Glass News March 2022 by Christina Shaw

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25/01/2022 14:00

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

15 JUNE IS D DAY the GGF’s drive to work with and influence the government so that the industry’s thoughts and concerns are taken on board when they are considering regulatory changes. Chris tells us more about his position and it is clear that it will have a real bearing on the important relationship between the GGF, government and other stakeholders.

Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, has the opportunity to talk with the GGF’s Chris Beedel about the Building Regulations.

D Day – when the new Regulations become statutory - is 15 June 2022 but is there leeway on that? A bedding in period – or is that date set in stone? What happens if a job has been booked months in advance but installation won’t take place until post 15 June? Chris Beedel talks us through the issues.

Chris Beedel’s position within the Glass and Glazing Federation has changed from his Membership position within FENSA to now being the Head of Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations. This is an important position in

Starting with Part L, what are the changes? Essentially, it’s an initial reduction in maximum U-Values for windows in new build homes from 1.4 to 1.2 w/m2/k, moving towards a more radical target of 0.8 w/m2/k for new build over the next five years. And, in existing homes, a reduction from 1.6 to 1.4 w/m2/k in windows and from 1.8 to 1.4 w/m2/k for doors. But is that going far enough given the government’s stated aim of a 75-80% carbon reduction on current building regs by 2025?

Issue 132 | March 2022

SEE PAGE 20

IS !! TH NTH MO

The Building Regulations change in June this year and the updates to both Part L and Part F in particular, have great significance to our industry. Is the industry aware of what is coming and, more to the point, is the homeowner even aware that these changes may affect what they thought they were buying when they made the decision to change their windows?

THE RIGHT PEOPLE READ GLASS NEWS S!! CU FO

FOR PART L AND PART F

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

SEE PAGE 40

HARDWARE & SECURITY QUALITY THROUGH QUALIFICATIONS GQA is the sole issuer of CSCS cards for the Fenestration and Glazing sectors

Continued on page 10...

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MARCH 2022

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THE INDUSTRY IS COMING ALIVE, WITH LOTS TO WATCH, LISTEN TO, AND READ ABOUT THIS MONTH Everything is bursting to life. It’s not really spring yet and there’s every chance that we will have a spell of proper wintery weather over the next couple of months but, even in the frozen wastes of North Yorkshire, there are buds on the trees and bulbs pushing their way into the daylight. All very lyrical: but what I am really referring to is our industry bursting into life. We seem to have been in hibernation even though lockdown is far behind us, but suddenly there is activity a plenty! Of course, business has continued over the past couple of years despite the restraints put upon us and it is true to say we have done as well, if not better, than most. This activity is interesting. There has been lots of product development and this bodes well, and will be interesting, come the opening of the doors to FIT 2022, and not long to go now. Meanwhile, snippets of what we can expect to see in May are coming to the fore. A visit to RoofWright this month had Christina and I acting like young kids as we were introduced to VR and AR. Yep, the modern vernacular just trips off the tongue – Virtual and Augmented Reality, something I’ve read about but not experienced although many of our readers with teenage children will be well versed having kitted out the lucky kids with Oculus VR headsets for Christmas. Yes, this technology is coming to the industry and will be there at FIT so it can be experienced by all of us old duffers. The RoofWright stand is the one to visit! Meanwhile, good old Zoom interviews are still continuing. This all seemed new and exciting as the pandemic overtook us, while now, it seems like old hat! Having said that, it still works for me and an interview with Chris Beedel, the GGF’s new Head of Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations was particularly interesting. This new position for Chris puts him in direct contact with government and provides the opportunity to impress upon those making legislation realise that a GGF of some 45 years standing actually has a lot of statistics and information that could be beneficial when they are writing new laws that apply to building and fenestration

regulations. I say this because it would have definitely been beneficial when the new Building Regulations were being drawn up, particularly Parts L and F. The 15th June sees it all kick off with efforts being made to retain heat within the home through Part L while trying to cool it down by putting big holes in these carefully crafted windows with trickle vents. I only wish our draughty old house actually needed any more ventilation! In all sincerity I strongly suggest listening to Chris Beedel’s interview as it will be well worth your while. Another interview that I recommend is with Pearl Window Systems’ Jeff Walsh. A super fabricator that is constantly investing and expanding and offers a total installer scheme under the Signature Collection branding. It’s unique with a tie-in to Corgi Fenestration to register with Building Control and Extended Warranty Certificates, virtually instantly. They put out a video over Christmas that has had over 120,000 views with all the leads going to their installers….clever marketing getting impressive results! Naturally, we are always receiving press releases, letters-to-the-editor and articles of all kinds, and we’re delighted to get them. Sometimes one catches your eye as something completely different. A case in point is a release from Deceuninck’s Rob McGlennon entitled ‘Consumers reject ‘plastic’ home improvement products – poll’. What? A PVCu systems house talking about plastic being rejected? It is probably one of the most interesting releases I’ve read and Rob talks about recycling and sustainability and, not surprisingly, what Deceuninck is doing about it. Generously, Rob says : “We’re not alone, a number of other systems companies have also invested (in recycling). That however, amounts to nothing, if we don’t communicate what we’re doing to the end-user.” It’s a very good point. If the general public think of PVCu extrusion in the same way they view plastic bottles, bags and other single use plastics, firstly, they’re wrong and secondly, we really need to get the message over that PVCu is sustainable. But I have to say, sales of PVC-U windows and doors appear to be untouched by such sentiments, with no evidence yet that the homeowner is rejecting the idea of PVCu windows. Well, there you go. I’ve got through a Page 3 without mentioning Boris, corrupt politicians, the waste within the Civil Service and the NHS and even Ukraine. Whoops! Well, just a little mention.

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

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2022

February 2021 crossword solution:

CONTENTS 4

Glass News Interview: GQA

Glass News Interview: Pearl Window Systems

Face To Face

10 Front Cover Story 10 Trade News 20 Hardware & Security Focus 29 Marketing

‘TIME OUT’WINNERS – FEBRUARY! Sudoku: R Paling, Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire Eye Spy: Laura Keeling, Forest Town, Mansfield Spot the Difference: Mrs E Miles, Exeter, Devon Crossword: Marc Rampling, Beverley, East Yorkshire Congratulations to all our winners! Good luck in this months Time Out pages!

30 Windows 32 Machinery 34 What Door? 40 A Window Into Aluminium 46 Trade News 64 Software & IT 66 Cold Calling 68 FIT Show Preview 2022 70 Sealed Units & Glass 70 Home Improvements 74 Letters 74 Blinds 76 Charity News 78 Careers & Qualifications in Fenestration 86 Time Out! 87 Find A Supplier

@GlassnewsMag

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

Christina Shaw

/GlassNews

CONTACT DETAILS Christina Shaw Managing Director / Advertising Enquiries M: 07805 051322 E: christina@glassnews.co.uk Emma Champion Advertising Manager M: 07508 263262 E: emma@glassnews.co.uk Justin Lazenby Finance Director / Press Release Enquiries M: 07711 828710 E: justin@glassnews.co.uk Chris Champion Editor / Editorial Enquiries M: 07850 267223 E: chris@glassnews.co.uk Kate Carnall Graphic Design E: kate@glassnews.co.uk Deadline for copy: 16th of each month Printed by Mortons Print Ltd, Morton Way, Boston Road Industrial Estate, Horncastle, LN9 6JR

The paper we use is 100% recycled.

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: GQA

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GQA INTERVIEWS NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

- ONE OF A SERIES OF INTERVIEWS MARKING 20 YEARS OF GQA GQA Qualifications celebrated twenty years of trading in January 2022. A part of the activities to mark the event is a series of interviews with the directors of the organisation. Here we talk to Shaun McAllister, one of GQA's four NonExecutive Directors. Shaun is additionally Sales & Marketing Director of MP Logic, a sales and manufacturing software development company in the window and door industry. He has been involved with GQA for three years.

other industries such as plumbing in which formal training and the attainment of qualifications are a given.

How important do you feel qualifications and training are?

What does being a Director of GQA mean to you? I hope this doesn't sound like a cliché, but it means giving something back. I've worked in numerous roles in the window industry over a thirty-year career, starting out as an installer and I am now a company director. I'm grateful for the opportunities it has given me, and now it's my turn to give back to the industry. When I first started out, the sector was largely unregulated with very little training available. Today, it's far more professionally operated with a much greater emphasis on achieving qualifications, which has got to be a good thing. I suppose when I started out it was a relatively young industry.

What do you think are the strengths of GQA? I'd say it's a combination of two things: its great team of people and the quality of the products it

Shaun McAllister

offers. By 'products' I mean the qualifications it develops. The GQA team is fantastic. Its people are highly experienced, having worked in the industry, and therefore they really understand its strengths and weaknesses. They fully 'get' what it's like to be at the sharp end. GQA's products truly benefit people in the industry, which is wonderful. The organisation's great variety of qualifications spans the complete industry, and it's exciting that it is expanding into other sectors too. Each qualification is important and relevant, i.e. it is a true measure of the requirements of the work aspect it covers. These qualifications give people something to which to aspire,

and provide recognition for their hard work in achieving certain competencies. There's nothing quite like receiving an award for something you've succeeded in. It sets people up for life.

What does your experience bring to the table? All of the other GQA NonExecutive Directors have specialist experience, but I think I bring a certain amount of experience from all of the fenestration sectors, which makes me a bit of an all-rounder. This makes me pretty well-placed to be able to advise and guide the GQA team in a variety of aspects of its work, and to be able to support it. I

also think that working as I do with sole traders, SMEs and large companies is useful.

What changes have you seen in GQA over the past twenty years you'd like to highlight? The main thing is the organisation's prolific growth in that time, despite challenges presented by the government. There's a big demand for GQA's qualifications. This demand is rising due to the muchpublicised skills gap. I believe the fenestration industry needs to be on a similar footing to that of

Very important. They are better for the individual, better for the employer and better for the customer. Not only do they help to drive up standards in the fenestration industry generally, but they are contributing to improvements in health and safety - an important area. I believe they are helping to protect employees and save lives. Quite honestly, we've got to be mindful of how other industries attract young people through formalised training schemes and career paths carved out via qualifications. We've got to make the fenestration industry compete on this level in order to attract more young people into it. They need to be able to see the availability of a clear career path so that they can perceive the fenestration industry as an attractive career proposition. Youngsters also need to be made more aware of the sheer breadth of roles available in this industry too. Building Our Skills is doing well in promoting this. It's the SME, regional retail sector that is really struggling to attract the right people to the fenestration industry. If companies in this sector offer the right training and qualifications they are more likely to win out.

Where do you see GQA heading in the future? I believe we simply need a period of stability, especially after the turmoil caused by Covid. We just need to focus on getting as many fenestration industry people trained up as possible in order to keep driving up standards. I can see demand for qualifications only continuing to grow. I'm proud to be associated with GQA and to be part of helping to build a brighter and increasingly professionalised industry. More information on GQA is available at www.gqaqualifications.com.

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

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www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2022

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: PEARL WINDOW SYSTEMS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PEARL WINDOW SYSTEMS CONTINUES TO DEVELOP ITS INSTALLER SCHEME AND ITS PRODUCTION FACILITIES Glass News’s Publisher, Christina Shaw, and Editor, Chris Champion, conduct a virtual interview with Pearl Window Systems’ Jeff Walsh. Pearl is a longstanding fabricator that has taken its quality and service as a supplier to the next level by offering customers a well thought through, and execcuted, installer scheme. Pearl Window Systems has grown over the past 24 years from a start-up fabrication business into a highly thought of super fabricator that is regularly producing 3,500 to 4,000 frames per week. But owner, Jeff Walsh and his team are believers in providing headroom not just for normal organic expansion but providing a service at a time of high demand. This time of the Covid 19 pandemic is a perfect example with the headroom provided across the business allowing for frame production to increase to 4,500 per week, if demanded. To maintain this level of production, I ask Jeff about his commitment to investment. Since 1999 there will have been many £millions sunk into Pearl Window Systems, but what about now? Is this the time to invest for the future? Jeff is very matterof-fact about this: with three factories and the latest opening in 2018 just prior to the world changing dramatically, you could understand some reticence about digging

deeper into his pocket. That is not the case. In opening the foiling factory they had planned an investment programme over some 5 years but had quickly spent that budget in just under a year with a variety of machinery including a new Supercut, sundry welders and kit essential to an ever growing fabricator. In fact, they now have 7 machining centres and investment will be there as business demands. Pearl has always prided themselves on a very high level of quality and service. Their customers rely on them to get the goods to them as scheduled and it is not unusual to see a Pearl Window Systems liveried vehicle hacking its way across the motorways of the country. The branding is memorable, and this is across the whole business from vehicles to websites and from leaflets to uniforms. It’s not surprising, therefore, that so many of Pearl’s installers have chosen to join the Signature Installer Scheme that gives the installer all the benefits of being part of a large and successful business while maintaining their own individuality. Installer schemes are not new, but Jeff was adamant that their scheme should provide big advantages for the installer whatever their size while not pushing rules and regulations down their throats! Do you want to adopt the Signature branding

across your business? It’s entirely up to the individual. The point is that there is a wide choice for the installer. Glass News has talked to a number Pearl’s installers and most love the opportunity to adopt the Signature brand and comment on how, as a small installer, it amuses them when a customer comment on seeing ‘their’ lorries on the motorway! Branding can be individualised for each customer, if required, and this goes across the board: their own brochures, dedicated websites, QR code material et al. And it isn’t just for installers and a similar offer is available for trade counters, too. Branding is by no means the only offering. What makes the Signature Collection so different is the unique tie up with CORGI Fenestration. The ability to immediately register a job, both with Building Control Certificates and Extended Warranty Certificates, and all within 48 hours is compelling. The extended warranty through CORGI is appreciated by the homeowner, especially as it is part of the scheme and is cost free to them. As far as the installer is concerned this helps the administration side enormously and anything that cuts down office work is to be applauded. And going further, the introduction of a new app that provides a virtual showroom together

with a facility called DIGITAL CONNECT has been launched. This allows customers to track orders and delivery schedules at every step of the way, so they know exactly when their products will be arriving this is very much welcomed by their customer installers. In talking with Jeff it is clear how much he and his team value their customers and, in many cases, relationships that have developed over many, many years. With the aid of the technology that Pearl has embraced with the Signature Collection Installer Scheme, it is fascinating to hear how orders and products are tracked such that windows or doors made many years ago can be replicated through the QR codes that are applied to the various components. Although the scheme looks to be complete it would not be a surprise to find other innovations coming to the fore: Pearl Window Systems and the Signature Collection Installer Scheme seems never to stand still!

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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16/02/2022 16:01

FACE TO FACE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THIS MONTH: Micky Braines Environmental, Health & Safety Manager, Emplas Micky Braines discusses his time serving with the Royal Engineers and his current role as Environmental, Health & Safety Manager, at leading trade fabricator, Emplas.

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU...

own skills and I’m currently training for a NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.

Where were you born and live currently?

Your biggest regret in life? I would say my biggest regret is not putting more effort in at school. Athletics & football were the only things that I was really interested in, the only activity that focussed my attention. The army helped to put that right, and while I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved in life, I believe I could have got to this point much sooner if I’d applied myself properly at a younger age.

I was born in Kettering, Northamptonshire in 1975 and I currently live in the neighbouring town of Wellingborough, just a short drive from Emplas.

Your education and the subject or activity in which you excelled? After senior school I studied computers and electronics at Tresham College in Wellingborough, before joining the army at 20. I joined the Royal Engineers, based at Tidworth, Perham Down in Wiltshire.

Your greatest achievement? Without a shadow of a doubt, my greatest achievement is my kids. My family is everything to me and my wife drives me on and supports me every day.

In the Army I continued to study through the Military School of Engineering, eventually qualifying as a Telecommunications Engineer and serving as a Combat Signaller. My main interest at school was Physical Education, I really enjoyed running, cross-country especially sprinting, and that obviously served me well during my time in the Army!

Your favourite sports or interests? I’m a big football fan, I support QPR, and I love athletics. I used to run Most nights of the week with the Rockingham Triangle running club in Corby but ended up playing football more through the coming years.

Something or someone that inspires you? My dad is a huge inspiration, he taught me the value of having a strong work ethic. I would say the other major inspiration in my life has been the military. I was a bit lost before I joined the army, I didn’t really know what I wanted in life, but the army gave me a clear focus of what I wanted to achieve. It changed my life, and without it I wouldn’t have what I have today.

The temptation you can’t resist. Apart from chocolate? My work life is very busy, but if someone asks me for help then I

AND YOUR FUTURE... What would you like to do if you weren’t in this industry? find it very hard to say no, even if it means stopping what I’m doing.

YOUR CAREER... When and how did you join this industry? When I left the army in 2000, I wasn’t sure at first what I wanted to do, but all the guys in my local football team worked for a competitor fabricator to Emplas and they managed to get me a job there – that was 21 years ago, and I’ve been in the industry ever since. When I first started, I was doing regular work on the machines on the factory floor, but I progressed to team leader, then supervisor roles, before joining Emplas in 2016 as a quality control supervisor. At the time, it was a difficult period for me personally, so I ended up leaving Emplas, but re-joined just under three years ago and I haven’t looked back.

What is your job? I’m the Environmental and Health & Safety Manager for Emplas after recently being promoted from my current position as Recruitment & Training Co-Ordinator. It’s the first time anyone has had a dedicated sustainability role within Emplas and while we do a lot already to minimise waste, recycle and source sustainable energy, there’s more we can and will do. On top of that I’m also responsible for making sure that everyone at Emplas is operating safely. That involves reviewing accidents & Incidents, completing risk assessments for areas on site and on the factory floor, creating safe working practices and then developing and implementing the correct training in order to achieve that. As well as continually looking at how we can operate as sustainably and safely as possible as an organisation, I’m also developing my

It’s hard to think of what another career would be like, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in the industry, but if I did have another opportunity then it would probably be in telecommunications but I definitely have a passion for Health & Safety. I gained a lot of experience of telecommunications during my time in the army and it was something that I really enjoyed.

A particular ambition? I’d like to travel more. I’ve seen a lot of the world, but I don’t get to travel much since having kids, so I’d like to see a few more places. My main ambition though is to provide for my family and to give them the best possible quality of life.

The way you want to be remembered. I’d like to be remembered as someone who has always got time for other people, who is hard working, honest and trustworthy. Ultimately, I just want to do my bit, at work, for my family and enjoy a decent life.

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. 8

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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FRONT COVER STORY

TRADE NEWS

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

To support the company’s increasing customer base, West Lothian based window and door manufacturer, Window Supply Company (WSC) relocates its Bellshill trade counter to dedicated larger facility.

"Chris Beedel points out that much of the Building Regulation has been based on research dating back to the early 2000s."

The 5,200 square ft. warehouse and office space is conveniently located in the modern Motherwell Park industrial estate. Motherwell Park boasts excellent transport links with both the M8 and M74 motorways - ensuring the trade counter is easily accessible to its trade customer base.

Continued from page 1... If we move on to Part F, is there not conflict between Part L, aimed at providing better heat retention and Part F that wants ventilation increased? There are mumblings about retail installers including major brands, suggesting that they will comply if homeowners rebel and insist they do not want those ‘ugly vent things’ fitted to their nice new windows…but what will be the consequences of such a rebellion? What happens down the line when an eagle-eyed solicitor spots that the windows are not compliant post 15th June, even though the frames were ordered prior to that date? Chris helpfully takes us through the various options but emphasises that work is continuing with government to alleviate the problems that are inherent within the legislation. Policing of the legislation is key, but can the GGF possibly provide the policing required? Part L is relatively straight forward but Part F will surely prove to be a problem? Is this something the GGF has raised with government? No one pretends these are easy questions to answer as it is a fluid situation and Chris Beedel points out that much of

WINDOW SUPPLY COMPANY RELOCATES BELLSHILL TRADE COUNTER TO NEW FACILITY TO SUPPORT CONTINUED GROWTH

the Building Regulation has been based on research dating back to the early 2000s. Should the government have talked to the GGF about more recent research findings? The answer is undoubtedly, yes, and Chris’ new position heralds a new era whereby the GGF will make their thoughts and ideas known in a more dynamic way. And what happens now? Is the industry ready for these new regulations? Are they well informed or could the industry have done more? Will there be a concerted effort over the next few months to ensure the industry have the information they need? Chris is reassuring about the plans that lie ahead and it is clear that the GGF are well aware of the various issues.

Since opening back in August 2019, the Bellshill customer base continues to increase month on month. The modern business unit, located in Unit 5 Motherwell Park, is more than double the size of the previous unit occupied just a short mile away in Darrows Industrial Estate. The additional space also allows for the increased market demand for windows and doors and will also soon stock Liniar trims that perfectly match the Liniar window system the company manufactures.

It seems as if we have a revitalised trade body that has found some teeth and I believe they will put serious pressure in the right places of government….and in the very near future!

The new unit boasts a prominent location alongside complimentary trade suppliers ensuring maximum visibility to passing tradesmen. There is more customer parking, and the facility easily accommodates the free skip service WSC offers trade customers. This initiative saves WSC customers precious time and money on skip hire, by providing free skips in all branches for old window and door waste from previous jobs. Branch Manager Kenny Adam says ‘The team and I are delighted with the new facility. The additional space provides us extra storage for more windows and doors allowing us to meet increased market demand and continue our growth. We have a fantastic new showroom where our customers can show off their products and a prime location for picking up passing trade.’ Fiona Rafferty, Sales Director Scotland adds, ‘The Bellshill branch has grown phenomenally since opening back in August 2019. With a team of just 2 in the beginning, we now have a fantastic, dedicated team of 5 increasing revenue month on month. This move represents another step forward in optimising our trade counter network to best meet market demand’ Window Supply Company Bellshill is in Block 23, Unit 5, Motherwell Park, Belgrave Street Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, ML4 3NP. The company also has trade counters in Aberdeen, Dundee, Livingston and Loanhead. www.windowsupplycompany.co.uk

PREMIER ARCHES SECURE INVESTMENT FROM NEW BOARD MEMBER JOE TRUEMAN Industry figure Joe Trueman has joined the board of Premier Arches, ready to advise and work alongside the existing senior management team to take the profile bending company forward. The founder of trade counter network Truemans and former Director at Stevenswood now joins Premier Arches as a non-executive director and investor, working behind the scenes with the senior management team and focusing on business strategy, finance and recruitment, as well as sales and marketing.

fabricators time and money, and helping them win more lucrative projects which would otherwise be turned down. Joe continues: “When it comes to profile bending, most PVC fabricators simply don’t have the time, the tools, or the expertise to carry this out in-house. Premier Arches manufactures and supplies the awkward products that others don’t want to make, helping their customers to focus on what they’re best at.

“Premier Arches have so much potential and bring a freshness to a part of the fenestration industry that’s known for being slow, awkward, outdated, messy and complicated. I love a business that challenges the way things are done, and Premier Arches do just that. I’m very excited about the year ahead.”

Joe comments: “I’ve been in the industry for many years, and as a former customer of Premier Arches, the determination to put the customer first always stood out to me. As a premium supplier of bespoke arched frames, they’ve been on my radar as a company that would do well. The team has a passion for getting the product and service right for customers, and I felt this was the perfect time for me to join.” Established in 2015, Premier Arches manufactures and supplies arched, angled, gable, circular and entirely bespoke windows and doors in a range of seven stocked systems including Residence 9, plus another five nonstocked systems, offering a full service to fabricators, trade counters, installers and local builders. Serving over 600 customers across the UK, the St Helensbased company transforms the often daunting process of profile bending into a simple and pain-free process, saving

“My goal with Premier Arches is to spearhead business growth, following on from a 94% sales uplift in the past 12 months. The market continues to be buoyant and we have a number of customers currently boarding with us. Alongside this and with help from the investment I’ve made, we are working hard at improving our online pricing and ordering platform, our custom CRM system, our new website as well as bedding new machinery into the factory.

PA03 - Premier Arches Managing Director Sean Greenall (L) and new board member Joe Trueman (R)

Premier Arches Managing Director Sean Greenall comments: “With many years in the industry, Joe brings with him the experience and expertise to help Premier Arches move forward, and I’m very pleased to have him on board. Premier Arches offers something truly unique to fabricators, something which we pride ourselves on and something I’m sure Joe will help to let the industry know who we are and what we can offer. He has many exciting plans for the business, and I look forward to seeing where he takes us in 2022 and beyond.” For more information, email info@premierarches.co.uk.

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

IT’S TIME TO TAKE ACTION

TO ADDRESS THE SKILLS SHORTAGE With Paul Armstrong, Operations Director and Gabriela Hammond, Head of HR, at VEKA Plc. The skills shortage in our industry has long been discussed. It was a problem before the perfect storm hit - historical low levels of unemployment, combined with the fall-out from the pandemic, and a lack of international labour following Brexit. And all at a time when our order books have never been fuller. As an industry we have been very good at discussing the issue in great depth, but it’s time to pull together and put those words into positive and prolonged action.

WHAT WAS YOUR DREAM CAREER? Windows and Doors and ‘dream job’ are words you’ll rarely hear uttered together. In fact, if you were to go outside and ask 100 people to name their top five dream jobs, we’re certain “working with windows and doors” wouldn’t feature too prominently.

And yet the fenestration industry is worth billions to the UK economy. These are products we all use every single day. The practical benefits are there for everyone to see, but look a little closer and it’s the innovation, creativity, and technical expertise that truly stands out. Our technologically driven industry has been leading the way in manufacturing excellence and innovation for decades and will continue to do so for decades to come. So, why are we locked in an ever-increasing struggle to attract skilled workers? "Growing up in the 21st Century, young people leave education with aspirations of exciting jobs in amazing spaces, unfortunately they don’t associate these with factory work. Jobs in, manufacturing in general, are viewed as ‘old school’, they go into them as it’s a family trade and people often believe there isn’t room for progression, where you start is where you end up’ Gabriela Hammond, Head of HR at VEKA plc, adds: “Perception plays a huge role. “Anybody who works in fenestration knows this couldn’t be further from the

truth. Opportunities within our sector are exciting and endless; career paths, extensive and rewarding, along which progression is actively encouraged. “These are the facts we need to become better at promoting, shattering outdated misconceptions in the process.”

HOW DO WE CHANGE PERCEPTIONS? The skills shortage issue didn’t appear overnight, and it won’t be solved in a matter of weeks. But positive steps can be taken now. “Finding ways to make our industry a more attractive proposition to work in seems the logical place to start,” explains Paul. “There has to be a ‘desire’ to want to work within manufacturing, not a downbeat ‘I’ll have to settle for this’ attitude. “Developing and nurturing the next generation is vital if we are to achieve this goal. This involves finding out what motivates young people – training, qualifications, incentives, career fulfilment – and understanding the best way to communicate this to them.”

VEKA staff regularly visit secondary schools, explaining to pupils what the business does and how they could be a part of it. VEKA also hosts Parents’ evenings to demonstrate how a career at VEKA is a promising career choice for their child. “We host regular factory tours, and also offer work experience through the Prince’s Trust,” says Gabriela. “If these initiatives were working though, we would already be reaping some of the benefits. “The truth is, we have to do more.” Apprenticeships are often held up as a global solution to the skills shortage. It’s an area where VEKA has a proud history, having started its first scheme in 1994. “Working alongside Themis at Burnley College, we currently have four engineering apprentices,” says Gabriela. “And that number is set to grow after we committed to taking on a record number over the next 12 months. “Apprenticeships will be crucial in helping bridge the skills gap, and they will certainly form part of any long-term solution. But we want to offer these people more than just a qualification when they step through our doors. “This apprenticeship programme has been designed specifically around VEKA, in partnership with Themis at Burnley College, and will help develop each employee’s life skills through various activities and events. “We want to build careers at VEKA, not just jobs. Teaching people the skills to deliver products and services of exceptional quality is an area of the business we have always committed time and resources to. “But we want to push beyond that now by nurturing a workforce that continually acquires skills, not just for professional advancement, but personal betterment, too. “How we promote these opportunities to people outside the business will be key in tackling the skills shortage issue.” Paul concludes: “Even with increased investment in apprenticeships and training, we recognise these are only the first steps in a much longer journey; a journey the industry must embark on together. “After all, this isn’t a problem VEKA, or anybody else, can solve on their own. “This is a sector-wide dilemma – a global issue – and it’s one that requires a collective and concerted effort. “It’s up to us all now to show future generations there’s a bright future in fenestration. And there’s no time like the present to start doing this.”

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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EXTENDING A HOME WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK COVID has changed the way we all live and how we use our homes, with many people continuing to work from home, either permanently or flexibly. The pandemic has shifted focus onto work/life balance for many of us, with homes becoming the focal point for investment, with the need or the desire to create more space. Maximising space whilst sticking to a budget can be hard - as can navigating planning laws. A conservatory can be a fantastic way to add an incredible space without breaking the bank, and in many instances, can be built within permitted development, only needing to comply with building regulations.

A SYSTEM FOR MODERN LIVING Liniar, one of the UK’s leading PVCu systems houses, has designed a range of conservatory roof systems that create stunning spaces. Liniar roofs are manufactured from aluminium, with thermally efficient PVCu twin-walled top caps and come in in many styles including double-hipped, lean-to, Victorian and

Edwardian as well as its popular lantern roof, Elevate. Daryl Fradley, Liniar’s Secondary Operations Director, whose team produces roof kits for installers, explains what sets Liniar’s conservatory roof system apart from the competition.

impossible to perform a neat and accurate mitre and leaving the installer with illfitting parts.

TWIN WALLED TOP CAPS

“One way to solve this can be aluminium top caps as they are rigid and easier to cut – but they can bring their own problems. They don’t have the thermal benefits of PVCu and are considerably more expensive. In addition, they are heavier to handle, scratch easily and are difficult to fit, plus the gasket often has to be added manually, costing valuable man hours.

“A common problem for conservatory roof manufacturers is in the preparation of their PVCu single-walled top caps. Because of their flimsy construction, top caps often bend and splay when cut – making it

“Designed to clip on effortlessly, Liniar’s twin-walled PVCu top caps are strong and durable, making them easy to cut, lighter than aluminium to handle – and the design of the EnergyPlus roof top caps means

“There are many elements designed into our roof system that make each roof both energy efficient and stylish.

a Liniar conservatory is one of the most energy efficient on the market.”

A PROFESSIONAL FINISH “Compound cuts to jack rafters are simple and superb with a consistent, professionallooking scribe every time. A secure, reliable one-position location eliminates excessive and uneven leg-splay, giving the roof a beautiful finish.” With an unparalleled range of foiled finishes, Liniar’s PVCu top caps can be precision laminated with woodgrain foils that are an alternative to timber – either inside, outside or both. And, unlike other roof systems, end caps and glazing retainers are also foiled, ensuring the whole installation matches for a stunning effect. “Our patented Glazing Stop feature prevents glazing slippage for safer and efficient glazing – the units can be installed quickly and always look parallel, without the need for tape. “Liniar’s overall roof design provides excellent sealing and eliminates leaks. This is achieved with the help of the patented, pre-shaped closed cell permanent memory foam, with a pre-applied primary seal, and a ridge cap which attaches, leaving no screw holes for water ingress. Our glazing bar end caps simply slide on and lock into position to the end bar clip.”

BETTER FOR INSTALLERS “Liniar’s unique foam trim eaves beam cover provides additional thermal efficiency and reduces condensation. Hiding all nuts, bolts and fixings on the eaves, the cover ensures an attractive finish when viewed from above. Daryl concludes, “To ensure the whole range matches perfectly, end bar trims are fluted and radius covers foiled. And to aid installers, we supply radius covers and ridges as complete units. Likewise, bottom caps and bar end mouldings are fitted in the factory to save time on site. The Elevate lantern roof can be fitted in as little as half an hour, making it ideal for installers!” Each Liniar roof is bespoke designed to the exact specifications of customers and delivered as a complete kit for ease of installation. Read more about Liniar’s conservatory roof solutions at www.liniar.co.uk/conservatories.

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

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PHASED SCHOOL WINDOW REPLACEMENT GETS FIVE STARS When the longstanding timber windows at a local Gateshead primary school began to come to end of their life, an effectively planned window replacement project was required. Alongside working with REHAU uPVC frames to provide fitting aesthetics for the historic building, the installers and fabricators involved needed to conduct this work with minimal disruption to the live school environment. Located in Low Fell, Gateshead, and built in 1896, Kells Lane is a mixedsex primary school with 429 pupils. When the school needed new windows, Gateshead Council wanted to replicate the old timber windows with solutions that were energyefficient, secure and low maintenance while fitting with the appearance of the surrounding conservation area. Following a competitive tender process, Hadrian Window Systems (Hadrian) were awarded the contract for the supply and installation of the replacement vertical sliding sash windows. Hadrian Window Systems tasked the fabricator Roseview with making these windows, which were manufactured using REHAU uPVC profile. Due to the age of the building, the windows needed to be sympathetic to the original timber window design while also improving performance. Specifically, Heritage Rose double-glazed vertical sliding sash windows were provided to deliver a highly efficient solution. As these systems use 28mm glazing, compared to others which use 24mm, they offer better energy efficiency and good acoustic performance ratings compared to other uPVC products. The project also required additional nonstandard, vertical sliding sash windows to be specially manufactured to match the existing windows that they were set to replace. As some of the frames specified contained tall window arches with triple astragal bars that create a sunburst effect for the building’s occupants, the fabrication requirements became increasingly complex. Mike Bygrave, Sales & Marketing Director at Roseview said: “We make

recommendations and produce windows based on the specific project details, and Kells Lane was no exception. In this case, the specification needed to consider the school’s close proximity to a conservation area, and the fact large, more intricate window designs were also included. Consequently, any solution we provided needed to take these concerns into account, which is why we recommended our Heritage Rose model. As our close partnership with REHAU spans decades, we trust in the quality of their profile so were very confident any frames we provided would fit this project’s specific requirements. “We find that uPVC from REHAU offers a number of benefits, including that they are easy-to-maintain, are long-lasting and provide excellent energy efficiency and acoustic performance, which is why they remain an attractive solution. Additionally,

because we test all of our fully-fabricated windows independently, on top of REHAU’s market-leading profile testing, we can further improve upon these key assets to offer the best possible window.”

A SOLUTION THAT DELIVERS A total of 189 REHAU vertical sliding sash windows needed to be fitted by project installer Hadrian throughout the school. In addition to this, 40 replacement casement windows were required to the toilet blocks and external wellways, which the installer manufactured inhouse, with REHAU profiles. As this project was to be carried out during term-time, ongoing works needed to cause minimal disruption for pupils, teachers and other on-site staff. Indeed, due to size of the windows – measuring 1200 x 3300mm

and weighing in excess of 150kg – they had to be split into separate frames and coupled together on site. In order to ensure school activities during the day remained undisturbed, these product deliveries and joining activities occurred outside teaching hours. David Carr, Quantity Surveyor at Hadrian Window Systems, commented: “We have worked with Roseview for many years and, in that time, have built a good relationship and have confidence in the quality of their vertical sliding sash windows. The size and weight of the windows meant two installers were required to manoeuvre each frame into position, so good ease-of-fit was a must when using an external scaffold and a telehandler.

FIVE STARS The whole project was carried out over five phases, running from July 2020 to January 2021 in order to limit the impact on the school. Each phase was linked to the building elevations and was planned so that one classroom was released at a time, enabling the school to relocate pupils to different classrooms without impinging on teaching. The five-phase approach was praised by Chris Martindale, Project Development Officer at Gateshead Council: “We were extremely impressed with how smoothly this project ran from the beginning to completion, especially given the complex circumstances involved. He concludes: “As a client, I was able to leave everyone involved in this to carry out the works required – the fact I could do this, and still have the project delivered on time, was something I really appreciated. We would happily engage Hadrian again because their communication was excellent. Since the project was completed, everyone has been commenting on how good the windows look and the quality is top class, so we’re all really pleased.” For more information on REHAU’s commercial window solutions, visit: www.rehau.com/uk-en/pvcu-rehau-windows

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

PART L

2022 3 Compliant

R E A DY R EA DY R EA DY

FO R

PA RT

M O RE

S U PP O RT

CHA NG E S

S U STA INA B L E

YO U R

B U S INE S S

FUTURE A MBI TI ONS

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n : s h e e r l i n e . c o m / R E A DY | 0 1 3 3 2 9 7 8 0 0 0

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

BEST PRODUCTS, BEST SERVICE, BEST PRICE.

THE MANTRA FOR MADE FOR TRADE AND THE KORNICHE BRAND A visit to Made For Trade’s impressive new premises at Billingham shows the huge developments the company has made since the pandemic hit our shores. But what was demonstrated at this Editor’s Visit, attended by Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, and Publisher, Christina Shaw, was the importance of the Korniche lantern and, latterly, the Korniche bifold door to the company’s portfolio of products. And how did that come about?

what I thought was an amazing product he was commenting on things he was going to improve, and change, and those changes were all about making things easier for the installer rather than about the engineering itself As they say, the rest is history. Korniche by Made For Trade was off to the FIT Show where not just demonstrations were performed but installers were invited to do it themselves. I believe that at that first FIT Show they took a stand measuring 16 square metres….and the stand size has increased at every subsequent exhibition.

Having been wowed by the product and presentation, Bradley then asked me to time him as he put the Korniche lantern together. I can’t be completely accurate but my memory says it was about 12 minutes that it took him to complete the construction. Even while Bradley was building

I have mentioned the Gaunt Family and it would be easy to think that there is an element of nepotism involved with them all working in the company but that couldn’t be further from the truth. They are all there on merit and the string that runs through the whole company is engineering. Take Chris Wann, a family friend and an old school buddy of Bradley, who is now Business Director. He too is an engineer and one who worked in the Oil and Gas industry. In fact, all the designers are engineers in their own right. What I found very interesting, and it goes back to my comment about MFT not being a fenestration company, when recruiting they draw the best people from industries that are outside fenestration. Although it isn’t a rule per se, it has only just been broken by bringing in Andy Jones to drive commercial sales. It’s an interesting view to take and what they are looking for is to bring new ideas and skills into the business, and that applies to processes, too. The business processes have become important as the company moves rapidly away from being an SME and the sales and turnover increases. Growth from a £5m turnover in 2014 to in excess of £40m now is impressive and they describe that growth as being through ‘engineering disruptive products’. In other words, products that are destructive to other products that fill that space. The Korniche Lantern is a case in point. In short order it is reckoned that it has over 50% of the lantern market with over 400 per week going out of the doors. It’s also easy to forget their bifold doors. They have been producing the Smarts bifold since 2014 and introduced the Visoglide in 2021 and designed their own bifold in the same year. As you might expect, their own Korniche bifold boasts a number of clever engineering innovations including a bogey type bottom roller to allow for unevenness in the bottom rail which can occur during installation, a special locking system to prevent jemmying of a bifold door leaf and a patented clip-in bead – Speedbead - that is demountable. The Speedbead is interesting and backs up the whole engineering ethic. They have redesigned the bead numbers of time to ensure it is just right and does not deteriorate no matter how many times it

Product ready for despatch

Glass News’ Christina Shaw with Richard Gaunt

Bradley Gaunt shows the clip in bead and removal tool

Made For Trade has always been a bit of an enigma. How do they produce quality products and put them out at a price that makes competitors think twice? Are they a system house or a fabricator? From once having an installer team they now sell only to the trade….is there a recognised installer scheme and do MFT sell direct to the public? How have they reinvented themselves from PVCu, and conservatory roofs to an Aluminium innovative designer and manufacturer. I’m not sure it’s easy to answer those questions but the nearest I can come to it is to say that Made for Trade is not a fenestration company. What? But that is the truth. Basically, they are an engineering company that makes fenestration products, and products that are, essentially, niche. They make products that have margin in them: margin for them as the manufacturer and also margin for the installer, and that margin is improved greatly for the installer by being quick and easy to fit. If that’s the case, why isn’t everyone following the model? Well, that’s where the ‘engineering’ bit comes in. When their conservatory roof business stumbled through their supplier seeing their success and trying to charge them more so they could have a share in MFT’s profitability, there was a radical rethink as to what they were doing. Do they design their own roof? Now that’s not as out of left field as it sounds. It needs to be remembered that the Gaunt family has an engineering background. Younger son, Bradley was in the company and big brother Ashley was in Italy designing automotive suspensions and chassis for high end cars. Between them they had all the knowledge and skills to design products and also the skills to understand what was

Ashley Gaunt shows the component 'bible'

essential and what could be engineered out to save cost. It was at that stage that I first met the Gaunts at their small premises and conservatory showroom in Stockton-on-Tees and it was shortly after that that Richard invited me to come and ‘see what Bradley and Ashley have been up to’. So there, in a small and cold workshop, Bradley produced a Korniche aluminium roof lantern. This wasn’t a quickly put together prototype but a completed product that was packed like an Apple IPad. Beautiful box with everything laid out in it for an installer to put it together, and not just that but an instruction manual that was illustrated with very few words in it. Obviously Bradley and Ashley had played with too much Lego Technic as lads because that’s what the manual was like….an installation manual for dummies!

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Bogey detail for Korniche bifold

Bradley shows how easy it is to remove and replace the innovative clip in bead

Korniche bifold and roof lantern in the impressive showroom

Richard says, “The company has evolved over the 40 odd years with valuable lessons learnt on the way. Those lessons have shaped the company today and I’m proud that Bradley and Ashley are carrying the flag now, with a great team around them. Going forward, the company is in great shape to continue disrupting the market.” It is not just a case of maintaining the status quo but also taking the company into the future. Initially, back in 1979, Richard Gaunt found himself being pushed into the industry. He had invested in someone else’s idea and wound up having to take control himself when he ended up being left with stocks of Duraflex profile, large stocks of cavity wall insulation, machinery and a large vehicle. He then set about selling to the trade counters only to realise that getting paid was not always easy. Richard freely admits it was like fighting in the Wild West!

On the shop floor

is clipped in and out. So at 400 to 500 bifolds per week, this is an important product. A guessing game was going on as to what product comes next because MFT will not stand still. There were hints that two products are on the stocks but despite plenty of effort I don’t think anyone has managed to guess correctly. Maybe we find out at FIT in May? The growth is astronomic, and I don’t just mean in turnover terms. The staffing levels motor along in line with turnover and there are now nearly 270 staff in company. Although there are still premises in Stockton and Hartlepool, the old Samsung premises in Billingham is very much Head Office. It is huge but they are already saying that it will be filled very soon. What was a fairly dilapidated building has been renovated to a very high standard and the offices and facilities are stunning. In keeping with a large and mature company the facilities for the staff, and to attract quality staff, are amazing. A fully kitted gym, break-out rooms, showers and a beautiful canteen/restaurant. The offices, too, are beautifully appointed and I have never seen larger monitors for the engineers – vast curved screens that wrap around the operator.

investment but they recognise that by having responsibility for delivering their own products, cost can be engineered out of packaging. Oh, and they’re looking into supplying glass along with the products. The marketing is interesting, too. They advertise heavily in the trade press and also in consumer titles, and attend trade and consumer exhibitions. It’s a big commitment but they prove the rule that you need to ‘speculate to accumulate’. They have a pincer movement whereby the homeowner asks for Korniche by name and, because of the quality of the products and ease of fitting, the installers are also happy to offer Korniche. Old fashioned thinking? Don’t knock it if it works and it undoubtedly has for MFT. Importantly, they are promoting the Korniche brand but not selling direct to the homeowner, thus creating brand identity while generating leads for their own 2000 plus trade customers.

And then to what Made For Trade is today. Richard and his family should be very satisfied. However, I know they won’t be because what drives them is excellence and we shall see many more beautifully engineered and innovative products sold under the Korniche brand.

I’ve mentioned the importance of processes and there is evidence throughout the company: HR departments, Finance and all those departments you would expect in mature company. They gained ISO 9001 certification this year and the dedicated IT department is helping in developing the whole gamut of processes. Investment is continuing apace and that includes machinery including bespoke kit for making the clip-in Speedbead, for instance. The next thing is sorting out transport and getting away from relying on third party transport – not inexpensive

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2022

HARDWARE & SECURITY FOCUS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SECURITY MATTERS

With various security standards now sited for door and window installations, it can be difficult to determine which ‘standard’ should be acceptable when choosing new windows and doors. Often confusing is PAS24 and Q-Mark, so what do these ‘standards’ refer to and what do they mean?

requiring remedial work to bring them up to standard. Quality certification, therefore, ensures that every door and window in production meets the standard, not just the ones currently undergoing testing.

BM TRADA offer the Q-Mark certification scheme which involves initial type testing and the implementation of factory production control audits. In order to maintain certification, a company undergoes periodic audit testing and factory production control audits from BM TRADA. This certification is regarded in the UK as one of the most rigorous and intensive processes currently awarded. The quality of the Q-Mark Certification scheme is recognised by the NHBC and the National House Building Council.

According to the British Standards Institute (BSI), there are currently twenty-three standards that are relevant when specifying windows and doors. Not all standards are applicable to any one product, but one product will need to pass a selection of these standards, depending on its design and material composition. One of the most basic specifications for all products, will be a pass to meet ‘BS 63751:2015+A1:2016 - Performance of windows and doors Classification for weather-tightness and guidance on selection and specification’. Basically, a standard which aims to determine that the window or door will keep the weather out when used in a given location, perhaps a products most basic function.

Membership of the Q-Mark scheme is purely voluntary, but any company entering the scheme shows their commitment to offering quality products, as a result Q-Mark is increasingly being specified by contractors. Aluprof UK has several systems of doors and windows which meet PAS 24 and offer Q-Mark certification, more information is available on our website or on the BM TRADA portal where our certificates can be viewed.

With a simple latch, the door or window can be ‘closed’ against the weather and keep the warmth inside and help increase sound attenuation. Adding a simple lock will improve security, but will it meet current methods of possible attack when an intruder seeks access? The ‘PAS 24:2016 - Enhanced security performance requirements for door-sets and windows in the UK. Door-sets and windows intended to offer a level of security suitable for dwellings and other buildings exposed to comparable risk’ is a ‘Product Assessment Specification’ which is referenced to in the

Wojciech Brozyna - MD of Aluprof UK

“By specifying multipoint locking arrangements for enhanced break-in security and allowing simple egress by the optional use of thumb turn devices on doors, forms part of this standard along with the testing of products.”

As explained, PAS24 is a BSI standard, this differs from a Q-Mark which is a mark of quality. Sometimes known as a ‘third-party’ certification process, this approach involves both initial and ongoing standards testing of products that are being produced, together with audits of the production facility. The reason for this? Random testing of products demonstrates that up to 50% of typical door and window production will initially fail the claimed security standard

Building Regulations Approved Document Q1, Security in dwellings. By specifying multipoint locking arrangements for enhanced break-in security and allowing simple egress by the optional use of thumb turn devices on doors, forms part of this standard along with the testing of products. This enhanced security specification has quickly become the minimum requirement for home security, ease of use and what is required in products used in new build homes and home improvement.

Since setting up the Aluprof Office at the Business Design Centre in London, the company has rapidly grown their specification influence in the UK with their highperformance architectural aluminium systems. Further expansion of the company’s headquarters in Altrincham now provides specifiers with meeting facilities and an extensive showroom of commercial systems to view. With overseas growth across Europe spreading into the Middle East and firm roots already in East of USA, the company has become a global player in facade supply. Further information is available on the company’s website at aluprof. co.uk or direct from their UK head office in Altrincham on 0161 941 4005. By Wojciech Brozyna - MD of Aluprof UK

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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AWARD WINNING

PARTNERSHIP Seeing ODL Europe win the Best New Product of The Year at The G21 Awards for their Guardsman Composite Fire Door was recognition of a journey that had started some years earlier and a partnership with Winkhaus that has existed for far longer. Centre of the relationship is a passion to develop innovative solutions. In the case of the Guardsman Fire Doorset, a solution that is fully compliant with the latest legislations.

“This is just the start of the journey as we continue to partner with Winkhaus, ensuring our award-winning position is maintained, with constant expansion of test evidence and third-party certification.” This includes tested to and above the requirements of building regulations and Q Mark 3rd party audited through design and manufacture of the doorset, survey and installation. The full lifecycle of the door can also be 3rd party audited. The Winkhaus technical team, led by Winkhaus UK’s Technical Director, Chris Flaherty, have been heavily involved from the start. This included the development of the technical specifications and drawings to the creation of the Field of Application and training of fabricators as they prepare to manufacture.

The finished doorset includes both the Winkhaus AV2 autolocking system and Winkhaus FireFrame, a specially developed GRP (Glass Reinforced Polymer) frame system with high fire resistance properties. Ian Glenister, Technical Sales Manager at ODL Europe, said: “Our collaboration with Winkhaus on our Guardsman Fire Door project has been very successful. Winkhaus share the same vision as ODL Europe and value the importance of developing solutions that exceed current legislation. Their focus and commitment have been an important

part of the journey and one that has resulted in delivering the best in composite fire door safety.” Ian continued: “This is just the start of the journey as we continue to partner with Winkhaus, ensuring our award-winning position is maintained, with constant expansion of test evidence and third-party certification.” Chris Flaherty concluded: “Congratulations again for the deserved recognition and a toast to our next decade of partnership and innovation.”

“Winkhaus share the same vision as ODL Europe and value the importance of developing solutions that exceed current legislation. Their focus and commitment have been an important part of the journey and one that has resulted in delivering the best in composite fire door safety.”

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Julie Warner Product Manager Julie Warner Carl F Groupco Product Manager Julie Warner Carl F Groupco Product Manager Carl F Groupco

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Julie Warner Product Manager Carl F Groupco

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COMPLEX LOCKING STRATEGY UNLOCKS OPERATIONAL SIMPLICITY FOR THE MANCHESTER COLLEGE The Manchester College is the largest further education college in the UK, with 10 locations across central Manchester, South Manchester and North & East Manchester. The latest addition to the college is a £25 million teaching facility at the Openshaw campus in East Manchester. Constructed by Caddick Construction, the new facility centralises healthcare, construction and motor vehicle teaching in Openshaw. The new building includes a six court sports hall, outdoor pitch, gym and sports lab, along with a health suite with a hospital ward and infectious disease area. It also includes workshops for construction, mechanics and engineering students. Some of the learning areas are multi-use classrooms, which need to be accessed by members of staff from different departments, while other areas will be specific to a particular department with access restricted to members of that departmental team only. All areas of the building needed to be accessible for maintenance and management teams. To aid both security and convenience, the college was keen to implement a locking strategy that is both secure and simple to operate for all members of staff. A critical part of the brief for Sheffield-based architectural ironmongery specialist, Sapphire Hardware, was that the chosen locking system should provide patented keys that cannot be re-cut on the high street, thereby ensuring any duplicates are authorised and any lost or stolen keys are reported.

have also been manufactured by UAP Locking Systems to enable doors to be locked from inside the building as an additional safeguarding measure.

The goal for the locking strategy was to enable each key holder to open all doors for which they have authorised access with a single key. This created the need for an intricate locking hierarchy with multiple variations in individual keys and masterkeys. The college also wanted Caddick Construction and Sapphire Hardware to consider how project delivery at the new building in Openshaw could be part of a wider roll out of the locking hierarchy as other buildings in the campus network are built or refurbished.

“For example,” explains Andrew Canning, project manager at Caddick Construction, “If additional construction teaching areas are created at another site, the locking data stored by UAP will enable a lock to be installed that allows construction teaching staff based in Openshaw to access those rooms with their existing key.

WORKING WITH SAPPHIRE HARDWARE Working collaboratively with the college and the construction contractor, Sapphire developed a locking hierarchy that enables all locks to be opened by a

All the data from the locks and keys produced by UAP Locking Systems is now securely stored by the company, to enable duplicate keys and replacement locks to be cut at any time. Importantly for this project, the data will also enable locks and keys for any future refurbishment or build programmes at other sites to be designed and manufactured aligned to the security and access protocols at the Openshaw building.

grandmaster key, with 12 submaster keys providing access to specific locations for teaching, maintenance, admin and cleaning staff. Once this had been agreed with the college, UAP Locking Systems custom-manufactured each cylinder and key, including hand-pinning of all cylinders for accuracy, and provision of two keys for each lock.

“The whole project has been a collaboration between the delivery partners to enable the client to maintain security on a one person, one key basis and its success has been dependent on the accuracy of Sapphire Hardware’s schedule and UAP’s manufacturing.” www.uapcorporate.com

“As some locations serve multiple departments,” explains Bill Murray from UAP Locking Systems, “some locks need to be opened by more than one submaster key. UAP Locking Systems manufactured a total of 20 key types, aligned to the access protocols provided by the college and the schedule developed by Sapphire Hardware.” For some doors, there are two locks as an additional layer of security and all classrooms have been fitted with a thumbturn to enable fast and easy locking from inside. This was part of the client’s brief, in order to deliver an additional lone working security measure for any staff staying after normal teaching hours, and for lockdown procedures in the event of a terror or knife crime attack. All external doors

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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ERA AND SIEGENIA ANNOUNCE STAINLESS STEEL IN THE SPOTLIGHT CONSERVATORY OUTLET PARTNERSHIP THE BIG SWITCHOVER ERA, one of the UK’s leading home security and fenestration component providers, has partnered with system provider, SIEGENIA, to be the sole supplier of tilt and turn hardware for nationwide home improvement dealership, Conservatory Outlet. The exclusive partnership will see the supply of SIEGENIA’s resilient TITAN hardware in conjunction with ERA’s Fab&Fix window handles for Conservatory Outlet’s entire supply of PVCu tilt and turn windows to the English market. With over 280 years’ combined experience in designing, manufacturing and supplying high performance hardware, ERA and SIEGENIA share a joint commitment to continuous product innovation and development to meet the needs of fabricators, in addition to consistently achieving customer service excellence.

with Conservatory Outlet to devise specific planning schedules to forecast demand and ensure supply. Karen Clough, Group Marketing Director at Conservatory Outlet, said: “With the national lockdowns and associated home improvement boom, we have seen a significant uplift in demand for our diverse offering of windows, including our tilt and turn range. Having worked with ERA for over 15 years, we knew their partnership with SIEGENIA would provide us with the highest levels of service, combined with first class product quality and innovation.” The ERA and SIEGENIA partnership brings together two market-leading product ranges to provide Conservatory Outlet with a complementary suite of tilt and turn hardware that sets the standard for quality, performance and security.

Following a significant uplift in demand due to the recent surge in home improvements, Conservatory Outlet required a high volume of superior quality tilt and turn hardware in the shortest lead times possible for its 23 nationwide distributors.

Featuring a unique comfort mushroom cam, TITAN from SIEGENIA eliminates the requirement for sash lifting blocks, ensuring smooth and faultless opening, tilting and closing of windows. Providing an automatic adjustment for changing conditions, such as temperature fluctuations, the resilient hardware guarantees a durable locking system that is optimally adjusted at all times.

Thanks to extensive UK stockholding and a combined commitment to customer service, ERA and SIEGENIA’s operations teams have worked in partnership

ERA’s Fab&Fix Sensei Tilt Lock and Turn, and Tilt and Turn Locking handles come with a 10 year mechanical guarantee. Available in a range of finishes, including Antique

Black, Hardex Chrome and Hardex Gold, the handles provide the highest standards of security and functionality. Lisa Lund, Technical Sales Manager at ERA, said: “For over a decade, we have been supplying Conservatory Outlet with Fab&Fix premium door and window hardware, from our first fully suited Hardex range many years ago, right through to the more recent supply of window locks and tilt and turn handles. Our long-term relationship with SIEGENIA has enabled us to successfully fulfil Conservatory Outlet’s specific requirements and we look forward to taking this partnership from strength to strength.” The high quality hardware will provide Conservatory Outlet’s customers with a simple and precise assembly process. It automatically compensates for manufacturing-related tolerance to provide superior adjustment, streamlining production operations for enhanced efficiencies. Ryan Thompson, Managing Director of SIEGENIA, said: “Our latest partnership with ERA demonstrates our flexibility and ability to react within the extremely fast paced market we are currently operating in. Our shared dedication to helping UK customers meet the increasing demand from homeowners has placed us in a strong position to be able to provide Conservatory Outlet’s with the best possible quality products at the stock levels they require.” For further information on ERA’s diverse portfolio of Fab&Fix decorative furniture and hardware, visit www.eraeverywhere.com or contact the sales team on 01922 490 000 or email info@eraeverywhere.com. To find out more about SIEGENIA’s solutions call 024 7662 2000 or email info-uk@siegenia.com.

IS WELL UNDERWAY

Since 2019, Mila has seen sales of our Supa™ stainless steel products increase by a staggering 184% and they now account for more than 45% of all the door hardware that we sell. That’s a massive shift compared to before the pandemic and is probably fairly indicative of what’s been happening right across the hardware sector. Stainless steel is increasingly becoming the first choice for fabricators, not just for the premium end of the retail market where demand has remained strong for composite, timber and aluminium doors, but also for the commercial and social housing sectors where the enhanced durability can guarantee fewer costly remedials. The enforced lockdown clearly gave lots of fabricators an opportunity to take stock and review their product offering because we saw an initial surge in stainless steel sales once things reopened in April 2020. But that was been sustained throughout 2021 and we’ve now got almost 100 more customers buying stainless steel handles, letterplates, pull bars, escutcheons and door knockers from us than we did in 2019.

stock in the Mila warehouse ready for sale, and another £1m+ is arriving with us in April. Fabricators who are still thinking about making the switch can be very confident that we have more than enough on our shelves to keep them supplied. And of course, they can relax knowing that they won’t just be getting a great quality product, delivered on time and in full, but also all the sales and marketing support, technical back up and personal customer service which has always characterised the Mila brand. Stainless steel obviously has lots of inherent benefits over standard zinc diecast material – the most obvious of which is the enhanced durability. Mila’s Supa™ stainless steel products, available in either SS304 extreme or SS316 marine grade material, for example, all come with a 25-year mechanical operation and surface finish guarantee. The entire range has been independently performance tested for corrosion resistance to BSEN1670 Grade 5 and has sailed through more than 1000 hours in a salt spray test. We just don’t do short cuts on this range. The SupaSecure™ handle, for instance, is produced using the same investment casting process used to produce aerospace components, and this is what helps to deliver the extreme strength as well as the superior surface quality. It’s also part of the reason why we can offer the 25-year guarantee across the range on operational performance as well as finish. The full Mila Supa™ range includes both standard and high security door handles, pull bars, standard and security escutcheons, doorknobs and door knockers, as well as standard and high security TS008 compliant letterplates. They are all fully suited, which makes it easy for fabricators to single source on their door furniture, and they can offer either traditional styling with conventional lever style handles or something more contemporary with pull bars in inline, offset, square, D-shape, V-shape, or bow-shape. In terms of finishes, we also offer a choice of polished or brushed stainless, and polished or brushed PVD gold across the range, apart from on the pull bars which are in brushed stainless only. All the details on the products in the range and the guarantees are available at: https://www.mila.co.uk/the-stainless-steel-edit/ By Richard Gyde, Managing Director, Mila

Some of these are fabricators who were previously buying our standard zinc diecast products and have upgraded. Others are new to Mila and are using a switch to our stainless range as an opportunity to switch to a new door furniture supplier as well. In terms of responding to the increasing demand, we’ve expanded our range and, over the past few months, have invested in unprecedented levels of new stock. As of March, we’ve got more than £1m worth of stainless steel

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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HARDWARE & SECURITY FOCUS

UAP LTD TAKES THE RISK OUT OF SELECTING FIRE-RATED IRONMONGERY WITH NEW FIREMONGERY RANGE AND POS UAP Ltd, the UK’s foremost independent supplier of ironmongery products and door locking systems, has launched a complete range of Firemongery fire door products designed to help customers select the right certified solutions in three easy steps. Firemongery is the UAP brand that specialises in fully-tested and certified ironmongery and locking products for use in compliant fire door installation. The new range is designed specifically for builder’s merchants, trade counters and wholesalers as a complete solution, with a fully-stocked POS (point of sale) unit. The unit features a unique ‘Pack Selector’ decision tree, providing customers with all the information they need to select and purchase the right items, and UAP has also created an interactive Pack Selector tool for the range on the company’s website. Restocking across the range is available with next day delivery. David Jennings, CEO of UAP Ltd explains: “We have designed this Firemongery range specifically for builder’s merchants and trader counters, enabling them to provide both the products and guidance their customers need to take the risk out of selecting fire-rated ironmongery with our innovative Pack Selector. “Whether a builder is installing fire doors across several properties or a homeowner is upgrading a single door, ensuring that the ironmongery meets both the relevant compliance requirements and the practical needs of the occupier is very important. This range has been developed as a pickup-and-go solution for builder’s merchant environments, with right first time product selection. The accompanying POS is both eye-catching and informative to help inform customers and attract sales.” Comprising robust, fully tested products selected by UAP’s experts, the Firemongery range includes eight different packs, six of

“The accompanying POS is both eye-catching and informative to help inform customers and attract sales.” 28

which are boxed with the remaining two in Euro Card/poly bag packaging. The compact, easy-to-assemble POS display unit has been designed to accommodate four units of each pack and UAP is offering a fully stocked POS for almost half the retail value of the products, with informative leaflets and a counter-top display unit included in the price. David Jennings continues: “Both professional tradespeople and DIYers are extremely nervous about selecting the right fire rated products so there is a real opportunity for builder’s merchants and trade counters to help them select the right products and have confidence in their choices with our new point of sale and Pack selector approach. “We have designed the Firemongery POS to be both practical and informative. With a mixture of shelves, hooks and a leaflet dispenser, everything fits neatly on the robust unit. Meanwhile, the question and answer Pack Selector means that product selection is straightforward. And, of course, the Firemongery products offer the quality, value and compliance customers expect from a UAP brand.” www.uapcorporate.com

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ROTO’S INNOVATIVE INOWA FROM CARL F GROUPCO Carl F Groupco, the major stockist of Roto hardware, reports increasing demand from fabricators for the = Patio Inowa sliding door hardware system. Launched in the hardware distributors range in 2020, the sliding door system has gathered momentum thanks to its enhanced functionality and security options. Commenting on the increase in demand Julie Warner, Carl F Groupco’s Roto Product Manager said: “There has been a significant increase in interest from fabricators for the Roto Patio Inowa range in the last 6 months partly due to Aluplast launching their Smart-Slide door which features the hardware. Inowa is particularly popular for new build installations as the system meets many stringent regulations, namely the rain and air impermeability test to BS EN 13126-17 and the ability to achieve PAS 24 security. “As with all Roto hardware, the Inowa is also supplied with Grade 5 corrosion resistance as standard which assists with its suitability for coastal and high-rise installations.” Innovating sliding door hardware with the Patio Inowa system, Roto ensured users could comfortably slide sash weights up to 250kg for timber, PVCu and aluminium profiles. Minimum effort is required to move sashes as the closing movement is perpendicular to the frame profile and roller bearings mean that it is not necessary to lift the sash. Soft functionality also gently brakes the sash when coming to a stop in

Roto’s Patio Inowa sliding door hardware system is suitable for PVC, timber and aluminium profiles

the open or closed position, ensuring safe opening, every time. Equally suited for low- and high-rise applications, including coastal or penthouse living, Patio Inowa hardware keeps the sash tightly sealed in bad weather conditions thanks to the circumferential gasket and active control of locking points. The system is also capable of achieving PAS 24 compliance be securing locking points in the mullion and V locking cams. The handle is also lockable with drilling protection. With a trading history dating back over 70 years, Carl F Groupco has a strong reputation for hardware expertise and the company prides itself on supplying it’s UK fabricator partners large and small. The team are always on hand to provide advice on the most appropriate hardware solutions for all projects. Product Link: https://www.carlfgroupco. co.uk/door-hardware/patio-door-hardware/ roto-inowa-sliding-door-hardware-system Carl F Groupco: www.carlfgroupco.co.uk SmartSecure: www.smartsecure.co.uk Carl F direct: www.carlfdirect.co.uk

FLEXIBLE PROTECTION SYSTEMS ARE EASY TO INSTALL WITH CRL Offering a flexible, effective and protective partitioning solution for office and public-facing environments, CRL’s Portable Partition Screen Fittings and Partition Posts are simple to fit and ideal for maintaining post-pandemic health and safety protocols. Discreet, elegant and secure, the Partition Posts can be fitted to existing areas that require partitions, including office desks, reception areas, dining spaces and serveries. Three styles of post are available – Design Series, Sculptured Series and Desktop Design Series – with a solution available to blend seamlessly with any environment. Providing a hygiene barrier when fitted with a glass

screen, the Design and Sculptured Partition Posts are made from aluminium for durability and strength and are designed to be used with 6mm glazing. Available in either a Satin Anodised or Matte Black finish to ensure the partitioning blends seamlessly into the surroundings, posts in the Design Series, featuring a slim-line profile and easyto-install mounting base, come in widths from 12” to 30” and in five standard configurations – end, centre, corner, 3-way and 4-way. Sculptured series posts are just as versatile, available in

12”, 18” and 24” widths and in end, centre and corner configurations as required to complete an efficient and attractive counter installation. The CRL Portable Partition Screen Fitting, available in a black or brushed stainless steel finish, is a versatile desktop or countertop option, with an anti-slip base and extra fittings that can be easily added to increase the width of the barrier as required. A base profile with corner connectors provides one useful solution or the same profile can be used as post supports to be fixed back to the surface or to freestanding feet. For more information call CRL on 01706 863600, email crl@crlaurence.co.uk, or visit www.crlaurence.co.uk.

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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26/02/2018 19:15

WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GRANADA COMPLETES UK-WIDE PRODUCT LAUNCH SCHEDULE ASWS UNDERTAKES ARTFUL STEEL WINDOW REPLACEMENT AT ROYAL ACADEMY A recent contract, undertaken by London-based ASWS, has required the steel window repair specialist to exhibit a degree of artfulness in ensuring a large composite replica window, fabricated as part of alterations to a prominent Grade II listed building, not only matched the original, but could also operate in a manner to facilitate safe cleaning. Continuing an established association with the leading firm of London architects, Barr Gazetas, ASWS undertook the work at the Royal Academy of Arts’ new Pace Gallery on behalf of John Sisk & Son; also a past client. The large composite bay consisting of a pair of semi-headed frames with a separating fixed infil frames, measuring 2136 wide by 2430mm high overall, dated from the late 19th century and were too badly corroded to repair. ASWS removed them with minimal damage to the stone reveals; and saved the ironmongery for reuse. The company’s highly skilled craftsmen utilised W20 profiles to fabricate the new frames, with odd-leg sections and JB mullions selected to help maintain an authentic appearance. The team also created new steel cills to raise the level of the window slightly and utilised Parliament hinges to enable the opening lights to clear the ornate stone columns, positioned just outside of the main building line. Kris Bennell, Contracts Director for ASWS, comments, “Despite this being just one composite bay, there was an extensive design process – including our preparation of detailed drawings and even making a timber mock-up of the frames – in order for permission to be gained. “The original windows had not been made from standard steel sections so matching them was challenging. In addition, the presence of the two very decorative columns outside made it difficult when it came to cleaning; we had to ensure we used the correct hinges to create sufficient space for window cleaners to reach out - safely.” “The replacement windows were single glazed with 6mm laminated glass, avoiding the slightly distorted reflections characteristic of double glazing, and the frames were polyester powder coated in the factory, before being resprayed internally after fitting to achieve the dual colour required inside and out. It has been a very successful, if protracted, process which has cemented our working relationships with both Sisk and Barr Gazetas.” ASWS installed a mastic seal right around the new frames before handing the job back to the main contractor to complete the plastering and any masonry work required. The installation was completed ahead of the Pace Gallery’s final fit-out while, following the official opening, the space has been used for several significant exhibitions of contemporary art. The Royal Academy of Arts recently won a RIBA London Award. For further information on Associated Steel Window Services, please visit www.asws.co.uk or call 020 8665 5335.

CENTRAL WINDOW SYSTEMS HELPS TO TRANSFORM ICONIC VICTORIAN BUILDING Full solution fabricator Central Window Systems has partnered with commercial and domestic installer company Sutton Designs to help transform a Grade II listed building in Solihull into a fullservice care home facility.

Industry-leading manufacturer, Granada Secondary Glazing, has officially concluded an extensive series of launch events to unveil its state-of-the-art new product range. The events took place in Birmingham, London, Leeds, Bristol and Edinburgh respectively between November 2021 and February 2022, providing Granada’s trade and commercial partners from across the UK the opportunity to get hands-on with its super-sleek new product range for the very first time. The centrepiece of each event was a series of window rigs which were constructed in each of the five cities to give those in attendance an exclusive look at the aesthetics and performance of the new system in a real-world setting. Sales and technical information spanning the entire range was also made available to visitors, with the Granada sales team delivering a presentation at each event that outlined the key improvements from old range to new. Zoe Grafton, Trade Sales Manager at Granada Secondary Glazing, said she was delighted with the reception to the events: “It’s been fantastic to be able to get so many of our valued customers and partners together over the past few months to demonstrate the new product range. “A huge amount of work went on behind the scenes to ensure we’ve been able to create the most high-spec secondary glazing solution on today’s market. The feedback from those in attendance has been incredibly encouraging, and their reception has mirrored the reception we’ve seen in terms of quotations and orders in recent months. We’re now entering phase two of our new product launch and look forward to more exciting announcements soon.” Rob Cottam, Commercial Sales Manager at Granada Secondary Glazing, concluded: “We had well over 100 visitors join us across the five events, which speaks to the scale and appeal of our new product range. From a commercial perspective, it was a great opportunity to gather architects and specifiers to delve deeper into how the new range can enhance a whole host of project types. “We’re already begun to work on an events schedule for the coming financial year and look forward to meeting more of our commercial partners over the coming months.” For more information about Granada Secondary Glazing, please call 01909 499899, visit www.gsecg.com or email info@granadaglazing.com.

Planning permission to turn Tudor Grange House into a care home was granted in 2018, but fresh proposals have since been tabled for a more expansive care home made up of 44 residential units and 30 assisted living units. Working closely with Sutton Designs, Central have manufactured over 200 windows for the project. Owner of Sutton Designs, Jon Gregory, comments: “We’ve worked with Central Window Systems on several commercial projects. They understand the importance of meeting tight lead times, which helps ensure that the installation runs as smoothly as possible. In addition, their vast product range means we have a one-stop-shop for our installations. Tudor Grange is a very impressive development, and we were delighted to partner with Central and be a part of its construction.” Tudor Grange House was built in 1887 for Alfred Lovekin, a Birmingham silversmith, and was bought by Sir Alfred Bird – of Birds Custard fame – at the start of the 20th century. It is understood to have operated as a Red Cross auxiliary hospital during and after the Second World War, before being acquired by Warwickshire County Council. It was used as a school for children with special needs until the mid-1970s, at which point it became part of Solihull Technical College. Central Window Systems Director of Sales Martyn Elwell comments: “We were delighted to work with Sutton Designs in the redevelopment of Tudor Grange and to contribute to the complete transformation of this historic building. We have a strong working relationship with Sutton Designs and we look forward to working with them on many development projects in the near future.” Working from its 52,000 square foot manufacturing facility, Central Window Systems provides an outstanding range of aluminium, PVCu windows and doors, as well as extensive curtain wall and roof light systems. For more information, call 0121 500 0505, or visit www.centralwindowsystems.co.uk.

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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WINDOWS

MACHINERY

PROFILE 22’S OPTIMA HAFFNER LAUNCHES SYSTEM SPECIFIED FOR NEW MACHINE TO COMMUNITY HUB IN LEEDS SUPPORT FABRICATORS

Over 200 Optima windows and doors from Profile 22 were installed in an £11 million community hub in Leeds city centre.

Westerton Walk in Leeds city centre is an extra care housing development comprising of 63 one- and two-bedroom flats with care services, shared lounges and dining facilities. It has been built on a vacant Leeds City Council-owned site and has created a dynamic community hub.

WITH NEW PART F REGULATIONS

The project required 205 casement windows, residential doors, emergency doors, sliding doors and curtain walling. The system specified was Optima from Profile 22, the UK’s leading commercial window and door system. The contract to fabricate and install the windows and doors was awarded to Profile 22 Approved Contractor Kingfisher Windows, a leading manufacturer and supplier of windows, doors and conservatories for commercial and new build projects. Optima from Profile 22 is an award-winning fully integrated 70mm window and door system. The system comes with the widest range of ancillaries in the industry and a choice of colour options to support all property types. In this project, Anthracite Grey was used on external faces to provide an attractive appearance. Internally, a white finish was used to complement internal decoration. The system offers market-leading structural strength and security. When correctly specified, Optima casement windows are PAS24:2016 approved as standard. Secured by Design requirements can also be met where required. Such assurances were important for this project because deterring crime was a fundamental consideration. Also important was thermal efficiency and Optima meets all requirements for thermal efficiency as standard. Thanks to its intelligent design as well as double and triple glazing options, thermal efficiency can be enhanced to meet a project’s specified standards, up to and including 0.8 W/m²K or A++. As an experienced contractor, Kingfisher Windows is used to working with new build developers on projects involving tight timescales on busy construction sites. The fabrication and installation process ran smoothly, despite the additional challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Jonny Reynolds of Kingfisher Windows commented: “We worked closely with all stakeholders and took extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved.” Now complete, Westerton Walk will help to meet Leeds City Council’s ambition to provide up to 1,000 new extra care housing units by 2028. Jonny Reynolds said: “This was a great scheme to work on and the coloured frames we used have helped to create an attractive, distinctive development that is providing much-needed facilities and helping to regenerate Leeds city centre.” Tel: 0808 101 4143 – www.profile22.co.uk

With the update to Part F ventilation regulations that is due to come into effect in June 2022, Haffner has launched its new MAC 145 Night Vent Router. Dave Thomas, Chief Executive Officer at Haffner explains: “With the change to regulations as part of the Governments’ Future Home Standards, we have launched our new MAC 145 Night Vent Router to allow single or double routing on both PVC-U and aluminium profiles. This new innovative twin motor machine, will support fabricators routing profiles for trickle and night vents as they work to achieve the updated Part F ventilation requirements.” As you would expect from a Haffner machine, the innovation and technical excellence is evident at every level. The machine incorporates an intelligent barcode scanner which quickly reads and sets the machine for accurate single or double routing. The CNC machine is controlled by a Beckhoff PLC system and offers a 2.5 metre maximum routing capacity. The machine is capable of routing both sides in one automated operation to further improve manufacturing efficiencies and routing accuracy. Dave said: “The speed at which we have developed and bought the machine to market is nothing less than incredible and demonstrates the strength and capability of our design and manufacturing teams.”

The machine will be one of a large selection of fabrication machinery on show at FIT 2022 from the Staffordshirebased business. Haffner, which recently increased its FIT stand space to a record 610sqm, will be showcasing a vast range of machines all designed to help fabricators at every level. It will also be the first ever fully seamless machinery stand in the UK because it will showcase the complete Graf Synergy range, as well as machinery from both Haffner and FOM ranges. Award-winning Haffner has been synonymous with quality fabrication machinery for many years and is the industry’s go-to machinery supplier. As a business that is ahead of the curve, the new MAC 145 Night Vent Router is yet another example of the company’s proactive approach to offering the machines that fabricators need. Dave concludes: “As a business, we pride ourselves on offering the largest machinery range to help fabricators of all sizes and solve their day-to-day problems. The amendments to Part F have caught many fabricators by surprise but the new MAC 145 Night Vent Router is a machine that will help them to accurately deliver this new requirement as well as free up capacity on their existing machining centres.”

ALL NEW COMPOUND CUT TWIN HEAD SAW FROM EMMEGI Emmegi’s popular Compound Cut 9-axis twin head saw has been given a complete redesign and upgrade, with new electronics and advanced safety features added to put it firmly ahead of the competition. It is now the only fully enclosed and soundproofed 9-axis compound saw available in the UK, with many of the design features familiar to users of Emmegi’s Precision range of twin head saws. The new Compound Cut has 600mm wide blades which move in two directions. On the horizontal axis, it can cut from 45° inwards to 22°30’ outwards and on the vertical axis it can cut from 0° to 45°. The movement of each blade is controlled via a combination of high precision gear motor and brushless motor with absolute encoder. For fabricators of curtain walling, the size and scale of the saw and the blade feed on two axes means it can cut profiles up to 525mm high and 225mm wide, with optimal adjustment of both the blade stroke and exit speed. The 4+4+1 clamp set-up provides for maximum stability to deliver an extremely precise cut. If special cuts are required, users can opt for a system of patented clamp devices which allow for vertical clamping. There is also a roller conveyor on the middle head for standard loading and unloading and pneumatic supports for smooth operation. Controlled by Emmegi’s user-friendly Emmegisoft software which makes it easy to programme cutting lists, it comes with a 10in touchscreen interface with full colour display. More details at: https://bit.ly/3HjSMQh

Tel: 01785 222421 www.haffnermurat.com

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Precision manufactured

SASH WINDOWS Precision manufactured SASH WINDOWS

Choice of Wide variety of welded or smooth colour mechanically or textured woodgrains jointed options Choice of Wide variety of welded or smooth colour mechanically or textured Rapid quotation woodgrains Expert technical jointed options turnaround support Rapid quotation turnaround

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To talk to BritSash about your next sash window project Contact us

T 01453 703464 E sales@britsash.co.uk

Northern Sales Office 01423 802206 E sales@britsash.co.uk

To talk to BritSash about your next sash window project BRITSASH LTD ORR PUMP WORKS GOODRIDGE AVENUE GLOUCESTER GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL2 5EA

T 01453 703464 E sales@britsash.co.uk

Northern Sales Office 01423 802206 E sales@britsash.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ULTRA-PREMIUM AVANTAL INTEREST IS CONSIDERABLE SAYS ENDURANCE Endurance Doors are now taking orders for their revolutionary and ultra-premium Avantal composite door, with a number of Installer Partners now gearing up their respective showrooms with a flagship display of perfect product innovation and intuitive design.

Avantal will also incorporate a new flush mounted and matching glazing cassette system. The look and feel are distinctively aluminium, yet at a better price point with dedicated ultra-premium hardware that comes with a lifetime warranty and a 3 Star Sold Secure Diamond cylinder as standard.

unquestionably the next stage in the evolution of the composite door market, thanks to it’s ultra-premium proposition. Our Installer Partners are literally queuing up to add it into their respective showrooms and the sales potential for the remainder of 2022 and beyond already looks significant.

Avantal is a game changer for the composite door market and is based on the proven and next generation solid timber core chassis of Endurance, yet featuring ultra-matt Black, Anthracite Grey and Signal Grey smooth finishes, along with the woodgrain inspirations of Anteak and Rustic Cherry. The edgebanding has also been upgraded to a textured premium white finish, while the internal face features an ultra-matt, premium smooth white internal face.

There are five initial urban inspired door designs with the Avantal range with more to come, as the product is developed further to include aluminium inlays among other features. Like their standard offering, there’s also the benefit of a unique Moisture Barrier System (MBS) and a well thought-out 3-step wet glazing process to the glazing apertures for long-term product performance, as is part of the Endurance DNA.

He added: ‘Avantal is part of a wider development programme to make Endurance and our respective brands the number one name for trusted product quality, true innovation and marketing excellence.’

It’s a product design and specification that’s been 18 months in the development and

Stephen Nadin, Managing Director of Endurance Doors explained the product rationale and said: ‘Avantal is

For further information on the Avantal composite door, including the latest colours and finishes, please call the sales office on 01652 659259, visit https://endurancedoors.co.uk, or e-mail marketing@endurancedoors.co.uk. You can also add to the Twitter following @EnduranceDoors.

WE’RE DRIVING DOWN LEAD TIMES SAYS ENDURANCE Endurance Doors are now driving down lead times for their bespoke, solid core composite doors to five weeks, with plans to take this to a twelve working days standard following a sustained period where material supply, consumer demand and other social and economic factors have pushed times out considerably. Throughout the last two years, Endurance Doors have been communicating effectively to their nationwide network of customers and Design Partners, given unprecedented challenges and yet they’ve been investing heavily across the business. New business systems have been

implemented including the new Amicus platform, which greatly improves customer communications through an automated ticketing and tracking system, something used effectively by trusted businesses in consumer facing sectors in the UK and beyond. Stephen Nadin, managing director of Endurance Doors explains this further and said: ‘Now that the supply chain has started to stablise we’re getting lead times down to five weeks and the plan is to get this to a twelve working day standard in the coming months. We’ve invested heavily in systems, process and capital equipment and have recruited well over this period too.

He continued: ‘We’ve also built relationships with local schools and colleges and have a proactive capital investment programme to support further growth, after a year in which we’ve grown 85%. 2022 will be a year in which we’re investing more than ever in the overall customer experience and are already recruiting for further members of our customer care team to help make us a standout business in the sector.’ For further information on the Endurance composite door range, including the latest colours and finishes and ultrapremium Avantal door, please call the sales office on 01652 659259, visit

https://endurancedoors.co.uk, or e-mail marketing@endurancedoors.co.uk. You can also add to the Twitter following @EnduranceDoors.

VISTA CONTRIBUTES TO AWARD-WINNING LIVERPOOL DEVELOPMENT The Welsh Streets of Toxteth, a huge awardwinning regeneration project in Liverpool that features leading composite door manufacturer Vista’s signature XtremeDoor, is due to be completed this April, creating over 200 affordable homes for local residents. In 2016, plans were made for the project with property specialists Placefirst to refurbish the city’s iconic area. This was followed by a second stage in March 2018, where Plus Dane Housing and Liverpool City Council announced plans for a £17.4 million regeneration of the area to include the refurbishment of 127 properties, with an additional 99 homes to be completed this April. Since then, the Welsh Street project has won several North West Property Awards

(NWPAs), including Best Affordable Housing Project, Regeneration Award, and the Judges’ Award for Excellence. It was during the first stage of development that Merseyside firm Warwick Development chose Vista to install XtremeDoors in a range of colours. Providing everything you would expect from a classic composite door, the XtremeDoor provides superb thermal performance, incredible levels of security, and a customisable appearance that blends in with every kind of home. Built in the 1870s to accommodate Liverpool’s growing population of dockers and their families, the Welsh Streets have become an icon of the city – they were the birthplace of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, and more recently formed the backdrop for

the filming of BBC’s Peaky Blinders. Today, thanks to the major regeneration project, the traditional houses have been recombined into two, three and fourbedroom homes, while retaining period features such as high ceilings and large windows. Ian Smith, Vista’s Business Development and Marketing Manager, comments: “Our XtremeDoor composite doors have played huge part in completely transforming the historic Victorian terraces of the Welsh Streets by preserving the rich heritage features whilst introducing several modern design interventions. “The result has been a remarkable revival as the properties have been turned into highquality homes for working families to rent. “As a Merseyside business, we were

incredibly proud to be able to support such a worthwhile project which has completely transformed an iconic area of Liverpool, and it was an honour to be involved in this process from and early stage and to see our XtremeDoor play a part in it. “I very much look forward to seeing the completed regeneration project in April.” Founded in 1995, Vista specialises in composite and uPVC panels and doors, supplying to fabricators across the UK and Europe. For more information call 01516081423 or visit www.vistapanels.co.uk.

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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ODL Europe Ltd. 1 Brook Road, Bootle, Liverpool, L20 4XP, England T: +44 (0)151 933 0299 | E: enquiries@odleurope.com

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

NEW PREMIUM BIFOLD FROM ALUFOLD DIRECT AluFold Direct has added a new Premium Bifold door to its collection, giving installers the chance to upsell to buyers in high-end residential properties. With the mainstream home improvement market likely to come under pressure during 2022 as inflation rises and higher costs put a squeeze on household expenditure, AluFold Direct says there are still lots of opportunities at the higher end of the market. The new Premium Bifold features an ultra slim frame with sightlines of just 120mm and stylish, contemporary hardware which helps to differentiate it from AluFold’s standard offering. Managing Director Russell Yates explains: “The fact is that there’s nothing standard about the AluFold Standard Bifold. It’s a great product with proven quality

and performance and lots of customisation options and it remains central to our offering. However, this new Premium Bifold gives customers another string to their bow and means they can potentially upsell to homeowners and developers who want something different. “The hardware in particular, available in a range of different finishes, is likely to appeal to homeowners who want their bifold to look and feel luxurious, and we are offering a full range of custom RAL colours so that they can match the doors and the hardware perfectly to their décor.”

In terms of configuration, maximum panel width is 1200mm, height is 3000mm and weight is 120kg. Inward or outward opening can be from 1 to 14 sashes and there is the option of fully openable 90° corners without a mullion. There are also four different threshold heights, including an embedded low threshold for maximum accessibility. The new door comes preassembled from AluFold Direct for quicker installation and comes

with a built-in adjustable jamb to save installers time and hassle onsite. It also, of course, comes with all the other benefits which come from buying from the Blackburnbased fabricator, including some of the quickest turnaround times in the industry and direct delivery to site in unbranded vehicles. Russell Yates adds: “Back when I joined AluFold Direct in 2020, it was already amongst the most efficient fabricators in the

“Unlike most aluminium fabricators who put multiple products down the same assembly lines and accept the limitations that puts on speed and volumes, we now have three dedicated high-speed lines, each with their own top of the range cutting and machining centres and fully automated four head crimpers. “We are producing both our Standard and Premium Bifolds on our dedicated doors line and delivering the same efficiencies on both. What is also important for customers is that we are no longer reliant on a single systems supplier so we can guarantee product availability even when there are delays in our extended supply chain.”

Installers can be reassured that the new AluFold Direct Premium Bifold comes with PAS24 security accreditation, and market leading wind, water and air permeability performance ratings. (Class A3 for wind resistance, Class 9A for water tightness and Class 4 for air permeability.) It can also be used with triple glazing to achieve U-Values of 1.1 W/m2K, which means it complies with the upcoming changes to Part L of the Building Regs.

VISOGLIDE PLUS SLIDING DOORS

UK. Since then though, we’ve transformed the entire operation, massively increasing capacity and guaranteeing consistent, highly repeatable precision outputs in doors, windows and rooflights.

More details at: https://www.alufolddirect.co.uk/ and on: 01706 260700.

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LARGE SASH WIDTHS Up to 6.4m wide in 2 panes. 2-4 panes available

STOCK COLOUR CHOICE White, Anthracite Grey & Black, Dual Colour

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

NEC BIRMINGHAM, 10-12 MAY 2022 FITShow.co.uk | #FITShow22

It’s been a while... but we’re back. Discover the world of DoorCo and our unrivalled innovations at FIT Show 2022 on stand Q11. Tuck into some Korean tapas and enjoy a drink on us, whilst finding out more about our ultimate composite door industry offering.

Email. info@door-co.com | Visit. www.door-co.com Motorway House, Charter Way, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2NY

The Aluminium Systems House with it all in-house

From dedicated design teams and rigorous testing facilities, to never ending stock-holding and an invaluable training academy, to name a few. Discover why, when it comes to looking for the right aluminium systems house, we’re the only one with it all in-house. To find out more simply call our house on 01291 639 739, visit alukgb.com/ourhouse or get in touch to arrange a tour of our showroom and facilities at our HQ in Chepstow, South Wales.

ALUKGB.COM/OURHOUSE

CREATING BRIGHT FUTURES

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.

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.

University of York, York, England

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. The company has recently been appointed to supply high-performance glazing systems for the prestigious, £233m Baird Family Hospital and Anchor Centre healthcare project in Aberdeen for NHS Grampian.

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 been awarded by the Passive House Institute, certifying System 5-45 Hi+ Window and System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling, with the latter achieving the highest ranking of A+.

SECTORS EDUCATION

COMMERCIAL CABI HQ, Wallingford, England

One building at Lancaster University; the innovative £69m Barony Campus, Scotland’s biggest school; the awardwinning Horizon Heights 1000 bed student accommodation development in Liverpool; City Campus at Canterbury Christ Church

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 landmark £41m Health Innovation

"The company has recently been awarded by the Passive House Institute, certifying System 5-45 Hi+ Window and System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling, with the latter achieving the highest ranking of A+." 40

University; the 1480 bed £130M University of York flagship student accommodation campus and the £29m South West College in Enniskillen - Northern Ireland’s first Passivhaus Premium Plus education facility.

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, Brinell Building - the BREEAM Excellent rated contemporary office space in Brighton city centre, the award-winning CDE Global headquarters in Cookstown, and commercial offices Eagle Star House and The Kelvin in Belfast.

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.

South West College, Enniskillen, Northern Ireland

For more information on Metal Technology’s range of high-performance, architectural glazing systems, visit: metaltechnology.com.

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Curtain Walling System 17 Hi+

Certified by the Passive House Institute Metal Technology’s System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling and System 5-45 Hi+ Window have been certified by the Passive House Institute. The PHI is an independent research institute that has played an especially crucial role in the development of the Passive House concept - the only internationally recognised, performance-based energy standard in construction. We are delighted that the PHI has not only recognised that our products meet the required energy-efficiency criteria, but they have also awarded System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling with the highest ranking of A+. Following an extensive R&D and technical development process, these products can be integrated into Passive House projects, to assist in providing the overall requirement of Passive House criteria.

metaltechnology.com

Product system manuals will be released in early 2022, and Logikal will be updated to allow pricing and manufacturing. In the meantime, please speak to one of our sales representatives in relation to any current projects, that require design or pricing assistance. For further technical information please contact our technical dept by emailing sales@metaltechnology.com

Window System 5-45 Hi+

Visit the Passive House section on our website by scanning this QR code.

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

STELLAR’S AESTHETICS OFFER A CLEAR POINT OF DIFFERENCE FOR HIGH-END PROJECTS

THE BENEFITS OF COLLABORATION ON DISPLAY AT WESTMARK TOWER The 110m, 29-storey curved on plan Westmark Tower was the tallest residential tower completed in central London during 2021. Part of Berkeley Homes Central London’s prestigious West End Gate development in Marylebone, it features more than 14,000m2 of unitised curtain wall, designed and supplied by AluK and installed by envelope contractors Martifer. What made the project really stand out was the collaborative approach demonstrated by AluK and the other consultants from the outset, which effectively de-risked the process for both the client and the contractor at pre-tender stage. AluK worked with the lead architect Squire & Partners, delivery architect Design Delivery Unit (DDU), façade consultants Cladtech Associates and structural engineers WSP on a RIBA 4 system design for the unitised envelope.

configurations. Each floor comprises: a vision cell, typically housing AluK’s concealed vent and full height glass panes, a panel cell, specifically designed to house specialist internal framework to carry articulated GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete) feature piers and spandrels, and a recessed balcony cell with an integrated floating glass balustrade. With 36 different angles to overcome in a faceted design ranging from 0° to 15°, AluK developed a series of common aluminium extrusions to close the joints and reduce the number of profiles required. The horizontal stack joint uses an aluminium profile to carry the gasket and avoid the incidence of crimping as the cells are stacked around the building structure. What is also significant is that every cell connection provides four lines of system seal to ensure that the façade meets the stringent Cladtech performance specification and the CWCT Sequence B test.

Steven Watkins, AluK’s Head of Projects, explained: “AluK’s specialist expertise meant that we could create a unitised façade solution for the post-tensioned concrete frame which easily satisfied the design intent, while making sensible savings on metal and accessory costs. As well as accelerating the design of the structural frame, this approach saved Berkeley many months compared to the normal procurement route and meant that the tender returns for the fabrication and installation of the façade were accurate and comparable. It saved the tenderers the normal costs associated with a bid and ensured that all the commercial and design iteration took place pre-bid and was not left to interpretation.”

From the onset of the project, the Berkeley director team set out a time and design model of early engagement, specialist designers and fabricators all within a clear programme. This also included a series of productive workshops sharing client expectations and considerations. AluK not only facilitated these meetings but also bought into the collaborative ethos and contributed to a highly successful project for Berkeley.

The challenge for AluK was to work with DDU to deliver a design that was true to the architect’s original intent, whilst addressing the technical issues of a curved on plan façade from the second to 29th floor. All the united cells needed to be dead loaded back to a post tensioned concrete frame with a 3-dimensional floor bracket, whilst catering for the varying facets of the façade.

Tim Gledstone from Squire & Partners added: “Working together early in the design process allowed the design intent to be generated out of the crafted AluK products and industry latest processes. We could celebrate the best of the systems and push their potential to the optimum limits. The AluK design team were exceptional; dynamic and supportive throughout.”

The final unitised solution features more than 2200 unitised cells of three principal

More details at: https://uk.aluk.com/en-gb/projects

Stellar’s unique flush aesthetics have given the multi-awardwinning aluminium system a competitive edge to capitalise on high-end projects in the domestic sector. This is the view of Philip Cresswell, Sales and Marketing Manager at Heritage Trade Frames which has been fabricating the system since it launched in 2019. Philip said: “Owners of high-end and design-led homes are looking for something distinctive when it comes to window and door replacements. Aluminium has long been the material of choice on such projects but until Stellar, most systems were very metoo. Stellar offers the credentials that give consumers the aesthetic differentiation they are looking for as it’s visually stunning.” The ability to secure lucrative domestic projects with Stellar is a view shared by one of Heritage Trade Frames’ installer customers, Oswestry Windows and Doors. Matthew Dunne-Smith, Owner, said: “We’ve secured several high-end projects recently thanks to Stellar. When consumers see the unique aesthetics and the modern, contemporary flush styling they are sold. It offers a clear unique selling point that allows us to sell with complete confidence

when it comes to securing higher value projects.” Stellar makes the difference on high value projects for several reasons. Firstly, it’s the only aluminium system on the market to offer a fully flush casement option. It uses the patented Reverse Butt Joint, which means that no dummy sashes or reverse adaptor profiles are needed. This creates a glazing area that’s up to 12% larger, which gives a dramatic expanse of glass. It also delivers products that can be genuinely flush on both the inside and outside, creating the sleek, sophisticated aesthetic homeowners want. Then there’s the immaculate finish that is so important on high value projects. Stellar is a pre-gasketed system that uses patented knock-in beading. This leaves a neat, clean finish on the gasket line as well as making installation quicker and easier. The powder coating uses a marine grade finish as standard and every product is inspected at a distance of one metre, far in excess of the three metres that’s the industry requirement. Stellar was developed to set a new standard in aluminium system design. Its multiple award wins prove it’s succeeded in its aim – as does its position as the ideal aluminium solution for premium domestic projects. Tel: 0845 300 9356 www.stellaraluminium.co.uk

The façade design meets the thermal efficiency requirements of the building at 0.95W/m2K, as a weighted average. Using a 43dB Rw(+Ctr) acoustic glass, it also meets the sound reduction targets.

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Window systems

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Our comprehensive window range is suitable for a wide range of projects. Combining sleek and stylish frames with robust durability and exceptional thermal efficiency, our aluminium windows can be powder-coated in a choice of colours and finishes, and are fully compatible with our high-performance aluminium door and curtain wall solutions.

Find out more: See the complete range at: www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk info@sasmail.co.uk | 01709 772 600

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

DIRECT ROOFING SYSTEMS PARTNERS WITH SHEERLINE THE ‘GAME CHANGER’

Direct Roofing Systems, one of the first fabricators to partner with Garnalex and choose its Sheerline aluminium window and door systems, says, the Classic system is a “game changer” when it comes to offering homeowners a more modern, slimline alternative to traditional aluminium offerings. Direct Roofing was established in 2017 and supplies aluminium bi-folds, patios, French doors, and roof lanterns across the UK. According to Managing Director Jimmy Cardno, they were looking for an aluminium supplier with a good reputation coupled with exceptional product performance, and Sheerline, with its innovative product design, ease of fabrication and excellent service was the ideal solution. “Demand from our customers has been growing for a full suite of aluminium products.” Jimmy explains, “We recognised from the many features Sheerline has to offer how this would benefit our existing product portfolio. The Classic system with beadless and flush finishes presents something different to that in the current market. You can make any size you want and lots of parts are interchangeable. It is a nice-looking innovative product giving an attractive slimline, seamless look, and is easy to fabricate using the corner construction, making fabrication quicker. So far, service and delivery times have also been very good.” Garnalex CEO, Roger Hartshorn, adds, “The desire to offer something different voiced by Direct Roofing Systems, will sound familiar to many in the industry, which is why we designed Sheerline with clever innovations to make fabricators and installers’ lives

easier. As Jimmy highlighted, Sheerline’s stand-out product innovation is matched with outstanding service – all Classic profiles and components are available on industry-leading lead-times in twelve stocked colours, including three anodised finishes. Dual colour combinations from this stocked range are also available on the same lead-times, with bespoke colours available quickly too.” Continuing to reinvent the way in which the market perceives traditional aluminium systems, Sheerline’s two distinct systems - Classic, an ultra-secure beadless aluminium window system that is ideal for replacing traditional steel-framed windows or for modern, minimalist builds, and Prestige, a versatile and thermally efficient system, offering U-values as low as 0.9 W/(m2K) for triple glazing, and 1.3 W/(m2K) for double glazing – help match homeowners needs’ perfectly. Sheerline also offers the Prestige Bifold and S1 Roof Lantern. Available in a range of styles and finishes, both incorporate Sheerline’s patented corner jointing method which delivers a fast, and easy way to fabricate products whist giving perfectly aligned corners, time after time.

SAVE ENERGY WITH SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS’ TECHNICAL SUPPORT With the new changes to Part L of the Building Regulations set to come into effect in the summer, leading aluminium fenestration solutions provider Senior Architectural Systems is committed to helping its fabricator and installer partners save both time and energy by working with them to create cost-effective and compliant designs. The new lower U-values that will be introduced in June 2022 will see many aluminium windows fall short of the recommended targets. Fortunately, Senior is already ahead of the game thanks to its patented PURe® aluminium system which can achieve U-values as low as 0.71 W/ m2K when calculated as a commercial CEN standard window. Available in a wide range of styles and configurations, the innovative PURe® aluminium window system benefits from an innovative thermal barrier manufactured from expanded polyurethane (PUR) foam and has been specifically developed to be easy to fabricate, install and maintain. It is also fully compatible with Senior’s extensive range of PURe® aluminium commercial and residential doors and thermally enhanced SF52 curtain wall system, making it easier than ever to create fenestration designs that combine

high thermal performance with attractive aesthetics. As well as manufacturing a range of compliant aluminium fenestration solutions, Senior has also invested heavily in its technical department to ensure that fabricators, installers and specifiers have all the help and advice they need to be able to meet the new regulations head on. The manufacturer can help project teams gain a greater understanding of U-values and thermal calculations, as well as identifying value-engineering solutions that can reduce costs and carbon emissions. Trade customers can further benefit from early engagement with Senior’s experienced team of technical sales managers who can provide access to a wide range of services including detailed technical support, sales advice and help with both estimating and the use of Logikal. Senior also offers its fabricator base a number of online resources including product guides and access to detailed technical information via a dedicated part of its website, Fab Tools. Senior is also well-placed to advise how the specification of the fenestration package can also ensure compliance with other planned changes to the Building Regulations, particularly the new updates to Part F (Ventilation) and Part O (Overheating), both of which will come into effect later this year. For more information about Senior’s patented PURe® aluminium window system, and to discuss your next project requirements, please visit www. seniorarchitecturalsystems.co.uk or search for Senior Architectural Systems onTwitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

For Direct Roofing Systems call 01623 651982, visit www.directroofingsystems.co.uk or email sales@directroofingsystems.com. Discover more about Sheerline Classic and Sheerline Prestige at www.sheerline.com and www.sheerlinevideo.com. You can also call 01332 883960 or email info@sheerline.com. Follow @SheerlineSystem for the latest news and updates.

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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I HADN’T REALISED HOW UNOBTRUSIVE MY SECONDARY GLAZING WAS GOING TO BE Secondary glazing manufactured and supplied by Granada Glazing has cured issues with heavy condensation on single-glazed windows for a couple in the Scottish Borders.

horizontal sliding units – has made a ‘huge difference’ to their living environment. The vertical sliders were glazed with 4mm toughened glass and the horizontal sliders were 6mm toughened glass.

see it’s there. And the panels are so easy to open and close for ventilation,” continues Jill. “We’re very pleased with it and we like it so much that we’re going to have the rest of the house secondary-glazed.”

Jill and Francis Mordaunt are so delighted with the difference that secondary glazing has made to their comfort, they are planning to have it installed throughout their 1920s semi-detached home, which is in a conservation area.

The original timber single-glazed windows in the sitting room, bathroom and a bedroom were all treated using Granada Glazing’s new high-specification secondary glazing range that offers the most discreetlooking solution on the market. With ultraslim, durable aluminium frames, the entire range offers even narrower sightlines than its predecessor.

The cost-effectiveness of secondary glazing was another important factor in their decision-making as Jill comments: “We had an extension built with double-glazing and were thinking about going down that route to solve the condensation issue. However, at cost of around £23k to £24k for six replica double-glazed windows versus around £3k to £4k for what we’ve had done, that was out of the question.”

The couple sought advice from Peeblesshire Windows on improving the thermal efficiency of their Peebles home, but their primary concern was condensation, especially in colder weather. “We’d been thinking about secondary glazing for eco reasons, but mainly because we’d had problems with condensation. On a cold morning, the windows would be running with water and that led to black mould round the edges of the windows. I really wanted to get rid of that,” explains Jill, a retired academic. She says that having the six units installed – four vertical sliding units and two

Where condensation is a major issue, Granada Glazing often recommends secondary glazing with balanced trickle ventilation. This provides a simple, costeffective, and permanent solution. The factory-fitted trickle ventilation system is both discreet and robust. It allows a simple, flexible method of providing the all-important background ventilation which will help to control condensation problems. “I hadn’t realised how unobtrusive the secondary glazing would be; you can hardly

RELOCATION SETS PREMIER ARCHES ON PATH TO SUCCESS When Premier Arches relocated to a larger unit at the beginning of 2020, the profile bending specialists could not have predicted the unprecedented market conditions they’d soon find themselves in. Soon after more than doubling in size and moving from a 4,700 square foot manufacturing facility in Bolton to a 10,000 square foot premises in St Helens, the company was forced to shut its doors thanks to the national Covid-19 lockdown, and it was very difficult to predict what the market was going to do. Since then, however, the decision to upscale has proved a huge success. Premier Arches Managing Director Sean Greenall comments: “The initial lockdown in early 2020 was a real challenge for us, as we faced a very unpredictable market. But as soon as restrictions were lifted, we saw a surge in demand for our products, and the additional space allowed us to significantly increase capacity and production. “Thanks to this increased capacity, we were able to successfully deal with the buoyant market conditions, supply chain woes, price increases and extended lead times, and as a result, we’ve seen year on year growth, including a 94% sales uplift from 2020 to 2021. “This year, we plan on expanding production and capacity even further by installing a new mezzanine floor and investing in new machinery.” Established in 2015, Premier Arches manufactures and supplies arched, angled, gable, circular and entirely bespoke windows and doors in a range of seven stocked systems including Residence 9, plus

Jill has also noticed another welcome benefit of the secondary glazed windows; they are retaining more heat and helping to keep the rooms warmer, adding: “The sitting room is warmer in the morning, whereas it used to be chilly. It’s keeping the heat in.

Suitable for all property types, Granada’s slimline aluminium secondary glazing frames can be powder coated in over 200 RAL colours. Virtually invisible, they blend in with any interior décor. The Granada Glazing product range encompasses hinged, sliding, vertical sliders, including tilt back, and lift-out options. Full training and marketing support is available to installers across the UK.

“Not only will secondary glazing solve my condensation problem, but it will also hopefully reduce our heating bills. And we’ve retained the character of the original windows.”

For more information about adding the Granada Secondary Glazing range to your business, please call 01909 499899, visit www.gsecg.com or email info@granadaglazing.com.

DEKKO REPORTS OVER HALF OF ORDERS ARE FOR COLOURED PRODUCTS Dekko Window Systems has seen a strong demand for coloured uPVC and aluminium, with the leading trade fabricator reporting that 55% of the orders it received in the past year being for coloured profile.

another five non-stocked systems, offering a full service to fabricators, trade counters, installers and local builders. Serving over 600 customers across the UK, the St Helens-based company transforms the often daunting process of profile bending into a simple and pain-free process, saving fabricators time and money, and helping them win more lucrative projects which would otherwise be turned down. Sean continues: “When it comes to profile bending, most PVC fabricators simply don’t have the time, the tools, or the expertise to carry this out in-house. Premier Arches manufactures and supplies the awkward products that others don’t want to make, helping their customers to focus on what they’re good at. “At Premier Arches, we’re offering something truly unique, and thanks to our successful expansion and a strong focus on technology, we’ve equipped ourselves to continue that service and provide customers with high-quality products and honest customer service for years to come.” For more information, email info@premierarches.co.uk.

Sales Director Kurt Greatrex comments: “Coloured profile has been a growing trend across the industry for a while now, especially in the post-lockdown home improvement boom. “Homeowners have been investing more and more in their properties, and there’s certainly an uptake in people choosing colours rather than the standard white products we’re used to. And it’s thanks to our trusted suppliers that we’ve been able to keep up with that demand. “Deceuninck, for example, has been a long-standing and reliable supplier of an extensive range of high-performing uPVC products such as flush sash window systems and patio door systems, all available in a wide range of foils and colour coated finishes.

to offer exclusive colours such as Clotted Cream, Cotswold Biscuit, Eclectic Grey, and No.10 Black, to name a few, giving our customers a lot more to choose from.” In addition, Dekko’s Räum collection of luxury aluminium windows and doors are all finished with a durable powder coat paint application, available from hundreds of colours with matt or gloss finishes, woodgrain and textured options, or a special scratch-resistant, low-maintenance Coatex finish. Kurt concludes: “With such a wide range of options, it’s no surprise that we’ve seen a huge increase in demand for coloured profile. “It’s certainly a trend I see continuing, and at Dekko, thanks to our valued and reliable suppliers, we’re in a strong position to keep our customers happy.” For more information contact Dekko on 0161 406 0055 or visit www.dekkowindows.com.

“As with us, colour is a priority for Deceuninck, and they’re able to offer us a quick turnaround on these products, enabling us to offer quick lead times to our customers in turn.” Further boosting Dekko’s colour sales is the recent launch of 10 new colours by Residence 9. “We were always able to offer our customers this premium range in a wide range of colours and wood effects, but thanks to their recent expansion, we’re now able

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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To find out more, contact us: 0345 053 8975 info@dgcos.org.uk installers.dgcos.org.uk

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PROFILE 22’S OPTIMA SPECIFIED FOR NEW BUILD DEVELOPMENT IN HARROGATE Over 1,700 Optima windows and doors from Profile 22 were installed in a £38 million tenure-blind new build housing development in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Skipton Road is a new build development from Home Group built on former agricultural land in Harrogate. The scheme comprises of 214 apartments, detached, end terrace, linked detached, mid terrace and semi-detached homes with two to five bedrooms. Sixty percent of the homes are for private sale and 40% for affordable housing, which is split across affordable rented and shared ownership properties. A primary aim of the development was to create a tenure-blind community, with no discernible difference between private and affordable homes. This would ensure that all parts of the site are equally attractive and would contribute to greater community cohesion.

The aim meant the project’s specification was critical, with every element needing to provide exceptional quality and good value. The windows and doors specified for the contract were Optima from Profile 22, the UK’s leading commercial window and door system, which had all the credentials required. With the project needing over 1,700 casement and flush casement windows, residential doors and French doors, it was awarded to experienced Profile 22 Approved Contractor Kingfisher Windows, a leading manufacturer and supplier of windows, doors and conservatories. For this project, the Optima windows had a textured Basalt foil on the external face to tie in with the development’s subdued material palette that reflects the surrounding communities. The internal face was white to provide an understated look that would complement any interior design.

Kingfisher Windows is an experienced commercial window contractor used to working on large scale new build developments. The company liaised closely with the main contractor and all the other trades on site to ensure fabrication and installation ran efficiently. As the project took place during the Covid-19 pandemic, the company also put in place additional health and safety measures to protect the health and wellbeing of all staff. The project is due to complete in March 2022 and Sean Egan, Home Group director of development, commented: “This is a prime site in a very popular town where there is a high demand for housing. We intend to deliver high quality homes which will be sought after by those wanting to live in the area.” Jonny Reynolds of Kingfisher Windows said: “We were delighted to work on such

a prestigious housing development with United Living and Home Group. The strength and quality of Optima products including the flush casement windows have delivered exceptional high-quality aesthetics and superb product performance that a project of this nature demanded. The attractive development will help to provide much-needed housing in the local area.” Tel: 0808 101 4143 – www.profile22.co.uk

JOHN FREDERICKS PLASTICS MARKS 30-YEAR VEKA MILESTONE WITH FUTURE COMMITMENT Leading PVCu manufacturer John Fredericks Plastics Ltd celebrates a threedecade partnership with Halo (a brand of VEKA plc) in April this year. And the award-winning industry heavyweight is looking forward to seeing this relationship flourish even further after signing a five-year long-term service agreement with their trusted supplier. Mark Dicconson, JFPL Managing Director, said their incredible 30-year shared history was down to product quality, delivery, service and trust. "It's a combination of all those factors really. Halo is an excellent brand – high quality products designed to last. That works for us, and our customers. And the customers obviously have grown to rely on the same product now for 30 years, so they have that familiarity, and trust. They have seen how it has consistently performed for 3 decades.

Established in 1970 John Fredericks Plastics has been trading for 52 years, forging a reputation built on exceeding high standards. When Mark returned to the business as Managing Director in 2019, he took the decision to use the Halo system exclusively. "This has proven to be the right decision," said Mark. "I brought Halo to John Fredericks 30 years ago. It's an exceptional product; one we have been pioneers of and has been involved in many of our innovations over the past 30 years. During my absence from JFPL a second system had been introduced which was inferior in my view. "I feel you should concentrate on one thing and do it really well. Hence the reason I went down the exclusivity route with Halo again. I initially signed a three-year deal on that basis and then felt comfortable enough to extend that for a further five years.

“This was done in conjunction with taking full control of all JFPL shareholding. Five years is a long time in business, but I have full confidence in Halo as a brand." In what has been a tough two years for businesses across the industry, Mark said Halo (and VEKA’s reliability as an excellent supplier), has stood out from many of their competitors and assisted JFPL in maintaining high levels of customer service in these challenging times. "It has been the best of our suppliers without question; it has been extremely reliable. It has been very supportive of us over the years, and this has continued throughout the pandemic. The last 2 years have been tough, but we've managed those challenges, and as a result we've experienced excellent growth." VEKA plc Managing Director Neil Evans said: “It has been an honour to work

alongside JFPL for 30 years. Mark and his team continue to raise the bar for quality and service, having demonstrated tremendous resilience during a challenging two years for the industry. “Signing this long-term service agreement demonstrates immense trust in us, and we will continue to repay that trust by delivering an exceptional product backed by steadfast support. I am extremely confident this partnership is one that will continue to flourish for many years to come." www.veka.co.uk

STELLAR READY FOR THE CHANGES TO PART L The new Part L of Building Regulations, which comes into force on 15 June 2022, is the biggest shake-up of thermal performance regulations for a number of years. As such, the regulations will be especially complicated for many aluminium systems to meet. But one system is good to go already – Stellar, the multi-ward-winning aluminium system from Epwin Window Systems. Phil Parry, Business Development Director at Epwin Window Systems, says: “Stellar’s unique design doesn’t use dummy sashes or rebate adaptors so it’s more thermally efficient by design. Plus, its thermal breaks can be upgraded to meet the demands of thermal regulations that will only get stricter over time. It means we’re already ahead of the market and many systems will have to be redesigned and reconsidered to meet the new requirements.”

The new regulations pose a problem for many aluminium systems because of the way the U value now must be calculated. Instead of being calculated on a 1230w x 1480h single opening casement (known as the CEN standard window), U values must be calculated on the GGF 2.2 window configuration, as used in WERs. This is a window with an opening light next to a fixed light with a central mullion. It’s harder to achieve the required U value on this configuration because there is more frame than in a CEN standard window. It’s especially problematic for aluminium windows that use a dummy sash or rebate adaptor to create an internally beaded fixed light next to an opener because they use even more frame.

need for dummy sashes, reverse profiles or adaptors. It helps it to meet the requirements of the new Part L legislation with the added benefit of being ready for the proposed amendments to Approved Document Q too.

The reverse butt jointed window achieved a calculated improvement of 0.1W/(m2K) over the dummy sash variant.

ready for the changes now and it’ll be ready in the future too. Its stunning aesthetics mean it attracts consumer attention like no other aluminium system. And with the introduction of the new Part L, there’s yet another reason for it to be the aluminium system of choice in fabricators’ and installers’ portfolios.”

Stellar is unique because it uses a patented reverse butt joint. It means there’s no

Phil concludes: “Stellar was always designed to be competitive yet future proof. It’ll be

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

To illustrate the difference the patented construction makes, Epwin Window Systems’ certified BFRC simulators simulated two GGF 2.2 windows. The first was a Stellar window constructed with a dummy sash. The second was Stellar window constructed using the patented reverse butt joint.

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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CONSERVATORY OUTLET GROUP GOING FOR GOLD AFTER INVESTORS IN PEOPLE SUCCESS Conservatory Outlet Group is vowing to add to its 34 apprentices and empower its 312 staff members to ‘gold level’ standards, after securing a prestigious Investors in People (IiP) accolade for the first time.

The UK’s leading manufacturer of highquality windows, doors, home extensions and conservatory products has been recognised with a ‘We Invest in People’ accreditation following months of hard work. Rather than see it as the culmination of its efforts, it is instead being viewed as the beginning of a journey towards an even greater achievement, with the company vowing to secure Gold standard within the next three years. Karen Starkey, Head of HR, explained: “We are thrilled to be honoured in this way, but

Karen Starkey, Head of HR at Conservatory Outlet

the hard work now begins as we aim to hit nine performance indicators and become a gold level company. These include leading and inspiring people, empowering people, rewarding high performance and creating sustainable success. “It is vitally important that we provide opportunities to our employees to grow and develop in their roles. We gain commitment from them as a result, as they see the value in our training and the opportunities it provides. “We are proud to have enabled several staff members to further develop and grow. Progression is a key value to future-proofing our organisation, creating genuine careers and a sense of succession planning.” Conservatory Outlet has utilised the Apprenticeship Levy to take on and develop 34 apprenticeships in career disciplines including Business Admin, Management Team Leading, Bricklaying, Customer Service, HR, Construction Building and Marketing. The Investors in People official report states that ‘as well as having the right people with the skills and knowledge to support the achievement of the planned growth, you also have a focus on retaining and supporting existing staff to ensure that skilled people reach their potential and to make sure that the workforce is suitably balanced, fair, and diverse.’ Conservatory Group, which has its headquarters and 60,000 sq ft manufacturing operation in Wakefield, was praised for successfully growing the business, recruiting key people to support its growth, and introducing a number of working practices that have started to make a tangible difference on performance.

(L-R), Kyle Green, Cayleigh Atkinson-Hepworth, Natalie Bossons, Kennedy Kolka, Abbie-Leigh Styles, Georgie Tolley, Eliza Auty, Missy Mortimer and Josh Childe (all apprentices at Conservatory Outlet’s manufacturing facility in Wakefield)

pandemic and the supply chain disruption that has followed. Greg Kane, Chief Executive of Conservatory Outlet Group, added: “Training - and the continuous development of people - is one of the fundamental cornerstones of our business. We have examples of young apprentices working on their Admin Level 3 apprenticeship and, once completed, being supported to undertake their AAT qualification at college. “A skilled, trained and knowledgeable workforce is key to ensuring we provide the best quality product and service to our customer. We also hold best practice events with our network of retailers, which accentuates the sharing of knowledge and expertise.” Conservatory Outlet is already working on an action plan to secure the Investors in People’s Gold Standard in the next three years. “A company is only as good as its people and we’re no different. It is great to earn this accreditation, but we view it as the starting point on a longer journey to becoming an even better employer, serving our staff with even better support and rewards,” concluded Greg. For further information, please visit https://www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk/ or follow @conservatoryuk

The management team were also highlighted for communicating regular company updates, which has helped people understand what is happening during the

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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OVER 30 BENEFITS OF JOINING DGCOS

(DOUBLE GLAZING & CONSERVATORY OMBUDSMAN SCHEME) The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) starts 2022 on a mission to demonstrate and grow understanding of how the consumer protection organisation offers fenestration businesses a critical point of difference with the launch of its Installer Journey Benefits. The offering includes an inclusive summary of all the ways DGCOS can help installers on their installer journey and clearly states DGCOS’s intentions to help installers, protect consumers and continue to raise industry standards. Faisal Hussain, Chief Executive of DGCOS explains more: “Our mission for 2022 is to grow understanding of how DGCOS can benefit the entire installer journey and demonstrate to forwardthinking installers how working with us can give them a critical point of difference and real, true business support. Many will be familiar with the DGCOS brand and our consumer protection allegiance. Some installers may know us as the ‘George Clarke scheme’ while other installers rely on our practical support day in day out as a DGCOS member. “DGCOS has an established position, having strong partnerships forged with

financial bodies, insurance houses and Competent Person Schemes (CPS), and we’ve been working hard to ensure we can add value at every single point of an installer’s journey. We have summarised this in our Installer Journey Benefits which details the wide range of benefits of working with us, from setting up and registering a new business, marketing and digital support, sales advice and POS, installation, customer service and satisfaction, to annual reviews to see how together we can keep on improving. We can be the soundingboard, the friend and the strategic and practical partner to forwardthinking installers. “There are in fact over 30 benefits and to give a flavour of some of the practical ways in which we’re currently helping our installers: we’re paying for the CPS notification fees saving members approximately £1.65 per notification; introducing them to finance brokers/ lenders to gain access to consumer finance; offering 24/7 access to our online portal for installers to register their installations; providing access to an independent Ombudsman to prevent issues from snowballing in time and cost. We’re especially proud that our DGCOS marketing collateral has

been awarded the Plain English Crystal Mark which is a seal of approval demonstrating that our collateral is clear and can help consumers understand exactly what they’re getting when they buy from a DGCOS member. And of course, yes, we do have the powerful endorsement of our Brand Ambassador, George Clarke, for members to use. “As DGCOS is all about transparency, it’s worth saying upfront that DGCOS is not for everyone, and indeed we have a strict vetting process to join. We probably are ideal partners for about 10% of installation businesses working day in day out in the double glazing sector. But for those who have joined, they say that membership is invaluable. “We’re proud and delighted with the strong position that the DGCOS brand is in as we start the new year. We want to share the benefits of our powerful business support engine with as many installation businesses as possible, to collaboratively raise industry standards and ultimately help and protect both consumers and our members in an ethical way.

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CHANGES TO PART L

DGCOS SAYS LET’S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) is shining a light on the very real issue of mental health in our industry, by challenging us to open up about the unspoken struggles being faced by many. Chief Executive of DGCOS, Faisal Hussain, explains why the organisation is asking everyone to take a few minutes to participate in an upcoming Fenestration Industry Mental Health Survey. “Mental health is a much under talked about subject. It’s a topic I’ve thought about for a while, but it was really brought home to me following a frank and open conversation I had with an installer just before Christmas. He runs a respectable, quality installation business with several fitting teams doing about 10 to 20 jobs a month. After congratulating him on what was an apparently commercially successful year thanks to the massive home improvement boom, the reply was very different from what I expected. Rather than the positive conversation about sales and profit growth I thought we were going to have, he stopped short and simply said: “I’ve had enough Faisal.” The long and short is that he was exhausted from back to back jobs; negotiating delayed lead times with insistent customers; juggling admin, sales and credit control from consumers who owed him significant monies for high value completed jobs; and the fact that some days he struggles to walk due a bad back that he’s had no time to visit the doctors for. “This dismal picture got me thinking about how many others in the industry were feeling the same and most importantly, what is the price we’re paying in terms of our mental health? While this story is anecdotal, it is sadly backed up by statistics and what is really concerning is, when you apply these statistics to the demographics of our sector, which mainly consists of men. According

– TOO FAR OR NOT FAR ENOUGH? to MIND, Men aged 40-49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK driven by society’s expectations and the traditional gender roles where men are less likely to discuss or seek help for their mental health problems. This may sound stereotypical but it’s a fact. “The third Monday of January has been dubbed ‘Blue Monday’, claimed to be the time when people feel most down every year. Whether you think it’s a marketing gimmick or not, at least it hit the headlines and got a conversation going about mental health. In fact, it prompted DGCOS to put our money where our mouth is on this issue, and for every installation that was registered on our online portal on ‘Blue Monday’, we donated £1 to mental health charity MIND. And to further this conversation, DGCOS will be launching a Fenestration Industry Mental Health Survey over the coming weeks. We will be asking for everyone to take a few minutes to contribute and hopefully together, create a brighter future. “DGCOS is never afraid to talk about the issues that others steer clear of or to confront head on the real challenges faced by our industry. We will never hold back if it means drawing attention to them in a positive, constructive way that can help create change for the better.” The Fenestration Industry Mental Health Survey will be launched soon. Keep an eye out by following us on LinkedIn - @ DGCOS – Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme www.dgcos.org.uk

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU! CHRISTINA

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AluK’s very first podcast in October 2021 was on the topic of Part L – asking representatives from across the industry to contribute to a debate about the expected changes and the impact these were likely to have on the window and door market. Now that the new Regulations have been published, with a reduction in notional U-Values for windows and glazed doors in new build homes to 1.2 and limiting U-Values of 1.4 for replacement windows and glazed doors in existing homes, AluK has gone back to some of those podcasters and asked them what they make of the new rules and whether they think they go far enough. From AluK’s point of view, Head of Process and Certification, Dale Pegler said: “The changes are broadly in line with what we were anticipating, albeit with a few surprising additional amends within the released document. However, AluK is already well on the way towards ensuring we have a full range of product options which comply with the regulations. We would perhaps have liked to see some mention of the assessment of embodied carbon in construction materials, because environmentally, this is just as significant as thermal performance – and of course, aluminium is a 100% recyclable material.” Mark Taylor, Technical Director at architects Allies and Morrison, welcomed the lowering of the U-Values in the notional dwelling, but shared the view that the changes could have gone further. He said: “The U-Value of 1.2 represents only a small improvement on where we are now, but we can all see the direction of travel. At least there’s a bigger incentive now for architects

to calculate the psi value (which is heat loss per metre at the edge of the glass) and that’s a more accurate reflection of the true performance of the window.” By contrast, Gareth Allen, Technical and Training Manager at Saint-Gobain Glass, felt that the pace of change is probably about right in terms of moving towards the government’s target of a 30% reduction in carbon emissions from new homes. He said: “What came out of AluK’s podcast was an acknowledgement that some sectors will find it harder than others to comply even with this fairly conservative shift to 1.2 for new dwellings and 1.4 for existing. “Saint-Gobain Glass is certainly committed to doing our part to support the whole industry on that journey, and we’ve already got products available which will help with compliance, and we’re seeing a return to normal stock levels.” John Miles, from Assent Building Control, agreed that, given the fragility of the construction sector at the moment, the new Regulation will deliver the right amount of progress at just about the right pace. One thing he pointed out though was the relative lack of pushback from the industry on the changes, suggesting perhaps that many had actually expected the notional U-Values to be lower. He did say that, in practice, many architects are likely to specify U-Values for windows which are lower than 1.2 if they are using SAP calculations to balance glazing with the overall efficiency of the building fabric. This, he added, is likely to lead to more widespread use of triple glazing in new build, very much in line with the thinking during the podcast. John also warned that the transitional arrangements are not as generous as many people think, stating: “Only plans for projects which have already been approved are likely to come outside of the new rules. In reality, fabricators and installers will need to be making the changes now ready for projects which start after June 15.” Kevin Jones, the GGF’s Technical Officer, confirmed that the Federation is in contact with the DLUHC to give feedback on the published document, but remained confident that the industry will rise to the challenge. AluK will be announcing a series of special Part L update events for customers next month and already has a dedicated Future Homes Standard web page at: https://www.alukgb.com/learning/fhs

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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CLADDING TRANSFORMS HOMES AND BOOSTS SALES FOR THINK HOME FASCIAS Fortex cladding from Freefoam was the star of a recent installation by Peterborough-based Think Home Fascias. A homeowner recently asked Matt Edwards, the owner of Think Home Fascias, for a solution to replace the tired, worn and crumbling render on the front of their property in West Pinchbeck, just north of Peterborough. Matt said: “At first the customer was looking at the possibility of re-rendering the house, but as they wanted to modernise it, I suggested Freefoam cladding and they were really taken with it. “Originally the customer wanted to go for white cladding, but I suggested it might be too overpowering for their property. They weren’t actually aware of the colour options available, so we discussed different possibilities, including Anthracite Grey, and they decided to go for Storm Grey.” As well as giving the front of the property a new lease of life with a transformed

appearance, Think Home Fascias added an insulating layer of Celotex behind the cladding to boost the home’s energy efficiency and help lower their energy bills. Fitting Freefoam Fortex cladding is an allround solution. A high-quality, ultra-low maintenance product that has given the homeowner a warmer property and saved them time, hassle and money on costly home upkeep. Matt’s customers were delighted with their home transformation, which took just three days. Matt adds: “They were over the moon and gave us a positive review straight away. They have even posted pictures on Google and on social media. They were really impressed. “There are a lot of similar homes in the area with render that is starting to wear, and we posted a display board outside the house. One of the customers’ neighbours has also shown interest in replacing the render on their property too.

“At Freefoam, the service is there alongside good quality, durable products. I can contact them directly and get straight through. The range of colours is a real selling point for Fortex cladding. Greys are most popular but I’ve sold a lot of Sage Green, particularly for homes in the local villages.” Matt set up Think Home Fascias in 2018 and is largely focused on fascias, soffits, guttering and cladding installations. He’s a Freefoam Registered Installer, fitting Freefoam products for 12 years and he has a great rapport with his local stockist, Special Building Factors in Peterborough. Colin St John, Commercial Director at Freefoam, says: “It’s great to have installers on board like Matt who understand our range, and the potential cladding has to make a real statement and transform a property, particularly through the bold use of colour. While the benefits for the customer are clear, Freefoam Registered Installers who use our products on a daily

After image of West Pinchbeck property with Freefoam Fortex cladding

basis also find that Freefoam cladding is very easy to install.” Learn more about Freefoam’s products, service and support by visiting www.freefoam.com or calling 01604 591110. Follow @freefoam. For more information about Think Home Fascias, visit thinkhomefascias.co.uk.

SUCCESS WITH VEKA RECYCLING INSPIRES SCOTIA WINDOWS TO DRIVE FURTHER GREEN INITIATIVES When Gavin Smith took the reins as Managing Director of Ayrshire-based Scotia Windows and Doors in 2021, one of the earliest decisions he took was to revise the company’s arrangements for dealing with waste PVC-U, including virgin offcuts from the company’s frame fabrication facility and increasing volumes of postconsumer frames that Scotia consolidated for its trade customers With recycling previously managed by a local agent but with inconsistent service levels and, crucially, no discernible audit trail for the material, Gavin decided to switch to VEKA Recycling Ltd, one of the UK’s only companies able to collect and fully re-process new PVC-U profile offcuts and old frames, in-house. From May 2021 VEKA Recycling has been supplying at least one articulated vehicle weekly to collect the material, which is simply pre-sorted into special bins provided by VEKA Recycling. Additionally, to streamline all of Scotia’s profile recycling needs, VEKA Recycling

that our material would be turned into new products and even new window profiles, within days of leaving our yard. “All of that was important to us as a company and the commitment that we make to our customers, who include some of the country’s biggest housebuilders, that every aspect of Scotia Windows and Doors is run to the highest, certifiable standards.,” added Gavin. “It is fair to say that the VEKA Recycling service has now inspired us to embark upon a programme of measures that will reduce our carbon footprint in many other ways, both to satisfy our own commitment to the environment, and also as more of our customers, and their customers, demand it,” added Gavin

now also removes scrap aluminium for reprocessing. “When I reviewed our arrangements last year for disposing of our PVC-U offcuts and the old frames that we handled for our installer customers, I was unhappy about many aspects of the arrangements, not least that we had no real idea where the material ended up,” said Gavin. “We also moved to a new, larger facility at the end of 2021

and the throughput and management of material had to be reliable in anticipation of the sort of volumes that we are now producing,” explained Gavin. “When VEKA Recycling was introduced to me I was impressed that the company would collect all of our material and that it then processed everything in its own advanced re-cycling plant and according to an audited trail. We were further impressed to learn

This is especially true of Scotia Architectural Systems, a division of the company that operates from showrooms in Alva, Clackmannanshire and which designs and installs bespoke windows and doors for a variety of high-end building projects, including one featured on TV’s Grand Designs. Says Gavin: “We have found that customers of this business are especially interested in the environmental impact of the products they choose for their properties. Using the example that we have set through our partnership with VEKA Recycling, as we enter our 40th year in business we will now review all of our operations with a goal of reducing the carbon footprint of Scotia Windows and Doors, in everything that we do.” https://veka-recycling.co.uk

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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THE NEXT GENERATION OF THE POPULAR AND WIDELY USED ROOFWRIGHT SOFTWARE EMBRACES VR AND AR A fascinating visit to the top of the world, well, the top of the Pennines anyway, at High Peak, the home of RoofWright. Glass News’ Publisher, Christina Shaw, and Chris Champion, the Editor, met with the RoofWright team to find out about Virtual and Augmented Reality and how this technology is finding its way into our industry and changing how we see things, forever. Rapid Prototyping Systems has been offering their RPS Software or, more specifically, RoofWright for over 20 years. It’s a 3D modelling software specifically for visualisation of conservatories and extensions on PCs, tablets and even VR headsets. It’s a sales tool: helping the sales of conservatories and orangeries and, with the growth in garden rooms, it is letting the homeowner see the design that has been put together specifically for them. Being able to walk around a 3D drawing is so much more interactive than seeing it on a piece of paper or a screen. If you are then able to place the garden room in your own garden or attach the conservatory or orangery to your home, being able to see it in situ and even walk inside, look around at all angles, and experience it although it has yet to be built, then that is very compelling and must aid making the sale.

RoofWright iPad

Cath Wright, who has been with RPS since 2009, welcomed us to their impressive premises at High Peak which they only moved into at the start of the pandemic. They have found, as others have, a completely new world as the Covid crisis now wanes. Initially aimed at housing their 22 staff, the building is now largely empty as people work remotely, and just as efficiently. Luckily, with a good relationship with their landlord, they are looking to downsize to next door. Being a technology company the ability to embrace this new style of working is perfect for them and, while we were talking with Cath, Pete Wilson and Marcel Brown and being shown the software and being

wowed by the VR headsets and the like, Gage Griffiths who is working with RPS on a three year technology transfer programme with Liverpool John Moores University connected with us, and it was just as if he was with us in the same room. The company has been around since 1996 and is by no means a tech start-up. This is a mature and successful company that has many hundreds of customers within the fenestration industry. So what is the basic business model? It is really very simple and has become even more simple since last year when RoofWright moved from licensing through dongles to letting customers simply become active by signing up online. The dongle has been used for decades but, as with most software, RoofWright is becoming smarter and even easier to use. There’s the Free 14 day trial to see if the software is for you, Essentials which gives full design capability, Plus that allows Photorealistic Export to PC and adding and manipulating photorealistic furniture, then Pro that lets you add Sales Checklists, a Report Designer and Pricing and with the added benefit of exporting 3D models to other Drawing Software and for 3D printing.

Glass News’ Editor Chris Champion tries out RoofWright’s Virtual Reality application

Always the worry with software, at least for a dinosaur such as me, is the issue of being given a sharp knife and proceeding to cut off my fingers! That is not the case with RoofWright. They pride themselves on the support they provide and how you get that support is up to you. Just exploring the website makes everything easy – this is not a complicated, whizzy, design freak website but a practical easy to follow, and easy to understand site. Click on support and you are given a choice of material from Getting Started through Troubleshooting and Advanced Guides. Equally, you can open a

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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Support Ticket and they aim to be back to you within one hour in office hours, or you can download a Support Assistant. A look through the testimonials tells the story of the full support that’s offered and the news

"Like their clients, we can't wait for the FIT Show and the chance to see the RoofWright team demonstrating this incredible technology." section, too, throws a light on RoofWright’s determination to provide a great service through support, great software and working with their clients and listening to them. This is how the software is constantly improving and is always pertinent to the demands of the industry. 2022 promises to be an important year for RPS Systems and their partnership with John Moores University in Liverpool, and the exploration and the implementation of Virtual and Augmented Reality is driving the RoofWright software forward. For the gamers amongst us UnReal World will be a household name, for the rest of us it’s a graphical engine. Gage, who was on the line with us from John Moores University was explaining how UnReal and Epic Games are a part of developing the Virtual and Augmented Reality aspect of RoofWright. This however was not speculation or a ‘nice to have’ in the future. Donning Oculus VR headsets we were able to experience RoofWright as it will be launched later this year. Of course, we had lots of questions and comments: does the grass on that lawn look real to you? As you move around, the floorboards don’t always appear parallel? Can the structure be placed on my house and not just a sample house? Can it be my actual garden so I can see how the Garden Room would look? Pete and Marcel were patient and long suffering and explained the developments that were going on so that RoofWright will be ready for The FIT Show in May. It must be frustrating to show

cutting edge software development to a couple of dinosaur journalists who have now picked up a small amount of knowhow and are querying what you are doing. However, nothing was too much trouble for the team and they explained the nuances of both the software and VR and AR in a clear and unambiguous way. The VR/AR version of RoofWright will also enable distance selling such that the homeowner doesn’t even need to be in the installers’ showroom, they can experience the full design and build in VR over Zoom while sipping tea in their front room! From starting the morning looking at a design product for Roofs and Conservatories that has been around our industry for a considerable amount of time we had, some two hours later, become excited children playing with a new toy. We could understand the enthusiasm that their clients have for RoofWright and appreciate what is said in testimonials and we, like their clients, can’t wait for The FIT Show to see RoofWright incorporating VR and AR. The RoofWright stand is likely to be very popular with visitors wandering around the stand with Oculus VR sets on their heads. We will probably be amazed at the graphics and how it enhances the software and will

make selling even easier to the homeowner, but when we get home and tell our children or grandchildren about playing with Virtual Reality they’ll probably say; “I’ve been telling you about this stuff for ever and I asked for an Oculus for Christmas….which I didn’t get!” Hey ho!

Pete Wilson

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JADE ENGINEERING PRODUCES A SWISS ARMY KNIFE PUNCH TOOL FOR GARNALEX When designing its Sheerline aluminium window and door system, Garnalex’s designers and engineers, led by the well-respected industry leader Roger Hartshorn, began with a blank sheet, and created a range of products for which even the tiniest detail in its design, production, and performance, was reconsidered. Stuart Dantzic, Managing Director, Caribbean Blinds

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CARIBBEAN BLINDS CHOSEN AS ONE OF THE ‘SUFFOLK 100’ FOR 2022 Stuart Dantzic, Managing Director of Sudbury based firm Caribbean Blinds has been selected for the prestigious Suffolk 100 list for 2022. The East Anglian Daily Times Suffolk 100 recognises and celebrates the achievements of those who have made a special contribution to the county in any field, from the business world, from cultural offerings, sport, education, the environment, the public sector or third sector. Those selected have been recognised for significantly contributing to the energy, vibrance and success of Suffolk during the last four years. The last time the list was produced was back in 2017 so there was an excitement in the air to see which new names and faces would be added. A process of public and private nominations to flush out the most influential people in Suffolk was followed by a judging process by a panel who then chose the 100 individuals to be included in the list. The top 100 will attend an exclusive reception celebrating the Suffolk 100 at The Hangar, Kesgrave Hall, Ipswich on Wednesday 30th March 2022. Stuart Dantzic, Managing Director at Caribbean Blinds, commented: “Being the MD of Caribbean Blinds is so much more than just focusing on the growth and success of the business. We are also part of an amazing community so where we can, we get involved and support it. We are sponsors of AFC Sudbury and have got behind them across all levels of the club.

“We also recruit from the county and have big plans for later this year as we await the completion of a 10,000 sq/ ft expansion of our factory site in Sudbury. By more than doubling our current storage capacity, we will not only be able to increase productivity whilst keeping lead times short but employ more people locally for the manufacture and assembly of our bespoke products. “To have not only been nominated for, but then selected as one of the Suffolk 100 is such an honour for me and my family but also for the entire team who are very much my extended family and part of this community.” Stuart also gives a lot of time to smaller retailers in the industry to help them grow and scale their business. If he can help smaller companies expand, then that creates a larger marketplace. He does this by spending a lot of time on industry forums, talking to smaller resellers about the marketplace, as well as the opportunities out there and how he can help them scale their business. Caribbean Blinds recently achieved a double award shortlisting at the Growing Business Awards 2021 and for the second year running, won at the national Real Homes Awards in ‘The Great Outdoors’ category with their hugely popular Cuba Awning product being crowned ‘The Best of the Best’ against stiff competition.

Jade Engineering, which has designed and produced tooling, machinery, and frame manufacturing solutions for most of the UK’s systems companies and their fabricator customers, was called in by Garnalex to develop a new approach to a relatively simple task. Andy Russell, Garnalex’s Technical Service & Support Director, takes up the story: “Sheerline frames are manufactured using a patented corner assembly method that removes the need to crimp profiles together. For this unique system to work, holes must be drilled in every profile to provide access to adjustment screws, which is a process that is easy to accomplish, but that must be done across all 30 plus profiles that are used in our system. “Having worked with Jade Engineering for more than 20 years, I knew they’d find a smart solution to cope with the challenge of carrying out the hole punches, across a large range of profiles, while reducing the number of punch tools required to carry out the task. And as usual, Jade came up with a solution that is highly effective, yet incredibly simple in its design and execution.” Jade’s approach was to develop a multi-tool that could be simply and quickly adjusted to switch between the various profiles,

in effect producing a ‘Swiss Army Knife’ for processing multiple aluminium profiles. Whilst the multi-head tool is more complex and expensive than single-function tools, the need for time-consuming tool changes and multiple punch stations, is dramatically reduced. “The Jade approach has saved a huge investment in punch tool stations which also saves an enormous amount of factory space, in addition to speeding up the simple but essential process of punching holes with great accuracy and over many cycles,” said Andy. “In addition to developing the tool head, the punch tool and pump units produced by Jade are engineered to the highest standard and require very little attention,” he added. “Jade understands the sector and are highly proactive; we go to them a clear idea of what we want to achieve, and from our drawings and brief they come up with innovative and clever solutions.” The punch tools are delivered to the Garnalex factory at Nether Heage in Derbyshire, before being sent out to fabricator customers under the watchful eye of Roger Hartshorn, whose background as a toolmaker and engineer has been instrumental in his success in creating some of the industry’s best-known brands, including Eurocell and Liniar. This, says Jade’s Adam Jones, makes the success of the project that much more satisfying: “When the head of the company is a renowned engineer himself, of course it makes providing a solution that much more satisfying. Sheerline has gained an impressive reputation for innovation, and we are delighted to have contributed to that.”

DATE ANNOUNCED FOR GLAZING SUMMIT 2022 The 2022 Glazing Summit will take place on Tuesday, October 18th at Edgbaston Stadium and Conference Centre. Last year’s Summit sold out as live events returned for the first time since the pandemic, and organisers are expecting to welcome around 400 industry leaders, key influencers, and decision makers this year. And momentum is already building at this early stage, with dozens of big-name companies signed-up to sponsor already, including industry giants Yale as headline sponsors. Andrew Scott, Glazing Summit founder, said: “There was a real buzz at last year’s Glazing Summit and the event has already become one of the most important dates in the industry calendar. “The plan now is to take it up a notch and make it bigger and better this year, and preparations are underway already.” Twenty-plus expert and keynote speakers tackled the biggest industry issues after an unprecedented 18 months’ last year, and this year’s event is sure to be just as important as the landscape changes again. “The Glazing Summit has quickly become a fundamental part of the industry and we will confront the big topics head-on once again this year,” added Andrew. “And if last year’s Glazing Summit was anything to go by, the 2022 event will sell out fast.” The one-day conference attracts fabricators, installers, glass companies and component suppliers, providing the best networking and a chance to connect with new customers. Sponsors already on board for 2022 include the likes of MACO, Exlabesa, Unique Window Systems, Glazpart, Carl F Groupco Limited, Shelforce, Caribbean Blinds, Business Pilot and Chase Taylor Recruitment. With a 9-month advertising and promotion campaign starting soon, the Glazing Summit is an ideal platform to show industry leadership and connect brands. To get involved, visit www.glazingsummit.co.uk, call 01934 808293 or email hello@glazingsummit.co.uk.

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March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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LEADS 2 TRADE SEES 50% INCREASE IN INSTALLER ENQUIRIES DURING JANUARY Leads 2 Trade saw a record month of enquiries to join its trusted local supplier network in January as installers look for help to generate the leads they want in 2022. The UK’s leading provider of doublequalified home improvement sales leads to installers saw a 50% increase in installer enquiries. Andy Royle, co-founder, and Director of Leads2trade, is under no illusions as to why the company is being inundated. Last year really did hit an artificial peak and some installers are reporting a definite shift to receiving fewer enquiries from their self-generated efforts,” said Andy. “The problem they are now facing is they have put resources in place to be able to manage how busy they have been over

the last 12 months and maintaining those levels won’t be easy. They have been feasting over the last 12 months and they need to keep feeding, so using a third-party lead generation company is vital to help keep generating the volume of leads they need.”

in enquires for double glazing. And Andy sees this as the perfect storm for more installers to join the Leads 2 Trade network and take advantage of the enormous number of double qualified leads they are generating.

The increase in installer enquiries was just part of a strong start to the year for Leads 2 Trade, with the company generating more than 20,000 raw enquiries from its consumer comparison websites in January from homeowners looking for quotes for their home improvement projects.

“We are still seeing huge demand from consumers for home improvements and now is a fantastic time to join our strong network of installers and take advantage of the resulting opportunities.”

In January, the company saw a 69% increase in lead volumes for home improvements compared to January 2021, with a huge 196% increase in enquiries for conservatory roofs and a 30% increase

Installers can also take advantage of Leads 2 Trade’s guaranteed booking appointment lead service, which sees a lead sold to one other company and members only paying for the lead if they sit and pitch it. “Our no pitch no fee is a perfect riskfree exercise for any home improvement

company who are considering trialling the service as they would also benefit from our current 2 free leads promotion when opening a new account,” added Andy. To become a member of Leads 2 Trade’s trusted installer network and take advantage of booked and confirmed appointments, telephone 0800 124 4308 or visit https://bit.ly/3s77FRo

SAVE TIME AND MONEY WITH CMO TRADE When you need building supplies in a hurry, don’t wait in line, get online with a CMO Trade Account. CMO Trade is designed specifically to meet the needs of builders and professional contractors, providing access to over 75,000 products across the company’s specialist online superstores including Door Superstore. As well as being able to conveniently order supplies on the job or on the move, contractors can also check availability and delivery times to keep their project on track. And with regularly updated exclusive special offers, including a current five per cent discount on all orders

over £500, a CMO Trade Account can also help stretch budgets even further. A CMO Trade Account can either be cash or credit and as all of CMO’s products come directly from the supplier, the best and most competitive prices can aways be guaranteed. The real value however comes from CMO Trade’s commitment to offering the best service possible, with each customer allocated their own account manager who will oversee their orders from start to finish. Each CMO Trade account manager is on hand to provide expert guidance, finding cost-effective solutions to fit a range of budgets and identifying suitable

alternative materials when necessary to avoid any potential disruptions or delays. Always available by phone and email, the CMO Trade team are dedicated to helping customers choose the best products for their project and supporting them right through to its completion. The convenience of ordering building materials online is further enhanced by a plentiful supply of helpful product guides and technical information via the individual superstore websites. Sign up for an account at www.cmotrade.co.uk and take full advantage of exclusive offers across all of CMO’sspecialist websites:

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NOT ALL REINFORCING IS EQUAL With fabricators looking at their margins and trying to reduce costs, Phil Parry, Business Development Director at Epwin Windows, sounds a note of warning when it comes to purchasing reinforcing from alternative suppliers. He says: “When you buy reinforcing from your systems company, you’re essentially buying the reassurance that it complies with a myriad of regulations. In other words, we’ve done the testing so you don’t have to.” The issue with fabricators sourcing their reinforcing from elsewhere is that they will be deviating from the product specification Type Tested by the systems company. Phil said: ”The use of independently sourced reinforcing means all test results and data supplied by the systems company will be invalidated. As a result, re-assessment and re-testing may be necessary to comply with the relevant standards. This is a process that could cost tens of thousands of pounds for each system and each variant so isn’t a cost-effective solution.”

Such tests include BS6375 (Parts 1,2 & 3 - Performance of Windows & Doors) and PAS24 (Enhanced Security of Windows & Doors). It also includes BS7412 (Specification for Windows & Doors Made From PVC-U Hollow Profiles), which is the standard to which PVC-U fabricators are assessed to successfully achieve a Kitemark licence. Phil explains: “Reinforcing plays such a major part in the performance of a window. A component which may on the face of it appear to have similar geometry and surface coating, could be vastly inferior. The difference in a few mm here and there could make a large difference to the I value (stiffness). Key features such as ‘dutch folds’ which are often used to locally stiffen up key areas are neglected in cheaper sections to reduce material and cut cost. It’s not only the geometry but also the coatings that are important, BS7412 states that galvanised coatings must be to Z725 specification, thinner coatings applied to cheaper reinforcing may be up to 3 times

thinner. Such coatings are intended only for internal use and should not be exposed to the elements, which will be a problem if the steel is kept outside.” Calculations provided by the systems supplier are affected too. These include Window Energy Ratings and U value calculations, and perhaps more importantly, structural, barrier loadings and wind loading calculations. Phil continues: “Then there’s ongoing product development. Systems suppliers retain the right to alter or amend product specifications without prior notice. Nonapproved third-party suppliers will not be aware/informed of ongoing R&D which may affect the fitting of reinforcement.” Phil concludes: “Simply swapping one type of reinforcing for another cheaper option can seem like a good idea. But when an Epwin Window Systems product uses reinforcing from another supplier, it isn’t an Epwin Window Systems product any longer so it

isn’t covered by our testing accreditations or warranties. You’ll need to get confirmation from us and your certification body about what additional testing may be required. The bottom line is it could be a false economy. You may find the money you save with the cheaper reinforcing is far outweighed by the additional admin and testing costs – or the reputational risk of supplying products that don’t comply with the regulations. We would urge any fabricator to think carefully before sourcing reinforcement for other suppliers.” Tel: 0845 340 3968 www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

LIFT THE CAP ON YOUR SYSTEM OFFERING WITH EXCLUSIVE INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP The last few years have seen an uptake in homeowners making energy-efficient improvements to their homes.1 In conjunction with the announcement of a rising energy price-cap from the 1st April this year, many homeowners will be even more motivated to find energy saving solutions for their homes.

conservatory provided. But integrating their Guardian Warm Roof with VELUX® roof windows will mitigate this "Our exclusive partnership with Guardian Warm Roof the first LABC pre-approved conservatory warm roof system - Means we can help more homeowners transform their spaces, maintaining a light and airy room as desired with VELUX roof windows." Scott Leader, Market Director VELUX® Consequently, installers get access to the product offering of the outstanding industry giant VELUX®, a reputable partnership that boosts saleability among homeowners.

TIMELINE SETBACKS When homeowners instruct long-term home improvements, a common set-back is the requirement for planning approval. Applying for planning permission can be an arduous process. However, with the Guardian Warm Roof, installers can get pre-approval through the local authority. Therefore the system can be fabricated and quickly delivered to site, so installation can start a lot sooner. Pre-fabrication through Guardian Certified Fabricators means the build can be completed in as little as 3 days, allowing installers to easily plan ahead.

As the first conservatory roof conversion on the market, the Guardian Warm Roof has a long-standing reputation. This reputation continues with the Guardian Certified Installer scheme, equipping installers with excellent training. They also get first access to new offerings and partner systems such as VELUX® roof windows, hands-on business support and additional lead generation.

HOMEOWNER SOLUTIONS When looking to fix something, people look for the weakest point, and in most homes in the UK this is often the conservatory. Homeowners are realising that the glazed room they struggle to heat or cool may be more beneficial to them and to their energy costs, if it was completely demolished. But with every problem there is usually a solution and homeowners are quickly considering options for fixing their conservatory issues; ranging from quick fixes to replacing a glazed or polycarbonate roof. With over 100,000 Guardian™ Warm Roof installations in the UK, it’s no secret why homeowners favour replacing their conservatory roofs with this high performing solid roof. Homeowners choose to keep their property value by retaining the internal square footage and want to benefit from year-round energy savings and easy temperature regulation - that the Guardian Warm Roof brings - and installation companies are key to this process.

INDUSTRY PARTNERS Guardian Warm Roofs are custom built, tailored to the needs of the homeowner, and often they are conscious about losing out on the natural light their original

"With yearly increases predicted to be as much as £708, (Ofgem 2022), it’s something all of us are more than aware of. As a result of these impending changes you are probably wondering ‘how will this affect my business success?’." 62

FUTURE-PROOF BUSINESS

ENQUIRE NOW: Quote Ref: GBSVELUX2 | Call us: 0800 066 5832 E: customerservice@guardianbuildingsystems.co.uk | www.guardianbuildingsystems.co.uk 1 Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report:2021 https://www.ratedpeople.com/sp-assets/rated-people-home-improvement-trends-report-2021.pdf 2 OFGEM: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/price-cap-increase-ps693-april

Hailed as "the perfect future-proofing solution for homes with conservatories", Ross Darcy, Director at Guardian Building systems, installing Guardian Warm Roofs is the next best step for home improvement and new build companies. By expanding system offerings to homeowners, companies can lift the cap on limitations seen in other markets by responding in line with their customers' most impending needs. Catering for homeowners who want to reclaim their conservatory back or enjoy an efficient glazed extension. The Guardian Warm Roof is a luxury highperforming system that equips homeowners with peace of mind and full enjoyment of their space for years to come. Consequently, it is also the best future-proofing solution for home improvement companies in the midst of the nation’s energy crisis. Be a leader in the fenestration market and deliver the Guardian Warm Roof in your area. Enquire today to learn more about the Guardian Warm Roof or start your journey to become a Guardian Certified Installer.

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

VISIT

STAND

K21 K21 VISIT

STAND

FIT2FLY FIT2FLY WE’RE WITH YOU FOR THE LONG HAUL WE’RE WITH YOU THEbut LONG It’s been a turbulent time forFOR our industry, despiteHAUL the

challenges, we’re committed to providing you first class service. It’s been a turbulent time for our industry, but despite the We’ve had quite the journey so far, but we know exactly challenges, we’re committed to providing you first class service. where we’re heading, and we want to take you with us. We’ve had quite the journey so far, but we know exactly It’s been a long time since we’ve seen you in person – where we’re heading, and we want to take you with us. a catch up at the FIT Show is just the ticket. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen you in person – a catch up at the FIT Show is just the ticket.

VEKA.CO.UK VEKA.CO.UK

PROUD TO SUPPORT PROUD TO SUPPORT

SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

FRAMEPOINT® ACTIVITY MAKING YOUR SPACE PARTNERS WITH BUSINESS MICROS GROUP SUGGESTS STRONG The breadth of expertise START TO 2022 within the Business Micros Despite some talk of slowdown in the market, activity on Framepoint® in January suggests no sign of a cooling. Latest figures released by Tommy Trinder show that quotes prepared by installers on the Framepoint® platform reached a new high of £77milllion in the month – over 120% up on January 2021. “We saw installers come out fighting from the Christmas break with quote levels rebounding steeply from December’s seasonal lull,” says Tommy Trinder’s founder and CEO Chris Brunsdon. “In all 4854 homeowners received a quote generated by Framepoint® in January. But it doesn’t stop there. Installers are routinely submitting multiple quotes for each client; 2.3 quotes per project seems to be the average. This took the total number of quotes prepared on Framepoint® to well over 11,000 in the month – a new record high.” Tommy Trinder report that 80% of the work quoted via Framepoint® in the month was replacement, with the remainder equally split between items fitted into prepared openings, full sash box removals and supply only. Rising average quote values are also a notable feature in the market; In January the average quote prepared for a homeowner on Framepoint® stood at £6,700 compared to £5,400 a year ago. Says Chris;

“Framepoint® subscribers have always been able get a bit more on every job because it’s so easy to touch and show off premium features such as foils, dual colours, dummy vents, mechanical joints, surface mounted bars etc. But the ongoing rise in average quote values also points to supply chain price rises filtering through.” The firm reports that a growing demand for premium products such as flush casements is also bolstering quote values. Almost a quarter (22%) of all PVCu windows quoted by installers in January were flush sash, with a large proportion (40%) also featuring mechanical joints. Aluminium bifolds and sliders saw growth too, but threw up some surprises: “Aluminium doors are a vital part of a window installers repertoire; half of all installers are actively selling aluminium sliders and bifolds according to our data. Despite the resurgence in popularity of the sliding patio door, we were surprised to see that bi-folds are still outselling sliders by a factor of 2 to 1.” The number of installers using Framepoint® continues to grow too; more than 360 installation companies have now signed up to use the service, with over 1200 individuals actively using the app to prepare their quotes. 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. There is a growing understanding that working smarter is key.” Installers can find out more about Framepoint® and book a free demo at www.tommytrinder.com.

Group, and its reputation as the industry’s number one software provider, meant it was always the first choice to partner with Making Your Space when the company was planning its high-profile launch into the premium garden room and outdoor living market.

The team behind Making Your Space wanted to create a stylish, consumerfriendly website which would engage homeowners and also deliver a completely new 3D configurator to drive retail enquiries and give a real USP to trade customers. Web design came courtesy of Business Micros Group company The Consultancy and the 3D configurator was created by the same in-house programming experts behind the Business Micros TOUCH platform. Crucially, Making Your Space now has the option to work with Business Micros to integrate these front-end tools with its next-gen Touch software to encompass the entire supply chain of consumers, installers, fabricators, and material suppliers in one fully integrated system. From the outset of the project, Ryan Crossley, Director at Making Your Space, felt that Business Micros was the right partner for the project. He said: “Not only did they understand the scale of our ambition and deliver a garden room portal

which is already head and shoulders above what our competition are offering, we know that they also have all the knowledge, products and expertise in-house to help us as we continue to grow.” Currently, the Making Your Space configurator is the big differentiator which is helping to generate enquiries from both the trade and retail markets. It sits on the new Making Your Space website at https:// www.makingyourspace.co.uk/ and allows homeowners to design their dream garden room, get an indication of cost and then submit an enquiry. It is simple and intuitive to use and lets customers add all the options they need from flooring to electrics. The fact that enquiries are already effectively price conditioned means that all the leads being passed to trade customers are genuine and they are allocated by postcode, using a tool also developed by Business Micros.

Trade customers who sign up as Making Your Space Design Partners also have the option of having their own branded version of the 3D configurator embedded on their own website for free, enabling them to generate their own leads and promote the garden room option for themselves. Nick Bailey, Business Micros’ Business Development Manager, confirms that Business Micros is making major strides in the growing garden room market. He added: “The project for Making Your Space is a great demonstration of what we can deliver on 3D configurators. We’ll also be adding this functionality to our TOUCH software platform shortly so that customers can quote, price and order garden rooms from their chosen supplier using the same technology they use to order windows and doors.” More details are available at: https://store.bm-touch.co.uk/ and https://www.theconsultancy.co.uk/

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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COLD CALLING

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

DANNY WILLIAMS

‘COLD CALLING’

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

“For only the second time that I can recall, the other day a customer questioned me about what happens to the old PVC-U windows that we were removing from her house, which we replaced with brand new PVC-U. I thought there would be more concern about ‘plastic’ and pollution with everything in the newspapers and on TV. What have you found?” RJ Sussex I remember back to the end of 2017/ early 2018 when, after watching the documentaries that showed plastic floating in the sea like plankton, that the legend that is Sir David Attenborough might actually put an end to my business, and possibly a whole industry. The images were shocking and I believed that there could only be one outcome: a universal condemnation of plastics across the board, irrespective of their type and use. I regard myself as a rational man but I feared that at the very least, homeowners that were already being presented with the alternative of a new wave of aluminium windows and doors, would switch to metal frames because, after all, they’re all made of recycled coca cola tins, right? Well the revolution never began. Unlike you RJ, although I suspect that my tiny retail operation is considerably smaller than your own, we have never received an objection from a punter that our plastic windows were poisoning the planet. Not one. Your note to me could not have been better timed RJ, because appearing in the trade press currently is a report from my friend Rob McGlennon who runs Deceuninck, my biggest supplier of plastic window profiles, that an independent survey found that “44% of total respondents flatly rejected the prospect of buying home improvements manufactured in ‘plastic’’’. Rob goes on to say: “The increased awareness about the impact single use plastics are having, is great. For our industry, the fact that this survey reveals that consumers aren’t drawing a line between them and low maintenance, long-life and fully recyclable plastic building products, is a warning of things to come – unless we act now and start to communicate effectively with the homeowner.” Well Rob has been around in this industry even longer than I have and has been in position at Deceuninck since well before Sir Attenborough’s shock-horror revelations

four years ago. And I can pretty much guarantee that even without a forensic study of Deceuninck’s sales figures, they will only have seen continued growth in that period. As have the rest of us. So where was this ‘independent research’ – which I note further down the editorial, was paid for by Deceuninck - conducted? By what freakish bad luck did the pollsters stumble upon so many devout tree huggers? Because to my eternal relief and the experience of pretty much every other seller of PVC-U windows and doors, the horrors brought to our living rooms so graphically by the Blue Planet movies, have not had even the tiniest measurable impact on sales of plastic windows. That Rob and his team are pushing the firm’s new recycling plant through this release becomes clear after a more thorough read. And that is laudable because the plastics from which our windows and doors are manufactured are, having been produced initially from resources extracted from the earth’s crust, incredibly valuable and should be used over again when they are removed from people’s houses. But the wake-up call that Rob says his research represents has been suppressed by a four year snooze button. It is simply not an issue and neither is there the faintest whiff of it becoming one. Which of course, is a huge shame because PVC-U is the nearest thing that we have to a ‘sustainable’ plastic. The reality is that we humans hate our lifestyles being disrupted. And despite the Deceuninck research concluding that 38% of UK homeowners would pay more for more sustainable products, I can only say: Maybe. But certainly not windows. And if we are willing to pay more, it’s not much. In fact, an experiment conducted by Imperial College and the University of Oxford no less, showed that while the documentary increased environmental awareness in a group of volunteers, it did not translate into choosing fewer single use plastics. And that is the crap that was actually photographed killing turtles and choking sealife; as far as I know they have yet to find an old PVC-U casement at the bottom of the Caribbean.

When it became clear back in 2018 that sales of PVC-U windows were not going to fall off a cliff, I began to ask why? I told myself that, actually, Mr and Mrs Jones understood the difference between old Fanta bottles and a flush sash; that they had reasoned and researched and found that the stuff their new windows were being made from was sustainable and could be recycled over and over. But actually, I just think that none of us really care, as long as we have what we want, that our lives are not disrupted. A mindset that is further reinforced by the need to console ourselves for the ‘hardships’ that we have all suffered through the pandemic. Or at least that’s what my sales figures suggest. Having picked the Deceuninck item apart, I should say that I fully support Rob’s aims, which is to increase throughput at his company’s recycling plant specifically and generally to drive up the number of old plastic windows that get recycled into new products. PVC-U really is a remarkable material and according to blurb that seems to have become part of the fabric of recycling, it can be recycled as many as seven times, although how they can work it out so precisely, I have no idea, as the promoted view is that will take us 350 years into the future. But all of this seems to focus on what happens to old frames as they are removed. There still seems to be a reluctance to openly promote the inclusion of recycled material in new profiles, something that was discussed during the Glazing Summit that I attended last last year; and which was fudged over. Privately I have been told by a couple of systems company execs that ‘fabricators don’t like second-hand material in their profiles’. Which to my mind - and now considering the findings in the Deceuninck research - is utter balls. Of course, the 44% that Rob’s research says are not buying plastic windows may have been replaced by the same number that don’t give a flying. But if, as I believe, sales have not been disrupted at all, ensuring that we promote PVC-U windows and doors as being sustainable may actually increase business by tapping in to new punters. When every other consumer industry promotes sustainability of their products to death, it makes no sense at all for ours to not do the same.

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

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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FIT SHOW 2022 PREVIEW

STAND NO. C5

FIT SHOW FLIES INTO 2022 WITH RECORD BREAKING INDUSTRY SUPPORT FIT Show organisers have announced record levels of industry support for its delayed 2021 event, which is due to return to the NEC Birmingham from 10 - 12 May, 2022. Visitor registration is currently 50% above the same point in the campaign for FIT Show 2019 show, whilst a total of thirteen brands have signed up to exhibit or increased their stand size in the month of January alone. When FIT Show returns in May it will be the first live European trade show for the glass, glazing, windows, doors, conservatories, hardware and components industry in three years. Organisers have reported that there will be an exciting lineup which includes a combination of brand leaders, new and exciting start-ups, FIT Show first-timers and some well-known brands who will be returning for the first time in years. In January, machinery giant, Haffner Murat increased its space to 610sqm, making it the largest stand in FIT Show’s history, in order to be able to showcase more running machinery such as the Graf Synergy Range. Fenestration industry recruitment experts, Chase Taylor have also taken more space at the show, as did composite decking supplier, Ronjack. Debut FIT Show exhibitors who have signed up in recent weeks include bespoke metal door manufacturer, Strongdor

and modular steel outbuildings manufacturer, Telluria. They’ll be joined by FIT Show first-timers ICB Fabrications, sustainable merchandise supplier, Media HUT, Checkatrade, the online portal for finding tradespeople and Solar Calibre Doors. Returning brands to join the lineup include machinery experts, Emmegi who are joined by bespoke timber window, door and fire doorset manufacturer, West-Port Timber, window and door manufacturer, Force 8 and hardware manufacturer J Banks & Co Ltd. FIT Show event director, Nickie West comments: “We really have hit the ground running this year and I am delighted to see so many exciting brands, both new and returning, added to the floorplan in recent weeks. “The lifting of UK restrictions and delay of Fensterbau have boosted both exhibitor and visitor enquiries, making the UK a safe haven for those looking to connect their brand with the market, en masse, via a trade show. We’re proud that FIT Show will be the first major European trade show for the entire industry, post-pandemic. “In the coming weeks we’ll be running an online exhibitor enhancement day to ensure that all of the brands that have shown their support by choosing to exhibit will be armed

with all of the information they need to drive the best possible return on investment. We’re working hard behind the scenes on our learning programme, which is taking shape at pace. We’ll be delivering the very latest information about key industry issues, including presentations about the Approved Documents F, L & O covering the upcoming changes to Building Regulations, which are to come into force from 15th June. “We’ll also have content that helps installers and fitters to do better business - from managing their supply chain and improving efficiencies through to growing their portfolios to increase profitability. “Our focus from March onwards will include building on the fantastic visitor pre-registrations that we have already amassed over the last few months. We’re excited to start the visitor campaign in earnest ahead of welcoming our entire community back to the NEC in May.”

CRL GLASS ROOMS PROVIDE ALL WEATHER PROTECTION AT FIT SHOW 2022 CRL will be bound for Birmingham from 10-12 May, for FIT Show 2022. On Stand A51 at the NEC, CRL will be presenting its Glass Rooms, an easy to install solution that enables homeowners to make the most of their outdoor space. Simple to construct CRL Glass Rooms feature an intelligent modular design, with an aluminium structure that requires very few supports over large areas. The innovative connectors give a high degree of flexibility with many variations possible, while optional extras including sliding doors, vertical blinds and roof blinds makes it simple to create a unique

space that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons. The system’s modular design enables the Glass Room to be configured to suit any space, from simple rectangles to more complex L shape designs. The drainage is cleverly integrated into the post, with rainwater channelled through the gutter into the drain pipe. The front profile of the post can be easily removed using a clip system to allow easy access to the drain. Simon Boocock, Managing Director of CRL Europe, comments: “FIT Show offers a very effective way for us to introduce our brand and range of solutions to new

customers within the glass and glazing industry, as well as to highlight new products to existing customers and gain their feedback. “ Visit CRL on Stand A51 to find out more about this innovative system, at a time

when homeowners are investing in the creation of such indoor/outdoor spaces and installers need a solution that is simple to install and offers a great deal of flexibility. Tel: 01706 863600 – www.crlaurence.co.uk

‘PVC-U RECYCLING HAS COME A LONG WAY SINCE THE LAST FIT SHOW’

AND VEKA RECYCLING WANTS TO SHOW HOW JUST HOW FAR AT THIS YEAR’S EVENT ON STAND K21

VEKA Recycling is using the FIT Show to engage with installers, fabricators and other systems brands to communicate the importance of recycling PVC-U and how it can help sales and profits at every level of the supply chain: “VEKA Recycling processes end-of-life PVC-U window and door frames irrespective of original manufacture,” says Alex Hamilton, the firm’s head of sales and marketing. “We need all the frames that we can get to put back into the system, especially new window and door profiles. And we also want to encourage installers not only to recycle old

frames, but to understand the importance of doing so responsibly and through licenced recyclers. And of course, to use the fact that they are recycling their customers’ old frames to reassure them that the material is being used to make brand new products, including frames.” Alex added: “So much has changed in PVC-U recycling even since the last FIT Show, including the opening of our new plant in Wellingborough and we want to talk to as many visitors as possible about how they can use recycling to close sales and add to their bottom lines, whatever level of the industry they operate at.”

VEKA Recycling’s brand-new PVC-U recycling facility in Wellingborough is the most advanced of its type in Europe. Opened at the end of 2020 it was built specifically for the re-processing of endof-life PVC-U window and door frames, together with sending virgin offcut material back into the system. Significantly, the new plant allows the complete reprocessing of old frames inhouse, with no further movement to other sites for refinement. https://veka-recycling.co.uk

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

2022

NEC BIRMINGHAM NEC BIRMINGHAM 10-12 MAY 10-12 2022 MAY 2022

MISS MISS UK’SUK’S BIGGEST BIGGEST AND AND BESTBEST TRADE TRADE SHOW SHOW FOR THEFOR WINDOWS, THE WINDOWS, DOORS, DOORS, GLAZING GLAZING & COMPONENTS & COMPONENTS INDUSTRY INDUSTRY

+4000 +4000 +200 +200 SEE THESEE BEST THE INBEST THE INDUSTRY, IN THE INDUSTRY, BE THE BEST BE THE INBEST THE BUSINESS. IN THE BUSINESS.

NEW SHOW NEW SHOW DATES: DATES: NEC BIRMINGHAM, NEC BIRMINGHAM, 10-12 MAY 10-122022 MAY 2022 FIT Show FIT isShow on the is on move. the Same move. Same award-winning award-winning event, event, new safer new safer Spring Spring dates. Register dates. Register for freefor to free to attend attend FIT as FIT we as welcome we welcome the the industryindustry back together back together at the NEC at the NEC FIT Show FIT2022, Showvisit 2022, visit www.fitshow.co.uk/why-visit www.fitshow.co.uk/why-visit #FITShow22 #FITShow22

SEALED UNITS & GLASS

IGU MANUFACTURERS TURN TO AUTOMATION AS SKILLS CRISIS BITES Interest in automation among British IGU manufacturers is higher than ever according to world-leading spacer bar specialists Edgetech, a Quanex company. Over the last two years, British fenestration has experienced incredible success despite the pandemic. However, during the last six months in particular, it’s also begun to face huge challenges, most notably when it comes to materials and skills. It’s these issues in particular that Edgetech believes are driving more IGU manufacturers towards automation, as Managing Director Chris Alderson explains.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS NEW FREEFOAM CASE STUDIES: REAL HOMES AND REAL STORIES Home transformations and improvements have been a major outcome of the events of the last two years. Homes have become places of work and leisure. People want to make their homes more spacious, convenient, comfortable, low maintenance and attractive, and many have used funds normally spent on travel and holidays on home improvements. To illustrate this trend Freefoam Building Products have developed two new cases studies, featuring cladding and fascia products, to highlight how a large number of homeowners all over the UK are using low maintenance, cost effective PVC to update and re configure their homes to ensure they are fit for purpose now and

“A third of British workers are over 50 years old, it’s thought as many as 1.3 million EU workers have left the country since Brexit, and the scarcity of skilled workers is already leading to wage inflation.

“By far, automation is the best long-term strategy for boosting productivity and improving quality in IGU production.

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

in the future. The first case study features Freefoam Fortex weatherboard cladding in subtle Misty Grey fitted on two refurbished and extended dormers. With teenage children the homeowner needed more space so decided to extend the dormers to create larger, more adaptable bedrooms. He explained “We looked at replacing with tiles, and also thought about render, but then found information about cladding. Cost was a factor and we liked the Freefoam cladding as it was suitable for our budget.”

New low maintenance fascia

The homeowners, both recently retired, bought their home from new over 20 years ago. Built with PVC windows, but featuring wood fascia and soffit, the roofline had over time degraded, and needed regular maintenance. Part of their retirement plans

! IZE PR

“Given the pressures every manufacturing business faces when it comes to skills, and that will only increase in the months and years ahead, I think it’s inevitable that automation will become a much bigger part not just of our industry, but virtually every sector of the economy”.

Fortex Misty Grey Weatherboard

The second case study shows Freefoam PVC fascia, soffit and gutter fitted on a property in Yorkshire, installed by a local Freefoam Registered Installer.

“Unsurprisingly, this has led to more and more IGU manufacturers contacting us to enquire about automating the spacer application process.

“Switching to a high-speed automated Super Spacer® line can yield savings of up to £180,000, and increase output by 18%, all while requiring less than half the number of operators.

were to update and modernise the house, and to make sure the maintenance was kept to a minimum to allow more time for travel.

WIN £10 CASH PRIZE!!

Circle three differences in the boxes below, fill in your contact details and send your competition entry to: FAO: Miss Christina Shaw, Glass News Competitions, 19 Heather Close, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9UU or Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk. Entry deadline: 20/03/22.

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The homeowner explained “We liked the Freefoam products. We chose white and were pleased to find out that it came with a 50 year guarantee and felt reassured that there would be no more tricky and costly maintenance. One of the other benefits for us was that the Freefoam installer organised the whole job. They arranged the scaffolding contractor so we only had to deal with one company. The fitting team were great and worked hard and got the job done quickly and efficiently, with not too much mess. We’re really pleased with the results.“ Louise Sanderson, Freefoam UK Marketing Manager summarised “Our marketing team know how valuable homeowner testimonials and case studies can be. We focus on generating good quality, relevant case studies to showcase our range of products and illustrate how they are being used to transform and improve homes around the country. We work closely throughout the whole supply chain with suppliers, installers and homeowners to shine a light on the excellent work that is happening throughout the UK.” www.freefoam.com

March 2022 | 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 • Facebook ads link back to your 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)

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Come and meet the Improve Magazine team at the FIT Show! Stand No.

From the get-go, Glass News have taken the time to understand our business and ambitions, working closely with us to help craft our message and broadcast it far and wide throughout the trade. From video interviews and click through banners, to stand-out advertising and on point features about our product, people and performance, Glass News has become an indispensable voice for our brand. Communication is clear, pricing is no nonsense and service comes with a smile. Highly recommended.

Chris Brunsdon Founder & CEO Tommy Trinder.Com

What a lovely team to work with – in fact, it often doesn’t feel like work! Print, PR, social and digital offerings from Glass News all deliver great results for my clients. We enjoy working alongside the team at Glass News because they clearly care as much about our business as we do, always wanting to ensure they get everything right, and that our messages and the presentation of them are tailored perfectly for the audience receiving them. It is always a plus to receive a proof in advance of publication, not only to check any final details, but also to get a ‘wow’ from the way things are going to look. We know our clients really appreciate and benefit from this. The team has developed a really good mix of marketing tactics over the years, ensuring that the messages we want to send out are delivered through multiple channels to hit the widest possible audience. I would have no hesitation recommending the team at Glass News to anybody who is thinking about working with them; they deliver great value and are a pleasure to work with.

Chris Globe Director Inside The Box Marketing

Sarah Coupe Director Dialogue PR Ltd

Having worked with Christina and Kate and her team for over 17 years they have proved to be invaluable to our sales and marketing. The design briefs, quality of work, inspiration and creativity has helped us build a strong and well respected brand over the years, their communication work ethic and commitment to deliver on time is nothing but first class. I’d recommend anyone who is looking for outside inspiration, don’t search for long, you just need to contact Christina, the rest will take care of itself.

Jeff Walsh Chairman Pearl Window Systems Ltd

Full Service Marketing & All General Enquiries: christina@glassnews.co.uk

At Liniar and Avantek we’re extremely happy with the support we receive from the team at Glass News and its family of titles. Our editorial content is always presented to an excellent standard and style, whilst remaining cost effective – we feel the coverage provided enhances our brand strategy very well.

What has always captivated us at Selecta, whilst also being endearing, is that Glass News are unique in the industry, a bit like ourselves! The marketing mix is excellent and the relationship we have built up with the Glass News team, means they know exactly what works for them and more importantly what works for us on delivering results. We just love original content and it’s here where they tick all the right boxes. Everyone loves a candid interview with Chris and his camera! With quite a few glass and glazing magazines in our industry, Glass News has remained price competitive whilst being very easy to work with, accommodating and extremely flexible. We would certainly recommend them and their family of titles. For us, Glass News continues to stand out as one of the leading publications within our industry with Christina, Chris and the team very much feeling part of the extended Selecta family.

Sue Davenport Group Marketing Director Liniar

We use Glass News as part of our annual PR plans. Glass News run a good variety of features to engage readers throughout the year. We use these to communicate our messages and news to a relevant audience. We like the variety of print and online formats available from the Glass News titles, and are increasingly using digital formats to reach people.

Mark Walker Marketing & Design Manager Selecta Systems Ltd

Glass News is a popular and widely-read publication – the quality and variety of editorial content makes each issue relevant and engaging. Chris’ industry experience and understanding is reflected in the quality of his questions and his write-ups. MRA works closely with Glass News to get the right mix of content and exposure for our clients. The team – who have worked in the industry for many years – are always happy to help us get the best results.

Louise Sanderson Marketing Manager Freefoam Building Products

Nadia Hall MRA Marketing Associate Director

Glass News has successfully adapted its model to change in the media landscape. This includes the extension of its digital offer, creating a multi-media strategy combining print, online and social channels.

• Interviews, Face to Face Articles and Editorial Features

This has meant that as a sector specialist marketing agency we’ve been able to not only tap into its direct audience reach, but also to amplify the reach of client-owned social and digital channels, through our relationships with it. We’re also big fans of the integration of video and the written word, something embraced by Glass News across its digital platforms.

• PR, Video, Weekly E-Newsletter and Website

The reach and influence that industry media exerts in the digital arena is often overlooked. Independent media titles are key ‘influencers’ online, print editions provide a further platform.

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• Print Advertising, Digital Advertising and Find A Supplier

In its proactive approach to bring those channels together, the team at Glass News have created a series of carefully considered media titles with a proven reach among trade and home improvement audiences. These extend beyond print to a comprehensive and integrated digital offering.

John Warren Director Lasco PR and Marketing

Come and meet the Glass News team at the FIT Show! Stand No.

www.glassnews.co.uk

YOUR LETTERS

LETTERS

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? Feel free to get in touch with your views on the industry, legislation, government, or even the newspaper. Contact Chris: chris@glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

A SHIFT IN THE RETAIL LANDSCAPE?

HAS INNOVATION DRIED UP IN THE UK?

Dear Chris, The start to 2022? It’s been ok. And I suppose we knew it would be. Our customers are still working their way through big order books and that means that we’re also busy.

Dear Chris, As an installation business, in my role at Cherwell, rather than Business Pilot, we’re at the sharp end. We need to be able to offer homeowners products that they want to buy - to tap into their aspirations and give them something that excites them. It’s over-used, but it’s that ‘Grand Designs-effect’. That’s reshaped, and continues to reshape, retail. Cherwell works in mid and higherend tiers of the market. What we see in common across each, is that our customers are buying into a lifestyle. They want to feel good about their purchases. This means that they’re looking for products that fit. Products which have a strong aesthetic quality but also, which deliver on performance, and to find those, we increasingly find ourselves looking to Europe, rather than the UK. I totally appreciate that challenges in the supply chain have made it very difficult to bring innovation forward, here in the UK, or anywhere else. With a little luck, we may see new products coming online this year, as it stands today, however, things have become a little stale, and we’re sourcing more of the products that we fit, from outside the UK. That’s not because I want to talk down manufacturers here. It’s simply that as a retailer, I can’t always supply the products that my customers want, from the UK. These are products that drive our industry forward and which shift window and doors from a commodity to an aspirational purchase. As a personal example, I’m currently building what will be our ‘forever home’. We’re making it as eco-friendly as possible, so energy efficient, ground source heat pumps, all those good things - things that will lower are living costs and which make us feel better about what we’re doing. We also want it to look good. What is disappointing is that we have had to source windows and doors to do that from Germany

and Austria, because the products here didn’t deliver what we wanted. This is a project-house, and not everyone’s installation will be quite as demanding – but surely it should be available in the UK, there should be a manufacturer meeting that demand. And they aren’t. What concerns me is it’s not only the high-end market. Although there are some solid products among them, the solutions that we can offer to aspirational homeowners in the mid-markets are limited. At present lead generation doesn’t matter. The work is there, and too much of it - but that’s inevitably going to change at some point, maybe this year, maybe next. We need to be selling homeowners a vision of their future selves and underpinning that with great customer experience. That comes back to having those products and service. Putting my hat on as a director and founder of Business Pilot, that’s what it exists to do - to help installers deliver great customer experience by helping them to manage every touch point with the consumer from enquiry to installation and aftercare. Business Pilot also helps you to understand which products are making you money in real time - and trust me, it’s not standard windows and doors. I want to close out on a positive. There are big opportunities ahead. The more focus homeowners bring to the design of windows and doors, their performance, how sustainable they are, how they integrate with smart tech in their home, the bigger the opportunity.

What’s slightly different to this time last year is that we have more control. Our supply chain is performing better and many of the systems and processes that we put in place last year to help manage demand are now bedded in and we’re operating more efficiently than we ever have. We’re also continuing to attract new customers and we’re back to being good at what we have built our reputation on. That’s service, support, and product innovation. That’s reflected in the launch of our new smart complaints process this month. We get things wrong (although we try not to). Accessed through EVA, the Emplas customer portal, our customers can raise a complaint and place an instant order for a replacement product from site and from their mobile phone. This appears in a real-time customer service dashboard and is categorized with new targeted response times, so that critical replacements, for example where they represent a security or safety risk, are fasttracked through the production process. It’s about service, our service to our customers and their service offer to the end-user. That’s important because retail will slow down this year. Those word-ofmouth recommendations, Trust Pilot reviews - they’re going to start to count again. Household budgets are going to be squeezed. The Bank of England issued a warning at the start of this month [Feb] that it expects rate of inflation to hit 7% by this spring. Spiralling energy costs and increased import costs way above the bank’s target rate of 2%.

We can meet it from Europe but I’d much rather do so from here.

That means very simply that homeowners will have less cash to spend.

Ryan Breslin Managing Director, Cherwell Windows

It doesn’t mean that we’re heading towards a cliff-edge, only things are going to slow from the exceptionally

high levels of demand that we have seen in the last two-years. The housing market has slowed, largely because of affordability and low levels of stock, but prices continue to rise. This should give homeowners with equity in their properties the confidence to invest, even if the return of Stamp Duty may dissuade them from moving. Sharper energy prices from April and increased awareness surrounding energy efficiency, may also be enough to encourage homeowners who have held off on improvements, to reach into their pockets. I also believe that there is another legacy from Covid and that is that having spent more time in their homes than they ever have done in the last two-years, consumers see their properties differently. They are more aspirational, more willing to spend. That coincides with the shift into the mainstream of new generation products, foils and flush. We’ve seen demand for our new range of foils and the Optima Flush Casement, increase significantly in the last 12-months. It’s been the same for our range of aluminium doors and windows. The products we supply are now far less of a commodity than they are an aspirational purchase, personal choice and taste come into play - and everyone’s taste, is slightly different. That also creates tomorrow’s market. Ryan Johnson Managing Director, Emplas

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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BLINDS

Dear Chris,

WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY FOR VICTORIAN PLEATED BLACKOUT UNI-BLINDS® WITH SLIDERS LONG SUMMER DAYS ON THE HORIZON SUPPORTS WORTHY CAUSES WITH £10K CHARITY DONATION

The upcoming requirements under Part F of the Building Regs to fit trickle vents in virtually all replacement windows are causing quite a stir amongst installers – with many complaining about how unpopular they are with homeowners. That’s completely at odds with our experience in the social housing sector. The vast majority of residents in homes where we are fitting windows understand exactly why they are necessary, and we actually get very little pushback. If we do, our fitters are fully briefed to explain the benefits of background ventilation – and the likely cost of remedials. I was surprised then to see the figure shared recently by Dean Bradley of Glazpart that, of 55 sites audited by the government during the consultation on the new Building Regs, only 2 were fully compliant even with the 2006 version of Approved Document F. No wonder that there will now be an Installation and Commissioning checklist that has to be completed and handed over to the homeowner after a window installation that includes sign off on the background ventilation. Knowingly making a false declaration on that will invalidate either FENSA or CERTASS certification. As I see it, there’s nowhere really to go in terms of non-compliance. The rules state that a replacement installation should make the ventilation ‘no worse’ and the fact is that if you replace any double gasketed PVC-U window with a like for like replacement, it will increase the air tightness simply because the original will have deteriorated in performance over time. My understanding is that it won’t be enough to take a photograph to justify not fitting a trickle vent either – effectively, you’d have to complete a before and after air tightness test and that would be completely unviable. I actually think it will become increasingly difficult during the course of this year for installers to buy frames that aren’t routed for trickle vents. Certainly, fabricators we have spoken to plan to make inclusion of trickle vents the default option on their ordering systems. As soon as they effectively become compulsory, where’s the incentive for fabricators to encourage the breaking of the rules? Obviously, there are relatively few physical inspections carried out to police the Building Regs, but that shouldn’t be a reason for installers to ignore them. Maybe what’s needed is a better communications programme to persuade homeowners of the benefits of trickle vents and, in a post-Covid world, reinforce the importance of bringing fresh air into their homes? David Thornton Chairman, The Window Company (Contracts)

Sash window specialists Victorian Sliders have begun 2022 by supporting two extremely worthy causes. In place of the Christmas gifts they would usually send to their customers, the South Wales firm has donated £5,000 to Ty Hafan’s children hospice, and £5,000 to ABF – The Soldier’s Charity.

The Uni-Blinds® pleated blackout integral blind, which is attracting strong interest amongst those looking for a ‘darkness on demand’ shading solution as summer arrives

Homeowners looking to shut out the bright light of summer evenings and early mornings have a stylish new option open to them this year with the recently launched Uni-Blinds® pleated blackout integral blind. Perfect for windows and doors in rooms such as bedrooms, cinema rooms and children’s nurseries, the high performance pleated blackout integral blind system from Morley Glass is attracting strong interest among homeowners and installers given its ability to transform a room. For those customers planning ahead for spring and summer home improvement projects, this new integrated blind option provides an effective solution for rooms affected by unwanted daylight. Its ‘darkness on demand’ capability is provided through a design that prevents light bleed around the edges, as well as along the cords – a common area for light to leak through. With eight colours available and a choice of control systems including a cordless magnetic slider, the Uni-Blind pleated blackout system provides a shading and privacy solution to suit every taste. They can be used in all types of windows and doors, subject to maximum and minimum sizes, and every unit is manufactured to the highest quality standards using only the globally renowned ScreenLine® integral systems from Italian company Pellini.

CHARITY NEWS

Like all Uni-Blinds, the pleated blackout is made to order by Morley Glass at its state of the art factory in Leeds and delivered nationwide to customers in as little as 10 days. Ian Short, MD of Morley Glass said: “We know through feedback from our installers that many homeowners say they would benefit from a blackout blind in specific rooms to suit their lifestyle. For example, those who work shifts and have to sleep during the day, or parents with young children – they can create a better sleeping environment with a blackout blind. “That’s why we developed the UniBlinds pleated blackout integral blind with Pellini to extend our range. It means that homeowners who want to complete their new windows or doors with integrated blinds – or upgrade their existing windows – do not need to compromise to make their internal spaces perfect.” The Uni-Blinds pleated blackout is suitable for a range of double glazed unit thicknesses, including an a 20mm cavity exclusively from Morley Glass. Each unit also benefits from a bespoke warm edge spacer bar to guarantee excellent thermal performance. Ian added: “For any installer looking to expand what they offer to homeowners and gain a competitive edge, as our pleated blackout demonstrates, Uni-Blinds is a superb product range to consider. All our integral blinds units are easy to fit, and we provide unrivalled nationwide support to help our customers deliver the right installation every time.”

One of Britain’s leading paediatric palliative care charities, Ty Hafan offers comfort, care and support to life-limited children throughout Wales. This support can be in the hospice, in the community or at home, and gives parents and carers a chance to relax and recharge their batteries. Formerly the Army Benevolent Fund, ABF is a national charity established to support both serving soldiers and veterans of the British Army. ABF supports 60,000 people in 63 countries, giving grants to individuals, families and other organisations. In the 2020-2021 financial year, the youngest person it helped was aged two, and the oldest was aged 103. However, the fantastic service offered by both charities comes at a cost – Ty Hafan has to raise over £4.5m every year to stay operational, while last year ABF’s expenditure was £8.3m. “Throughout the pandemic, thousands of fantastic charities supporting people across the country have struggled to raise vital funds,” comments Victorian Sliders Marketing Manager Geoff Bishop. “That’s why, this year, we decided to do our bit to help Ty Hafan and ABF continue their incredible work. On behalf of ourselves and our valued customers, we’ve made donations which we hope will help both organisations make life better for dozens more people around the country. “If you’d like to do the same, please visit the Ty Hafan and ABF websites: http://tyhafan.org and https://soldierscharity.org!”

To find out more visit www.morleyglass.co.uk.

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SPONSORED BY GQA AND BUILDING OUR SKILLS GQA Qualifications is the only issuer of CSCS cards for the Glass and Fenestration industries. Building Our Skills is a strategic campaign designed to help bridge the growing skills gap in the Fenestration Industry

CAREERS

BUILDING OUR SKILLS EXPANDS TRAINING CENTRE NETWORK Building Our Skills - Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice is expanding its national network of practical training centres with the addition of two new academy sites. The first is via a partnership with BUILD training, located near Heathrow airport, and the other through collaboration with Glass & Fenestration Training Solutions (GFTS) in Cornwall. The expansion of the delivery network for practical training follows quickly after the acquisition by Building Our Skills of the digital assets and course content of Profitter which includes a range of courses including an introduction to fenestration for beginners, intermediate and advanced courses, along with specialist opportunities and surveying. BUILD is an independent training provider, working with learners of a broad range of ages from sixteen up to seventy-five to facilitate their entry into the construction sector. Commenting on its partnership with Building Our Skills, BUILD’s Head of Centre, Marcia Wootton and Jane Gunn, BUILD’s Head Of Construction jointly stated: “It’s great to be part of the Building Our Skills ‘family’. The aims of BOS and BUILD are very much aligned. We’re fans of what BOS is trying to achieve, and hope that we can contribute to this too. We’re passionate about the fenestration industry, and want to help address the skills gap from which it is suffering. In particular, we can help to encourage younger people into the industry by ensuring they see the real career opportunities it presents.”

Glass & Fenestration Training Solutions (GFTS) offer a very broad range of apprenticeships, training and qualifications across the whole of the country in many aspects of the fenestration industry. These include glass processing, installation & surveying, curtain walling, glazing, fabrication of glass supporting systems and associated qualifications. GFTS reflect the view put forward by BUILD training. Samantha Tinker, GFTS’s Director of Business and Quality says: “Here at GFTS we also share the aims of Building Our Skills, and believe it’s vital to encourage new people into the fenestration industry. Qualifications and good-quality training are a means of helping learners to carve out a career in the industry and help business

managers to retain their staff and compete competitively. We back Building Our Skills totally and are very pleased to be part of its network of training providers.” In addition to its original practical training academy at Sheffield and the two new practical training centre, Building Our Skills is looking at adding further sites, including the next proposed one in the Scottish Borders. All practical training content is formally GQA accredited giving learners a skills card to carry with them to show their achievements, and which can be added to as they enrol for further, more advanced courses. This latest initiative from Building Our Skills to open two new centres is in line with

“This latest initiative from Building Our Skills to open two new centres is in line with its twin aims of bringing more new people into the fenestration industry and upskilling industry employees to promote personal and professional development, encourage employee loyalty, and to raise standards.”

its twin aims of bringing more new people into the fenestration industry and upskilling industry employees to promote personal and professional development, encourage employee loyalty, and to raise standards. Commenting on the new development, John Ogilvie, Director of Building Our Skills said: “Here at Building Our Skills we strongly believe that practical training is the way forward for the industry. Opening these two new centres is a great step forward for the industry and demonstrates our commitment to raising standards in fenestration. It’s gratifying that we are able to offer training to support industry employees to do their jobs to the highest standards, and that we are now able to do this on a regional basis which has obvious appeal for those wanting to train.” More information on Building Our Skills Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice - is available at www.buildingourskills.co.uk or through www.profitter.org.uk.

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

NEW APPOINTMENTS

WINDOW SUPPLY COMPANY APPOINTS SALES DIRECTOR - ENGLAND Leading window and door manufacturer Window Supply Company (WSC) announces the appointment of Sarah Starkey as Sales Director – England, as the company moves to implement its growth strategy and expand operations into England.

history of success to the role. As founding Managing Director of a successful business in UK glass and glazing, Sarah was responsible for establishing renowned Wales based company Victorian Sliders.

Sarah will be responsible for establishing Window Supply Company South of the border, developing the company’s sales strategy, and building the WSC brand. Initially Sarah will focus on opening a dedicated new distribution centre and expanding the company’s trade counter network in England.

From there Sarah joined Synseal as Business Development Manager for their fabricated products division, driving sales to over £8M. Later, Sarah joined Stevenswood in several Regional Sales Director roles responsible for driving sales through the company’s trade counter network in both Scotland and England. Sarah then moved on to Essex based window manufacturer Iceni as National Sales Manager.

With more than 25 years’ experience in the UK fenestration sector, Sarah brings a wealth of experience and impressive

Duncan Murray, CEO, Window Supply Company says: ‘Sarah brings a profound wealth of industry experience to the role

and a fantastic insight into the English market which will be key for us in establishing our presence down South. Sarah joins us at a pivotal time as we seek to capitalise on increased market demand and make significant investments in people, technology and infrastructure as a platform for growth’. Sarah adds: “I’m delighted to join Window Supply Company during such a pivotal stage in the company’s development. I am looking forward to the challenge of establishing the company in England and supporting its continued growth. I am confident the company’s reputation for delivering exceptional quality products with unrivalled service and support will transfer easily into the English market.

Sarah Starkey

ww.windowsupplycompany.co.uk

CAREERS

GQA INTERVIEWS NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

- ONE OF A SERIES OF INTERVIEWS MARKING 20 YEARS OF GQA GQA Qualifications celebrates twenty years of trading in January 2022. A part of the activities to mark the event is a series of interviews with the directors of the organisation. Here we talk to John Ogilvie, one of GQA’s five Non-Executive Directors and an Ambassador for Building Our Skills - Making Fenestration a Career of Choice. He has been involved with GQA for four years. What does being a Director of GQA mean to you? It’s a real privilege to be part of the GQA ‘family’ where I’m able to use the experience I’ve built up over the past 30 years and complement that of the other directors to give something back. It’s gratifying to be involved with helping to make the industry attractive to potential new entrants and to help people to advance their skills in order to develop their career. What do you think are the strengths of GQA? I think it’s marvellous that GQA provides qualifications for such a broad range of roles in the fenestration industry without being material-biased. This impartial approach is

one of its strengths, for sure. In addition, the organisation is flexible enough to be able to offer qualifications that are relevant because they meet the ever-changing demands of the industry. What does your experience bring to the table? I’ve worked with systems companies in marketing and sales roles, and latterly I ran a trade association dealing with all aspects of the supply chain. A key part of the latter was the training the association offered. Having been closely involved in that, and developing and running a competent persons scheme, my role with GQA feels like a natural progression and a good fit. I really appreciate the value of a qualification in order to prove competence - it’s a great thing to achieve and boosts the learner’s confidence. And of course, for employers, having formally assessed staff is a great way to differentiate your company from your competition. What changes have you seen in GQA over the past twenty years you’d like to highlight? I’ve been involved with GQA for four years, so I only really feel properly qualified to comment on that period. I’m very pleased to have witnessed the range of qualifications offered by GQA expand considerably in that time. GQA is the only body offering the CSCS card in the fenestration industry, and it’s been wonderful to see the uptake in this accelerate. I would also highlight GQA’s moves into other sectors such as printing, the nuclear industry, scouting and general construction. The exacting standards

of, for example, the nuclear industry are testimony to GQA’s high quality offering. In addition, it’s great to see the additional training centres around the country with whom GQA is now aligned. Each one is rigorously vetted to ensure it meets GQA’s high standards. How important do you feel qualifications and training are? Extremely important. The fenestration industry is a fantastic one in which to work. But, approximately 25% of its employees are set to retire over the next 10 years. This means the existing skills shortage could become even more acute. We need to attract new blood into the industry and demonstrate career paths that are underpinned by qualifications. Also, we need to be able to assist people who are considering a change of career and need qualifications to get started. For employers, it’s crucial that they are able to retain staff, and one means of facilitating this is by investing in their skills and training. This is why the practical training offered by Building Our Skills is so important and why I’m an Ambassador of this not-for-profit organisation. We’re a great industry, and we’ve just got to prove to people - especially young people that this is an attractive place to work. The industry has moved on considerably, and today - as proved by GQA’s recent survey - parents are more likely to recommend it as an option for their offspring than they used to. With attitudes changing, it is no longer the case that parents are automatically pushing their offspring down

John Ogilvie

the university route. These days, they are placing far more value than ever before on vocational training, which has got to be a good thing for the industry. We just need to keep hammering home the message that the fenestration industry offers a whole plethora of roles, and it’s not just all about selling windows and doors. Where do you see GQA heading in the future? I think we need to continue to listen carefully to industry employers and engage with them in order to ensure that we carry on offering qualifications that are relevant and in keeping with industry developments. Part of this picture will be to keep a close eye on legislation, building regulations and industry trends. An illustrative example of this point would be that as the influence of automation and I.T. grows apace, we might need to offer new qualifications to support them. As new roles and job types take shape we must make sure they are in our ‘basket’ of qualifications. In addition, we need to continue to focus on our core activities and promote the importance of training and qualifications generally. More information on GQA is available at www.gqaqualifications.com.

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

NEW APPOINTMENTS

CENTRAL GEARED UP FOR GROWTH THANKS TO RECENT PROMOTION From ordering and processing, through to manufacturing and final delivery, Central Window Systems has always prided itself on providing a seamless service, which is why the full solution fabricator has appointed a new Warehouse and Logistics Manager. After 15 years spent as a Customer Services Advisor with Central, Mark McHale recently received the promotion, with the new role seeing him supervising the smooth delivery of products, managing inventory, and maintaining relationships with carriers, suppliers and most importantly, customers. Mark comments: “In my previous role as a Customer Services Advisor, I spent a lot of time handling customer enquiries, providing product support, building relationships with suppliers, and looking for

opportunities to enhance overall customer experience.

installers, growing both its product portfolio and customer base.

“Fifteen years in this role has more than prepared me for the additional responsibilities of a Warehouse and Logistics Supervisor, and I very much look forward to taking the company further.”

Central Window Systems CEO Gary Morton comments: “It’s been an incredibly busy period for us, and that’s not showing any signs of slowing down.

The past 20 months have been extremely busy for Central, and have seen the company expand its manufacturing facility to 52,000 feet and produce up to 1,600 PVCu products per week.

“At Central, we’ve always been committed to delivering a seamless service to our customers, despite the challenges the industry has faced, and I believe that with Mark as the new Warehouse and Logistics Supervisor, we’re in good hands.

Mark’s promotion follows the appointments of a new Operations Director, Supply Chain Manager, SHEQ Manager, as well as new additions to the Customer Services Team.

“He’s been with the business for 15 years, is familiar with all aspects of our warehouse operations, and I have every faith in his skills to help grow the business.”

The company also recently expanded its aluminium division to better serve domestic

For more information, call 0121 500 0505, or visit www.centralwindowsystems.co.uk.

NEW APPOINTMENTS

APPRENTICES

SIMON ESHELBY RE-JOINS VBH

GLAZERITE HIGHLIGHTS KEY ROLE OF ITS APPRENTICES

Leading hardware company VBH has recently appointed Simon Eshelby to the newly created position of Distribution & Systems House Manager.

7th-13th February 2022 marks ‘National Apprenticeships Week’, an annual celebration of apprentices and the difference they can make to UK businesses. In recognition of the event, the Glazerite UK Group is highlighting the contribution made by two of its own employees who have been through the fabricator’s apprentice route.

Simon re-joins the company after six years at another well-known hardware manufacturer where he held sales and product specification positions. Simon’s new role at VBH will see him support and develop the company’s nationwide network of sub-distributors and become the main point of contact for profile systems houses. As he has great experience of working with the UK’s largest and most successful composite door manufacturers, VBH is confident that Simon has the products and services to expand VBH’s presence within that buoyant market. VBH advise that Simon will identify market requirements based on client feedback, and liaise with the VBH New Product Development team to develop bespoke greenteQ hardware solutions for key customer partners. Simon will also work closely with the company’s strategic supply partners to aid the flow of their products into systems houses and the distribution network. Commenting on his return, Simon says, “I’m very excited to return to VBH as Distribution & Systems House Manager. The company has evolved greatly during my six years away.

Mark McHale, Central's new Warehouse and Logistics Manager

Simon Eshelby

Company Accountant, Amanda Newman, is currently undertaking her Level 4 CIMA Apprenticeship. Based at Glazerite’s head office in Wellingborough, 56-year-old Amanda seized the opportunity to further her training via an apprenticeship. She says: “Though it does feel harder studying as an adult, I am really lucky to have been given the opportunity, and I’ve been well supported by Glazerite. It has been challenging at times, but it’s really helped me to fill in the gaps in my knowledge, much of which had been previously ‘self-taught.’”

“Although we still very much work with strategic supply partners and have great success promoting their products, the ever increasing appetite from all sectors of the industry for the greenteQ range continues to grow, driving impressive product development.

Amanda adds: “The apprenticeship has made me feel better able to carry out my role and love my job even more. I want to continue to challenge myself and develop even more skills. I’ve proved that it’s never too late to learn and it is always worth giving it your best shot, whatever your age.”

“We have a comprehensive catalogue of standard products to suit most needs, yet we also now have the ability to develop bespoke greenteQ solutions in conjunction with door and window manufacturers, systems houses and distributors. This is very exciting, and was a major factor in my decision to return to VBH.”

Mia Harrison has just completed her Customer Service Level 3 apprenticeship with a Distinction and is now a trainee Customer Advisor at the fabricator’s Wellingborough site. Mia, 19, who joined Glazerite after sixth form, says: “I knew that university wasn’t the right path for me. I wanted to continue to learn and work towards more qualifications however, so an apprenticeship was very appealing.

Find out more about VBH’s products and services at www.vbhgb.com, or contact the company direct at sales@vbhgb.com or by calling 01634 263 263.

“It has enabled me to learn new skills, and I’ve become much more confident in my abilities. Being able to actually put my learning

From L-R Amanda Newman and Mia Harrison

into practice in a working environment has really helped as I’ve been able to learn so much about the industry firsthand. I’m really enjoying my new role as a Customer Advisor; it shows what opportunities are out there and I would definitely encourage more people to consider an apprenticeship.” Mia welcomes the encouragement and support she’s received from her Glazerite colleagues during her studies, and both she and Amanda have been praised by their line managers and the fabricator’s directors for their commitment to self-development, their roles, and the business itself. HR Advisor, Laura Rorke, who started her human resources career as a Glazerite apprentice knows first-hand the benefits the scheme brings. She says: “I was able to combine my CIPD management qualification while learning on the job; getting hands-on experience and putting theory into practice is such a great way to learn and develop a career. Mia has really blossomed in the time she’s been with us; it’s great to see her grow in confidence, successfully complete her apprenticeship and start her new role. “Amanda is also a fantastic resource and has demonstrated that the apprenticeship route is not just for school leavers. It’s an ideal route for those of any age who want to gain a recognised qualification or switch careers.”

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CAREERS

GQA HELPS ALUK ACHIEVE TRAINING ACCREDITATION A great example of the way that GQA’s ‘Accredited Training’ service operates is work done recently with AluK, specialists in the design and testing of aluminium products for the fenestration industry. When AluK wished to achieve third party accreditation for its training courses the company turned to this specialist service from the fenestration industry’s leading awarding and qualifications-writing organisation. GQA’s Accredited Training service is aimed at employers in the industry who want to have their in-house training endorsed by GQA Qualifications and gives them the opportunity to deliver training that focuses on candidates’ particular needs specific to their role with the employer. Darren Burford, Training Manager of the ‘AluK Academy’ explains: “The AluK Academy presents workshops in fabrication, installation, product awareness and the use of the company’s design system called ‘Logikal’. GQA has provided third party accreditation for the workshops and our training days.

The organisation offers a professional service, providing invaluable guidance and support, especially in the development of our training programmes. I would say GQA is a real advocate for the aluminium industry. Its auditing process ensures that all of our courses are consistent, and GQA has helped us get to where we are today as a GQA Accredited Training Centre. “The fact that the organisation offers recognised qualifications and is one of the few bodies specialising in the fenestration industry made this a good fit for us. The whole process of working with GQA, right from the outset, was a true partnership.” Commenting on its Accredited Training service, GQA’s EQA/Technical Officer, Martin Sadler says: “Using our Accredited Training service means that employers can develop their own training to suit their employees or their customers’ needs with the GQA stamp of approval to show the quality of the training delivered. The GQAbranded certificate we offer is an important

and their staff. The two initiatives mean that employers can create and accredit in-house developed training courses and learning programmes in addition to utilising existing qualifications. GQA’s Bespoke Qualification service is aimed at employers who wish to be able to offer those staff and customers undertaking very specific roles the opportunity to work towards gaining a qualification where one does not already exist. The service is perfect for niche specialist areas, which do not lend themselves to meeting the required content of a standard regulated qualification. tool and highlights the third party endorsement we bring. We can also help to develop specific courses in the consultation phase of our collaboration.” In addition to its Accredited Training service, GQA also offers one in ‘Bespoke Qualification’. Together, the two specialist services are helping the fenestration industry to develop training solutions tailored to the specific needs of employers

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

NEW APPOINTMENTS

VICTORIAN SLIDERS WELCOMES NEW COMMERCIAL SALES MANAGER A new Commercial Sales Manager will help drive growth at sash window specialists Victorian Sliders.

“I’m delighted to be taking this role at Victorian Sliders at such an exciting time in the company’s history,” Amir comments.

Amir Alighanbari has been appointed as part of the South Wales firm’s ambitious plans for growth in 2022.

“Scot and the team have built an incredible business over the last 16 years, and I’m looking forward to helping bring quality ECOSlide sash windows to hundreds more projects right around the country.”

Amir’s long track record of delivering excellent results in the fenestration sector will prove hugely valuable in the months ahead – and he’s no stranger to the world of sash windows, either. In fact, Amir was one of the first sales people to join Victorian Sliders at the company’s Harlow sales office when it opened at the beginning of 2021.

projects. We are here to support them with a start to finish service. “The huge success we’ve enjoyed over the last few years has only been possible because of the skilled, dedicated people we employ.

Sales Director Danny Hague comments: “I’m extremely pleased to be working with Amir in his new role as we venture into new markets.

“Amir’s talent and experience, combined with growing demand for sash windows in the commercial market mean I’m confident 2022 will be another excellent year for Victorian Sliders.”

“We have many contacts in this area, and of course our existing customers are getting more and more involved in commercial

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

Amir Alighanbari

NEW APPOINTMENTS

GLAZERITE APPOINTS NEW HEALTH & SAFETY LEAD Leading trade fabricator, the Glazerite UK Group has appointed Frank Lobb in the newly created role of Group Environmental, Health & Safety Manager. Frank joins Glazerite on 21st February 2022 and will be based at Glazerite East in Peterborough, with responsibility for all of the Group’s five sites. Rob Brearley, Glazerite’s Group Managing Director, says: “We’re delighted Frank is joining our team. He brings with him a great deal of experience, which spans the

audit and implementation of compliance processes and procedures. He’s also highly skilled at developing relevant content and training programmes, which is a great skillset to bring to our internal capabilities. The health, safety, and wellbeing of our staff and stakeholders and how we manage our impact on the environment are critical to our business. “As we continue to grow, Frank’s new role will help us to roll out best practice across all of our sites.”

Frank, who has worked in the construction sector and more recently as a Health & Safety consultant, adds: “I’m looking forward to joining Glazerite and delivering a health, safety, environment and wellbeing strategy that meets the needs of our employees and positively impacts on our customers and other stakeholders. Glazerite is a highly regarded fabricator, and I’m delighted to play a part in their drive for continuous improvement.” www.glazerite.co.uk

Frank Lobb

March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

NEW APPOINTMENTS

CARL F GROUPCO EXPANDS SALES SUPPORT IN THE NORTH Leading independent window and door hardware distributor Carl F Groupco has expanded its team of Regional Sales Managers. Matt Smith has been recruited to serve the company’s North West region of fabricator partners. Bringing over 18 years industry experience including window and door fabrication, production and purchasing management, Matt has a multitude of skills that will enable him to best advise Carl F Groupco’s customers. Having sourced hardware for a large fabricator in his previous role and undertaking a QCF Level 3 in Supply Chain Operations, Matt understands the challenges faced by customers and what drives them in their purchasing decisions. Commenting on his new role, Matt said: “I’ve been a customer of Carl F Groupco for many years, so I knew I was moving

to a company that prioritised product quality and leading brands but most of all outstanding customer service and technical support. Having worked in fabrication, I understand the challenges our customers face and what they need… ease of fabrication and installation, price, product quality and the support required when it’s time to make a change.

Matt support our customers and grow the region.”

“I’m looking forward to working with my customers, supporting them with their purchasing and technical requirements and developing the region.”

With a trading history dating back over 70 years, Carl F Groupco has a strong reputation for hardware expertise and the company prides itself on supplying it’s UK fabricator partners large and small. The team are always on hand to provide advice on the most appropriate hardware solutions for all projects.

Welcoming Matt to the role, Sales Director John King said: “Matt was the ideal candidate for this role. His industry experience allows him to expertly advise our customers whether it be with new product requirements, technical issues or supply enquiries. I look forward to helping

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU!

Matt joins a team of five Regional Sales Managers who serve the UK and Ireland, headed by Sales Director John King. The external team work alongside internal sales and customer service counterparts to guarantee smooth account management and hardware supply.

Carl F Groupco: www.carlfgroupco.co.uk SmartSecure: www.smartsecure.co.uk Carl F direct: www.carlfdirect.co.uk

New Regional Sales Manager, Matt Smith, joins Carl F Groupco

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25/01/2021 17:40 March 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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Connecting you to quality trade suppliers www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2022

FIND A SUPPLIER

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Sponsored by:

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£295 +VAT

Email: emma@glassnews.co.uk

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Glass News March 2022

Articles inside

FIT Show Preview 2022

Charity News

Software & IT

Cold Calling

Windows

Trade News

Face To Face

Glass News Interview: GQA

A Window Into Aluminium

Hardware & Security Focus

Machinery

Glass News Interview Pearl Window Systems