market are already increasing at the fastest rate since it started reporting the figures in 1997. Clearly then, if we all think we’re busy already, we’ve really seen nothing yet. Up until now, it’s been fairly easy for suppliers who are struggling to cope with demand to argue that no one could have predicted the current market and, to an extent, that’s true. But, more than a year since the end of the first lockdown, those excuses are wearing a bit thin. Certainly, this is the point at which installation businesses need to look at how well their suppliers have been able to secure their supply chain up until now; and make careful judgments about whether that feels robust enough to withstand what we all know is on its way. The aluminium sector has arguably weathered the storm much more successfully than PVC-U, and certainly lead times for aluminium are shorter now than they are for PVC-U for probably the first time ever. That’s not just down to luck though – it’s been about the right decisions being made at the right time – by both systems houses and fabricators. As we look ahead at what is still to come and hear from builders and installers who have full order books well into 2022, I think we could potentially see a tsunami of orders in the third and particularly the fourth quarter of this year. If that is the case, then it will be the suppliers who had the financial strength and the confidence to invest during the worst of the crisis in 2020 who will best be able to cope. When I joined AluFold Direct from AluK in May 2020, our priority wasn’t to batten down the hatches as some of our competitors were doing, or even just to

try and keep up with the demand which greeted us on the reopening from the first lockdown, but to put in place the measures required to really ramp up our output well beyond that. We’ve got big plans to grow as a business and to take our customers with us on that journey, and we were already planning on opening the additional factory here in Blackburn which will now come on stream in September. However, we also had the foresight, the buying power and, above all the strong relationships required to secure guaranteed volumes of components from our key suppliers in aluminium, hardware, consumables and crucially glass for the whole of 2021. And we are now seeing that proactive approach pay off. For instance, we were already dual sourcing on glass, but we took the decision last December to switch from one of those suppliers to a more reliable alternative, while still splitting our sourcing between Saint Gobain and Pilkingtons. Even for the biggest hitters, there’s obviously only so much volume of stock to go around, particularly in glass, so allocations have to be made but, for any fabricators who haven’t already secured their allocations for the rest of this year, I would say that it’s probably too late. I’ve heard plenty of people from right across the industry saying that they are so busy at the moment that there’s just no breathing space and no opportunity to take stock and do what’s necessary to increase capacity and reduce lead times. My advice to installers then is not to choose a fabricator who is playing catch up with the market, but to choose one that’s already ahead of the game. By Russell Yates, Managing Director, AluFold Direct More info at: www.alufolddirect.co.uk

WERBAR SALES ARE SOARING SAYS WIDGETS With supplies of steel across all manufacturing sectors still not yet stabilised from an availability perspective along with several price hikes, Window Widgets have experienced a surge in demand for Werbar, which is their dedicated range of RCM reinforcement sections for PVCu window and door systems. Available for the vast majority of PVCu window and door systems, Werbar is a popular alternative and one that’s also a cost-effective solution for many. It creates additional profile

chambers, provides improved screw retention and PVC screws can be used optimising the fabrication process, among other properties. As its name suggests, Werbar is also a useful component when looking to reduce U-values in a window and door and when the new Building Regulations are announced later this year, the product again will likely be harnessed to help meet the new standards set by government. Adrian Clare, technical sales executive of Window Widgets commented: ‘When

Werbar came out in 2009 it was designed to be the most cost-effective tool in developing an energy rated window with increases of up to 9 points over steel. Importantly, we can provide expert guidance to PVCu frame manufacturers as to which sections to use and what they can achieve from an energy efficiency perspective. He added: ‘It’s already widely used by many of the largest fabricators in the industry and therefore particularly appropriate to the current range of 70mm systems.’

For further information please visit www.windowwidgets.co.uk or request a copy of the product catalogue from adrian@windowwidgets.co.uk or by calling 01452 345848. You can also request expert advice for your current PVCu window and door system.

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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CLADDING HELPS PLASTICS MORLEY GLASS GOES LARGE TO BOOST SOUTH WEST GROW With the trend for home improvements looking set to continue the most significant increase in demand was where homeowners are making aspirational choices about products – such as the over 45s and retired homeowners – who have been largely unaffected financially by the pandemic. Most window installers have experienced this first-hand, having seen an increase in sales of premium products such as foiled windows and doors, aluminium bi-folds, garden rooms and orangeries. Freefoam Building Products have also seen this trend, manifesting itself in the sales of it’s external PVC cladding range with some Freefoam stockist customers recording a 50% increase in sales over the past two years.

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One such customer is Plastics South West, based in the busy coastal city of Plymouth. With an initial stock order in September 2017 the cladding range has now become an important part of their wider PVC product range, and now accounts for about 25% of total sales with an uptick in cladding sales of almost 50% in the last 2 years. Plastics South West stock and sell the full colour range of Fortex Double Shiplap and Weatherboard products, alongside all fitting accessories, to a wide area of the South West, including many coastal locations. Clients in these areas prefer the more subtle softer shades that work well alongside existing render finishes, with Storm Grey and Misty Grey being the most popular closely followed by Sage Green and Colonial Blue. Paul Ewings, Managing Director Plastics South West explained “We are seeing a steady increase in the demand for cladding in this area. Its addition to our range has definitely helped our business grow and develop. It has helped set us apart from our competitors and gives us a product to increase our share of the RMI and DIY markets. We’ve also seen an increase in our customer base so it’s a win win for us.” Plastics South West also understand that customers need support with newer products. They have display boards in the trade counter to illustrate the colour options and have even used the cladding on their sales counter to show how the product looks when installed. They offer clients a scheduling service to calculate boards and accessories required for projects and have installed the Freefoam ‘cladding calculator’ and ‘cladding visualiser’ on their website. Paul continued “We find that by offering customers the help they need considerably increases our conversion rates.” External pvc cladding is a fast becoming the ‘ultimate’ home improvement product and a great addition for pvc stockists to add to their range. With its ultra low maintenance properties and its versality it offers an instant home transformation. Cladding can be used to cover any substrate from brick and block to render and pebble dash and to replace hanging tiles or existing timber cladding and to upgrade existing white PVC cladding, perhaps with a bold new colour choice. Colin St John, Freefoam Commercial Director, summarised “We’ve seen a huge growth in sales of cladding, and it’s our customers, like Plastics South West, who have understood the potential and run with it who have really reaping the rewards. External cladding is just one example of our commitment to provide building products that help our customers increase their market share and allow them to enter new markets. “ To hear the Plastics South West Story, view video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uvQQnF2ueM.

Plastics South West

Leading integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass & Glazing has taken delivery of six new Luton vans which not only boost its nationwide delivery capacity as demand grows, but greatly increase the amount of post-consumer glass it can collect and recycle through its CRUSH initiative. The familiar boxy Luton vans are the first to enter the Morley Glass fleet and are ideally suited to this dual ‘deliver and collect’ role that its delivery drivers now undertake. The layout of the vans means that UniBlinds sealed units can be better distributed around the space so there is more room for post-consumer glass to be brought back to the Morley Glass factory for recycling. The addition of these latest vans increases its vehicle fleet to 36, which deliver around 4,000 integral blind units every week to customers throughout the UK. But as Morley Glass has expanded its glass recycling operations, its vans are increasingly returning to site with a highly recyclable and valuable material that benefits both the environment and good causes thanks to the CRUSH scheme. This is a joint initiative from Morley Glass and Saint-Gobain Glass where glass from doors and windows that have been replaced is collected by Morley Glass and then crushed into cullet at its Leeds site. This is then returned in bulk to Saint-Gobain Glass, who pay for the glass cullet, which they use to make new float glass. One tonne of cullet saves enough energy to power a home for six months, which is why glass recycling is so vital.

So far, Morley Glass has returned 549 tonnes of cullet, preventing 158,556kg of CO2 going into the atmosphere and saving enough energy to power an average home for 264 years. Recycling the post-consumer glass has also saved nearly 450,000kg of virgin sand. Importantly, the Luton vans will significantly increase the amount of glass that can be processed through the CRUSH scheme, and therefore make a an even bigger impact to shrink the glass industry’s carbon footprint. The scheme does not only benefit the planet, but local communities too. The money generated from the cullet is put into Morley’s GreenVision fund. This allows local schools, community groups and charities across Yorkshire that focus on improving the environment to apply for a donation of up to £500 towards green projects. Ian Short, managing director at Morley Glass & Glazing, said: “A rapidly growing customer base and increasing sales of Uni-Blinds mean we need to continuously invest in our vehicle fleet to ensure we can maintain our industry-topping lead-times and delivery reliability. But we also have to ensure our fleet best suits the needs of our business today, and as we are bringing more and more post-consumer glass back to Leeds than ever – and we will do even more in future – our new Luton vans tick all the boxes.” For more information on Morley Glass & Glazing and its work on sustainability please visit morleyglass.co.uk/sustainability

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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ICOTHERM - CONTINUED GROWTH

DECEUNINCK UK RECOGNISED FOR OUTSTANDING HEALTH AND SAFETY WITH ROSPA PRESIDENT’S AWARD

Icotherm is once again on the move.

Deceuninck UK has been awarded the RoSPA President’s Award, an achievement that follows 10 consecutive years of Gold Awards for its commitment to health and safety.

little as five,” he said. “The majority of these would be classed as minor, and there have been some years where we’ve actually reported zero accidents!

Lew Harvey, Health & Safety Training Coordinator, Deceuninck UK, commented: “The RoSPA President’s Award is a huge accomplishment for everyone that works at our Calne facility.

“This is in part due to the introduction of more sophisticated machinery and more spacious factories but also to the huge investment we have made in training and the constant progression of our safe working practices,” he concluded.

“All our departments, from warehouse right through to delivery, have played a vital role in maintaining the highest health and safety standards over the last 10 years – it really has been an exceptional team effort. “The company has grown considerably over the last decade, with the introduction of larger premises and additional machinery and we have had to constantly update and improve our health and safety practices to ensure that we meet RoSPA’s strict criteria,” he continued. “10 years’ ago, we had around 50-60 members of staff, but we have more than doubled that now. Despite the larger workforce, the number of accidents we record annually has dropped significantly, from roughly 30 incidences a year to as

Julia Small, RoSPA’s achievements director, said: “The RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest-running of its kind in the UK, but it receives entries from organisations across the globe, making it one of the most soughtafter achievement awards for health and safety worldwide. “RoSPA is very proud of the achievements of its entrants, and with this award we recognise the best of the best, those organisations that have gone the extra mile, raising the bar for the delivery of safety in the workplace.” For more information, call Deceuninck on 01249 816 969, email deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk.

INSIDE EDGE BUILDING PRODUCTS Freefoam Building Products launch a new video for social media showcasing Edge Building Products and their supply of Freefoam cladding. Two members of the Freefoam sales and marketing team spent the day at the Chichester branch to film how the business works on a daily basis. With a voiceover by Marketing Director Kate Prentice, the

Edge Building Products

video highlights how the Fortex cladding range has become an important part of their product offering, with the grey colour options being particularly popular with Edge Building Products customer’s. Kate explains “Freefoam have helped us promote the range and we receive great feedback on the quality of the cladding. It’s definitely opened up more business opportunities for us, and with double digit growth every year the figures speak for themselves! View video here: https://bit.ly/3i85hDI

Following a year that stretched the business, Icotherm Roof Systems is relocating its production line to a different, much larger unit in Blackburn. Anne-Marie Busch, Commercial Manager, comments : we will now have a dedicated production facility of 17500 sq feet, which is being set up by Darren Lahera, well know in this industry for setting up highly efficient production lines.

machining centre, which nearly looks to small in this great new space. Icotherm Roof Systems will carry on working from its HQ address at Shadsworth Business Park in Blackburn, where we will focus our new product development efforts, training, and

eventually a showroom, where we will be able to welcome customers in a safe environment. We are a member of TRADA – and ISO 9001:2015 certified Contact us at info@icotherm.co.uk.

We will be increasing our production capacity, with added workstations, a dedicated line for Icospan, our flat roof, a new welding facility to better service our steel requirements, and a new loading bay will be added. This move culminated with the recommissioning of our

PYROGUARD ACHIEVES ISO 14001:2015 STANDARD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Pyroguard, part of the Technical Fire Safety Group and the leading independent provider of fire safety glass solutions, is pleased to announce that it has achieved the ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management standard across its UK sites. The internationally accepted ISO 14001 standard outlines the most effective ways to put a successful environmental management system in place, designed to help organisations identify, manage, monitor and improve their environmental performance, such as through a more efficient use of resources and/or a reduction in waste. Speaking about the achievement, Richard Ainsworth, Group Technical Director, said: “All of us at Pyroguard are delighted to now officially be certified as being compliant with the requirements of ISO 14001:2015 – it’s testament to the hard work and dedication of all our teams and colleagues in making this ambition a reality. In today’s climate, it’s more important than ever for companies and industries to be environmentally conscious. By achieving this standard, we have reaffirmed our ongoing commitment to sustainable and responsible manufacturing and hope to

encourage others to do the same.” Pyroguard’s commitment to environmental sustainability was at the forefront when planning the move into its new larger UK project glass manufacturing site in Spring 2021. This included selecting a new build site on the basis of its energy efficiency and choosing the most efficient curing ovens and heating technologies for the manufacture of the Pyroguard Protect Range of products. The factory layout and flow has also been designed to minimise waste and maximise recycling opportunities. Part of the Technical Fire Safety Group, Pyroguard has been manufacturing and supplying its range of fire safety glass solutions to the construction market for over 30 years. To learn more about Pyroguard, please visit: www.pyroguard.eu.

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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INDUSTRY CHALLENGES TO BE TACKLED HEAD-ON AT GLAZING SUMMIT Despite many companies seeing record sales months and record demand, the industry is bursting at the seams, with one crisis following the next.

this year’s Glazing Summit takes on an even more significant role this year and is a must attend event.” A high demand for tickets in the last month indicates that there is a desire from industry leaders to come together and discuss the burning issues. Attendees can get in touch with organisers now to suggest a topic they think should be on the agenda to discuss by emailing hello@glazingsummit.co.uk, and they will also be able to put questions to panellists throughout the day using the interactive Q&A and polling platform Slido.

As a result, there will be plenty to discuss at this year’s Glazing Summit, which take place on Thursday, October 21 at Edgbaston Stadium and Conference Centre. The popular yearly event will feature a mix of debates and discussions on the biggest issues facing the industry from an array of business leaders and experts from the sector, as well as keynote speakers, and how to build for the future.

“We want everyone to be part of the discussions this year, so let us know what you’d like to talk about,” added Andrew.

From facing the impact of lockdown, businesses griding to a halt, and the floodgates opening to an under-prepared industry, to the short-lived Green Homes Grant scheme, a creaking supply chain, and shortages of both materials and labour, the challenges have been unparalleled.

Marketing, said: “This has been one of the toughest years in living memory; on the one hand demand has gone through the roof, but that has caused problems of its own across the whole supply chain.

Building Regs could be a disaster for the aluminium industry, while companies will need to look at how they can ensure current volumes are sustainable in the short and medium term.

Andrew Scott, Glazing Summit founder and CEO of organisers Insight Data and Purplex

“There are more challenges on the horizon too. The forthcoming revisions to the

“In many ways the industry is in crisis, so there is a huge amount to discuss. It’s why

“The Glazing Summit provides a vital space to discuss the challenges the industry is facing and help shape its future. It’s why it is an essential fixture in the fenestration calendar; these conversations need to be had.” For tickets visit www.glazingsummit.co.uk, call 01934 808293 or email hello@glazingsummit.co.uk.

146-YEAR-OLD GLAZING BUSINESS INVESTS IN YOUNG PEOPLE TO HELP IT REALISE 20% GROWTH PROJECTIONS One of Scotland’s oldest glazing businesses is looking to capitalise on the strongest order pipeline in its 146-year history by investing in the talent of the future. Mitchell Glass, which is located on Currie Road in Galashiels, is expecting 20% growth over the next twelve months as it attempts to fulfil projects that were stalled due to Covid-19 restrictions preventing its installers from working in residential properties. Led by 4th generation owner Lewis Roden, the company has turned to youth to help it meet pent-up demand and to

achieve long-term sustainability, taking on four apprentices and developing a new personal development programme that allows everyone in the business to build new skills and have clear progression routes.

home improvement projects due to the Scottish lockdown, with significant demand for its aluminium products and bi-fold doors that are being fitted at Grand Design projects across the country.

It is one element of an overall strategy that has seen the firm achieve the Gold Investors in Young People standard for the first time, coming a few weeks after it was re-accredited as a Silver Investor in People.

Lewis, who took the reins from his father and mother Peter and Susan Roden, went on to add: “Covid-19 has presented some of the biggest challenges in our history and we’re still battling against supply chain disruption…however, we do have the people in place to catch-up with the backlog and start planning for a post-lockdown future.

“Our reputation for excellent customer service is down to the people we employ and the culture we try to instil into staff the minute they start with us,” explained Lewis, who joined the business in 1999 when he was just 16-years’ old. “The two IiP Awards highlight that our approach to developing people and our young workers is on point and having the desired results in helping us attract and retain staff, importantly making sure individuals have the freedom to be creative and add value to the way we do things.” He continued: “Investing in apprentices is a big part of our recruitment plans and we currently have a mixture of young and mature learners across administration, sales and in our installation teams. “Growing your own tends to breed quality and also gives the chance for older, more experienced employees to pass down their knowledge to the next generation, meaning our succession planning is always in place.”

(L-R) Keanan Gobby, Jamie Hall, Jordan Hogarth, Kerr Brown, Chris Cellier, Harry Kershaw with Lewis Roden, owner of Mitchell Glass

Mitchell Glass, which became the first Scottish retailer to join the Conservatory Outlet network in 2011, provides one of the largest ranges of conservatory, orangery, double glazing windows and doors in Edinburgh, The Lothians and The Scottish Borders. Its 27-strong workforce are working around the clock to fulfil over four months of backlogged

“We’re currently in the process of updating our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software and the other short-term plan is to invest in a significant modernisation project for our showroom. “It’s all about improving the customer experience when they visit us and giving them an environment where they can browse our products and enjoy chatting with our experts on how we can bring their designs to life.” Greg Kane, Chief Executive Officer of the Conservatory Outlet, concluded: “Mitchell Glass is a respected figure in the Scottish home improvement market, and we are fully behind Lewis and his team’s dedication to their staff and especially in supporting new talent to come into our sector. “Covid-19 and the different restrictions Scottish companies were forced to operate under were massive hurdles, but there is no doubt in my mind, that the strength of the people has helped it come through lockdown and emerge an even stronger business than before.” For further information, please visit www.mitchellglass.co.uk or follow the company on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

HIGH RISE SOLUTION FROM EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS Replacing windows on high rise blocks is typically an expensive, time-consuming operation with plenty of scheduling challenges. But with Optima and Elite 70 commercial windows from Epwin Window Systems, it’s a different story. Lance Clarry, Head of Specification Sales at Epwin Window Systems, explains: “Both our Optima and Elite 70 window systems can be installed internally without the need for scaffolding, whatever the window style. It opens up a new world of opportunities for commercial contractors and their respective clients.” The internal installation means councils and housing associations

don’t have to factor the cost of scaffolding into the replacement budget, which frees up funds to spend elsewhere. Windows can be replaced in phases rather than all at once, which helps manage costs. It also means windows can be replaced as a standalone project without having to complete other external works first, solving scheduling concerns by taking window replacement off the critical path. Lance comments: “Internal installation gives our commercial contractors a huge competitive advantage because the cost savings are significant. It helps councils and housing associations make savings and reduce costs while still maintaining their property portfolio.” Both the Optima and Elite 70 window systems can be installed internally on virtually any existing framework. On each project, an experienced Specification Manager from Epwin Window Systems visits the site and works with the client’s team

to design the right solution for the project. The solution has already been tried and tested throughout the UK. Optima and Elite 70 windows have been used to replace 2,500 windows across four tower blocks in Bristol and 15,000 windows across 37 tower blocks in Solihull. Both projects had a 100% operational and performance rate and 100% resident satisfaction. Epwin Window Systems has a proven track record of working with housing associations and other public and private sector organisations. It provides a complete end-to-end commercial service that includes everything from technical calculations and drawings to resident liaison. Its Approved Commercial Manufacturers scheme is recognised and requested by specifiers, giving businesses powerful credibility in the commercial arena – something that’s enhanced even more by this latest high-rise solution. Tel: 0845 340 3968 www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

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WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SELECTA’S LONGSTANDING VALUES AND ETHOS It seems that many companies are adopting ‘new’ strap lines and hashtags around newfound sets of values and a fresh company ethos in light of the current pandemic and industry plight. Selecta Systems Sales Director, Andy Green, talks about the strong and longstanding values and ethos of the family-owned business, that has become characteristic of Selecta and have really shone during recent events whilst also standing the test of time. Over the last 12 months or so we have seen the way we live change considerably, with almost every person having to adjust and become accustomed to the new living conditions. The same can also be said of how many have had to do business and communicate. It does, however, seem that it has taken a pandemic and an industry boom, during which the industry has suffered material and product shortages, for a number of companies to react and actually realise that customer care, complete customer support and the whole customer experience are just as important as the product and services of which they provide. When we opened up and shared our #bepartofthefamily company ethos at the beginning of 2016 it was both bold and unique

“All-in-all, what I am trying to say is that Selecta have always been customer care driven, approachable and supportive to our customer base, one big family and the recent events haven’t changed that stance. With some now adding the ‘family’ hashtag into their communications, we haven’t had to change our family ethos and values during these challenging times for all.” as a systems company, especially as we were within an industry where large investors and investment groups had taken control of system houses. We were and continue to be the only UK based, independently and family owned PVCu profile systems company, something we are extremely proud of, especially when you consider how many systems companies have fallen by the wayside over the last twenty years.

Providing a personal and unrivalled customer care and support package has always been an integral part of Selecta’s culture with the approachable and flexible nature of the business being fundamental in our recent success, especially over the last 12 months or so. Sales records have continued to be broken, with March recording our strongest sales ever and new customer numbers exceeding all expectations.

It is often said we go above and beyond on what other systems companies do, but it is what we do and again that is down to the flexibility, knowledge and vast experience within the business. You deal with the ‘doers’ on a daily basis and decisions can be made quickly without a large board of directors and shareholders breathing down your neck. All-in-all, what I am trying to say is that Selecta have always been customer care driven, approachable and supportive to our customer base, one big family and the recent events haven’t changed that stance. With some now adding the ‘family’ hashtag into their communications, we haven’t had to change our family ethos and values during these challenging times for all. It is like we got it right, right from the start. In fact, here we are some five and a half years on from sharing our #bepartofthefamily ethos and values with the industry and it is a message that now seems even more stronger and pertinent than ever before.

This valuable and focused message has allowed us to lift the lid on the Selecta ethos and company values, connecting with the industry as the friendly, approachable and caring company who are more flexible and accommodating than the competition. The clear message being that customers become ‘part of the family’ and not just another number on the books. This whole family ethos is ingrained within the business, with longstanding, knowledgeable and experienced staff looking after those that choose to be part of the journey and more importantly the family.

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

resurgence

FACE TO FACE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THIS MONTH: Tom Barfield, Self-employed sales consultant, main client Tommy Trinder. Happily married 23 years to Emma we have three great kids - 2 sons Chris (21) and Dan (20) and daughter Milly (17). A lifetime of experience in the window industry at all levels and all product types (Steel, Aluminium, Timber & Upvc). I’ve sold in customers houses, on building sites and in architects’ offices. Passionate about customer service.

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU...

Your greatest achievement That’s a tough one - obviously marriage and children are at the top. But from a working point of view there have been so many highs along the way (not without challenges too I’d hasten to add); Look I hope it doesn’t sound too dull but - all roads lead to where you are right now; and I’d have to say I’m the happiest I’ve ever been doing what I’m currently doing - I guess that’s an achievement that’s difficult to beat?

Where you were born and live, currently… Born in Braintree, Essex, travelled about a bit in early 20s lived and worked abroad but settled back in my home town - got married etc. Its where family and friends are.

Your education and the subject or activity in which you excelled… Local comprehensive school - Enjoyed History and Art the most, I could have probably come away with more in the way of certification, let’s just say I enjoyed the ‘social’ side of school more than anything else.

really learn. There are definitely a few Fulham games I wish I was at…and also a few I wish I hadn’t been!

Your favourite activities or interests…

Someone or something that inspires you…

Season ticket holder at Fulham (inherited team from Dad). Also love eating out with friends and family, don’t know whether I qualify as a ‘foodie’ but it’s definitely something I enjoy. I’ve always loved Scooters too although I’ve just sold my 1964 Vespa SS. There’s always got to be some music playing too.

Anyone who just gets on with it no matter what - you make your own luck. I like stories about people who have made something out of nothing or in the face of adversity. There’s no achievement in being gifted something.

Your biggest regret in life…

The temptation you can’t resist…

I’m not sure that I have any actual regrets. If you don’t make mistakes you can never

Cheese and biscuits probably ….I just can’t walk past a Buffet!!

YOUR CAREER... When and how you joined this industry… It’s pretty much all I’ve ever done really - left school at 16 but my first job in the window world was not until I was 18 - at a local firm (Crittall windows), if you live in Braintree chances are someone in the family was already working there or had worked there before. I was third generation in my family! I did plenty of other jobs before I was married on construction sites, in factories on the roads even - but always came back to windows and doors.

The job you do… After selling windows and doors to homeowners, builders and architects etc for a living - I now (for last 18 months) sell a truly amazing bit of window industry software (Framepoint Technology by Tommy Trinder). It’s a fantastic bit of kit that is completely revolutionising the way installers sell to the homeowner. It’s an absolute pleasure to work with the team at Tommy Trinder I think we all know we’re involved in something a bit special; it’s so positive. As with millions of others; working from home was sort of forced upon me because of the lockdown but I’ve really embraced selling online and the whole virtual conference thing, I’ve pretty much hung up the car keys these days. I find that it’s such an efficient way to work.

AND YOUR FUTURE... What you would like to do if you weren’t in this industry… ..Not in the window industry….? Wow, there are other industries??!! Seriously though, I really don’t know ... If I had the time and the money perhaps something a bit more philanthropic I’d like to think? With an emphasis on it being somewhere warm, eating delicious food, getting a new scooter, watching Fulham and spending time with family and friends ;-)

A particular ambition… From a work point of view - to continue working with the amazing team at Tommy Trinder and playing my part in helping to develop the Framepoint software. It really feels like we’re at the beginning of something huge…. so establishing Framepoint in the market so that it’s what homeowners will expect to experience when they buy new windows and doors. Outside of work? well there are a whole bunch of exciting things that we’d all be able to note down on a bucket list, so all of those really…. and to be happy, content and healthy at the same time.

The way you want to be remembered… “wow he knew a bit about windows!!!” only joking, I don’t really mind - as long as more often than not it’s with a smile.

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. 46

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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MARKETING

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

WHAT DOES YOUR BRAND DO FOR YOU? Is your brand pulling it’s weight? Is it making a difference, asks Mike Rigby, CEO of MRA Marketing?

Marketing is not tools and techniques like advertising, it’s a set of ideas and a way of looking at your business, your customers, and prospects. Done right, it powers your sales and profitable growth. Every business needs to ask: are we in the right place, heading in the right direction and doing the right things? Are we saying the right things, in the right way, to the right people?

We all know good branding when we see it. Most of us can name the brands behind straplines such as ‘Every little helps’, ‘Never knowingly undersold’, or ‘Just do it’ because they’ve been drummed into us by constant marketing.

THREE KEY MARKETING QUESTIONS:

But how many window industry brand straplines can you think of? As a marketing missionary, I challenged myself to recall what 25 leading brands said about themselves and struggled. So, I gave up and looked on their websites. Half didn’t have a strapline and their websites weren’t much help. They said lots of things but nothing clearly. Five had bland statements that could have described any brand in any industry. Ten had meaningful straplines. Seven of them stood out… • Everest: ‘Fit the Best’. Nearly 50 years of effective marketing means generations have grown up knowing one of the truly great straplines.

• Who? Who do you sell to, who do you want to sell more to? How old are your customers - mostly young, middle aged or soon to retire? The Haves or the Have Nots, or those who supply them? Are you following the money or selling to anyone who asks? That could be why your profits are not what they could be.

Mike Rigby

• Why? Why do customers buy from you, not your rivals? Price always matters, but research says that online most people choose brands they know. And they return for a great experience, choice, convenience, and service, not price.

• Where? Aim to be the name people recommend, the brand everyone thinks of, the first people see when they look or search.

DAVID OR A GOLIATH? Research says challenger brands need to be 3.5 times as effective as the leader’s marketing to level the playing field. For every £1 Coca Cola spends it gets £1.30p back. For every £1 Pepsi spends it gets £0.30 back. If you’re not No.1 you need to do more because leaders like Coca-Cola have the ‘defender’s advantage’. Doing more means shouting louder and longer, so your market notices and remembers you. Repetition builds your brand. Marketers often get bored with their message before most of their audience notices, so a lot of marketing is wasted. Creativity matters but it’s more about saying the same thing in a fresh way than finding a new message. We only know BMW is ‘The Ultimate Driving Machine’ because it’s been saying it since 1975! If you’d like help with building your brand, email mike@mra-marketing.com.

• Residence: ‘The way they were meant to be’ is as evocative and memorable as ever. • Ultraframe: ‘Transforming light and space’ is a brilliant statement of the benefits of its brand. • Eurocell: ‘Altogether better’ is strong and clear. • Door-Stop: ‘The UK’s favourite composite door’ still drives sales. • Solidor: ‘The UK’s best composite door’ is confident and reassuring. • Crystal Direct: ‘No 1 for choice. No 1 for colour.’ With colour trending this says it clearly. At its simplest, your brand is what you want people to say about you when you’re not there. The window industry likes to think its marketing is pretty sharp, and a few brands are excellent, but most lag behind other industries. Your brand is your reputation, the sum of who you are, what you do, and your relationships. It’s the trust you’ve built up in the market. It’s why people buy from you, not someone else.

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

MARKETING

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

LET US HELP YOU WITH YOUR MARKETING IN 2021

Time to cook up some new ideas?

Let’s discuss your needs, give us a call

T:07429 103925

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Marketing Experts for the Window & Construction Industries Glass News has teamed up with the very best marketing companies within the window and construction industries. Find your marketing partner here!

We are a friendly, approachable team of marketing experts, specifically for the window industry. www.insidetheboxmarketing.co.uk Inside the Box Marketing Limited Office 1 Pure Offices, Brooks Drive, Cheadle Royal Business Park, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 3TD

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HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

YALE AND INGENIOUS DOOR LOCKS BOTH NOW AVAILABLE FROM MILA

INSTAGRAM INFLUENCER GETS SMART WITH KUBU Instagram influencer, Katrina @greygoosehouse, has upgraded her cherished home with a new Kubu equipped composite front door, that was manufactured and installed by Infinity Windows and Doors. With over 109k followers, @greygoosehouse has become a highly influential social media feed for all things that reflect interior design, home and interiors, and lifestyle inspirations. But the introduction of a Kubu equipped composite door has been a decision based on security, reassurance and ultimately peace of mind. Katrina outlines the rationale for this important investment in her home and said: ‘Kubu is a revelation for us as a family and as a busy business owner, I now know when my front door is locked or unlocked through the notifications which also tell me when our children have left and

returned to the house. The clever geo-fencing feature has also proven to be particularly useful and in time when the window sensor is launched, it will form part of an important smart home network for us too. She added: ‘It was also fundamental for me from an interior design perspective to pick the perfect hardware for my front door and not be reliant on an unsightly and bulky smart lock. Overall, I’m thrilled with this new investment on our Grey Goose House.’ Lauren Bromley, head of brand for Kubu added: ‘Kubu is not just a lifestyle choice, but one in which is part of a more secure

and ultimately smarter home. There’s little impact on manufacturing processes for fabricators and no additional works or cost implications for the installer, the clever bit is when doors and windows are activated by consumers with full support by us directly.’ For information on smart doors from Dekko, visit dekkowindows.com. For further information about becoming a manufacturing partner or Kubu Pro Installer then please visit kubu-home.com, e-mail support@kubu-home.com or call 0330 555 9545 for a free information pack. You can also follow them on all leading social media platforms @KubuSmart.

SHOWER HARDWARE SOLUTIONS THAT BRING SPA-LIKE LUXURY HOME With people spending more time at home and luxury spa breaks being hard to come by as a result of the pandemic, the range of shower hardware available from CRL helps bring that touch of luxury into the domestic bathroom. Bathrooms and shower rooms are increasingly being designed as extensions of our living spaces, a space to retreat, relax and rejuvenate rather than just for practicalities. CRL shower hardware taps into this movement, with colours and styles to suit all interior applications. From hinges and U-channels, to minimalist hardware for sliding shower doors, CRL has solutions for all projects and all spaces, with popular finishes including Chrome, Brass, Brushed Nickel, Matte Black and Oil Rubbed Bronze featuring across the different systems. The range includes frameless solutions, such as Cambridge and Serenity sliding shower doors, for the ultimate in wet-room style luxury that also maximises accessibility in the modern bathroom. Another highlight

of the range is the CRL Geneva hinge, available in a wide choice of finishes and suitable for bespoke applications, enabling the shower area to be tailored to fit any space, ideal when working with awkward shapes and sizes in rooms such as in corners and under eaves. For more information call CRL on 01706 863600, email crl@crlaurence.co.uk, or visit www.crlaurence.co.uk.

Despite the fact that Mila supplies hardware from some of the biggest names in the industry including Yale, Siegenia, Axor and Spilka, we would certainly describe ourselves as a ‘branded house’ and not as a ‘house of brands’. It’s an important distinction for customers and stems from the fact that, on average, we only add a new brand to our product portfolio once every couple of years. Even then, we only choose brands which align closely with our own business in terms of innovation and quality and which fill what we see as being gaps in our product line up. We choose our partners very carefully because we know that our reputation rests so heavily on theirs. It’s big news then that this month Mila is joining forces with Ingenious Locks for the first time to begin supplying the Ingenious range of multipoint door locks for aluminium, UPVC and composite doors. Ingenious products will sit alongside the Yale locks we already supply and add a significant new dimension to our offering. There’s lots of talk about synergy in the hardware market but in this case it’s a pretty fair description of the relationship which exists between Mila and Ingenious, given that Stuart Carpenter, Ingenious’ Technical Director, was once the Technical Director here at Mila. Both our businesses are focused on developing products with real USPs, where the emphasis is on quality, durability and ease of installation. The Ingenious range which will be stocked by Mila includes single hook Professional door locks, Autofire latches, and clever Duplex locks, which are the only ones in the UK to feature this type of hook locking mechanism. All are already well proven in the UK market and all are Secured by Design accredited. Together, I think these enhanced security products bring a new dimension to our lock range and sit comfortably alongside the Yale locks we already offer to fabricators – broadening the choice and ensuring that we can justifiably claim to have the right product for every application.

Our Yale range, for example, already includes Lockmaster products for UPVC doors with matching strikers, Lockmaster secondary locks for French doors and Auto Engage products for composite doors with either two or three security latches. There are also dedicated Lockmaster locks for aluminium and bi-fold doors. More than 70% of Mila sales are now of our own branded products, designed and developed in house, but that still leaves a substantial part of our business which comes from distributing products from other manufacturers – in fact, we are amongst the largest distributors of Yale products in the UK. There are lots of reasons why customers choose to buy third-party products from Mila of course, but the main one is obviously service. That’s everything from having product in stock ready for next day delivery to being able to provide in-house testing services and onsite technical support. It’s also about the kind of helpful, specialist advice available from our knowledgeable sales teams – both on the phone and out in the field, and the extensive package of sales and marketing support we provide. Even before the pandemic, Mila had adopted a digital first strategy in our marketing but that’s obviously proved particularly valuable to customers over the past year. Our team has already created a dedicated page on the Mila website for door locks with all of the Yale and Ingenious products available to view and compare and lots of useful, downloadable resources. They’ve also produced digital animations of some of the new products so that customers can see the USPs up close in sales presentations conducted either remotely or face to face. We never forget though that the biggest test of hardware is how the products actually look and feel to our customers so we’re also promoting the new Ingenious range via new ‘Lock Block’ display boards which show them in operation. All the details of the new products including how to get hold of a Lock Block are at: https://www.mila.co.uk/new-door-locks/

“There are lots of reasons why customers choose to buy third-party products from Mila of course, but the main one is obviously service.” By Richard Gyde, Managing Director, Mila

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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HARDWARE

INSTALLER NETWORK

KUBU LAUNCHES PRO KENRICK JOINS MASTER LOCKSMITHS INSTALLER INITIATIVE ASSOCIATION Leading hardware supplier Kenrick has joined the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) - the UK’s largest and longest-established locksmith trade association. The West-Bromwich based firm’s TS007 3-star high security cylinder has now been tested and approved by the MLA to combat lock snapping. Tested to meet the latest security standards of the British Standard Kitemark (TS007 3*), the Kenrick 3-star euro lock cylinder has been designed for those fabricators who want a top of the range door locking solution at a reasonable

price, whilst also helping to prevent lock snapping. The Secured by Design approved cylinder features multiple high security pins to provide maximum security and excellent resistance against the other known cylinder attack methods, including picking, drilling, bumping, pulling and screwing. Steve Williams, Kenrick’s sales and marketing director, says: “We’re delighted to become a member of the MLA and to be doing our bit to help stamp out lock snapping. With more than 70% of burglars gaining access to a property through a door in a matter of seconds, the choice of hardware for that door is essential. We need to reduce the incidences of these types of crime out and offer far greater peace of mind for the homeowner. Our new 3-star cylinder eliminates any possibility of tampering with the cylinder, making homes much less vulnerable to attack. “What makes our cylinder special though is that it meets the standards of

TS007 on both sides of the cylinder, which means that fabricators only need to stock one cylinder for both open in and open out doors . It’s also compatible with an A1 key blank, so homeowners can easily buy extra affordably-priced keys from the high street if they need to. It is a reliable and versatile solution with no compromises.” The cylinder is manufactured in a polished brass or a nickel finish and can be easily retrofitted with no additional preparation. It is available as Paired Alike or Thumb Turn and in all sizes from 70mm to 110mm in 5mm increments. The cylinder has also been tested to 100,000 cycles and comes with a 10-year mechanical guarantee. The Master Locksmiths Association was established to set and promote high standards of conduct, practice and materials within locksmithing. The Kenrick 3-star euro lock cylinder was tested at the MLA’s Sold Secure test house, which certifies security products through attack testing.

Kubu, the smart-sensor for doors and windows has announced the launch of their new Pro Installer initiative, as the brand looks to engage in the wider and opportunistic smart home market.

Kubu Pro Installers will benefit from a wide range of updated marketing and point of sale materials for showrooms, along with a free listing at the newly re-vamped website at kubu-home.com. This new initiative will also see the provision of Kubu Kits at trade prices which will help open up further opportunities for installers. Once purchased, the Kubu Kits can be sold with a mark-up, while some other businesses are already using it as a means to close a bigger deal. With the new window sensor just a matter of months away, sales of Kubu equipped door and windows will form part of the wider smart home market, as a complete and integrated solution including bi-folding, French and patio doors. All the necessary support and warranty is provided directly to the homeowner by Kubu, but with activation just a matter

of minutes, the process is both quick and simple. There’s also the reassurance of the fact that Kubu has been designed, tested and manufactured in-house by Avantis Hardware and this also includes all the software and firmware development.

Lauren Bromley, head of brand for Kubu commented: ‘The Pro Installer initiative is free to partners and provides considerable sales opportunities for installers. The statistics clearly show that consumers are consuming smart-tech in their droves and the success of Amazon’s Ring and Google Nest bear testament to this. She continued: ‘Find yourself a Kubu smart-sensor manufacturer today and enjoy the considerable benefits of this initiative tomorrow. Smart-sensors could well revolutionise the window and door sector in the same way as it’s influencing the markets for central heating systems and home security.’ For further information about becoming a manufacturing partner or Kubu Pro Installer then please visit kubu-home.com, e-mail support@kubu-home.com or call 0330 555 9545 for a free information pack. You can also follow them on all leading social media platforms @KubuSmart and see them on stand E30 at this year’s FIT Show.

"Find yourself a Kubu smart-sensor manufacturer today and enjoy the considerable benefits of this initiative tomorrow. Smart-sensors could well revolutionise the window and door sector in the same way as it’s influencing the markets for central heating systems and home security."

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 topquality products includes the market leading Excalibur multi-point locking system, the fourpoint Centurion system and the Easifit and Espagnolette locking systems. Tel: 0121 553 2741 www.kenricks.co.uk

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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HERITAGE PROPERTY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PROFILE 22’S OPTIMA WINDOWS HELP TRANSFORM ICONIC CEMETERY LODGE Profile 22 fabricator, A & D Joinery Ltd, has recently manufactured and fitted 43 new arched Optima windows for the sympathetic landmark refurbishment of Hindley Cemetery Lodge in Hindley, Greater Manchester.

“We pride ourselves on delivering our projects to exacting customer briefs on time and on budget.”

The sensitive importance of Hindley Cemetery Lodge meant the new windows needed to complement the existing historic building design. Furthermore, the homeowner was keen to preserve the original building architecture and the windows needed to fit into the doublearched stone façade of the building.

Design and installation of the 43 windows was completed within the scheduled fourweek timeframe, with works meticulously planned to minimise disruption for the homeowner. Dave said: “We pride ourselves on delivering our projects to exacting customer briefs on time and on budget. And Hindley Cemetery Lodge was no exception. It was a pleasure working on this landmark property.”

Following a detailed feasibility study undertaken by A & D Joinery Ltd, the decision was made to upgrade the ageing timber windows, replacing them with architecturally sensitive double-glazed versions. Profile 22’s award-winning Optima windows with arched top design were quickly identified as the window that would deliver the solution required. In this case, the windows were manufactured in black external and white internal foiling to replicate the heritage aesthetics and enhance the building’s appearance. Attention to detail and exacting standards were evident at every level. Dave Smith, Director of A & D Joinery, said: “Due to the building’s historic build, the job was complex as we needed to re-line the windows inside the aperture with timber batons to ensure the character of the property could be maintained. We also fitted the windows with low-e argon filled

double glazed units to improve energy ratings and soundproofing.” The new Optima arched top windows have transformed the building capturing many of the key features of traditional design and delivering all the benefits that a modern replacement window should offer.

The finished result has upgraded the appearance of Hindley Cemetery Lodge, restoring its stunning heritage looks. It has also improved the thermal efficiency of the building and reduced maintenance requirements too. It is the perfect example of how Optima windows can combine modern day benefits with heritage authenticity to deliver an outstanding end result. A & D Joinery Ltd is a family run business who have been manufacturing and fitting quality windows, doors and conservatives since 1987 throughout the North West of England. The business is committed to high quality standards and delivering solutions, however complex, to satisfy the needs of their growing customer base. Tel: 01952 290910 – www.profile22.co.uk

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

R E G I O N A L I N STA L L E R , N AT I O N W I D E B R A N D I N G O R L E A D G E N E R AT I O N ? S O C I A L M E D I A & H O M E O W N E R M A R K E T I N G PA C K A G E - o n l y w i t h I m p ro v e ! I m p ro v e M a g a z i n e t a rg e t s h o m e o w n e r s a c ro s s t h e U K a n d i s d e d i c a t e d t o o u r i n d u s t r y.

Ta k e a l o o k a t t h e p a c k a g e w e a re o ff e r i n g :

We promote companies who sell windows, doors, conservatories and garden rooms to homeowners and we do this via our lifestyle magazine through email and social media.

• I m p ro v e M a g a z i n e - f u l l p a g e a d w i t h e d i t o r i a l f e a t u re

W i t h a F a c e b o o k re a c h o f o v e r 3 0 0 , 0 0 0 h o m e o w n e r s , w i t h i n t e re s t s i n h o m e s , D I Y a n d g a rd e n i n g , I m p ro v e i s t h e p e r f e c t p l a t f o r m t o a d v e r t i s e y o u r p ro d u c t s a n d s e r v i c e s . We a l s o u s e a t a rg e t e d e m a i l d a t a b a s e o f A B C 1 h o m e o w n e r s , t o g e t y o u r p ro d u c t s i n f ro n t o f p o t e n t i a l c u s t o m e r s . W h a t ’s m o re , w e d o a l l o f t h e w o r k f o r y o u , f ro m a d c o n c e p t to design, Facebook ads and social media posts.

• E d i t o r i a l f e a t u re c o n v e r t e d t o a Facebook ad and advertised w i t h i n y o u r p o s t a l re g i o n • F a c e b o o k a d s l i n k b a c k t o y o u r a r t i c l e o n o u r l a n d i n g p a g e , w h e re c u s t o m e r s c a n e n q u i re • We b a d d re s s a n d y o u r c o n t a c t details also included on the l a n d i n g p a g e f o r d i re c t w e b t r a ff i c • We e k l y p o s t s o n s o c i a l m e d i a p l a t f o r m s : Tw i t t e r, I n s t a g r a m a n d P i n t e re s t • P ro m o t i o n l a s t s f o r a t h re e m o n t h period • A l l t h i s f o r j u s t £ 3 9 5 + VAT ( o n e invoice to cover a three month period)

Wa n t t o t a k e a d v a n t a g e ?

D ro p m e a n e m a i l a n d I ’ l l s e n d y o u f u r t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n o r g i v e y o u a c a l l .

E m a i l : c h r i s t i n a @ i m p ro v e - m a g a z i n e . c o . u k o r C a l l : 0 7 8 0 5 0 5 1 3 2 2

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MACHINERY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

EFFICIENCY IS KEY

WITH SHEFFIELD WINDOW CENTRE Established nearly five decades ago, family-owned and operated fenestration company Sheffield Window Centre is a well-recognised, well-respected Yorkshire business. Known for its commitment to highquality finishes and courteous yet efficient customer services, Sheffield Window Centre (SWC) prides itself on being the local double-glazing company that families can trust. Being in operation for so long means the company has gone through its fair share of fabrication machinery. Whether modernising existing machinery or

replacing those at their end of life to ensure quality and efficiency, when it came time to secure new machines, SWC’s Managing Director Ian Hunter knew just which company to turn to - Avantek Machinery.

built a rock-solid relationship with Avantek Sales Director Gary Mayer in particular, who has had a positive influence on most of the machinery that Ian ultimately ended up purchasing to use in the company’s fabrication operation.

BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATIONS

“I can honestly say that the advice Gary has provided us regarding window fabrication machinery has been infallible,” remarks Ian.

Sheffield Window Centre has been an Avantek Machinery customer for nearly twenty years, back when it was still known as Wegoma GB. Over the years, Ian has

“Having someone you can trust when you need something as crucial as machinery is invaluable for a window fabricator. Since the first time we began doing business with Avantek, they’ve never given us advice that wasn’t honest, impartial and incredibly helpful.”

“There have been many occasions when Avantek suggested certain machinery for our company, but we chose not to purchase at that exact time. Once we were ready and had the machine installed, however, I’d always find myself going back to Gary to say he was right about what that particular machine would do for us!”

VISITING THE SHOWROOM Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, Ian and his team made the short trek down the M1 to Avantek’s state-of-the-art showroom in Derbyshire, to see Avantek’s flagship Supercut cutting and machining centre in action and find out if it could work for their premises.

“While incredibly efficient, the Supercut just wasn’t suitable for our factory, as we didn’t have the space required to fit either model,” Ian explains. “While we were there, however, we looked at the Wegoma 4-head Auto Welder. Gary explained all the benefits, including the potential time savings, quality consistency and energy efficiency - but like all the times before, we didn’t make the jump to purchase the welder at that time.

A SOUND INVESTMENT “Fast-forward to 2021, our current welder was on its last legs, so we really had to invest in a new one. Once again, I trusted Avantek’s advice and made the decision to purchase the Wegoma Auto Welder. “After installation, it was easy to see why they’d recommended this model. It’s fast, efficient and literally takes the thinking out of this part of the fabrication process. I’m delighted to say it’s been a sound investment for Sheffield Window Centre,” comments Ian.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUST The biggest factor in Ian’s machinery purchasing decisions really comes down to one thing – trust. Ian explains how his relationship with the Avantek team is an integral part of the process: “Having someone you can trust when you need something as crucial as machinery is invaluable for a window fabricator. Since the first time we began doing business with Avantek, they’ve never given us advice that wasn’t honest, impartial and incredibly helpful. “All the benefits we’ve been told about making efficiencies or increasing production without increasing manpower have materialised and I don’t even question them now - I trust the team implicitly.” The ongoing machinery investment at Sheffield Window Centre ensures the products it fabricates are of the highest quality. View the full range of products and services by visiting www.sheffield-window-centre.co.uk. If you’re looking to make efficiencies in your fabrication operation, need advice about factory layout or machinery or want to upgrade machinery that is coming to its end of life, contact Avantek Machinery at sales@avantekmachinery.co.uk or visit www.avantekmachinery.co.uk.

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

MACHINERY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

DOOR AND WINDOW SYSTEMS CONTINUES ITS PRODUCTIVITY DRIVE WITH A FIFTH NEW KOMBIMATEC MACHINE Door and Window Systems (DAWS), a Liverpool-based fabricator, continues to increase productivity in response to customer demand, with the recent installation of its fifth new Kombimatec machine in 18 months – this time, the AMC308 Automatic CNC Machining Centre.

BEDFORDSHIRE WINDOWS CONTINUES TO INVEST WITH HAFFNER Trade and retail fabricator Bedfordshire Windows has invested in a new SMR-4 Four-Headed Welder and TT425 Double Mitre Saw from award-winning machinery experts, Haffner. The new machinery package is the third largescale machine investment with Haffner, and the latest machines will further support Bedfordshire Windows’ growth strategy. Gary Walker, Director at Bedfordshire Windows, said: “We have seen a large upturn in demand for our products, and the new automated machines from Haffner will allow us further to improve our production efficiencies in line with customer demand.” The new machines come hot on the heels of the company’s investment in a Haffner TT405 Double mitre saw in December 2020, which further upscaled their production output. Gary commented: “We have purchased several automated machines from Haffner in the past and we did not hesitate to turn to them to help support us in our latest manufacturing expansion.” Haffner’s SMR-4 Four Headed Welder drives fast and accurate inline welds, bringing further efficiency to Bedfordshire’s manufacturing operation. As well as features to speed up production, the SMR-4 is designed to improve product quality and cut waste. It is factory set each time and has

automatic transom fences, automatic corner fences and automatic transom and mullion alignment, all features that add exceptional value to the fabrication process. Equally impressive is the Haffner TT425 double-mitre computerised saw’s credentials which provides superb length, angle and cutting accuracy thanks to its robust construction and linear bearing system. Gary commented: “The benefits of automation and the reliability of Haffner’s machines is second to none and allows us to scale up production as and when we need too.” Having trebled their turnover in 2020, Bedfordshire Windows is showing no signs of slowing down. The company has been established for over four years and manufacture a wide range of window and door products to exceptional standards, and offer a quick and reliable turnaround. Bryan Dando, Area Sales Manager at Haffner, said: “One of the clearest indications of a reliable and trustworthy business is how previous customers are willing to return when they need to make a new investment. We are delighted to have supported Bedfordshire Windows once again.”

DAWS is a family-run business specialising in the manufacture of high-quality aluminium doors, windows, bi-folds and rooflights for both the domestic and commercial markets. The company was looking to increase productivity and boost its business growth cost effectively without the need to take on new staff – and Kombimatec provided the solutions. When its latest addition of the AMC308 machining centre joined the fabricator’s manufacturing plant in Bootle, it was immediately among friends as almost every machine DAWS has is a Kombimatec. Within the last 18 months alone, the company also purchased a DGS500 Electronic Double Mitre Saw, CC120 Power Crimper, AFV362 Variable Angle End Miller and MGS460 Upstroke Mitre Saw. The AMC308 machining centre was developed by Kombimatec for both aluminium and PVC-U profiles. Manufactured with a solid steel construction using high quality components, it incorporates advanced CNC control with CADCAM software that provides exceptional levels of precision and reliability during production. DAWS version comes with a 5HP electro-spindle inverter driven to 180000 rpm, closed loop servo driven system, automatic safety guard, and voltage monitor for electrical protection. Like all Kombimatec machinery, the userfriendly AMC308 machining centre is a cinch to operate and program, so all the staff at DAWS are able to use it with ease. An automatic multi-tool changer allows the machine to process complex tasks

without interruption, and it automates traditionally time-consuming tasks – including all drilling, routing, slotting, and milling functions – allowing staff to get on with other jobs. Its faster processing speed increases output while the machine’s accuracy reduces wastage too. According to Dave Harrison, Director at DAWS, “The AMC308 is a benchmark for fabricators establishing a window fabricating business in our industry. Previously we used manual copy routers to complete the prep work and it got to the point where we had one person working the router all day. From a cost point of view this machine will easily pay for itself in 2 years. For us, the main benefits are accuracy and efficiency. The CNC has enabled us to increase our output massively.” Operations on the production floor are now super-efficient as the whole team has benefited from the improved processing, with the aim to increase efficiencies and processing orders and accelerate business growth – all while ensuring the everimportant consistent high quality and precision of the results. “Like many of our loyal customers, DAWS prides itself on supplying the best quality, premium door and window products on time every time – and Kombimatec are proud to continue to provide the solutions to help them achieve that,” said Kombimatec’s Director David Parsons. Kombimatec have been an industry-leading manufacturer and supplier of precision machinery used to fabricate windows and doors for over 35 years, delivering machines for working PVC-U and aluminium profiles in the UK and worldwide. For further information on Kombimatec’s range of CNC machining centres call directly on 01582562218 or email sales@ kombimatec.com. www.kombimatec.com

Haffner’s returning customer rate is exceptionally high, and Gary’s comments show precisely why the company is fast becoming the industry’s go-to machinery experts. Tel: 01785 222421 – www.haffnermurat.com

“The benefits of automation and the reliability of Haffner’s machines is second to none and allows us to scale up production as and when we need too.” August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

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Tel 01785 222421 www.haffnermurat.com The Accolade Building, Common Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 3EQ www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2021

COLOUR

SOFTWARE & IT

SHEERLINE ADDS NEW GLOSS HIPCA WHITE TO STOCKED RANGE

WHAT IS ‘SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE?’ (AND WHY SHOULD WE CARE!)

In response to customer demand, Garnalex has introduced a new gloss finish, HIPCA White, to its range of stocked colours for Sheerline windows and doors. HIPCA White, RAL 9910 is an additional white option, alongside the existing Pure White, RAL 9010, bringing the total stocked colours for Sheerline’s colour range to 12. The new coating will be the first of Sheerline’s range to be available in a gloss finish. The innovative Sheerline aluminium window and door system is transforming the residential aluminium market since the introduction of its first system, Classic, last year. Designed from the ground up, Classic is an ultra-secure beadless aluminium window system which combines exceptional performance with refined aesthetics. Earlier this year, it was joined by Prestige, Sheerline’s most versatile and thermally-efficient system. Prestige features window U-values as low as 0.9 W/(m²K)

“We offer very short lead times, just five days, to fabricators, so they, and their installer customers, can keep up with increasing demand from homeowners. This is revolutionary in the aluminium sector.”

for triple glazing and 1.3 U-value W/(m²K) for double glazed and includes single and French doors with a wide range of outer frames and styles for near unlimited choice. The new gloss HIPCA White will be available on all Sheerline’s profiles with matching ancillaries. Sheerline’s range of 12 stock colours includes three anodised colours for the ultimate durable and stylish finish. Sheerline keeps all profiles, in all 12 colours, in stock at its own warehouse in Derbyshire, meaning that orders are not at risk of long delays at sea or in the docks and can be delivered to window manufacturers in just five working days. Bespoke orders are also available in just 10 working days. Roger Hartshorn, CEO of Garnalex, says: “Our new white gloss was a direct result of customers telling us what they wanted from an aluminium system. All of our components are made by us, here in Britain, which means that we have full control of the supply chain and we keep all profiles, in 12 stocked colours, in our large warehouse. We offer very short lead times, just five days, to fabricators, so they, and their installer customers, can keep up with increasing demand from homeowners. This is revolutionary in the aluminium sector.” For more information about the range of Sheerline products available, visit www.sheerline.com and www. sheerlinevideo.com. You can also call 01332 883960 or email info@sheerline.com. Follow @SheerlineSystem and @GarnalexSystems for the latest news and updates.

Chris Brunsdon, Founder and CEO of Tommy Trinder, talks us through how buying software has moved on and why it’s a game-changer for window installers. Launched 18 months ago, Framepoint® from Tommy Trinder has been shaking up the software market, with its ‘pay as you go’ pricing model. From under £100 a month window companies can access the firm’s cutting edge Framepoint Technology® to price and order their windows & doors, with no upfront cost and no tie in. CEO Chris Brunsdon, himself a former window installer, explains the thinking behind bringing the subscription concept to double glazing: “Historically you’ve needed a bag of cash and nerves of steel to invest in decent quoting software in our industry. You’d have to stump up thousands of pounds upfront, only to be faced with the trauma of getting it installed and configured, then the rigmarole of training and getting people to actually use it. And even then you'd find yourself paying for updates forever and a day. To manage all this on top of the day job of selling and fitting windows, was beyond most smaller window firms. We just felt there had to be a better way.” Supplying software tools on a subscription basis (commonly known as ‘Software As A Service’ - or ‘SaaS’ for short) is nothing new. SaaS is big business in the UK and the market for software delivered over the internet for a monthly fee is expanding rapidly. By 2025 the global spend on SaaS products is predicted to grown by a further $100bn. But asides from saving on upfront investment, what other benefits does SaaS bring to the glazing industry? “Speed is key,” says Chris. “With no complicated set up, the time to get going with SaaS products is so quick. Even if you're not tech savvy, we can have you selling with Framepoint® within the hour. In their first month with us, many subscribers report a saving of around 30 hours on quoting. That can be a game changer in a buoyant market when there’s not enough hours in the day.”

An emphasis on ease of use, driven by the fact that customers can give up and walk away anytime, is a common feature of SaaS, explains Chris: “In SaaS businesses, the responsibility for getting users to love the software remains with the software creator,” explains Chris. “If the product is not easy to use and quick to add value, customers are free to walk, and they will.” This hard truth has driven Tommy Trinder to invest heavily in designing an interface that is as user-friendly as possible; windows and doors can be free sketched on Framepoint®, just like drawing on a pad. It’s point and touch to show off different colours, ironmongery and glass. And one tap to overlay designs onto a photo of your client’s house. “’If you can use an etch-a sketch you can use Framepoint®’, as one of our customers put it,” says Chris. Updates and product development are another weapon that SaaS businesses have to hold on to customers. New features that make a subscriber’s life easier need to be shipped regularly in order to retain and excite clients. “You really need to listen to installers,” says Chris. “They are at the sharp end and want tools that work in the real world. Last month, by popular demand, we shipped our Magic Paintbrush feature, for instance. This allows subscribers to re-colour all items in a quote (Ali, PVC or timber) in one click and instantly see the results on the elevation. A simple device that wows customers and saves hours.” But doesn't the prospect of customer’s cancelling at any time, make for a stressful existence? “I love the challenge,” says Chris. “Every month I have to create so much value that all my customers want to renew, and a load more want to join. It definitely makes for a dynamic and exciting business.” With an annual growth rate at over 150%, clearly Tommy Trinder are doing something right. Installers can find out more about Framepoint® and book a free demo at www.tommytrinder.com.

Sheerline adds new gloss HIPCA White to stocked range

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

our

Are Unfair Claims Hurting SOFTWARE & IT Your Business? VALUE ADDED FEATURES FROM ONSITE 7 JOB MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Onsite 7 is the simple but incredibly powerful cloud-based system that is fast gaining a reputation for being the easiest and most comprehensive job management system on the market. But as Rhys Hoddinott, CEO at Onsite 7 says, there’s a lot more to it than first meets the eye. “Onsite 7 is job management software that was built for installing companies by industry experts who had worked directly in the trade so new first-hand the problems faced by installation teams. We also thought very carefully about the value-added features that would be developed meaning it would deliver even more.”

system for users even further, as well as helping you protect valuable or confidential information. It can also be tailored to meet precise requirements. Rhys comments: “We built Onsite 7 to reflect a typical process

Let Onsite 7's Job Management Software help you to grow your business and prevent claims for work done well.

for installers. But we know that lots of businesses have unique setups and projects. Onsite 7 can cope with those too. For example, installers can add additional job stages to reflect new requirements or complexities.”

The information contained in Onsite 7 helps installers get valuable insight into their business. There is end-to-end supply chain accountability to help installers keep track of their orders. There are reports, including job costing and profit reports. There is integration with Xero and QuickBooks accountancy packages to help speed up financial admin processes. Onsite 7 costs £20 + VAT per month per licence. The value it delivers for all areas of an installer’s business means it provides exceptional return on investment as the company’s growing customer base would concur. Tel: 0800 0029748 www.onsite7.co.uk

Onsite 7 adds value at every stage of a job – sales, survey, installation, and service and maintenance. The software can also be used as a Customer Relationship Management system, allowing all customer information, documents, notes and job information to be stored in a single place.

“We built Onsite 7 to reflect a typical process for installers. But we know that lots of businesses have unique setups and projects. Onsite 7 can cope with those too. For example, installers can add Let Onsite 7's Job Management Software additional job stages to reflect new help you to grow your business and prevent claims for work done well. requirements or complexities.”

It’s easy to use right from the very first time you login. For example, it has helpful features such as dynamic job and customer numbering ranges, so the system always retains the correct number order, even if it works you add or delete a job or a customer. how You can set user permission controls so certain Create a team personnel can access relevant sections Create a customer Create a job of the system. This helps to simplify the Calendar View

Are Unfair Claims Hurting Your Business?

Using the Onsite 7 App Capture your job Onsite Review your jobs

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

Are Unfair Claims Hurting Are Unfair Claims Hurting Your Business? Your Business? You and your team can capture every stage of your job Support

We have varied support staff on hand, both

Let Onsite 7's Job Management Software providing hard support and soft support help you toour grow your business and services. All of team are incredible experiencedclaims which helps get todone the prevent forthem work well. bottom of support requests, promptly and efficiently.

Our ‘soft’ support team work in the background, providing technical updates, service monitoring and security checks. This ensures the very best service levels are maintained for our customers. The ‘hard’ support team, deal directly with our customers, helping them through product queries, providing quick demonstration results and even tailoring their software to their individual business needs.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS, PROVIDE TRAINING AND CAN EVEN ASSIST WITH SETTING UP YOUR ONSITE 7 SYSTEM

Michael Hollyer

Leigh Barnes

Director | The Green Room Building Co

Having the ability, by customer, and on a job by job basis to allocate and review every step of the customer journey was incredible. It is as if the software was designed specifically for my business. Using Onsite 7 I can see the ‘sales stage’, ‘survey stage’ ‘install stage’ and ‘any service calls attended against the jobs. This allows me to review previous visits and action visits either assigned to myself or my team members.

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

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

You and your team can capture every stage of your job

www.onsite7.co.uk www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2021

Create a team Using the Onsite 7 App

Calendar view

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Capture your job Onsite

Create a job

Review your jobs

You dont have to be computer You dont Job management software that’s have to genius to use be computer Job management software that’s genius Built for the trade... By the trade Onsite Onsite 7! to 7!use Built for the trade... By the trade

Director | JLS Electrical Services

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

how it works

Luke Smith

Director | Clearstyle Windows

Using the Onsite 7 App

Let Onsite 7's Job Management Software help you to grow your business and prevent claims for work done well.

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sales@onsite7.co.uk

sales@onsite7.co.uk 63

INDUSTRY AWARDS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

LINIAR SHORTLISTED FOR THREE AWARDS IN EM CHAMBER’S DERBYSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS 2021

A leader in the fenestration industry, Derbyshire manufacturing company Liniar was delighted to discover it’s been shortlisted in this year’s annual East Midlands Chamber of Commerce Business Awards for Derbyshire. Not in one category, but in three: Excellence in Innovation, Community Impact and Environmental Impact! “Being shortlisted for these awards is a huge honour and well-deserved recognition for everyone across our business – especially after the last 18 months, which have been challenging for us all,” comments Group Managing Director Martin Thurley. “These three categories are especially gratifying, as Innovation, Community and Sustainability are amongst the very foundations of our company ethos. To be chosen as finalists by the judging panel really does mean a lot!”

EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION This award recognised companies which have used innovation to strengthen their overall operations – thinking outside the box while doing it. While Liniar’s new product development pipeline usually results in innovative products for the construction industry, the shortlisted entry highlights the development of a protective face shield and the work its teams carried out in order to donate thousands to key workers as the COVID-19 pandemic reached crisis point in the UK.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT This award shortlisted companies that put environmental sustainability at the core of their business. Liniar is delighted to be listed next to such prominent businesses as Derby City Council and MVIS for an award that means so much, not only to the team, but to the planet. For several years, Liniar has worked tirelessly to lower its carbon emissions and be a much greener company. In its most recent ISO 14001 audit, the company announced it had beaten its Climate Change Agreement target by over 54% and saved 20,400 tonnes of CO2.

“Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Liniar – so what better than to use innovation to help those who need it most?” explains Design & Development Director Chris Armes.

COMMUNITY IMPACT The Community Impact award shortlisted businesses which have gone above and beyond in their efforts to help those within their area. For Liniar, that work not only includes its PPE project, but also regular initiatives to raise money or collect items for impoverished groups within the community.

“Sustainability and reducing our impact on the environment are things we’re incredibly passionate about at Liniar,” says Martin, “We review sustainability all the way through our supply chain and have many more initiatives in the pipeline.” The 2021 Annual East Midlands Business Awards (Derbyshire) winners will be announced this November. See the full list of shortlisted businesses by visiting www.emc-dnl.co.uk/businessawards2021/derbyshire/. To learn more about Liniar, visit www.liniar.co.uk/about.

“From joining ‘Investors in Community’ this year to continuing to add initiatives to our community planner, Liniar is delighted to be able to help those around us any way that we can. I hope that our efforts inspire other businesses to get involved,” says Sue Davenport, Group Marketing Director.

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Does your secondary glazing supplier leave you in the dark?

Switch. Secondary glazing is simplicity itself. It’s simple to sell, survey and install. It offers great acoustic and thermal performance. It has great proﬁt margins. And it gets you into projects you couldn’t normally get into. So why make it more complicated? Call Roseview today and ask about adding Incarnation secondary glazing to your range.

phone: 01234 712657 | email: hello@roseview.co.uk | web: roseview.co.uk

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

GLASS

TUFFX INVESTS IN MORE MACHINERY AS DEMAND GROWS

ALL-ROUND GLASS SOLUTIONS WITH TUFFX

Senior Architectural Systems is well placed to help its customers achieve the new lower U-value targets required by Approved Document Part L of the Building Regulations and the new Future Homes Standard thanks to its established thermally-efficient PURe® aluminium window system.

Following continuing growth in demand for its toughened safety glass products, TuffX has purchased another new Bovone SLE machine – its third in as many years – which has been installed in the company’s recently expanded Merseyside factory. “We’re continuing to see ongoing customer demand for both our toughened laminated and single toughened glass products,” said TuffX’s Managing Director Graham Price. “We’ve already made significant investments to expand our facilities, and our recent factory expansion means we have more space to optimise factory workflow and up the number of machines that can fit into the space for the best possible output. “The addition of another Bovone SLE machine for us is just the latest in a series of improvements we’ve made and continue to make in order to expand our output and production speed to meet this customer demand for safe, high-performing glass, along with the unrivalled quality finish, tight lead time and high standards of service that our customers know to expect from us.” The Bovone ELB 12 HS straight line edging (SLE) machine represents a £180,000 investment and is set to further increase production volumes for the leading safety glass specialist. The Bovone machines, used to finish edges on popular processed glass products such as balcony screens and balustrade glass at varying thicknesses, can produce flat and arris profiles at a speed of four metres-per-minute, processing glass at greater volumes whilst retaining the highest possible quality of finish. TuffX’s latest purchase has been installed at the specialist glass manufacturer’s Knowsley-based factory, which increased its footprint to 80,000ft2 earlier this year after it expanded into an adjoining unit to step up production of its increasingly popular Infinity range of rooflights and walk-on glass products. It has been a period of high customer demand and growth for specialist glass which TuffX has been quick to respond to, said Graham: “We are committed to continuing to invest to stay ahead of the growing demand for our broad range of products, while ensuring our tight lead times and high standards of service and quality remain unsurpassed – after all, that’s what has kept us at the forefront of glass processing for nearly 25 years so far.” www.tuffxglass.co.uk

A private residence in Great Yarmouth recently required a balustrade solution for two adjoining outside balcony areas – one large, exposed and sociable open first-floor terrace and an attached smaller, more private, covered space. A glass balustrade provided the perfect answer, with leading safety glass specialists TuffX chosen to supply the glass. TuffX supplied 25 panels of 15mm clear toughened safety glass with dubbed corners for the job. The finished balustrade extends around both balcony areas of the property, leaving the delighted occupants able to enjoy natural light from three different directions as the sun moves around the property throughout the day. The extensive glass balustrade makes the most of the home’s fantastic views over rolling countryside, and is topped with a safety handrail for additional comfort. Not only great for unobstructed views, the toughened glass also protects residents from the elements, while being easy to maintain for long-lasting minimalist good looks. The smaller private balcony area is set back in brickwork and sits outside huge floorto ceiling glass with sliding doors. With these doors open or closed, the clear glass balustrade ensures neither the light nor the views are interrupted for those inside. The completed outside area combines glass, steel, wood and brick finishes to create a stunning, contemporary space filled with complimentary textures that add to the luxury look and feel. “Oudoor space has never been more of a premium. And whether it’s for large, open spaces or smaller more private areas – or both at the same time, as this property shows – our toughened safety glass is ideal for great looking, safe and practical balustrades,” said TuffX’s Managing Director Graham Price. “Whatever you or your customers are looking for, for commercial or residential purposes, at TuffX we have the advice and the know-how to help make it happen.” www.tuffxglass.co.uk

SENIOR’S PURE® AND SIMPLE SOLUTION TO PART L

The company’s patented PURe® window system has the ability to achieve U-values as low as 0.71W/m2K when calculated as a commercial CEN Standard window. Not only does this exceed current regulations but also comfortably meets the expected U-value target of 0.8W/m2k, which is likely to come into effect in mid-2022 following publication of the new guidance towards the end of this year. The unique construction of the UK patented system features a high performance expanded polyurethane (PUR) thermal barrier, which gives the PURe® system exceptional thermal performance. As well as helping to prevent heat loss to reduce energy consumption, the PURe® system also offers ‘cradle to cradle’ recyclability, with even the PUR thermal barrier able to be reused with no requirement for landfill. The impressive environmental credentials of the system have led to it being widely specified across various sectors, including on a large number of educational buildings where the need to reduce carbon calculations

and improve efficiency is paramount. The attractive slim aluminium frame of Senior’s PURe® window system also makes it ideally suited for use in residential homes and to meet the new requirements of the pending Future Homes Standard. Set to be introduced in 2025, the new Future Homes Standard will require all new build homes to embrace low carbon heating and achieve high levels of energy-efficiency. Commenting, Senior’s sales director James Keeling-Heane said: “The unique construction of the PURe® system and its current ability to meet future U-value targets puts it in a class of its own but we’ve also worked closely with our supply chain to ensure that as a product, it is still easy to fabricate and install. No special tooling is required, it’s competitively priced and as a system, it’s incredibly easy to maintain which makes it an ideal long-term investment.” “It was always our aim to create a ‘future-proof ’ range of fenestration products to help minimise the impact of large regulatory changes and we’re confident that our PURe® aluminium window system will continue to not only meet, but exceed expectations.”

“It was always our aim to create a ‘future-proof’ range of fenestration products to help minimise the impact of large regulatory changes and we’re confident that our PURe® aluminium window system will continue to not only meet, but exceed expectations.”

For more information of Senior’s patented PURe® aluminium window system, please visit www.seniorarchitecturalsystems.co.uk or search for Senior Architectural Systems on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

LETTERS

YOUR LETTERS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THE IMPORTANCE OF MARGIN PROTECTION Dear Editor, It’s great that everyone is busy but we face a number of challenges - and I don’t only mean those impacting the supply chain. The net effect of increased demand and disruption is that the cost of each retail job has gone up. It’s not only that the price increases earlier this summer are now filtering through in the price installers pay for product - but also that disruption adds cost. We’re working really hard to get things out the door to our customers but we hold our hands up, we aren’t perfect, and sometimes stuff doesn’t get to where it needs to be, when it needs to be there. That could be because we’ve been let down by our suppliers, because we lost drivers to a positive COVID test, or just because something went wrong and we cocked-up! And we understand that if we can’t ship product it has an impact on our customers. It could be a delay on final payment, it could mean sending someone back out to finish a job or it could mean rescheduling an entire programme - we do understand, and we do really try to avoid it. We need to get it right and by and large we do (apologies in advance to any of our customers, if for any reason and by some quirk of fate that you’re reading this now your delivery this morning has been delayed!). Installers, must however, also factor in risk of disruption into their pricing models. We, other fabricators, and I believe systems companies and glass manufacturers, are doing our best but if the last year and COVID has taught us

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

anything, it’s that sometimes that isn’t enough. If our lorry drivers are pinged by the NHS app, if they go down do with COVID, there is only so much we can do. If you’re operating on a low margin as an installer, even the minimum level of disruption leaves you exposed. It impacts on your profitability on each job and on your cashflow. It’s the last thing I (and I’m sure my competitors) want to be responsible for as a fabricator, we don’t want to let people down - but it has happened and while we’ll do our very best to avoid it, it’s probably going to happen again. You minimise the impact of that as an installer by making sure that you build sufficient margin into your pricing model. If that’s not enough to convince installers to increase their prices, perhaps this will do it? There will be more price increases. It’s going to happen. Demand from home improvement remains high. Housebuilding is also incredibly busy as developers attempt to cash in on demand for new homes. And it’s not only our sector that is placing demand on steel, on glass and on polymer. Many others are too, with material price inflation forecast to continue through into 2022.

It’s another reason why you need to build more margin in at point of retail. The starting point has to be the cost of the job on a good day, when you’re not having to deal with disruption or price increases. What does it cost you to get a job fitted, what was the purchase cost, what other overheads, lead generation, fleet, administration do you need to work in? In short what is the cost of nonconformance to your business? How much does it cost you if things don’t go to plan? Our suppliers build those costs into their models, we build it into ours but in our experience, many retailers don’t. Once you understand the cost of non-conformance need to be building it into your model as an additional percentage to accommodate product price inflation by the time you fit it and a bit extra for those unexpected challenges. If you lose out on a job having done that because the homeowner doesn’t want to pay it, then that was business to walk away from, and

there’s plenty more right around the corner. The final thing I’d add is that accurate bookkeeping is essential, not a nice to have. It should be the cornerstone of every business, no matter how small, too many ignore it at their peril and it will cost them dearly in the long run. We’ve supported a number of our customers in restructuring their pricing models, we also offer our customers access to a number of tools, for example our customer CRM system Easy Admin, which helps them to track individual job profitability. This isn’t meant as a moan, it’s not meant as a gripe, or that we have all the answers. But we are in retail and we see what is happening. It’s a head’s up. Make time, however busy you are, to review your profitability, because you need to make sure that the margin you think you’re making you actually are, and to increase it to accommodate future price increases and in all likelihood, some additional disruption. Mike Parczuk, Managing Director

That points to more price increases going into the autumn – and that’s going to hit installers like it’s going to hit everyone else. The size of retail forward order books compounds the challenge. If you’re placing orders 12-weeks out, that’s a lot of time for prices to change - and it’s going to do one thing, eat into your margin.

MATERIALS SHORTAGES CRISIS CAN BE MANAGED, URGES CONSTRUCTION CHIEF UK property developers may have to adjust schedules and pricing to adapt to the lack of supplies to complete projects, advises Construction Leadership Council, CLC, co-chair Andy Mitchell. In an open letter to the industry, he points out that most contracts such as JCT and NEC 4 Secondary X1 have provisions to deal with fluctuations of provisions. "We have been fortunate enough to operate in a stable environment for a long time and these clauses have been seldom used. However,

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2021

they are ideally suited to providing a means for managing the volatile period we are now entering and therefore CLC strongly urge those responsible for developing, agreeing and managing contracts, existing and new, to consider adopting these provisions in their contracts." Mr Mitchell also mentions "design changes" being necessary to cope with lack of goods availability and inability to source approved products. He advises a collaborative approach for managing the current risks

and for builders to allow longer mobilisation and lead-in periods for contracts including up-front ordering and payment of suppliers. The Federation of Master Builders, FMB, said that smaller developers were disproportionately affected. Reasons for the current supply issues are changes in conformity standards now the UK has left the EU with insufficient product testing capacity. The establishment of new cross-border systems and processes plus lack of available haulier staff and capacity hasn't helped.

Also, worldwide shortages in raw materials plus rising freight costs and container availability have compounded the current supply chain problems.

PARTITIONS & SCREENS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PARTITIONING OFF

FOR SAFETY AND PEACE OF MIND With a return to the workplace on the cards in a post-pandemic world, how may partitioning systems remain as part of the new normal? Simon Boocock, Managing Director of CR Laurence, takes a look. It’s been a long 18 months or so since many of us were in the office all at the same time. While the world takes a cautious approach to opening up and staff being to return to their workplaces, there are likely to be many social distancing and safety precautions that remain post-Covid. In the UK, most restrictions that were put in place to fight previous waves of the infection have now been lifted, and while it may have been dubbed ‘Freedom Day’, for many employers it simply meant more of the same, with the importance firmly on keeping colleagues, visitors and members of the public as safe as possible. When partitioning systems first started to be used in offices, shops and other public places in the spring of 2020 it was quite a grounding sight to see and really brought home just how serious things were. Fast forward to now and such partitions are really quite common place, people are very used to them and are given some peace of mind by their presence. So as the work from home guidance ends and offices welcome people back inside in a greater number, such precautions are likely to be here to stay, at least for now. This is particularly the case in open-plan office environments. Such spaces have been increasingly the norm for a while now as they are deemed to stimulate an employee’s sense

“Partition posts for glass screens ensure that such solutions can be added without negatively impacting on the aesthetics of the surroundings. These allow for discreet, elegant, secure, safe screens to be fitted to existing areas that require partitions sympathetically with the surroundings, be it office desks, reception areas, dining spaces and serveries.”

CRL’s Partition Posts for glass screens offer an aesthetically pleasing solution

of wellbeing, encourage interaction and have been proven to positively impact productivity. Encouraging staff to return to such spaces and giving them the confidence to do so means putting some pretty speedy solutions in place. Solutions that still enable them to interact with colleagues, enable the natural flow of light and that don’t compromise on any of the benefits of open-plan offices. The same is true of public facing businesses such as hairdressers, bars and restaurants too. In fact, any public facing venue is being faced with the same challenge, with hygiene and safety an undeniable priority. The answer for many businesses has been to install glass or clear plastic partitioning. This way, visibility was not compromised but the spread of germs could be halted. Putting such systems in place quickly was one challenge, but with the pandemic an ongoing issue and rules and regulations, not to mention consumer confidence being a changeable beast, a degree of flexibility is also important. For desktop settings for example, portable partition screening offers a great deal of flexibility, making a desk or countertop barrier with no need for screwing into furniture. Additional screens can also be added to increase the width of the barrier and all such solutions removed the headache of installation. Partition posts for glass screens ensure that such solutions can be added without negatively impacting on the aesthetics of the surroundings. These allow for discreet, elegant, secure, safe screens to be fitted to existing areas that require partitions sympathetically with the surroundings, be it office desks, reception areas, dining spaces and serveries. Once in place such partitioning systems offer a practical and effective barrier against coughing, sneezing and the general spread of germs. This is, of course, supremely important during a global pandemic, but there is much to be said for the existence of such systems in a post-pandemic world too. Research is ongoing into the effect of distancing measures such as mask wearing in public places and increased hand washing in the reduction in the spread of all germs, not just Coronavirus, with statistics already suggesting that the ‘normal’ cold and flu season in Covid-hit countries has been reduced as a result. With the winter flu season just around the corner, such partitions may just help businesses avoid lots of staff absences through avoidable illness and help to keep everyone that little bit safer. The same argument can then be made for glass partitioning systems in offices and publicfacing environments, such as bars and shops. A glass or clear plastic screening system that acts as a protective barrier against the spread of germs, while not in any way negatively impacting the aesthetics or acoustics of the environments surely has longevity. Whatever the future holds for the pandemic, it could well be that such partitioning system are very much a part of our ‘new normal’.

Available in a black or brushed stainless steel finish, the Portable Partition Screen Fitting from CRL has an anti-slip base, with extra fittings easily added to increase the width of the barrier as required

For more information call CRL on 01706 863600, email crl@crlaurence.co.uk, or visit www.crlaurence.co.uk.

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

COLD CALLING

DANNY WILLIAMS

TRADE NEWS HAFFNER SUPPORTS FIT SHOW RESCHEDULING

‘COLD CALLING’ Each month our special correspondent Danny Williams* replies to a reader’s letter... “It’s been the best year I have had in 20 years installing windows, doors and conservatories. I know it can’t go on forever, but I am concerned that sales might drop through the floor when everyone books their foreign holidays next year. Anything we can do to stop the feast going to famine??” RW South Wales The truth is we must expect the booming sales that have not only saved our bacon during the pandemic, but added another couple of pigs to the farmyard, to fall off when we are able to travel freely again. But by how much? Ever the optimist RW, whilst sales will level off, I do not believe that they will plummet below what we might have expected during a decent year had the pandemic not interrupted the party. However, after a year of mega sales with fitting teams stretched to the limit and installation dates now approaching four months (and even more in some cases), this has become the norm and it will hurt to return to the old normal. In fact, I believe that by this time next year sales will be recorded at levels still ahead of where they would have been in a normal year. Because there will not be enough flights and holidays to satisfy everyone; not every destination will be Covid-free; many people will still be wary of catching Covid; and having caught the home improvement bug and committed to shiny new windows and doors (and kitchens and bathrooms and extensions) they will want to see these projects through. Especially after having waited so long for their slot.

HOWEVER….. ….I have a simple and, if I say so myself, Danny-world genius solution to all of this: Ban air travel. Do that and people can still

afford to replace their windows, resi doors and bi-folds. Simple right? Well, OK, maybe not. But I have become increasingly twitchy that airlines and air travel have not been driven towards making meaningful efficiencies in terms of carbon footprint, perhaps with even less likelihood since the industry has effectively been closed for the past 18 months. Nonetheless, we cannot ignore the fact that most aircraft are enormous polluters. Around 2.4% of global CO2 emissions come from aviation, during a normal year. Those pretty little vapour trails signify a contribution to global warming of around 5%. And whilst that might not seem a huge figure, it has to be considered against the relatively small number of the world’s population that fly frequently. Even in wealthier countries like the UK and US, only around half the population will fly in a normal year and of these, just 12-15% are frequent flyers. The relative impact on pollution is therefore enormous! Going back to 2018, a normal pre covid year, CO2 emissions from aircraft were 918 million metric tonnes, a 32% increase over 2013. The mass grounding of aircraft at the peak of the pandemic saw a 60% reduction in this figure. Those that know me will be aware of my love for anything powered by an internal combustion engine. In fact, I carry my diesel fitter qualifications with pride, my oil and grease-stained overalls and fingernails being badges of honour before I decided that the future was White Gold. I love my motors, but that does not come at the exclusion of new tech: I do believe that a Tesla will find its way on to my driveway

at some point in the future and when the infrastructure is sorted, electric delivery trucks will no doubt find their way on to our fleet. There is no realistic prospect, any time soon, of electrically-powered airliners. Now realistically, nobody is going to pack it in. But we could make it more efficient, in ways that are quite simple and which, when combined, will make a difference. Things like taking fewer flights per journey for example. Most of the damage is done whilst taking off and landing, so non-stop flights will always be favourite (and stopovers are a pain anyway, right?); and flying first class actually results in creating three times as much carbon as flying economy. So even if all the fat cat window systems company execs flew steerage with us poor fabricators, there would be an enormous saving for the environment. Flying from London to Paris for the weekend with the missus and back will dump around 112 kilograms of carbon into the atmosphere, whilst the Eurostar equivalent will damage the planet with just 22 kilos. So always use alternative transport when possible. And less and lighter baggage, and subscription to any of the schemes offered by carbon offsetting websites are also ways of mitigating the impact of flying. To return to your original point RW, if we can find some diabolical means of keeping everyone on the ground and holidaying at Bognor Regis or Skegness for a bit longer, then we could sell a hell of a lot more windows. But in the somewhat unlikely event of this happening any time soon, no, I do not believe that window and door sales will drop through the floor when people jet off to Benidorm. They want their new frames and they will have them! Eventually.

* Danny Williams is managing director of Chelmsford based Pioneer Trading and has been involved with all aspects of the windows and doors industry for 30 years. His activities include manufacturing a full range of windows and doors in PVC-U and aluminium, an IGU facility, retailing and commercial contracting.

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2021

Following the rescheduling of the FIT Show to May 2022, industry machinery specialist Haffner has said it’s in full support of the decision. Dave Thomas, Managing Director at Haffner, said: “We’re obviously disappointed the event has been postponed. However, it’s clearly the sensible thing to do and we’ll look forward to returning to face-to-face exhibiting in May 2022.” The show has been postponed until Spring 2022 when the organisers believe the majority of the UK will have been vaccinated, supply chain issues will have started to ease and there will be more certainty around large-scale events. Dave commented: “The safety of our industry has to be paramount. Despite the delay, FIT Show will still be the first UK flagship event to reconnect the market.” Haffner has already committed to the rescheduled show and will have the largest stand in the show’s history with 405 sqm of exhibiting space. This will allow the awardwinning machinery company to display its widest ever range at the show. Haffner has the largest and most comprehensive PVC-U and aluminium fabrication machinery portfolio in the industry. It has an exclusive supply partnership with Italian-machine innovators, Graf Synergy, which is well-known for its world class seamless welding technology and patented welding techniques. Haffner is also the sole UK agent of Haffner Machinery, which designs innovative and high-quality engineered products at competitive industry prices and it also supplies a range of aluminium fabrication machines from worldwide machine-giants, Fom Industries. Italy’s Fom Industrie is part of the worldwide FomGroup and has an outstanding product range offering the widest choice of quality machines with competitive lead times. Dave concluded: “We see the FIT Show as a strategic partner to support our ambitious growth strategy because it presents a unique platform to demonstrate our machines to as wide an audience as possible. We look forward to welcoming people to our stand next year and to showing exactly why Haffner Murat has become the industry’s go-to machinery partner.” Tel: 01785 222421 www.haffnermurat.com

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GLAZING SUMMIT TICKET SALES SHOWS INDUSTRY’S APPETITE FOR LIVE EVENTS A high demand for tickets to this year’s Glazing Summit is a strong indication of the glazing industry’s desire to get back out there and meet people face-to-face. That’s the view of Andrew Scott, the Summit’s founder and CEO of organisers Insight Data and Purplex Marketing. The Glazing Summit is set to take place on Thursday, October 21 at Edgbaston Stadium and Conference Centre and Andrew said: “60,000 people at Wembley for the Euros and Reading Festival selling out has shown that sport and music fans have been desperate to get back to live events – and the glazing industry is no different.

“In the last few weeks, we have had a rush on ticket sales for this year’s Glazing Summit and they are selling out fast as we approach ‘Freedom Day’ on July 19.

discussions on the biggest issues facing the industry make it a “must attend” event – even more so after the unparalleled challenges businesses have had to face.

“It’s clear that industry leaders and business owners just want to get back out there after almost 18 months of sitting on Zoom and the telephone and interact with their peers. The fenestration industry has been built on networking and there will be plenty of opportunities to do that throughout the day at the Glazing Summit.”

“This has been one of the toughest years in living memory,” added Andrew. “From facing the impact of lockdown, business griding to a halt, and the floodgates opening to an under-prepared industry, to the shortlived Green Homes Grant scheme, supply chain crisis, and shortages of both materials and labour, there is a huge amount to discuss. Why the Glazing Summit is such an essential fixture in the fenestration calendar is because it provides a vital space to discuss

As well as the pull to meet face-to-face, the Glazing Summit’s mix of debates and

the challenges the industry is facing and help shape its future. These conversations need to be had.” For tickets visit www.glazingsummit.co.uk, call 01934 808293 or email hello@glazingsummit.co.uk.

MBO AT GLAZERITE AS NEW TEAM SEEKS TO DRIVE BUSINESS FORWARD Leading trade fabricator, The Glazerite UK Group has been acquired in a management buyout. Led by Group Managing Director, Robert Brearley, the management team includes Mark Johnston, Group Finance Director, Jeff Dunn, Group Sales & Marketing Director, Darren Rhodes, Managing Director (North West) and Matthew Thomas, Managing Director (East). The MBO completed on 9th July 2021, with the new team acquiring 90 per cent of the business and former Chairman, John Hewitt, retaining 10 per cent. Robert says: “Glazerite is an incredible company and much of what has been achieved so far is down to its people. With strong leadership and a talented and passionate team across the Group, the business has grown way beyond any expectations. With ambitious growth plans

and continuous investment over the years, it’s proudly sitting as a major player in the industry. The business is in good stead for the future and we have some innovative and exciting plans in place to build on our offering as we look to take Glazerite to the next level.” Glazerite was founded in 2000 by John Hewitt and Jason Thompson and is a true success story of the last couple of decades, with a tenfold growth. The company now employs around 270 people at its sites in Bolton, Peterborough, Wellingborough and Bristol. From the outset, servicing installers with a comprehensive range of products and services has been fundamental for the fabricator, with leading brands such as VEKA, Halo and the Residence Collection at the core of the offering.

Glazerite’s main supplier, the VEKA Group, has welcomed the move. Managing Director, Neil Evans says: “We have a solid, long-standing and vital partnership with Glazerite and they have always set the bar high in terms of an offering from a fabricator. The new management team is equipped with drive, experience and expertise to shape the incredible business built by John and Jason as it moves to the next level. It’s always good to see some fresh perspective and ambition within our customers and we look forward to working together on our common long-term goals.” Sarah Hitchings, Sales & Marketing Director at Window Widgets & The Residence Collection, who was part of an MBO team at the Gloucester-based firm in 2019, adds: “It’s a really exciting time for Glazerite. We have been partners for a long time and look forward to continuing

our partnership with the company under its new leadership. Having been part of the team who led the buyout of Window Widgets & The Residence Collection, I understand the rollercoaster of emotions the team will have been on! I know from experience how the process can mark an exciting shift in culture, service, and relationships. I wish the team luck with the next chapter of this already very successful business.” The MBO was put together by Don Gray of BHP Corporate Finance, with funding from Nick Salmons at Shawbrook Bank.

ESTUARY VIEW HIT THE GROUND RUNNING WITH FRAMEPOINT® Based in Newton Abbot, ambitious startup Estuary View has hit the ground running with quoting software Framepoint® from Tommy Trinder, embracing new ways of working and finding opportunity in the challenges presented by the pandemic. Never afraid to do things differently, the team at Estuary View have opted to enter the market without a physical showroom, leveraging Framepoint® to present customers with a best-in-class virtual showroom instead. Peter Hambleton, Sales Lead at the firm, says that it’s “opened up a whole new customer experience”. “Not having a showroom can leave you relying on the customer to use their imagination. The Framepoint® software bridged that gap. It’s great to be able to visually show exactly what the customer wants, superimpose those options onto their

property, and show a very clear likeness of what they’re looking to achieve. It was a bit of a guessing game until we started to use this software.” Starting a new business in the middle of a pandemic presents a unique set of challenges, but Peter and team have used the opportunity to rethink processes and work smart with Framepoint®. “We can try things out with the customer so quickly using our touch screen laptops. We then instantly create pricing requests through the software which get sent straight on to our suppliers, but we also use the same drawings for quoting. You don’t have to do the same things over and over again. We haven’t had to use a pen and paper at all.” said Peter. Restrictions may have eased, but many people are still nervous about visiting public spaces. The team at Estuary View have been meeting customers online using

Framepoint®’s remote selling feature, and “the feedback has been absolutely amazing”, said Peter. “We’ve been able to create products with customers virtually on a zoom call, bouncing ideas back and forth, changing designs, they send us a picture of their property, we superimpose the products onto their house. It’s fantastic. If the customer is an hour and a half away then you’re usually looking at a whole day to do that, whereas we’ve done it in twenty minutes!” Framepoint® has saved a huge amount of time in the office too, says Peter. “We’ve done some research into this and we’re saving three to four hours a day with Framepoint®, so that’s essentially 20 hours a week! It frees us up to concentrate on what we’re good at, and we can be more productive and sell more.”

Credibility is a cornerstone of running a successful glazing business. As a startup, Estuary View have found that Framepoint® has helped level the playing field. “In this industry you’re always up against two or three other companies on every job, and often some of the big nationals. They don’t use anything like Framepoint® – we can trade on the fact that we’re a local, independent company, but that we’re ‘down with the kids’ and using the very latest software. The feedback has been amazing. You can almost tell that the customer is thinking ‘Okay, this company really knows what they’re doing!’, and it sets us above the competition.” Framepoint® is subscription based and billed monthly. To find out more about Framepoint® and book a free demo installers should visit www.tommytrinder.com.

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

METAL TECHNOLOGY

Since 1985, Metal Technology has been deﬁning spaces through its architectural glazing solutions and has grown to become one of the UK and Ireland’s leading designers and suppliers of bespoke aluminium window, door, curtain wall and solar shading systems for commercial and residential applications. Committed to excellence in all aspects of sustainable product design, customer service and technical support, the company has become a trusted partner of fabricators, developers, contractors and architects.

PRODUCT RANGE Metal Technology’s product portfolio encompasses over 30 window, door, curtain walling, brise soleil and louvre systems. Its Thermally Enhanced (Hi+) portfolio offers the designer a wide and diverse choice of profiles that provide structural integrity, weather performance, thermal enhancement and security. The company has recently launched a new 65mm capped curtain walling product, System 17-65, which has been designed specifically to accommodate greater floor slab deflection and glass movement in high-rise or multi-storey applications.

SECTORS EDUCATION Metal Technology has vast experience of providing fenestration solutions for over a 1,000 universities, colleges, schools and student accommodation throughout the UK. The company was a key supplier in a number of recently completed projects: the award-winning Horizon Heights student accommodation development in Liverpool, City Campus at Canterbury Christ Church University, the environmentally sustainable Queensferry High School and the £29m South West College in Enniskillen - Northern Ireland’s first Passivhaus Premium Plus education facility.

RETAIL From leading supermarkets and shopping centres to high-spec showrooms, Metal Technology’s products have provided designers with the ﬂexibility to combine aesthetic architectural statements with value engineered practicality, performance and durability.

LEISURE Metal Technology has supplied its design solutions and high-performance systems for major hotel groups such as Maldron, Marriott, Hilton and Jurys across the UK and Ireland. Recent developments include Hastings Grand Central Hotel in Belfast and Dublin’s new state-of-the-art Marlin Hotel. A vast range of Metal Technology’s systems were utilised for South Lake Leisure Centre, a significant new multi-use sports and leisure facility in N.Ireland.

HEALTHCARE From Glasgow’s Victoria and Southern General Hospitals to its Maryhill Health Centre, Metal Technology has applied its expertise in close collaboration with designers to deliver ﬁnancially economic yet technically robust solutions.

COMMERCIAL Contracted for many commercial schemes throughout the UK, Metal Technology supplied their architectural glazing systems for a number of recently completed developments: CABI’s stunning new low energy headquarters in Wallingford, Earl Grey - the signature Grade A office space in Dundee, and the award-winning CDE Global headquarters in Cookstown.

RESIDENTIAL Signature apartment blocks in London, Belfast and Manchester are excellent examples of how Metal Technology’s windows, curtain walling, sliding and bifold doors meet the aesthetic, security and thermal performance requirements of any building. Finishes can vary internally and externally, adding to the design possibilities, while the intrinsic qualities of aluminium – inﬁnite recyclability, durability, strength and lightness mean it is one of the most sustainable building materials in use today. For more information on Metal Technology’s range of high-performance, architectural glazing systems, visit: metaltechnology.com.

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GGF URGES GOVERNMENT TO RESOLVE UKCA CRISIS The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has written to cabinet ministers from three different Government departments urging the Government to resolve the looming crisis over product compliance, namely UKCA marking and CE marking for products to comply with the Construction Products Regulation in the UK and in the EU respectively. After 31st December 2021, CE marked products will no longer be compliant in the GB market (England, Scotland and Wales) and products will require to be UKCA marked to be UK CPR compliant. Simultaneously, products exported from the UK and placed into the European Union market will have to be CE marked for EU CPR compliance. In the UK from 1st January 2022 products that fall under Construction Products Regulation (which is entwined in UK legislation) will have to legally be UKCA marked. The UKCA marking cannot be used for goods placed on the Northern Ireland market. If an EU27 notified body has been used for CE marking for goods placed on the Northern Ireland market then the manufacturer can continue to place product in NI using the CE mark. If the manufacturer uses a UK body for CE marking services and they are a

UK Approved Body then the product must display the CE and UKNI marks. From 1st January 2022 Northern Ireland manufacturers can only place goods in the GB market which are UKCA marked and supported by a UK Approved Body unless they meet qualifying Northern Ireland goods status in which case they will qualify for unfettered access. For UK companies that have been complying with the CPR and have had their products tested by a UK Approved Body (Test House), it means they will be able to continue to place those products on the UK market as they will comply with UKCA. However, products that have been tested by an EU Notified Body (Test House) will have to be re-tested at a UK Approved Body (Test House) to comply with UKCA standards. For UK companies that export to the EU (including Republic of Ireland) and have had their products tested by a UK Approved Body (Test House) they will have to be retested by an EU Notified Body (Test House) and re-certify their products to comply with CE marking. The UK Government had earlier this year, proposed the solution of a “Mutual Recognition Agreement” with test evidence and certification for products both in the UK and EU would be mutually accepted by the respective parties. However, this proposal was rejected by the EU. It leaves UK companies with a huge headache and three obstacles to overcome with regards to product compliance. Firstly the costs can range from £500 to £5000 per product. Secondly, the time involved in testing and compliance through to certification can take three months or longer. This issue is further compounded due to UK Test Houses also having to test products for the GB market

from companies outside the EU and UK. Thirdly, there is currently a severe lack of testing facilities in the UK. Looking ahead it will mean new products developed by UK companies will have to use an EU Notified Body to enable affixing of CE marking for the EU market and a UK Approved Body to enable affixing of the UKCA marking for the GB market, meaning a duplication of testing and conformity assessment to, as it stands today, identical product standards. On the critical situation, John Agnew, GGF Group Managing Director said, “On behalf of our Members and industry it is incumbent upon us to do all we can to resolve this situation before the deadline at the end of the year. We have written to the key ministers in Government, outlined the pressing issues and asked for a meeting as soon as possible to find solutions.” As well as raising the matter with Government, the GGF is also on the Construction Leadership Council Working Party which includes trade bodies such as Construction Products Association and Federation of Master Builders. Last September, at the 2020 GGF Annual Conference (Members’ Day) the GGF Technical Team flagged the issues and in February this year, the GGF carried out an open forum on the subject. Aligned to those presentations, the GGF is also raising the matter at regular technical and regional meetings. More recently, the GGF sent out a survey from Government asking Members to submit their views direct to the Government department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). On 20th July, the GGF will be attending a BEIS video conference to further discuss the issues and urge the Government to act sooner rather than later to resolve the issue.

John Agnew, GGF Group Managing Director

In the letter (sent 8 July) to the Government departments (Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government, Department for Business Energy Industrial Strategy and HM Treasury), the GGF has asked that a “Mutual Recognition Agreement” is re-visited and re-proposed or an alternative solution is found before the deadline. The GGF has also asked for an additional extension of at least two years to the deadline, to allow companies time to ensure their products are compliant. John Agnew added, “This crisis is deepening with each passing day and parts of the industry could come to a grinding halt or companies in desperation could place products on the market without legal compliance. Either way, if it’s not resolved, then there could be serious consequences for our industry and the broader construction sector.” For further information go to: www.ggf.org.uk or for consumer information generated by the GGF please visit www.MyGlazing.com.

TOTAL HARDWARE ANNOUNCES 20% EXPANSION Leading hardware supplier Total Hardware has announced it has extended its Leeds stock distribution centre by 20%.

“We place a strong emphasis on customer service and this package of investment will mean we can continue to maintain our competitive lead times by supplying rapidly from stock.”

Chris Pell, General Manager at Total Hardware, said: “We’ve seen increased demand and a growing customer base in the last 10 months. The expansion will help us to continue to serve our customers efficiently by allowing us to hold more stock across our multiple hardware ranges.”

Customer service is at the heart of Total Hardware’s offering. It’s the reason so many of its customers have stayed with the company since it was formed in 2004. Its reputation for quality and hardware choice has spread, which is why it is attracting a growing customer base now. Chris said: “Because we offer multiple ranges of window and door hardware, customers appreciate the ease of doing business with us.”

As well as extending its stock warehousing, Total Hardware has invested in new forklift trucks and has hired multiple new warehouse operatives. Chris commented:

Total Hardware supplies quality window and door hardware to trade fabricators and installers across the UK. It is renowned for its comprehensive range of products for all

projects at competitive prices and Chris says the breadth of the offering is something customers truly appreciate.

It has strong partnerships with leading worldwide hardware manufacturers and also has its own quality hardware ranges. It is home to the Quantum range of premium hardware for windows and doors aimed at fabricators who want to differentiate their own product range. It also home to the newly launched Superior 25 Stainless Steel range of door hardware, which provides elegant aesthetics as well as durability and unrivalled protection against corrosion. Total Hardware has built its business on exceptional customer service. As this expansion to meet growing demand shows, it’s a commitment that is paying off. Tel: 0113 243 2255 www.totalhardwareltd.co.uk

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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DELLNER GROUP ACQUIRES PERCY LANE PRODUCTS Sweden’s Dellner Group has acquired Percy Lane Products, a leading UK manufacturer of aluminium windows, doors and fabrications for the transport sector, in a move that will add a new dimension to the group’s global product offering. Percy Lane will become part of UK-based Dellner Polymer and Glass Solutions (DPGS), supplying metal, polymer and glass components for interior and exterior fitments including specialist windows, screens and partitions. The main markets for these products are the rail sector, buses and coaches, commercial vehicles and the aerospace industry. Percy Lane’s 120 employees will continue to operate from their Tamworth base. DPGS CEO Mikael Petersson said: “Percy Lane is an extremely well run company with whom we already have a close working relationship. We are delighted to welcome them to the Dellner family. Metal fabrication is a new product area for Dellner, but one that complements our UK-based polymer and glass businesses perfectly. Particularly in the rail industry, we will now be able to supply vibration control, metal, polymer and glazing solutions as a single, integrated package, to new and existing customers alike.”

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2021

Dellner Group CEO, Marcus Aberg, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our strategic growth with the acquisition of Percy Lane Products, and to be bringing their skilled workforce into the group. With a shared focus on quality and service, Percy Lane’s customers are assured of a seamless transition, and we are looking forward to offering them an enhanced, integrated service from the Dellner companies.” Percy Lane’s services include design, engineering, manufacture and testing. They offer bespoke products and replacement parts for new and existing vehicles including: • Rail industry − windscreens, cab glazing and bodyside windows, doors,

detrainment systems, internal and external machined extrusions, partitions and screens, walkway doors and frames, luggage racks, ceiling panels, bins, treadplates, grab rails, modular flooring systems. • Bus and coach − cab and bodyside glazing, doors, screens, panels and locks. • Commercial vehicles − doors and windows for a range of vehicles including road sweepers, refuse trucks, forklifts, horsebox and welfare vehicles. • Aerospace − aluminium window frames. For more information, see dellnerpolymer.com, dellner-romag.co.uk and percylane.com.

Mikael Petersson

Percy Lane Chairman/CEO Graeme Fowler, said: “This is an exciting and important step for the future development of Percy Lane and we are looking forward to realising the enhanced opportunities and synergy within the Dellner Group.”

“We are delighted to welcome them to the Dellner family. Metal fabrication is a new product area for Dellner, but one that complements our UK-based polymer and glass businesses perfectly.”

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96.8% DELIVERY PERFORMANCE FROM VBH Hardware specialist VBH has released an update on the position regarding their ability to supply in the face of the well documented issues surrounding freight and port delays, shortages of raw materials and over-capacity production lines.

These are subjects that we have all grown accustomed to over the last year in both our work and home lives. They all combine to put immense strain on any supply chain. In the face of this, VBH advise that they are very proud to have achieved an OTIF (On Time in Full) outbound fulfilment average of 96.8% over second quarter of this year. VBH have drastically increased stock levels of their own greenteQ products, and those from 3rd party partners, too. This investment in stock is paying dividends for VBH and their customers as airfreights are kept to a bare minimum and OTIF has not dropped below 95% for many months. As well as building up stocks, the purchasing analysts at VBH, led by Purchasing Manager Karl Thompson, are in constant dialogue with the greenteQ factory production planners

to ensure a steady and controlled flow of hardware and furniture to VBH (GB). Karl tells us: “This year has definitely had its obstacles when it comes to the supply chain. However, by increasing our local stock holding and working closely with all our factories and suppliers, we’ve been able to minimise any disruption to VBH customers. “We are very proud of the OTIF we have achieved and maintained over what has been a very unpredictable time for both supply issues and sales volumes. “Our approach to stock and stock control has enabled the sales team to take on many new customers during the past year, whilst not compromising the

availability of products for them and our existing customers. This is vitally important and is our number one priority. We have now set our sights on achieving and exceeding the 97% OTIF target for the rest of the year.” VBH advise that Karl’s team continues to keep up with the New Product Development and Sales teams, despite the introduction of many new product ranges already this year, and the company achieving another record sales month in June. Further information on the VBH product range can found at www.vbhgb.com. The company can be contacted by emailling sales@vbhgb.com or by calling 01634 263263.

August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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KAWNEER LAUNCHES MARKET-LEADING BUILDING MOVEMENT FEATURE

KAWNEER INTRODUCES AN ENHANCED +/- 5MM EXPANSION JOINT TO ITS HIGH-PERFORMANCE AA®110 SSG SYSTEM One of the main complexities in designing a glazed façade is the accommodation of slab movement/deflection, and due to the extension of structural spans seen in contemporary building designs, slab deflection is increasing. This places additional demands on a façade design team to accommodate movement between slab and façade. When building designs require glazed facades to withstand high slab deflections one solution is to incorporate unitised curtain wall systems like Kawneer’s AA®201 or AA®265 systems, which due to their construction, can provide greater movement allowance. However, unitised curtain walling usually comes at a cost premium and is generally more appropriate for very large facades and where there might be issues of site access. Traditional stick curtain wall is more readily used by most fabricators and installers in the UK, hence the development of a new expansion joint by Kawneer. This new development has now enabled Kawneer to offer an expansion joint for its AA®110 SSG system that can withstand a +/- 5mm amount of movement tolerance. See: https://bit. ly/3hBUHG9 The recent launch of the capped variation of the expansion joint for Kawneer’s AA®110 curtain wall system, which allows a +/- 15mm building tolerance, has now been successfully followed by the SSG (Structurally Silicone Sealed) variant. While a conventional SSG system would be limited in its movement capabilities due to the hidden clamping nature of the glass and toggle engagement requirements, the new Kawneer solution has re-designed glass clamping rails and a re-designed toggle system to allow for greater slab deflection and differential movement.

INSIDE EDGE BUILDING PRODUCTS Freefoam Building Products launch a new video for social media showcasing Edge Building Products and their supply of Freefoam cladding.

Two members of the Freefoam sales and marketing team spent the day at the Chichester branch to film how the business works on a daily basis. With a voiceover by Marketing Director Kate Prentice, the video highlights how the Fortex cladding range has become an important part of their product offering, with the

grey colour options being particularly popular with Edge Building Products customer’s. Kate explains “Freefoam have helped us promote the range and we receive great feedback on the quality of the cladding. It’s definitely opened up more business opportunities for us, and with double digit growth every year the figures speak for themselves!

The addition of the SSG expansion joint allows increased flexibility in architectural specification where the clean lines of a silicone glazed façade are desired, but without compromising the requirement for reduced slab sizes and cost.

the performance or safety of the system. The consequences of failing to provide enough allowance for in-service building movement can range from a reduction in weather performance to glass breakage and significant system failure.

The new joint locates at each slab level and is therefore concealed by spandrel glass or panels. Its specialised engineered foam seals expand and contract with the movement of the structure.

“Our new +/- 5mm SSG expansion joint is a welcome addition to our AA®110 product offer and follows on from the popular capped expansion joint launched in 2019. This subsequently gives architects ultimate design freedom by providing a traditional stick curtain wall system that gives exceptional performance and tolerance of building movement.”

To ensure compliance with UK standards, the new enhancement has been rigorously tested during development to ensure high performance in all UK conditions. In consultation with the CWCT, an enhanced version of the ‘Standard for Systemised Building Envelope: Sequence B’ programme was developed. This included a series of performance tests while the new +/- 5mm SSG expansion joint was in its compression, extension and neutral positions. Alongside the new expansion joint enhancement, Kawneer has also increased the glazing weight capacity of the AA®110 system which will bring it in line with the current AA®100 system, providing glass weight capability of up to 600kg. The introduction of a 36mm thermal break provides enhanced thermal performance and increased glass thickness capability up to 50mm. Kawneer’s Technical Director Gary Ledger commented: “Glazing and cladding systems need to be designed to allow for building movement without compromising

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2021

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DECEUNINCK UK & VBH (GB) HOST

SEVENTH ANNUAL GOLF DAY

Honours for being first out of the blocks post Freedom Day goes to Deceuninck and VBH (GB) who hosted their seventh annual Golf Day in July, returning to the stunning Bowood Golf Resort in Wiltshire. After missing out in 2020 due to Covid, this year’s Golf Day was an extra special occasion, marking the first major industry social and networking event in more than 12 months and was a welcome opportunity for people to get together once again. Bathed in glorious sunshine, beautiful Bowood set the scene for a highly enjoyable – and closely contested – day of golf around

Earl Tate and Dan Powell VBH

the PGA Official Golf Course for the South West, with just five points separating the top three teams at close of play. First place honours went to Bristol Windows who finished with a total of 85 points, just three ahead of second placed team, Window Warehouse and M&S Windows, on 82. Coming home in third place was Garrard Windows with a final tally of 80 points. The prize for the ‘Nearest the Pin’ competition was claimed by Matt Kelly of Bill Butters Windows, with the trophy for Longest Drive going to Window Warehouse team member, Dan Reader. The day concluded with a dinner, prize giving and evening drinks at the Bowood. Chris Jones, Deceuninck Sales Director, commented: “It was absolutely fantastic to be able to get together with friends, colleagues and our co-hosts VBH for this year’s annual golf day.

Raffle Hamper

Lew Harvey and Darren Woodcock, Deceuninck; and Deceuninck Aluminium’s Nigel Headford

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Stephen Parfitt and Karen Parfitt, R&P Windows; Ryan Aitken and Mark Jacobsen, Deceuninck

Will Parker and Rob Judd, Birmingham Glass; Deceuninck’s Chris Jones and Wez Taylor, CB Solutions

“First place honours went to Bristol Windows who finished with a total of 85 points, just three ahead of second placed team, Window Warehouse and M&S Windows, on 82. Coming home in third place was Garrard Windows with a final tally of 80 points.”

TEAM RESULTS: • 1st – Team 4 – Bristol Windows (85) • 2nd – Team 8 – Window Warehouse & M&S (82) • 3rd – Team 11 – Garrards (80) • 4th – Team 6 – Online (79) • 5th – Team 5 – Birmingham Glass (79) • 6th – Team 13 – BiFold Windows & Ashford (77) • 7th – Team 16 – Modplan (77)

The Modplan team

The Window Warehouse & M&S team

The Quickslide & CEN Solutions team

“After being forced to cancel last year, and following an exceptionally challenging period for us all, it was a real treat to be able to get together with friends and colleagues to enjoy the outstanding Bowood course once again.”

first lockdown in March last year, so we were delighted to be able to finally co-host the seventh annual Golf Day alongside Deceuninck.

Simon Monks, Managing Director, VBH, added: “Everyone has been under a huge amount of pressure since the start of the The Online Windows team

“The Bowood Resort is a world class venue and the perfect setting for what is now an established and highly anticipated event on the industry calendar.”

• 8th – Team 3 – Bill Butters (76) • 9th – Team 12 – Bison (74) • 10th – Team 2 – CEN Solutions & Quickslide (73) • 11th – Team 15 – Birmingham Glass & CB Solutions (72) • 12th – Team 7 – Fenster, Tradesmith and Nolan (68) • 13th – Team 1 – Patio South West (67) • 14th – Team 9 – Castle Building Products (65) • 15th – Team 14 – Deceuninck (60) • 16th – Team 10 – R&P Windows (59)

Karen Parfitt, R&P Windows

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2021

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GLAZERITE WELCOMES A NEW RECRUITMENT WEEKEND KICKS OFF MAJOR ADDITION TO ITS SALES TEAM GROWTH DRIVE AT VICTORIAN SLIDERS Following the completion of a management buyout this month, The Glazerite UK Group Ltd has announced a new sales appointment. Carly Graham joined the fabricator on 12th July 2021 and will be focusing on enhancing the service Glazerite offers its installer base in the Midlands and South East. Carly, who has over 20 years of experience in fenestration, is looking forward to applying her industry experience to her new role at Glazerite. She says: “I can’t wait to meet my customers. Glazerite is impressive and unique in the way it supports its

customers, from incredible sales and marketing support to building proactive relationships with suppliers that ultimately benefit the installer.” Carly adds: It’s an exciting challenge and I’m ready for it. I thrive on the industry’s diversity, product development, and its ability to adapt to an ever-changing market and this is exactly what Glazerite excels in. I’m really looking forward to playing an active part in Glazerite’s growth ambitions, and those of my customers. “ Jeff Dunn, Group Sales & Marketing Director, says: “Carly has extensive experience and a real passion for the industry. She’s hugely customer-focused and has a thorough knowledge of our products and what our customers and their customers want. This will help us to strengthen the relationships we have with our existing installers and help us reach out to new prospects.” Jeff adds: “It’s an exciting time to be joining Glazerite and Carly brings with her a strong, motivated work ethic that will be a real benefit to our customers.”

NEW APPOINTMENTS

DROP IN CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICESHIPS THREATENS LEVELLING-UP AGENDA, SAYS FMB The year-on-year decline in construction apprenticeships threatens the Prime Minister’s levelling-up agenda and the UK’s ability to ‘build back better’ from the pandemic, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the Department for Education’s apprenticeship and traineeship data released today. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “2,000 fewer new apprenticeships is the opposite of what is needed to tackle the critical skills shortage in the construction

industry. In particular, it won’t help small building companies. Currently 38% of Master Builder companies are already struggling to hire bricklayers and 34% are unable to recruit carpenters.” Berry concluded: “The Government’s levelling-up agenda is at risk if support to encourage and incentivise careers in construction isn’t turbo-charged. Small builders would particularly welcome an extension to the heightened incentive payments for those businesses training apprentices beyond September of this year.”

Market-leading sash window manufacturer Victorian Sliders welcomed potential new employees as part of a major recruitment event at its Ammanford headquarters. Even after a bumper 2020, business shows no sign of slowing for the South Wales firm, which has recently implemented a second shift to keep up with demand. Now, the company has hired over seventy new staff to help expand its production, with potential for many more new roles later in the year. Held in a COVID-safe marquee on the main Victorian Sliders site, the threeday recruitment drive attracted talented candidates from around the region, as Marketing Manager Geoff Bishop explains. “While we were always cautiously optimistic about what 2021 would bring, after the incredible success we saw in 2020, we definitely expected the market to have slowed somewhat by this point in the year. “In fact, we’re continuing to see enormous demand, and are forging ahead with some very ambitious plans for expansion

throughout 2021 and beyond. Making even more quality sash windows means we need even more talented staff – and at our recruitment weekend, we were extremely impressed with the quality of the candidates who put themselves forward. “As a result, we’ll be inducting a large number of new starters in the weeks ahead, and look forward to creating dozens more jobs before the end of the year. “In my 15 years in the window industry, the last twelve months has been the busiest period I’ve experienced by far, and I predict the 2020s will go on to be an extremely successful decade for UK fenestration.” For more information visit www.victoriansliders.co.uk or call 01269 846200.

“Making even more quality sash windows means we need even more talented staff – and at our recruitment weekend, we were extremely impressed with the quality of the candidates who put themselves forward.” August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

LINIAR STRENGTHENS SERVICE AND SUPPORT WITH CUSTOMER RELATIONS TEAM Building long-lasting relationships with customers is important for any business, leading to both customer retention and long-term growth. For industry-leading PVCu systems company Liniar, Customer Service has long been one of the markers of its success – which is now set to bring even more customer benefits, with the introduction of a Customer Relations team to develop and enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Already known for its comprehensive programme of customer support, including structural and thermal calculations, technical guidance and marketing materials,

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2021

Liniar has built strong foundations to maintain and improve its service levels. Following customer feedback and a keen desire to nurture existing relationships, Liniar is delighted to announce the formation of this new, dedicated Customer Relations team, led by Head of Customer Relations Charlotte Curtis.

“We’ve strengthened the team itself with the recruitment of new team members and it now sits within the Sales function under Group Sales Director Nigel Bishop for a full-service approach to customer care. It's our aim to reinforce brand loyalty and strengthen new and existing customer relations," comments Charlotte.

Charlotte explains, "Throughout the pandemic, communication between Liniar and our customers was crucial to the success of all involved. Whilst the healthspecific challenges of COVID-19 may be waning, there are still many other issues facing us all. These challenges have highlighted the importance of providing our customers with a single point of contact within the business - someone they can come to whether their query is about sales, deliveries, growth or lead times."

"The team is in charge of helping customers with LiniarConnect, placing orders, boosting their growth, providing aftercare and proactive contact and helping to address any issues that may arise. I’m excited to lead the new team, who have a wealth of customer service experience, and enhance our customers’ journey with Liniar even further."

"The success of our online customer portal LinarConnect, fortuitously launched 3 months before the pandemic began, has meant that our former Sales Order Processing team have been able to be more proactive, and we see this developing even more as things begin to settle across the supply chain.

New and existing Liniar customers will be assigned a Customer Relations Advisor, who will work alongside their Regional Sales Director and be an additional point of contact for everything Liniar. Learn more about the Liniar difference or how to become a Liniar customer by visiting www.liniar.co.uk/making-the-change.

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www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2021

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x 12 insertions

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MARKETING & DATA

13/01/2021 13:50

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BALUSTRADE SYSTEMS

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ADVERTISE WITHIN THIS SECTION FOR A WHOLE YEAR,

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Keep your company name in front of our readers all year long! For this offer, and our other yearly marketing plans, please email: christina@glassnews.co.uk

Connecting you to quality trade suppliers www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2021

FIND A SUPPLIER

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Sponsored by:

HERE CONNECTING YOU TO QUALITY TRADE SUPPLIERS ADVERTISE x 12 insertions (one invoice to cover you all year)

£295 +VAT

Email: emma@glassnews.co.uk

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August 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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Local Authority Building Standards Scotland

Glass News August 2021

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