Glass News April 2022

GQA QUALIFICATIONS SEE OUR LATEST INTERVIEW ON PAGE 8

THE RIGHT PEOPLE READ GLASS NEWS Issue 133 | April 2022

IS !!

TH NTH MO

TRICKLE VENTS ARE THE NEW HARDWARE

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

SEE PAGE 48

SOFTWARE & IT

SEE PAGE 62

FIT SHOW PREVIEW

QUALITY THROUGH QUALIFICATIONS

Many of you will be aware of the impending changes to the building regulations especially the requirement for trickle vents to be used on most windows installed from the 15th of June 2022 for new build and replacement windows!

This is being done due to the lack of value attributed to the cost of poor ventilation in dwellings by all interested parties from Installers to homeowners. Add a lack of information and education and there is little incentive or motivation to improve the environment in dwellings.

This lack of good ventilation then gets locked into a dwelling for decades and then ends up with remedial works and potential poor health outcomes due to the building’s ventilation provision. The estimated benefits being between £21m - £91m (its difficult

to estimate the beneficial NHS costs!)

Therefore, it is now the government’s view is that there is a need for regulation to address these issues, as the market isn’t installing a solution. This can be seen in the studies used in this review which clearly showed that only a small number of homes met the existing minimum ventilation provisions recommended in ADF 2010: 2006.

GQA is the sole issuer of CSCS cards for the Fenestration and Glazing sectors

They audited 55 sites for compliance to AD F and only 2 sites complied to the 2006 regulations! This was due to a lack of value given to the need for the provision of background ventilation by house builders, fabricators, Installers combined with a lack of education of the homeowners as to the need.

With trickle vents to be fitted to most windows this now presents opportunities for the supply chain and installers to add value, turn over and margins to their products.

Today’s trickle vents are significantly different to their predecessors in terms of addressing issues of design and performance.

Continued on page 10...

Contact us on: 0114 272 0033 www.gqaqualifications.com

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STAND

N11

APRIL 2022

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

FROM RECOVERY TO – WELL, WHO KNOWS?

I have to ask myself how the world can change from a relatively safe and enjoyable place to live in, to one fraught with danger and despair in just one short week? You’d think we would all have had enough, what with a couple of years of Covid, storms wracking both this country and other parts of the world, earthquakes, supply chain problems and that’s without taking Squeaker Bercow into consideration, the Sussexes or Gavin (a knight?)

Williamson. So, to top it all, Putin has to bring us to the brink of World War 3.

It was really feeling as if we were back on the road to recovery, for our country and for our industry. Demand for our products has not diminished, the supply chain is approaching some form of normality, the economic growth within the UK is largely outstripping that of most other countries and inflation is, or was, holding on by its finger tips. Now, however, it has all gone to hell in a handcart!

Whether we shall experience an escalation in the war that Russia has manipulated, or not, the result of it all is a general economic collapse that will surely affect those that buy our products, in some way. I have mentioned before how the older generation, those with savings of various descriptions, are the ones who can afford home renovations and are our main customer for fenestration replacement. I hasten to add that the well off and younger families are also good customers but, whichever way you look at it, both young and old will be hit right where it hurts: in the pocket.

Fuel, of course, is the driver for these current difficulties. Fuel price increases mean everyone feels the pain and much of our industry is absolutely dependant on the movement of goods, both in and out of the factory. Add to that the issue of heat and light and the demand on fuel is exorbitant. This is, of course, just as we have fought against fracking, switched off much of North Sea oil and gas and decided to keep the coal in the ground. Whereas it’s true that we are in the low single figures when it to comes to relying on Russian fuel supply, it simply means that everyone will now be

vying for supply from elsewhere and all competing on price. For those of us that can remember the 1970s and the inflation and interest rates that went through the roof, it is seeming a bit like that again.

However, there is a difference. Back then fuel prices went through the roof driven, largely, by the west’s support of Israel in the Yom Kippur war. The retail price index went to 26.9% while interest rates went to 17%. We do still produce half our gas needs and about three quarters of our oil needs and we have good levels of employment unlike the winter of discontent back in ’78 and ’79. But one of the big differences is in how much better run are companies in the UK and we are not looking to implement structural changes this time. Will this all blow over very quickly? Will it drag on and influence the buying homeowner who may decide to hold on to their savings or not risk increasing borrowings in an uncertain world? The general feeling I’m getting from within the trade is that, with maybe the odd hump to navigate, demand for our products will continue.

But let’s turn our thoughts to happier things.

I’m delighted to say that the fenestration industry has been honoured in a wholesale way such that everyone can now entitle themselves as a ‘Sir’ or a ‘Dame’. What? Well, why not? We all know that the honours system is well and truly broken and that there is little respect for titles any more but, with the aforementioned in this editorial, Gavin Williamson, being elevated to becoming a Knight of the Realm, presumably for services to being an absolute plonker, then it really has reached rock bottom….but not perhaps as low as it could be should I be made Sir Christopher Champion! Mind you, it has a very nice ring to it.

It seems to be strange writing this Page 3 piece ready for going to print but about a fortnight away from it appearing on people’s desks. Strange because who knows what the next couple of weeks will bring?

Hopefully a resolution to the troubles in Ukraine that has seen such a sad loss of life and people’s lives changed in so many ways. Many people, and that includes a whole host of companies and individuals within the fenestration industry, are doing what they can in helping provide relief of many kinds to the refugees from Ukraine.

Even if the fighting ends it will be a long time before the people of Ukraine can return to a normal life and help will be needed for many years.

As Samuel von Pufendorf wrote in 1673, "More inhumanity has been done by man himself than any other of nature's causes."

Sad but true.

CONTENTS

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‘TIME OUT’WINNERS – MARCH! Sudoku: A Wilkinson, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire Eye Spy: Darryl Gell, Peterborough Spot the Difference: Patsy Butler, Littlebororough, Rochdale Crossword: Mr C Lovejoy - Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire Congratulations to all our winners! Good luck in this months Time Out pages!

Glass News Interview: Profine UK

6

Installer Support

8

Glass News Interview: GQA

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

35 Product Search

&

38 Machinery Focus 40 BMBI 42 What Door?

44 Sustainability 48 Software & IT

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

50 Windows 52 Hardware 57 Industry Awards 58 Tech Talk

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

60 Installer Network 62 FIT Show 2022 66 Trade News 86 Energy Efficiency 87 Marketing 88 Glass 88 Cold Calling

Email Chris at: chris@glassnews.co.uk

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2022

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

90 Careers & Qualifications in Fenestration 94 Letters 96 Time Out! 97 Find A Supplier

@GlassnewsMag

Christina Shaw

/GlassNews

glassnews™ is a registered Trademark.

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

The paper we use is 100% recycled.

Kate Carnall Graphic Design E: kate@glassnews.co.uk Deadline for copy: 16th of each month Please recycle this newspaper so we can continue to use recycling in our effort to help the environment.

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CONTACT DETAILS

10 Trade News 37 Garden Rooms & Patios

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For more information on the Korniche Bi-Folding Doors visit madefortrade.co GlassNews_QTR_PG_APril2022_FIT Promo.indd 1

17/03/2022 14:53

3

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: PROFINE UK

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PROFINE UK INVESTING FOR THE FUTURE AND VERY MUCH HERE TO STAY Kevin Warner, Sales and Marketing Director at profine UK talks with Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, about the company’s move into manufacturing in the UK, the refurbishment of the Huthwaite site, the product range and the future.

Kevin is well known in the industry having been a part of it for over 30 years. Most of that experience has been with PVCu systems houses until, following the Synseal episode, he made a move into aluminium with Exlabesa Building Systems. A good experience? And, if so, why a return to profine UK? Kevin explains and it is interesting that the profine blood that flows through his veins is the only reason he would return to one of big manufacturers.

“I ask about the question of sustainability and it is clear that there is a very real commitment to this. Kevin emphasises that recycling is not the only part of sustainability and reduction in power usage as well as a whole range of other factors go together to make a truly sustainable company. He jokingly indicates that they have a vast roof space at Huthwaite just right for a solar panel array….at least I think he was joking!” company’s hand with the ability to meet the new Part L standards without the need for expensive glass. Warmcore is an important product in the armoury together with Evolve – the vertical slider product. Of course, there is also the Legend profile, one of the reasons that Kevin went to Synseal as it provided a mass market and new build product – now, as Sales and Marketing Director of profine UK that bought Synseal, the sales team have the best of both worlds to offer the customer with KÖMMERLING and Legend profiles.

Are there new products on the way? profine UK will be at the FIT Show with their complete range and, despite pulling in of horns by some other systems houses, profine UK has had the full support of the German parent

in investing substantial marketing cash in appearing at FIT, in a big way. And their investment doesn’t stop there. The aim is to bring the Huthwaite manufacturing site up to the profine standard, and that means a very high standard indeed. Will it be instantaneous?

No, these things take time but already some 25% of the extrusion floor has been brought to the standard required.

So, is profine in the UK, to stay? Kevin explains that there has always been questions over that but the investment in recent times, and the ongoing investment, is proof that the UK base has become an important asset.

I ask about the question of sustainability and it is clear that there is a very real commitment

to this. Kevin emphasises that recycling is not the only part of sustainability and reduction in power usage as well as a whole range of other factors go together to make a truly sustainable company. He jokingly indicates that they have a vast roof space at Huthwaite just right for a solar panel array….at least I think he was joking!

I was impressed with the efforts profine UK is putting into providing excellent working conditions for their staff, fully recognising that good staff are hard to come by. They are bringing on a whole new generation ready to replace the likes of Kevin Warner when he’s ready to hang up his boots.

I suspect that won’t be yet as it seems he is enjoying helping to build the team, develop new

products and satisfy the evergrowing customer base, and with around 15% market share currently, profine is positioned well in the market place.

With the problems in Ukraine high on everyone’s minds it is impressive what profine UK is doing to help those less fortunate than ourselves and who are escaping from a war that only a short time ago was thought to be unbelievable. The parent company immediately put some 150,000 euros in the fund and those at Lichfield and Huthwaite are all doing their part, from giving clothes and food and, as Kevin said, one member of staff went out to the local supermarket to buy £30 worth of tinned food to send to Ukraine. I’m sure we all wish them well in their endeavours.

A worldwide company with a presence in 22 countries and looking for 1 billion euro turnover in 2022, profine, not surprisingly, has a facility in Ukraine. We talk about that situation, the closing of the factory and the race to hasten an exit for engineering staff from the country. Does this war affect the supply line for profine? Again, Kevin explains how Ukraine was an importer of product rather than an exporter and, thankfully, supply within the UK is unaffected.

In talking about supply, it is clear that the issues over the pandemic have largely gone away. profine UK is now operating with at 98% on time and in full although Kevin is keen not to overstate this as it continues to be a battle, especially in securing a variety of add ons to the main products.

We talk about the product range, with KÖMMERLING and its 70mm, 76mm and 88mm profiles.

Interestingly, the ‘late to the party’ nature of bringing a flush sash to market has played into the

4

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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INSTALLER SUPPORT

WHY ARE MORE INSTALLERS TURNING TO THIRD-PARTY LEAD GENERATION COMPANIES? Leads 2 Trade, the UK’s leading provider of double-qualified sales leads to installers operating in the home improvement sector, have had a record number of new installer enquiries in the first quarter of 2022. Here Andy Royle, the company’s co-founder and Managing Director, looks at why more installers are turning to third-party lead generation companies.

In 2021, installers were able to feast on unprecedented demand and make hay while the sun shone bright.

That was never going to last forever and with installers reporting a definite shift to receiving fewer enquiries from their self-generated efforts, winning work will be tough as the year progresses.

With many having invested in putting extra resources in place last year to cope with that demand, be it extra staff, new machinery or more marketing, they will need to maintain those lead volumes.

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

HELPING YOU KEEP COST CONSCIOUS CUSTOMERS HAPPY With COVID inadvertently creating a home improvement boom throughout late 2020 and 2021, is 2022 looking like taking a very different turn with homeowners likely to become more cost conscious than ever when it comes to their home improvement projects.

It is also vital that installers are able to navigate the minefield of preserving their own bottom line against rising business costs, while still remaining competitive in the market. Showcasing a high quality product range capable of adding value to properties in the increasingly aggressive housing market, while helping to lower energy bills, is a must going forward.

That won’t be easy, particularly after an artificial peak. When demand dips, installers are left with very few alternatives and it’s why they turn to a third-party lead generation company to help generate the leads they need.

Price increases are also an inevitability and currently hitting our industry left, right and centre - something that was expected to slow down after coming out the other side of COVID. However, it seems that we are still looking towards uncertainty and instability in terms of material pricing.

Installers are also becoming more switched-on when it comes to maximising their time. Lead generation is a time-consuming part of any installers job and in today’s world they have not got the time to waste on leads that might not go anywhere.

There is no instability where SOL Conservatory Roofs are concerned, working consistently throughout the supply chain to offer installers the best prices on the full product range, ensuring that increases are only passed on when absolutely necessary.

Third-party lead generation companies save time installers don’t have by providing ready-made leads, so all the installer has to do is sell their products and services.

“Significant investment has already been made throughout our window, door and roof factories this year” explains Lee Marson, Operations Director

Using a third-party lead generation service like ours allows installers to reach consumers on-line who they wouldn’t necessarily be able to reach with their own branded advertising and SEO campaigns as we market ourselves as a comparison service for consumers, which is what more and more consumers want when it comes to their home improvements.

“Upgrades to machinery, stock control, planning, batching and despatch systems, has allowed our production facility to be in a position to successfully ride the wave of supply and demand, we are currently sitting at about 50% capacity on roofs and frames, and have the ability to scale up significantly without any lapse in levels of quality, service or lead-times”

For example, at Leads 2 Trade we generate leads using our comparison service and our online assets would rank better for more generic search terms meaning quicker wins for our members.

Partnering with installers, SOL offers a one-stop shop for solid and glazed roofs, lantern roofs, orangeries, windows and doors.

For complete peace of mind, installers get a dedicated account manager, a single point of guarantee and direct to site delivery.

With lead generation the best way to fuel business growth and demand slowing down, it’s no wonder we have seen installers reach out to us and our members become more reliant on our services, including our no pitch no fee guaranteed appointment service to save time and get a better conversion rate and cost per sale.

Installers will have to work harder to convert leads into business this year – and third-party lead generation companies can help.

For more information on joining the Leads 2 Trade network and taking advantage of double qualified sales leads, including guaranteed appointment bookings that you only pay for if you sit and pitch, call 0800 124 4308 or visit https://leads2trade.co.uk/about/premium-leads/

GLAZERITE OPENS NEW FACILITY TO FURTHER SUPPORT INSTALLER NETWORK

A full suite of retail brochures, bespoke flyers and showroom literature are just some of the marketing support available.

Installation guides, videos and data sheets provide all the information needed, along with technical specifics – plus, SOL experts are always on hand to offer assistance which it comes to those tricky designs!

Tel: 01226 890 890 - www.solroofs.co.uk

Darryl Count Glazerite UK Group

The Glazerite UK Group has expanded its reach with the launch of its newly-created North Division. Based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, the site offers VEKA installers operating in the area access to the leading trade fabricator’s broad product range, backed up by bespoke marketing support, and a commitment to mutual business growth.

Rob Brearley, Glazerite’s Group Managing Director, says: “Yorkshire and the Humber is home to a number of VEKA installers as well as experienced personnel who can add value to our business and help secure further growth for Glazerite and our customers. We’ve been looking to expand our presence for a while; opening a site in Yorkshire enables us to better service our existing customers and welcome new ones.

In conjunction with our Northwest Division in Bolton, it means we can better support those customers based further north and into Scotland with a higher level of service.”

Operating out of the Barnsley facility is new starter, Darryl Count, who joined Glazerite on 28th February 2022 as Office Manager, North Division. Darryl, who began his career in fenestration 30 years ago, brings with him a wealth of experience and industry knowledge. Darryl says: “I’ve been aware of Glazerite’s growing success for many years. Having worked with VEKA products for 25 years, the opportunity to build on and help grow the Glazerite business in the North was a great fit. I’ve also worked with Rob Brearley in the past, which was a big factor in my decision.”

Rob adds: “Having spent so long in the industry, Darryl’s expertise will help us to grow our presence and strengthen our overall position as a leading UK fabricator.

As well as leading a team based out of the North Division, Darryl will support our Group-wide customer services and order processing teams to deliver an exceptional customer experience.” www.glazerite.co.uk

6

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: GQA

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GQA INTERVIEWS NONEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

- ONE OF A SERIES OF INTERVIEWS MARKING 20 YEARS OF GQA This year GQA Qualifications celebrates twenty years of trading. As part of the activities to mark the event is a series of interviews with the directors of the organisation.

Here we talk to Anda Gregory of the GGF who sits on the GQA board as a FENSA representative.

as a Chartered Accountant to strategy and general management, so I have an unusual blend of skills and experience that I can draw on at Board meetings. I am also a nonexecutive director at a couple of other notfor-profit organisations, which facilitates useful parallels when making decisions.

What changes have you seen in GQA over the past twenty years you'd like to highlight?

As a relative newcomer to the industry and GQA, I’m probably not best placed to answer this one, but it’s clear that GQA is adaptable as a business and has developed over time to meet new needs for the various industries it operates in. GQA has expanded over the years, but not at the expense of quality of service delivery.

What does being a Director of GQA mean to you?

I’ve always had a passion for developing people. Moving into the glass and glazing industry a few years ago, I quickly became acutely aware of the skills shortage facing our industry, and believe we all need to do our bit to help improve the situation. GQA’s work – not just in the glass and glazing sector – is really important to give people who are new to the industry a way to learn and receive a qualification that will stay with them for life. GQA is helping people to progress their careers and raise standards.

I’m proud to be part of that through my directorship with the organisation.

How important do you feel qualifications and training are?

Very! Companies can’t operate effectively without proper training. Qualifications are a way to legitimise training and give the trainee something that stays with them for the rest of their lives to prove they’ve met a certain standard of competence and are fit to do their job. Well-trained employees and sub-contractors mean that work is far more likely to be done right first time. This reduces the need for remedial work, lowers levels of customer complaints, increases positive word of mouth recommendations, and improves a company’s profitability – who wouldn’t want that?

What do you think are the strengths of GQA? The real strength of GQA is in its people, who are experienced, passionate and dedicated to raising standards. GQA is very focused on what it does in being an awarding body and this focus enables it to provide a great service.

What does your experience bring to the table?

I’ve worked across a range of different sectors over the years, which brings different perspectives to my contribution at Board meetings, as well as having a good understanding of what’s happening in the world of glass and glazing through my day job at the Glass & Glazing Federation.

My roles over the years have been quite wide-ranging from starting off my career

8

Where do you see GQA heading in the future?

Anda Gregory - GQA Director

“GQA will continue listening to the needs of the employers in the industries it operates in, and developing and delivering fit-for-purpose qualifications and training courses to ensure a well-trained workforce. It will also continue investing to help more widely with the skills shortage through initiatives such as Building Our Skills, and investing in more practical training centres around the UK to give people the opportunity to receive good quality hands-on training.”

GQA will continue listening to the needs of the employers in the industries it operates in, and developing and delivering fit-forpurpose qualifications and training courses to ensure a well-trained workforce. It will also continue investing to help more widely with the skills shortage through initiatives such as Building Our Skills, and investing in more practical training centres around the UK to give people the opportunity to receive good quality hands-on training.

More information on GQA is available at www.gqaqualifications.com.

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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FRONT PAGE STORY

TRADE NEWS

Continued from page 1...

FLIP IS DELIVERING A SUPERIOR SEAL, FASTER

The Link vent from Glazpart for example has, depending upon how you view it either reduced its size by 50% or increased the equivalent area performance by 200%. The 5000-link vent delivers 5000EQA using a 13mm rout or 4000EQA on a 10mm rout with just a 454.5mm width. Consequently, you can fit (depending upon the application) the same number of vents you fit today in a habitable room to comply to the new 8,000mm2 EQA requirement per habitable room.

It’s the scope of the windows that needs to be understood as the previous guideline of only fitting vents to replacement windows where the windows have vents fitted has gone and the minimum requirements for background ventilation must be installed, depending on the room type, especially as the use of the night vent position has been specifically excluded as a means of compliance.

What has changed however is how the products look, with the opportunity to upsell a trickle vent with a basic, better and best product. The key is to sell these as you would a high-end specification handle.

Fabricators and Installers can now offer you coloured or colour on white vents:

One of the unique features of Doorco’s innovative glazing cassette system, FLiP, is its Foam in Place® technology that delivers a superior seal.

DoorCo announces further investment to massively increase production volume and resilience to drive down lead times, with the installation of an on-site robot line to apply the Foam in Place® technology, totalling half a million pounds.

Dan Sullivan, DoorCo MD explains: “FLiP has had a significant impact on our business and is now used as standard across our entire range. Delivered against a turbulent backdrop, FLiP has given us greater control over the supply chain ultimately allowing us to offer better customer service because it’s accessible and we’re able to maintain a good stock holding. This in turn is reducing our lead times.

THREE MINUTES PER CASSETTE INSTALLATION TIME SAVING

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

technology (FiP). FiP technology is a foam seal applied by machine to the outer frame during manufacture to deliver a superior seal and negate the need for hand applying glazing tape - a painstaking stage in the door glazing process - saving customers time and cost. FiP saves on average 3 minutes per cassette installation and removes that additional component cost. It performs better too as it eliminates the risk of gaps, particularly in the corners where water ingress is often an issue. FiP’s uniform seal prevents any water ingress, which was proved during testing where it performed exceptionally well, easily meeting the BS6375-2015 and EN1027 standards, and most impressively, achieving over 1000pa through the glazing aperture during weather testing. This is further supported by DoorCo’s extended 10-year warranty.

“Customers are enjoying how much FLiP is enhancing their composite doors offering.

FLiP not only performs well, it’s easy to install and comes with a refreshing choice of designs, which are unrivalled on the market. In the range there are two unique profiles, two new surface textures that have been painstakingly matched to our door finishes, three overall designs, and 23 style variations. From clean, modern profiles through to traditional bevels, there is an option for any style of composite door with FLiP Standard, Flat Grained and Flat Stipple.

“FLiP is delivering a world of choice to our customers, from our wide range of styles for traditional, contemporary and designer composite doors, its well thoughtout design that is improving weather performance and production efficiencies, and most importantly, a good level of stock on the shelves, supported by a consistent and reliable supply that is under DoorCo’s control.

“FLiP will be featuring on our stand, Q11 at the FIT Show in May. Come and visit us to find out more about FLiP and the other products in the DoorCo portfolio, or if you don’t want to wait until then, talk to us today by calling 01625 428955, or visiting: www.door-co.com/flip. It’s time to FLiP.

A basic trickle vent is one with the vent colour matched to the profile colour you customer wants and that reduce their visual impact. Looks great on anthracite grey, cream and any number of other grey shades.

“To improve this situation further, we have made further investments to significantly increase our production capacity for FLiP with the addition of an on-site robot line to apply FLiP’s unique Foam in Place

A better tricklevent can be delivered If the profiles are foiled with the embossed “tick” effect, they can give you a better product that matches the surface effect camouflaging it into the profile colours on the inside and outside of the window, even on white foiled windows.

WILLIE’S RETIREMENT PROJECT MARKS MORE THAN A DECADE WITH JADE ENGINEERING

The best and ultimate trickle vent can deliver a premium where the windows are wood grained, using various technologies we can now match these effects on the window. Creating an impressive premium finish on Golden oak, Irish Oak, Natural oak and even Anteak.

The added value is significant and should be seen as a route to make your offer different from the competition. Most investments in new windows as we know are not totally about price. If it were, everyone would buy a white window with plastic handles, and we wouldn’t have seen the rise of coloured windows. To see the latest designs visit https://glazpart. com/link-vent/ and for the widest range of colour options https://glazpart.com/ colour-options/ According to Dean Bradley – Sales and Marketing Manager: “The Link vent has been a success as it addresses most concerns of the fenestration market and house holders alike. With vents half the size of traditional products and camouflaged on profiles using a range of finishes using a range of technologies the supply chain can add value”

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After more than 30 years with Roseview Windows the UK’s leading manufacturer of replacement vertical sliding windows, Willie Kerr has stepped away from the firm, having stated his intention to retire three years ago whilst serving as Managing Director. Willie leaves a huge legacy, including the launch of AwardWinning products such as Ultimate Rose, which won a coveted G Awards Product of the Year trophy.

One of Willie’s final projects was to launch a revised Mk3 version of Ultimate Rose, for which he worked with Coventry-based machinery and tooling manufacturer Jade Engineering Ltd to develop fabrication techniques and processes to ensure the efficient production of Roseview’s flagship product.

The new version of the Ultimate Rose includes changes that further enhance the product’s reputation for authenticity, including a number of options such as deep cills, seamless run-through and no horn choices, staff beads, new astragal bars and a number of other features. Jade Engineering’s Technical Manager Suk Singh worked closely with the Roseview technical team to develop

the new manufacturing processes which were first proved with manual equipment, then written for execution using complex CNC machinery, that coincidentally was supplied

by Jade’s sister company Kombimatec.

The consultancy work completed by Jade Engineering was highly complex but also fitting, as the firm had provided advice and machinery for the manufacture of the original Ultimate Rose window more than 10 years earlier. In addition to the technical partnership, Jade has also supplied Roseview with more than 30 standalone end millers and punch tools during a relationship that began in 2010, with

the distinctive Jade livery peppering the Roseview factories at Olney and Wollaston in Northamptonshire.

Reflecting on the relationship with Jade Engineering Willie said: “The people at Jade are always approachable, direct and good communicators. They have excellent skills and working with them has enabled a highly efficient and successful launch of the Mk3 Ultimate Rose, to help us maintain our market leadership.”

Jade Engineering’s Sean Mackey was quick to acknowledge the relationship with Willie: “Willie’s technical background always enabled him to be precise in his needs and we enjoyed working with him and the team at Roseview, with some of our finest work going into developing the manufacturing techniques used for the production of the company’s flagship product. We will miss Willie but wish him an enjoyable retirement, though I doubt it will involve him putting his feet up,” added Sean.

Indeed, Willie says that the opposite will be the case, as he intends to increase his involvement with the sport of running, including coaching young athletes.

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

DGCOS TALKS MENTAL HEALTH The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) is launching a new series of podcasts discussing what’s happening in the window and door industry. The first in the series is a conversation between DGCOS’s Chief Executive Faisal Hussain and DGCOS member Thom Emerson from Ideal Window Solutions, about mental health, a much underdiscussed topic within the industry.

Faisal Hussain explains why it is such an important issue for the industry to talk about and to tackle: “Mental health in the sector has been on my mind for some time, brought about by a frank and honest conversation I had with an installer at the end of last year. Instead of talking about a successful year in business because of the home improvement boom, he was suffering both mentally and physically from the stress of juggling staff shortages and increased workload; admin, sales and credit control; delays in lead times and consumers literally shouting for their installation dates. This led me to think there must be many more installers in the industry in a similar situation. This was further backed up by an article I read recently that said 30% of tradespeople have taken time off due to mental health, but how many tradespeople are there that don’t talk about it and instead are in a vicious cycle of keeping the wheels turning as efficiently as possible? The article suggested this could be another third – that’s 64% of tradespeople whose mental health is affected.

“In the podcast episode, Thom and I discuss mental health in the industry and Thom shares what positive steps his business is taking to support their staff. In his words: “if nothing else, Covid has made us focus on individual people”. The days of just providing good facilities, employment and wages are long gone. Anxiety became a real issue throughout the pandemic – there was concern over the health of loved ones and families, children couldn’t go to

school, and at first, we were unsure if we could we visit people’s houses to work. And two years on, much of these struggles remain. The conversation with Thom is reassuring; pastoral care is more important than ever in our businesses and could be just as simple as asking your colleagues how they are and listening to the response.

“It may be difficult to talk about your mental health and it may make you feel vulnerable. At DGCOS we want to open up the conversation with the industry. That’s why we’ve launched a Glass & Glazing Industry Mental Health Survey. It’s confidential and will only take 5 minutes to complete. We want to understand the thoughts and experiences of mental health in the fenestration sector over the last 2 years. The survey will close on 12th April 2022 and we will be releasing the results in the weeks following.

DGCOS invites you to be part of the conversation.

Listen to the podcast on the DGCOS installer website or on the DGCOS Podcast page on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ episode/11gkJa4QbMLhHYUX9wlcY0?si=272b0f8c4300442e.

Take part in the survey: https://installers.dgcos.org.uk/news/glass-glazing-industry-mental-health-survey-2022

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April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PREMIER ARCHES SCORES TOP MARKS IN CUSTOMER SURVEY Leading arched and angled frame manufacturer Premier Arches has scored top results in a recent customer survey, ranking highly when it comes to product quality, customer service, turnaround times, and value for money.

Managing Director Sean Greenall comments: “We’re expecting 2022 to be a huge year at Premier Arches, so it’s vital for us to know what our customers think about how we currently perform as a supplier, as well as where they need us to improve moving forward.

“Along with exceptional manufacturing quality and a ‘make life easier’ offering, clear and honest customer service is one of our three main business principles at Premier Arches. We therefore felt it appropriate to share all the results from our customer survey publicly, so that existing and prospective customers can see exactly how we are currently performing.

“We’re constantly trying to listen, improve and adapt, and a customer survey was a great opportunity to look at the collective answers from our top customers, which will then drive the changes we make this year.”

In the survey, Premier Arches ranked an impressive 4.62 out of 5 on finished manufactured product quality, 4.19 out of 5 on customer service, 3.69 out of 5 on product turnaround speed, 3.95 out of 5 on value for money and 4.31 out of 5 on easiness to deal with. Out of 42 customers who responded to the survey, which included fabricators, installers and trade counters, 53% use the company’s unique online pricing

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and ordering portal to instantly quote and order arched and angled frames, while 65% buy fully glazed frames from profile stocked in-house.

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 non-stocked systems, offering a full service to fabricators, trade counters, installers and local builders.

Serving many customers across the UK, the St Helensbased 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: “We were very pleased to see our higher scores generally correlating with what’s important to our customers. When it comes to bespoke arched and angled frames, the finished product quality is vitally important because there just isn’t enough time to re-make badly made items with bending lead times as they are, so receiving a score of 4.62 out of 5 from our busiest customers was very pleasing to see.

“We are now putting plans in place to improve on all our scores this year, and recent investment in some new machinery should help us to improve our product turnaround times which are typically much longer for arched frames because of the bending process involved.

“The insight we’ve gained by asking our customers for their honest and direct feedback has been invaluable, and we would like to thank them all for taking the time to respond.

“It’s now time to analyse and improve, and prepare for what’s set to be a very prosperous year.”

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0845 340 3968 www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2022

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ALL IN HOUSE AT ALUK – INCLUDING THE TRAINING ACADEMY Reminding the market that it is the only aluminium systems house that has it all ‘in-house’, AluK has just announced the reopening of its training Academy, with a full range of workshops available to book now.

After the pandemic forced the Academy to close for faceto-face training for almost two years, it is being relaunched with a brand-new website at: www.alukacademy.co.uk and a new downloadable prospectus.

Visitors to the website can browse the content and format of all 9 of the workshops that AluK offers in three different categories – product awareness and LogiKal software, theory and fabrication, and theory and installation. They can see the dates when each of the courses are available during 2022 and book their places online.

with the emphasis very much on practical training in AluK’s fully equipped, dedicated facility. The fabrication course guides delegates through how to manufacture windows, doors, and ground floor treatments in line with AluK’s approved processes and technical manual. The installation course is focused around the SL50 and SG50 systems and is designed for installers and site supervisors with any level of industry experience who have not previously fitted AluK curtain walling.

Two aspects of the Academy make the workshops particularly valuable to AluK customers. The first is that

There are 35 workshop dates available to book at AluK throughout the rest of 2022 and customers can also request bespoke training at their own facilities or at AluK’s London Design Studio.

The AluK Academy is an integral part of AluK’s customer support offering, which also includes in-house CAD design, technical support, and testing facilities. More details at: www.aluk.co.uk.

The one-day fabrication and installation workshops are all about learning best practice direct from the systems house,

Reflecting the value that it adds, nearly 550 installers, fabricators and trade counters have already signed up to the platform.

The most popular sections of the site are the U-Comply N Customer Portal, which allows users to calculate the thermal efficiency ratings of their products, the technical bulletins that advise customers on the latest product updates and the image gallery, a comprehensive library of professional images for use in marketing materials.

Gerald commented: “Epwin Window Systems’ customers are committed to making sure their products offer the latest thinking and meet the latest requirements.

This is reflected in their use of the technical sections of the site which our customers have found invaluable. The importance of high-quality marketing is reflected in the use of the images downloaded from our gallery along with the various POS options.”

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IZE PR

Epwin Window Systems’ ground-breaking digital integrated platform, Connect, is celebrating its first anniversary this month. Gerald Allen, Head of Marketing at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Connect was designed to help fabricators and installers access the vast range of business support available to them and, in doing so, help them drive sales, grow profit and simplify the access points. We’re delighted to see it delivering on its remit.”

Darren Burford, AluK’s experienced Training Manager, is understandably delighted to be back training customers in person again. He said: “Online training is all well and good, but there’s no real substitute for hands-on, practical experience. The Academy is right in the heart of our Chepstow manufacturing facility, so delegates really do get up close to all the products in a realistic fabrication setting.

“The courses are ideal for all those new starters over the past couple of years who might have missed out on formal training and as a refresher for those who might just be new to the AluK systems. With record numbers of customers investing in new machinery and expanding their operations over the past two years, we’re expecting this year’s training calendar to be busier than ever.”

The product awareness and LogiKal software workshops cover either: bi-folds (BSF70 and F82), windows and entrance doors (58BW and 58BD), sliders (BSC94 and SC156) or curtain walling (SL50 and SG50). Each lasts two days and includes a full brief on the relevant systems and their capabilities and then an introduction to the LogiKal processing software. Delegates start with an empty LogiKal file and build up a project using the system - learning both the basics and some more advanced aspects of estimation and production.

EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS’ CONNECT PLATFORM CELEBRATES ITS FIRST ANNIVERSARY

all the courses are free and the second is that they are all fully GQA Accredited. At the end of each, delegates can undertake a short assessment and return to work with a GQA certificate.

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Circle three differences in the boxes below, fill in your contact details and send your competition entry to: FAO: Miss Christina Shaw, Glass News Competitions, 19 Heather Close, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9UU or Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk. Entry deadline: 20/04/22.

Daniel Caddy, Sales Director at Caddy Windows Limited, said: “Connect is a great tool for our business! We can access information on the products we sell and install along with access to governmentfunded training to help the next generation learn their way in our industry!”

Matthew Dunne-Smith of Oswestry Windows and Doors said: “Having access to the widest range of marketing, digital, technical and PR support is incredible and is something we would never have been able to achieve ourselves. Connect is another level of support for us to tap into – it’s a hugely impressive platform that is bringing us great advantages.”

Only a systems company with the size and scale of Epwin Window Systems could have delivered a platform on the scale of Connect. As one of its users, Matthew Spooner, Director of World Group Property Improvements Limited, says: “It makes life so much easier and it’s the best digital resource platform that I’ve seen. It’s fantastic.”

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April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

RAPIERSTAR SUPPORTS NEWVIEW’S BOLD MOVE INTO WINDOW MANUFACTURING Fastener specialist Rapierstar has collaborated with Carl F Groupco and Eurocell to help long established and highly respected South Coast installer Newview to launch its new window and door manufacturing business, Newframe.

A new state-of-the-art 15,000 sq. ft PVCu window and door factory in Worthing will produce around 500 units every week using Eurocell systems, plus Newframe’s own new range of composite doors branded ‘Coastal Composites’ to service their growing New Build client list plus aviation noise contracts. More than £1m has been invested in new machinery and technology to create a manufacturing facility capable of delivering on Newframe’s goal to raise the bar in terms of quality and service in the local market, as well as for customers across the south of England.

To assist in the set up of this exciting new venture, Rapierstar was invited to provide all the specialist advice needed to develop a fastener specification that will optimise both manufacturing efficiency and safety, as well as long term finished product performance and quality. It means that everyone in the Newframe factory benefits from clear guidance on which fasteners to use for the many different applications across all window types.

Rapierstar produced a series of standard operating procedure sheets to help train

the new staff to select the correct fasteners for each of the cells within the factory.

These pictorial sheets show which screws work best with the Eurocell profiles and the hardware supplied by Carl F Groupco.

As a long term supply chain partner of Carl F Groupco and Eurocell, Rapierstar was ideally positioned to provide this technical support.

Ultimately, the collaboration will help to ensure that Newframe can take advantage of the market opportunity they have identified for a commercially ethical window factory in the heart of the south, with family at its core and British-made products.

Production Director at Newframe, Mark White, said: “We’re really excited to have our new factory up and running and really value the support of all our supply chain partners, including Rapierstar. The support from Carl F Groupco in particular has been amazing and hugely important for us to have them as a one stop shop for all our hardware requirements.

“Being able to manufacture our own windows and doors allows us to offer shorter lead times, reduce the distance products travel from factory to fitting, and give us better control of customer orders and contracts. It also means we have been able to develop a window and door specification and product portfolio that we believe is the best in our market, with the

highest quality in everything right down to the tiniest component.”

Carl F Groupco’s Andrew Price, area sales manager, added: “The Newframe window and door range benefits from some excellent hardware products from brands including Yale window and door hardware and Siegenia tilt and turn gearing which combine with the advanced design of Eurocell profile systems. But to enable the full benefits of these market-leading products to be realised, everyone involved in this new factory project wanted to ensure that the fastener specification was right from the outset, hence why advice from Rapierstar’s technical consultant Paul Balfe was so important.”

Groupco and Eurocell to achieve the right suite of fasteners for Newframe. Through our development of a Recommended Fixings Manual (RFM) for Eurocell systems, we already had a detailed technical reference point for fastener types and sizes, but that was just the starting point – we also helped the Newframe team to familiarise themselves with the products and ensure that the correct screws are used in the assembly process.”

The creation of the Newframe factory has already created 15 new jobs, with the factory employing staff through the Kickstart scheme for young people, as well as returners to work, or anyone wanting a different career path working for a locallyowned family company. It is providing windows and doors for high profile clients including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail plus many National housebuilders, as well as local installers and building trades.

Rapierstar works extensively with fabricators, systems companies and hardware manufacturers across the UK and Ireland to ensure fastener usage is optimised in window and door manufacturing. One of the ways it helps to do this is through a free Fastener Health Check – this is a full factory audit that reviews which fasteners are being used and why before providing a series of recommendations on where improvements can be made, often reducing stockholding and saving money in the process.

Paul Balfe, Technical Consultant at Rapierstar said: “We were delighted to be invited to provide technical assistance and collaborate with our colleagues at Carl F

To arrange a Fastener Health Check or access any technical assistance for window and door fasteners, contact Rapierstar on +44 (0)1260 223311 or visit www.rapierstar.com.

TRADELINK MARKS 30 YEARS IN THE DOORS AND WINDOWS INDUSTRY WITH BOLD GROWTH PLANS Established back when the Queen was celebrating her Ruby Jubilee and Barcelona hosted the 25th Olympic Games, Tradelink Window Solutions (www.tradelinkdirect.com) can reflect on three decades of success supplying trade installers with PVC-U, aluminium and composite frames, as well as conservatory roofs and a growing selection of technologies.

From 1992, the business’s early expansion was in Cambridgeshire with sites in Chatteris and then March, where its head office is now located alongside six factories.

Acquisitions since then have included MPM Windows in Mildenhall and later, Lee Aluminium during 2010. Four years on saw Tradelink open the first of its Window Centers.

In fact, as the fourth largest fabricator of Rehau systems, with five hubs creating an established presence across the South-east and East of the country, the company is looking to offer more customers convenient access to its unrivalled level of service and product quality.

Reflecting on the landmark, new MD Stuart Judge, who was appointed last year, commented: “Tradelink has traded very strongly throughout the pandemic, reflecting the activity in the housing market generally which has largely been due to home working and a desire for more space.

Looking ahead, we are seeking to strengthen support for our customers. I think it is significant that we are now seeing wholesale price rises for materials starting to level off, and we’re genuinely hopeful of not having to pass on any further price increases during the rest of this year.”

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Stuart Judge, MD at Tradelink Direct

A typical installation at an orangery which features Residence Collection

The company also has bold plans for further expansion as Stuart explained: “I have just appointed a new Divisional Head for our aluminium and ‘Living Space’ business, here at our head office in March; to work with installers who specialise in the conservatory and orangery market.

Then we are planning to more than double our number of Window Centers, from the five at the moment, over the next two years. This is going to be achieved through a combination of organic growth and acquiring new sites across the country.”

engagement with the trade is going to be backed up with the introduction of new products planned for Quarter 3 this year. These will include enhanced versions of the R2 and R7 products, along with new composite systems to meet and exceed the latest requirements of the Building Regulations due to be introduced next year.

Crucially, the Window Centers offer support for smaller trade installers on a regional basis ensuring that they and their customers have access to technical expertise and showroom facilities. This proactive approach to

Stuart Judge summed up: “Tradelink has always had a reputation for high quality and reliable service and these are strengths we believe we can build on for the future.

Improved technology and the unique finishes we can offer are of real benefit to customers.”

For further information, please visit https://tradelinkdirect.com/

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

HAFFNER ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD-LEVEL RESTRUCTURE Haffner Ltd has announced a new-board level restructure to ensure the Staffordbased business continues to build its position as the industry’s leading machinery supplier. Dave Thomas, Haffner’s founder, said: “The strategic decision to restructure reflects our rapid growth over the past five years. We are now the industry’s leading machinery supplier and this is thanks to the dedication and commitment of our team.

This new restructure will allow for even greater focus to continue our growth trajectory, and further support our growing customer base with the best in cutting edge machinery.”

With immediate effect, Dave Thomas will take up the role of Chief Executive Officer for the business and Matt Thomas will become Haffner’s new Managing Director.

Bryan Dando will move from Regional Sales Manager to become Haffner’s new Commercial Director. Completing the senior management team restructure, Andy Parker will become Operations Director.

Dave commented: “Matt, Bryan and Andy have all been setting new standards of excellence for Haffner for a number of years. I am confident it’s the right executive team to take our business forward.”

The news follows three-years of investment at Haffner which has included the company doubling the size of its Staffordshire

CDW SYSTEMS PROVIDES STYLISH SOLUTION FOR LEADING MARKETING AGENCY’S NEW HEADQUARTERS When full-service marketing agency Purplex needed an internal glazing solution for its new 15,000 square foot office facility, finding the right product and supplier was a no brainer.

headquarters and commissioning a new 37,000 sqm purpose-built factory in Istanbul, Turkey, to support its continued growth.

Award-winning Haffner has the largest and most comprehensive machine portfolio in the industry that makes it a go-to supplier for fabricators of all sizes. It’s the exclusive UK supply partner of Graf Synergy, which offers world class seamless welding technology and patented welding techniques. It is the sole UK agent of Haffner Machinery, which designs innovative and high-quality engineered products and it also supplies a range of aluminium fabrication machines from FOM Industrie, which holds an international reputation for quality machinery that combines the latest technology with skilled engineering and competitive prices.

Purplex have handled the PR and marketing requirements for CDW Systems since 2011, so managing director Andrew Scott was fully aware of the vast product range on offer from the specialist aluminium fabricator and the quality of their workmanship.

When the time came to specify the internal glazing, it didn’t take Andrew long to make his decision and place the order. He takes up the story: “The new Purplex office boasts an open plan workspace, various meeting rooms, a ‘pitch room’ for major client presentations, a lounge area, a bar and even a gym. It’s a fantastic environment to work, exercise and relax and I wanted to separate the different areas with a glazing product that had real wow factor.

Haffner has seen exponential growth in the past few years thanks to its outstanding machinery offering and team of industry and technical experts who are committed to adding value to every customer’s business.

“Purplex helped CDW launch their new range of Smarts Alitherm Heritage aluminium in 2020, so I was already fully aware of the product and had seen how fantastic it looks in a commercial building.

I contacted CDW to discuss the project and they took care of the rest – the sales process was smooth, the product was delivered on time, the quality was impeccable, and the finished result is absolutely stunning. In all honesty I’d expect nothing less from CDW!” The perfect choice for refurbishment projects, the Heritage range of thermally broken, ultra slim profiles provides untouchable quality, strength, and low-level maintenance, and can achieve U-values as low as 1.5 W/m²K and achieve a ‘B’ rating for thermal efficiency performance.

Richard Smith, Technical Director at CDW Systems, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, commented: “Our Smart Alitherm Heritage range ticked all the boxes for Purplex’s new office, and we are delighted to hear that they are so happy with the results. Purplex have been a great support to us for over a decade, so we were more than happy to help.”

Established in 1992, CDW Systems is one of the UK’s longest running aluminium specialists, and its expertise and extensive market knowledge has seen it grow into one of the most well-respected specialists in the trade supply of aluminium window, door, and curtain wall products. For more information visit www.cdwsystems.co.uk or call 01452 414853.

And with its new management structure in place, it’s ready to write the next chapter in its history!

Tel: 01785 222421 – www.haffnerltd.com

THERMOSEAL GROUP HIGHLY RATED BY IG MANUFACTURERS If you speak to Thermoseal Group’s customers, you’ll hear that there are a multitude of reasons for its influx of prestigious awards. Its latest customer survey results are testament to its outstanding offering, with 100% of customers rating their overall experience with the Group as Good to Excellent, the majority of which voted the Group as Excellent.

With over 40 years supplying to the glass and glazing industry offering an evergrowing range of over 2,500 insulated glass (IG) components - most of which are now manufactured by the Group in the UK Thermoseal Group supplies to customers in 40 countries across 6 continents.

UK and Export Customers were given a short Customer Satisfaction Survey requesting a rating on the service that they receive from all contact with Thermoseal Group. The survey also included a series of questions prompting feedback on its teams, product offering, as well as an indication of what customers would like to see from Thermoseal Group in the future. The survey was completed by approximately 12% of its customer base offering a representative sample of UK and export customers being serviced by all its UK depots.

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The Group’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Samantha Hill, tells us: “Like the rest of the industry, we have seen an increased demand for our products over the past year, which is great, but we have also been affected by rising costs, supplychain issues and staffing problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and BREXIT. Considering this, the results of the latest survey are even more welcome.

“Our team were delighted by the influx of positive comments, such as: “By far the best of our suppliers”, “Superb Service” and “Fabulous, friendly and professional”.

“Extremely knowledgeable and always go the extra mile”. “Everyone is a pleasure to deal with.” Perhaps my favourite was “What more can I say, all brilliant!”. There were also several customers who simply urged us not to change.

“We have an excellent customer retention rate here at Thermoseal Group, and we make extra effort to ensure that we keep it that way. We monitor our customer service levels and our Customer Relationship Management System provides full details and statistics so that our teams can ensure that if we get it wrong, like everyone does at times, then we put it right as quickly as

possible. We are continually striving to improve.

“Since the last survey in 2019, we have developed a bespoke e-Commerce system.

A few of our customers are currently trialling the system to order their goods online. We look forward to offering this service to all our customers over the coming months.

“I’d like to thank all customers who completed our Customer Satisfaction Survey. We have a variety of suggestions for additions to our product range and some valuable feedback on how we can meet our customers’ future requirements. If you highlighted something we need to develop or improve on, then we’re looking into it as you read this.”

As a thank you to customers who filled in the survey, Thermoseal Group entered all respondents into a prize draw. The two Prize Draw winners were presented with a £250 Virgin Experience Voucher.

The first winner was Paul Rogers from Allclear Glass and Glazing, who said: “Whether its double-glazing consumable supplies or machine service, the customer service team are always willing to help

and offer excellent advice which gives confidence in knowing that the items you are ordering are correct and will do the purpose required. I would not hesitate to recommend the Thermoseal Group and thank them for my winning gift.”

The second winner was Paul Deanus from Uxbridge Glass Centre, who said: “Sales team excellent service and very friendly. As for winning, I am over the moon as I have never won anything, not even £2.50 on the lottery!”

Contact Thermoseal Group on 0845 331 3950 or Intl: +44 (0) 121 331 3950.

Alternatively, visit www.thermosealgroup.com or e-mail us on sales@thermosealgroup.com.

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

”I save 30 hours a month on quoting with Framepoint” Liam Best, Kalico Home Improvements

...and it’s as simple as sketching on a pad. book a demo - www.tommytrinder.com

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THE FLOODGATES OPEN ON

DEEP GUTTERING

As climate change continues to impact the weather in the UK and across the world, deep guttering might be one of the last defences against increased rainfall says Colin St John, Commercial Director at Freefoam.

conditions. With much more capacity than standard round guttering, it’s an ideal solution for steep or large roofs.

The annual State of the UK Climate report published by the Met Office last July, showed that in 2020, temperature, levels of sunshine and rainfall were all in the top 10 on record.

In fact, 2020 was the fifth wettest year on record as well as being the third warmest.

And, even if a homeowner has a more modern property, if they have an extension, or are considering one, their current rainwater guttering may be inadequate, or they may need to increase the capacity across the entire house. In this scenario, a deep gutter will negate the need for any additional drainage or soakaways.

This change in weather continues with the recent spate of storms to wash over the UK. Storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin all hit within days of each other causing widespread damage, flooding and loss of life.

The UK climate is changing and with more rain comes a greater risk of flooding.

According to Rainbow International, around 2.4 million people live in immediate flood risk areas and you are more likely to experience flooding than a burglary.

And it’s likely to get worse. Climate change predictions for 2030 suggest that the number of people exposed to floods will increase.

Deep guttering isn’t just a nice addition; in some cases, it’s vital. Homeowners may not realise their homes need deep guttering until it’s too late. Many older properties may not have sufficient outlets to deal with the increased levels of rainfall that we face today. A deep gutter, with its high flow capacity, may be a cost-effective alternative to digging and laying new drainage.

system creates the conditions for persistent water ingress and the potential for serious and very costly damage to property. That’s why Freefoam developed Freeflow®, our range of innovative, high-quality PVC-U gutter systems.

The Freeflow® deep gutter system has 50% more capacity than round guttering, allowing homeowners to better control water flow. Its innovative white interior reduces heat build-up as our climate gets warmer, and the system includes a deep round-style gutter with a complete range of matching fixings, ensuring a watertight professional installation.

The Freeflow® round deep gutter also blends in with existing round guttering for a whole house finish, and is available in white, black,

Freefoam Commercial Director Colin St John

brown and anthracite grey.

Most homes were installed with last generation rainwater guttering, and that guttering won’t protect their properties as our climate continues to change. Deep guttering isn’t an upgrade, or a nice to have; it’s a must have to protect against the wetter weather that’s already on our doorstep.

Discover more by calling 0800 002 9903, visiting www.freefoam.com and following @Freefoam.

FREEFLOW® DEEP GUTTER Rainwater guttering isn’t often a hot topic of conversation, but it should be on everyone’s radar – because an overwhelmed gutter

WHAT DOES MORE RAIN MEAN FOR YOUR HOME? With increased rainfall and longer wet spells, it’s crucial that rainwater gutter systems on people’s homes are able to manage increased levels of water.

If homeowners have inadequate, damaged or blocked guttering, then overflow and standing water is likely to become a problem much sooner. The fact is some existing rainwater installations are not able to handle the increased flow of rainwater.

Enter deep guttering.

Deep guttering can help to manage water flow better, particularly in areas that experience higher rainfall and more stormy

The Freeflow® deep gutter system has 50% more capacity than round guttering, allowing homeowners to better control water flow.”

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April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Get the perfect finish with Rio furniture Following the successful launch of the new Rio Flush Fit window, REHAU are pleased to offer a range of high quality, complementary hardware. The range includes key locking, beautifully-designed monkey tail and tear drop handles, dedicated Rio TOTAL70 Chamfered and Sculptured pegs and stays. All hardware is fully zinc-casted for a solid, high-quality finish and optimal longevity.Windows. Reinvented for modern life. enquiries@rehau.com Tel: 01989 762600

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SHEERLINE PRESTIGE SECURES PAS24 AND SBD APPROVAL As part of its commitment to offer customers the best products possible, Sheerline Aluminium Systems has achieved PAS24: 2016 on its Prestige window system.

Prestige is the second Sheerline product to gain Secured by Design accreditation, the UK’s official police initiative that works with companies to improve security on buildings.

Prestige builds on the success of Sheerline’s Classic range, a slim, beadless system that also passed the BSi BS 4873:2016 / PAS24:2016 security performance test in 2021. The test evaluates the strength of a window at each locking point, as well as its overall performance when under attack.

Product Design Director, Adrian Redshaw stated, “PAS24: 2016 for window units is set at a specific standard to ensure the complete product resists attack. It focuses on withstanding manipulation of the window hardware and combines mechanical loading, leverage and pressure, and impact testing. The Prestige window came through the tests without a hitch, exceeding many of the required classifications needed to gain a pass certificate and allowing us to attain endorsement by the Secured by Design initiative.”

The Prestige window evaluated, used Sheerline’s unique corner cleat a precision and incredibly easy to fit, standardised

component from the Sheerline range of products.

Designed to eliminate misalignment, the corner cleat adds strength to the overall frame and sash.

To bolster the windows security further, Yale’s highsecurity twin cam locking mechanism and 17mm stack height friction hinges were also fitted.

“We expected remarkable results from the Prestige window system, and we weren’t disappointed. We built the system to the same set of principles as our Classic window range; to be innovative, easy to manufacture, simple to install using standard components, while delivering sleek and uninterrupted sightlines that perform to the highestlevels of security.” Adrian commented, “Adding, Prestige to our Secured by Design product listing is a massive accomplishment for us, one which should also gain competitive benefits for our customers.”

To learn more about Sheerline, visit www.sheerline.com or www.sheerlinevideo.com.

You can also call 01332 978000 or email info@sheerline.com. Follow @SheerlineSystem for the latest news and updates.

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR ALUK WINDOWS AND DOORS AT CWG CHOICES AluK’s team were out in force to support the return of the popular CWG Choices Open Day recently. Product Managers Peter Willard and Lisa Stephens and Sales Manager Scott Yates talked to the hundred or so installers who attended about the AluK products fabricated under the Choices Aluminium brand, including the popular BSF70 and F82 bifolds, the BSC94 sliding patio and the 58BW and 58BD window and door systems.

One of the hot topics on the day was the upcoming changes to Part L, and the AluK team were able to explain more about the new Building Regs and how they will affect installers and their customers.

CWG Choices has been partnered with AluK since 2011 and AluK systems now account for more than 75% of the aluminium doors and windows it supplies.

For CWC Choices’ Managing Director Chris Powell, the partnership works because the AluK product range suits all the key requirements of its trade market, as well as being a strong and trusted brand.

He said: “As we saw once again at our 30th anniversary Open Day, our installers like the design of the AluK products and the fact that they are premium quality and yet still affordable. That makes them a good match with the Kommerling products we supply in PVC-U and means that customers fitting both aluminium and PVC-U products can buy two complementary brands from CWG Choices.

“What matters just as much to us though is the quality of the AluK service – on time deliveries and a consistently impressive OTIF score help us to schedule our own

production efficiently and, in turn, offer an industry leading OTIF to our customers.”

The partnership between CWG Choices and AluK looks set to strengthen even further as the fabricator has just opened a new aluminium ‘Centre of Excellence’ at its Corby manufacturing facility. A dedicated 10,000 sq ft of manufacturing space and an adjacent warehouse has doubled capacity and provided the ideal platform for an anticipated 25% growth in aluminium in 2022.

Chris Powell added: “We’re very confident about those growth figures. Everything is in place to make us the ideal trade partner for customers buying AluK products. We have the capacity necessary to supply installers who want to grow the aluminium sides of their own businesses and we’re already offering impressive lead times of two to three weeks on stock colours.

“Above all, we’re making it easy to do business with us. Installers can use our Choices Online quoting system to generate their own professional looking quotes and place orders, they can call our customer service team if they prefer, or they can use our printed product guide and price list.”

Scott Yates from AluK added: “The feedback during the Open Day was really positive.

Visitors could see the opportunities presented by AluK and CWG Choices in the new Centre of Excellence and we’re giving it our full support.”

More details are at: https://uk.aluk.com/ and https://cwgchoices.com/

HEART EMERGENCY SHOCK FOR COLLEAGUES AT UAP Maintenance man, Dirk, is lucky to be alive today thanks to the quick thinking and first aid training of his colleagues at UAP, a specialist in locks and hardware based in Whitefield, Manchester.

used it. Everything happened so quickly that we just worked together to help Dirk and, as soon as I connected the battery into the defibrillator unit, it gave me very clear instructions on what I needed to do.”

The 74-year-old from Radcliffe had stayed a few minutes late at work at the request of operations director, Wendy Rushton, when he collapsed with a cardiac arrest.

The quick thinking UAP team sprung into action, calling an ambulance, putting Dirk in the recovery position and calling on first aiders, Julie and Lyndsey, to help, as Wendy deployed the company’s emergency defibrillator.

Warehouse supervisor Julie did chest compressions, while sales administrator, Lyndsey, gave Dirk mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The Defibrillator gave the team clear instructions when to stand clear so that Dirk’s heart could be shocked and informed them when his heart had restarted.

Wendy explained: “I had familiarised myself with the defibrillator when it was first installed, but none of us have ever

22

When the ambulance arrived 20 minutes after chief executive, David Jennings, first raised the alarm, the paramedics praised the UAP team for saving Dirk’s life with their first aid skills and rapid response.

Dirk is now recovering in North Manchester General Hospital and his wife Kay has been into UAP’s offices to thank her husband’s colleagues for saving his life.

Lyndsey commented: “I trained as a nurse before joining UAP and I am one of seven first aiders on site but I never expected to have to use those skills to save someone’s life in the office. Dirk had been scheduled to go home a few minutes earlier and, if he’d left on time and had the cardiac arrest in the car or at home, it’s unlikely he would have pulled through. We are all relieved to know he’s now doing well in hospital.”

UAP installed the defibrillator at the company’s offices a year ago but have never used the device before. The company is now urging other businesses to have a

defibrillator available and ensure first aid skills are up to date.

Wendy adds: “Without the defibrillator and the swift actions of his colleagues, Dirk would not have made it, which is a very sobering thought for us all. We are very proud of the way the team responded in an emergency and wish Dirk a speedy recovery.” https://uapcorporate.com

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

NEW

Regulations?

Colours & Finishes

SAME TRICKLEVENTS 5000, 4000, 2500 & 2000 EQA LESS TIME NEEDED FOR ROUTING AND INSTALLATION

L1B F A 1 L New building regulation requirements for England and Wales, Part F (Ventilation), Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power)

For more information or to find your local stockist visit: glazpart.com or call 01295 264533 to speak with one of the team.

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SEEING IS BELIEVING!

As the much-awaited FIT Show approaches, Rhonda Ridge of Ab Initio, creator of the installer management system, AdminBase, explains why it’s worth installers taking time out to visit the exhibition, and why some things need to be experienced first-hand.

Sometimes we read about a new product or service in the trade press, and we’re impressed. We promise ourselves we’ll come back to it soon and investigate further, whether that means visiting a website, or picking up the phone to find out more.

Unfortunately, the best laid plans can go awry, and we get distracted by the plethora of other jobs we deal with day to day. The task of researching new products slips further and further down the to do list until falling off completely. That’s why trade shows are such a useful investment. You can dedicate time to finding out what’s new, meet people face to face and see the benefits of various products first-hand. Rhonda believes that software is a particularly useful thing to ‘try before you buy’ at a trade show.

Rhonda Ridge

NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING

to offer installers and I know how much it can help their day to day lives. However, the brain processes visual images 60,000 times faster than text, so I want to get the product in front of people too. There is nothing like experiencing the real thing and navigating your way through a piece of software yourself, to understand its benefits. That’s why we’ll be offering live demonstrations on a one-to-one basis to visitors on stand D31 throughout the show, either in planned appointments, or for those wandering over to see us on the day. There will also be a knowledgeable team on hand to answer any questions while visitors explore.

“I can write about our comprehensive installer management system, AdminBase, all day long because it has so many benefits

“AdminBase has so many clever facets to it, all offering different time saving benefits or improved efficiencies, that it is best to

see it in action. For example, our Customer Portal is a self-service tool that helps installers keep their customers up to date with the progress of their order. Imagine reducing or even eliminating all those calls from consumers chasing their install date, enquiring about payment deadlines, or even reporting service issues after the project is completed. But fitters need to be confident that the software they’re offering up to their customers, is easy to use. Which they will be as soon as they experience it themselves.

THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL “Similarly, the My AdminBase Diary App is a great way for installers to keep track of all appointments. We’ll be showing fitters how appointments can be viewed as a list or in a calendar format, to make it quick and easy to use, and how they can attach documents and photos to each appointment so that everything is kept in one place. Again, the time-saving benefits of having one central place for all information relevant to each appointment, shouldn’t be under-estimated.

Users of the App can also phone, text, or e-mail directly from the appointment log and can even collect a sign off signature from the client where relevant.

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“The entire system has been designed with detailed knowledge of the day to day running of an installation business. That means every niggle and time-consuming action that used to slow installers down and remove focus from the core activities of the business, has been eradicated. Installers can access an abundance of data immediately on a home screen consisting of any type of chart or text to make it easy for them to view at a glance. They can keep track of sales teams or installations on Google Maps within the system, and they can view Lead and Contract checklists as a dashboard so they can identify any problems quickly and easily.

“AdminBase has already proved incredibly popular with installers across the UK because it is an all-encompassing solution, but we’re looking forward to demonstrating the system in its entirety to more fitters at the show. As well as live one-to-one demonstrations, we’ll have a rolling video of the system on the stand, so passers by can see how it works and what an extraordinary difference it could make to their business.”

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

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

How hard is your

FABRICATOR WORKING FOR YOU?

Behind every great installer is a fabricator relationship built on a comprehensive and specialist product range, combined with exceptional customer service.

The fundamentals such as service, customer care, and quality should be a given, but choosing wisely means you can get a lot more from your fabricator.

Breadth of product range: You should never lose out on a job through lack of specification, so having access to a range of profile systems, products, colours and finishes is a necessity.

Marketing support: Marketing costs and resources are often prohibitive to carry out effectively for many businesses. The right fabricator can add value with marketing support that will promote your business and save you time money and effort.

Enhanced benefits: Sometimes it can take an enhanced technical product or extended warranty to seal the deal and win the business, so ensure your fabricator can offer you something that makes you stand out from the crowd.

Flexible service: From business support packages to tailored deliveries, the right partner will help you achieve your business goals by recognising and meeting your individual needs.

A good fabricator really makes the difference.

Make sure you are working with a partner that is the right fit for your business!

Call us to find out how we can work together on 01933 443222 or email sales@glazerite.net.

UK Group Limited

Tel: 01933 443222 Email: sales@glazerite.net

www.glazerite.co.uk

Our marketing tools will give you the edge, created for your business with your branding

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CONSUMER TRENDS IN 2022 In a new series of podcasts, The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) is aiming to have an open discussion about some of the issues we as an industry are facing. In this article, Faisal Hussain, Chief Executive of DGCOS, shares some of the highlights of his conversation about consumer trends with George Clarke, architect, TV presenter and DGCOS Brand Ambassador and Thom Emerson, Sales and Marketing Director of Ideal Window Solutions.

There is little doubt that these are challenging times. We are battling the rising cost of living against a big shift in lifestyle brought about by the pandemic.

One of the biggest things that impacts the consumer is the economy and there are some big challenges ahead: Inflation is at its highest rate for 30 years in contrast to an average 1% in regular pay; energy bills are rocketing - I have personally seen an increase of 50% on my energy bills since I came out of my energy deal in November last year, oil prices are at the highest in 7 years and I anticipate all this is going to get higher and higher.

making their homes more multi-functional to accommodate working, perhaps a home gym or a separate space where they can relax. This has coincided with challenges within the market with materials shortages, price increases and surcharges that have made quoting for work difficult and overall, made the situation very challenging.

Against this turbulent backdrop however, there are positive trends emerging. Take for example, the impact of the stamp duty tax holiday which has encouraged movement in the housing market which in turn has opened up opportunities for the window and door market, as people seek to make their mark on their new homes with a nice new composite door and matching windows.

CREATING SPACE Those that haven’t moved home have made significant improvement to their existing properties in their quest find a better worklive space thanks to the stay-at-home policy.

It was really interesting to hear Thom talk about the change in approach when it came to conservatories and orangeries. For example, traditionally a conservatory or orangery was designed to be an extension of the kitchen, but now they are an extra leisure space with large-span bi-folding or patio doors that allow us to bring the outside in. Some people have opted to

decant a room from inside the house to the new ‘outside’ space, so that a home office can be created further inside where it’s quieter. The key driver is to make the house feel less cramped and even though we are doing more in our homes, even having the impression of space is important to our wellbeing.

THE GREEN AGENDA After creating useable space, the next big trend is making homes more energy efficient. This is a subject that has been brought very much to the forefront but irrespective of Net Zero targets, many homeowners are considering ‘greening’ their homes to reduce energy bills, save money and make their homes more comfortable. As George says in the podcast, we as a nation, have a huge Retrofit challenge ahead of us. We have the oldest housing stock in Europe which is great as we have beautiful buildings with historic features, but these properties are often drafty, cold and hard to insulate.

As an industry we have an important role to play in improving the fabric of these buildings and there have been many innovations aimed at improving the efficiency of windows and doors. As Thom explains in the podcast, while they may deliver mixed messages – like insisting triple vents are installed for increased

26

ventilation and decreasing solar gain by making windows smaller, while many consumers are striving for the opposite – the key is that the product needs to be energy efficient. Huge investment has been made across the supply chain in glazing technology and reinforcement technology in multi-chambered products. All window materials have potential for great u-values, even if we do have to put holes in them.

There are a lot of challenges ahead, not just for us as an industry but for homeowners too. It is positive to see that consumers are making the most of this change in lifestyle to improve their homes and heartening they are doing it, wherever possible, in an environmentally friendly way. But it is a minefield and I strongly believe it is our responsibility to help educate them.

Greening and the new regulations create a complicated picture and it’s up to the industry to help them traverse it.

This is just a snapshot of the conversation.

To hear more on this these topics and other trends like DIY wish list, multifunctional furniture designs and the triple glazing vs double glazing debate, listen to the full podcast here: ttps://spoti.fi/3i7AA1O DGCOS, the Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme, aims to protect consumers and raise standards in the glazing industry. Being a member of DGCOS shows that as an installer you are committed to complying with the highest standards of consumer protection.

For more information, please visit: https://installers.dgcos.org.uk/

But, people are spending significant amounts of time at home and this has a massive impact on how we all live and spend our money. Right from the first lockdown, there has been a surge in home improvements as consumers seek ways of

Photo: Ideal Window Solutions

Faisal Hussain

Photo: Ideal Window Solutions

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Installer Alert... ...over 30 benefits of joining DGCOS

“

DGCOS is the cornerstone of our business.

They align with our own consumer champion values and are an independent body in which we have total faith.

The professionalism of their team is second to none. Installers who want a partner by their side that truly support their business, I recommend you join DGCOS. Thom Emerson Sales & Marketing Director, Ideal Window Solutions.

”

Find out more about Ideal Window Solutions experience of working with DGCOS.

DGCOS is a consumer protection scheme that covers the installation of double glazing products. Being a member of DGCOS shows that as an installer you are committed to complying with high standards of consumer protection.

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

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ROLLER SOLUTIONS FROM ALUPROF With the continued growth of aluminium home improvement installations, there is a further aluminium system which offers home improvement companies a lucrative ‘range build’ product option. Aluminium roller shutter systems have advanced over the last few years and can now offer a wide range of aesthetic solutions for high security roller shutter garage doors and industrial doors.

It is believed that the first concept of ‘roller shutter’ was discovered in the 1st Century AD by a Greek scholar by the name of Heron of Alexandria. He invented what is today regarded as the first roller shutter door where he used timber slats and a rope to operate. This was nothing like the roller shutters we now use, but the principle remains the same.

One of the main benefits offered by a roller shutter system is the amount of room needed for installation. With guides fitted on the inside of the opening and just

good thermal and sound insulation. As a fabricator, design flexibility ensures that you can meet a client’s exact requirements, offering bespoke sizes in a wide range of finishes.

Whichever system you choose to adopt, there is a big opportunity in this sector to range build across your business. If you are a trade supplier of doors or other engineered fabricated systems into the construction market, the adoption of a roller shutter door system could be a lucrative product to add to your portfolio.

Magdalena Herbert National Sales Manager of Aluprof UK

205mm room required at the head for a compact roller box, very little installation room is required. Furthermore, on a small home driveway, a roller shutter door can still be opened with a vehicle parked close to the door, which can be an important consideration when choosing a door type.

Roller shutter profiles come in a wide range of designs, some designs offer increased structural rigidity for wide doors. Most door profiles offer thermal insulation, with some laths specifically designed to offer

So, choosing the best garage door system available is key, ensuring you have all the necessary system parts to hand and flexibility to cover all installation types.

Aluprof is one of the leading manufacturers of foam filled laths in Europe and have over 15 years of presence here in the UK suppling roller shutter systems. Off the shelf stock is carried in various painted colours, or foil laminated in a range of finishes, all stock is held in the company’s central warehouse in Altrincham in the North West, with the option of a flexible delivery across the UK or customer collection.

Offering one of the most robust systems currently on the market, choosing Aluprof as a roller shutter systems supplier ensures you supply to your customers a product that will offer good life expectancy with low maintenance. All Aluprof profiles are extruded at the group's own plant in Poland, with aluminium extrusion billet

and painted aluminium being sourced from sustainable sources.

I joined Aluprof UK in 2016 and embarked on a journey across the UK meeting roller shutter door manufacturers. I was offered a warm welcome, constructive feedback and have been offered a great deal of support from those I have met. I will be forever grateful for the shared journey, the people who I have met in the industry, many with new concepts and ideas, people I meet still surprise me nearly every day, it is a rewarding industry to be in.

Aluprof UK has rapidly grown their specification influence in the UK with their high-performance aluminium systems.

Further expansion of the company’s headquarters in Altrincham not only increases the capability of carrying more product in stock, now provides specifiers with meeting facilities and an extensive showroom of residential and commercial aluminium systems on view, including roller shutter doors and high security shutters. With overseas growth across Europe spreading into the Middle East and firm roots already in the East of the USA, the company has become a global player in fenestration 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 Magdalena Herbert - National Sales Manager of Aluprof UK

“Roller shutter profiles come in a wide range of designs, some designs offer increased structural rigidity for wide doors. Most door profiles offer thermal insulation, with some laths specifically designed to offer good thermal and sound insulation.”

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April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Automation: embrace the future of IG RIGID SPACER BAR MANUAL LINE More people, more processes, more errors – and more cost

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FOR QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST, SPEAK TO EDGETECH

T: 02476 995704

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E: ukenquiries@edgetechig.com

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

WHY CASE STUDIES HELP SECURE BUSINESS The way we make our purchasing decisions has significantly shifted in the past 20 years. With the huge volume of online resources available to the decision makers, there is a lot of ‘noise’ to cut through.

Different demographics research in different ways, purchasers are looking for compelling case studies to under pin their financial decision.

Liniar, the UK’s leading PVCu systems house, explains why it’s important to have compelling case studies in your marketing toolkit when looking for new customers – and how they can positively impact your business for years to come.

WHAT IS A CASE STUDY? A case study is a compelling story. It conveys evidence to readers that your company has the capability to deliver outstanding products and services. It should also outline the challenges that were faced, how you overcame them, the outcomes and customer feedback. Including positive quotes from the customer (with their permission) will give the story credibility, as will photographs to illustrate the results.

INSPIRE IDEAS

“At Liniar, we love hearing about the projects our products are used in, so we invest time in getting the details and writing the case study on our customers’ behalf.”

BUILD TRUST

Case studies can also give prospective clients ideas for their own projects. If they’re torn between window styles, for example, they can read and see what others have chosen and why. This can help with their decision-making process and position your company as one giving good advice.

A case study features all the ups, downs, challenges and victories, as well as client reactions to how your business handled any issues that arose. Case studies can tell the tale of a beautiful property with unique products – but if there were issues during the project, don’t be afraid to tell future customers how your business resolved them.

Once written, they also provide great content for your website, help with search ranking and can also be used for press advertising or editorial content.

Honesty in case studies will demonstrate that you and your business are customer focused, trustworthy, and determined to resolve any issues.

Testimonial quotes can be taken from the full case study and used across social media – and if you’re lucky enough to be able to video a project with the homeowner commenting, grab the opportunity as this is the most compelling medium of all.

GET HELP Writing is a skill that takes time to perfect – time which many of us don’t have. At Liniar, we love hearing about the projects our products are used in, so we invest time in getting the details and writing the case study on our customers’ behalf. To ensure that projects are shown in the best light we send a professional photographer to take the accompanying shots, which customers have full access to.

It’s a win/win – we get to speak to the installer and the end user and gather genuine feedback, and our customer gets publicity by being featured on our website, plus they have access to the case study and photos to use in their local area or on their own website to help generate future business.

Through the case studies we’ve produced, we’ve received invaluable feedback and testimonials for both Liniar and our customers. It’s the perfect way to increase the visibility of our customers’ brands, giving them exposure in the trade press and showcasing their expertise to homeowners who are looking for similar products or projects.

START NOW If you’re not already working on case studies and putting them up on your website, blog and social media, now is the time. Although we may all be busy right now, think of it as an investment in the future, for when demand softens.

Work closely with your systems company or fabricator, contact them to find out if there are opportunities for them to help you get your case study into the press and onto their digital platforms with back links to your website.

If Liniar customers or installers have a case study they’d like us to tell, simply get in touch with a few details at marketing@liniar.co.uk.

Still unsure? Visit www.liniar.co.uk/case-studies and dive into a few case studies today.

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April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

A POLARISING PANDEMIC – WHAT IT MEANS FOR SLIDERS AND BIFOLDS We’re finally emerging from what I’ve seen described as a ‘polarising pandemic’ – one in which high-income households increased their savings and reduced their debts, while low-income families increased debts and reduced savings.

According to the Resolution Foundation, 47% of those on the highest incomes saved at least 10% more during the pandemic than they would normally and 17% saved at least 25% more. They were twice as likely as those on the lowest incomes to have reduced debt and significantly more likely to have reduced household spending. The end result is a £266bn savings mountain, largely concentrated in the bank accounts of the better off.

We all know that there is a cost-of-living crisis looming in the UK, with food and energy costs rocketing, inflation expected to hit at least 7% by the Spring, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine already making things considerably worse. This is bound to put a dampener on consumer confidence and spending, and I think there will be a significant impact on demand for mainstream mid-market products, as household budgets start to be squeezed.

However, just as there was throughout the pandemic, there will be winners and losers once again.

We will very likely see overall demand fall from the record levels we’ve experienced since 2020, but that £266bn,

sliders or bifolds in 2022 in the same way that they seem likely to pay over the odds for holidays or cars this year.

In terms of supply, AluFold Direct is in a good position to support those customers in targeting retail buyers and to help them unlock new business for 2022. Our stock levels remain high, and we are currently back to our marketleading lead times – one week on unglazed frames and two weeks on glazed – delivered anywhere in the UK.

coupled with rising house prices, is likely to cushion the higher end of the market from the worst of the effects – even when you take into account the fact that costs are already starting to increase.

There’s no doubt that the aluminium sliders and bifolds that AluFold Direct supply are aspirational purchases, virtually guaranteed to add value to the home and very much in the eyeline of those who will still have money to spend.

Our customers still have every right to feel relatively confident going into 2022 – their real challenge will be to persuade aspirational buyers to spend on home improvements rather than on holidays or new cars. I think the key messages going out to the retail market need to be that the supply shortages which put some customers off tackling big projects last year are now largely behind us and that homeowners will not be paying over the odds for new

The massive investments we made in our operation over the past two years are paying dividends for us and for installers who buy from us. We have massively increased capacity and now have an industrial scale manufacturing facility in Blackburn, capable of delivering the same kind of speed and service in aluminium that installers have been used to in PVC-U. We have separate dedicated high-speed production lines for sliders, bifolds and windows, in contrast with most of our competitors who push all their products down the same line and are limited in terms of speed and volume as a result.

Each of our lines has its own top of the range cutting and machining centres and fully automated four head crimpers, and that enables us to offer consistent and highly repeatable precision outputs at any scale.

Our focus at AluFold Direct is on quality, efficiency, and value – installers who choose to partner with us can relax knowing they will get all the support they need to make the most of the opportunities which will still exist and to mitigate the obstacles which the market will undoubtedly face.

More details at: www.alufolddirect.co.uk

By Russell Yates, Managing Director, AluFold Direct

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31

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CHOICES FROM CWG CHOICES MEANS OPPORTUNITIES FOR INSTALLERS Invited to attend one of two Open Days at CWG Choices in Corby, Chris Champion, Editor of Glass News, had the opportunity to understand exactly why that word ‘Choices’ is so relevant to the offering from this well known fabricator.

The invitation for the Open Day was sent

by Philip de Clermont, one of the original founders of Corby Windows, back in 1992.

Now, some 30 years later, Philip is still involved with the business. In fact, he shares an office with Managing Director Chris Powell which may, on the face of it, seem a bit strange. However, it is an arrangement that works well, and Chris is happy to have a sounding board as they take CWG Choices onwards and upwards.

An impressive demonstration for Avantis’ Kubu

CWG Choices’ Chris Powell with Philip de Clermont

In the old days of schooling as we learned facts by rote, some of us will remember the chant used to remember the six wives of Henry V111: ‘Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived’. ‘Founded, sold, bought, sold, remained’ could be a chant to describe Philip’s history with the company. He’s a gentleman, ex-army, helicopter pilot, and an entrepreneur who has a twinkle in his eye when he describes his life as having been ‘pretty good’. A nice understatement. He’s one of those who will probably never retire and certainly never slow down!

PVCu fabrication site et al, it became very clear where the ‘Choices’ bit came in. With profile from Kommerling, the Residence Collection, Halo and Veka and both aluminium from AluK and Smarts, plus timber from Allan Bros (another Inwido company) and Aluclad products, there is a lot of variety. At the Open Day, stands from numerous suppliers were there displaying their wares with demonstrations of Kubu from Avantis, the well-known Korniche roof light from Made For Trade, Ultraframe, Prefix Systems, Kestrel Aluminium Systems, Inotherm, Allan Bros, SecureRoll and Ultion. A pretty good turn out with an impressive range of products, and the CWG Choices showroom was hugely impressive with composite doors and amazing entrance doors from Inotherm as well every type of window, bifold and slider they produce.

As Philip gave me the guided tour, showing me the brand new aluminium factory,

The Choices Online demonstration was also very useful: an instant quoting and ordering

Aluminium frames in all shapes and sizes

32

tool that allows immediate placement of orders and is brandable for the installer, and both IPad and PC friendly.

So back to that word ‘Choices’. Right from the start Philip was determined that Corby Windows would provide opportunities for their installer customers. He had recognised that installers came in all shapes and sizes, from those with multiple fitting teams to the man with a van. Although there was always a variety of products, that variety has increased over the years, but rather than have salesmen trying to sell every product to an installer the Corby mantra was about fitting the right product to the right customer. For instance, an installer in Scotland may want fully reversible windows whereas if they were based in the West Country the fully reversible was of no interest. And it was clear in watching the customers as they talked with the various suppliers that one who may only supply PVCu casement windows to the homeowner could see value in adding smart offerings from someone like Kubu, or someone involved with conservatory roofs could see the opportunity afforded by the Korniche lantern. The point is that the opportunities are available, the Choices, such that an installer can pick from a very wide variety of products without being pressured to take on products they don’t want or are not interested in.

Choice is one thing, but service is quite another. Without really good service: delivering on time and in full, the offering to your customers is not complete. That was always Philip’s philosophy and he tells an amusing story of turning up with a delivery on a Wednesday morning only to be met with a surprised customer asking what he was doing there? Philip’s reply that they had

Beading a bifold

Choices online on IPad or PC

The new aluminium store

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

QA on a completed bifold

Completed PVCu frames awaiting packing and despatch

On the workbench

Part of the PVCu fabrication area

said they would deliver on that Wednesday, so here he was, was greeted with the comment: “Well they all say that, but no one ever expects it’ll happen – you’d better come in!” With an accompanying and unbelieving shake of the head!

The Choices are shown in well produced literature and online. It is not a case of CWG saying that this is 2022 and everyone should be tech savvy. They recognise that there are still plenty of installers who are relatively old school and prefer print although it is interesting that the corollary to that is the need for more instant quotation and ordering and technology is therefore a must.

However, the demonstration of Choice Online proved that no one really needs to be a techie to use the application and it is really no more difficult than using a mobile ‘phone – it is actually probably easier.

Sitting down with Chris Powell and talking about the business and the parent company, Inwido, was interesting. Inwido is the leading window and door group in Europe, listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since 2014.

Inwido consists of 29 business units with approximately 4,600 employees in eleven countries. In 2021, the Group achieved sales of 7.7 Billion Swedish Krona (around 649 Million Euro).

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2022

And what of Inwido’s acquisition of CWG Choices? The acquisition was in 2016 and Chris Powell joined as Managing Director in 2018. He was no stranger to the fenestration industry having been involved for 25 years, starting at Spectus back in the 1990’s before its merger with Epwin, he was Business Development Director at Epwin and subsequently Sales Director.

He then had a 4 year spell with Kaliber group as Commercial and then, Managing Director. In joining Inwido in the guise of CWG Choices, Chris brings a great deal of industry experience to the company and the mix of his corporate experience and Philip’s entrepreneurial leanings makes for a great mix for the company.

In production terms, and across the manufacturing facilities in both Corby and Aldridge, they have a capacity for around 1,800 frames per week in Kommerling; 350 frames per week across the Residence Collection with R2, R7, R9 and Flush 70, and 220 frames per week for AluK. The growth in the popularity of aluminium means they are looking to double aluminium production over the next 4 years.

aluminium has its own dedicated home, it is clear that investment in the future is not an issue. Does that mean they will manufacture all the products they offer? CWG Choices has this impressive range to offer but choose to buy-in some, like fully hung doorsets when it comes to composite doors, timber entrance doors and fire doors….oh, and IGUs. Will that change? I get the impression that that is not necessarily the case. They will remain fabricating what they are good at and what has both the correct margin and has the demand. It looks like a clever

strategy: a very wide choice to satisfy the demands of their 600 installer customers while recognising that most customers will pick the products that are in high demand in their own sales areas.

There is pretty much something for everyone in the Choices range and it caters for all price ranges, too. CWG Choices for PVCu, Aluminium and Timber and for Windows, Doors, Conservatories and Orangeries, all with online ordering and, in most geographical areas with up to three deliveries per week. What’s not to like?

“With new Haffner cutting centres and CNCs awaiting arrival in the refurbished PVCu manufacturing area, now that aluminium has its own dedicated home, it is clear that investment in the future is not an issue.”

With new Haffner cutting centres and CNCs awaiting arrival in the refurbished PVCu manufacturing area, now that

33

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

QUICK SWITCHOVER KEY TO PEERLESS PARTNERSHIP It was a case of needing to hit the ground running for window fitters and manufacturers Ashmore Glass and Mirrors when they received a special order on the same day they switched to fabricating REHAU products.

With only five weeks to complete a bespoke project in the middle of an onboarding process, both companies clearly had their work cut out.

Formed in 1996 by two friends with expertise in the fenestration sector, Ashmore Glass and Mirrors (Ashmore) had quickly grown into a prominent supplier of double glazing and replacement doors and windows across the West Midlands.

However, following lead-time issues with their previous supplier, the Wolverhampton-based business felt a change was needed

if they were to continue their upwards trajectory.

With faster provision of materials a key priority, the team at Ashmore approached REHAU to become their new product supplier. Due to the fabricators’ understandable concerns about potential disruption to their ongoing operations during any transition period, REHAU’s technicians knew time was of the essence when switching Ashmore’s factory over to producing the company’s products.

“We knew switching the factory over to new products could take time, as everything would need to be reconfigured from our previous supplier’s arrangements,” says Craig Edwards, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Ashmore. “Actions like adjusting the machinery to accommodate new products can potentially lead to any number of problems and important details being missed. So, I don’t think it is an understatement to say we were nervous, as we were keen to avoid any unnecessary downtime.

“However, the REHAU technical team were brilliant, turning the factory round in only two days rather than the week we’d previously anticipated, and any potential issues were quickly resolved. They also provided an excellent level of service

throughout – we even visited their headquarters in Ross-onWye to learn more about the products, and I’ve got to say, we were blown away. Both Michael and I have been in this business a long time, but the support of REHAU’s technical and marketing teams was fantastic, and has really helped our company grow further.”

This level of support would be put to the test again instantly after Ashmore signed on with REHAU, with the manufacturer immediately requesting a special order of customised windows for a large house in Wolverhampton.

This order, with a design specification consisting of the REHAU TOTAL70 system in a bespoke colour arrangement – including frames with outer and inner-faces of black ash and cream respectively – would need to be turned around very quickly.

“While turnaround for our standard product range is roughly three days, special production orders usually take between six-to-eight weeks,” says Luke Boban, Area Sales Manager for REHAU Windows. “However, the customer required this order within five weeks, so we had to move quickly from the most basic of beginnings, to having a customised product available and ready to fit.

“We were conscious of Ashmore’s experience with their former supplier, as they had previously been hamstrung by lead-time issues, as well as problems with delivery and general service. Because of this, we were keen to show they could take the leap with these bespoke, higher-end projects while having peace-of-mind that their supplier would come through for them.”

Despite the upheaval around transforming the factory and progressing fabrication on a tighter time frame, REHAU was able to come through for Ashmore, who fitted the range of customised TOTAL70 windows to project deadline. This, in turn, meant the homeowner could enjoy a bespoke window solution with a very strong profile and excellent severe weather ratings, and without the thermal inserts required in competitor products.

Furthermore, throughout this entire period, REHAU continued to support their customer, who were fabricating 150 regular products a week alongside the special order. The ease of the switch under such pressing circumstances clearly impressed the Ashmore team, who continue to go from strength-to-strength in their new partnership with REHAU. Indeed, both companies worked in tandem to help celebrate Ashmore’s new showroom with an open weekend earlier this year, and REHAU continue to offer an extremely high level of service.

“Working with REHAU has been brilliant, as we know they can count on their full support,” says Craig. “We’re constantly in communication, and their marketing incentives and schemes have proved instrumental in helping to change our business model.

“We can now target higher-end projects with greater margins that require high-quality solutions, and that would not have been possible without REHAU. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that we have received more support in the last few months than we did in the previous twenty, and we’re looking forward to our continued future with them.”

For more information about REHAU’s TOTAL70 range, see: https://www.rehau.com/uk-en/casement-windows

“Working with REHAU has been brilliant, as we know they can count on their full support,” says Craig. “We’re constantly in communication, and their marketing incentives and schemes have proved instrumental in helping to change our business model.

34

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

PRODUCT SEARCH

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

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35

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

OVER 500 SPECTUS WINDOWS AND 100 DOORS ARE INSTALLED IN A NEW FLAGSHIP £10M DEVELOPMENT Over 500 Spectus casement windows and 100 French doors were specified and fitted in a new £10m flagship New Build Social Housing development.

TD68 OPENING DOORS IN THE CITY Jack Aluminium’s TD68 and JCW systems have featured in a new entrance to London’s Exchange House.

Essex-based fabricator, IDF Aluminium, collaborated with revolving door suppliers, Boon Edam, to provide a new entrance for this impressive building. Located in Broadgate, in the City of London, Exchange House is an innovative ‘building-bridge hybrid’, featuring four structural arches to bear the load of the building, which runs directly over 18 railway lines.

The new entrance features a revolving door, a single access door and curtain walling.

IDF installed the TD68 access door, as well as curtain walling using the JCW system.

“This was an exciting project to work on in the City of London. It’s an impressive building and we’re really happy to have been chosen to install the new entrance,” says Will Woods, Director at IDF Aluminium.

“Working with Jack Aluminium is great because I can get a system which works for pretty much any product I need. We use the TD68 a lot because it’s a great entrance door system and being able to get curtain walling from them also makes my life a lot easier.

“On top of all that, their service is fantastic.

The aluminium market has obviously been tough recently, but they’ve been very upfront and honest throughout and have kept communicating with us which has been very reassuring.”

Having passed the stringent STS 202 test, the TD68 thermal door and shopfront system is a highly popular choice for commercial buildings where higher security is needed.

“Being situated in such a busy part of London, durability and security were crucial to the entrance of this building, making the TD68 the perfect solution,” adds Ash Pearson, Sales Manager at Jack Aluminium.

“IDF are a fantastic company who work on some impressive projects, and it’s great to see them installing our commercial aluminium products in some very notable locations across the country.”

For more information, please visit www.jackaluminium.co.uk.

36

The new 75 residential properties providing a mix of one-, twoand three-bedroom homes in Blackpool are situated in Troutbeck Crescent on Mereside. Formerly the site of 81 run down flats built in the 1960’s, the demolished site was secured for the development of the new social housing properties.

The development of 19 one-bedroom apartments, 18 three-bedroom houses, 27 two-bedroom houses, 2 three-bedroom accessible properties and 9 two-bedroom accessible properties required over 500 windows and 100 doors to complete. The contract for the work was awarded to Spectus Approved Window Contractor Jade Windows, thanks to their exceptional track record of working on several prestigious commercial projects. All products were manufactured in Spectus’ Elite 70 bevelled system.

The Elite 70 bevelled system has all the technical credentials for high-quality commercial applications. In this project, the windows and doors were manufactured in anthracite grey to the external face with white internally to create the modern appearance of an aluminium window but at a more sympathetic price point. All products were manufactured to PAS24:2016 standard.

The high-quality development also included the installation of several externally glazed ceramic glass panels by Jade Windows to provide a point of interest at an attractive pricing point.

With over 500 windows and 100 French doors needing to be installed on a busy construction site, effective project management was essential. Jade Windows liaised with the project contractors and all trades on site to ensure fabrication and installation ran smoothly and on schedule.

Initial site clearance began in September 2019 in preparation of construction on the 2.3-hectare site. The installation by Jade Windows took a total of twelve months with exacting standards and precision project management evidence at every level.

Now the project is complete, Blackpool has a new flagship development of 75 high-quality, affordable homes. Ryan Fozard, Sales Manager at Jade Windows commented: “The new site has been completely transformed. The modern houses and flats boasting gardens, balconies and car ports now provides a high standard of accommodation for residents and sits within an attractive environment that integrates with the surrounding area. We are delighted to have worked on this project and once again, the quality and reliability of the Spectus product range has delivered at every level. This is a flagship development for Blackpool and we are proud of the finished results.”

Tel: 0845 340 3968 www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

MODPLAN FURTHER INCREASES CAPACITY TO SUPPORT FLUSH SASH WINDOW DEMAND Leading trade fabricator Modplan has further increased its capacity to support the growth in demand for their PVC-U Flush Sash windows.

Heidi Sachs, Managing Director at Modplan, explains: “The continued demand for feature rich windows has been building for the past few years and resulted in us opening a dedicated Flush Sash manufacturing centre in 2020.

The popularity of this window design continues to grow and we have now doubled our capacity to support the ongoing demand. Combined with our commitment to delivering the highest possible quality standards at all times, it’s a valuable proposition.”

Modplan manufactures the HALO Flush Sash window.

The versatile windows sit flush within its frame, making it a popular choice for heritage, conservation and high-end domestic projects. The windows are manufactured to meet precise project requirements and are fitted with Yale hardware incorporating night vent function dual cams as standard with the option to upgrade to Yale Lifetime Security with hinge protector. There is also an enhanced option which upgrades the window to Secured

by Design Certification by using security glazing clips and 6.8mm laminated glass.

Modplan, which operates from a state of the art 165,000 sqft

multi-site facility in Newport, Gwent, is one of the UK’s largest and most respected fabricators of cutting-edge PVC-U products direct to the trade. It produces over 2500 PVC-U frames per week and has made several strategic investments throughout the business to open up new opportunities and provided additional capacity to support its long-term growth efforts.

Heidi said: “We continue to strive to exceed customers’ increasing expectations at all times. One of the ways we do this is by ensuring our product range delivers bestin-class solutions that satisfy market trends. The Flush Sash Window is the perfect example of such a product and by doubling our capacity we remain a strong and reliable partner to further support our customers.”

Modplan manufactures a comprehensive range of products that includes Veka Matrix 70 and 70FS, Halo Flush Sash windows, Liniar windows and doors, a dedicated painting facility, PVC-u patio and bifold doors, conservatories, and the Vertex, Wendland, Ultrasky, Livin room and Leka roofing systems. For more information on any of Modplan’s products and support, simply Ask the Man from Modplan.

Tel: 01495 246844 www.modplan.co.uk

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

GARDEN ROOMS & PATIOS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

NOT ALL SOLID REPLACEMENT ROOFS ARE THE SAME SAYS LEKA SYSTEMS The rise of home working and increasing concern about the environment means the solid replacement roof market is growing at pace. But it pays to choose your solid roof system carefully, because there’s a big cost to making the wrong decision, especially right now. This is the view of Rhys Hoddinott, Managing Director at Leka Systems, home of one of the most innovative solid roof systems on the market today. He says: “Not all solid roofs are comparable. Leka roofs offer value in more ways than one.”

Leka products have always attracted attention because of their thermal efficiency.

With U values as low as 0.12 W/m²K, Leka roofs dramatically outperform common glass and polycarbonate roofing systems – as well as other solid roof systems.

The incredible thermal efficiency is partly due to the GRP construction, which, as Rhys explains, is something that brings cost benefits too.

He says: “Leka roofs don’t use aluminium, which means we aren’t being affected by the huge increase in aluminium prices.

Fabricators and installers using aluminium are having to pass price increases onto consumers because they can’t absorb them any longer. Because we don’t use aluminium on our roofing products, this isn’t something we’re having to do.”

The GRP construction also makes the roof incredibly lightweight, which means it can often be used without additional reinforcing, helping to keep time and costs down even further.

Leka Systems saw 40% sales growth in 2021 thanks to success and uptake from its growing fabricator network, proving that the products offer what today’s installers are looking for. Leka fabricators also benefit from exclusive regional partnerships, as well as comprehensive and proactive support, including training and technical advice.

Rhys concludes: “If you want products that maximise your customers’ opportunities, there’s only one solid roofing system you need. It’s the warm roof from Leka Systems.”

Tel: 0800 773 4040 – www.lekasystems.co.uk

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As home improvement season begins to unravel, homeowners are now actively looking at ways in which to extend their living area with many now enjoying the benefits of a hybrid home/office working environment. A garden room is the ultimate additional premium space, but until now the challenge has been to find a way in which these functional rooms can be designed individually.

The Garden Room Designer from Making Your Space follows considerable investment in the business and allows a bespoke room to be created in 3D in just a matter of minutes. Sizes can be changed at the click of a mouse as can the location of windows and doors, roof overhangs added and even internal electrics and skirting boards can be added, along with other useful functionality.

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Everything can also be priced in real time for a finished priced, with garden room costs fully customisable at the back end.

From a consumer’s perspective, a finished design and price can be agreed at a single sitting and a confirmed order also sent directly to Making Your Space for checking and production scheduling, as part of a paperless process.

Ryan Crossley, director of Making Your Space commented: ‘We’re in the digital era now when you build a car on a configurator and even chose the options on your new home in 3D. With this investment in technology, we’re enabling our design partners to create bespoke garden rooms in real time and with the option of an installed price, based on carefully audited and customisable build and installation costs.

It also removes the need for a garden room show village, given the level of detail and the availability of our mini-pods for sales and marketing purposes.’

For further information on becoming a Design Partner for Making Your Space and their trade only range of premium garden rooms, please call 01422 385613, visit makingyourspace.co.uk, or e-mail hello@makingyourspace.co.uk. You can also follow them on social media channels @MakingYourSpace.

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2022

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37

MACHINERY FOCUS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

DIMPLE GLAZING KEEPS PACE WITH DEMAND WITH CNC MACHINING CENTRE FROM HAFFNER Aluminium fabricator Dimple Glazing has just invested in a new Fom Industrie Adir C Fom CNC Machining Centre from machinery experts Haffner. Dimple Singh, General Manager of Dimple Glazing said: “We wanted to increase our manufacturing efficiency and output to keep pace with demand. High quality automation was the route to go and we knew Haffner was the machinery supplier we needed.”

Dimple approached Haffner because she’d worked with Haffner’s Commercial Director Bryan Dando previously. “Bryan’s industry knowledge is second to none so we knew we could trust his recommendations. Our

choice was more than justified because his expertise, hands-on approach and after sales support have been invaluable.”

The Adir C Fom CNC Machining Centre from Fom Industrie gives Dimple Glazing everything it needs. It’s a 3-axis machining centre with 0°, 90° and 180° pneumatic worktable rotation. It will support the company as it expands its output and increases its efficiency to keep pace with demand for its aluminium windows and doors. It’s a future-proofed choice too because Dimple Glazing plans to expand into PVC-U fabrication and the machine is capable of handling both materials.

The machine was installed in February and is already more than living up to expectations. Dimple said: “We are delighted with the machine’s output and quality. It’s already made a massive difference to our factory floor.”

At present, Dimple manufactures a range of aluminium windows and doors from AluK and Alutech. The company is based in West London and supplies to trade and retail customers across the whole of London and around the M25 perimeter. The familyowned company has been in business for 30 years and was named after Dimple when she was born. Today, Dimple runs the rapidly growing business alongside her mother.

And with the Adir C Fom CNC Machining Centre in place, the company is set to continue to go from strength to strength!

Tel: 01785 222421 - www.haffnerltd.com

CENTRAL WINDOW SYSTEMS FUTURE PROOFS BUSINESS WITH £400K MACHINERY INVESTMENT Full solution PVCu and aluminium fabricator Central Window Systems has invested over £400K in new machinery, helping to meet growing demand while also improving its manufacturing capability, product quality and overall customer offering.

Capable of producing between 800 and 1,000 frames per week, Central’s new additional Stuga CNC machining centre offers quality precision and highsurface product finish while the new Emmegi Saw Centre features state-of-the-art profile recognition, which will further increase capacities.

Central has also increased their corner cleaning capacity by acquiring an additional CNC corner cleaner, integrating pneumatic, mechanical and CNC control together for the highquality cleaning of PVCu window welding corners.

to 1,600 PVCu products per week. We also significantly expanded our aluminium division to better serve domestic installers, growing both our portfolio and customer base.

“Our philosophy at Central has always been to reinvest and progress, and this recent machinery investment will enable us to maintain our current volumes while also further streamlining our manufacturing processes and giving us the opportunity to increase capacity as our business grows.

“We’re extremely pleased with the quality of machinery we’ve acquired, which in turn will allow us to continue delivering the high-quality products our customers are used to. By investing in new machinery, we can achieve market leading construction, finish, production flow and efficiency, enabling us to deliver consistent quality products and service.

“This phase is just part of many additions and developments we plan to make over the coming year as we move forward and continue to best support our valued installer customers across the country.

“As one of the Midlands’ leading manufacturers of PVCu and aluminium products, we pride ourselves on being a reliable supplier, and so it’s important for us to be able to fulfil customer orders as quickly as possible. Our recent investment allows us to do just that, and also shows the confidence we have in our customers and the market as a whole.”

C

M C

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

Central’s Sales and Marketing Director Martyn Elwell comments: “In the past two years, we’ve expanded our manufacturing facility to 52,000 square feet and increased our production

Y M CM C Y MY M CM C CY Y MY M CMY CM C CY Y K MY M C CMY CM CY Y M K MY CMY CM Y CY K MY CM CMY CY MY K

THE BRAND NEW V-NOTCH SAW FROM JADE ENGINEERING: CMY CY K CMY

THE BEST MACHINE OF ITS TYPE AVAILABLE TODAY K

Jade Engineering has developed and launched a new V-Notch saw, the first to hit the UK market for some years, with the company insisting that a revision of this factory essential was well overdue.

The Jade VNS V-Notch saw has been designed and manufactured to comply with the latest manufacturing performance requirements and crucially to include a number of safety features that allow compliance with the latest European and UK safety legislation.

Specifically, says Jade, the VNS has been designed and manufactured in accordance with the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/ EC. It is also future proofed by complying with the UKCA Directive, which becomes mandatory at the end of 2022.

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A number of safety features distinguish the Jade VNS from other machines in the market. One is the unique machine guard which closes automatically as the profile is clamped into place, the only V-notch saw to offer this. Another is the carefully designed

waste disposal chute situated on the side of the machine, that allows excess material to exit the machine without the operator being able to put their hands near the blades. The saw is also safely operated by using a twohanded start sequence.

Operation is simple and effective, with horizontal pneumatic clamp cylinders that are easily adjustable for any profiles. The two blades of the Jade VNS are set at 45° to one another to form a 90° angle, with the cutting depth easily set by using a simple hand wheel adjuster, measured using a digital position indicator.

The Jade VNS is the latest machine to be developed by Jade Engineering in direct response to discussions with its fabricator customers, who indicated a desire for a rethink for this factory essential: “A number of frame manufacturers have approached us for replacements for their aging V-notch saws over the past few months and after examining our own products and carrying out some research it became clear that the world has moved on,” said Jade Engineering’s Sean Mackey. “We have totally re-engineered this machine to offer excellent cutting performance, great durability but also including the latest safety features. The Jade VNS is now comfortably the best machine of its type available today.”

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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BMBI

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

BUILDERS MERCHANT BUILDING INDEX

SLOWING SALES BUT Q4 IS THIRD-BEST QUARTER IN A RECORD-BREAKING YEAR The latest total value sales data from Britain’s Builders’ Merchants recorded the thirdhighest quarterly BMBI sales ever, rounding off a record-breaking year for merchants.

However, with growth driven exclusively by pricing – not volume – the figures suggest the 2021 trade boom has inevitably slowed.

QUARTERLY SALES, YEAR-ON-YEAR Total value sales in Q4 2021 were 14.7% higher than Q4 2020, with no difference in trading days. All categories sold more.

Timber & Joinery Products was out in front (+28.2%), followed

by Landscaping (+14.4%) which recorded its highest quarterly sales of the year.

Comparing Q4 2021 with Q4 2019, a more normal pre-Covid year, total value sales were 21.0%

“Total merchant sales in December were significantly down compared to November 2021 (-33.0%), with five less trading days. This impacted the overall Q4 results. However, the decline in sales between November and December is in line with previous years’ results.” higher this year, with the benefit of one more trading day. Nine of the twelve categories sold more.

Like-for-like sales were up 18.9%.

QUARTER-ON-QUARTER Quarter-on-quarter, sales were down 12.7% in Q4 compared to Q3, not helped by four less trading days in the most recent period. Only two categories sold more. Like-for-like sales were 6.9% lower than in Q3.

DECEMBER SALES, YEAR-ON-YEAR

DECEMBER SALES, MONTH-ON-MONTH

Compared to December 2020, when large parts of the country were subject to tiered Covid restrictions, total sales were up 16.3% in December 2021 with no difference in trading days. All categories sold more. Compared to the same month two years ago, total value sales in December 2021 were 26.5% higher, helped by two more trading days this year.

Total merchant sales in December were significantly down compared to November 2021 (-33.0%), with five less trading days.

This impacted the overall Q4 results. However, the decline in sales between November and December is in line with previous years’ results.

YEAR-TO-DATE Overall sales in the 12 months from January to December 2021 were 30.5% higher than in the same 12 months a year earlier, with two less trading days this year. All categories sold more.

Timber & Joinery Products (+52.1%) was the year’s standoutcategory, with Landscaping (+31.3%) also doing better than merchants overall.

Compared to January to December sales for 2019, this year’s total value sales were up 16.4%.

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GfK’s Builders Merchant Panel GfK’s Merchant Panel includes national, multi-regional and regional merchants such as Buildbase, Jewson, Travis Perkins, EH Smith, Gibbs & Dandy, MKM and Bradfords. GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data represents more than 80% of the value of the builders’ merchant market.

GfK insights can trace product group performance and track relevant features.

GfK can also produce robust like-forlike market comparability, tailored to the requirements of an individual business.

The Builders Merchant Building Index The BMBI is published every month, in print and online. A full quarterly report is available every three months.

The BMBI is a brand of the Builders Merchants Federation. Launched and produced by MRA Research, it uses sales-out data from GfK’s Builders Merchant Panel. BMBI includes a panel of leading industry Experts, who speak exclusively for their markets.

For the full report, Expert comments and Round Table Debates, visit www.bmbi.co.uk.

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ENDURANCE OUTLINES ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE CREDENTIALS With the new building regulations coming into force in June this year, Endurance Doors have confirmed that their engineered timber door platform complies with the new legislation, assuring continued strong growth through their Installer Partner network.

INVESTMENT FOR GROWTH CONTINUES AT ENDURANCE After a year in which Endurance Doors has grown 85%, the solid core timber composite door company is further investing across the business to support the continued growth of the innovative brand, with people and capital expenditure very much at the forefront of the programme.

Endurance is the driving brand in a group business with a £30m turnover across three business units and employing 230 people. Last year over £1m was invested in warehousing, distribution, extended facilities, IT infrastructure and software development, including Big Change distribution software, the latter helping to improve customer communications at the point of delivery to a world class standard.

The marketing department has also grown with the introduction of a new group marketing manager and graphic designer, there to support the business, but also customers too. A further £850k has been earmarked for this year including new offices, a training room, and notably a flagship showroom environment, designed to present the entire Endurance doors range in full including the latest ultra-premium Avantal door.

The group is also firmly committed to investing in solar panels this year, helping to reduce the reliance on the 100% renewables

electricity provider and in a number of charging points, as they look to move towards more electric vehicles across the company car fleet and to support visitors to the site.

Stephen Nadin, Managing Director of Endurance Doors commented: ‘We’re a very visible investor in the group and our Installer Partners know we’re a business partner for the long-term that builds lasting relationships. We’re investing in people, processes and capital equipment to support further strong growth and also to continually improve the way we do things as a business, as it’s the Endurance way.

The specification of a laminated timber core is the cornerstone of an Endurance Door that’s bolstered using PVCu CoolSkin door skins, a wet glazing process and the unique Moisture Barrier System, among other strong USP’s. It is a product proposition that has evolved over the years and the company continues to invest in product innovation as the latest ultra-premium Avantal door shows.

Since 2004, Endurance Doors have aspired to be market leaders in reliability and best value, with focus on a sustainable supply chain partners and continuous product development. The environmental credentials are strong given the fact the engineered timber door leaf is a carbon sink, sourced from renewable forests within Europe and that the slab and frame are recyclable at the end of their useful life. However, with continued product development aligned within their sustainable and reliability framework, Endurance is actively developing their door

proposition to exceed future long term environmental as well as building regulatory standards.

Stephen Nadin, Managing Director of Endurance Doors commented: ‘The new changes to Approved Document L building regulations do not affect Endurance Doors as we are categorised as a timber door manufacturer. Yet at the same time we have a product development programme in place that is designed to meet the needs of any future legislation and further reduce our impact on the environment, thanks to our strong partnership with Metsa Wood and Rehau, among other business partners.

He added: ‘Endurance is a brand that reflects ultimate security, quality and sustainability, in that the doors we make have a relatively low carbon footprint and you’ll be hearing more of our commitment to the environment in the coming months.’

For further information on the Endurance composite door range, including the latest colours and finishes and ultra-premium 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.

He added: ‘Our thirst for growth and innovation shows no sign of slowing down either and we’re generating weekly enquiries from businesses looking for a better door partner. As consumer demand looks to slow down in Q3, we’re expecting further companies to change to Endurance for a more rewarding future together.’

For further information on the Endurance composite door range, including the latest colours and finishes and ultra-premium 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.

PYRAMID ALUMINIUM LAUNCH ENERGY-SAVING SLIMFOLD BI-FOLD DOOR Pyramid Aluminium has launched its SlimFold bi-fold door that achieves a 1.4 W/m2K U-value with standard double glazing. SlimFold offers easy clip-in beading, with a 45mm wide slimline sash and is the latest addition to the Purelight aluminium system range.

Thanks to an innovative insulated thermal break, SlimFold bifold doors achieve a 1.4 U-value with a Low-E argon-filled warm edge glass unit, complying with the June changes to Part L of the building regulations.

SlimFold has a super slim 45mm sash to give a narrow 100mm meeting stile, one of

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the slimmest on the market. Sashes can be up to 1.1m wide and 2.5m high, to create large glass areas with minimal frames, for incredible views.

“There has always been a high demand for more glass and less frame so we’re really excited that we’ve achieved such a slim profile to help homeowners create better views” says Paul Bailey, Managing Director of Pyramid Aluminium.

“The most impressive thing about SlimFold is that there is no compromise. Despite having one of the slimmest frames on the market, it still offers incredible thermal efficiency and security. We knew that

installers were preparing for changes to part L, so we had to create something which complied with this. The multi-point shoot bolt locking system also features two hooks and three deadbolts for extra security, so it is the perfect all-round bi-fold door option.”

The SlimFold bi-fold is built with installers in mind, with an aluminium clip-in bead making quick work of glazing, for an easy and speedy installation. Pre-delivery assembly and inspection also saves time on site.

“On top of all the performance benefits, SlimFold is also super easy to fit. Every door is assembled on a vertical jig and inspected

before delivery and our right first time manufacturing process saves customers time on site.” www.pyramid-profiles.co.uk

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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SUSTAINABILITY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

77% OF UK HOMEOWNERS CARE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO PAY MORE Research shows that although UK homeowners care about sustainable windows and doors, they don’t care enough to pay more – or even have the conversation with their installer.

The findings of the 2022 OnePoll survey, commissioned by VEKA plc, found that when it comes to home improvements, consumers feel that sustainability should be a given.

This marks a dramatic shift in attitude when compared to research carried out by VEKA in 2018.

Just 4 years ago, homeowners didn’t feel passionately about the eco-credentials of their new windows, but what has remained consistent is that 77% of respondents want to see their old windows recycled, not end up in landfill.

VEKA carries out regular surveys, 2022 being its 7th consecutive year, on behalf

of customers to capture homeowners’ attitudes around key areas and identify opportunities.

provides a huge opportunity when it comes to installers differentiating themselves from the competition.

This latest study asked 2,000 UK homeowners for their views on recycling and sustainability.

When asked why sustainability was important to homeowners, the answers that ranked highest were: “Because everyone has to do their bit”, “It could have a big impact on the environment”, and “I like to care for the planet”.

The results show that while more than three quarters (77%) of respondents found the issue of sustainability to be an important one; only 31% would be willing to pay more for recycled windows and doors, and the majority would only pay an extra 10%.

Over half of the people surveyed had had their windows changed in the past 5 years.

Interestingly, from this group, 71% stated that they never even discussed sustainability with their installer. This was backed up by the fact that price, quality, and looks, were all considered to be of higher importance than a product’s environmental credentials.

In fact, 59% of respondents admitted they wouldn’t be put off carrying out their planned home improvements through fears of them not being ‘eco-friendly’.

The research suggests that this muddled mindset all comes down to conscience and

And yet only 12% would currently consider their property “very sustainable”, again suggesting that if presented today with two similar products, similarly priced, they would opt for the eco-friendlier option.

Today, there is a definite expectation from homeowners that products should be manufactured in an ethical, sustainable way.

And while many do understand the difference between ‘bad’ plastics and ‘good’ plastics, which is evidenced by the PVCu window industry never being more buoyant, VEKA is calling for more to be done, across the whole industry, to help support installers in delivering this message.

Neil Evans, Managing Director of VEKA plc, said: “Homeowners put a great deal of trust in their installers, that they are

“We also encourage installers to use VEKA Recycling. Europe’s most advanced Recycling Centre is right here in Britain and avoids landfill. The partnership we had during the pandemic meant that we could continue to be a reliable source of supply, despite raw material shortages, and helped us win Best Sustainability Initiative at last year’s G21 Awards.” promoting and installing products which are ethically sourced and will dispose of their old doors and windows in a responsible way. Installers who simply have the sustainability conversation with the homeowner could win the job over those who don’t.

“VEKA acknowledges its duty to support customers and positively engage in the conversation. We join other systems companies who have acknowledged that we need to bring the ‘good plastics’ story to the homeowner, for the good of the PVCu industry, and the environment.

“Our research shows that homeowners believe that sustainability should be ‘built in’, which is why they are reluctant to pay a premium for the privilege. At VEKA we don’t believe in eco-ranges, because we believe every product we produce should be manufactured in as sustainable and ethical a manner as possible.

“Analysing this type of data is crucial in understanding homeowner attitudes, but it’s the steps we take next that matter most.

This year, VEKA has committed to creating a new suite of homeowner literature, in which the sustainability message will feature prominently.

“We also encourage installers to use VEKA Recycling. Europe’s most advanced Recycling Centre is right here in Britain and avoids landfill. The partnership we had during the pandemic meant that we could continue to be a reliable source of supply, despite raw material shortages, and helped us win Best Sustainability Initiative at last year’s G21 Awards.

“What this innovative process does is close the loop on PVCu recycling, meaning old windows and doors can be recycled, reprocessed and the material used to manufacture new ones, that boast the exact same high quality as before.

“We can only do that though if our installers put these old windows and doors back into the supply chain, in essence, securing their own supply while also strengthening their own offer to their customers.” www.veka.co.uk

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April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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SUSTAINABILITY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

VEKA RECYCLING INVESTS £200K IN PVC-U GGF DELEGATION VISITS SHREDDER TO INCREASE CAPACITY EUROPE’S MOST ADVANCED

VEKA Recycling has invested more than £200K in an industrial PVC-U shredder from German-based specialist manufacturer, ARJES.

Purchased to increase PVC-U recycling capacity at its state-of-the-art plant in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, the new shredder was installed and operational in February 2022.

According to VEKA Recycling’s Managing Director, Simon Scholes, this latest investment reinforces the organisation’s role in maximising the sustainability of PVC-U construction products through responsible recycling.

Simon said: “Landfill should be a thing of the past for post-consumer PVC-U fenestration, as well as offcuts and defective items generated during the manufacturing process. The addition of the Arjes shredder will help to increase throughput at our recycling facility, which has benefited from a £15m investment programme making it the most advanced of its kind in Europe.

products that are manufactured using virgin material. This all helps to minimise the fenestration industry’s carbon footprint.”

VEKA Recycling both collects and processes waste materials at its own site, guaranteeing that recycling standards and legal guidelines have been upheld at every stage. This means window fabricators and installers who use VEKA Recycling’s services can demonstrate their commitment to responsible recycling to their customers – and irradicate any fear of prosecution due to incorrect or illegal waste disposal.

Simon added: “If recycled responsibly, PVC-U can meet its full potential as the ultimate eco-friendly fenestration material and our latest machinery investment will help us achieve this.” https://veka-recycling.co.uk

“Our closed-loop system ensures that PVC-U is treated as the valuable resource it is, enabling up to 350 years’ worth of usage from a single window or door, while decreasing the amount of new PVC-U

VEKA RECYCLING’S NEW MEGASITE OFFICIALLY OPENED

BY GROUP CHAIRMAN VEKA Group CEO Andreas Hartleif has officially opened VEKA Recycling Ltd’s new £15 million recycling plant at Wellingborough – 15 months after the facility came fully on-stream. Despite being completed against the backdrop of ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions, continuing travel and other restrictions caused by the pandemic meant that the German-based Global head of the VEKA Group, the world leader in PVC-U extrusion, could not travel to the UK to carry out the formal opening.

With the rules finally dropped for travel to the United Kingdom, Herr Hartleif made the trip to inspect the Northamptonshire site, the third to be built by VEKA since 1993 and Europe’s most advanced. He was accompanied by Norburt Bruns, VEKA Recycling Group Chairman and Managing Director of VEKA Umwelttechnik GmbH, the specialist division of which VEKA Recycling Ltd is a part, UK Managing Director Simon Scholes, and Operations Director Edward Lipinski-Barltrop.

Restating VEKA Group’s commitment to a holistic approach towards PVC-U, Herr

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Hartleif told staff that the UK remained one of the company’s most significant markets: “As one of the World’s largest users of PVC-U the UK remains a key market for VEKA Group. As such it is important for UK to be as self-sufficient as possible, and now served by a recycling facility that allows the full processing of PVC-U without the need for transport overseas. The completion of this site has been a remarkable achievement, against the toughest conditions created by the global pandemic, and also for advancing the quality of material now achievable through recycling end-of-life frames.”

The Wellingborough plant can process over 35,000 tonnes of PVC-U into highquality recycled PVC-U pellet, increasing volumes of which are now used in brand new window and door profiles, in addition to established high volume users including products for the electrical and HVAC industries.

RECYCLING PLANT

An informal delegation of executives and a board director of the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) visited the Wellingborough, Northamptonshire site of VEKA Recycling Ltd recently, as guests of the firm.

GGF Board Director and Vice President Natalie Little, Anda Gregory, GGF Chief Development Officer and Diana Blair, GGF Regional Membership Manager, toured the facility, which is hailed as the most advanced of its type in Europe. The trio, accompanied by Chris Dummer, who with Natalie runs Gloucestershire retail installer truhouse.™ learned how whole end-of-life frames, irrespective of original system supplier, are collected from across the UK and then craned onto conveyors for processing.

With only glass removed beforehand, a series of crushers, air jets, sieves and other techniques converts the frames back to their core materials, including high grade PVC-U pellet.

“We are a VEKA installer and having visited our supplying fabricator recently I learned that VEKA Recycling collects their old frames and virgin offcuts for reprocessing,” explained Natalie Little.

“An increasing number of our retail customers are expressing an interest in what happens to the frames that we remove from their homes and I was therefore intrigued to witness the process for myself. Having now witnessed this incredible technology and learned about the passion that VEKA has for preventing PVC-U from being wasted, we will now promote this with confidence to our customers,” said Natalie.

“I also intend to champion recycling in my roles with the GGF; it is incredibly important that we act

together as an industry to promote the sustainability of PVC-U as a frame material.”

Anda Gregory was instrumental in introducing a frame recycling service for FENSA and GGF members. Under the scheme, frames are collected free of charge from members, then delivered to recyclers including VEKA Recycling, for processing: “Having overseen the introduction of this increasingly popular member service, I was keen to see for myself what happens to the frames,” said Anda. “Whilst FENSA Recycling is a service for Approved Installers, as the representative organisation for the broader glass and glazing industries, it is the responsibility of the GGF to promote sustainability.

And frame recycling, including PVC-U and aluminium, is high on our agenda currently. Seeing this fascinating process for myself has motivated me to work even harder to drive our initiatives forward.”

VEKA Recycling’s Simon Scholes, who has overseen the location and development of the site, says he and his team

were excited to show off their flagship: “We have lived and breathed the Wellingborough site for four years now so of course, we are delighted to have visitors and especially those that share our passion for promoting PVC-U as a ‘good’ plastic.”

VEKA Recycling’s Wellingborough plant was built by VEKA engineers who have been honing the process of recycling end of life PVC-U frames since the company’s first plant was established in Germany in 1993. The UK facility was completed at the end of 2020 and the result of a commitment by the parent company to provide a recycling operation that was self-contained within the UK. It is capable of supplying 35,000 tonnes of the highest quality recycled PVC-U for remanufacture into a range of new products, increasingly including window profiles.

The processes by which old windows and virgin offcut profiles are returned for remanufacture at the VEKA Recycling plant, can be seen in a two minute video on the company’s website: https://veka-recycling.co.uk

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PREMIUM IRONMONGERY PROVES A HIT ON FRAMEPOINT® Over one hundred additional pieces of Coastal Ironmongery have been made available to touch and show on Tommy Trinder’s Framepoint® app this month, as the two firms strengthen their ties in the wake of growing demand for premium ironmongery amongst window installers.

over half of Coastal fittings quoted via the app are added to entrance doors, French doors and bifolds.

Says Chris: “Framepoint® installers tell us they love the ability to quickly and easily model doors with different combinations of ironmongery and colour finishes. Being able to immediately show how choices will look in situ is also important; not only does it secure the sale it cuts out all room for error.”

“it’s easy to show off premium features on Framepoint®,” says founder and CEO of Tommy Trinder, Chris Brunsdon. “Being able to touch and instantly show client’s how different a window looks when fitted with an upgraded Coastal BLU fastener, as opposed to a standard handle helps Framepoint® subscribers stand out from the crowd and get more for the job.”

More than 2000 Coastal handles have been quoted on Framepoint® since the two firms began working together a little over six months ago. Testament, says Coastal MD Loren Jenner, of the growing recognition amongst window installers of the value quality ironmongery can add to a sale: “Adding quality fittings provides a relatively low cost way to dramatically enhance the look and feel of your windows and doors and set you apart from the competition. The Framepoint® platform allows installers to

Amongst the latest pieces to appear on Framepoint® are Coastal’s range of premium pegstays; now available to touch and show on timber casements, as well as premium PVCu frames and steel look aluminium.

Timber flush casement on Framepoint® featuring Coastal BLU Contemporary Stainless Steel Handles and matching pegstays

“Framepoint® makes it easy to sell premium features such as dual colour, dummy vents, mechanical joints, flush casements, surface mounted bars, deep timber-look cills, deep bottom sash rails.

demonstrate this value instantly, at the touch of a button.

It’s a real wow!”

“But I must say there is something really wow about adding a Coastal pegstay to a window in Framepoint® - it’s the pièce de résistance!”

Upgrading to premium door ironmongery is proving particularly popular amongst Framepoint® subscribers;

Installers interested in exploring how Framepoint® can help with upselling can book a free demo at tommytrinder.com.

A STACK OF GREAT NEW ADMINBASE STUFF AT FIT SHOW: STAND D31 The people behind AdminBase, which for 25 years has been the admin system of choice for Britain’s window and door installers, are using the FIT Show to show visitors what they promise is a ‘stack of exciting new stuff ’, superb new features and benefits that have been added to AdminBase during the past two years. With hundreds of new users joining AdminBase during the pandemic, attracted initially by the remote working capabilities of the system, they have now discovered how it eases workloads for busy installers and smooths communications with demanding customers.

With so many new features available, AdminBase has decided that the only way to show off so many new features to so many people, is to do so at FIT Show this May: “Our Customer Portal alone, which encourages customers to manage their own installations, would be enough to come and see us,” said Rhonda Ridge of Ab Initio, the clever company that developed AdminBase.

“But then there’s the Diary App which attaches documents to a lead or contract; the Canvasser App that sends leads straight

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TOMMY TRINDER AND BUSINESS PILOT TEAM UP TO ‘REDUCE HASSLE FOR INSTALLERS’ Leading window industry software specialists Tommy Trinder, and Business Pilot have teamed up in a pledge to save time and hassle for installers…

into AdminBase; and Google Maps that shows locations of sales-people, fitters, and even key installations, at-a-glance,” she added. “And so much more besides. We believe that just spending five minutes with a visitor face-to-face will allow us to get the ‘wow’ factor across to them, far more than through a website or even a phone call.”

Named ‘Best Installer Support Programme or Service’ at a recent awards, AdminBase is said by users to actually save them money by reducing dependence on administration staff whilst improving customer communications with automated text and email updates, self-service administration and improved response times.

AdminBase will be demonstrating its Customer Portal, and the software’s numerous other time-saving features, on stand D31 at the FIT Show, which takes place 10-12th May at Birmingham’s NEC. For more information go to: https://www.abinitiosoftware.co.uk.

“Time is money and the last thing installers need is to duplicate work unnecessarily,” explains Elton Boocock, MD of Business Pilot. “The new automated links between Tommy Trinder’s Framepoint® app and the Business Pilot CRM mean that users can enter important information once and have it populate live, in real time on both platforms.”

The connection between the two computer programmes (known in tech-speak as an ‘API’) means that customer information entered into Business Pilot automatically appears in Framepoint® without the need to re-key. In turn important documents

Talking to each other – from left to right Ryan Schofield (Business Pilot), Chris Brunsdon (Tommy Trinder), Ryan Breslin & Elton Boocock (Business Pilot).

generated in Framepoint®, such as quotations, survey documents, homeowner contracts and purchase orders, are automatically accessible from the customer’s record in Business Pilot.

“It’s about working smart,” says CEO of Tommy Trinder, Chris Brunsdon. Having a quoting platform that ‘talks’ seamlessly to your CRM saves time, cuts out error and increases business performance.”

Whether we are scheduling a flight, ordering a pizza or buying something from Amazon, the use of API’s to share information between pieces of software is at the heart of many of the online experiences we take for granted in today’s modern, interconnected world. But, argues Chris, the window industry has been slow to open up: “No one piece of software can do everything an installer needs and do it well. As a result, window firms have found themselves constantly juggling a plethora of apps, desktop software, online portals, spreadsheets and word processors just to get a job out of the door.

It drives them nuts! This new link between Framepoint® and Business Pilot points the way towards a better future; a future in which software speaks to each other and makes life easier for customers. After all, hassle. Who needs it?”

Installers interested in learning more should visit www.tommytrinder.com or www.businesspilot.co.uk.

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

EFFICIENCY AND CHOICE AT THE CLICK OF A BUTTON Matthew Elliott DoorCo’s Systems Lead and David Rosser IT Project Analyst, talk to Glass News about some of the IT developments the leading composite door supplier has made in their IT infrastructure, like paperless manufacturing, customer barcoding, simplified onboarding and how they are managing the very real threat of Cyber Security.

The world is operating in a digital age where at the click of a button, we can get pretty much anything. As an industry, we are under significant pressure to be as efficient and productive as possible. Of course, this hasn’t been helped recently with material shortages, but what is important is to best manage what is within your control. DoorCo is committed to constant innovation in our products and our services, and this includes a conscientious approach to manufacturing & supply that benefits all our stakeholders.

I joined DoorCo in 2018 as Technology and Products Lead, with the task of devising and implementing a strategy for DoorCo’s IT systems to improve efficiency and service.

Our technology team now totals 5 and collectively we manage a fully integrated IT-based manufacturing, warehousing & distribution system that communicates orders, stock levels, capacity and allows us to report on virtually anything. Along the way, we have improved online ordering and communication with customers, increased manufacturing & warehousing capabilities and capacity, enabled better onboarding for new customers, and improved lead times and delivery.

SEAMLESS MANUFACTURING & WAREHOUSING The system is fundamentally an electronic ordering system, but an extremely powerful one that has transformed our business. We are close to being paper-free across our manufacturing from when the customer places an order right through to the product arriving at their facility. The link to our machinery Bean Saw is now live, and links to CNCs are imminent. All departments

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2022

talk to each other digitally which opens up a host of benefits to both DoorCo and our customers: order tracking at any stage of manufacturing & warehousing, increased production speed and reduced risk through human error. We have also implemented driver tablets for electronic signed POD’s etc.

We will not stand still though and are always reviewing our systems and processes, looking to improve the whole customer experience end to end.

In true DoorCo style, we have taken this a step further by using integrated universal barcoding throughout this system, which can be a customers’ own barcode. The barcode is applied from the point of order and to the packaging at the point of distribution. This means that once the product arrives with the customer, it is simply scanned in through goods-in and continues through the customer’s facility for manufacturing, or if prepped by DoorCo, onwards to join the rest of the customers’ order. This has been developed through our ability to communicate with any external system, whether it’s an industry standard manufacturing system or bespoke and developed in-house.

ONBOARDING This level of integration with customers’ own IT systems has enabled us to simplify our onboarding process. One of the most daunting prospects of changing supplier is updating all your systems with the new, comprehensive product lines. Onboarding with DoorCo is easy because we have a dedicated support package delivered by our IT team. We can support the conversations the systems need to have,

provide testing platforms and export delivered data sheets in any format that hold technical information, for example, how to manufacture our door styles. Our Asset portal is also an extremely useful tool, where customers can access information and transfer images in any format for their own use.

Matthew Elliott DoorCo’s Systems Lead

FLEXIBLE SERVICE Another key attribute of our system is the service flexibility it has enabled DoorCo to deliver. We can deliver any volume of slabs or prepped doors, painted or unpainted, glazed or unglazed, to any customer. We’ve moved away from the traditional boundaries of ‘manufacturing’ and ‘distribution’ to a hybrid service that customers of any level can access. So should they need additional prepping, painting or glazing to back up their own manufacturing, or for have special orders they can’t deliver, the support is readily available. This opens up a world of opportunity for composite door sales.

Rather than limiting the choice to what they can produce in-house or requiring a large amount of investment to expand their range, our customers can confidently partner with DoorCo to access all our doors, the FLiP cassette system, GLAZiNG, PAiNT and any other components they need. Some customers even work on Just In Time (JIT) delivery service.

The key to all this of course is stock.

DoorCo places a huge emphasis on stock.

We are also in the unique position that we are independent in both the UK and Korea, so together we can effectively communicate and manage the situation as best we can to ensure good stock levels are maintained.

David Rosser DoorCo’s IT Project Analyst

COMMUNICATIONS Our ability to communicate has extended outside of just manufacturing. Our internal communications extend through accounting and even our newly formed HR department who have implemented employee benefit and comms portals, which both deliver greater communication across the business to boost staff buy in and engagement.

CYBER SECURITY The flip side of being fully digital is the very real and ongoing threat of Cyber Security.

Protecting our business infrastructure and data from attack has led to a total revamp of our IT infrastructure from the ground up, delivered in a manner that allows us to keep developing and upscaling our IT in line with demand. Part of this revamp included us moving to a cloud-based server to eliminate the physical threat of fraud and theft. It has allowed for complete freedom with, for example, remote working.

Managing this to be Cyber Secure has meant that we’ve had to lockdown the system to the Nth degree, including tools like multi-factor authentication and M-Point scanning. We have also made our team culturally aware so they know what to look for when it comes to impersonation and phishing attacks. While we are conscientious in our approach, we are very aware that Cyber security is a big risk and could have a massive impact on the supply chain if any of us came under attack.

All of this means that our customers have choice, efficiency and the right products at the right time in a future-proofed, paperfree environment.

For more information, visit us on stand Q11 at the FIT Show or visit: www.door-co.com

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WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SPECTUS ELITE 70 ‘SHEERLINE BRINGS A WHOLE RAFT OF BENEFITS’ SAYS BSW WINDOW SOLUTIONS FLUSH TILT AND TURN

WINDOWS SPECIFIED FOR EXCEPTIONAL ICONIC DEVELOPMENT

Since becoming one of the first fabricators to add Sheerline products to its online ordering platform, BSW Window Solutions has been impressed with the innovation behind the supply and services offered by Sheerline Aluminium Systems.

“Sheerline brings a whole raft of benefits to our business,” comments, Rob Morley, Managing Director of BSW Window Solutions, “Using modern and innovative designs, with an attractive slim finish, it has been really easy to sell and with the excellent turnaround service we receive, we’re pleased to have it as part of our product portfolio.”

The Sheerline systems offers many benefits to fabricators and installers. Its smooth, clean, seamless aesthetics not only looks impressive, but when it comes to performance, delivers exceptional thermal and security qualities, thanks to the use of Thermlock® a unique thermal-break system, and customised security hardware.

Rob continues, “In spite of the pandemic, our turnover for aluminium products doubled last year, so much so that we took over an additional 17,000 square feet to house a dedicated aluminium production line and have committed to a further 10,000 sq. ft factory to produce bi-fold doors.

The majority of the products we will be manufacturing will be from Sheerline’s range.

“Sheerline products allow us to serve our customers better. The overall system is simplified, meaning we hold less stock, and because the components are produced collectively on one site in Derby, we benefit from a far better and more reliable turnaround.” Rob ends.

Roger Hartshorn, CEO of Garnalex, says, “Hearing such positive feedback from BSW Window Solutions is brilliant. We work hard to ensure the products we produce are

Over 100 Spectus Elite 70 flush tilt and turn windows were specified and installed in a new stand-out development at an iconic Chester landmark. innovative, attractive, and work well across all our supply-chain. We have spent an enormous amount of time and thought into getting every stage right. Rob highlighted the importance of an agile supply chain, and we want our customers to meet the evergrowing demand for aluminium products.

Every major component in a Sheerline product is made by us, here in Britain, meaning we have more control of our supply chain to give customers shorter lead times. We also hold stock of our standard colour profiles, helping to transform delivery expectations for our customers.”

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, and Prestige, a versatile and thermally efficient system, offer U-values as low as 0.9 W/(m2K) for triple glazing, and 1.3 W/(m2K) for double glazing - are not just another product; they create an experience customers will notice.

You can learn more about Sheerline by visiting www.sheerline.com and www.sheerlinevideo.com. You can also call 01332 883960 or email info@sheerline. com. Follow @SheerlineSystem and @ GarnalexSystems for the latest news and updates. For more information about BSW Window Solutions, visit www.bsws.co.uk or call 01733 459955.

The Shot Tower is a Grade II listed building and the only surviving leadworks of its kind. The imposing 168ft red-brick tower, along with the original Engine House and Whitechapel buildings were retained and sympathetically restored to enforce the industrial legacy of the development. These historical elements were complemented by two modern new housing developments comprising of one, two and threebedroom luxury apartments and converted 4-bedroom town houses. The new housing development creates a striking canal-side landscape in the heart of Cheshire.

Everything from the build quality and aesthetics, to internal layout and functionality, was carefully planned by the developers to ensure the new homes were built to the highest standards.

With such an architectural-prominent landmark structure, the choice of contractors was critical. The window contractor selected for the project was Spectus Approved Window Contractor Walker Profiles Ltd, a leading manufacturer based in Motherwell. The windows were fitted by experienced commercial installer, New Look Windows in Rochdale, Lancashire.

Spectus flush tilt & turn windows are an ideal solution for both medium and highrise buildings such as residential housing, offices, hospitals and universities. The window has been specifically designed to

prevent the framework from overlapping to give a ‘flush’ appearance delivering superior high-end aesthetics which was crucial on this landmark project. A high-performance centre seal system with optional third weather seal means the window can achieve a Window Energy Rating of A++ with double glazing and a U Value of 0.8 W/ (m2K) with triple glazing.

The 100 plus windows were expertly manufactured by experienced commercial fabricator, Walker Profiles. In this project, the sleek look of the windows, combined with an anthracite grey on white colour, created the high-brow, contemporary aesthetics required.

David MacGregor, Business Development Manager at Walker Profiles, comments: “This was a superb project to be involved with and we were delighted to have manufactured the windows for such an iconic property development.”

The Shot Tower is an impressive project and has been given a new lease of life.

Jon Tudor, Commercial Director at New Look Windows concludes: “Newlook Windows jumped at the chance to work on this prestigious development with such an important historical background. The design team pushed the limits of a great product which was manufactured and installed to a very high standard, giving the building the slimmest sightlines possible and a superior colour aesthetics internally and externally. Now completed, the Shot Tower site looks fantastic. “ Tel: 0808 101 4143 - www.spectus.co.uk

RENAISSANCE FOR TRIED AND TRUSTED W20 STEEL WINDOWS Member companies of the Steel Window Association (SWA) have been enjoying a boom in business. This is thanks to the general upturn in activity across the housing market, with the focus on the acquisition and refurbishment of rural properties having resulted in higher than usual demand for the replacement of the traditional W20 style windows.

term robustness. In addition, the advancements made in glass technology and the availability of much improved weather-stripping means that the modern W20 window delivers far better energy performance than their single-glazed predecessors.

glass, warm edge spacer bars and argon, krypton or xenon gas filling to deliver much improved U-values. W20 is a system which can work in a summer-house or a commercial building in London and as a stylish room divider or shower screen. It is just so versatile.”

The W20 closely replicates the appearance of the older universal suite of sections and can therefore be found providing reliable service from country cottages to dockland warehouses and in commercial, as well as industrial buildings.

The President of the SWA and Contracts Director at Associated Steel Window Services, Kris Bennell, comments: “W20 steel frames are the ever reliable, ever popular traditional option for the sector, which are liked by both planners and heritage bodies for use in a host of different property types.

The SWA offers UK wide coverage with member companies able to carry out the full range of contracts from the repair and restoration of heritage windows through to the installation of major fenestration packages in contemporary commercial, residential and other types of developments.

Not only do the slimline sections offer slender sightlines compared to PVC-U and timber frames, but their strength also provides good security and long-

“The glazing beads mean it is possible for new and refurbished W20 windows to accept 16mm thick IG units; and these in turn can feature low-E coatings on the

For further information on the Steel Window Association or if you’re interested in becoming a member, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk.

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April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

HORIZONTAL VS VERTICAL:

WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOUR INSTALLATION? Julian Roberts, technical services director at UAP, the specialist in hardware and locking systems for the fenestration sector, discusses the vertical and horizontal models in the UAP Fullex Kinetica+ K4 range and provides tips on selecting the most appropriate model.

For most end users, a vertical cylinder is the expected and most natural installation; whether they are opening the front door to their property or their double doors onto the garden. But different designs of door, different property layouts and personal preference all have an influence on whether a vertical or horizontal 3* cylinder is the most appropriate choice.

PERSONAL PREFERENCE Personal preference is usually the key driver for the choice between a vertical and a horizontal cylinder, but it’s important to understand the needs of the end user to ensure that the installation is aligned to the requirements. This includes a consideration of the installation environment, along with the position of the cylinder in the door.

Sometimes, where a vertical cylinder might be the obvious choice, a horizontal cylinder can provide a solution to a spatial issue, for example, or there may be aesthetic factors to consider.

In many ways, whether a vertical or horizontal cylinder is chosen is immaterial, because both options are usually equally simple to install and use. Both can be keyed alike, to enable the end user to operate more than one lock with a single key if, for example, they have a pair of double doors, or they want to use the same key to access their home at both the front and the rear.

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SECURITY PERCEPTIONS The design of horizontal cylinders means that they are often perceived to offer more robust levels of security, so this may be a consideration for properties where the residents feel vulnerable or locations where there is a greater risk of break ins.

In reality, if they are Secured by Design accredited, BSI 3* Kitemarked, and Sold Secure Diamond Standard approved, both vertical and horizontal cylinders will provide a robust level of security that makes it extremely difficult for criminals to break. Nonetheless, perceptions can carry substantial value, both for residents and insurance companies. For developers constructing retirement villages and assisted living projects, offering assurances of the number of different key combinations provided by the cylinder installed is another marketing message to add into the mix.

The UAP Fullex range of Kinetica+ K4 3* cylinders highlights the key difference between vertical and horizontal models.

Both models are BSI Kitemarked and Secured by Design accredited and Sold

Secure Diamond Standard approved and they have many of the same security features, including UAP’s innovative anti-pick, anti-bump and anti-drill systems. Vertical Kinetica+ K4 cylinders provide more than 200,000 different key combinations thanks to six vertical pins within the cylinder. In the horizontal model, these are replaced with six dimple pins and five laser track side pins, creating the potential for 13 million differs, and making the lock even more difficult to pick.

As an additional security measure, the UAP Fullex Kinetica+ K4 horizontal cylinder has been designed to allow only singleorientation key insertion. This has enabled the in-house UAP design team to create a smaller keyway for the horizontal model, making it even harder to attack the cylinder.

By working closely with locksmiths to understand the latest techniques, the UAP design team approaches product development with a problem solving focus that considers new ways to overcome attempts to break in. Meanwhile, an emphasis on the end-user means that the design considers ease of use and convenience too; in this case, leading to the provision of an indentation on the key to indicate the correct key position for the end user, making it easier for them to open the door first time, every time.

Julian Roberts

FUNCTIONALITY FIRST Ultimately, all cylinders – vertical or horizontal – should be ease to install, smooth to operate and capable of providing robust security performance throughout their service life. For those unsure whether to opt for a vertical or horizontal cylinder, the specification choice begins by selecting a brand you can trust. www.uapcorporate.com

Just like the vertical model, the Kinetica+ K4 horizontal cylinder is supplied with three UAP Fullex Bio keys, which have antibacterial and antiviral properties.

The Bio keys have been tested to ISO 22196:2011 standards and shown to reduce Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia col. They have also been tested to ISO 21702:2019 standards and shown to reduce SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19). The Bio keys’ unrestricted keyway makes it easier to have duplicate keys cut using the UAP Fullex Kinetica key blank, making both the vertical and horizontal models suitable for both domestic use and small mastersuite installations for commercial projects or multi-occupancy environments.

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

SUPA STAINLESS STEEL ™

High security . Contemporary design . Durable finish

See the full Supa Stainless Steel range at mila.co.uk/supa

mila.co.uk

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

WINDOW WARE 2022 ALUMINIUM HARDWARE CATALOGUE HAS LANDED! Giving fabricators and commercial contractors a go-to source of leadingbrand door and window hardware and ventilation solutions designed to work specifically with aluminium systems.

The eagerly anticipated printed catalogue comes several months after the electronic edition was first released. That’s because the leading UK hardware provider has been working right down to the wire to squeeze in all the very latest product additions and new ranges into the brochure, so customers have the complete lowdown on its everexpanding range.

“We’ve strengthened and developed our aluminium hardware offering massively over the last two years in response to aluminium’s continuing resurgence,” explains Rich Fraser, Window Ware’s Business Development Manager for Aluminium and Commercial.

“And it’s still evolving month on month to meet emerging trends and fulfil our

fabricators’ changing needs. The trouble is, you can’t add to or update a catalogue once it goes to print, so we deliberately took the extra time to make sure we were giving our customers the most current snapshot of everything we do!”

The 132-page catalogue brings together practically everything a fabricator might need to fit out both aluminium doors and windows, including handles, hinges, locks and gearing, folding openers and window opening systems, not to mention commercial door hardware and panic bars, plus a wide range of ready-stocked or custom-built ventilation solutions.

“In our experience, enquiries about aluminium hardware are usually very project-driven and quite specific and many require pre-purchase technical support.

That means fabricators and contractors can’t always buy straight off the page.

Nevertheless, our brochure acts as an

important first point of reference for our customers and does a great job of giving them a taste of the wide-ranging solutions we provide.”

“It’s really about making sure aluminium fabricators know Window Ware is on hand to help with a broad choice of industrypreferred products, an expert ear and sound advice that can verify design specifications, identify the best solutions and ultimately meet project goals every time.”

The Window Ware Hardware for Aluminium Profiles catalogue is out now.

Call 01234 242724 to request your copy or visit www.windowware.co.uk/downloads to add one to your next order.

Window Ware, has been successfully serving the window and door industry with leading brand hardware, tools, and consumables since 1987, helping to ensure fabricator production lines keep moving and trade counter shelves stay stocked.

For more information, call 01234 242 724, email sales@windowware.co.uk, or visit www.windowware.co.uk.

ULTION SECURITY HANDLE TESTS EIGHT TIMES MORE THAN MINIMUM REQUIREMENT Brisant’s Ultion 2 Star handle has been tested to 800,000 cycles in the EN 1906 test rig where its mechanical strength is tested, the door handle being opened and closed repeatedly.

Whilst many handles aren’t even tested, the standard requirement is 100,000 cycles.

The 2 star handle smashed this target and lasted eight times longer than the minimum standard. Brisant’s design ethos is to develop products that do as much as possible, not as little as possible.

coatings of armour plating and lasted a year in the weather test chamber, when the test standard needs only 10 days. But what is the point in still looking great and stopping burglars if the mechanism isn’t that strong?

As well as looking great the curved form on the Ultion 2 Star handle also helps to repel the elements and burglars. It has six

Steve Stewart, Founder and Ultion designer said, “Brisant creates product for customers who want better. We are delighted that it lasted eight times longer than industry requirement. This test isn’t just about how many times or how many years a door handle can be operate, it’s a demonstration of the overall build quality. These handles will now look great for good and work for good!”

"We are delighted that it lasted eight times longer than industry requirement."

Ultion 2 Star Handle after 800,000 cycles in the EN 1906 test rig

NATIONWIDE WINDOWS FIRST TO OFFER NEW PROSECURE 1 STAR CYLINDER FROM MILA Nationwide Windows was quick off the mark when Mila launched its new antibump 1* BSI Kitemarked cylinder at the end of 2021.

The Rugby-based fabricator switched to the ProSecure cylinder for all its composite and PVC-U doors, pairing it with Mila’s popular 2* SupaSecure stainless steel security handle to provide trade, retail and commercial customers with a simple route to maximum 3* TS007 security compliance.

Mila’s new enhanced security 1* cylinder is accredited to PAS24, TS007 and Secured by Design and comes with the added reassurance of the Kitemark which guarantees that quality and performance is tested and audited regularly via an independent 3rd party.

For Nationwide, the 1 star/2 star combination is a practical and good value option, particularly suitable for its new

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build and social housing refurbishment contracts. It offers maximum security compliance, but still gives residents the option to order any additional keys quickly and easily from any high street locksmith.

Daryl Cashmore, Nationwide Windows’ Operations Director, said: “For us, this is a solution which works across all our markets, where PAS24 and Secured by Design compliance are pretty much standard requirements now.

‘Buying both the cylinder and the handle from Mila means we get top quality products which are designed to be fitted together, a range of handle lever options and finishes, and guaranteed continuity of supply.

application and price point. At the top of the range, there is the Mila ProSecure 3* anti-snap cylinder, which meets the Master Locksmith’s Association coveted Sold Secure Diamond Standard, in the middle is the new enhanced security ProSecure 1* cylinder with anti-bump technology, and, at entry level, there is Mila’s ProLinea BreakSafe™ cylinder.

All the details on the cylinder range are at: https://www.mila.co.uk/the-security-cylinder-edit/ and on Nationwide Windows and Doors at: https://www.nwd.co.uk/

“Mila became our hardware supplier of choice in 2018 and since then they have lived up to all our expectations. Quality and service is great and, even during last year’s supply chain crisis, they didn’t let us down.”

The addition of the Mila ProSecure 1* TS007 cylinder to Mila’s range means customers now have three levels of choice when it comes to cylinder security, depending on the

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Revised Building Regulations: Ventilation & Energy Efficiency

Increase in ventilation requirements?

Let us clear the air.

The revised Building Regulations require an increase in background ventilation to improve indoor air quality and balance the need for more energy efficient measures, such as replacement windows.

Talk to us now to discuss how your window production can incorporate the changes to the Regulations with minimal hassle and cost.

Go the tried and tested route - use the market leader.

Visit our dedicated help pages at:

titon.com/regulations Call us on 01206 713800 or email enquiries@titon.co.uk

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

BRISANT ACHIEVES 35% GROWTH ONE YEAR ON FROM BGF INVESTMENT Secure lock and hardware supplier, Brisant Secure, has achieved 35% growth just one year on from securing investment from BGF – the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor.

In addition, the company has grown its workforce with 33 new starters; has expanded its client base, with 450 businesses selling Brisant products for the first time; secured more than 600,000 homes; while expanding its Ultion product range for door suppliers, locksmiths and homeowners.

Nick Dutton, joint CEO at Brisant Secure, commented: “The last 12 months have been pivotal in our ongoing development as a business, with the injection of BGF capital helping to accelerate our growth plans and crystalise our focus on both product and people development.

“One of the biggest highlights was being chosen by the Home Office for the Safer Streets initiative, with over 1,000 locks purchased by the police to secure homes,

while also achieving police-preferred specification.”

He added: “Our consistent growth is centred on a commitment to providing robust products that raise the bar by consistently beating industry test standards. This is combined with our drive and ambition to provide an enhanced service to our customers, a better working environment for our employees, and safer products.

That means we never stop researching, developing, and testing new ideas to provide customers with the safest products in the market.”

The impressive growth coincides with Brisant being recognised as a living wage employer by the Living Wage Foundation.

The company has received official accreditation from the foundation – a Citizens UK initiative which campaigns for more employers to pay a living wage – after growing its workforce by over 25%. Living wage employers in the UK include IKEA, Nationwide, Aviva and KPMG.

Brisant was recognised by the organisation for paying the real living wage to all directly employed staff – the only UK wage rate that is voluntarily paid by businesses.

Dutton said: “One of our core values as a business, and one of the main reasons we have achieved the success we have, is the investment we make in our people.

“It’s vital that our employees are treated fairly and rewarded for the work they do, which is why it was important for us to ensure we pay all our staff the real living wage. Receiving official accreditation from the Living Wage Foundation is a real statement of intent and demonstrates our commitment to our workforce, both in the Midlands and Yorkshire.”

Since launching in 2013, Brisant has been raising the standards of the fenestration industry by helping fabricators and installers sell more doors. Last year, the company featured in the annual Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 for the

second consecutive year as one of the UK’s fastest growing businesses.

BGF investor, Seb Saywood, who sits on the Brisant board, said: “The innovation and passion that first attracted us to Brisant continues to shine through and the growth achieved within the first 12 months of our investment is testament to that approach.

“Being recognised as a living wage employer and cementing its position as one of the leading companies in the door security field, demonstrates the value that can be found in being both customer and employee-centric.”

TOTAL HARDWARE SUPPORTS CUSTOMERS WITH PART F CHANGES With the changes to Part F of Building Regulations coming into force in June, leading hardware supplier Total Hardware is already helping its customers get ready for the transition.

The regulations, which cover the ventilation of buildings, will be a big change for the industry.

Chris Pell, General Manager at Total Hardware, said: “The new regulations mean two big changes for the industry.

Fortunately, we’re well-prepared for the change and already hold stock of compliant products from both Glazpart and R W Simon to help our customers with the transition.”

The first big change is the number of trickle vents that will need to be fitted.

Chris commented: “It’s estimated that 30% of windows have trickle vents fitted at the moment. After 15 June 2022, this will increase to over 95%. Obviously, that means greater stocks will be needed across the industry. We’re ready for this so our customers can be ready for the transition.”

The second big change is the size of the trickle vents. Chris said: “The requirement for ventilation is much bigger than it used to be because there’s a recognition that there’s a clear link between good ventilation and good health. It means that not all the vents currently on the market will meet the new requirements. However,

products from both Glazpart and R W Simon are ready for the change and we have the products our customers need.”

Total Hardware has built strong relationships with some of the leading worldwide hardware manufacturers, which is one of the reasons the company is able to be so proactive about the changes to Part F. It expanded its premises by 20% last year, which means it can hold greater stock levels to support its customers’ businesses.

And it offers a comprehensive range of products across all price points, including its own bespoke hardware ranges, as well as Part-F compliant options.

This proactive, customer-focused approach

is why the company is going from strength to strength. To find out more about how Total Hardware can help you comply with Part F requirements and more, get in touch with the team today.

Tel: 0113 243 2255 www.totalhardwareltd.co.uk

GREENTEQ ORION RETAINS ITS INTEGRITY The popular greenteQ Orion TS007 3 star profile cylinder from hardware specialist VBH is now available in bespoke keyed alike suites.

Until now, keyed alike cylinders were available in factory-produced pairs or batches of 10, but all the cylinders were matching in size and finish.

With the new option to open and re-pin Orion cylinders, customers can now have cylinders of different sizes and finishes, all operated by the same key; perfect in a home

56

with a composite front door, an aluminium bi-fold and a PVCu back door, for example.

Orion keyed alike sets are processed and despatched usually within 3-5 working days.

Dan Powell, Head of Sales at VBH, who has been heavily involved in the development of Orion says, “We are delighted to advise our existing customers and the market at large that everything is now in place to produce customer-bespoke keyed alike sets.

“Orion has proved incredibly popular with door manufacturers and installers, as well as the locksmith industry, since its launch in 2021. The key alike option will only enhance its appeal.”

Orion cylinders are approved to Kitemark TS007 with a full 3 star rating. They are available in key/key, and key/thumb turn variants.

End users are encouraged to register their new cylinder for the free proteQ10 snap guarantee. proteQ10 will pay the end-user £2000 direct if a break in is achieved due to the cylinder snapping within 10 years of the installation date.

Dan points out, “greenteQ Orion cylinders that have been re-pinned through VBH still retain the integrity of their TS007 Kitemark 3 star classification, which means that we can continue to offer the proteQ10 snap guarantee on these barrels.

“It’s important that fabricators and installers are aware that this is not the case with all cylinders or re-pinning services. In many cases, once a cylinder has been opened, the TS007 Kitemark is void.”

For more information on greenteQ Orion and VBH’s other products visit www.vbhgb.com or email VBH at info@vbhgb.com.

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

INDUSTRY AWARDS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SHEERLINE TAKE HOME INDUSTRY AWARD FOR THE SECOND TIME Sheerline took centre stage at a recent industry awards event to honour the best-inclass installers and products, by taking away the winning trophy for 'Best Technical Innovation' for a second time.

sightlines of this exceptionally beautiful aluminium lantern.

“Competition for the ‘Best Technical Innovation’ category was intense,” comments David Wigley, Head of Marketing for Sheerline. “So, coming first to take away this year’s Installer Award is a

fantastic honour for the effort being made across the business ensuring our products stay at the cutting edge of innovation.”

David added, “We were aware that the panel of industry judges would be looking for products which can differentiate themselves.

This is the second time Sheerline products have been recognised for an award at the event. In 2020, the Sheerline Classic window system won in the same category.

“Aside from being easy and fast to fit, our roof lantern also features Thermlock®, our unique thermal break system designed to aid energy efficiency, as well as a unique glass closure system designed to seal in glass units, making it one of the most secure roof lanterns on the market.” David concludes.

Roger Hartshorn, CEO for Garnalex Limited, owner of the Sheerline brand, commented, “We have worked hard creating our products from scratch to ensure we exceed installer, fabricator, and homeowner’s expectations. Streamlined processes, creative design, and a strong understanding of our market, have helped us to stand out from the crowd. Winning this award for the Sheerline S1 roof lantern proves we are on the right path to accomplishing this.”

The Sheerline S1 Roof Lantern, an innovative, secure, and thermally efficient roof lantern fought off fierce competition to win the award, an accolade that coincided with the anniversary of Garnalex, four years ago. The GGP Installer Awards was held at the characterful Albert Hall, a Grade II listed Wesleyan chapel in Manchester and was hosted by TV Presenter, Jenny Powell.

The Sheerline S1 Roof Lantern carries a wealth of unique design characteristics and features ultra-low-line aesthetics for rafter and hip top caps to sit close to the glazing level of the exterior, creating an overall sleek and modern look. The corner and rafter end caps run perfectly in line with the perimeter of the lantern, providing no unsightly angles protruding out and spoiling the perfect

To learn more about Sheerline, visit www.sheerline.com or www.sheerlinevideo.com.

You can also call 01332 978000 or email info@sheerline.com.

Julie Warner

Sheerline S1 Roof Lantern and Sheerline Staff at GGP Award Event Product Manager Julie Warner

Follow @SheerlineSystem for the latest news and updates.

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

Experts in Experts in Experts in Hardware Experts in Hardware Hardware Hardware

“ We’ve steadily increased the We’ve steadily increased the we buy from range of hardware increased the last “ We’ve ange of hardware we buy from Carlincreased Fsteadily Groupco over the We’ve steadily the rangeover of hardware we buy from arl F of Groupco the last 16 years.

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t. Peterborough: 01733 393330 01733 393330 t. Peterborough: t. Peterborough:t. Cumbernauld: 01733 393330 t.01733 Cumbernauld: 393330 01236 721557 01236 721557 Cumbernauld: t. t.Cumbernauld: e. sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk 01236 721557 01236 721557 e. sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk e.e. sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

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www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2022

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TECH TALK

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TECH TALK with Strafford Cooke, Technical Director, Mila

O, L, AND F – AND DON’T FORGET Q

WHAT FABRICATORS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW BUILDING REGS

Anyone who reads the trade press will know that the first of the new Building Regs come into force in June this year. Approved Document O is all about controlling overheating and can mostly be managed through external shading, Approved Document L sets new U-Value/WER limits for windows and glazed doors, and Approved Document F covers the need for ventilation in increasingly airtight homes.

The reason why these Docs have been released first is that they form part of the government’s Future Homes strategy, which aims to reduce carbon emissions from new homes by 30% now and by 80% by 2025, but we can expect other relevant Docs to follow.

From a hardware perspective, the new Part O isn’t significant, but Part L is likely to mean an increase in triple glazing which, in turn, will place extra demands on hinges. I would advise fabricators who are in any doubt about the right specification of hinge to take advice from their hardware supplier.

However, it is Part F which is likely to have the most impact on our industry because it requires trickle vents to be fitted in virtually all new and replacement windows, unless alternative mechanical ventilation is in place.

From a personal perspective, I think this is totally counterintuitive to the whole Future Homes strategy – why increase the thermal performance of windows and then cut a hole in them?

I recognise the need to increase ventilation, particularly post Covid, but this feels like a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

There are also a number of practical issues around the new Part F as well: • what about the impact on noise levels in busy urban areas?

• what about the fact that some installations where there is more than one window will inevitably be overspecced and overventilated if trickle vents become the default option?

• what about the fact that the current testing regime for Part L allows U-Values to be assessed without trickle vents, just as it allows doors to be assessed without letterplates?

Despite my personal misgivings though, I do accept that, as an industry we have to respond to the requirement from June onwards. Mila customers can be reassured that we will have a full suite of compliant trickle vents in stock ahead of the deadline– in 2500mm2, 5000mm2 and 4000mm2 variants. The 4000mm2 version is likely to be the most useful in terms of matching the 4000mm2 and 8000mm2 Minimum Equivalent Area thresholds now set for different rooms.

replacement installations as well, meaning 3 Star TS007 compliance for door handles and cylinders, TS008 compliance for letter plates and P1A laminated glass for accessible windows and doors.

If fabricators think they have got their head around what is required for Document F, then they need to be aware that Approved Document Q is likely to be the next of the Building Regs to be updated – and, in hardware terms, it will be the most significant.

While Mila and others in the hardware sector are poised to respond with products which already comply, there is considerable concern about the glass sector, simply because there isn’t currently enough capacity to supply the huge volumes of P1A glass that would be required.

At the moment, ADQ requires that all entrance doors and accessible windows going into new build properties (or those undergoing a change of use) meet the requirements of PAS24: 2012. Under the proposed changes though PAS24:2016 will be the benchmark standard and the regulation will be extended to

58

Strafford Cooke, Technical Director, Mila

That will effectively put an end to the use of standard 6 pin cylinders in entrance doors and mean no more standard letterplates, as well as requiring that door viewers and door chains are fitted.

Another big change that could be implemented is that compliance will have to be shown by means of a test which would prevent test documentation from being cascaded. Effectively, everyone would require their own test data.

Discussions are still ongoing between the various industry trade associations and the government on the implications of Approved Document F on the market and we are awaiting the start of the consultation on ADQ, so there may yet be some changes to the proposals. However, in the meantime, my advice, as always, is to contact Mila for help and advice. https://www.mila.co.uk/

By Strafford Cooke, Technical Director, Mila

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Oh so SIMPLE The Virtuoso Gateway is a quick and simple online tool where you can order your customer’s new door. You can access the Gateway twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Getting started is easy, just set up a Virtuoso trade account, and once registered you will have access to your own dashboard, where you can use the ‘design-a-door’ tool, generate instant quotes and place an order.

There’s Oh So much more to discover, contact sales@virtuoso-doors.co.uk or visit virtuoso-doors.co.uk/gateway Nationwide Coverage. Competitive Lead Times. Unlimited Colour Choice.

INSTALLER NETWORK

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

INSTALLER NETWORK:

FINDING A FABRICATOR THAT SUPPORTS GROWTH Carly Graham, Area Sales Manager for the Glazerite UK Group, highlights how the fabricator works closely with new installers to build a long lasting partnership.

Bringing a new customer on board isn’t a one-size fits all process for Glazerite. We work together with the installer to fully understand their business, their market and their long-term aims. This enables us to tailor our offering to fit their needs, rather than expect them to mould themselves around us.

As a fabricator, we’re able to offer our installers everything from a comprehensive product portfolio through to added-value business services - such as marketing support - that will help them to stand out from their competitors.

The strong relationships we have forged with our own suppliers helps us support our installers, by giving us insight into the latest product improvements and trends, and access to enhanced warranties or marketing material that our installers can use for example. These relationships, with the likes of VEKA, DoorCo, and The Residence Collection, are also two-way, enabling us to share feedback on products or services for an overall enhanced offering.

As an Area Sales Manager, I’ve seen the working relationship dynamic between suppliers and installers evolve. The industry has come on significantly since the ‘white gold’, male dominated era to become a vibrant, open platform where suppliers and installers have adapted to meet the expectations of today’s tech- and style-savvy homeowner.

Smith’s as a leading installer, which provides a great range of products, at good prices and with excellent service, Smith’s needed a sound fabricator who could help them achieve their aims.

“A happy installer will work harder and with more care than a disgruntled one. Secondly, we wanted a fabricator who is reliable, with good communication and customer service, all three of which we are pleased to say Glazerite continues to deliver on.”

Nathan explains: “We chose Glazerite because we felt they could deliver a well manufactured product at a good price.

Firstly, we looked for quality, not only because it keeps our customers happy but because it makes our installers’ lives easier when working onsite. A happy installer will work harder and with more care than

Carly Graham

a disgruntled one. Secondly, we wanted a fabricator who is reliable, with good communication and customer service, all three of which we are pleased to say Glazerite continues to deliver on.”

From my very first meeting with Nathan and Jason, their desire to grow the business was clear, and it’s an exciting collaboration to be a part of. Their 35-strong team are passionate about delivering high-quality installs and they have some great offerings, including the manufacture of conservatory roofs inhouse, as well as their own sealed unit production line. They also have their own expert lead designer, who delivers exceptional decorative leads - the level of detail of the leadwork is the best I’ve ever seen.

We’ve built a great working relationship, and the Glazerite customer account team is in touch with Smith’s on a daily basis. As their Area Sales Manager, I’m always on hand when needed and I work with them to find ways that will help them to continue to build their business, including tapping into our tailored marketing support, which is next on their agenda.

As a fabricator, it’s our role to help customers achieve their ambitions and truly cement their reputation in their own markets. I’m proud to be part of a company that can make a real difference for installer partners like Smith’s.

I’ve also seen a shift in account management from a generic catch up to ensure ‘all is good’ into an energetic, proactive collaboration between profile houses, suppliers and installers.

We welcomed Essex-based installer, Smith’s, on board in 2020. The company, which was founded in 1968, delivers installs across the South East, and has recently been taken over by long term employees, Nathan Hawkins and Jason Lear. The pair had worked for Smith’s for 18 years, and when the original owners retired, they wanted to take over the reins to safeguard jobs and grow the company. With plans to establish

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April 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

FIT SHOW 2022 PREVIEW

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

WIN AN IPAD EACH DAY AT ODL EUROPE’S STAND AT THE FIT SHOW Visitors to the ODL Europe stand at this year’s FIT Show will have a chance to win a 10.2-inch 64GB WiFi-enabled iPad each day. Andy Meakin, Head of Sales and Customer Services at ODL Europe, said: “We’re giving away an iPad because it’s a reflection of the quality we deliver as a business. Using an iPad on site visits makes a great impression on customers, not to mention reducing admin time because you enter information straight into the system. Plus, it is great for personal use too.”

To be in with a chance of winning the iPad, visitors to ODL Europe’s stand will choose a key and use it to try to unlock a special composite door. The person who selects the

key that unlocks the door wins the prize.

The promotion is running on each of the three days of the FIT Show.

As well as being in with a chance to win an iPad, visitors to ODL Europe’s stand will also be able to see the company’s vast range of composite door and specialist products. The cornerstone of the range is the world-leading Capstone composite door slab, which offers an outstanding pedigree.

There is a huge range of composite door designs across contemporary, heritage, classic and specialist collections, many of which are exclusive to ODL Europe. Also on display will be a wide variety of unique decorative glass options that have all been carefully designed to work with the door styles, as well as a glazing cassette range

that includes the market-leading TriSYS® system. Completing the line-up will be the Blink® Blinds + Glass that have led the encapsulated blinds sector for 20 years.

Andy Meakin concluded: “We’re looking forward to showing visitors how ODL Europe can help secure a competitive

advantage in the composite door market – and to the anticipation of seeing which mystery key unlocks our door too!”

Visitors to FIT Show 2022 can find the ODL Europe team on stand D11.

Tel: 0151 933 0299 - https://odleurope.com

VISIT THE FENTRADE STAND AT FIT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A LUXURY GOLFING TRIP Specialist aluminium fabricator Fentrade has announced a fantastic prize draw open to all visitors to its stand at this year’s FIT Show – an overnight stay for two people at Celtic Manor Resort in Newport with a round of golf as well. Chris Reeks, Fentrade’s Director, said: “Fentrade is a proudly Welsh business based in Newport and near to the Celtic Manor, which is one of Europe’s finest golfing destinations. It’s a championship prize!”

To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is visit Fentrade’s stand at the FIT Show and leave your business card to enter the draw. The winner will be drawn independently on the final day of FIT show. As well as being in with a chance of winning, every entrant will also receive a free golf related gift.

Celtic Manor Resort is set in 2,000 acres of panoramic parkland in the beautiful Usk Valley just off the M4 in

Wales. The hotel and spa are distinctively designed to create a feeling of understated glamour, while the resort is home to three championship golf courses and was home to the 2010 Ryder Cup. The opportunity to win the fantastic prize won’t be the only reason to visit Fentrade’s stand at the FIT Show. The company is rapidly developing a reputation as a go-to aluminium fabricator and the FIT Show will be a valuable opportunity to have a conversation.

The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products from renowned industry brands such as AluK and Kestrel Aluminium, all manufactured at its state-of-the-art facilities in Newport. It backs this up with a commitment to service and attention to detail you’d expect from a company with a management team that has a wealth of industry experience behind it.

So, for a chance to find out more about an aluminium fabricator that’s developing a reputation for excellence – and to be in with the chance of winning a luxury prize too – visit stand N34 at the FIT Show, which runs 10-12 May at the NEC in Birmingham.

Tel: 01633 547787 – fentradealuminium.co.uk

AT PRECISION SET TO REVEAL NEW GAME-CHANGING INVESTMENT AT THE FIT SHOW Since early 2020, AT Precision has been supplying fabricators with quality, affordable aluminium bi-fold hardware, compatible with most major systems on the market.

“Both ranges are compatible with most major systems, and because they’re manufactured in-house, come at a very affordable rate, potentially saving aluminium fabricators thousands of pounds a year.

Now, the leading supplier is excited to attend the FIT Show this May, ready to announce a new addition to its range that will help its customers even further.

“Over the past 12 months, we’ve further expanded our portfolio with a range of plastic ancillaries, a high-quality range of espagnolette window handles, and the Ingenious Duplex MPL from Ingenious Locks.

Sales Director Michael Hewitt comments: “Since opening our doors, we’ve been supplying our Everglide range of bi-fold hardware, which includes door rollers, top guides, pull handles, cleats and shootbolt handles, as well as the Everseal range of high-quality gaskets.

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“The combination of all these recent product investments means we’re able to supply fabricators with everything they need to manufacture a bi-fold door, bar the actual profile and glass – but that’s soon to change.

“Thanks to a recent strategic investment to be revealed at the FIT Show, we’ll soon be able to supply more than just hardware, but profile as well, giving the full offering to our customers and saving them even more money, time and hassle, with no compromise on quality.

“The FIT Show is going to be a fantastic opportunity to meet up with potential customers and discuss the future of an ever-evolving industry, and I very much look forward to the event, and showcasing everything AT Precision has to offer.”

The FIT Show will be held at the NEC in Birmingham from the 10th to the 12th of May. Visit the AT Precision exhibition at stand S55.

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

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

2022

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

FIT SHOW 2022 PREVIEW

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

DEMAND ‘TIDE WILL HAVE TO TURN AT SOME POINT’: WHAT CAN INSTALLERS DO ABOUT THE PREDICTED MARKET SLOWDOWN? It’s unlikely that the UK home improvement market will see a repeat of 2020 and 2021, which means that once the backlog has been cleared, installers are going to need to maximise profitability and think creatively about where they find leads.

FIT Show and Business Pilot team up to explore the predicted market slowdown and what installers can do to reduce the risks associated with this.

Elton Boocock, Managing Director, Business Pilot, explains: “We haven’t and I don’t think we are going to see a crash in demand, so in that sense, we’re not looking at a cliff-edge”, he says. “It is, however, sensible to expect some normalisation and adjustment in the market later this year.

That is likely to represent a contraction on the last two years.”

“They’re also busy, and with order books full for 12-weeks, maybe installers haven’t brought the same focus to lead generation because they haven’t had to. The tide will, however, at some point have to turn.”

pandemic hit, at around 5% year-on-year through to 2023. The growth that has been seen in the last 18-months has been exponential, estimates suggesting that it’s topped 25-30%.

And that’s exactly what FIT Show event director, Nickie West is urging exhibitors and visitors to consider when prioritising the event, which returns to the NEC from May 10 - 12. Nickie comments, “We really have been operating in unprecedented times and whilst market demand has been, we know that this is going to slow and that installers and fitters need to be investing in the right platforms now to help secure their pipelines beyond 2022. FIT Show will come at just the right time to help them do that.”

Elton continues: “As we’ve said, we know December is not a typical month but if we benchmark it across the last three years, we see that year-on-year sales December 2021 were down 23% on those for 2020. Go back a year further to the pre-Covid era and December 2019, and they’re 60% lower.

The window and door industry was on target for significant growth before the

Designed and developed by installers for installers Business Pilot delivers real-time

“Again, there are a number of reasons why no one needs to panic but it does hint things may be slower this spring than they have been in the last two.”

information on true profitability against every job, as well as helping installers to manage cash flow, win new business and manage operations.

This includes its drag-and-drop scheduling board, which makes rescheduling jobs easy, automatically adjusting ‘back-end’ systems in a single action.

“While there isn’t going to be a crash, some of the disciplines of running a good business are going to become more important”, Elton argues, “that includes running your business efficiently to understand and maximise your profitability.

“As an exercise that may lead you down some routes that you hadn’t previously considered, which is what FIT Show is all about.”

Nickie adds: “Alongside accessing content, platforms and service providers who will be showcasing the latest solutions to help installers to operate more effectively at FIT Show, we’ll also be bringing the market together to collaborate on these key themes for the first time in three years.

This is reflected in some of the figures coming out of the Business Pilot Barometer, an anonymised measure of average leads and sales, among its CRM and business management tool customer base.

“There’s no time like the present to prioritise improving business operations - whether that’s investing in the latest products and technology, learning and upskilling, or just taking the time to speak directly to suppliers and manufacturers all under one roof. You can do all of that at FIT Show. And that’s why FIT Show in May will be unmissable for anyone looking to be the best in the business.”

This showed a drop in sales of 38% in December. Leads were down 44% on the preceding month. “That’s not something that anyone needs to worry about”, continues Elton, “we know that there is a seasonality to sales, while many retailers decided to take extended breaks at Christmas.

For more information visit www.businesspilot.co.uk

MEDIA HUT TO DELIVER SUSTAINABLE MERCHANDISE TO FIT Media Hut has been announced as the official supplier of sustainable merchandise to FIT Show 2022 when it returns to the NEC this may (10 - 12.)

As well as fulfilling both the organisers and exhibitors merchandising requirements for FIT Show, Media Hut will also exhibit at the event with a view to delivering its services to the wider audience.

Media Hut, which is headquartered in Nottingham and specialises in branded merchandise which is sustainable, will be bringing decade of experience to the show.

The company offers over thirty thousand products, all of which can be personalised to any client’s needs.

Speaking about the partnership, Media Hut sales and marketing director, Karl Dukes

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said: “We’re excited to be working with FIT Show for the first time. We’ve worked with the team to develop a bespoke package of sustainable merchandise for its visitors and will be onsite and available to work with its exhibitors and visitors alike to fulfil any of their merchandising needs.”

FIT Show event director, Nickie West added: “Exhibitions often get a bad rep for their sustainability credentials, but we are working really hard, both as FIT Show and the Montgomery Group, to be more environmentally conscious.

“It was a natural decision for us to work with Karl and the Media Hut team given that they have such a fantastic reputation in the events arena and are truly dedicated to offering sustainable merchandising solutions.”

FIT Show exhibitors who have yet to source their merchandise for the event can enquire to Media Hut via www.mediahut.co.uk.

FIT Show will return to the NEC Birmingham from 10 - 12 May, 2022 and is set to bring together every link in the supply chain - from manufacturers and suppliers of the latest windows, doors, glass, hardware and components, right through to the specifiers and fitters of these products.

Visitor registration for the event is currently tracking at 50% above the same point in the campaign for FIT Show 2019 show, highlighting the appetite to get back to live events. When FIT Show opens in May, it will be the first live European trade show for the fenestration industry in more than three years.

Over 200 brands will display the very latest products and materials for use across domestic, commercial, private and public sector building and renovation projects. Visitors can expect to see the likes of door manufacturer Doorco, glazing experts Glazpart, window systems giant Kommerling, Roseview Windows, lantern roof experts Made For Trade, Morley Glass, Ultraframe, VEKA and Victorian Sliders.

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

EMMEGI (UK) SHOWS POPULAR MACHINE OPTIONS Visitors to FIT will be able to see some of Emmegi (UK)’s most popular machines in action. Stand Q41 will feature both a Comet X4 4-axis machining centre and a Precision TS2 twin-head saw.

This is one of the classic machine combinations that Emmegi supplies to aluminium fabricators in the UK, because they complement each other so well. Both use the same software and operator interface, and both can cope with similar volumes.

The Comet X4 has a 7kW electrospindle which continuously rotates from 0° to 180°

FIT SHOW 2022 PREVIEW

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU! 10TH-12TH MAY 2022

to machine on three sides of the profile, and the 3-axis Precision TS2 can cut from 45° inwards to 15° outwards and to 280 positions per degree.

Emmegi (UK)’s Managing Director explained: “It’s been three years since fabricators have been able to see machines in action at a trade show, so we’ve deliberately chosen the models which we know have the widest appeal.

“We’ll obviously have other machines and ancillaries on the stand as well and a few special offers and promotions, which we’ll be announcing closer to the date.”

CHRISTINA

CHRIS

EMMA

As well as seeing the machines, visitors to the Emmegi (UK) stand will also be able to get expert advice from the team on everything from operator training to machine maintenance – all while enjoying some classic Italian style hospitality.

More info on the Emmegi range at: www.emmegi.com.

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2022

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

HAZLEMERE ON COURSE FOR RECORD YEAR AFTER £100,000 SHOWROOM INVESTMENTS An £100,000 investment in its two showrooms and the latest 3D design studio has seen a High Wycombe-based home improvement specialist secure a record year.

“Our sector traditionally has been very male dominated, but this is slowly changing, and we feel we are helping to show females that you can have a fantastic career in our industry.

“I think it also helps to make Hazlemere a little bit different to our rivals. There’s an additional warmth and attention to detail that instantly puts the customer at ease and many of our clients come back to us time and time again.”

Hazlemere, which offers a wide variety of conservatories, orangeries, tiled roof extensions, double glazed windows and doors, has enjoyed a 37% increase in orders with sales on the retail side of the business now reaching £7.5m.

Part of the Conservatory Outlet network, the company has tapped into the change in purchasing habits brought on by the pandemic by introducing the latest flush casement windows to its range, as well as an extensive selection of new doors.

The firm is now setting its sights on further growth and is currently recruiting for eleven new jobs, including a production manager, sales administrator, living space sales consultant, conservatory surveyor and several window and door fitters.

Developing the next generation of talent is extremely important for the company, with the latest round of apprentices now fully installed in production and installation.

this accelerated the company’s growth, with current MD Rachel joining at the same time after completing her degree in event management.

Daughter of Stuart, she became Managing Director at just 28-years-old in 2018 and has navigated the business through the pandemic and to its current record year.

“There’s definitely a female touch at Hazlemere, with Jenna Ledward joining me on the senior management team as Head of Production, Purchasing and Goods In,” added Rachel.

This complements ‘Launch Pad’, an internal training programme that has been designed to help develop the careers of existing team members, so they meet their own individual aspirations.”

Rachel went on to add: “We’ve got some exceptional people in the business and, sadly, we’ve just had to say goodbye to one of the best, with Mark Austin stepping back from his day-to-day involvement as Director to enjoy retirement.

“He quite literally did everything at Hazlemere, working across all aspects of the business, including in the marketing team, retail sales and then into our commercial arm, generating significant revenue for us in the process. He will be deeply missed, but we hope he enjoys more days on his allotment, the golf course and spending time with his four grandchildren.”

“Nobody really knew what was going to happen during Covid-19, but we quickly realised that people, who were spending an increasing amount of time at home, were keen to tackle those delayed jobs or make improvements with their disposable income,” explained Rachel Braham-Hill, Managing Director of Hazlemere.

“The decision was quickly made to try to maximise this opportunity and we spent a lot of time and money upgrading our showrooms in Wellington Road in High Wycombe and at Welwyn Garden City.”

Greg Kane, Chief Executive of Conservatory Outlet, concluded: “The team at Hazlemere has really utilised the collective power of the network and our digital marketing expertise and this, alongside its own strengths, has helped it achieve significant growth.

She went on to add: “There was also investment in new presentation software so we could showcase new designs and our involvement in the Conservatory Outlet network meant we had huge support with our digital marketing activity.

“I’m delighted to see that Rachel is continuing the tradition of her father and grandfather and creating one of the best home improvement specialists in Buckinghamshire.”

For further information, please visit www.hazlemere.co.uk or www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk.

“All of this saw us accelerate retail sales from £5.5m in 2020 to £7.5m this financial year, with our commercial division also performing very well working with its local authority and education contacts.”

Hazlemere has come a long way since it was formed in 1985 by father and son team George and Stuart Braham.

The duo started from a small unit in Wooburn Green where they originally manufactured aluminium windows, adding UPVC to its range in 1992 and moving to its current HQ and showroom in High Wycombe.

They took the decision to join the Conservatory Outlet Network in 2011 and

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Hazlemere: Front row (l-r): Jenna Ledward, Rachel Braham-Hill and Sonia Marshall Middle Row (l-r): Emily Hurst, Claire Ramsden, Diana Newell, and Rebecca Twitchen Top Row: (l-r) Michelle Hanson, Laura Braham and Esther Baylis

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ALUK PARTNERS WITH EYG ON PBSA PROJECT IN COVENTRY

PREMIER ARCHES CELEBRATES RECORD BREAKING MONTH Thanks to recent strategic investments, February has seen a record month for leading arched and angled frame manufacturer Premier Arches, outperforming the same period last year by an impressive 105%. The company has also beaten its October 2021 sales by 29% and its November 2021 sales by 12%, typically two of its busiest months of the year.

Managing Director Sean Greenall comments: “Sales in February have outperformed all previous months since the birth of Premier Arches in 2015, including last summer, which is unheard of seeing as February is both a short and typically quiet sales month in the fenestration industry.”

Founded by Sean and his two brothers Thomas and Daniel, 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 non-stocked systems, offering a full service to fabricators, trade counters, installers and local builders.

The company transforms the often daunting procedure 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.

In recent months, Premier Arches has seen an increase in demand from fabricators for fully glazed products, one reason Sean attributes to the company’s record sales.

He comments: “For speed and convenience, more and more of our existing customers are choosing to order fully fabricated frames from us, including sashes, accessories, glass and composite door slabs. This offering means our busy fabricator customers don’t need to mess around with glass templates or finishing arched frames in their own streamlined factories that are set up for speed.

“Another reason for increased sales is an influx of new customers onboarding with us over the past three months, attracted by our competitive pricing structure, our online instant quoting and ordering platform, our attention to detail when it comes to product quality, and our honest approach to customer service.

“For years, Premier Arches has been one of the industry’s best kept secrets – my brothers and I have focused so heavily on product quality and customer service that we previously spent no time or money telling the industry what we were doing through sales and marketing activity.

“The recent appointment of industry figure Joe Trueman to our board, as well as partnering with leading marketing agency Purplex, has helped us to apply more focus on telling the industry who we are and what we do. I’m incredibly proud of the business – we’ve built a culture of putting our customers first, being honest and sending quality products out of the door first time. With guidance from Joe and support from Purplex, it’s so nice to now share this culture publicly, and to see the industry and our customers responding with loyalty.

“Through December and January, we have made significant improvements to our machinery, manufacturing flow, training and recruitment, meaning we are confidently set up to grow. We are ready to onboard many more new customers as well as deal with increased demand from our existing fabricators, trade counters and installers, while our order intake suggests that we are already on target to substantially beat the record again in March.”

For more information, email info@premierarches.co.uk.

AluK partnered with leading commercial specialist EYG on a new luxury Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development in the centre of Coventry.

Aluminium windows, doors, curtain walling and entrance systems in AluK’s market leading systems have been installed at 33 Parkside on behalf of Prestige Student Living.

33 Parkside is aimed squarely at the luxury end of that market, with a mix of single bed studios and two bed apartments complemented by a cinema room, roof terrace, fitness suite and landscaped courtyards.

The 11-storey steel framed development was a design and build project by Construction Partnership UK (CPUK) based in Skelmersdale and the architects were student housing specialists O’Connell East Architects of Manchester.

EYG fabricated and installed windows and doors throughout in AluK’s suited 58BW and 58BD window and door system, while the entrance system is in AluK’s Secured

by Design accredited heavy duty GT55 TB system. The curtain walling is AluK’s SL52 flexible capped solution.

Key to the contract was EYG’s ability to work to a tight timeframe, so AluK’s support in guaranteeing product availability and working to short lead times was an important benefit.

Stephen Watkins, AluK’s Head of Projects, emphasises the two companies’ proven expertise in this sector. He says: “We have already worked with EYG on similar PBSA projects at Laurence Street in York and Tate House in Leeds, supporting them with technical guidance where required and on time, in full deliveries.”

EYG’s Managing Director, Nick Ward adds: “We were delighted to work with AluK on

this exciting project. We have carried out a number of installations in this sector, having partnered on student accommodation developments right across Yorkshire.

“Our commercial department has the capacity to take on multi-million pound projects and a proven track record of delivering complex projects efficiently and on time. We were thrilled to be asked to collaborate on such a prestigious development and it’s a pleasure to see the finished result, which is inspirational and aspirational student housing, which will be a joy to live in.”

Even with a fall in the number of overseas students coming to study in the UK, the Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector continues to boom. The UK is now second only to North America in terms of value, with market estimates of around £50bn.

Around 25,000 new PBSA beds are still being delivered into the UK market each year and, outside of London, Coventry is one of the biggest growth areas. The tallest building in the city is a new 20-storey student complex, and student living is helping to drive regeneration on many brownfield sites in the city centre, as it celebrates its year as the UK City of Culture in 2021.

With a 4000 increase in UK and overseas student numbers being planned by Coventry University over the next five years, much of the accommodation needs of these new students will continue to be satisfied by the private sector via PBSA. More details at: www.aluk.co.uk and www.eygcommercial.co.uk

FREEFOAM SHOWCASE COLOUR Freefoam Building Products are pleased to announce the launch of an updated colour brochure, to showcase the fascia, soffit and gutter range.

All the recent research in the Window and Door sector points towards an increase in colour. With statistics like ‘Only 58% of PVC casements in 2021 were unfoiled’ , the trends are clear to see. With the traditional woodgrain colours such as Rosewood, Golden Oak and Mahogany gradually reducing in popularity, shades of grey are still the growing desire for homeowners, with Anthracite Grey still leading the pack, closely followed by Dark Grey and the paler Agate Grey.

And fascia, soffit and gutter are no different.

Freefoam have seen the same trends, with

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colour and woodgrain orders in the last 2 – 3 years increasing by 5% as a proportion of total sales.

The new brochure explains Freefoam’s full colour range and options available to installers and homeowners.

Featuring the unique Colormax technology, the brochure explains the manufacturing process that produces fascia, soffit and gutter with a solid colour finish. A strong PVC-UE foam core is simultaneously co-extruded with a protective colour top coating of rigid PVC-U skin, creating a smooth, strong & hard wearing surface.

This new brochure also includes the woodgrain options for boards and

window trims as well as information about Freefoam’s range of colour matching fixings, Plastops, so installers can fit a truly coordinated project.

With information on marketing materials and tools to sell colour, instructions on the care and installation of colour products and a handy fold out summary of the full product range, this new brochure showcases Freefoam’s significant colour product offering and our commitment to providing colour roofline solutions to the home improvement market.

Louise Sanderson, UK Marketing Manager explained “We know that colour roofline is a valuable opportunity for our stockist customers and the wider installer network,

so we want to make colour easy to upsell.

This brochure gives customers all the information they need to promote colour at the trade counter, and for installers to quickly see and understand the colour options available to them and to help the whole supply chain sell more of these valueadded products” See video at: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=vsPuC7cFdNs www.freefoam.com

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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

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Contact us

T 01453 703464 E sales@britsash.co.uk

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

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

NEW INDUSTRY PODCAST SERIES FROM DGCOS The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) Chief Executive Faisal Hussain spent a day in London last week with Brand Ambassador, George Clarke, and DGCOS member, Thom Emerson from Ideal Window Solutions, to record a series of new podcasts discussing current industry affairs. The podcast series will be released to the industry over the coming months.

Faisal Hussain explains more: “As an organisation, DGCOS likes to challenge the status quo and address matters that are really affecting our industry. For this reason, in a recording studio in Shoreditch last week, I was joined by architect, TV presenter and DGCOS Brand Ambassador George

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Clarke, DGCOS founding member Thom Emerson, Sales & Marketing Director of Ideal Window Solutions, and Mike McGougan, DGCOS Head of Membership, to record a new series of podcasts hosted by Brouha Marketing.

we are looking forward to sharing them in coming weeks.

The podcast series will be shared via our website and social media; I encourage those in the industry to have a listen and let us know your thoughts and opinions.”

“The podcasts delve into topics like current industry and consumer trends, what’s hot and what’s not and explore how DGCOS is supporting installers across the UK. Our discussions explored many current topics like supply chain issues, innovation, consumer spending, and a topic close to our heart that we’re championing, mental health awareness.

It was particularly encouraging to hear Thom Emerson talk about how Ideal Window Solutions is prioritising pastoral care within the workplace. We talked at length with Thom regarding his business and the role DGCOS has had to play in supporting them over the years.

The first of the DGCOS podcasts series will be available on the DGCOS installer website from 15th March 2022.

“Each of our guests bring a different perspective, for example George Clarke, talks about some of the interesting designs he’s been working on lately, particularly when it comes to a new, reimagined approach to a multifunctional home brought about from the work from home requirement. The conversation is extremely interesting, and

Visit: http://installers.dgocs.org.uk for more information or follow us on LinkedIn for updates.

“Each of our guests bring a different perspective, for example George Clarke, talks about some of the interesting designs he’s been working on lately, particularly when it comes to a new, reimagined approach to a multifunctional home brought about from the work from home requirement.”

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SEAL-LITE BOUNCES BACK FROM PANDEMIC WOES Clevedon-based trade fabricator Seal-Lite used the challenges created by the pandemic to boost its product and service offer – to great effect.

Starting operations in 1989 in a garage in Nailsea, originally fabricating aluminium products, Clevedon-based Seal-Lite has a long association with aluplast: the company started fabricating Plusplan before moving to Ideal 70 in 2005 when it was acquired by aluplast.

The company’s focus was originally on supplying its own installation teams, building up a familiar fleet of trade vehicles that would service the local area in north Somerset.

“We are very fussy about the quality that goes out of the door,” Co-Founder and Chairman Chris Shearn says. “That’s why we wanted to produce our own windows, and it’s also why we slowly built up a loyal trade customer base.

“Customers found us to be very flexible – in fact, we make all sorts of orders because we know what it is like to have a particular idea about something.”

Today, trade customers make up 75% of the business, with retail taking up the remaining 25%. Seal-Lite runs a showroom from the Tweed Road Industrial Estate, and Chris says that the customer-facing experiences that it has gained is often passed on as useful knowledge to its trade customers.

“We grew up through the retail side, and we really understand what makes it tick,” Chris says. “We can help our trade customers with that knowledge, such as software, online ordering, and creating reports.”

This operational strength, coupled with unsurpassed local knowledge, understandably gave brothers Jim and Chris Shearn confidence that the business was operating as efficiently as possible. Despite this, they were in the process of establishing a tighter management structure when the pandemic hit, and things started to look very different.

“When the first lockdown was lifted in the early summer of 2020, our profile supplier couldn’t keep up with demand,” Jim explains.

Changes to Seal-Lite’s operational restructure required a change in profile supply in 2011, but when demand went through the roof in May 2020, that supply came to a halt.

“We had already been told that the system we were on was going to be withdrawn from the market, and we were starting to look at options,” Chris explains. “But after the first lockdown, delivery dates were getting pushed back – often on the day of delivery – and when they eventually arrived, they were missing key elements, such as trims, so we couldn’t complete our orders. Supply went off a cliff. We felt very neglected, with a full order book, and we were seriously getting our ears chewed off by our customers.”

Seal-Lite was far from alone in this regard as the fenestration supply chain was stretched to beyond capacity during the latter half of 2020 and through 2021.

In June 2020, Jim and Chris made the decision to go back to aluplast.

“We spoke to aluplast’s owner in the UK Keith White, and we explained the situation we were in, and he initially agreed to help us with the ancillary products,” Chris says. “But we quickly decided to switch over wholesale, and within three weeks we were completely up and running on aluplast.”

Jim adds: “They acted very quickly, and between the UK and Poland they saved our sanity. I don’t think we can overstate that.”

Getting aluplast on board was one piece in the jigsaw.

As Seal-Lite ramped up production – up to 500 frames a week with room for expansion – Chris and Jim paid closer attention to the inner workings of the business.

“For about four and a half months I was on the welder, while Jim was on the machining centre,” Chris says, “and between us, we could see areas of the operation that could be improved.”

Deciding to take a back seat and give operational control to someone from outside the business, the brothers employed Sue Biddle as General Manager. Bringing a fresh perspective to how Seal-Lite was run, she introduced a number of changes, and engaged more closely with the shop floor.

These changes – supplier and operational – have positioned Seal-Lite to take on the challenges and opportunities presented post-pandemic.

For example, colour now accounts for about 50% of all orders, and there is no sign that this is slowing. This is backed by the huge investment aluplast has made to date in foiling lines and manufacturing capacity, including a new facility that is due to come online later this year.

Representing an investment of around £26m, it will include a state-of-the-art production hall large enough to house up to 100 extrusion lines, a raw material mixing plant, technical facilities and a dedicated R&D department.

Seal-Lite also uses aluplast’s Flush Casement with the Ideal 70 system, which has proven to be a surprise hit.

“We are completing heritage projects with the Flush Casement,” Chris says, “and we are also finding it specified on an increasing number of contemporary projects.

“However, we’ve found that it looks very nice in 1930s properties where the flush sash complements the original design of the buildings.”

And sustainability is an element that the business has grown steadily over recent years, to the point where it is gaining real traction with homeowners.

“It’s not something that we’ve really developed a strategy for, but our sustainability credentials are looking very good,” Jim explains. “For example: our solar panels provide 50% of the energy we use; we recycle all post-consumer waste, (our trade customers use a skip we provide in our yard); and the Ideal 70 system from aluplast is made from ecotech profile, which has recycled material in its core and a virgin PVC-U external walls.”

Looking to the future, Seal-Lite is planning to take on the Ideal 4000 system from aluplast, a 70mm, five-chamber SquareLine window and door system, and the modern slimline Smart-Slide Patio Door System.

“The pandemic was a real eye-opener for us,” Jim concludes. “We picked up some really good people, changed our operational structure, and I think we are now the fittest and best-placed as a business in our 30-year history.”

For more information, call 01684 273401 email info@aluplast.co.uk or visit www.aluplast.co.uk.

For information about Seal-Lite Group, visit www.seal-lite.co.uk

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April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

NEW ROOFWRIGHT LITE TABLET APP Do you sell Conservatories or Orangeries? Well, now RoofWright has brought the latest of its promised developments to market, the RoofWright Lite tablet app. At the touch of a button salespeople and installers now have a fully functioning design studio at their fingertips, and users are already seeing a noticeable rise in conversion rates.

We all know how difficult the sales process can be; the challenges of generating good quality leads, of confirming appointments, and then having all the tools at your disposal to demonstrate to a customer why they should buy a Conservatory from ‘you’ rather than from one of your competitors. And in today’s market things are even more competitive with customers expecting to be taken on a journey before making a purchasing decision. When it comes to aspirational items like Conservatories and Orangeries their expectations are higher than ever.

“We are delighted to be working with some of the most ambitious graphics students in the country who as a part of their University courses are pushing the latest game engine technology into design packages for Conservatories, Orangeries, Extensions and Garden Rooms to create the most incredible customer journeys. It is an exciting time for us and our customers, and we can’t wait to show our programmes at the FIT Show in May (Stand F7).”

but RoofWright Lite goes even further.

Users can use their tablet to take a picture of the customer’s house and overlay the conservatory design they have just created to show them exactly how it will look when it’s installed.

Speaking about the launch, Dave Blakeman, Managing Director of RPS Software who

produce the programme said “RoofWright Lite is the latest in a long line of developments we are going to put into the market. Last year we launched our biggest version of the software yet, RoofWright X and with RoofWright Lite we are on a really exciting journey which will also see us launch Augmented and Virtual Reality design software during 2022”.

In the meantime, anybody who is interested in the RoofWright Lite app is invited to download the fully functioning dongle-free software for a trial. They can use it and love it for 14 days to see just what an impact it can make on their business.

Anybody wanting support can contact RoofWright’s industry-leading support team at support@rpssoftware.co.uk.

For more information visit www.roofwright.com/roofwrightlite.

It's why the new RoofWright Lite app is game-changing for salespeople out in the field, and smaller installation companies who don’t want to purchase a full software system.

Operating from a tablet the new ‘Lite’ app offers users the opportunity to design and customise their proposals directly in front of the customer, allowing them to input into the process, and to see their dream home including all their personal preferences come to light right in front of their eyes.

With a tap of your finger users can choose a Conservatory style then customise it to the exact wishes of the homeowner. Victorian?

Double Edwardian? Lean-to? Users can choose the type of roof glazing, pitch, finials, doors and windows and more. They can give the homeowners the most realistic view of what their new room will look like.

Just using the design features alone will dramatically improve sales conversion rates,

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2022

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MADE FOR TRADE LOOKS AHEAD TO THE FITNESS OF THE GLAZING AND FENESTRATION INDUSTRY IN 2022 MFT’s innovative range of Korniche products are set to place design firmly in the frame and showcase the very best in fenestration engineering, as the FIT Show returns to the Birmingham NEC in May 2022.

Pioneering glazing manufacturer Made For Trade is delighted to be attending the FIT Show in May at the Birmingham NEC as the event returns to the exhibition roster stronger than ever, following a two-year forced Covid hiatus. Widely promoted as being more than just a show but rather ‘the community for our industry’, the FIT Show will see MFT display an impressive stand alongside more than 100 other exhibitors as the show welcomes attendees from across the entire industry in a long-awaited return to physical exhibitions.

A longstanding supporter of the fenestration and glazing industry event, Made for Trade also have an in-house heritage promotional link to be celebrated, since the FIT Show platform was chosen for the initial launch of MFT’s Korniche roof lantern back in 2016. In the years since, that inaugural Korniche-branded product has gone on to receive a plethora of awards and become a sales phenomenon, whilst Made For Trade has continued to choose FIT Show as the number one exhibition of the year through which to showcase new innovations, plus design and engineering prowess.

As an ideal event for product interaction and with which to display all the unique attributes of the range to industry professionals, this year sees Made For Trade return with a more extensive range – all of which benefit from the cutting edge design and engineering that has seen the Korniche roof lantern become such a renowned success following its 2016 FIT Show launch.

Running for three days and free to attend for those registering in the trade, FIT Show is the UK’s number one exhibition

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dedicated to the window, door, hardware, and flat glass industry. The expansive layout will not only showcase countless products and allow attendees to see, touch and compare offerings such as the Korniche range up close and personal, but watch live installations and installation demonstrations. As a significant aside though, Made For Trade are thrilled that the event will allow a proper return to face-to-face networking across the entire glazing industry all under one roof after two years of online meetings and interaction restrictions.

The 2022 Made For Trade FIT Show exhibition stand will up the ante in comparison to the 2016 event, with the entire product range on display including the recent Korniche bi-folding door system - proudly offering the same engineeringled design prowess as the multi-award winning lantern roof – plus the flagship new Visoglide Plus sliding patio door system.

The Wynyard-based firm are set to display the range via an eye-catching and exciting 170sqm stand area, which is currently under construction in preparation for the event on 10-12 May 2022. Attendees can operate the products and compare the renowned construction, as well as speak to the on-site MFT team who help set Made For Trade apart from competitors.

Proudly offering the best products with the best service at the best prices, information and staff will be on hand not only to guide newcomers through the engineering-led design approach that always places Made For Trade one step ahead with benefits for retailers, installers and consumers – but also with information on everything from business support, to sales and services available. Should any colleagues be unable to attend the FIT Show, appointments can be arranged for a visit to see the same products on display at the recently launched in-house showroom within Made For Trade’s North East HQ. Plus of

course, with two years in preparation the MFT team will be keen to catch up at the event with contacts, partners and industry representatives alongside new customers set to join in 2022 sales success.

As one of the main sponsors of the exhibition, Made For Trade are proud to support such a vital trade gathering alongside their physical attendance and be a part of the #FITShowFamily, whilst the event is evidence of another way that MFT and the Korniche brand are becoming synonymous with the very best that the industry has to offer.

April 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)

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

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

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

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Come and meet the Improve Magazine team at the FIT Show!

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

WINDOW SUPPLY COMPANY ADVANCES WITH MULTIMILLION INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING POWER West Lothian based window and door manufacturer Window Supply Company (WSC) announces the investment of £1.2M in new machinery to be commissioned at a dedicated new 105,000 square foot manufacturing plant in central Scotland. The investment will increase the company’s manufacturing capacity by a staggering 250% on top of current volumes.

Pioneers of the Liniar profile in Scotland, WSC was established in March 2019 and has very quickly grown to become the largest and fastest-growing trade manufacturer in Scotland. The latest investments form part of the company’s ambitious growth strategy to expand into new territories and increase their trade customer base currently serviced through their trade counter network.

WSC will relocate its headquarters and manufacturing operations to a dedicated new facility 5 times the size of the current plant. In the heart of Scotland’s central belt, the renowned Heartlands site boasts a prominent location next to the M8 motorway with easily accessible transport links to WSC branches in Aberdeen, Bellshill, Dundee, Livingston and Loanhead.

A recruitment drive is in progress as WSC seeks to hire an additional 60 window and door fabricators to support the expansion, this will bring the total employee headcount to over 200. Due to the size and scale of the project, relocation will proceed in staged phases over the coming months.

2 new Avantek fully automatic Supercut 6 machining and cutting centres will be installed and commissioned in the early stages of the relocation. This will take the number of Supercuts at WSC to 4 all easily accommodated in the 105,000 square foot factory. Working in partnership with Avantek, planning is well underway to optimise the factory footprint to maximise production efficiency and ensure a consistently smooth-running process from the offset.

The move comes at a time when the industry continues to face record levels of demand for energy efficient windows and doors. The continuing increase in market demand has accelerated the company’s already ambitious growth and expansion plans. Duncan Murray CEO comments:

DEKKO ACQUIRED BY INWIDO,

EUROPE’S LEADING WINDOW GROUP Leading trade fabricator Dekko Window Systems has sold a majority stake to leading European window group Inwido, securing continued development and expansion of the business.

With 29 business units across 11 countries, Inwido now owns a 70% share of the company.

Dekko Sales Director Kurt Greatrex comments: “The acquisition is very exciting news for Dekko – Inwido only invest in the very best companies, and their financial backing will allow us to invest in new products, increase production, and ultimately drive the business forward.

“For Dekko, it will be business as usual – our existing shareholders will retain a 30% share in the company, and there will be no major changes to the management or wider team moving forward, with our Managing Director Gary Torr remaining at the helm.”

Based in Malmö, Inwido is Europe’s leading window group with around 4,600 employees across Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Romania, Estonia, Ireland, Lithuania, Poland, and the UK. “Achieving sales of £607 million in 2021, Inwido is a leading, responsible and successful window and door group that we are pleased to become a part of,” comments Dekko Managing Director Gary Torr.

“Their business concept is to develop and sell the market’s best window and door solutions through a decentralised management structure. This fits very well with Dekko, and we feel confident that this will be a good match.

“By boosting our business with Inwido’s backing, we see promising opportunities to accelerate our own development and continue to win market shares in the UK market.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to our staff, customers, suppliers and stakeholders for their continued support, and with this recent acquisition, we look forward to a bright future.”

Visit www.dekkowindows.com and www.inwido.com.

‘Looking back at when we started less than 3 years ago, it’s incredible to think of the progress we have made, particularly as for 2 years we have operated under a global pandemic. To continue to expand and service our customers we need the infrastructure and technology in place to future-proof our journey. This move represents our progress to date and will be used as a platform for growth in the next stage of our journey’.

This investment comes after WSC recently announced the appointment of Victorian Sliders co-founder Sarah Starkey as Sales Director – England as the company expands operations South of the border and into Northern England.

Window Supply Company Limited is in Napier Square, Houstoun Industrial Estate, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 5DG. The company also has trade counters in Aberdeen, Bellshill, Dundee, Livingston and Loanhead. www.windowsupplycompany.co.uk

FENSA HITS 15-MILLIONTH CERTIFICATE MILESTONE FENSA, the governmentauthorised competent persons scheme for the installation of replacement windows and doors, has issued its 15-millionth certificate – an achievement that also marks the start of its 20th anniversary year.

The milestone certificate was issued to Shropshire-based Starbrite Windows, an original FENSA member since the scheme began in 2002, and a company which, in the two decades since, has never failed a FENSA assessment: “We joined FENSA when it began and we’re proud to say we’ve had a 100% pass rate on all our jobs inspected

by FENSA since. It’s great to be receiving their 15-millionth certificate this time,” said Starbrite Windows Director Colin Nutall.

“We’re a family business trading for over 30 years and 90% of our business comes from customer recommendations. The introduction of FENSA 20 years ago was such a positive move forwards for the industry. Being a member of FENSA means our customers can be reassured our work complies with building regulations, is energy efficient, is registered with the local council and that our FENSA Approved Installer’s guarantee is backed by insurance.”

20th anniversary year begins with us issuing our landmark 15-millionth certificate to an installer that has been a FENSA member since day one, and is receiving yet another FENSA certificate demonstrating their competency and consistency.

“We’re really proud to have served all our members for two decades, helping businesses win more work thanks to the well-known FENSA certificate homeowners receive when they choose a FENSA Approved Installer. Our mission at FENSA has always been – and continues to be – to improve door and window installations across the country by professionalising installers and protecting homeowners.”

Each FENSA Approved Installer, from large national brands to small local companies, is assessed regularly to ensure its compliance to building regulations is continually maintained. As well as saving installers the time and hassle of registering their installations with local councils themselves, FENSA Approved Installers also gain access to a raft of exclusive benefits, including free lead generation on the FENSA website and exclusive discounts on fuel and purchases.

FENSA is the largest and most popular competent persons scheme in the glazing sector. Lis Clarke, Operations Director for FENSA and BFRC, said: “It’s fitting that our

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April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

QUICKSLIDE PARTNERS WITH GLAZPART TO OFFER THE PERFECT TRICKLE VENT SOLUTION With the controversial Part F of the revised Building Regulations coming into force on June 15th this year, trickle vents will become a requirement on the majority of windows installed in new build and replacement projects.

With compliance being mandatory, leading window and door fabricator Quickslide has partnered with top glazing accessories manufacturer Glazpart to come up with an ideal trickle vent that will offer aesthetics that will prove attractive to buyers, whilst also satisfying the requirements of the Building Regulations.

Quickslide approached Glazpart when it became clear that the requirement for trickle vents would become statutory, tapping into the firm’s reputation for developing customised solutions for a range of glazing accessories, and especially

for trickle vents. The Glazpart Link Vent chosen by Quickslide for its range of PVCu casement windows and doors uses aerodynamic calculations to deliver double the volume of airflow through a trickle vent with half the footprint of conventional types. Thus, compliance with Part F may be achieved using the same number of trickle vents that were required under the old legislation.

The fear of spoiled aesthetics through the inclusion of trickle vents has been alleviated due to the care taken in the design of the Link Vent. Glazpart has ensured that the vents are not only discreet but also colour matched to Quickslide’s casement profile, including a carefully selected range of finishes that blend in perfectly with the company’s 26 stock colourways.

Quickslide Sales & Marketing Director Tom Swallow was quick to praise the response

by Glazpart in providing a solution for his company: “At Quickslide we take a practical approach. The requirement for trickle vents will be mandatory from 15th June so it was imperative that we did something about it to provide an ideal solution for

our customers. Glazpart’s Link Vent is an excellent solution for our casements, satisfying the statutory airflow requirements in a unit that is attractive and very discreet.

“The partnership with Glazpart continues to evolve and while developments of a bespoke vent solution unique to Quickslide’s flagship Legacy VS are kept tightly under wraps for now, we’re confident that we will be ready with a product range that not only looks great but also complies with all mandatory performance criteria. After all, we’re not here to sell windows, we’re here to make

sure our customers can,” revealed Tom. Dean Bradley, Glazpart’s Sales and Marketing Manager commented: “This was a very interesting exercise. Where so many in the market are complaining about the insistence of trickle vents under the revised Part F of the Building Regulations, Quickslide showed pragmatism and challenged us to provide them with great solutions that will satisfy regulations whilst also providing attractive vents appropriate for Quickslide’s distinct product range.” https://www.quickslide.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

QUICKSLIDE’S FOILED VS LEAD TIMES SHRINK, AS DEMAND GROWS Quickslide’s designated supply partner of foiled profile has expanded and increased capacity, reducing lead times for stock woodgrain VS windows to less than two weeks.

At a time when many other fabricators are experiencing significant challenges in fulfilling the demand for woodgrain profile, Quickslide is living up to its name by catering for the increasing demand for coloured and foiled products, fast.

Multi award-winning Quickslide remains one of the market leading fabricators for heritage-style PVC-U sash windows, which continue to grow in popularity among homeowners looking for the longlife, low-maintenance, energy efficiency and security of modern windows without sacrificing authentic looks and traditional period charm.

Thanks to their outstanding attention to detail – from near invisible joints to runthrough sash horns, a deep bottom rail and period-style hardware – Quickslide’s Legacy range of vertical sliders replicate traditional timber frames to give all the

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

appearance of wood with the enhanced benefits of PVC-U, earning Quickslide ‘Vertical Sliding Window Company of the Year’ at the recent National Fenestration Awards.

“The vertical slider market has grown in recent years as more and more consumers realise they don’t have to compromise on aesthetics to get the benefits of PVC-U, along with the choice of the most on-trend colours and finishes,” said Quickslide’s Sales & Marketing Director Tom Swallow.

“Whether it’s preserving a heritage building in a conservation area, or adding an elegant, classic look to a new build, it’s all about being authentic and individual while maintaining the very highest standards of performance.

“Quickslide’s woodgrain foiled vertical sliders encompass our near 20 years of experience and expertise, to replicate timber in a range of grains and colours that enable homeowners to add a personal touch to their house design. And now we can do it even faster, with our speedy 2-week lead times, and as if that wasn’t enough quotations are usually returned the same day offering the most effective turnaround time from start to finish.” www.quickslide.co.uk

CARL F GROUPCO PRODUCES PART F GUIDANCE FOR FABRICATORS AND INSTALLERS Leading independent hardware distributor Carl F Groupco has just released guidance for fabricators and installers on the new Part F of Building Regulations. Carl F Groupco’s Technical Manager, John Mitchell, said: “The new Part F of Building Regulations comes into force on 15 June this year. As a responsible hardware distributor, we feel it’s our obligation to ensure that the full supply chain is prepared ahead of this date, which is why we’re releasing this guidance now.”

The new standard requires additional ventilation to circulate air in living spaces.

While this can be achieved in many ways, by far the most economical and practical solution is to use trickle ventilation in both new builds and the replacement market.

overlooked. John says it’s important that fabricators and installers don’t think these latest regulations will be the same. “Local Authority Building Control (LABC) is in charge of policing new build installations this time round, requiring confirmation that each building complies. The ultimate responsibility falls with the installer to guarantee their installations comply with regulations but we see it as our job to make the necessary arrangements to supply compliant products and to assist installers with the requirements.”

In advance of the new regulations, fabricators may need to review their production processes to cope with fitting new products and be aware of the vents required to comply, while maintaining U values. Installers will need to educate themselves on the stipulations of Part F for all scenarios to make sure they are fitting compliant products and advising end users correctly.

Carl F Groupco stocks Part F-compliant vents from Glazpart, Greenwood, RW Simon and Yale as part of its extensive range of premium quality window and door hardware components. It operates nationally, including to the Scottish Highlands and offshore islands, from distribution centres in Peterborough and Cumbernauld. With roots stretching back over 70 years, its experienced team is always on hand to offer advice on the most appropriate hardware solution for any project. With the changes to Part F being the most significant for many years, it’s expertise that its customers will value more than ever in the coming months.

There have been several attempts to improve ventilation standards in the past but due to ineffective management of building regulations, they have often been

Tel: 01733 393 330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk

MERCURY CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF SPECTUS PARTNERSHIP Specialist trade fabricator Mercury Glazing Supplies is celebrating 20 years in business and 20 years of being a Spectus Vertical Sliding fabricator too. Steve Cross, Director at Mercury Glazing, said: “As a business, Mercury is committed to the quality of our products and to meeting the needs of our customers across all market sectors. We continue to pride ourselves on being ahead of the curve when it comes to manufacturing the specialist high-quality products our customers demand and we were one of the first fabricators to manufacture the Spectus Vertical Slider system when we started in 2002. Two decades later, the product remains as popular as ever, and we are delighted to be celebrating this milestone double anniversary.”

Steve is clear why his company is proud to have been a Spectus Vertical Slider fabricator since the beginning of its history: the product and the technical support. He commented: “The Spectus Vertical Sliding window was ahead of its time when it was first launched and remains so today. This is down to the strength of the product design, the quality and structural integrity of the system and the product’s aesthetics, all of which continue to raise the bar in Vertical Slider system design. Add in the first-class

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technical support from Epwin Window Systems’ in-house team, and you have a winning combination.”

Mercury manufactures both the Spectus welded and mechanically jointed Vertical Sliding windows, a combination that means it can deliver what its trade, commercial and new build customers need. The Gloucesterbased business has recently made several largescale investments across the business as part of its continued growth strategy. Steve said: “Since 2020, we have doubled our turnover and remain well on track to continue to meet our growth strategy over the next four-years. We recently opened a second manufacturing plant in Gloucester, have made a considerable six-figure investment in automation machinery from Haffner and recruited several high-level internal appointments to our talented team.”

To mark the anniversary, Nic Rossano, Business Development Manager at Epwin Window Systems presented Mercury Glazing Supplies with a commemorative plaque. Nic commented: “We have worked closely with Steve, Martin and the Mercury Glazing team throughout their 20-year history.

It’s a relationship that has grown year on year and we are delighted to celebrate this milestone anniversary with them.”

Left to right: Martin Halford (Mercury), Nic Rossano (Epwin Window Systems) and Steve Cross (Mercury)

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April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

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90°WELDED DOOR AND WINDOW OFFER With the addition of a unique R9 open-in door with a Timberweld® 90° joint to its range, Mark Haley, Managing Director, HWL argues buying specialist product simply makes sense. Glass News reports.

“There’s been a definitive shift in end-user expectation”, argues Mark Haley, Managing Director, of trade supply specialist fabricator, HWL. “One of the things to come out of the past two years is that people are seeing home improvements in a different light. The ‘evergreen’ drivers are there – energy efficiency, security - but aesthetic has become more important, something that’s driven growth of sales of higher margin products, flush casements, aluminium. That creates a very different market, one where the detail, the finish, assumes far greater importance.”

at the end of last year. Built around an innovative 6-chamber profile that helps to deliver U values as low as 1.2 (W/m2k), making it a turn-key solution for Part L new build.

Also available as a Timberwelded product, it’s driven HWL to a decision to step away from volume manufacture of casements to concentrate on specialist and higher margin products.

BUY IN? He argues that this a bigger driver in products which command a higher retail price, R9 being the case in point, suggesting that if homeowners are spending more money, they want a product finish to go with it.

SIMPLIFIED BUSINESS MODEL

“That finish on a product like R9 doesn’t come easy - trust me, we’ve spent a lot of time refining it. When you’re trying to do that alongside volume manufacture of core product, it can become very disruptive”, Mark adds.

As part of this strategy HWL will invest in new CNC equipment later this year, part of a two-year investment programme, which in addition to investment in new software platforms and seen it add a 4,000ft2 warehouse to its operation.

This ‘epiphany’, drove HWL’s decision to drop manufacture of volume products, focussing instead on manufacture of higher margin windows and doors, including R9 - and its ability to make them to a higher standard. This change to its business model, allowing it to deliver a more agile service to installers, and fabricators buying in.

HWL has also invested in a full suite of cloud-based customer service and business management systems, including 24/7 ordering, using Window Designer from First Degree Systems. HWL trade customers can generate and process quotes remotely, from any device, as well as check on the status of orders and delivery times.

SPECIALIST MANUFACTURE This new offer is built around Timberweld®, which it used in its pioneering development of a non-glass-bonded 90° jointed R9 window in 2017, replicating a traditional 90° mechanical joint on both sides of a welded sash.

door. This gives installers a unique opportunity to pitch a fully matched R9 window and door offer to homeowners.

“Fabricators use Window Designer anyway. The visibility that that gives them of where products are is our manufacturing process, almost makes us an extension of their own operations, lines that produce a specific set of products when they need them”, Mark says.

“The benefits to the installer are massive. You don’t have the weight in the product, it’s easier to fit and you still replicate that traditional 90° joint”, Mark continues.

“Our customers can go in and sell the end-user a door which matches into a Timberweld® 90° window. That’s going to win them business every time, because it’s what the end user wants – homeowners want the finish on their windows and doors to match”, Mark says. “As a specialist we can invest in manufacturing product to a standard that you’re going to struggle to replicate alongside volume manufacture, not because we’re more capable but because it’s what we do day in day out. You can, however, buy in. The point is we don’t do volume. We don’t compete with other fabricators, but we can save them a host of headaches and help their customers to win more business.”

TIMBERWELD® R9 OPEN-IN DOOR

INCREASING EXPERTISE

“We are at a point of change”, Mark continues. “There are a host of reasons why buying in makes sense. It saves you time and investment but ultimately it comes back to product and what the end-user wants. Higher end products need to be manufactured differently because the end user wants a better product and a better finish. If I was spending £25K on a house full of flush windows I wouldn’t want to be told that I can’t replicate a timber joint, or maybe only on the outside, or my door won’t match. Would you? And if there was someone who could offer you those things? Where would you put your money?”

HWL has taken this technology further, applying a Timberweld® 90° joint to the manufacture of an R9 open-in

Also offering R7 in a Timberwelded format, HWL added the new the new 70mm Kömmerling Flush casement to its range

For more information email sales@hwlwindows.co.uk call 0113 2449006 or log on at www.hwlwindows.co.uk.

This effectively eliminates the pre-existing requirement to glass-bond the sash, reducing weight and simplifying handing and installation by allowing installers to glaze windows in the same way as any other PVC-U system. This delivers a distinct commercial advantage with easier handling allowing installers to save as much as £500 on a three-day fit on an average property with 10 windows and doors.

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April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

INDUSTRY NAMES COME TOGETHER TO SUPPORT CHARITY BALL A host of industry names including DoorCo, the Residence Collection, Starglaze and Glazerite supported a recent charity ball in aid of We Mind & Kelly Matters (WM&KM). Founded by former Glazerite UK Group chairman, John Hewitt, WM&KM seeks to raise awareness of mental health issues and support those who have been bereaved by suicide.

and a fundraising raffle. The Residence Collection, DoorCo, Starglaze, and Glazerite provided sponsorship of the drinks reception and table wine for the event, with the total figure raised through the event reaching an incredible £13,000 for the charity.

John Hewitt co-hosted the event with Glazerite East Managing Director, Matthew Thomas, with both sharing anecdotes from their 2020 ‘Kelly’s Heroes’ cycle ride. As the charity’s biggest fundraiser to date, Kelly’s Heroes saw a 12-strong team cycle the 1000-mile route from John O’Groats to

Land’s End, raising an incredible £130,000.

The money raised has since been used

by WM&KM to roll out much-needed mental health support services across the Northamptonshire area, including counselling, support groups, and a Live Chat service.

John says: “We’re delighted with the success of our first ever Pink Tie Ball, and the support we had from our sponsors was hugely appreciated. Peers from across our wonderful and extremely generous industry have supported We Mind & Kelly Matters right from the start, and we’re grateful that the charity can continue to provide services that support those who are struggling with their mental health, as well as those who have been bereaved by suicide.

“We’ve got another huge fundraising event planned for later this year, and we’re looking forward to sharing this with our supporters in the industry soon.”

The Pink Tie Ball was held at the Wicksteed Park venue in Kettering, Northamptonshire, with over 430 party goers enjoying an evening of food, live music, an auction

www.glazerite.co.uk wemindandkellymatters.co.uk

EDGETECH SERVICE STILL EXCEPTIONAL DESPITE UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES, SAY CUSTOMERS Despite unprecedented challenges, warm-edge experts Edgetech, a Quanex company, have continued to offer outstanding service.

These were the findings of the company’s latest regular customer survey. Once a quarter, Edgetech selects forty customers at random and asks them how likely they

are to recommend the firm on a scale of one to ten.

which measures the loyalty of customers to a company.

They then subtract the number of customers who rate them six out of ten or less from the number who give them nine out of ten or more to determine their ‘Net Promoter Score’ - a widely proven metric used in customer experience programs

The average company scores 10 using the Net Promoter Score system. A score of over 50 is considered exceptional – and this quarter, Edgetech achieved a Net Promoter Score of 63.

What’s more, even with the enormous supply chain disruption of the last year, the customers questioned reported that 88% of Edgetech orders were received on time, and that 100% of orders were received in full.

Edgetech Head of Marketing & CX Charlotte Hawkes comments: “Manufacturers of all kinds have been placed under huge pressure by the ongoing disruption of the pandemic, even two years on from when it began.

“At Edgetech, we’ve not escaped that, and have been hit by a raft of inflationary pressure, material shortages, longer lead times and much more. Against that extremely challenging backdrop, this positive customer feedback is a massive achievement for the Edgetech team.

“It’s hugely gratifying that we’ve been able to continue supporting our customers throughout this tumultuous period – and I’m especially pleased to see comments praising new initiatives like our online ordering system, which took a lot of hard work and dedication to get up and running.

“While we’re delighted by this feedback, we’re not complacent – IGU manufacturers are still facing big challenges as they continue to recover from the events of the last two years, and at Edgetech, we’ll continue striving to offer them the very highest standard of service.”

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

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April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GLASSOLUTIONS SIZES UP SIGNIFICANT MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT AT DUDLEY An investment of over £1.5 million by glass processor GLASSOLUTIONS will help its customers to respond to growing consumer demand for oversized pieces of glass as the trend to refurbish and extend residential properties, utilising large expanses of glass, continues.

sister sites in Coventry, Motherwell and Canterbury.

David says: “With increased capacity, greater automation, improved energy efficiency, plant reliability, and optimised optical quality of products, customers will see real benefits and we believe the investment will strengthen our position as a market leader in the glass processing and toughening markets, whilst helping our customers to grow and develop in the premium residential market.

The major investment programme at the company’s Dudley factory includes the installation of a larger furnace with 20 per cent increased capacity and the ability to toughen even larger pieces of glass; an automated arriser to ensure high quality and consistent finishing; and a power upgrade to futureproof the site and enable further expansion plans.

GLASSOLUTIONS Dudley factory manager David Evans, says: “The recent pandemic has resulted in more people working from home or hybrid working, which has prompted a huge increase in residential renovations to create more comfortable and spacious living and working environments.

This has included the trend for more glazed extensions incorporating large expanses of glass such as sliding, patio and bi-fold doors, roof lanterns and fully glazed walls and roofs. This latest investment at Dudley gives us the capability to support our customers in delivering the right type of oversized glass for these larger windows, doors and glazed areas, which require maximum safety and security as well as the

correct levels of thermal, solar and acoustic performance.

“Our product range, which includes COOL-LITE SKN 176, Planitherm One and Planitherm Total+, already provides the perfect energy efficient, solar and acoustic control solutions for customers to create comfortable, liveable and visually stunning glazed extensions in this premium residential market. Our offering has been enhanced by this latest investment

which means we can now process and toughen glass up to 2.85m x 4.2m in size.

We are committed to supporting our customers who are maximising the growth opportunity presented by this firmly established trend for larger glazed areas in the residential sector.”

It will be very much ‘business as usual’ during the 13-week upgrade work thanks to detailed planning and additional manufacturing resources available from

“We’ve planned the upgrade project in the shortest possible schedule which means it will be complete by the end of April.

Importantly, we’ll operate a full production line at all times, and we have plenty of back-up capacity at our nearby Coventry factory as well as our glass processing sites at Motherwell and Canterbury. This should mean little or no difference to normal lead times.”

GLASSOLUTIONS’ network of branches and processing sites provides customers with a wide range of glass products and services, with everything from toughening and laminating, right through to domestic and commercial sealed units and the supply of specialist products which offer enhanced acoustic, aesthetic and solar control.

For further information visit www.glassolutions.co.uk

KUBU WINDOW SMART SENSOR, READY TO ROLL Following a thorough development and testing programme, the newest member of the Kubu Smart Security family is ready to launch, with the first Avantis ‘Works with Kubu®’ FMT window locks now in stock, together with a brand-new website allowing consumers to purchase their allnew window sensors coming in a matter of weeks.

Kubu smart-sensor technology, and the platform that it runs on has been proven and perfected over several successful years in consumers’ homes across the UK. The launch of the window sensor sees the introduction of the most advanced smart security sensor yet in the fenestration industry.

It is completely concealed within the frame, and is able to report a multitude of statuses, from ‘Fully Secure’ to ‘Open Wide’. It even knows when the window is in ‘Secure Night Vent’ mode.

The Kubu Window Sensor uses their own floating-sensor technology, which allows the sensor to move with the window over time, helping the sensor to overcome such issues as sash-drop. This means it will always provide accurate status reports without the need for repeated setup or calibration.

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2022

As a smart home platform, Kubu provides both security and lifestyle benefits, including their ‘SureSecure’ location alerts, full smart-home integration, family sharing, under-attack, weather, and air-quality notifications.

All the latest Avantis hardware ‘Works with Kubu®’ and will be showcased at the FIT Show on stand Q31 as Ryan Bromley, cofounder of Kubu points out. He said: ‘This

year’s FIT Show is huge for the industry as we continue our march into the smart home market. Not only do we have a whole host of new developments in our Smart tech, but we now also have a comprehensive range of Avantis multi-point locks for both windows and doors that all ‘Work with Kubu’.

He added: ‘We are developing additional products with other hardware manufacturers too. All this means our

customers can now offer consumers Smart Security Technology throughout their homes. There’s no longer any need for fabricators and installers to wait. We’re smarter than ever, and we’re ready now, that’s why we are urging everyone in the industry to “Be Smart, Work with Kubu”.’

For information about working with Kubu as a manufacturing partner or Kubu Pro Installer then please visit kubu-home.com/ trade, e-mail support@kubu-home.com or call 0330 555 9545. You can also visit stand Q31 at the FIT Show to see all of the exciting developments in real life.

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GGF SPEAKS OUT ON BUILDING REGULATIONS

CONTRADICTORY MEASURES WILL COST HOMEOWNERS

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has expressed its concern that two government guidance documents, due to come into effect in June 2022, contradict each other and will increase the cost of heating to homeowners at a time when energy bills are already at an all time high.

GUARDIAN GLASS INTRODUCES CLIMAGUARD® NEUTRAL 1.0:

DEVELOPED TO MEET THE NEW PART L UK BUILDING REGULATIONS FOR WINDOWS IN NEW AND EXISTING RESIDENTIAL BUILDS

The changes, which require the majority of replacement windows and doors to be fitted with trickle vents, contradict regulations which will come into force at the same time that require such products to be more energy efficient.

Chris Beedel, Head of Government Advocacy at the GGF said: “From the 15th June 2022, Approved Document L requires the majority of replacement windows and doors to be more energy efficient, which will help keep people warm by ensuring less heat escapes their home. But in a cruel twist, Approved Document F, will require that holes are punched into the new windows and doors in order for them to provide sufficient additional ventilation to meet the government’s new standards.”

Chris Beedel continued: “Whilst there are many occasions where better ventilation in homes will be good for the health of the occupants, we must trust in homeowners to open windows to ventilate their properties.

After all, that was the guidance issued by the government during the COVID pandemic.”

The window and door industry is in an impossible position where the new regulations will not have homeowner support. In a FENSA survey undertaken in 2021, 94% of responses said that homeowners will not want trickle vents in their windows.

GGF Group Managing Director John Agnew MD said: “This is an overwhelming majority and whilst we have shared this information with the policy makers, the government are resolute that the changes will come into force regardless. For many

Chris Beedel, Head of Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations, Glass & Glazing Federation

years consumers have taken steps to reduce drafts in their homes and make them easier to heat, this change to the building regulations is a complete U-Turn!

Other concerns passed to the government about these changes include: • Increased fuel costs for those in fuel poverty • Trickle vents are often taped up or closed by occupants to reduce drafts, rendering them pointless • An increase in noise from outside the home • Vehicle emissions and particulates may enter people’s homes John Agnew finished: “Clearly we would like to see the introduction of Approved Document F deferred until such time as these issues have been properly addressed.

Once again it will be the average working family that will be impacted through additional heating costs, which could cost up to £500 per year.

Developed specifically to meet the new UK Building Regulations Part L for windows in new and existing residential builds, Guardian Glass has introduced Guardian ClimaGuard® Neutral 1.0, a thermal insulating coated glass for double-glazed windows that has a Ug-value of 1.0 W/m2K and offers improved aesthetics with a more neutral colour and a lower reflection compared to other 1.0 U-value glass products for residential windows.

ClimaGuard Neutral 1.0 is a single product solution which can be used in its annealed form or can be heat treated for use in safety applications. This means glass processors do not need to stock two different glass products (a heat treatable version and an annealed version) to meet the demand from window makers.

Changes to the UK Building Regulations were published in December 2021 and will come into force on 15th June 2022.

One of the five new Approved Documents, Part L (‘Conservation of Fuel and Power’), introduces new minimum efficiency standards for both new and replacement

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thermal elements, windows and doors.

New build schemes will be assessed under the new SAP 10 (Standard Assessment Procedure) method. From June this year it will be mandatory for all new windows including roof windows and glazed doors, to achieve an improved maximum U-value of 1.6 W/m2K compared to 2.0 W/m2K previously. Taking into account the complete window system (frame, sealant, spacer bar, etc.), this means the notional U-value target for windows in new dwellings is now 1.2 W/m2K. This means that window makers and glass processors will now require a glass product with a Ug-value of 1.0 W/m2K to meet these new regulations.

Gary Frakes, Regional Sales Manager UK & Ireland at Guardian Glass comments: “In order to achieve a Ug-value of 1.0, Guardian Glass has taken a very different approach, believing that the glass should help bring as much natural daylight as possible into people’s homes, with clearer, less reflective view. Thanks to Guardian knowledge in coated glass innovation ClimaGuard Neutral 1.0 is more colour-neutral with a lower reflection”.

ClimaGuard Neutral 1.0 achieves 74% light transmission for a double IGU 4-16-4 panel (coating on surface #3, 90% argon fill), 14% light reflection and a solar factor of 52%. The product is available on Guardian ExtraClear® float glass as standard, on Guardian ExtraClear laminated glass and on Guardian UltraClear® low-iron float glass, offering better colour neutrality and a higher transparency for even more natural views of the outside.

For more information on Guardian ClimaGuard Neutral 1.0, please visit www.guardianglass.com.

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

MARKETING

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87 HOOK-A-DUCK - 61.75MM X 156MM.indd 1

26/02/2018 19:15

GLASS

COLD CALLING

TUFFX BOOSTS PRODUCTION WITH NEW GLASTON FURNACE Toughened glass specialist, TuffX, has announced the installation of a new glass furnace at its Knowsley premises.

The new Glaston FC500 furnace, which replaces an older model, was purchased as part of an ongoing £3 million staggered investment plan announced to the trade at the start of this year. This plan also includes a 30,000ft2 extension to TuffX’s production space, which is due to be completed in the autumn.

“The recent furnace upgrade is already providing multiple benefits for our production process,” said Paul Higgins, TuffX’s commercial director, “The new Glaston model we have installed is much faster but also more energy efficient than its predecessor, resulting in greater throughput and overall efficiency within our factory.

“This is the third Glaston furnace to be installed at our premises within the last six years, and a testament to TuffX’s drive for continual improvement, ensuring our customers can always depend on high quality products and reliable service.”

To find out more about TuffX processed glass, and their framed Infinity product range, visit: https://www.tuffxglass.co.uk/

“This is the third Glaston furnace to be installed at our premises within the last six years, and a testament to TuffX’s drive for continual improvement, ensuring our customers can always depend on high quality products and reliable service.”

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

DANNY WILLIAMS

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

“The world seems to be going to hell in a handcart Danny. What does your crystal ball tell you about home improvement window and door sales, assuming that the apocalypse doesn’t make that question irrelevant?”

NS Suffolk You won’t find my superyacht moored up across the bay from Roman Abramovich, nor do I live in Monaco and the very fact that I am clearly still making window and door frames and churning out this old hokum month after month, will tell you that I do not, in fact, have a crystal ball. And to be honest, with what is going on around the globe currently and especially in mainland Europe, I am not sure I want to know. Pandemic? Bring it on!

BUT….as I do still make and sell lots and lots of windows and doors and want to keep on doing so, I do have to study the tea leaves and do my best to predict what is likely to happen, which of course is what you are doing NS. So let’s look at this as a comparing of notes, rather than you taking anything that I say here as gospel…(as if!).

Ah, where to begin….the obvious place of course, is a part of the world that I visited very recently, well at least the general region – Eastern Europe. As will become more widely known in the coming weeks, I am bringing in a superb brand of superior resi-

doors from Poland that go under the name Gerda, a household name in that part of the world. Located Southwest of Warsaw I was a considerable distance from the border with Ukraine, but clearly there was much discussion about the subject.

Whilst our island status once more distances us from such horrors, effects are being felt of course and the news channels are alive as every shot fired is broadcast for posterity. Pondering on how sales of bifolding doors might be affected might therefore sound a tad shallow, but this is a business magazine and that question is being asked by all of us currently.

So how will our industry – our livelihoods therefore – be affected? Well unless the tanks keep rolling past Ukraine, ultimately not very much in my view. I have long maintained that the home improvements sector always provides an excellent barometer of what I call ‘street economics’. It is of course all about confidence. And that confidence is very easily rocked and just as easily calmed these days, within a matter of days.

If people can queue round the block to top their tanks up with five litres of unleaded because the Queen’s corgi has died, saying yes or no to ten grand’s worth of windows and doors can be also be affected either way. A war in Europe, therefore, started by a madman straight out of a Bond-movie, will cause a hiccup or two, as our retail customers are indeed reporting. How long it will last is the question that we must all ask ourselves.

As I tap away, it is still very much the early stages of the Russian invasion and, although Ukraine is on the next landmass to these

“Coincidentally our products, by legislation, are becoming more efficient and in real terms, now represent far better value for money than their forebears of thirty or more years ago.”

sceptred isles, it remains far enough away for the Great British Public to remain isolated from its harsh realities. The net effects of that incursion, massive gas and petroleum hikes, are what we should worry about, together with inflation figures that I truly believe are being suppressed by our Leader, who is otherwise enjoying the benefits of having the brown stuff deflected from him by the conflict.

Even these issues, however, will be absorbed by the Joneses and Smiths and McTavishes over a period of time, as long as they keep their jobs and tanks are not rolling further through Europe. We are an extraordinarily robust nation and in my experience, there is very little that will stop homeowners getting their new bifolds, once they have set their minds on them.

What will also happen is that they will increasingly justify replacing their windows and doors to reduce the energy consumption of their homes, which even for wealthier buyers, will be a cause for concern. Coincidentally our products, by legislation, are becoming more efficient and in real terms, now represent far better value for money than their forebears of thirty or more years ago, when we used to push the effectiveness of ‘double glazing’ to our punters in earnest. But windows did not stand up well as insulators, against cavity and loft insulation in terms of value for money and anyway, people fell over themselves to replace their windows anyway so why worry?

But with the relative efficiency of the latest replacement windows, coupled with silly energy prices that won’t come down even if Russia says ‘sorry’, our products will, I believe, enjoy steady sales, even against a nervous market.

Make hay, NS, the Big Bang may never come.

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

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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

HERITAGE TRADE FRAMES CELEBRATES ITS COMMITMENT TO TRAINING Leading Stellar fabricator Heritage Trade Frames is celebrating the achievements of nine of its aluminium production staff who have successfully achieved their GQA L2 NVQ Certificate of Glass Supporting Structure for Aluminium Manufacturing.

Paul Culshaw, Managing Director of Heritage Trade Frames, said: “We are proud that so many members of our Stellar aluminium production team have achieved this certification. It requires dedication and determination on their part and it’s great to see their hard work paying off for the benefit of both the individual and the company.”

Heritage Trade Frames emphasises the value of training in its business. Paul commented: “Investing in your staff through certified training makes good business sense as it helps to ensure that the products supplied are manufactured correctly and with the appropriate care and attention needed to provide a world class product. We have

invested further in additional dedicated and committed supervisors and team leaders throughout our production process, whose focus is predominantly coaching and guiding new and existing staff in the Heritage ethos of ‘We make it right’ as this is what our customers have grown to expect from us. This workplace training has proved very successful and the difference in the finished results helps to ensure that our customers keep coming back for more.”

Heritage Trade Frames was founded in the late 1980s with a clear objective to manufacture and supply quality PVC-U and aluminium products. Thirty years later, it’s supplied over a million products to its loyal customer base for installation in homes and offices around the North West. The company is a long-standing Epwin Window Systems fabricator and recently expanded its offering by fabricating the system company’s multi award-winning retail aluminium system Stellar aluminium.

It’s an expansion that’s proving very successful. Paul commented: “Installers love Stellar. They appreciate the fact it’s fitterfriendly and is exceptionally easy to glaze because of the pre-gasketed, knock in beads.

Stellar is especially good for securing higherend projects that need something different which gives our customers a competitive edge. When it comes to aluminium window and doors, Stellar offers some of the best aesthetics on the market today.”

Stellar has been a successful addition to the balance sheet too. Paul says the system has seen 50% growth in some areas and he expects more growth to come.

Paul concludes: “It just goes to show that the old formula still works. When you have a high-quality product manufactured by highly trained people committed to excellence, you have a winning combination.”

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

NEW APPOINTMENTS

REHAU EXPANDS SALES SUPPORT IN THE NORTH As part of its ongoing business investment, REHAU has appointed Robert Benn as Commercial Sales Manager for Window Solutions, North.

understand their specific requirements to help them overcome any challenges.”

Robert comes to the polymer solutions provider after more than five years as an Estimating Manager within the fenestration industry. Bringing skills from his previous role, Robert’s new responsibilities involve assisting installers on both residential and commercial projects in the north of the UK.

Last year REHAU announced a £10 million investment into a state-of-the-art recycling facility located in the North of England, PVCR. Alongside growing the business and promoting the organisation’s market-leading window ranges, Robert will play a role in raising awareness of window recycling and coextruded profile solutions as REHAU continues its efforts to lead in sustainable practices.

Robert commented: “My last role gave me first-hand experience working with suppliers such as REHAU, which I’m keen to take forward and use in this new position.

I’m excited to build relationships with installers, architects and specifiers alike, and

Speaking on Robert’s appointment, Barry Gilligan, Sales Director for Windows Solutions at REHAU added: “Robert’s vast knowledge of the entire construction process – gained from working with window fabricators and installers – equip

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him with unique skills which I am looking forward to seeing him apply in his role.

I am highly confident he will excel at REHAU, given his insight into areas of the construction process which often lead to issues on-site and completing jobs.”

Robert’s appointment is one of a number planned for REHAU’s Windows Solutions division as the company strengthens its UKwide support, and as the fenestration industry continues its recovery from the pandemic and navigates soaring demand levels.

“The industry has changed significantly since I started out, and challenges associated with supply and demand make it even more important for windows professionals to invest in high-quality systems. Having built

up extensive knowledge of PVC window solutions to date, I’m eager to apply my knowledge when working with REHAU’s wide and varied customer base. It is an honour to join the largest and most soughtafter profile company in the industry, not least because their strong environmental and employee values reflect my own principles.”

For more information on REHAU’s window solutions, please visit www.rehau.com/uk-en/pvcu-rehau-windows.

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

NEW APPOINTMENTS

VEKA PLC WELCOMES NEW COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR VEKA plc is delighted to announce the appointment of Tim Taylor as its new Commercial Director.

Tim arrives at VEKA having amassed more than 20 years’ experience in FMCG, industrial and manufacturing organisations across UK, European and global markets.

In that time, he has held various leadership positions, forging a strong reputation for delivering sales revenue, business growth, and excellent customer service. He spent a decade at BOC Gases, excelling in sales, marketing, and change management roles before being appointed Commercial Manager.

Upon achieving a Master’s in Business Administration from the Cranfield School of Management, Tim then went on to work for Molson Coors Brewing Company, one of the largest brewers in the world, where he progressed from Regional Director to Sales Director during his eight years there.

Tim believes VEKA shares a lot of Molson Coors’ values; a family ethos helping shape a global brand, with an emphasis on putting the customer first.

“When I was with Molson Coors, that was a global business and a family-owned business, very much like VEKA. When I came to look around VEKA you could tell it was very much a values-led organisation, and that really resonated with me.

The first of the newly created positions is that of Production Process Engineer, undertaken

by Daniel Millington, who will be responsible for working alongside Granada’s existing design and manufacturing team to assess and develop assembly, process and calibration procedures within the company’s 40,000 sq ft manufacturing facility.

The second new position is that of Factory Supervisor, undertaken by Owen Dernie, who will oversee Granada’s product output and will be responsible for organising both daily and weekly workflow. As part of this new position, Owen will also manage the training and development of both new and existing employees.

The third and final new position is undertaken by Kevin Beales, who joins Granada as Production & Purchasing Scheduling Co-Ordinator. Within the new role, Kevin will be responsible for planning and implementing the company’s production schedule, as well as building successful relationships with customers, suppliers and colleagues alike.

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2022

“I want to listen, observe, and learn to begin with. It’s about building relationships; and really understanding what our customers need and how we can add even more value.

“Understanding the overall strategic plan, and how I can help influence that, how I can support the team in achieving those strategic goals over the next three to five years; that is also extremely important.”

“When I spoke with the team at VEKA, one of the things they were most interested in was the work I had done around making sure the customer is first. We implemented a substantial change management programme at Molson Coors, around customer excellence, whereby we wanted

Neil Evans, Managing Director of VEKA plc added, “I am delighted to have secured Tim into our newly created Commercial Director role which further strengthens our Board.

His vast commercial, customer and change focused experience will support our strategic growth and service reputation plans.

“The diverse leadership roles he has held across different areas of the industrial and manufacturing sector mean along with an exceptional knowledge of business-tobusiness relationships, he will also bring new ideas and a fresh perspective to the team.

“I was extremely impressed with his history of implementing strategic planning initiatives, and his commitment to driving customer service excellence; an approach that aligns perfectly with VEKA’s core values.”

Additional notes: (Away from work, the married dad-of three coaches’ local cricket and rugby teams and is a keen skier and scuba diver. He is also a member of Marylebone Cricket Club.)

NEW APPOINTMENTS

GRANADA GLAZING STRENGTHENS ITS MANUFACTURING DIVISION

The expansion of the company’s manufacturing division features the creation of three brand-new job roles, designed to increase both output and efficiency in light of sustained, increased demand.

However, his initial focus will centre around listening to customers, to VEKA people and learning the business.

“I’ve always loved being involved in manufacturing – whether that’s in the gases business or the beer business, it’s always been a high technical specification type of industry, selling business to business.

NEW APPOINTMENTS

Granada Secondary Glazing has further bolstered its manufacturing division following the appointment of three new members of its core production team.

to be, consistently, the first choice for customers. I would like to bring elements of that into VEKA.”

Shelley Dibble, Operations Manager at Granada Secondary Glazing, said she was delighted to welcome the three newcomers: “We’re continually assessing ways in which we can improve and develop our manufacturing output, and the creation of these three new positions forms a key part of our strategy moving forwards.

“Following a rigorous recruitment process, we’re supremely confident that Daniel, Owen and Kevin – with their wealth of experience – will each prove to be a great success throughout their time at Granada.

“We’ve seen incredibly high levels of demand following the launch of our new product range last summer. We’ve been proactive in our decision making to ensure we keep up with demand and are looking forward to an incredibly successful remainder of 2022 and beyond.”

For more information about Granada Secondary Glazing, please call 01909 499899, visit www.gsecg.com or email info@granadaglazing.com.

QUICKSLIDE WELCOMES NEW GROUP OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Quickslide has welcomed Mark Scaife as its new Group Operations Director.

In this role, Mark will take responsibility for the leadership and management of all business operations of the leading windows and doors fabricator, both tactically and strategically.

“I’m delighted to have joined Quickslide and I look forward to helping the leadership team move from great to outstanding,” said Mark.

Explaining what his objectives will be in the new role, Mark said: “Quickslide is a market leader in sliding sash windows, and I want to develop a longer-term strategy for operations that meets the aspirations of the business to stay best in class, as well as develop KPIs and scorecards that will help drive our ambitions in customer service, quality, people and process capability and reliability.”

Mark has many years of experience in the industry, including ten years as Group Operations Director and three years at COO level. He is also a qualified engineer and Lean Sigma Black Belt and system deployment champion, certified and experienced in optimising processes for speed and quality.

Quickslide’s Managing Director Ben Weber said:

“Mark’s expertise and experience is just what we need to continue with our committed focus on further improving the service and quality of our offering, and is in line with our goal to remain at the very forefront of the industry.

“We welcome Mark to the team as we look forward to exciting times ahead.” www.quickslide.co.uk

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CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION CAREERS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CAREERS

VISTA CELEBRATES 20-YEAR CAREER MILESTONE

INTERNAL PROMOTION AT CARL F GROUPCO

Leading composite door manufacturer Vista Panels is celebrating the 20-year career milestone of Technical Director Pip Anger.

Leading hardware distributor Carl F Groupco is pleased to announce the promotion of Nathalie McKee to the role of Sales Office Manager. Having worked for the company for 11 years, Nathalie brings a wealth of valuable experience and exceptional product knowledge to the role.

Since 2002, Pip has overseen the Wirral-based company’s procurement of materials and technical changes to its composite door range.

Having worked in the fenestration industry for 41 years, he began his career at Wood Industries, then moved to Premdor for a brief period in Canada, before making the move to Vista.

Keith Sadler, Vista’s Managing Director, comments: “Soon after joining the company, Pip was instrumental in designing Vista’s very own GRP door set, a world away from today’s market leading XtremeDoor.

“Over the last 20 years, the market has demanded a stronger, more thermally efficient door, and Pip has led the technical changes and procurement of materials to develop the Vista composite door offering and turn it into arguably the market’s highest specified GRP door set under the XtremeDoor brand.”

The XtremeDoor outerframe now has a co-extruded seal with two added brush piles with recycled thermal inserts, while the original two-hook lock has been upgraded to a five hook fitted with a cylinder guard as standard, giving the consumer a 3-star package offering even more security.

The original zinc handles and letterplates have since been replaced with stainless steel versions, offering a 25-year surface finish warranty. In addition, the 2mm GRP skins are now 4mm, meaning they’re 100% thicker than the industry standard with UVstable cassettes, while the original butt hinge has been replaced with a 3D fully adjustable version, all of which have contributed to

Vista’s Managing Director Keith Sadler (L) and Technical Director Pip Anger (R)

Vista staying ahead of its competitors and offering a fit-and-forget door set.

Pip comments: “When I first started at Vista, the original door production was significantly longer, with a lead time of up to 12 weeks.

Now, after years of investment in modern machinery and constant improvements to the manufacturing process, we can have door sets out in less than 10 days.

“In addition, our original footprint has doubled in size from 36,000 square feet, with four doubled headed CNC’s, four edge banders and two saw centres.

“We’ve been producing over 1,200 door sets per week continually since the start of last year, and have now successfully reduced our lead times to pre-Covid levels.”

Keith concludes: “We couldn’t have got to where we are today without Pip’s instrumental role in product development and his expertise in sourcing core materials.

He is well known and respected throughout the industry, one of the many reasons we have been able to grow to a £30 million turnover company.”

For more information call 0151 608 1423 or visit www.vistapanels.co.uk

Based in the company’s Peterborough headquarters, Nathalie’s role will see her manage the internal sales and customer service teams to ensure the company’s exceptional service levels are upheld and develop the team as required. She will work closely with Carl F Groupco’s Sales Director, John King, to coordinate between the external sales teams and provide a smooth buying process for customers.

“Nathalie is a great asset to Carl F Groupco. Her promotion to Sales Office Manager reflects the strength of her abilities and her commitment to the ongoing success of Carl F Groupco”.

Commenting on her new position, Nathalie said: “I’m thrilled to take the role of Sales Office Manager. We have a great team at Carl F Groupco who care about providing customers with the best possible service. We are fortunate to have a professional and proactive customer base that is well placed to help us deliver our ongoing sales growth, and I’m looking forward to working with them.”

John King, Sales Director for Carl F Groupco added: “Nathalie is a great asset to Carl F Groupco. Her promotion to Sales Office Manager reflects the strength of her abilities and her commitment to the ongoing success of Carl F Groupco”.

Nathalie takes up her new role with immediate effect.

Tel: 01733 393 330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk

NEW APPOINTMENTS

BRYAN BULTEMA APPOINTED AS NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR ODL EUROPE ODL Europe has announced the appointment of Bryan Bultema as its new Managing Director.

Bryan, who has been with ODL Inc since 1988, has been instrumental in supporting the vision and development of the global business. Following a successful career as Vice President of Zabitat, an ODL company specialising in online home improvement products, Bryan will continue to lead ODL Europe and its day-to-day executive management team as the business continues to deliver its growth strategy across the UK market.

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Bryan will replace ODL Europe’s former Managing Director, Nathan Barr, who will be stepping down from the role after four years with the company due to family commitments and to pursue new opportunities outside of the fenestration market.

Bryan’s appointment comes at an exciting time for ODL Europe and signifies the company’s continued development in composite doors and value-added product solutions.

Commenting on his appointment, Bryan said: “I am thrilled to join ODL Europe.

Together with the strong talent Nathan has assembled, we will continue executing our

plan of creating and providing solutions that contribute to the success of our valued customers while honouring our valuesbased culture.”

Townes Parsley, Executive Vice President at ODL Inc, said: “We would like to thank Nathan for his huge contribution towards the business and wish him all the best for the future. Over the past few years, ODL Europe has experienced rapid growth and we have embarked on a future-proof investment strategy to scale up the business to continue to support our customers. ODL Europe has a bright and exciting future and

we are looking forward to working with Bryan and continuing on the journey.”

Bryan will join ODL Europe on 1st April, 2022.

Tel: 0151 933 0299 – https://odleurope.com

April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

CAREERS

INCREDIBLE GLASS RESTORATION PROJECT AT GRADE I LISTED MANCHESTER TOWN HALL GQA centre Absolute Training Solutions Ltd has contributed to the successful restoration of historic stained glass panels at Grade I listed Manchester Town Hall by supporting employees of Recclesia Stained Glass through NVQ attainment. Grade 1 listed buildings, which are incredibly rare in the UK are those deemed to be of exceptional national, architectural or historical significance. The achievement of the NVQs was funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency, working in partnership with the European Social Fund.

qualification to fulfil the contractual obligations of the contract, and approached Absolute Training Solutions Ltd to deliver the ESF funded level 2 qualification for five members of staff. Qualifications were undertaken by members of staff from the glass processing side of the business who were involved on the restoration element of the contract, and one member of staff who was responsible for the removal and installation of the specialist glass and its transportation to their studio in Swinton.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

OUTCOME AND IMPACT

Recclesia Stained Glass specialises in the conservation and repair of historic and listed buildings, churches, ancient sites and ruins. They offer expertise in the conservation and repair of historic stained and leaded glass, alongside the design and creation of new stained glass and leaded lights, and the conservation and creation of associated metalwork, protection and environmentally sympathetic glazing.

Katherine Walton, Senior Stained Glass Conservator for Recclesia said: “We are one of the few conservation companies in the UK that continues to maintain a full inhouse staff of conservators and traditionally skilled craftsmen and women. This is one of the main reasons we are chosen to work on some of the UK’s most iconic buildings.

The company works on projects ranging from parish churches to cathedrals, castles to stately homes, and village halls to city halls.

They work with organisations including English Heritage, the National Trust and a whole host of heritage guardians.

The team consists of conservators, artists, glass designers, glaziers, site managers and joiners. All employees at Recclesia have longstanding experience of glass conservation and creation and hold traditional skills and academic qualifications, which underpins their approach and philosophy to glass design and installation.

MANCHESTER TOWN HALL This project involved the removal, restoration and installation of the glass in the Great Hall at the Town Hall building, which is undergoing a major four-year refurbishment programme. The employees of Recclesia required a recognised NVQ

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2022

INNOVATING ASSESSMENT METHODS THROUGH THE PANDEMIC Due to the ongoing pandemic and the third national lockdown in January 2021, an alternative assessment model was agreed with Recclesia by Absolute Training Solutions to ensure that their staff development and training needs were not affected by the restrictions. Constant changes in the national Covid-19 response guidance meant virtual communications played a huge role in the learners’ development including progression reviews and teaching and learning activities.

“The service provided by Absolute Training Solutions Ltd and the European Social Fund enabled us to deliver the highest standards and ensured that all staff were fully qualified to meet the needs of the project. The tutor from Absolute Training

Solutions Ltd provided underpinning knowledge in a professional manner while providing essential advice and guidance on key areas such as CSCS and health and safety. Previous work including photo evidence was taken into account during the assessment and the tutor made staff feel at ease during the whole assessment and training process.

“Our staff have benefited immensely from using resources both online and in hard copy form when needed, including our glazier who took great confidence from the onsite assessments, developing his skills and knowledge. These qualifications will give the company the opportunity to access more projects in the future as more of our staff are now multi skilled with a recognised qualification. The company has benefited greatly from our staff gaining new skill levels.”

WHAT THE LEARNERS SAID Katherine Ladyman, Glass Processing Level 2 achiever continued: “I was motivated to apply for the course because I really enjoy learning new things and being creative. The NVQ in Glass Processing has helped me expand my knowledge and gain new skills. It was really great to meet Roy from Absolute and talk him through the stained-glass procedure. Roy was very interested in the subject and was so supportive during the whole process. I am happy that I have now progressed to a higher level which will further enhance my knowledge and understanding of the glass processing sector.”

Tomos Ball, Glazing Level 2 achiever said: “My motivation to apply for this course was to gain more knowledge of my job and the industry. I enjoyed the observations and the support provided by my tutor Roy. I was able to perform my usual installation duties while learning new topics on health

and safety and building regulations. I was very happy with the outcome and the achievement of the glazing qualification.

The experience will be valuable and will benefit me in the future.”

WHAT ABSOLUTE TRAINING SOLUTIONS SAID Speaking for Absolute Training Solutions, Roy Pusey the scheme tutor commented: “I was very impressed with the quality of the work produced by all the employees at Recclesia. The work currently being carried out on the Manchester Town Hall contract is of an extremely high standard and all staff have shown that they have the skills and the knowledge to meet their contractual obligations.

“I want to give a special mention to Katherine as she was an exceptional candidate and always provided quality evidence during her assessment and training activities. I am happy all five members of staff were able to progress to a higher level following their achievement.

“I am also delighted to say that Recclesia have now employed two new female members of staff who are now working to the same ESF SSW qualification in Glass Processing.”

WHAT GQA QUALIFICATIONS SAID Speaking for GQA the awarding body who write the qualifications taken by the team at Recclesia, CEO Mick Clayton said: “It is great to hear that what you might call traditional skills are still alive and well and that there are people who want to learn them and carry on the traditions.

“It is always great news when those people understand the value of qualifications as a way of further developing their knowledge, their skills and their careers, and I am delighted for all the team at Recclesia.

“The project they are currently working on is a real landmark and something they will always be able to look back on with pride.

Congratulations to them all.”

More information on GQA is available at www.gqaqualifications.com.

93

YOUR LETTERS

LETTERS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

RESPONSE TO THE SPRING STATEMENT Dear Chris, Rishi Sunak was the hero of the hour in March 2021 with the financial stimulus he put in place to help businesses survive the impact of Lockdown. Without it many companies would have failed, so the point I’m about to make is not a political one.

It is, however, one that comes from a continuing level of frustration about how our product offer as an industry is seen – or perhaps not seen – by Government.

When making his Spring Statement, last week [23/3/22] Rishi Sunak started to talk about cutting VAT on energy saving materials (ESMs) to zero, to encourage homeowners to make energy saving improvements, my ears naturally pricked up.

There was Rishi making the link between energy prices, the cost-of-living crisis, and an opportunity to make homes greener and warmer through renewable energy sources and insulation.

It’s something the window and door industry has argued for over-and-over again – well, not even zero rated – just a reduction to 5% VAT on windows and doors.

But then I remembered, contrary to what you and I might think, and despite the focus given to windows and doors in Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) of the Building Regulations, Government in this context does not class windows and doors as ‘energy saving’.

Hot water systems are; solar panels are; wall, loft, floor and ceiling insulation, are; but the only mention of windows and doors in the context of the zero-rated VAT break on ESMs, is in relation to draught proofing.

Part L, Part F – I’m not even going to get into the debate – government just doesn’t seem to get us, or is that we don’t get it?

So, we’re where we are. Part L, well that’s ok, Part F, the less said about that the better. But to not be included as an ESM? Something has to be going wrong somewhere don’t you think?

I’m just asking.

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? Feel free to get in touch with your views on the industry, legislation, government, or even the newspaper.

Contact Chris: chris@glassnews.co.uk

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Mike Parczuk Managing Director, Sternfenster.

OPEN LETTER Dear Chris, It has gone in the blink of an eye, but we’re already through the first quarter of the year.

The industry has been buoyant, and volumes remain high going into Q2. There are, however, headwinds on the horizon.

Our hearts go out to those impacted by the conflict between Russia and the Ukraine. Compared to the unfolding humanitarian crisis, its impact on business is inconsequential.

We need to recognise nonetheless, that there is an impact on all of us and to be prepared for it.

Oil and gas prices hit record highs before the conflict and have since been made worse by it.

That’s something which is going to impact on our costs, your costs and those of other key areas of the supply chain, not least glass.

Homeowners are also feeling the pinch of rising costs. Home energy bills will jump by an average of around £700 to top £2,000 this year. Forecast to reach as much as £2,350 by March 2023 (OFGEM), it gives us all plenty of reason to upgrade the energy efficiency of our homes.

What does that mean for you and your customers?

Well, it’s not going to be as easy as it was last year (you don’t need me to tell you that).

Opportunities are still going to be there but differentiation in your product and service offer are going to be more important.

We’re doing things to help our customers to continue to do that. We’ve added agate-greyon-white to stock, so we can now offer 30 plus colourways from stock. We’ve added a flush sash option to the 2500 range, to offer either sculptured or chamfered flush casements.

These are the small points of difference, which can help you and your customers win business.

We’re also pushing sustainability. Our recycling facility has the capacity to reprocess up to 45,000 tonnes of waste PVC-U a year. That’s the equivalent

of preventing three million windows from going to landfill, delivering a 90,000tonne reduction in CO2 emissions compared to virgin material.

This story will win Deceuninck fabricators and installers business in the future, not because people will make purchases solely on green credentials but presented with two, three or more options at a similar price and delivering the same level of performance, we know that homeowners will choose products which they see as being more sustainable.

It is that combined offer - aesthetics and colour, security, energy efficiency and sustainability – which we need to sell on.

And that is the point. We haven’t needed to work too hard to sell. Now we need to bring back in a little discipline and make sure that we’re delivering the right story to the end-user.

Rob McGlennon Managing Director, Deceuninck

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU! 10TH-12TH MAY 2022 April 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

LETTERS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

WHEN MORE VENTILATION DOESN’T SOUND GOOD

THE LEAD GENERATION IMPERATIVE Dear Chris,

Dear Chris, In an open letter to the window industry, managing director of AW Louvers, Wayne Irvine, explains why the update to Approved Document F of the Building Regulations is vital to the health of buildings and their occupants.

But there can be downsides.

Buildings need ventilation because they need to breathe. When you ventilate a building, you help to get rid of those things that are bad for occupants’ health, such as mould and disease.

There has been a general tendency to restrict ventilation by reducing air leakage in buildings.

Part F of the Building Regulations has gone some way to solving that problem, but there are other issues associated with ventilation, such as poor acoustics.

If you put vents in your windows, you increase the chance of introducing outside noise. The more air that you allow through a ventilator, the worse the performance you will get with the acoustic performance.

Ventilation is there to improve the quality of life inside houses and offices, which is why our vents – either trickle vents, through-frame vents, overframe vents, or glazed-in vents – are designed to keep outside noise to a minimum while providing the optimum air flow for a healthy home.

The primary objective of a trickle ventilator is to provide background ventilation. Whereas an acoustic trickle ventilator needs to provide background ventilation and acoustic performance, so you must consider the acoustic performance in the open position so that you’re getting both ventilation and acoustic benefits.

Our range of ventilators have different air intake sizes: the smaller the air intake, the better the acoustic value; the greater the air intake, the lower the acoustic value because you’re letting air pass through a point in the building facade.

It’s very important that specifiers, fabricators, and installers understand what it is they’re buying, what they’re trying to achieve, and how they’re going to achieve it interface-wise with their products.

Also, if you don’t get the right ventilation strategy early on, you’re going to have a problem with cost.

There is a big difference between an acoustic trickle slot vent and an over frame vent, which provides more air and higher DNEW sound reduction. So, you’ve got to get the right product for the right application.

And it’s important the ventilation specifications reflect the sound reduction in the open position, not the closed position, because you only get ventilation in the open position. The performance levels in the closed position are somewhat academic.

We can provide solutions to cope with most scenarios. For example, the SSH 2500EA Acoustic Trickle Ventilator from AW Louvers has a slot height of just 11mm, and can provide a sound reduction of 46Dnew in one acoustic model in open position, and 48Dnew with two acoustic models in open position. This is market leading performance in trickle slot ventilators.

Ventilation is there to improve the well-being of building occupants. While we focus on improving air flow within a building, it is vital that we don’t lose sight of a window’s acoustic properties.

To learn more about ventilation, and the solutions available – including acoustic vents – visit awlouvers.co.uk.

Wayne Irvine Managing Director, AW Louvers

Earlier this year, we highlighted the challenges that were lining up ahead of the industry – inflation, the cost-of-living crisis, spiralling energy prices, and materials and labour price increases.

At that time things were still busy.

Installers were working (and many continue to) to work through 12week order books.

But things are now starting to change. Many of those order books are back to six-weeks (although, this is something most window retailers would have been more than happy with, preCOVID). Nonetheless, looking ahead, we can’t afford to be complacent.

6.2% inflation recorded in February represented a 30-yearhigh. That’s before the conflict between Russia and the Ukraine set fuel and food prices skyward.

With further increases expected, inflation is going to hit every single one of us – and that impacts on our ability to spend.

War has also rocked consumer confidence. Why would you invest in home improvements in the face of so much uncertainty?

And there’s going to be no Rishi riding to the rescue. The Chancellor may have cut fuel duty by 5p a litre, and there were also future pledges about income tax, but he made it clear in his Spring

Statement last week [23/3/22] that this time around, he’s not riding to the rescue.

That retail leads are down and that conversion rates are lower, against this context, shouldn’t be a surprise. In short, we’re entering a period where leads aren’t going to drop into our lap in the way that they have done for the past two-years.

We know because we see it in T&K, our retail business. We’ve had to work harder to generate leads – and critically to convert them. But while we have had to dig deeper, we are continuing to win business, developing new retail lead generation tools which we’re sharing with our customers.

Some of the things that we have highlighted as a source of concern also have a flip side. Soaring energy prices make it more likely that homeowners will be prepared to invest in home improvements which reduce them.

The pinch of rising energy prices will be likely to be felt by the 800,000-plus households who bought properties in the 12-month run-in to the end of the Stamp Duty Holiday at the end of September 2021. Having just come through their first winter in their new homes, with the old windows and doors that they inherited in their purchase, they may be particularly responsive to messaging which highlights the energy savings that new windows and doors can deliver.

Property prices also remain high and, as long as they do, ultimately people will continue to invest.

Those who are being hit most acutely by the cost-of-living crisis are not, in general, homeowners.

Inflation is putting pressure on all households, but continuing high house prices give homeowners a greater resilience to rising costs.

CHRISTINA

CHRIS

EMMA

In this sense our profitability this year is in our hands. It’s not going to be delivered by a government windfall, Stamp Duty holiday or Furlough, and neither is it going to be taken away by inflation.

We need to work and to innovate to win business. We’re doing that in T&K and we’re supporting our customers in doing the same, in theirs.

Ryan Johnson Managing Director, Emplas

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2022

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