Glass News December 2022

Windows are a vital element in creating highly liveable residential spaces. Whatever the housing type, windows set the feel of a room in terms of natural light level and how much external noise pollution is mitigated.

Window design and materials are also important for providing a sense of quality for any housing development, regardless of whether it is for private or social housing.

For Hardwick Homes, opting for premium REHAU polymer frames as an aluminium alternative, helped provide a unique site for a social housing provider based in the North East.

Hardwick Homes is a residential property developer based in Manchester, working predominantly in the North West and North East of England. All windows in its properties are designed and fabricated to the same high standards. For Hardwick Homes’ new Salters Lane development, that meant ensuring the windows were large, acoustically attenuated and used high quality polymer frames that offered an impressive alternative to powder coated aluminium.

The Salters Lane residential property development is located in Sedgefield, County Durham. Throughout the project, Hardwick Homes partnered with various experts in the process supply chain including architectural practice P+H; window fabricator, Prima Windows; and polymer window systems company, REHAU. The project was completed in association with the local social housing provider.

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SOFTWARE & IT

REVOLUTIONARY FLUSH SASH

NFA New Product of the Year, the revolutionary double-rebated flush sash Resurgence window from Liniar offers all the charm of a traditional timber window with the benefits of exceptional modern energy efficiency.

Resurgence is designed with a range of fabrication options, from mechanically jointed to Timberweld® and is simple to install, with no glass bonding.

Stocked in range of modern colours, Liniar’s most recent addition to its window suite delivers patented perfection.

A UK first, with double co-extruded bubble gaskets and an external seal discreetly mounted out of sight, Resurgence looks as beautifully as it performs.

For more information visit: http://www.liniar.co.uk/upvc-windows/resurgence/

LINIAR’S OUTDOOR RANGE

Customers want more choice - and with Liniar’s outdoor range you can offer more than ever before!

Liniar’s low maintenance PVCu decking and fencing ranges are designed, manufactured and stocked right here in the UK. Available in a range of styles, a variety of colours and a wide variety of accessories including foiled balustrades to match Liniar windows and doors, outdoor products are the idea opportunity to provide a fully matching finish with a single point of contact for guarantees.

As we progress through post-lockdown life, consumer enquiries for PVCu decking and fencing have skyrocketed – don’t miss out on the chance to provide homeowners with just what they want.

Find out more: https://www.liniar.co.uk/outdoor-range/.

A Happy Christmas to all, and it’s your chance to tell us your thoughts on 2023 in our ‘Voice of the Industry’.

Unbelievable! December already and 2022 is almost behind us. Are we sorry to see it go or is it a matter of good riddance?

Surely, from a business point of view, 2022 was a definite improvement on 2021 but everything else has been –well, not great really. You’ll notice how carefully I’ve phrased that as I could have filled the page with expletives. The war, sorry, ‘Special Operation’, has dealt pretty much everyone a blow, not least the Ukranians. It has affected the world economy and some countries more than others. Recovery from the pandemic was beginning to show through but Putin’s actions have negated all the gains and set our economy back to one of rising interest rates, currency fluctuation and fuel and power issues that makes recovery even harder. Add to all that, incompetent politicians, anyone being paid through national or local government demanding ridiculous pay rises, despite having annual pay increments and protected and overly generous pensions, now wanting to strike. And, basically, the UK has pretty much gone to hell in a handcart. However generous public or private companies may be towards their staff, I don’t believe anyone in the private sector has enjoyed the pay rises and support that the public sector enjoy…and don’t even mention our police…

Despite all these issues our industry has performed well and handled the supply chain problems, admirably. Thankfully the home improvement market has held up and the commercial side, too. Will this continue into 2023 or will the pressure on household budgets contrive to slow demand?

Finding out what the various factions within our industry think of the prospects for 2023 is important as the companies at the coalface know better than anyone else what can be expected. Budgets for 2023 will have been set by now so exploring your expectations will be interesting.

We are publishing a ‘Voice of the Industry’ in our January edition of Glass News and you may well have already had an invitation to contribute your thoughts via a PR agency or through direct contact from us. If not, this is your personal invitation to give us your thoughts, freeof-charge, of course, and by Thursday 15th December. Here’s the question and instructions for submitting your entry: 2022 has been a strange year and, rather than encouraging negative thoughts on the past year, we thought by publishing in January it would encourage looking forward to the good things that 2023 will bring us (hopefully!) although we fully expect the year to be full of trials and tribulations!

Have a look at our question below and we look forward to printing your thoughts and opinions in January’s Glass News. Are we looking forward to 2023?

Can we expect 2023 to be an improvement on 2022? For instance the supply chain? Interest rates? Taxation?

Customer demand? How important will home improvement be for homeowners in 2023 and will commercial work grow or decline in comparison to 2022? Are you expecting to increase your workforce and/or invest in new premises or machinery? How positive are you about 2023 or are there threats that could make the year a disaster? Are you planning on launching new products and which products do you think are going to be most in demand in the year? How many Prime Ministers are we likely to have in the year? No, not really, but I wanted to see if you were still paying attention!

Anyway, you have the general idea: tell us about your expectations for 2023. The invitation is to submit 160 to 170 words with the name, position and company name together with a picture of the author. If you represent a number of companies they are all welcome. Copy and pictures need to be emailed to me by Thursday 15th December, 2022, and earlier if at all possible.

If you can indicate to me by email (chris@glassnews.co.uk) that you would like a free-of-charge slot, or slots, it will help us in planning the January edition.

Although you are receiving Glass News early in December this is our one opportunity to wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and to thank you for your support during 2022. We look forward to working with you in 2023 and wish everyone a very successful and satisfying 2023.

Chris

GOT SOMETHING TO SAY?

Email Chris at: chris@glassnews.co.uk

‘TIME OUT’ WINNERS – NOVEMBER!

Sudoku: Chris Marriner, KIWA IFC, Aylesbury, Bucks Eye Spy:

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Deadline for copy: 16th of each month

What will be the biggest business lesson we take from the early 2020s?

At this stage, with events continuing to move so rapidly, it’s hard to say.

But personally, I think one of the most critical takeaways will be the importance of supply chain security.

We live in a globalised world – and at Cotswold, we believe that’s a good thing.

Our outstanding relationships with suppliers and colleagues around the world is a core source of our strength as a business.

But in recent years, our complex global supply chains have been tested like never before.

First came Brexit, and the complications it created for doing business in Europe.

Then, obviously, we faced the pandemic, which had a colossal impact on every aspect of doing business.

It was with the almost total shutdown of countries like China, effectively the ‘workshop of the world’, and huge disruption to international shipping, that we realised just how interconnected – and just how fragile – our supply chains were.

EMBRACING INTEGRATION

For the moment, at least, it seems like coronavirus is under control, and the wave of materials shortages it unleashed have subsided.

But going forward, I wouldn’t be surprised if businesses begin handling their supply chains very differently.

I suspect we’ll now start to see much more vertical integration, for example.

During Covid, many of us will have found ourselves in a position where demand was actually rising, but our suppliers’ capacity to meet that demand was significantly reduced.

In those situations, suppliers were forced to prioritise who got the much smaller volume of product they were able to provide – and as a customer, your ability to operate was

dependent on how highly those suppliers valued your business.

By handling more of their processes inhouse, companies are more insulated from future shocks, and better able to continue operating during times of crisis.

HOW SECURE IS YOUR SUPPLIER?

However, no business can be totally self-sufficient – and as customers, you benefit from working with more verticallyintegrated suppliers, too.

Again, they’re much better able to weather shortages and other supply chain disruptions, and better able to provide you with a consistent supply as a result.

When you’re looking for a reliable supply partner, however, it’s worth doing your homework.

In my experience, some companies can be deliberately vague about where and how they source the products they supply –giving the impression that they’re highly integrated, while in reality they rely on precarious overseas suppliers that could easily turn off the tap at any moment.

At Cotswold, we’re proud to be the largest independent friction stay manufacturer in Europe, and the only business of its kind to totally own its supply chain.

This means we’re able to give our valued customers a level of supply security that other companies just can’t match.

Interested in learning more? Don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss your hardware requirements with us today.

For more information, call 01242 233993 or visit www.cotswoldap.com.

MACHINERY

PREFIX SYSTEMS INVEST IN HAFFNER AUTOMATION

Specialist fabricator Prefix Systems (UK) Ltd has invested in a FOM Industrie FMC 470 CNC Machining Centre from Haffner.

The new machine was installed at Prefix Systems’ state of-theart aluminium manufacturing centre in Blackburn, Lancashire and the award-winning fabricator has already reported a strong return on investment.

Chris Baron, Director at Prefix Systems (UK), said: “We are constantly looking for ways to improve our manufacturing process. Sales of our WARMroof system continue to grow and we needed to find ways to unlock more volume through our factory. The FOM 470 machining centre allows us to increase throughput. The 4-axis machine is more versatile than our existing aluminium CNC, resulting in a more efficient production process and allowing us to stay on top of our quality control.”

Chirs was also impressed by the service and attention to detail they received from Haffner. He said: “When we decided to purchase another CNC machine, we approached various suppliers to see what options were available. The support we received from Haffner from the start was first class. When manufacturers like us make a substantial investment in a new machine, we need reassurance that the supplier is going to support us from point of sale to commissioning and Haffner delivered at every level for us.”

As Prefix Systems has discovered, the FOM Industrie FMC 470 CNC Machining Centre is an incredibly impressive machine. It has four controlled axes and has been designed to carry out drilling and milling operations on aluminium profiles. Features include multi piece loading, X Flow and a tool integrity system to streamline operations and enhance product quality.

Established in 1996, Prefix Systems has grown to be the UK’s largest independent glass and solid roof fabricator offering a wide range of conservatory, home living and glazing solutions. Alongside their award winning WARMroof system, the company also manufacture an impressive range of high-quality aluminium window and door products and operates across a multi-site operation to support their growing customer base throughout the UK. The company prides itself on offering the very best products with an excellent service and support to match.

Matt Thomas, Managing Director at Haffner, commented: “Following our initial consultation with Prefix Systems, we recommended the FMC 470 CNC Machining Centre as we knew the machine would deliver the manufacturing accuracy and high-quality output the company required. As Chris is finding, the automated precision speeds up production and is extremely user-friendly. We are delighted that Prefix System are pleased with their purchase.”

Haffner offers the largest and most comprehensive PVC-U and aluminium fabrication machinery portfolio in the industry and is renowned for its expertise and understanding of fabricators’ needs. It was this level of reassurance that meant Prefix Systems was able to trust the company to deliver on their exacting requirements.

Tel: 01785 222421 – www.haffnerltd.com

IN AN UNPREDICTABLE WORLD, IT PAYS TO BE VERTICALLY INTEGRATED

In the first of a new regular column, Cotswold MD Tim Ferkin talks supply chain, and how industry attitudes have shifted over the course of a tumultuous few years.

Breathe Easy With

Breathe

Our New Trickle Vent Solution

Easy With

Our New Trickle Vent Solution

Our New step towards window solution, we have with for REHAU profile. be prepared ventilation easy or fixing and a selection of colours profile.

Key Features

Marking another step towards a purely authentic REHAU window solution, we have partnered with Glazpart to offer a future-proof trickle vent ideally suited for your REHAU profile. Our customers will be fully prepared to meet changing ventilation building regulations with our new offering; complete with an easy to install clip or screw fixing option and a selection of colours to match your REHAU profile.

rehau.uk/trickle-vents

Marking another step towards a purely authentic REHAU window solution, we have partnered with suited for your REHAU profile. Our customers will be fully prepared to meet changing ventilation complete with an easy to install clip or screw fixing option and a selection of colours to match your REHAU profile.

rehau.uk/trickle-vents

• The innovative “link” allows the closure plate to be positioned to reduce draughts with the benefit of directing air away from occupants.

• The allows closure plate be positioned to reduce draughts with benefit directing away from occupants.

Key Features

• Developed in three sizes 5000 4000 EQA and EQA.

• Developed in three sizes 5000 EQA, 4000 EQA and 2500 EQA.

• Excellent UV colour stability.

• Excellent stability.

• The innovative “link” allows the closure plate to be positioned to reduce draughts with the benefit of directing air away from occupants.

• The Link-vent 5000 closure plate is split to allow for partial (50%) opening and further ease opening of the ventilator.

• The Link-vent 5000 is to allow for partial ease opening ventilator.

• Developed in three sizes 5000 EQA, 4000 EQA and 2500 EQA.

• Available with both or option for

• Excellent UV colour stability.

• Available with both a clip or screw fixing option for fast and simple installation.

• Zero maintenance required.

• Zero maintenance

• The Link-vent 5000 closure plate is split to allow for partial (50%) opening and further ease opening of the ventilator.

• Available with both a clip or screw fixing option for fast and simple installation.

• Zero maintenance required.

Stellar, the multi-award-winning retail aluminium system from Epwin Window Systems, has been fitted in a 1930’s domestic property in Croxley Green, Hertfordshire, owned by Peter Adams, General Manager of Capital Windows.

The installation of nine windows included two large 7-pane walk-in bay windows to the front of the property.

The windows were manufactured and installed by experienced Stellar fabricator Capital Windows. Peter explains: “My family recently moved into our fourbedroom detached home and the ageing windows were top of the to-do list. Here at Capital, we manufacture several aluminium systems but we decided on Stellar for our own home as we like the modern flush aesthetics and the slim sightlines deliver maximum light appeal which was important to us.”

Peter chose Stellar casement windows with fully flush aesthetics to the internal and external faces. He said: “Stellar has clean lines and the option of a genuine fully-flush casement window. By design it is an extremely modern system, but its contemporary styling also works well with more traditional architecture, which was ideal for our family home.”

The windows were manufactured in white on both faces with Square lead glass detailing to complement the property’s heritage. And as you would expect, the installation ran smoothly and on schedule. Peter said: “You cannot underestimate just how quick and easy Stellar is to fit. The patented pre-gasketed knock-in beads make fitting very straightforward and leave the neatest finish on the gasket line. It’s a unique selling point that we have promoted to our customers but seeing it first hand on my own property underpins the importance of this detail.”

With energy efficiency being front and centre of Peter’s agenda, Stellar’s thermal efficiency complies at every level. Peter said: “By design, Stellar meets all the latest requirements of Building Regulations as standard without the need for enhanced triple glazing or additional foam inserts. The bespoke thermally enhanced low-lambda thermal breaks within Stellar and its intelligent design features bring improved weather tightness and reduced air leakage as well as enhanced acoustic benefits that improve the overall comfort level of the property. With a 1930s-built home, energy efficiency was essential and I knew Stellar windows would more than deliver in this area.”

Peter concluded: “Our ethos at Capital Windows is that we will only work with a system we would be proud to have in our own homes. And for me, that system is Stellar.” Tel: 0845 300 9356 www.stellaraluminium.co.uk

Leading trade supplier Direct Trade Windows is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, marking an important milestone for the Slough-based company.

Originally manufacturing PVC, Direct Trade Windows opened its doors in 2001, and has since come on leaps and bounds. Today, the leading supplier now exclusively manufactures steel-look aluminium, and works from a state-of-the-art factory. Since switching to aluminium, Direct Trade has always supplied a wide range of Smart products, including the Smart Alitherm Heritage range, Smart AluSpace interior doors, VS600 aluminium vertical sash windows, Smart EcoFutural commercial windows, as well as Visofold 6000 slim bifold doors.

In 2018, the company added Cortizo products to its offering, including casement windows, the COR Vision sliding door, and 4600 lift and slide.

Director AJ Hassanali comments: “For 21 years, we’ve been dedicated to expertly manufacturing a wide range of premium products, maintaining stable turnaround times, and providing outstanding customer

support, making us the ideal supplier to the trade.

“In recent years, we’ve invested heavily in new machinery, allowing us to not only ramp up production and keep up with demand, but to supply bespoke products that many other fabricators often turn down.

“We’ve also recently invested in software solutions to help our trade customers, including a state-of-the-art quoting app and a job tracking programme that allows us to provide extremely accurate and up to date information to our customers at all times.

“To have reached 21 years is an incredible achievement for Direct Trade Windows, and it’s all thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team, our range of highquality products, and our commitment to exceptional customer service that’s made us the supplier of choice when it comes to premium aluminium products.

“I’d like to thank all our valued customers and suppliers for their continued support over the past 21 years – I very much look forward to seeing what the future holds for Direct Trade Windows.”

Visit www.directtradewindows.co.uk

Ambassador Windows, one of the UK’s longest and established fabricators is celebrating 40 years of trading with Epwin Window Systems.

Ambassador Windows has been a customer of Epwin Window Systems since the company realised the potential of PVC-U windows and doors in 1982. To mark the occasion, Nic Rossano, Business Development Manager at Epwin Window Systems presented the directors of Ambassador Windows with a commemorative plaque.

Nic commented: “We are delighted to be celebrating this partnership milestone with Ambassador Windows. The business was one of the first companies to fabricate our Swish system and subsequently moved across to our award-winning Optima system in later years. This milestone anniversary demonstrates the depth and

strength of our relationship along with Ambassador’s continued drive and focus on delivering an unbeatable service to their domestic customers.”

Founded by business directors Gareth Evans, Mike Beynon and Stephen Jones, the South-West Wales company set out to offer high-quality PVC-U windows and doors to the domestic market with a laser focussed commitment to deliver the best customer experience. It’s an ethos that is still evident today. Gareth explains:” Loyalty and continuity run throughout the business with some of our staff having been with us for over 30 years. We also have a strong repeat customer base and an excellent local reputation because we focus on quality and service at every level. We are also active in the local community, and have always strived to offer our customers the latest, most innovative products.”

The company manufacture the awardwinning 70mm Optima system from Epwin Window Systems. Gareth said: “Epwin Window Systems have always offered the best in system design. The quality and aesthetics are next-level, and they have continued to support us throughout the years. With Epwin Window Systems, we have the products our customers want from a name they can trust.”

Whilst the market may have changed during the four decades, Gareth is clear as to why some things haven’t. He concludes: “We’ve needed to keep pace and adapt to the changing market over the years. But one of the few things we haven’t needed to change is our system supplier. Because throughout all the changes Epwin Windows Systems have remained stable and continued to deliver exactly what we need. Here’s to the next forty years!”

Tel: 0845 34 3968

www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

From left to right: Gareth Evans - Ambassador, Nic Rossano - Epwin Window Systems, Mike Beynon - Ambassador

Continued from page 1...

DEVELOPING THE VISION

As the developer, Hardwick Homes was responsible for sourcing the windows and installing them in the Salters Lane properties. A key stage of the project was to appoint a window supplier, select window frame materials and ensure that the windows met design specifications. Hardwick Homes also needed to find a solution that fitted aesthetically with the unique design vision of the development and met regulations in terms of safety, thermal and acoustic performance.

The aim of the development was to bring affordable contemporary living to the area. The Salters Lane project saw the construction of two, three and fourbedroom properties all of which were sold prior to completion to the social housing association.

GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND

Hardwick Homes believes that everyone should have a high standard of housing, regardless of whether private or social.

As Salters Lane was a design/build development, it had significant input into the design of the properties, especially with external finishes such as bricks, doors and windows. Given this, Hardwick Homes approached the Salters Lane project with a specific aesthetic in mind.

The developer wanted the properties to have a modern, stylish look, demonstrating that affordable housing can be designed, built, and finished to a high aesthetic standard. That meant Salters Lane windows stood out from surrounding properties, helping to ensure the development would be well received by residents and the local community.

The benefits of always designing and building quality housing are not only good for residents and the local community, but are also great for the reputation of developers and their project partners, such as window designers, fabricators and installers.

FINDING THE RIGHT WINDOWS PARTNER

Hardwick Homes conducted in-depth research evaluating a variety of different window product designs and materials. The team there finally decided to partner with REHAU for the outstanding design and build quality of its windows and its commitment to the project. The specified product was REHAU’s Rio flush fit frame which provides a contemporary look, helping to give the Salters Lane properties a private development feel.

The development’s windows were expertly installed by an experienced REHAU fabricator, Prima Windows. Local to Salters Lane, Prima Windows are Hartlepool’s largest windows fabricator and installer. They covered the whole development, installing 700 windows in all 71 properties.

COMPLETE WINDOW DESIGN

The flush casement design of the windows means they sit within the frame when the window is closed, creating a smooth, flat surface on the outside without any overlap. This was the first time that the customer had seen such a design in any of its properties and they were happy to sign off on the windows after reviewing samples provided by Hardwick Homes.

As part of the window design process, Hardwick Homes used feature brickwork panels such as header patterns and herring bone patterns. The brickwork ran in line with the flush casement windows to give a striking and original look. According to the housing association, feedback from residents and the local community has been very positive, complimenting the style of the window and brickwork combinations.

Given the nature of the development and the setting, Hardwick Homes decided that powder coated aluminium wasn’t the right choice for Salters Lane, due to its much higher cost and a more involved installation process. Hardwick Homes instead selected REHAU’s high quality uPVC, which while reducing costs and installation time offers a very similar outward appearance to powder coated aluminium and similar performance specifications.

EASIER INSTALLATION

On other development projects Hardwick Homes had needed to make adjustments for

installation of alternative window products to ensure that regulations were met. This was not the case with REHAU windows on the Salters Lane development. When the windows arrived on site they matched or exceeded the required specifications without queries, enabling Prima Windows to install them immediately and quickly.

BRIGHTER SPACES

A key design concern for this project was the amount of natural light entering each property. The naturally brighter a room, the larger the interior seems to be, giving residents a greater sense of space. Oversized windows were used in the Salters Lane properties with lower-level sills to allow in more natural light, for greater resident wellbeing.

This is another factor that sets the Salters Lane development apart, as often social housing has smaller windows and less natural light inside, making interiors seem smaller.

REDUCING NOISE POLLUTION

A top factor in selecting the windows for Salters Lane was to significantly reduce noise pollution. Acoustic values were a consideration leading to Hardwick Homes specifying the use of acoustic glazing and sound attenuation in trickle vents. Following an acoustic survey of the development site, properties at highest risk of noise pollution were fitted with noise reducing windows.

Noise attenuation was used on elevations of buildings that were closer to a main road that runs adjacent to some properties, as well as a number of properties which are nearer to a local industrial estate. Sound insulation in those affected properties reduces noise pollution by up to 40dB. The significant reduction in noise pollution improves residents’ wellbeing within the properties, especially during the day.

GOING FORWARD

The Salters Lane development was the first project where Hardwick Homes had used REHAU products. Given the high quality of the windows, the ease of installation and REHAU’s professionalism, Hardwick is already partnering with REHAU on future projects.

Max Foy, Building Surveyor, Hardwick Homes comments: “We considered a few window manufacturers but decided on REHAU. Their products met the criteria we wanted, they look good and are straightforward to install. We also like REHAU’s technical expertise and personability. It was great doing business with them. We are using REHAU again on a current development and will continue to use their products in the future.”

Nicola Clark at REHAU added: “The Hardwick Homes Salters Lane development was a great project for us. It was an absolute team effort and a pleasure to partner with Hardwick Homes and Prima Windows. It was a thrill to see how the finished properties look, and the development as a whole smashes stereotypes about social housing design excellence. The residents love it, as does the wider community. We’re really proud to have been part of this.”

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

All 700 windows for the Salters Lane development were manufactured by REHAU, to regulations and safety standards for:

• Safety glass & guarding

• Fire escape

• Acoustic glazing

• Security

• Window restrictors

• U-values

• Background ventilation

REHAU manufactured the windows to design specifications in 26 different sizes and configurations, from small single pane to large multi-pane designs.

Glazing Spec (34mm units)

Glazing Spec (36mm units)

-Rw (dB) 40 10mm/ 20mm / 6.4mm -Rw (dB) 40

10mm/ 18mm / 6.4mm

10mm/ 20mm/ 4mm

-Rw (dB) 35 10mm/ 22mm/ 4mm -Rw (dB) 35

6mm/ 22mm/ 6mm -Rw (dB) 30 6mm/ 24mm/ 6mm -Rw (dB) 30

For more information about REHAU’s Rio flush fit frames visit, https://bit.ly/3V3RboC

IS IT TIME TO GET PROACTIVE WITH MARKETING?

Passive marketing techniques are becoming more and more common in a highly complex digital world, with many businesses relying on prospects finding them and not the other way around.

Although passive marketing is always successful, it can take longer to reap the rewards and it can require a lot of labour on behalf of the target audience. In a world where companies are having to make cuts and revaluate business plans, it is vital to welcome new business sooner rather than later.

There are however alternate methods of marketing that many businesses may find more successful in a volatile market.

Could it perhaps be time to switch from passive to aggressive marketing tactics, pushing your name into the face of prospects and interrupting their thought process?

Insight Data’s Sales Executive Aaron Solomon believes companies shouldn’t wait when it comes to executing such campaigns.

“Interruptive marketing makes your prospects act, putting your ad in their face so it can’t be ignored,” he explains.

“It is a strategy where you interrupt the customers’ experience with your company’s promotional message. There are a number of perks to this in the current market, as the uncertainty makes it less likely for potential customers to come to you.

“With rising corporation tax and businesses having to scale back, it’s more important than ever to make yourself stand out in a competitive market.

“This year we’ve seen how the manufacturing sectors output and demand has declined massively, which only goes to show the need for strong marketing campaigns in the current climate. That’s why using a company like Insight Data, who provide three forms of active marketing, can be the difference between an upturn in the number of sales any business makes.”

MAKE YOURSELF NOTICEABLE

Insight Data provides the tools to deliver different forms of interruptive marketing, all driven by the unique real-time data which is provided by a team of dedicated researchers.

Telesales and email marketing are two of the most effective forms of marketing that Insight offer, turning the tide on passive methods which have perhaps become overcrowded in recent years.

Not only can Insight Data provide a comprehensive email campaign, from design to delivery, but they can also organise telesales follow-ups, ensuring the advert is being pushed to its limits.

Telesales is personalised and direct, with the human voice often prompting a fantastic response.

Aaron added: “Insight Data’s in-house telesales division generates hundreds of sales leads every month, targeting fabricators, installers and builders helping to sell products, services or even for a research project. With an in-house research team and multiple real-time databases to work with, we provide a fully managed telemarketing service.

“At Insight, we have found the fastest and most efficient way to deliver results is to start with an introductory email campaign closely followed by a telesales call to generate appointments, quotes and leads. By doing this, businesses find you much harder to ignore.”

INSIGHT DATA

Launched in 2007, Insight Data is now the leading provider of marketing, real-time data and CRM software exclusively in the UK construction, fenestration and glazing industries.

The team updates, verify and manage its prospect databases more frequently and accurately than any other data supplier and has a team of dedicated researchers who make sure the data is always kept up to date.

The world-leading sales and marketing platform, Salestracker, features five different databases including fenestration, architects, local builders, builders merchants and the construction file.

To find out more about Insight’s interruptive marketing methods, please call 01934 808293 or visit https://www.insightdata.co.uk.

1 https://morningscore.io/how-long-does-seo-take/

Insight Data research team

Alex Tremlett, Operations Manager

“This year we’ve seen how the manufacturing sectors output and demand has declined massively, which only goes to show the need for strong marketing campaigns in the current climate.”

The current economic climate is challenging to say the least and installation businesses are on the front line in balancing supply chain issues with consumer demand and increasing budgetary constraints. But some are managing to buck the trend. One of Derbyshire’s largest manufacturers and installers, Swadlincote Windows, has boosted efficiencies and further improved customer service with its use of the AdminBase installer management system.

Since we have started using the SMS service through AdminBase it has made us even more efficient,” explains Tyrone Birch, Business Manager at Swadlincote Windows. “Homeowners today are much more likely to check a text message than they are to answer the phone. It’s much more convenient

to respond to a request in their own time when it suits them, rather than being caught out by an unexpected call at an inconvenient time. We have been using the SMS service to advise customers on installation dates, confirm service dates, and to ask homeowners to check they’ve received quotations, invoices and more. We even schedule text messages at certain times throughout the day which helps to control the tempo for the business.”

Rhonda Ridge of Ab Initio, creator of AdminBase, adds: “It’s fantastic to see quality focused companies like Swadlincote Windows utilising the features of AdminBase to further improve internal efficiencies and customer service.

Coming from an installation background myself, I wanted to design a system that genuinely makes life easier for home improvement businesses and being able to send co-ordinated text

messages from a central system is just one of the ways AdminBase can do this. Text messages are so useful in business, but when they only exist on one person’s phone, it can muddy the communication waters. When used from a centralised system throughout the entire customer journey, it becomes an invaluable support.”

Tyrone concludes: “The AdminBase SMS feature is now quite simply a tool we could not live without.” www.abinitiosoftware.co.uk

Two of glass and glazing’s most popular software products, Windowlink’s Focus and Vector, are now compatible with the leading Business Pilot CRM system.

Made by installers, for installers, Business Pilot is a cloud-based platform that aims to help fenestration firms take control of their purchasing, sales, financials and deliveries to drive profits while reducing hassle.

Business Pilot is also fully mobile optimised, allowing customers to use it anywhere, on any device. Now, the system can be used in conjunction with Focus and Vector, Windowlink’s market-leading software products that make sales pitches quicker, easier and more effective.

For Windowlink customers, the process is really simple. They just have to import leads from Business Pilot, create a job using the lead details, and upload the quotation and contract to Business Pilot. Once the survey has been completed, the revised job file and relevant paperwork can also be uploaded. What’s more, the flexibility of Windowlink software means that the process can be modified and tailored for each customer if required.

Integrating the two systems reduces error, eliminates duplicated effort, and makes crucial job files and reports easily available from a central hub.

“Business Pilot integration was a natural next step for Focus and Vector,” comments Windowlink Managing Director Mark Dudley.

“Both Business Pilot and our own products represent some of the leading offerings of their kind on the market today, and we kept finding that our customers used both. We’re delighted that its now easier than ever for installers to enjoy the best of both worlds.”

Tried and tested over decades, Windowlink’s Focus (for windows and doors) and Vector (for conservatories) help installers manage the sales process from quote through to contract and delivery.

They give installers the tools to let homeowners customise their ideal product, choosing from a vast array of different styles and configurations.

For more information, visit www.windowlink.com, email info@windowlink.com, or call 01452 348575.

FRAMEPOINT’S LATEST FEATURE

The latest feature to launch on Tommy Trinder’s Framepoint® app allows installers to flex selling prices in a matter of seconds; a vital tool, says founder & CEO Chris Brunsdon, in a volatile market.

“Installers tell us they are simply unable to absorb the various price shocks that have been coming at them, and we've been inundated with requests for a feature that lets them pass on price changes to the enduser in a fast and flexible way,” says Chris.

The new ‘flex prices’ function allows Framepoint® users to update underlying price matrices for any product up or down by any given percentage, simply by checking a box. All changes are date and time stamped and a change log is clearly visible so that installers can keep track of price adjustments.

The new launch comes as latest data released by Tommy Trinder suggests that prices are firmly on the move. The company

“The time is definitely now for this new feature. Double digit inflation and the impact of ongoing instability in the price of glass, resin, aluminium and steel are all filtering through to the price the homeowner is paying for their windows & doors.”

reports that average quotes values rose to a new record high of £7,485 in quarter three, up from £6,548 in the same period last year; an increase of over 14%. Says Chris:

“The time is definitely now for this new feature. Double digit inflation and the impact of ongoing instability in the price of glass, resin, aluminium and steel are all filtering through to the price the homeowner is paying for their windows & doors.”

Installers can find out more about how Framepoint® can help control margins and book a free demo at www.tommytrinder.com.

A UNITED FRONT

Rhonda Ridge, creator of AdminBase, explains how the installer management system continues to evolve to ensure installation businesses stay ahead of changing market trends and continue to achieve maximum efficiency.

The pandemic forced more people to work from home but since the last lockdown, the shift towards home working has remained significant. According to a study conducted by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, before the pandemic hit 1 in 20 people claimed to be working from home full time, while post pandemic this figure has climbed to 1 in 8 people. Many more are splitting their time between the office and home. This different way of working has given way to new challenges, including visibility of

work and project management across remote operations. Of course, for installation businesses, who might have several teams working on site in several locations, managing a team remotely is nothing new. However, the way in which remote teams are being organised is changing and installation businesses need to stay ahead of the trend to remain competitive.

YOU CAN WITH KANBAN

Kanban-style job board systems have become an increasingly popular way for project-based businesses to manage people, tasks, and time. The English translation for a Kanban board is ‘signboard’ and the concept is to allow workflow visualisation to clarify work processes and enhance efficiency. This is done by ensuring there are no bottlenecks with any one individual, team, or department being overloaded with work. With complete transparency across all aspects of the business, any problematic areas can quickly be identified and resolved. Physical boards of this

nature have been in use for a long time, but the popularity of the online version is growing because they can facilitate teams that are office based or working remotely.

“We have made it easy for installation businesses to adopt this way of working by adding our new AdminBase Task Board feature to the AdminBase installer management system,” says Rhonda Ridge. “This latest feature provides an overview of all processes required at any one time and splits actions that need to be completed into a simple list of all jobs at each stage. So teams can focus on their responsibilities, find what needs doing first and get it done efficiently. Users can also drill down from these top-level lists to access further information on the underlying lead or contract, thanks to our all-encompassing system.

“The AdminBase Task Board feature blends seamlessly with the AdminBase checklist system to provide an overview of sales and installation pipelines at a glance. The schedule of work can be displayed on a live screen so that it can be consistently monitored allowing users to quickly identify problematic areas and resolve any issues. This invaluable resource not only boosts internal efficiencies but also improves customer service levels.

THE WHOLE IS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS

“The benefits of using an online Kanban-style board that is fully integrated to the rest of your management system are vast. It offers enhanced visibility, increased productivity, less waste, improved predictability, and better communication and collaboration between teams and individuals. AdminBase already facilitates this, but the addition of our AdminBase Task Board allows everyone to see their role and their impact on the bigger picture. They can see directly how the speed and quality of their work has a direct impact on the completion date of the overall project and the date of invoice. It sounds obvious but when teams are working separately, they can become focused on what is directly in front of them and forget that they are part of a bigger team.”

Rhonda concludes: “The concept of Kanban comes from a system of continuous improvement, which is a philosophy we follow closely with AdminBase. We are constantly evolving the installer management system to ensure it continues to deliver the very best and most up to date features, ultimately making life easier for installation businesses everywhere.”

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

WHEN A LEGEND BECOMES GREENLINE

ENERGY CALCULATOR FROM DECEUNINCK DRIVES SALES OF ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS

Deceuninck has developed a unique sales tool that leverages the current interest in energy efficiency and sustainability, and supports window companies as they sell modern thermally efficient products in a contracting market.

Hosted on Deceuninck UK’s home page, the Energy Calculator powerfully demonstrates how replacing old windows can save homeowners money while reducing their carbon footprint.

“We’ve seen enquiries slow in this final quarter of 2022, as the cost-of-living crisis started to bite,” Deceuninck’s MD Rob McGlennon said. “While this has put a dampener on volume products, we’ve actually seen sales of high-end energyefficient products increase as the more affluent homeowners invest in the energy efficiency of their homes.”

they need to deliver the energy efficiency message and drive sales.”

According to the Energy Calculator, owners of a detached house on mains gas will save just over £18K in ten years if they upgrade from single-glazed wooden windows to triple-glazed Heritage 2800 from Deceuninck. They will also save almost 28 tons on emitted carbon.

Even replacing existing PVC-U doubleglazed windows with Traditional 2500 double-glazed windows from Deceuninck in a similar property will save the homeowner more than £6,500 over ten years, and more than 10 tons of carbon.

had higher recycled content and reduced impact on the environment.

profine have re-branded the Legend window and door system to Greenline, a sister brand to Kömmerling and it is now being extruded with a unique, recycled green core as part of a strong, visible product USP.

The Greenline platform boasts 5-chambered frames and mullions, whilst the energy efficiency credentials are improved further through the adoption of 7-chambered sashes. With a distinct green core, this product system is one for today and tomorrow’s environmentally conscious trade partners, installers and consumers with both chamfered and sculptured sash and bead options.

There is a new website planned for Q1 2023, along with additional brochures and point of sale materials. There are also the resources of profine Group behind the brand with further R&D and investment planned to make it a standout green window and door system.

Kevin Warner, sales and marketing director of profine UK commented: ‘Greenline is now a sister brand of Kömmerling for UK and international markets. We’ve new marketing materials to come and an investment programme of development for this important product platform for profine.

He continued: ‘Like our Kömmerling 70 platform, Greenline can also achieve a U-value of 1.2 (W/m2K) as standard using a 28mm glass unit and there’s even a dedicated composite door outer frame. We’re expecting further interest from manufacturing partners and installers with a product system that has a very visible USP and story to tell.’

For further information please visit www. profine-uk.com, e-mail enquiries@profineuk.com or phone 01623 579200. There’s also a dedicated site for KÖMMERLING at www.kommerling.co.uk. You can also follow them on social media platforms including Twitter @profineuk and @kommerling_uk.

The government has vowed to protect domestic energy bills during the 2022/23 winter period, but this is only expected to last until April 2023. This has created a small window of opportunity for homeowners to bring forward home improvement plans that will mitigate against the anticipated increased energy costs.

“These homeowners are looking for improved aesthetics and increased security, but as energy prices have gone through the roof, these have dropped behind energy efficiency as key features,” Rob says. “It is vital that we act on this trend, and give our customers, and their customers, the support

“These are compelling figures and should make the case for home improvements as energy bills increase,” Rob said. “The calculator clearly demonstrates that homeowners will see a tangible payback on their investments as those savings are realised.”

At the start of 2022, an independent survey commissioned by Deceuninck and conducted by YouGov, found that 63% of homeowners would be more likely to purchase home improvements, which they saw as being more ‘sustainable’.

Specifically, more than two-thirds of UK homeowners (68%) would choose windows and doors with a higher recycled content over and above products that don’t contain recycled content (or which did so at lower levels), and 38% would be prepared to pay more for home improvement products that

“Demonstrating that new energy efficient windows can reduce your impact on the environment, is a strong proposition for many homeowners,” Rob said. “It is even more significant when we can support it with our €15million investment in an advanced PVC-U recycling and compounding facility.”

The new site in Belgium gives Deceuninck the capability to reprocess up to 45,000 tonnes of post-consumer and postmanufacturing PVC-U per year, which is the equivalent of preventing three million windows from going to landfill annually. Use of recycled material also reduces CO2 emissions by 90,000 tonnes when compared to virgin feedstocks, as well as a 90% energy saving.

“There has never been a better time to sell energy efficient and sustainable windows,” Rob said. “And there’s never been a better time to partner with a supplier that can help you on that journey.”

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

TRADELINK TACKLES

ENHANCED PART L WITH NEW INSTALLER-FRIENDLY SMART ALITHERM 400

Tradelink, the UK’s leading supplier of doors and windows to the trade has moved to address the latest tightening of the Building Regulations, by adding the Smart Alitherm 400 system to its range of aluminium solutions; suitable for commercial contracts as well as new build and refurbished residential properties.

Offered in flush or chamfered styles and with a wide choice of colours as well as hardware options, the Smart Alitherm 400 is also the first thermally broken aluminium system on the market to feature the manufacturer’s pioneering co-extruded glazing gasket. This means the quick-glaze beads are supplied with the gaskets postextruded into the profile, speeding up the fitting process as they are simply tapped into place on site.

The excellent weather and thermal performance of the windows is matched by that of the matching Smart Alitherm 400 doors, which are available in both single and double as well as open-in or open-out configurations.

Smart Alitherm 400 can also be combined with Smart’s designer door panels and the company’s range of standard door furniture, including colour-matched lever handles and the Quantum range of stainless steel hardware, to create elegant and contemporary entrance doors.

The Divisional Head of Special Projects for Tradelink, Stuart Walker, comments: “The Smart Alitherm 400 is an advancement on the 300 system and responds to the latest changes in the Building Regulations’ Part L making it possible to meet the enhanced requirements. So now with the new standard offering you can achieve a U-value of 1.6 W/m2K and an ‘A’ energy rating without upgrading to triple-glazed units. This means it meets the new, limiting value for new build work as well as the energy rating for replacement projects.

“Having the gasket already integral to the extrusion definitely offers a time or labour-saving benefit to the installer and brings aluminium back in line with UPVC alternatives. The combination of better thermal performance and improved

installation characteristics, as well as the excellent security and stylish appearance, makes the Smart Alitherm 400 an attractive proposition for our trade customers serving the commercial as well as residential sectors.”

The Smart Alitherm 400 range of doors and windows is available with a lead time of three to four weeks while, across its production base in Cambridgeshire, Tradelink has been investing in increased stockholding to ensure its operations are more resilient and can keep up with customer demand.

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

Smart Alitherm 400 from Tradelink

PRODUCT REVIEW

UP OF

PRODUCTS TO ADD TO YOUR PORTFOLIO

AN HONEST LOOK

Earlier this year we proudly launched our brand new range of Vertical Sliders.

Feedback from customers on their existing Vertical Slider manufacturer was that they were experiencing long lead times and poor customer service. Taking this onboard, we

have been able to develop a sculptured profile design, built to the highest possible standard, boasting a lead time of just 4 weeks. And, as our customers have come to expect, our customer service is second to none.

Our Vertical Sliding windows offer outstanding ventilation and U-values as low as 1.1W/m2K, which comfortably adhere to the latest industry standards. We can also offer an exciting array of either smooth or woodgrain finishes, with the option for Georgian bars and sash horns.

In the world of change we have experienced over the last few years, many people have switched to working from home, making the design and style of a home office pivotal in their product choices. Our Vertical Sliding windows can be opened in many different ways and, with spring and spiral balances added, they are a pleasure to operate. Whilst being indoors, your customers can enjoy the feeling of being outside in the fresh air.

The graceful aesthetic of our Vertical Sliding windows offer a contemporary twist whilst standing toe to toe with the most established systems on the market.

If you’re interested in changing your Vertical Slider supplier, and experiencing the excellent quality and service we can offer, contact our team at info@window-warehouse.co.uk or call 02392 327744.

PERFECT INTEGRATION OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES

Liniar’s PVCu sliding patio door system delivers excellent thermal efficiency and U-values as low as 1.2 W/m2K with triple glazing, reducing a household’s carbon footprint and energy consumption.

It can be fabricated in 2, 3 or 4 pane combinations and is fully compatible with third party handle, wheel and lock solutions, while its aluminium interlock provides enhanced security.

The sculptured style and hidden crash stops ensure an attractive appearance, while Liniar’s unique clip-in glazing platforms allow better drainage and easier installation of the glazing units.

Sliding patio doors offer perfect integration of indoor and outdoor areas with the space-saving convenience of not having a door arc, and Liniar’s system is available with a range of threshold options including a Part M compliant low threshold for easy access.

Fully colour matched to Liniar’s complete range of windows, doors, and roofs, the sliding patio door system is highly engineered, thermally efficient and secure.

To find out more contact sales@liniar.co.uk

QUICKSLIDE HERITAGE WINDOWS: AUTHENTICITY AND PART F COMPLIANCE

Quickslide is the only manufacturer to produce an authentic heritage solution whilst fully complying with Part F of the latest Building Regulations.

Any one of the company’s welded Legacy VS windows over 775mm wide complies with the requirement of 8000EA through one continuous vent, which is also woodgrain foiled and colour matched. This is an ideal solution to provide compliance with Part F whist also maintaining the superb, authentic heritage aesthetics of the Quickslide Heritage window, from the company that first brought authentic, affordable VS windows to the market.

Furthermore, Quickslide now includes quick release sashes free of charge on every VS windows, a benefit to installers to ease installation, improve health and safety and reduce potential damage on site. A further, crucial benefit to installers is fixed ‘no surcharge’ pricing that allows quoting with confidence with no nasty surprises when a job is secured.

https://www.quickslide.co.uk

THE LINK-VENT RANGE FROM GLAZPART

Following Building Regulatory changes to Approved Document F (means to ventilate), Glazpart’s Link-vent range helps fabricators and installers comply with regulations.

The Link-vent range comes in three sizes including 2500 EQA, 4000 EQA and 5000 EQA. Equivalent Area (EQA) is used instead of free area for the sizing of trickle ventilators as it is a better measure of a ventilators air flow performance.

The Link-vent’s clever design makes it simple and user friendly for both opening and closing – with an innovative closure plate

that can be positioned to reduce draughts by directing air away from occupants.

The “Link-vent” also allows for installation on timber windows due to the rounded ends of the vent. It is available in either screw or clip in fixing types - the screw fix design eliminates the need for end caps whilst the clip fix design (Pawl’s) allows for a fast and easy installation.

The Link-vent can be fitted to sashes, frames and over frame solutions where there is the possible use of flat and recessed grills.

Link-vents are also camouflaged on window profiles in over 40 moulded system house colours, with finishes to also match embossed and woodgrain patterned foils. It can even be sprayed at source to match aluminium RAL colours. With so many advantages, it’s easy to see why the Link-vent won the Window Component of the Year at the National Fenestration Awards 2022.

A WORLD FIRST OFFERING

Thanks to a multi-million pound exclusivity agreement with Haffner, Dekko Window Systems this year successfully launched the world’s first fully seamless window.

The new window is complete with transoms and mullions, as well as cruciforms and reverse butt welding, achievable only with Haffner’s new Graf Synergy machine, which is now fully installed in Dekko’s manufacturing facility.

And if a groundbreaking Graf weld wasn’t enough, Dekko has also teamed up with Kubu in order to offer the new seamless

sash with smart security sensors, which provide security smart alerts through the dedicated Kubu app.

Sales Director Kurt Greatrex comments: “The new seamless window is a world first from Dekko, and we would not have been able to make it happen without the Graf Synergy machine, or indeed a continued relationship with Kubu. We’re very much looking forward to helping our installer customers get ahead with this revolutionary product.”

For more information, visit www.dekkowindows.com.

GRIPCORE, BROUGHT TO YOU BY DOORCO

This year, GRiPCORE has been embraced by DoorCo’s prepped and distribution customers as it surpasses existing market alternatives in both performance and choice.

GRiPCORE’s hybrid core of cross laminated engineered hardwood, LVL timber and hardwood stiles & rails, pressed with DoorCo’s signature 4mm skins is immovable and lives up to the promise that it will not move, bow or twist more than 3mm.

SUPPORTING BRAVE CHOICES

The design choices offered with GRiPCORE have led to some interesting trends emerging with alternative choices made in PAiNT & GLAZiNG that are pushing the usual boundaries of traditional, contemporary and designer styling. Our new, leading-edge edge Augmented Reality (AR) visualiser has been introduced to support this trend further. By combining

real and virtual worlds, using real time interaction through a mobile phone camera, the AR visualiser overlays a property’s existing door with the GRiPCORE door of choice to visualise exactly what that door will look like once it is installed, to help support homeowners’ decision making and ultimately, increase sales of GRiPCORE.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR GRIPCORE?

The AR feature is currently being trialled with one hero door design ahead but will be an important feature in a new dedicated GRiPCORE brochure that will be launched next year, allowing customers to explore more designs, improving homeowner

experience, and increasing sales of GRiPCORE. The new brochure will also detail some of the structural changes to GRiPCORE ahead of the upcoming changes in Approved Document L.

For more information, visit: www.door-co.com/gripcore

A SUPERIOR DOOR HANDLE

Since adding the heritage door handle to its Regal Hardware offering, independent hardware distributor Window Ware has seen it become a resounding hit with fabricators as it provides a fully suited solution.

Having spoken to customers, especially those working with The Residence Collection flush sash systems, there was a real need for a heritage door handle which suites perfectly with the rest of the Regal Hardware range.

Homeowners who invest in new flush sash windows for period properties often want matching French doors installed at the same time, so having a full complement of coordinated heritage hardware simplifies sourcing and makes life easier.

It comes in a choice of two different handle designs – traditional monkey tail or tactile pear drop – with a full palette of nine unique finishes, including on-trend rose gold and copper tones, matching stays, plus dummy or working pegs and butt hinges.

It has been fully tested to guarantee performance and longlasting durability with a well-proven spring cassette that will resist lever droop. Screw/spindle packs are included as standard to suit the 70-75mm thick profile systems commonly used for flush sash French or single doors.

Longer 90mm screw and spindle packs are available and the levers and back plates are supplied separately and can be assembled during door manufacturer to work for both leftand right-handed operation.

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

ECOSLIDE BY VICTORIAN SLIDERS

For over 17 years, ECOSlide has been helping installers break into the lucrative sash window market. Homeowners love their timeless aesthetics – but traditionally, sash windows have been a headache to fit and maintain.

Victorian Sliders’ state-of-the-art ECOSlide window has been designed to be quick and simple to install, effortless to keep looking its best, and offer first-class security and energy efficiency.

Tens of thousands of homes throughout Britain and Ireland benefit from the vintage

MIGHTON’S AVIA SMART CASEMENT HANDLE IS SBD

Mighton’s Avia Secure smart casement handle, which sends locked/unlocked alerts to Apple devices or via the Apple HomeKit platform, has achieved Secured by Design (SBD) approval.

The Avia casement handle is part of a range of hardware that includes door, window and PIR sensors, a sash window fastener and smart socket, all of which have also achieved the government recognised BSI Internet of Things (IoT) security standard. All products in Mighton’s Avia Secure range are retrofittable. The casement handle, sash fastener and window & doors sensor have been designed for ease of installation, and are all battery operated. The Avia casement handle, which is available in a range of finishes, can be retrofitted in just a matter of minutes. Easily paired to Apple devices with Bluetooth LE technology, they allow users to check, remotely and at a glance, whether windows or doors are open or shut. The Avia performs as a high-tech motion sensor. For full detail on Mighton’s Avia Secure range, visit: https://www.aviasmart.com

curb appeal and outstanding thermal performance it can provide.

However, in 2022, it got even better. An ingenious redesign means it now complies with the requirements of Part L & F.

The upgraded product delivers U-values of 1.4 and a BFRC Rating of A+ to meet Part L, and it’s now fitted with the maximum number of trickle vents as standard up to 10,000mm2 (EQA), ensuring it will meet Part F too.

ECOSlide comes in an extensive array of coloured foils and can be spray-

painted in RAL colours, letting installers offer the perfect product for any client’s requirements.

It’s also extremely secure – using top and bottom toughened glass as standard as well as an anti-jemmy bar.

In the year ahead, Victorian Sliders will continue striving to make its marketleading products even better.

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

CONTINUED SUCCESS

The fully compliant Fireshel 30-minure fire, smoke and security resistant door from Birmingham manufacturer Shelforce has seen continued success in 2022.

The composite fire door has been fire and smoke tested from both the inside and outside and PAS 024

Security tested. The door set, complete with fanlight glazing panel, achieved

49 minutes fire resistance when EN1634-1 tested.

All components have been tested and approved against the new 2020 Q Mark Fire and Security Composite door Set requirements.

It uses the FireFrame® dual fire, smoke and security compliant fire door set solution from Winkhaus which includes the FD30 / FD60 FireFrame® outer frame, and the Winkhaus AV2 auto-locking multi-

point door lock with optional access control.

Demand has continued to soar, with Shelforce having to increase capacity to produce 200 doors in August – and create more jobs at it’s Erdington-based factory to cope.

The Fireshel provides the perfect solution for local authorities who need fully EN tested 3rd Party Accredited, replacement Fire Door sets, which are compliant with the latest 2020 MHCLG Annex A recommendations.

Shelforce have been supplying around 8,500 fire doors across five tower block projects in Birmingham – and with almost 35,000 fire doors to replace in Birmingham, demand is set to remain both high and constant into next year and beyond.

For more information, visit www.shelforce.com.

GLAZERITE

Leading trade fabricator, Glazerite is set to launch an aluminium range in its latest move to open up new business for installers.

The addition of Senior Architectural Systems (SAS) aluminium products to its portfolio gives installers access to a durable, affordable, and stylish alternative to uPVC, underpinned with the same high quality and choice Glazerite’s Installer partners have come to expect.

Available from January 2023, the aluminium range will complement the fabricator’s broad range of uPVC systems for windows and doors from the likes of VEKA, Halo and the Residence Collection.

The aluminium offering will include casement windows, bi-folding and patio doors crafted from high-performance material that more than meets end customer demand for aesthetically pleasing, longlasting, and thermally efficient products.

Glazerite Group Sales & Commercial Director, Jeff Dunn, explains: “Over recent years aluminium has transitioned from a largely commercial product to an appealing domestic option for many homeowners who want a more contemporary look to their homes. It’s important that we evaluate market trends so we can diversify and support our customers wherever possible”

ALUMINIUM

The success of the UKdesigned and built ZX5-S automatic sawing and machining centre from Stuga Machinery has continued in 2022, with unprecedented growth amid a challenging climate. The machine has been designed to fully cut and prep 800 or more internally glazed windows per week in a single shift.

The combination of the patented ‘Truloc’ non-slip profile gripper system and ’Y-drive’ notching feature (which guarantees the accuracy of both ‘V’ and ‘Y’ notches) have allowed Stuga – now owned by the Stürtz Group – to build on last years successes.

The notching accuracy ensures that fabricators can be confident that the

ZX5-S will give them spot-on accuracy every time, allowing the welding process to produce a perfect ‘H’ with double reverse butt welds. This, in turn, allows five window sections to be welded in one welding cycle with total accuracy creating a significant saving in production time –

a feat which cannot be guaranteed with output from other sawing and machining centres.

Stuga now also have access to the suite of welding and corner cleaning solutions from German manufacturing giant Stürtz

and sales of the impressive Vertical Quad Welder have got off to a terrific start. Stuga also launch their redesigned Transom Corner Cleaner at the FIT Show in 2023.

The combination of the Stuga and Stürtz machinery ranges means that Stuga are the only manufacturer in the world who able to provide complete turnkey solutions to the fenestration industry.

All Stuga and Stürtz products are now fully supported by Stuga’s impressive UK-based technical teams, along with spare parts, service, breakdown also being carried out by the Great Yarmouth based manufacturer.

Tel: 07570 342 298

"We’re constantly evolving our offering to further benefit our installers and help them to win new business. We want our customers to stand out from the crowd with premium products that create desire and offer a wide choice. Adding a reputable aluminium system will enable us to meet the increasing demand for this material

whilst giving our installers access to a range of exciting options for any type of project or budget.”

BUILDERS MERCHANT

BUILDING INDEX

BUILDERS MERCHANT BUILDING INDEX

Q3 2022 GROWS YEAR-ON-YEAR, BUT INFLATION DRIVES INCREASE AMID FALLING VOLUMES

The latest total value sales data from Britain’s Builders’ Merchants shows Q3 2022 recorded +4.3% year-on-year growth. However, price inflation (+14.6%) continues to drive the increase in sales as volumes fall -9.0%.

QUARTERLY SALES, YEAR-ON-YEAR

Ten of the 12 categories sold more in Q3 2022 compared to the previous year with Renewables & Water Saving growing the most (+38.4%). Workwear & Safetywear (+23.6%), Kitchens & Bathrooms (+17.2%), and Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+14.2%) all grew more than Merchants overall. Heavy Building Materials also increased (+11.9%) while Landscaping (-1.3%) and Timber & Joinery Products (-11.1%) were the only categories to sell less. With one less trading day this year, like-forlike sales were +5.9% up.

Comparing Q3 2022 with Q3 2019, a more normal pre-Covid trading year, total value sales were +23.4% higher this year, but volume sales were -6.8% down while prices were up +32.4%. Despite one less trading day in the most recent period, like-forlike sales were +25.3% higher. All categories sold more.

QUARTER-ON-QUARTER

Quarter-on-quarter, sales were down -2.2% in Q3 2022 compared to Q2 2022. Volume sales were down -5.5% and prices were up +3.5%. Despite four additional trading days in Q3, like-for-like

sales were -8.3% lower. Renewables & Water Saving (+14.5%) was again the standout category, followed by Workwear & Safetywear (+8.1%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (+6.2%).

SEPTEMBER SALES, YEAR-ON-YEAR

September 2022 sales were +3.0% up year-on-year. Volume sales were down -9.6% and prices were up +13.9%. Like-for-like sales were +7.9% higher for September 2022, which benefited from an extra day compared to September 2021. Nine of the twelve categories sold more including Renewables

& Water Saving (+62.6%) and Workwear & Safetywear (+32.5%).

Total value sales in September 2022 were +28.3% higher than the same month three years ago, with no difference in trading days. Eleven of the twelve categories sold more than September 2019.

SEPTEMBER SALES, MONTH-ON-MONTH

Compared to the previous month, September 2022 total merchant sales were marginally down (-0.5%) compared to August. Volume sales were flat (+0.1%) and prices fell -0.6%. Half of the 12 categories sold more, again led by Renewables & Water Saving (+28.2%).

LAST 12 MONTHS

Sales in the 12 months from October 2021 to September 2022 were +9.5% higher than in the same 12 months a year earlier. Volume sales were -5.6% lower and price +16.0% higher. All categories sold more. Renewables & Water Saving (+23.1%) was higher than other categories while Kitchens & Bathrooms (+17.9%) also grew strongly. Landscaping (+2.9%) was weakest.

GfK’s Builders Merchant Panel

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

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

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

The Builders Merchant Building Index

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.

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Leading composite door supplier ODL Europe reports a strong upturn in demand for traditional door designs despite an evergrowing market backdrop for contemporary styling. Suzanne Nicholl, ODL Europe’s Head of Sales and Customer Services, explains: “For some time, contemporary door designs have grown in popularity, a trend that is reflected in our own sales growth. But with over half of the UK’s housing stock being built before 1964.1 Such houses may not always suit contemporary designs. This explains the continued popularity of traditional cottage door styles.”

As evidence of the continuing popularity of traditional door designs, Suzanne points to year-on-year sales increases of ODL Europe’s Canning cottage door collection which delivers traditional styling with a diamond panelling that makes a strong design statement. Also seeing strong sales is the Hornby collection, which offers a fresh modern approach to the cottage door because it is available in both cottage and flush variations, delivering the next level of flexibility.

Suzanne commented: “Traditional cottage door designs have always looked good in older homes. But they also bring traditional charm to more modern properties which makes them an incredibly flexible choice.”

Like all ODL Europe’s composite door slabs, the Canning and Hornby collections are manufactured from the Capstone door slab, one of the world’s leading suppliers of composite doors. Over 750,000 Capstone composite doors are installed worldwide every year, so they are tried and tested in the most demanding conditions. The slabs are available in a wide range of pre-finished colour options and use a hard-wearing polyurethane paint system in a comprehensive choice of colours. They all feature Capstone’s maintenance-free, hard-wearing 2mm thick GRP door skin, which is available in a TrueGrain wood effect or a smooth finish.

Alongside the Capstone slab there is also a range of 38 unique decorative glass options carefully designed to complement the doors. ODL Europe also supplies a range of PAS-24 accredited glazing cassettes, including the market-leading TriSYS®.

Suzanne concluded: “Whether it’s contemporary chic or classic style, composite doors have something to offer. And when you choose doors from ODL Europe, you also benefit from Capstone’s pedigree and ODL Europe’s quality commitment. It’s a powerful proposition to support our customers.”

Tel: 0151 933 0299

ttps://odleurope.com

1 https://files.bregroup.com/bretrust/The-Housing-Stock-of-the-UnitedKingdom_Report_BRE-Trust.pdf

Leading door manufacturer Hurst Doors has invested £200K in a new 430sqm extension to its 50K sq ft manufacturing facility in Hull to enable a greater consistency of service in its dispatch of PVC panels and composite doors.

The investment is in response to five years of growth that has seen the business almost double in size, moving from manufacturing approximately 1700 panels per week to over 3500 and from around 200 composite doors to 500.

The new building, which will reduce the energy required for heating and lighting, will house the finished goods storage and distribution area, providing up to 1000 panel spaces and 500 composite door spaces and a dedicated loading area to load Hurst’s dedicated fleet of 24 vans overnight.

The extension will also house the maintenance department and a small machining area featuring two CNC routers for preparing MDF cores and PVC skins.

Kevin Wheatman, Hurst’s Director and General Manager, explained: “Almost doubling in size saw our factory space get very congested, very quickly, with dispatch encroaching on manufacturing, while our fleet of vans also doubled from 12 to 24.

“Creating the additional space has enabled us to increase our finished goods storage capacity for both panels and composite by over 25%. The freed-up space will also allow for an additional 30 bay storage area as well as

further capacity in composite production for 100 more doors per week.”

Other benefits include an improved 3m production line layout, both for storage of raw materials and linefeed access, improving health and safety and production efficiency, and the relocation of the packaging of Composite and Panels to nearer the dispatch area.

Hurst’s investment is set to improve its service to customers and provide the company with the means for further growth.

“We have built our reputation on our OTIF and have recovered to an OTIF of 99.8% on panels and 97% on composites, and, while we have hit those targets, this investment will make it easier to achieve them and reassure customers that we are doing everything we can to increase and ensure consistency of service,” added Kevin.

“The additional space will also allow for future investment in the plant and equipment to facilitate the composite production process, improving both efficiency and reducing costs, giving us scope to grow capacity and the business even further.”

For more information on Hurst, call 01482 790790 or visit www.hurstdoors.co.uk.

GOES

Going the extra mile for customers is paramount to Direct Trade Windows, which is how the leading trade supplier has helped to transform a new residential development in Hersham.

Working with Surrey-based luxury home developer Park Lane Developments, the company has supplied ultra-slim Cortizo sliding doors, complete with bespoke sliding options.

“Park Lane required seven-panel sliders on a four-track system, and four-panel sliders on a four-track system, and because this is not readily available on the market, they’d been severely let down by a previous supplier,” explains Direct Trade Windows Director AJ Hassanali.

“At Direct Trade Windows, we have a reputation for going the extra mile to help our customers, which is why they turned to us, and thanks to our state-of-the-art in-house CAD system, our team were able to provide a suitable design and fabrication method, delivering the required bespoke products and winning the trust of Park Lane Developments.”

Serving trade installers across the country, Direct Trade Windows manufactures and supplies a wide range of premium products, including Cortizo casement windows, lift and slide and vertical sliding windows, and sliding doors.

The company also manufactures a wide range of Smart products, including the Alitherm Heritage range, Smart

In addition to a wide range of products, Direct Trade Windows has also invested in state-of-the-art machinery in order to secure reliable and streamlined production, as well as unique software solutions to provide installers with sales support and infrastructure, by sharing both leads and technical support with their customers, and also ensuring speedy product delivery and reliability.

AJ continues: “Thanks to strategic investment in machinery, we have a reputation for being able to manufacture products that are known for being difficult and time consuming to make.

“It’s been a pleasure working with Park Lane Developments, and to supply them with products not readily available on the market has been a privilege.

“The build is due to be completed next month, and I very much look forward to seeing the final result, and to working with Park Lane Developments on future projects.”

AluSpace interior doors, VS600 aluminium vertical sash windows, Smart EcoFutural commercial windows, as well as Visofold 6000 slim bi-folds.

The newest Schüco bi-fold door is now available with triple glazing and with a wider range of opening options offering greater design freedom to create light-filled, energy efficient homes.

The AS FD aluminium bi-fold door system can achieve very large panel sizes of up to 3.5 metres high by 1.5 metres wide. Combined with slim sightlines of only 90mm this offers greater views with minimal obstruction.

First launched in the Spring with a profile depth of 75mm, the system can now be specified as a triple glazed version with a profile depth of 90mm. The highly insulated AS FD 90.HI offers increased airtightness which enables U-values as low as 1.0 W/m²K.

The addition of new opening options offers even greater flexibility. Up to nine panels can be combined without fixed panes, and doors can be folded inwards or outwards, in one direction only or opened like a pair of curtains to the left and the right. For added convenience, a ‘traffic door’ can also be integrated to give quick access to the outside without having to open the entire system.

The large folding sliding panels can be moved easily and almost silently thanks to the smooth-running stainless-steel roller system, and four different threshold height options, including a 4mm and 15mm ramped option, to offer flexibility and ease of access.

There is no compromise on security either as the new bi-fold door is tested to burglar resistance RC2 and is covered by Secured by Design, the official police security initiative of which Schüco UK is a member.

The addition of these new options for the Schüco AS FD bi-fold door enhances the flexibility of the system allowing the realisation of almost any design requirement.

For more information visit: www.schueco.uk/asfd

In September 2020, Endurance Doors made a product commitment, offering a 3mm bowing guarantee for their range of premium solid timber core composite doors which still stands today.

With clever engineering enhancements including their own Moisture Barrier System to the foot of each door, a wet seal glazing process and the use of proven CoolSkin PVCu door skins, it’s a unique door construction that’s designed to perform long-term. As Installer Partners from the Endurance Network will testify, the Endurance door is now one that stands for outstanding product quality and performance, along with an industry leading marketing and customer care programme.

After an unprecedented hot year where several weather records have been broken, product liabilities from failed composites have again plagued installation companies across the UK. But it’s not only product performance that has hampered these businesses, but a lack of customer care in some quarters has meant product failures have remained unresolved for many months.

In stark contrast, Endurance Doors no longer send out technical personnel to assess a bowing door, rather they simply have faith in the installers evidence, helping to speed up the resolution process considerably. It’s also

a clear reflection of the complete confidence in each Endurance door from within the business, but also from an Installer Partner’s perspective too.

Stephen Nadin, Managing Director of Endurance Doors commented: ‘Poor composite door performance continues to plague the industry from a product quality perspective and the way in which complaints are dealt with. Our internal processes have been designed to give our Installer Partners a wonderful customer experience when there may be an issue in product performance. Thankfully these issues are particularly rare for us, given the enhanced specification of our timber composite doors, hence our new no quibble replacement policy.’

For further information on the Endurance Solid and Secure composite door range including the ultrapremium Avantal door please call the sales office on 01652 659259, visit https://endurancedoors.co.uk, or e-mail marketing@endurancedoors.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter @EnduranceDoors.

November sees the unveiling of Apeer’s long awaited, brand new virtual door builder - signalling the dawn of a system that will, over the coming years, revolutionise the Ballymena based company’s customer reach. Integrated into Apeer’s website, the release has been finalised over recent months, forming the inaugural part of a programme which replaces the current door builder software.

IT Manager Eddie McStravick has led the two-year development project: “The new door designer has been created with the homeowner in mind, so we have focused on ease of use and strong computer graphic imaging (CGI) aesthetics to make it the best-looking door builder on the market. We spent a lot of time researching our competition, resulting in us releasing software

that combines the most versatile, quality elements of modern technology into one single system. Performing as a web-based application and designed with ‘mobile first’ behavioural considerations, responsive design features ensure that the online user experience remains slick across any device.” With organic reach and engagement as priority outcomes, Apeer have released widget code that allows the builder to sit on customer websites. So why the upgrade? Simplicity. Apeer wanted to create something which was purely image based and streamlined enough to enable users to design their dream door in less than 10 clicks. The entire product line is included, with all door types and sub styles available to choose from including Silka, Apeer70, Apeer44 and Modo ranges. Plus, a full range of glass designs. Phase

1 has included the launch of the visual door designer, with pricing and real time ordering to be added in the coming months. Control also proved to be a huge factor in Apeer’s potential to increase customer base through lead generation, both bottom up and top down. Firstly, the new technology is completely Apeer owned. The company has the absolute flexibility and autonomy to give their installers a bespoke packaged widget that has the aesthetic identity of the installer’s own business. Secondly, when a homeowner creates their perfect door using Apeer’s website, they are passed on to the most local installer as a new lead. It’s a win win for all parties.

Eddie finished with: “As part of the process homeowners can upload a photo of their own home and overlay their door design for

a preview of the end result. We spent a lot of time on ensuring enhanced, sharp imagery for the most realistic effect possible. We’re really excited about how the door designer will change our business, along with the extra exciting updates to the system planned for release next year.”

www.apeer.co.uk

COMMERCIAL DOOR GROWTH FOR FENTRADE

Aluminium trade fabricator Fentrade Aluminium has reported a sharp upturn in demand for their hightraffic commercial doors and ground floor treatments. Chris Reeks, Director at Fentrade, said: “The growth in our commercial doors is a sign of the underlying strength of the commercial sector and the quality and reliability of our commercial product offer.”

Fentrade’s commercial doors and ground floor treatments can be used in all building types and are especially suitable for high-traffic areas such as schools, hospitals, shops and general commercial premises. The fully-integrated aluminium products offer structural integrity and highperformance properties and can incorporate both nonthermal and thermally insulating glazing.

Available in a wide range of single, dual and anodised coloured finishes, the commercial doors deliver design flexibility at every level. Chris said: “It’s been interesting to note the variation in colour choices. Where anthracite grey was almost the default choice on most doors, we have also seen a rise in doors produced in 7038 agate grey as

well. We can accommodate any RAL or BS colour finish which gives our customers a greater choice when it comes to colour options.”

It isn’t just the quality of the commercial doors that attracts Fentrade’s customers. The award-winning aluminium fabricator offers an exceptional service to support its growing customer base. This includes a reliable delivery schedule with on time in full deliveries, quotations delivered within 24-48 hours and in-house technical support. Chris said: “Our business mantra has always been to put the customer front and centre. As such we liaise with customers from the point of order through to delivery so they can schedule accordingly. We proactively assist throughout the project such as advising on the right choice of hardware for the application through to onsite support if needed. It’s a tailored service package which our customers appreciate.”

Fentrade Ltd is based in Newport, Wales, and works with trade and retail customers throughout Wales and the West and along the M4, M5 and M6 corridors. It partners with renowned industry brands such as AluK, Kestrel Aluminium and VBH Greenteq and manufactures a full range of aluminium windows, doors, bifolds, inline sliders, GFT commercial screens, shopfronts and curtain walling products from its modern manufacturing facilities. The company is a member of the Council for Aluminium in Building and prides itself on maintaining the highest standards in every area of its business.

Chris concludes: “While market factors will always dictate our output, we are confident that our reputation for reliability, service and quality is also playing a critical part in our continued success.”

Tel: 01633 547787 www.fentradealuminium.co.uk

“IT’S COMPOSITE DOORS, JIM,  BUT NOT AS WE KNOW THEM.”

Attending an Editor’s Open day at Endurance Doors at Brigg in North Lincolnshire, Chris Champion, Editor of Glass News found out about the origins of the company, how it has developed over the years and established an efficient and effective sales model for its high-end products.

The main reason for gathering the trade press together at Endurance Doors was to show off their impressive new showroom. But this is a showroom with a difference. Most showrooms we get to see are packed with product, after all, why not? Surely that makes sense: if the trade or the public are going to venture inside then make sure they see everything that you have to offer – that’s not the case with Endurance. Just seven examples of doors are on display with two from the Classic, Country and Urban Collections, along with a new ultra-premium Avantal doorset: an aluminiumlike, smooth skinned door product. Considering there are 19 door finishes available inside and out, along with 79 different door designs in total you may think that displaying just 7 doors is slightly under selling the company and its products!

That’s not the case as MD Stephen Nadin and Head of Group Sales and Marketing, Scott Foster, explained to us. This is a thoroughly modern and cutting edge showroom that employs both online and face to face design consultations and generates high quality leads for Endurance’s Installer Partners. They are using it as a test bed for developing new marketing ideas and the model may well be expanded to other areas of the country in the fullness of time.

One immediate question came to mind: why a showroom in Brigg when the company is already a large employer in the area and their products must be well known already? The answer is that their whole model is based on working directly with Installer Partners and supplying highly qualified leads to them. That’s fine for North Lincolnshire but what happens if I live down south and would really like to see a door and talk about it before committing to a purchase? The fact is that people travel and even though

the showroom has only been opened recently people are travelling from Hertfordshire, Suffolk and Birmingham, just to mention a few, to get a consultation in the showroom. And that makes some sense. If you are investing in a new entrance door that may well cost a few £thousand, spending a day investigating the product is time well spent.

I asked what happens when I want to know the cost of a specific fully hung doorset? I’m told quite clearly that this is a matter for the Installer Partner. You mean I can’t buy direct from Endurance or even get a price indication? Definitely not. This I had to test! Approaching the Consumer Sales Manager at the front desk, Wendy, I tried to persuade her to spill the beans on price but, what was said previously, was spot on. I was referred to an installer in my area who would give me a price. Was I satisfied with that answer?

Not really. However, I soon realised that the reasoning was all about where you live and the prevailing prices in that area. Will prices be different if I live in Chelsea as opposed to, say, Doncaster? Absolutely they will. So, the pricing is completely up to the Installer Partners. They purchase the product at the trade price and sell it at the price that their local market expects and can sustain. Can I buy direct from Endurance by going into the showroom? No, and no means no!

You have to admire the stance that Endurance has taken over this sales model and their Installer Partners must love them! In fact, I’m looking forward to interviewing one of their Installer Partners in the future to get their take on the model.

The showroom is beautifully appointed in a modern but comfortable way and has all the technology you would expect so that a customer can go through the process of choosing the right door for them and even see it on their own house. Of course, this sort of technology is not new, and you can do it from the comfort of your own home with many competitor products but, doing it along with advice and the assurance provided by an experienced and helpful consultant will make it that much easier to release the fingers that are holding on so tightly to your hard-earned cash!

You may well ask how this specific business model came about as it is so different from models adopted by most composite door manufacturers? The answer lies with the March 2021 management buyout by Stephen Nadin and the senior management team. Where this MBO, or MBI, differs from most others is that they have no VC demanding their 33.33% IRR. That makes a vast difference as to how you choose to run your company and their choice is to deal directly with Installer Partners. There are no slab sales to fabricators: all product is a fully hung doorset manufactured in Brigg with a Rehau outerframe. Rocal uses Endurance as its brand name and it has been associated with solid and

The comfortable and welcoming showroom

“You have to admire the stance that Endurance has taken over this sales model and their Installer Partners must love them!”

secure composite doors since 2002. They pass all the cut through tests and PAS24 with ease, and indeed Hunter from the ‘90s series of Gladiators has attempted the hammer test on these doors without success. With a slight smirk, Scott Foster admits that his efforts got through a GRP door, another timber composite, but not the Endurance Door. Their door is made with a solid timber core of LVL, CoolSkin technology: a heat-reflective, foiled door skin that drastically decreases issues such as door skins cracking and fading and also allows a perfect colour match between door slab and frame, Rehau PVCu door frames, a unique Moisture Barrier System (MBS) and the use of recycled reinforcement. The Rocal Group has its own in-house facilities for tool making, extrusion and foil lamination and still manufactures PVCu panels and extrudes a variety of other products although it must be said that around 85% of the £30 million sales are for the Endurance composite door.

This is not a small employer in North Lincolnshire with some 250 employees at their 6 acre manufacturing facility that provides a nationwide distribution system. That certainly sounds like a big payroll but, on looking around their facilities and seeing what they do quickly explains the numbers. But they don’t just concentrate on manufacture. Much effort has been put into the business model and supporting all those Installer Partners, and that includes technology investment as well as people. They have Touch, which has been built by Business Micros, and provides what Endurance term the ‘Ultimate Sales Tool’ that allows

customers to efficiently design, quote and order products online. It can be branded and also allows Endurance to benchmark sales conversions and tailor their support for installers. There are Marketing, Customer and Technical hubs all providing information for installers plus, and importantly, training and learning with online Academy, training days at HQ and regular webinars. There is also Amicus, Endurances own internal resolution platform that allows communication with installers and allows complete visibility of all support requests, the Endurance team performance, and customer sentiment. Customers can control deliveries and track deliveries in real time and it also has paperless signing.

Does everything go perfectly every time? Of course not, and that’s why they have a team of service engineers to tackle any issues for the installer. Once a manufacturing issue has been reported and confirmed, the friendly team liaise directly with the homeowner, booking an appointment for one of the highly skilled Service Engineers to correct their issues. All within a 3-week lead time.

While excellence in manufacturing, providing service and training and a high class product is essential for a growing and thriving business, Endurance also take their responsibilities seriously and that includes sustainability and aiming to be Net Zero. This takes time and money but although being a recent buy-out with a call on funds from every quarter, the Rocol Group is investing in their

efforts towards this goal. Their efforts could be the subject of an article all on its own but suffice it to say they have a Sustainability Roadmap set up and key stakeholders are working towards net zero by 2030. Solar panel installations are currently in progress and electric vehicles are on order to replace the current fleet. In the case of lighting, LED lighting is now around 85% complete and all aspects of waste is being reviewed. Time is being invested into exploring options such as Biomass, rainwater capture and on-site shredding and OEE Machine monitoring is in place to drive their lean manufacturing transformation.

All of this will be validated, their ESG, through ISO accreditations ISO 26000, ISO 14001 and also Rocal’s Carbon Neutrality through the PAS2060 standard.

In summary, this is a company that is very serious about its products, customers, staff and sustainability credentials. With its extrusion facilities, foiling and vac forming it is a complete manufacturer and, by providing a fully hung and glazed door set, is prepared to take on much of the responsibility of a fabricator, including glazing responsibility. Quite simply, they have to be confident in the product they produce as the buck stops with them and if their doorsets aren’t 100%, it is them that will take the service call and we all know that being called back to a job is one of the most expensive parts of our businesses!

All credit must go to Stephen Nadin and his team for an impressive set-up in North Lincolnshire.

The Moisture Barrier System that protects the base of the door

Machining the Rehau outerframe

Cross section of the Endurance Door

Extrusion lines

A RESURGENCE LIKE NO OTHER

Pearl Windows has become one of the most widely renowned PVCu window and door fabricators in the industry. This exceptional reputation is all thanks to its forward-thinking nature, highquality products and its commitment to go above and beyond for customers. One of the early adopters of the Liniar system, Pearl Windows has always been on the front foot for fabricating new products from Liniar’s Design and Development department.

Resurgence, launched in 2019 was the UK’s first PVCu double-rebated flush sash system – and Pearl Windows was one of the first fabricators to grab the opportunity to manufacture this revolutionary product.

“Resurgence is a beautifully designed product. With the additional superb manufacturing finish which is provided by our Timberweld® machinery, it’s easily the most attractive window available on the market today,” comments Pearl Windows’ Managing Director Jeff Walsh.

EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING

With an efficient manufacturing process set up and in place, Pearl Windows were one of the first to have Resurgence fully

“We followed the same stringent testing as we did with the original Liniar casement window, which has given us a pass first time. This was all possible because of Liniar’s high-quality design, enabling us to manufacture a full-

“We offer the full range of Liniar windows, doors and conservatory roofs, and for us, Liniar’s products are the best there are on the market. They tick all the boxes when it comes to quality, energy efficiency and security. On top of that, Liniar is a company which is both socially and environmentally conscious, something that is close to our hearts,” comments Jeff.

“Everyone here at Pearl Windows has Liniar products installed in our homes and it’s what we recommend to our families and friends when they are looking to replace one of their fenestration products.”

ACHIEVING QUALITY RESULTS

Resurgence is available in a wide range of solid colour and woodgrain foiled finishes. With four fabrication options, including the highly recommended Timberweld® solution, this product fits well within both modern and character properties.

For installation companies looking for reliable supply of the new Resurgence system, backed up by exceptional customer service, Pearl Windows is an excellent choice. Learn more about the products and services the company offers by visiting https://www.pearlwindows.co.uk/.

Window Systems (GROUP) LTD

“We’re proud to say that we believe we were the first Liniar fabricator to achieve Secured by Design accreditation for Resurgence,” Jeff states.

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Specialist fabricator Capital Windows has signed a new three-year supply agreement with Epwin Window Systems. The trade and domestic fabricator has been manufacturing the multi-award-winning Stellar aluminium window and door system since 2019 and it’s clear why it’s the right system for the growing business.

Peter Adams, General Manager at Capital Windows, said: “We chose Stellar because we were impressed with the unique flush aesthetics of the aluminium system which offered something very different. The market certainly agrees – as demand for Stellar from our customers continues to rise and we have secured multiple highvalue projects as a result of the system’s impressive credentials and high-end appeal.”

Stellar is the only aluminium system on the market to offer a genuinely fully flush window, with flush detailing inside and out. This is achieved thanks to the patented Reverse Butt Joint, that means no dummy sashes or reverse adaptor profiles are needed. And thanks to the system’s intelligent design protocols, it easily met the

requirements of the new Part L legislation and has the added benefit of being ready for the proposed amendments to Approved Document Q too.

Peter said: “We have been very impressed with the clear communication from Epwin Window Systems concerning the changes to the Building Regulations. The information supplied was expertly executed and clear to understand, which ensured we were ahead of the market for manufacturing compliance.”

Capital Windows manufactures the full range of Stellar products including the new Stellar Slimline Bifold door and the New Stellar Tilt and Turn window. Peter said: “The latest products are packed with unique features. For example, the new Stellar Slimline Bifold door benefits from tailed glazing gaskets and an under-glass seal which breaks up the cavities behind and under the glass to enhance the thermal performance. And installation is quick due to the unique patent-pending adjustable locking stile, so the clearance between the lock and keep can be adjusted to take up cutting tolerances, eliminating the need for adjustable door jambs.”

Peter also highlights the unique aesthetics of the system as a significant selling point.

He said: ”Stellar is a straightforward system to sell into the domestic market. Consumers are immediately impressed by the flush aesthetics and appreciate its modern, contemporary appeal. And installers find it so easy to fit thanks to the pre-gasketed clip in beads which dramatically speeds up installation.”

Capital Windows is based in Uxbridge, Greater London and works with domestic, trade and commercial sectors throughout the South East of England. For over 35 years the company has positioned itself as a specialist designer, supplier and installer of the latest generation of technically advanced window and door products.

Capital Windows is an ambitious company and despite the market downturn, it continues with its growth strategy. Peter concludes: “While the market may be slowing, we remain busy with a strong pipeline of high-end Stellar projects. Our ambition has always been to provide cutting-edge products supported by exceptional service from an impressive team. And by partnering with Epwin Window Systems, we are on target to meet this ambition.”

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

Sheerline’s award-winning aluminium S1 roof lantern has become one of the most secure roof lanterns in the UK after achieving Secured by Design (SBD) accreditation. The aim of the police-backed initiative is to provide a recognised standard that increases security while deterring and reducing crime.

This optional security upgrade from Sheerline ensures the S1 aluminium roof lantern is secure enough to withstand opportunist criminals, providing peace of mind to homeowners.

When Sheerline’s expert design team was developing the next generation S1 roof lantern, security was a key consideration. This is because traditional lanterns have a host of security flaws and weaknesses that can be exploited. Sheerline has overcome these issues through innovative design solutions. For instance, the S1 already features highperformance glazing tape that adds an invisible layer of security while anti-tamper rafter fixings, plus high-security radius fixings that are only accessible from the inside, are supplied as standard. In addition, glazing is held securely in position using a unique patent-pending glass lock.

The optional SBD upgrade adds additional security clamping plates, locking the SBD lantern’s laminated glass panels in place, preventing them from being lifted and removed by would-be intruders* even if rafter top caps have been removed. These stainless steel components are held firmly in place by stainless steel security screws for added strength.

This optional security upgrade is invisible on finished roofs and doesn’t compromise the stylish contemporary design or thermal performance that Sheerline is known for. Customers also still benefit from exceptional thermal efficiency because of Sheerline’s Thermlock® technology, which supports 28mm glazing and offers a centre pane U-value of 1.0.

Thermlock® is unique to Sheerline and utilises multichambered thermal breaks to keep heat in and reduce

energy bills. Part L compliance comes as standard, so customers do not have to worry about meeting this year’s tighter building regulations. As an installer-friendly manufacturer, the team behind Sheerline has also simplified the installation process by creating a unique hook and bracket system – keeping hip rafters in place while they are fixed.

Roger Hartshorn, Sheerline CEO, said: “The fact that our award-winning S1 lantern has achieved SBD accreditation is a significant achievement for the team. We’re delighted our lantern is among the top rated for security in the UK as very few systems have achieved this standard. Today’s announcement is important because it shows our commitment to security and signals the fact that every product in the Sheerline range is now SBD accredited.”

“Since Sheerline’s inception, we’ve been committed to developing stylish yet secure and sustainable products. We set out to fundamentally change the aluminium window and door landscape for installers and fabricators, and this announcement highlights our dedication to that pledge,” he added.

To find out more about Sheerline’s award-winning S1 lantern, visit the website here:

https://www.sheerline.com/trade-s1-lantern-roof/ alternatively, call Sheerline on 01132 978000 or email: info@sheerline.com. Follow @SheerlineSystem for the latest news and updates.

*Based on SBD’s test criteria

PREMIER ARCHES SPEARHEADS PRODUCTION WITH NEW MEZZANINE EXPANSION

Leading arched frame manufacturer

Premier Arches has further expanded its production facility with the installation of a new 2,000 square foot mezzanine floor at its St Helens headquarters.

The additional production space will be used purely for profile bending, allowing the company to really ramp up and streamline its processes.

The latest expansion takes Premier Arches’ total manufacturing space to 12,000 square feet, and is a testament to the company’s continued success over the past 12 months.

Managing Director Sean Greenall comments: “We’ve been seeing increased demand for our arched frame products, and so we felt it was important to expand our premises in order to improve efficiency and turnaround times to our valued customers.

“Over the past three years, we’ve outgrown our premises, and have consistently gained new customers who are looking for not only high-quality products, but easy and honest service. The new mezzanine is an extremely worthwhile investment, as it will allow us to

GOVERNMENT MUST GO FURTHER TO INSULATE BRITAIN

successfully meet continued demand while still delivering the quality our customers are used to.”

Established in 2015, Premier Arches manufactures and supplies arched, angled, gable, circular and entirely bespoke windows and doors in a range of 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.

Sean continues: “At Premier Arches, we’re delivering something truly unique, and it’s very important that we’re offering an excellent experience to our customers. Thanks to our successful expansion, we’ve equipped ourselves to continue to grow and provide high-quality products and honest customer service for years to come.” www.premierarches.co.uk

“Whilst we appreciate the government’s decision to cap the Energy Price Guarantee to £3,000 from April 2023 for 12 months, and the targeted support for low-income households, it’s rise means that it is now inevitable that millions across the UK will see their bills increase by hundreds of pounds from April.

“This is a sector we are very familiar with, and we strongly believe the government must go further in its efforts to ‘insulate Britain’ by offering incentives and support for products that have been proven to effectively keep the heat in.

“The time to address double glazed windows has long since passed. The benefits from primary window replacement on a nationwide scale are negligible as most householdsthat can feasibly afford to upgrade their windows - have already done so.

“The government has a genuine opportunity to provide an affordable solution for single glazed windows, allowing homeowners to

run their central heating for considerably less time throughout the day.

“In fact, secondary glazing has been proven to reduce household energy bills by up to 40%, yet it continues to be overlooked.

“Without taking measures like this, and arming UK residents with the tools to insulate their home, it’s unlikely that the government will be able to achieve its target of a 15% reduction in UK energy consumption by 2030.

“The extension of the Energy Price Guarantee is a short and expensive means of tackling rising energy bills.

“Improving the underlying thermal performance of homes across the UK is where the government can make a significant, long-term difference. Offering homeowners financial support to better insulate their home and tapping into the knowledge and expertise of our sector is something we feel is paramount if the government is truly serious about tackling Britain’s energy crisis.”

Specialist fabricator Mercury Glazing has reported a year-on-year growth of 18% with the company achieving its highest ever monthly sales figure in September. Steve Cross, Mercury’s Director, said: “We are delighted to be reporting such strong sales growth especially against the backdrop of so much market uncertainty. The economic situation is undoubtedly choppy so this is no time for complacency, but it’s important to observe these figures.”

Steve says the company’s ongoing success is down to three clear factors.

The first is its strong portfolio of specialist products across PVC-U and aluminium. The company is a leading fabricator of the market-leading Spectus PVC-U Vertical Slider System and they also manufacture a range of aluminium products from Cortizo and Smart aluminium systems. Steve comments: “We have a 20-year track record for manufacturing high-end specialist products. They are typically installed in the high value commercial and residential projects that are less affected by economic turbulence. And history shows that ‘heritage’ and high-end products tend to be protected during economic downturns.”

The second is the strict manufacturing protocols the company has in place. Steve says: “High end products mean you need to be laser-focused when it comes to product

quality. There’s no room to cut corners and we never forget this. When you buy from Mercury you’re buying the reassurance of attention to detail you can rely on.”

Lastly, it’s investment in plant and people. The company is committed to continuous investment to ensure it has state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. Steve comments: “Technology is advancing the whole time and we keep our finger on the pulse to ensure we are using the best machines that deliver the best in quality. When you add in the expertise and experience of our staff, it’s a winning proposition.”

Mercury Glazing is in the middle of a fouryear plan for growth. As these latest sales figures show, it remains well on course. It’s testament to a compelling offering that continues to make the company the go-to for specialist, feature-rich products.

Tel: 01452 383 344 www.mercuryglazing.co.uk

MERCURY RISING PYRAMID PROFILES JOIN VEKA’S INDEPENDENT NETWORK

PVCu fabricator Pyramid Profiles has joined VEKA’s Independent Network to further increase its level of customer support.

Independent Network is a long-established scheme supporting installers to ensure that all VEKA products are fitted to the highest standards.

Manufacturing PVCu windows and doors since 1995, Pyramid Profiles is a leading VEKA Halo fabricator, supplying Halo System 10, Rustique Sculptured and Flush Sash to installers across the UK.

VEKA’s Independent Network adds an extra dimension to Pyramid Profiles’ customer support package, including a 10year Insurance Backed Guarantee on installations, lead generation from the

inveka.co.uk website, plus comprehensive marketing and business tools.

“We’ve been supplying the trade with PVCu windows and doors since 1995 and started using VEKA products around six years ago and we haven’t looked back,” says Paul Bailey, Managing Director at Pyramid Profiles.

“It’s one of the best PVCu systems in the world and the exceptional level of

marketing support has been a massive help to our customers. However, we’re always looking to see how we can make our customers’ lives even easier and joining Independent Network was the best way of further increasing our level of support. It’s one of the most renowned network schemes in the industry and the level of benefits we can now offer installers, means it was a no brainer for us.

“As a fabricator, we know how important it is to provide as much support as possible to installers and VEKA’s Independent Network means we can take this to the next level, bringing even more opportunities to our customers.”

www.pyramid-profiles.co.uk

Craig Robertson, Managing Director of Granada Secondary Glazing, the UK’s largest secondary glazing manufacturer, gives his reaction to yesterday’s Autumn Statement.

UNIVERSAL INCREASES FLEET TO SUPPORT BUSINESS GROWTH

Longstanding Epwin Window Systems’ fabricator Universal Trade Frames has added eight new trucks to its transport fleet to support its continued business growth. The brand-new Renault easiLoader trucks, form part of a 10-strong fleet of vehicles to further strengthen their busy nationwide customer schedules.

Commenting on the investment, Duncan Saunders, General Manager at Universal Trade Frames, said: “We needed to increase our fleet to support our customers with the rise in demand for our products. At the same time, we took the opportunity to replace some of the older vehicles that had become less economical to run. In today’s climate, it makes good business sense to invest in newer, modern vehicles that are better for the environment and are fuel efficient too.”

Since 1995, Universal Trade Frames has been manufacturing and supplying cuttingedge window and door products to the trade sector from its Shropshirebased headquarters. It manufactures the popular Spectus PVC-U window

and door system and has partnered with Epwin Window Systems for 25 years. As an independent family-owned business, it is committed to delivering the best in product quality and to meeting the needs of its growing customer base.

Duncan said: We’ve seen exceptional demand for our products over the past two years and despite the challenges faced across our sector, we have continued to invest in the business to support our customers. The latest investment in our logistics division reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining exceptional service to our customers.”

As Universal Trade Frames’ customers know, strong service support and an impressive product range are just the starting point. Customers also benefit from the company’s partnership approach and commitment to excellence that adds value to an installer’s business.

Duncan concludes: “Not only is our product range comprehensive, but we also make sure that all other areas of our business measure up too. Customer service, technical support, quality products and high OTIF deliveries are all part of our business model. Life is complicated enough and our policy of being a straightforward, easy to deal with company is one of the biggest reasons why so many of our customers are loyal and have been with us for many years.”

Overall, it’s an impressive package that explains why Universal Trade Frames is a longstanding, successful fabricator committed to delivering for their customers.

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

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM INVESTS IN THE

Having been owned by Arran Isle Group (formerly Heywood Williams Group) for more than 20 years and then more recently by ASSA ABLOY following an acquisition which was completed in June this year, Window Ware is now celebrating its new status as a fully independent, standalone company with the existing Senior Leadership Team proudly stepping up as the new owners.

When ASSA ABLOY took the decision to divest Window Ware from its group, the Senior Leadership Team saw this as the perfect opportunity to invest in the company’s future and demonstrate their belief and commitment in the business they have come to know and love.

Between them, the new directors of Window Ware have racked up more than 50 years combined fenestration industry

FURTHER EXPANSION AT MERCURY

Leading specialist fabricator Mercury Glazing Supplies Ltd has expanded its production facility by a further 50% since acquiring its third manufacturing unit at its Gloucester-based headquarters. The additional production space will be used to manufacture its extensive range of aluminium windows, doors, curtain walling and screening products.

The latest expansion is a testament to Mercury’s continuing success and, in this case, the increase in demand for their aluminium products. Steve Cross, Director at Mercury, said: “We have seen continued year-on-year growth for our aluminium products and even though the market is showing signs of a slowdown due to the economic pressures, we still have a very large pipeline of work across domestic, trade and commercial sectors. This latest expansion will help us continue to deliver exceptional quality and service to our growing customer base.”

Mercury offers a comprehensive range of aluminium products which are suitable for both domestic and commercial applications. Working closely with leading industry supply partners, they manufacture a full range of aluminium products including windows, bi-folding doors, sliding doors, designer doors, heritage windows, commercial doors, shopfronts, curtain walling and internal screening systems.

Steve said: “It is very important to us that our customer experience is excellent. This latest expansion will allow us to continue offering an outstanding level of service across our range of aluminium products

FUTURE OF WINDOW WARE

experience, so they know the business inside out. And under their careful guidance, Window Ware has grown to become one of the UK’s most trusted multi-brand providers of leading door and window hardware, tools, and consumables - well known for its excellent service and first-rate customer experience. It is a reputation that both ASSA ABLOY and the Window Ware Senior Leadership Team want to maintain.

SVP and Head of ASSA ABLOY UKI, Harry Warrender comments, “Sam and the team at Window Ware have built an impressive business. When acquiring the Arran Isle Group, our view and strategy in ASSA ABLOY was to divest Window Ware postcompletion. It was important to us that we found a good new owner for the business and indeed our colleagues that joined ASSA

ABLOY in June. I am delighted with this result and would like to wish Sam, Richard, Sarah, and the wider team every success for the future.”

Window Ware Managing Director, Sam Nuckey agrees, “The directors and I have been successfully leading Window Ware since 2015. We are still passionate about the business and excited for what the future holds, and by becoming its new owners we are only affirming our full and continued commitment to the business. We are delighted our investors could see the same strong growth potential that we do.”

Sam maintains, “As director-owners, we gain independent control of Window Ware and are in the best possible position to maintain uninterrupted business continuity and stability for our customers, brand partners and employees alike. This will

and give us room to further expand as our business continues to grow.”

The latest expansion is the third dedicated manufacturing centre in Gloucester and forms part of the company’s four-year growth plan. Steve said: “We are now in the middle of our four-year growth strategy and we remain laser-focused on achieving this while maintaining the customer service levels, turnaround times and quality that we’ve built our name on.”

An established high-end manufacturer, Mercury has a reputation for leading the way in fabricating the specialist products the market demands. Alongside their impressive range of aluminium products, the company is a longstanding Spectus vertical sliding window fabricator. Steve said: “We have always offered a strong product portfolio to support our customers across all sectors. At the same, it’s important to value the stability and resilience we offer. Mercury was founded in 2002 and we recently celebrated our 20th anniversary. It’s a reassuring track record that I know our customers appreciate.”

Production expansion is always noteworthy, but Mercury’s level of quality and continued investment makes them a reassuring partner for any installer or commercial contractor, something that is reflected in their rapidly growing business.

Tel: 01452 383344 www.mercuryglazing.co.uk

also ensure we retain the core values our customers know and trust, as well as remain agile and responsive to market needs.” Windowware.co.uk

SMART MOVE: DIRECT TRADE WINDOWS PROVIDES THE IDEAL SOLUTION FOR HERITAGE PROJECTS

Following increased demand for luxury home improvement products, leading trade supplier Direct Trade Windows has added the Smart Alitherm Heritage range to its portfolio, providing the ideal solution for heritage projects.

Using innovative polyamide thermal break technology, Alitherm Heritage profiles create a barrier between the cold air outside and the warm air inside, significantly reducing thermal transmittance and enhancing the overall U-value, while also meeting the exact Document L requirements.

Direct Trade Windows supplies Alitherm Heritage windows and doors, both of which offer superb thermal efficiency.

Designed to function as a direct replacement for steel windows, the range of windows are available in either fixed, tilt & turn, side hung or top hung open out casement configurations.

Also designed as high-quality steel replacements, Alitherm Heritage doors are available in both single and double door

configurations, offer extremely slim sightlines, and are equipped with multi-point locking and face mounted shoot bolts.

Both Alitherm Heritage windows and doors are security tested to PAS24:2016, and come with a wide range of Heritage and Art Deco hardware options, making them the ideal addition to any property style. The range is also available in a choice of standard or non-standard colours, including metallic, dual colour, and Alchemy anodised finishes.

Direct Trade Windows Director AJ Hassanali comments: “Despite the continued challenges faced across the industry over the past two and a half years, our products and services have been in high demand, and we’ve managed to maintain a high level of service across the board, providing outstanding products and a smooth and reliable sales process for all our trade customers.

“We’ve got a great partnership with Smart, and their Alitherm Heritage Range is a great system. The slim profiles

and sightlines are the ideal solution for building renovations as well as new projects, and we’re excited to be offering this range to our trade customers.

“Alitherm Heritage has been a very worthwhile investment, and has allowed us to continue to provide our customers with the high-quality home improvement products they’re used to.”

Visit www.directtradewindows.co.uk.

SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS EXPANDS ITS UK MANUFACTURING CAPACITY

Senior Architectural Systems, the UK’s largest privately owned aluminium fenestration solutions provider, is set to expand its manufacturing capacity with the opening of a new facility in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

Located close to Senior’s existing head office and main manufacturing centre in Denaby near Doncaster, the new Rotherham site on Mangham Road will provide an additional 90,000 square feet of usable storage and production space. Together with Senior’s established sites in South Yorkshire and Scotland, the new facility will increase the company’s overall UK manufacturing capacity to 220,000 square feet.

The move is part of Senior’s wider strategic expansion plan to enhance the thermalefficiency of its entire product range and to significantly increase production of its low U-value and UK patented PURe®

aluminium windows and doors system. Recent updates to Part L of the Building Regulations and the rising cost of energy prices have led to a surge in demand for Senior’s compliant and efficient aluminium fenestrations systems and through the acquisition of the new Rotherham site, Senior will be better placed to continue to meet its customers’ needs.

It is anticipated that Senior will commence production of its PURe® range at the new Rotherham site in early 2023. Once the new site is fully operational, Senior will be able to maximise the space in its existing Denaby HQ to both increase the speed of its inhouse powder coating facility and support the ongoing development of its full range of high-performance aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall systems.

Commenting, Senior Architectural Systems’ managing director Mark Wadsworth said: “Since launching our patented PURe® windows and doors in 2015, we have seen demand continuously grow and so it was always our intention to expand our production capabilities. We have made a number of investments at our main Denaby site, so it was important that we could both complement and replicate this successful and sustainable manufacturing model by finding a site that was not only similar in

size, but was also nearby. The new site in Rotherham fits the brief perfectly. We are excited to commence production of our PURe® system in the New Year and look forward to maximising this new capacity to continue to enhance the thermalperformance of our complete range of products.”

The new site in Rotherham will also provide valuable storage space to assist with Senior’s nationwide delivery service and coincides with the company’s difficult decision to close its distribution centre in Newport, Wales. All customers in Wales and the South of England will now be served by the two main facilities in South Yorkshire, with Senior’s branch in Livingston continuing to support orders to Scotland and Ireland.

For more information please visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk or search for Senior Architectural Systems on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

GGF & FENSA OFFICIAL

The GGF and FENSA are pleased to announce that they have been invited to act as the official learning content partners of the FIT Show 2023. With the emphasis on technical content and the provision of much needed clarity on building regulations, the two organisations are well placed to support visitors to the show with the most accurate and up to date information.

“Industry professionals are often let down by a lack of information,” says Anda Gregory, Chief Development Officer at the GGF. “Especially when it comes to updated Building Regulations. The GGF and FENSA are always working hard to ensure fabricators, installers, and glass manufacturers have all the information they need, so we are thrilled to support the FIT Show as learning partners and use this credible platform to educate the market about important topics such as key trends, Building Regulations, sustainability, recycling, energy efficiency and net zero

SHOW LEARNING PARTNERS

goals, and learning and apprenticeships. We’ll be offering advice, information, and practical demos to ensure visitors have access to all the information they need on the day and following the show.”

FIT Show event Director, Nickie West said: “We’re excited to announce the GGF and FENSA as our official learning programme content partners for FIT Show 2023. As a flagship event for our industry, it’s hugely important that we are delivering the right content to meet the evolving needs of our audience. It made perfect sense to partner with our industry’s main representative organisations to do this.

“The GGF and FENSA will primarily be responsible for fulfilling the technical learning aspects of the programme, with a special focus on building regulations. This content will sit alongside a broad mix of CPD approved seminars, panel debates and practical demos within the wider learning programme at the FIT Show next May.”

AT DIRECT TRADE WINDOWS

Delivering excellent customer service relies on careful pre-planning and organisation behind the scenes, which is why leading trade supplier Direct Trade Windows has invested in a unique software solution to help streamline its services.

Airtable is an exclusive business management software that allows clear visuals of ongoing factory processes at any time, enabling Direct Trade Windows to provide exact and guaranteed delivery times to its trade customers.

Director AJ Hassanali comments: “In today’s market, automation is key to saving both time and money, which is why we invested in Airtable, designed by our own developers to manage processes and flag up any issues such as delivery delays, meaning our customers are always kept up to date with extremely accurate information.

“The system is also accessible at all stages of the manufacturing process and is completely automated, eliminating the need for reams of paperwork and further streamlining the entire process as a whole.”

Direct Trade Windows has also invested in a unique quoting app in order to help customers take the lead, and providing installers with sales support and infrastructure. The app not only provides informed quotes, but is also able to share lucrative leads with customers in addition to providing them with technical support when they need it.

AJ continues: “At Direct Trade Windows, we pride ourselves on manufacturing the highest quality steellook products, and due to our steady year on year growth, we needed to increase production and have a way of keeping our customers informed of the processes at all times.

“Airtable has been a very worthwhile investment, enabling us to maintain high-quality standards while being able to track every stage of the manufacturing process to keep all teams up to date, which ultimately instils confidence in our offerings and sets us up for a successful future.”

Visit www.directtradewindows.co.uk

Leads 2 Trade, the UK’s leading provider of doublequalified sales leads to installers operating in the home improvement sector, has made significant changes to its sales team to improve its service for customers.

Oliver Jennings, who has been at the Stockport-based company since 2014, has been appointed to the role of Sales and Partnerships Manager.

Staff changes in the sales team has seen a focus on restructuring the sales department and it is now a fourstrong team, with two full-time Area Sales Managers supported by two account managers. It will be their job to recruit new members and manage and retain them thereafter.

Oliver explained: “With staff changes in the last 12-18 months, it was causing confusion for members. This move provides more stability and structure for our members. Instead of having multiple managers, members will have direct contact with their own manager and that manager will have a support team behind them.”

Having started in the call centre at Leads 2 Trade eight years ago, Oliver then moved into a support role within the sales team and then an account management role for four years before moving into a hybrid marketing and data analyst role and working on Leads 2 Trade’s affiliates network.

“We are looking to bring in a head of marketing and the opportunity arose to move back into sales in a management role

and I’ve retained the affiliates side of things too. Thanks to my previous role in sales, I’ve been able to hit the ground running,” said Oliver.

Andy Royle, Leads 2 Trade’s cofounder and director said: “We needed to regroup and reshape the sales department and we needed a figurehead for doing that. Oliver has the knowledge and experience to rebuild the sales team and manage it. We can also still take advantage of his analytical skills in his new role too.”

As one of the longest serving team members, Oliver has seen the company change and go from strength to strength during the last eight years, including the addition of more sales lead types which has also resulted in the growth of the call centre.

He has also seen Leads 2 Trade adapt their offering to suit the needs of both its members and consumers on its comparison websites. The introduction of its ‘no pitch no fee’ confirmed, pre-arranged appointment lead service, to give more control and transparency to the consumer and a better chance for installers to win work, has been so successful that 80% of leads are now pre-booked appointments.

“We are not far off seeing our pre-covid enquiry levels and with a better sales structure in place we now have the room to grow again over the next couple of years,” added Oliver.

For more information on joining Leads 2 Trade’s Trusted Local Supplier Network, telephone 0800 124 4308 or visit https://leads2trade.co.uk.

Specialist aluminium fabricator CDW Systems has added Smart’s AluSpace to its product range.

The Gloucester-based CDW, part of the East Manor Group, is offering the internal screening system to customers as an alternative to its Alitherm Heritage windows and doors.

Developed to create light and airy internal environments, AluSpace’s sleek and elegant lines perfectly complement CDW Systems window and door ranges. It can be used to elegantly divide or partition both residential and commercial spaces of any shape and size, providing an effective acoustic barrier at the same time.

Jeremy Phillips, CDW Systems’ Group Chairman, said: “AluSpace is a great addition to our portfolio. It’s a simplified version of Smart’s Heritage range so is normally single glazed, is not thermally broken and it is available in a single colour. A double glazed unit can also be incorporated if required for enhanced acoustic performance.

“It is designed for things like room dividers and is an industrial looking door that is great for old industrial buildings that are being converted into apartments, with the AluSpace allowing them to keep that industrial aesthetic.”

The versatile system has a choice of hinged single and double doors, as well as pivot and sliding options to accompany the fixed glazed screen and has been designed for easy installation, delivering not only outstanding aesthetics, but also great value. There is also a wide range of options and accessories, including a choice of classic, modern and industrial handles and requires minimal maintenance.

“Our Heritage range has had a lot of success with our trade customers throughout the UK as well as in our local Gloucestershire area too where there are many older properties in need of refurbishment. We expect AluSpace to follow suit as its sleek and elegant lines are associated with traditional steel doors and windows,” added Jeremy.

“With AluSpace it means we can offer the best of both to customers – AluSpace for internal and Heritage for external. They also work well together.”

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 wellrespected 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.

SUPER SALES TEAM: (left to right) Andy Smith, Oliver Jennings, Katie Holme and Ben Greenhalgh

MADE FOR TRADE WINS PRESTIGIOUS NORTH EAST BUSINESS AWARD

Wynyard-based company takes the overall Manufacturing Award at the grand final, in recognition of its recent expansion, capabilities and success.

Made For Trade has been announced as the winner of the overall Manufacturing Award at the 2022 North East Business Awards grand final; reflecting the company’s growth, investment and impressive manufacturing capabilities that have been so well documented across the last 12 months.

The Manufacturing Award has a wide-ranging scope, with the main aim being to highlight those companies across the North East of England that have impressed the judging panel via their demonstration of manufacturing excellence, alongside attributes such as design and innovation, quality, efficiency and sales flair.

When deciding which of the top manufacturing organisations in the region to take home the coveted prize, judges looked not just at the company’s capacity and output in the direct sense, but also how it extends into the local region. Factors such as investment in equipment and of course people were carefully considered, as well as sales performance and how the business is looking to set its strategy for the future. That strategy includes not only manufacturing innovation, growth prospects and sales, but also key attributes such as sustainability, markets served and the continuous development of efficiency and productivity.

One factor that helped Made For Trade stand out from the award competition proved to be the relatively unique position of being both a design and fabrication outfit in one efficient organisation – something that has proved to be pioneering in the fenestration industry. When it comes to glazing outfits, the products have progressed but the manufacturing technology and engineering has remained relatively stagnant; the predominant model is of large organisations developing products and supplying parts to fabricators, who in turn supply their customers.

Made For Trade however encompasses the full timeline, from initial design through to in-house delivery – all for the benefit of efficiency, improving quality and reducing cost. MFT stands out from competitors thanks to its progression from a small installer and fabricator, to a manufacturing outfit bringing revolutionary techniques and processes to the industry, helping to fuel growth and invest in a well-

trained local workforce. The engineering division features experience from the automotive and motorsport sectors; bringing a new level of precision not only to the product design, but also the manufacturing processes to elevate the fenestration products to a completely new level against the competition.

The company is proud of its history: founded by Richard Gaunt in 1979 as Aanco and gaining significant credibility in the area from the outset thanks to its reputation for quality and service, Made For Trade remains a family business led by Richard’s sons Bradley as Managing Director, and Ashley as Technical Director. Last year saw the business grow with a turnover increase of 31%, and whilst Made for Trade remains B2B, the drive to increase homeowner interaction has seen MFT’s Korniche brand become synonymous with desirable glazing products – to the extent that it is now requested by name to trade installers.

Now operating from three purpose-built fabrication units with more than 250,000 sqft and employing more than 150 highly trained operatives, Made for Trade continues to invest in growth; with a quarter of pre-tax profits being put towards new assets, from facilities to state of the art CNC equipment. Investing in staff has gone hand-in-hand – training helped 57% of operators move up a grade and back the local workforce, whilst recruitment has been filled with a mix of external talent and in-house promotion – all factors that were paramount when judges considered the Manufacturing Award shortlist.

The drive to simplify production and reduce inventory led to an investment of nearly £1M back in 2019 and 2020 on machinery to support the new product, whilst in-house software was developed to improve CNC sequencing, reduce waste and costly machine time. The Korniche bi-folding door for example, was designed and developed completely by the in-house engineering team before being manufactured alongside at the same Wynyard site, with a number of unique and innovative features that set it apart from the competition. From the patented ‘Speedbead’ and anti-backdrive handle, to the built-in ventilation and sealed roller bearing guides, no rivals came close for the same engineering focus that relies on quality manufacture.

The last two years have been unlike any other for UK businesses, and MFT’s strategy for dealing with this tumultuous timeframe also impressed the panel, as the manufacturing business overcame significant supply chain challenges and industry issues to sell 32,000 units in 2021 alone. From pre-emptive stock increases and rapidly

leveraging new suppliers, to modifying components to suit, Made for Trade continued to excel in what were unique times for the entire industry, coming out the other side with an enviable reputation alongside record sales.

The judging panel also looked at future manufacturing plans; a factor that differentiated MFT via continuous improvement plus investment in new technology and people to push the manufacturing process forward in the most efficient manner. Made For Trade is set to grow to a £45-50M turnover through commercial focus and vertical integration and in excess of £1M is again being invested in bespoke machinery for the production line, whilst the team are exploring a future that involves in-house glass manufacture to create a true one-stop shop.

That investment is not just mean on the factory floor though; in the office the company’s Kwikquote software is being further developed to streamline customer experience and go hand-in-hand with market-leading customer service, whilst an increase in regional presence and branding pushes the focus forwards. Sustainability is a key watchword; MFT is already setting the standard against rivals via the use of new packaging, whilst environmental and safety standards are also set to be further improved via gap analysis and investment. That sustainability extends to supply chain excellence; in-house glass delivery has disrupted the market norm of separate frame and glass drops, adding a unique selling point, reducing customer cost and reducing carbon footprint as a result.

Finally, this year saw the culmination of years of work pay off in terms of manufacturing excellence for Made For Trade, with the company achieving the hugely enviable ISO9001:2015 certification, something that was a likely key point for judges. This standard for quality - rare in fenestration environments - puts every step of the manufacturing process under the spotlight in terms of procedures and repeatability, from initial contact right through to delivery. As the company looks to the future, the recognition gained as a North East Business Award winner truly goes hand-in-hand with Made For Trade’s continual improvement in manufacturing excellence.

TAP INTO SPEED OF INSTALLATION WITH OUR NEW QUICK GLAZE KNOCK-IN BEAD

The new REAL Visofold Slim 1000 bi-fold door system. Featuring new slimmer profiles with reduced sightlines, it transforms spaces into something special and a view to savour.

To enhance performance and improve installation time, it’s manufactured incorporating our Quick Glaze Knock-In Bead, so with just a few taps, it’s done. And because Visofold Slim 1000 is from REAL , you can confidently tap into a product that’s Part L compliant, as well as REAL quality, REAL service and REAL support.

To find out more about the REAL Visofold Slim 1000 bi-fold door system and our Quick Glaze Knock-In Bead, get your brochure at re-aluminium.co.uk/visofold or enquiries@real-aluminium.co.uk

*Quick Glaze Knock-In Bead is available on 28-28.8mm double glazed units. Triple glazed options are available with a wedge gasket.

FIRE RESISTANCE OF GLAZED ROOFS: TESTS, REQUIREMENTS, SOLUTIONS

Glazed roofs are one of the most interesting solutions to ensure optimal access to daylight. Despite having a similar surface area, they are three times more efficient than windows, avoid internal shading, and are highly energy efficient, which is particularly important in today’s difficult economic times.

Roof glazing works well in any type of building, although large buildings with a high throughput of people that need to provide light for most of the day benefit the most. Being able to illuminate rooms with natural light means both energy savings and benefits for the health and well-being of those who occupy these buildings. This is one of the reasons why this solution is very popular in office and public buildings.

ROOF GLAZING – NOTE THE STANDARDS

When opting for environmentally friendly and energy efficient roof glazing, it is important to remember that it must ensure the fire safety of the building. The UK regulations for fire safety in buildings are set out through the standards contained in Building Regulations Approved Document B, in which individual sections correspond to specific areas of safety, e.g., section B2 covers internal fire spread and applies to both roof and wall cladding of buildings, and section B4 covers external fire spread and applies to external cladding or roofs and walls. The requirements for roof lights depend on their area (less or more than 5 m2), the amount of available clearance from the rooflight in each direction or the distance of the building from the property boundary.

4

MB-60, MB-77HS

‘When choosing a solution provider, it is essential to check whether the constructions offered by the company comply with the standards specific to a given country’, emphasises Wojciech Brożyna, Aluprof UK managing director, ‘and which fire class they provide. There is a big difference in terms of the safety of the building’s users when REI 15 versus REI 30 class materials are used. These 15 minutes more in terms of load-bearing capacity, airtightness, and fire insulation can save lives’, the expert explains.

THE MODERN SOLUTION FOR ROOF GLAZING

So, how do you ensure safety, structural strength, fire resistance and sufficient thermal insulation at the same time? By using modern solutions that have been properly tested and certified.

One such solution is glazed fire roofs based on Aluprof’s MB-SR50N EI aluminium façades. Just like their façade equivalents, the roof versions of the profiles have been equipped with special fireproof inserts that do not require additional reinforcement. As a result, it is possible to create flat and inclined constructions up to 80° from the horizontal.

Bentham

School,

Kingdom. Systems used: MB-60, MB-70, MBDPA, MB-SR50N, MB-SR50N EI

Another solution is skylights, which, in addition to the function of lighting and smoke removal, can also produce energy, which cannot be overestimated in times of the energy crisis and ever increasing energy costs.

‘The desire to ensure the highest possible fire performance while enhancing the basic function of a skylight, i.e. providing light to the room and reducing energy consumption, led us to create a unique and innovative solution, which is a photovoltaic skylight’, emphasises Wojciech Brożyna from Aluprof UK. ‘It is a construction that combines Aluprof aluminium profiles with photovoltaic glazing based on quantum dots. The cells in the glass are invisible so the glass is fully transparent, providing light to the room while energy is produced. Of course, skylights on the roof must also comply with fire safety standards. Aluprof has achieved a REI30 fire resistance classification for the MN-SR50N EI skylight system, which is adequate to ensure the safety of building occupants, and meets the building standards of European and UK countries.’

Capital Quarter, Cardiff, United Kingdom. Systems used: MB-SR50 N EI

GLASS ROOFS – WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER?

Of course, there are also some downsides to roof glazing applications. Skylights must be used in unbreakable planes, and their location and installation must ensure safety and minimise the risk of the roof user falling.

It is also worth remembering that the time and weather conditions that skylights are exposed to may weaken their structure, which may result in a skylight cracking or breaking if someone climbs or falls on it.

‘That is why it is so important to use proven solutions and suppliers who offer construction materials of the highest quality and ensure full safety’, explains Wojciech Brożyna from Aluprof.

Tel: 0161 941 4005 – www.aluprof.co.uk

Erskine House, Belfast, United Kingdom. Systems used: MB-SR50N

Wellington Palace, Leeds, United Kingdom. Systems used:

MB-SR50N Photovoltaic skylight

Primary

Lancashire, United

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NEW WEBSITE SIGNALS START OF EXCITING NEW ERA FOR COTSWOLD

A new website is the final piece of the puzzle for Cotswold Architectural Products as it embarks on an exciting new phase in its history.

Earlier this year, Cotswold split from Caldwell Hardware, remaining with the company’s long-standing owners while Caldwell was sold to another business.

Now, Cotswold has become Europe’s largest independent friction stay manufacturer.

Under the leadership of long-standing Cotswold employee Tim Ferkin, the company is setting an ambitious course for growth – and a brand new website was a natural part of that process.

“Our new website is designed to quickly and easily communicate to our customers exactly why they should be doing business with Cotswold,” Tim explains.

“Visitors can read about our 45-year legacy of excellence and innovation in hardware.

“They can learn more about the vast array of hardware products we’re able to offer – including our world-renowned friction stays, but also handles, support arms and accessories.

“And they can view some of the fantastic projects Cotswold products have been incorporated in, read our latest news, and find contact details for our offices in Cheltenham and Mumbai.

“This is a hugely exciting period for Cotswold, and having assembled a world-class senior team to lead us into this new era, the website is the final step in our journey to becoming a thriving independent business.”

For more information, call 01242 233993 or visit www.cotswoldap.com.

NEW CLEAT RANGE FROM AT PRECISION STRENGTHENS PRODUCT PORTFOLIO

Leading aluminium bi-fold hardware supplier AT Precision has strengthened its product portfolio with the addition of a high-quality range of cleats.

Made from extruded aluminium, the range of crimping cleats and mechanical cleats is compatible with all major systems, and requires no need for frame reduction.

The cleats are also sold in singles, meaning fabricators are able to buy as many or as few as they need.

“Our range of cleats is compatible with any aluminium system on the market, and because we manufacture them in-house, we’re able to offer the same high-quality performance to fabricators at a much more affordable price,” comments AT Precision Sales Director Michael Hewitt.

“We’ve also invested in a cleat cutting and packing facility fitted with various cleat cutting machinery, meaning we can manufacture bespoke cleats for fabricators’

specific needs and deliver them the next day, saving them time, money, and hassle.

“And while most aluminium fabricators rely on the convenience of buying their cleats from their systems company or supplier, it’s by no means the best value for money.

“By coming directly to us for their cleats, aluminium fabricators can cut out the middle man and potentially save thousands of pounds a year.”

In addition to its range of cleats, AT Precision manufactures the Everglide range of bi-fold hardware, which includes rollers, top guides, pull handles, hinges,

and shootbolt handles, all of which are compatible with major systems.

The company also manufactures aluminium profile for bi-folds, the Everseal range of gaskets, as well as security hardware and plastic ancillaries.

AT Precision also offers a 10-year guarantee on all its products, and promises next day delivery for orders made before 1pm, with free delivery on orders over £250.

Michael concludes: “Our range of cleats has been a strong addition to our product portfolio, and yet another step in being able to provide fabricators with everything they need to manufacture a bi-fold door, bar the actual glass.

“By coming directly to AT Precision for their bi-fold hardware needs, fabricators can rely on excellent quality, affordable prices, reliable lead times, and outstanding customer service.”

Visit www.atprecision.co.uk

GARNALEX ACHIEVES FULL SYNTHA PULVIN APPLICATOR STATUS AFTER PASSING RIGOROUS TESTING

Garnalex is delighted to announce it has achieved full approved applicator status after going through Syntha Pulvin’s rigorous testing process. This helps underline Garnalex’s commitment to excellence as Syntha Pulvin is one of the leading architectural powder coatings brands in Europe.

Syntha Pulvin only works with approved applicators that hold ISO9001 accreditation and they must complete a comprehensive testing process. This includes a 12-week programme that ensures the organisation meets both the BS6496 standard and Syntha Pulvin’s stringent quality requirements.

Each approved applicator must also provide examples of previous work that can be tested for quality and durability. This protects the Syntha Pulvin brand and ensures the company only works with trusted suppliers. To maintain this full applicator status, Garnalex will also undergo audits at regular intervals.

Earlier in the year, Garnalex commissioned its in-house powder coating plant after a £1.3M investment. The company had previously had its Sheerline aluminium systems powder coated by third-party suppliers, transporting the extruded profiles to these external powder coaters added approximately five weeks to the time it would take to get painted profiles put into stock.

In addition, moving the finished product back and forth not only increased the carbon footprint of the products but also added incremental opportunities for damage to occur. Now that everything is completed in-house, Garnalex has successfully reduced the occurrence of most common paint quality issues.

The team at Garnalex has worked hard to ensure everything has been optimised, from the infrastructure to the computerised workflows, so they can offer Sheerline customers a reliable, agile, and quality service.

Greg Grabski, Garnalex’s Powder Coating Plant Manager said: “Gaining full Syntha Pulvin accreditation is a huge accolade for everyone at Garnalex. Our in-house powder coating plant has been operational for less than six months and it is already recognised for its quality and consistency.”

Garnalex CEO, Roger Hartshorn added: “Bringing our powder coating in-house has been a game-changer for us. It has enabled us to focus on quality in a way we simply couldn’t when we were outsourcing. It’s not just great for Garnalex and the Sheerline brand, it’s also great for our customers. They know when they choose us, they’re choosing quality.”

To find out more about the powder coating plant, visit the website here: www.sheerline.com/colour/

Left to Right Eddy Webb, Garnalex Production Manager; Calum Scott, Syntha Pulvin Area Sales Manager; Greg Grabski, Garnalex’s Powder Coating Plant Manager and Ross Hartshorn Garnalex’s Technical Production Director

“Our in-house powder coating plant has been operational for less than six months and it is already recognised for its quality and consistency.”

FROM IDEA TO MARKET – NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AT LINIAR

Fusing industry experience with innovation is at the heart of Liniar’s mission, and new product development (NPD) is an area where the Derbyshirebased PVCu systems house excels. Design and Development Director Chris Armes discusses his process for taking an idea to market, and ensuring the final product is of the highest quality and functionality.

IDENTIFYING GAPS IN THE MARKET

Chris tells us, “Monitoring legislative changes, combined with identifying shifts in market trends and reacting accordingly are crucial elements. For example, Liniar was first to market with a PVCu bi-fold specific window and door system. This arose from us recognising a rise in popularity of bifolds, but they were formerly timber or aluminium-focused products to a degree.”

He continues, “PVCu bi-folds at the time were being cobbled together from nonspecific components designed for residential or French doors, and their reputation wasn’t great. Besides looking at trends, developing a new product involves looking at what’s already happening in the market and figuring out how it can be done better, which for us resulted in Liniar’s highly successful PVCu bi-fold range.”

Legislation is another decisive factor. Chris observes, “Legislative change is really important. For instance, Part L regulations are getting tighter and tighter, which has created the need for our upcoming ultra-high energy efficient ZERO|90 range. This is an area where Liniar can help drive change by developing products that make it easier for our customers to comply with building regulations.”

Liniar’s existing customers can also have significant influence. Chris explains, “We have a close relationship with our customers, and they know we’re a very accessible and approachable team. We welcome all Liniar customers to be vocal collaborators; their feedback on existing products and what they’re seeing in the marketplace plays an important role in driving innovation and identifying opportunities.”

IDEA GENERATION & REFINEMENT

Initial ideas are taken to the ‘drawing board.’ As Chris describes, “This is a very freeform, exploratory process where we try to unshackle products from the way they’ve always been designed. I usually think: if we had a blank sheet of paper would we design it that way again, or would we do something different?”

Liniar has exceptional technological and human resources within its Design team.

“We have strong CGI capabilities internally and 3D printing technology allows us to get hands-on with prototypes. Using a VR headset, it’s also possible to model what a product would look in a real-life setting,

which allows us to step back and assess it in its finished environment,” Chris explains.

The Design and Development department works closely with Liniar’s Technical team, managed by Technical Services Director Paul Garforth.

Chris tells us, “The Design team members have an excellent understanding of how the end-product fits together, but it’s important to remember we design the jigsaw puzzle pieces; it’s our customers who build the puzzle, which includes third-party components. Paul’s team have the manufacturing experience to act as customers, fabricating finished products internally to ensure we can identify and resolve any issues before products are released to the market.”

“In the final stages, before going to production, we canvas customers for feedback to ensure we get input from multiple perspectives, increasing the likelihood of a successful launch.”

Chris concludes, “In reality it’s not a linear process. It’s a mixture of interpreting feedback from multiple sources along with our own interpretation of fashions and trends.

“It’s an interesting and exciting experience, where my team and I get to engage in complex problem solving, something that motivates me to do the job I love.”

To see the full range of Liniar products visit https://www.liniar.co.uk/

Chris Armes: Liniar’s Design & Development Director

THE IDEAL PARTNER FOR INSTALLERS

As part of a series of industry podcasts hosted by The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Schemes (DGCOS), Glass News reviews the conversation between DGCOS’ Chief Executive, Faisal Hussain, architect, TV presenter and DGCOS Brand Ambassador George Clarke, and Thom Emerson, Sales and Marketing Director of DGCOS member, Ideal Window Solutions, which shines a light on the working relationship between the two organisations.

The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) is recognised as being a consumer champion, having already helped hundreds of thousands

IDEAL WINDOW SOLUTIONS

Ideal Window Solutions is a DGCOS member who has operated in the Installer market for over 25 years, working on new build developments with housebuilders, as well as domestic and retail installation for general consumers. In addition to the installation side of the business, they also have an active maintenance and repair division. The longevity in their customer relationships means that when products are truly end of life, those customers tend to come back.

A founding member since 2010, Ideal Window Solutions has over 12 years of association with DGCOS and has protected over 6,500 customers. When asked the benefits

“We’ve had very few situations that have been taken all the way to litigation, thankfully. It is expensive, even if you do win, and I strongly believe one of the main reasons for this is the support we get from DGCOS. They have helped us to put good contracts in place that are solid and robust and have managed to mitigate any complaints before they escalate.

KEY BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH DGCOS

“One of the key benefits to any relationship is trust. I trust DGCOS as an organisation to support my business and my customers in the best way possible. Consumers also put trust in recognisable brand ambassadors, and this is most definitely true of DGCOS’s brand ambassador, George Clarke. When the partnership with George first launched, there was a lot of engagement and the ongoing association has been a real benefit to our business.

“You don’t need to be doing unique projects with unusual requirements to benefit from their assistance, as DGCOS is also there for the everyday, ordinary work too. As we’ve said before, issues are commonplace in any home improvement/ construction project and DGCOS offers support at every stage of the journey.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND DGCOS?

“Absolutely. In my mind, they are the Rolls Royce of consumer protection. Our business ethos aligns with theirs and we have a very open relationship. We take full advantage of their installer journey benefits, lifting the lid on our business - our financials, our contracts, our procedures – to DGCOS to gain insight into where we can improve. If you take this support, you will improve and it will, ultimately, make you more profitable.”

Faisal Hussain concludes: “Ideal Window Solutions is an ‘ideal’ member for DGCOS. Like us, the people behind the brand believe in doing the right thing and most importantly, they care. They are a great example of what is good in our industry and this is proven in the successes we’ve seen in their dispute resolution results. Having been a founding member they have been fundamental influence on the services DGCOS delivers and the open relationship forged is the benchmark for many of our members. We do offer a service that supports the installers’ business but that’s a two-way street, and we continually work with our members to improve. They feedback to us what we’re doing right and wrong and where we can improve. We also make sure that when we’re dealing with consumers on their behalf, they are invited to engage with a satisfaction service to monitor how they feel after the service with a complaints procedure for anyone that is not happy. At the end of the day, DGCOS is about doing the right thing – and so is Ideal Window Solutions.”

Secondary glazing is simplicity itself.

It’s simple to sell, survey and install. It offers great acoustic and thermal performance. It has great profit margins. And it gets you into projects you couldn’t normally get into.

So why make it more complicated? Call Roseview today and ask about adding Incarnation secondary glazing to your range.

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

SENIOR GEARS UP WITH WINKHAUS ALUPILOT IN A UK FIRST

Senior Architectural Systems, the UK’s largest privately owned aluminium fenestration solutions provider, has teamed up with leading global hardware manufacturer Winkhaus to bring the benefits of the aluPilot gearing system to the UK market.

As part of Senior’s commitment to the continuous improvement of its aluminium fenestration systems, the company approached Winkhaus to develop a bespoke solution for use on its patented low U-value PURe® aluminium Tilt and Turn window and its popular SPW600 aluminium window.

Senior and Winkhaus, which has technical teams in both the UK and Germany, have collaborated closely to adapt the innovative aluPilot gearing system for use in the UK market, making Senior the first UK based fenestration supplier to offer this solution. Developed to help reduce fabrication time, the aluPilot system is easy to use with an innovative design that reduces fastening, tooling and handling requirements.

The two companies spent time together at Winkhaus’ UKAS accredited laboratory in Kettering to ensure the new gearing system met all the necessary weather and security tests, with additional cycle testing completed at Winkhaus’ state-of-the-art facility in Germany. Senior and Winkhaus continued to work closely to develop the necessary technical manuals and LogiKal integration ahead of launching the new system.

Commenting, Senior Architectural Systems’ technical manager Andrew Phillips said:

“We are always looking for ways to make our products work better for our fabricator customers and after evaluating our window gearing system, we saw an opportunity to work with Winkhaus to incorporate the efficient aluPilot system into two of our most popular window ranges. This new system, which we refer to as Slide Bar Sections, has strengthened our PURe® and SPW600 aluminium windows by helping to reduce fabrication time and streamline the installation process while offering the same high levels of thermal-efficiency, PAS 24 enhanced security and aesthetic appeal.”

Mike Rushen, Winkhaus UK Sales Director added: “Working in partnership from the inception stage of a project allows us to create bespoke solutions specifically to our customers specification and needs. We take great pride from the fact that we were chosen by Seniors to partner with them on a project as innovative as this one. At our

base in Kettering we continue to invest in our technical department expanding our Product Management team to complement our existing resource. We believe that innovation and project partnerships are fundamentally important to our business and will continue to be a major part of our ongoing strategy.”

For further information on the full range of systems and solutions from Senior Architectural Systems please contact 017909 772 600, email enquiries@sasmail.co.uk or visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

To learn more about aluPilot, how we support partners with their developments or the wider range of products and systems available from Winkhaus UK, please contact 01536 316 000, email enquiries@winkhaus.co.uk or visit www.winkhaus.co.uk or www.winkhaus.co.uk/alupilot

The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman (DGCOS) has published a new Installer Guide: Building A Conservatory. This general guidance document has been published for installers to ensure best practice from start to finish, based on the experiences DGCOS has had in dealing with disputes between members and their customers over the last decade.

Faisal Hussain, Chief Executive of DGCOS, explains: “The Installer Guide: Building a Conservatory, covers everything from defining what a conservatory is, which might sound obvious but actually isn’t always, to excavations, foundations, drainage and building the structure – issues that all installers should consider from the beginning. The aim of the guide is to help installers be aware of potential areas where issues may arise, in order to construct a quality build that does not require come-backs due to errors in any part of the planning or building process.

“The guide also explains best practice in terms of assessing a potential site before starting any groundworks to ensure foundations will be the correct depth; the strata the builder is likely to encounter; and whether there are any trees or drains in the area which may be an issue. There is a section on excavations giving advice on how to deal with different soil types, plus

other things to look out for such as circumstances under which a structural engineer should be engaged, as well as a dedicated section on getting the foundations right. The report also deals with the substructure, addressing topics such as damp proofing, and building the superstructure itself. The final section addresses drainage in relation to roof run-off, gutters, outlet pipes and soakaways.

“The guide is an invaluable start for anyone involved in building conservatories, but there are also useful links to external bodies that can provide further detailed information such as the Government website for information about the Party Wall Act 1996 and Approved Document A, Citizens Advice for guidance on drains and sewers and links to local authority building control departments. There is support within the support!

“At DGCOS, we are fully committed to ensuring all of our members have access to support and documentation that raises standards in our industry. We hope that this latest Installer Guide will help our installers avoid some of the pitfalls seen in our industry in the past.”

A copy of the DGCOS Installer Guide: Building a conservatory can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/3U3A6Ll

Find out more about DGCOS and the Installer Journey Benefits here: www.dgcos.org.uk.

Rather than eliminating external noise, secondary glazing manufactured by Granada Secondary Glazing has been installed to keep the noise in at a university’s music department and prevent disturbance to nearby residents.

Although more commonly specified to reduce noise intrusion in buildings, secondary glazing is equally effective at stopping excessive sound levels leaking out due to its superior acoustic insulation performance.

Opened in 2022, the York St John University Creative Centre is a purpose-built, three-storey permanent home for their music and computer science courses. It also contains specialist facilities for theatre, drama, creative writing, and media production students.

However, aware that a number of the practice rooms back onto a busy street with some residential housing, the University sought out secondary glazing as a means of further soundproofing them.

This was in addition to the existing sound-deadening measures, such as acoustic foam tiles.

Secondary glazing offers a discreet, cost-effective and efficient solution

in reducing the emission or intrusion of noise levels by up to 80%, or 54dB. An added benefit is improved thermal insulation by up to 65%, helping to retain heat and lower energy bills.

Granada Glazing’s technicians installed 25 Horizontal Sliding units with 6.4mm acoustic laminated glass in recording studios, music practice, teaching and percussion rooms to dramatically cut noise levels emitted throughout the day.

Rob Cottam, Commercial Sales Manager at Granada Secondary Glazing, comments: “This was an incredibly interesting project for us. It’s rare that we’re approached to help keep noise within a building; our products are generally specified for projects where the client is keen to keep unwanted noise out.

“An acoustic laminated glass specification was chosen to help achieve this goal. Factoring in the glazing choice, our expertly crafted frames and the cavity between primary and secondary unit, the results were incredibly impressive.”

Rob adds: “As you’d expect, from a soundproofing perspective, the windows themselves are generally the weakest spot, the most likely

to let noise leak out into the surrounding areas. Thankfully, our products, combined with the excellent work from the University, has effectively soundproofed a number of rooms within their music department.”

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

Granada Glazing partners with architects and specifiers on the design, manufacture and supply of high quality commercial secondary glazing for all sectors and building types across the UK.

For more information on the Granada Secondary Glazing range, please call 01909 499899, visit www.gsecg.com or email info@granadaglazing.com.

VBH, the company behind the popular greenteQ hardware brand, reports an expansion in the levels of technical support that they offer customers.

Business Development Director Rob Norman is responsible for both the New Product Development team and Technical team.

Rob says, ”The two teams share an office space in Gillingham, working in tandem to develop our new greenteQ products, and also collaborating with our key third

party suppliers to develop their products for the UK market. The guys on the Tech side offer support, both from the office and on site, to our customers and partners. We currently have seven members, with the recent addition of Ross Childs, which we are very pleased about.”

Ross Childs has 13 years hardware experience, including 8 years involvement in product testing, and will be heavily involved in VBH’s Kitemark test programme with BSi, as well as looking after the facilities

at VBH Gillingham, that include a neutral salt spray booth.

VBH advise that these new facilities are an integral part of the development process of additions to the greenteQ range.

Rob says, “The recent level of investment that VBH has put into our department has been high, but this will be recovered many times over as we are able to bring products to market very efficiently. Having local facilities, rather than relying on our team in the Far East, means that we retain control of the development process.

“In addition to the appointment of Ross, the customer support side of our Technical team is also being expanded further, as we are seeking to recruit another External Technical Support Engineer to support both our customers and sales team with on-site hardware demonstrations. It’s a great time to take on the management of the VBH Tech and NPD teams!”

VBH can be contacted on 01634 263263, by email at sales@vbhgb.com, or send them a Tweet @vbhgb.

Rob Norman

Ross Childs

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ON COURSE FOR GROWTH: TECHNICAL FIRE SAFETY GROUP MERGE WITH SVT GROUP

Pyroguard, part of the Technical Fire Safety Group (TFSG), is pleased to announce the merger of TFSG with svt Group of Companies, one of the leading suppliers of passive fire protection in Europe.

Combining strengths in passive fire protection, the two companies are joining forces to accelerate their growth and further increase their market share on an international level. Both companies already have a long history of expansion, having more than doubled their respective sizes through strong organic growth and mergers since 2016.

Speaking about the merger, Neil Tilsley, Group CEO, said: “As part of the Technical Fire Safety Group, international expansion is a key part of our investment strategy, and this merger with the svt Group of Companies is the next step on this journey.

Together with svt, we can both increase our global market share and further develop and expand our capabilities in passive fire protection.

“The Technical Fire Safety Group (Pyroguard and Fire Glass UK) and svt Group of Companies complement each other perfectly, manufacturing both fire safety glass and fire protection sealsamongst many other passive fire safety products. The two products (glass and seals) are part of the same solution, with both products only fulfilling their purpose together. Combining forces, both companies can become even stronger and more resilient and, at Pyroguard, it’s exciting to be a part of that.”

svt is one of the leading suppliers in passive fire protection in Europe. Pyroguard and Fire Glass UK are market-leading subsidiaries of the Technical Fire Safety Group, manufacturing state-of-the-art fire safety glass for the construction industry.

There will be no redundancies, job transfers or job changes for employees in connection with the merger.

For more information on the Group, please visit: www.technicalfiresafetygroup.com.

FREEFOAM “TICKS ALL THE BOXES” FOR A1 IRONMONGERY AND PLASTICS

Freefoam are delighted to launch a new video to showcase it’s partnership with Scottish based PVC supplier A1 Ironmongery and Plastics. Featuring an interview with directors Ivie Kerr and David Maxwell, the short film highlights the busy commercial trade counter, large stocking warehouse and explains how diversifying an existing ironmongery business into pvc building products has bought success for both companies.

A1 Ironmongery and Plastics covers the whole of Ayrshire and the west of Scotland with branches in Kilmarnock and Ayr both stocking the full range of Freefoam pvc products . Started in September 2008 and expanding the Kilmarnock branch in 2013 with a large dedicated unit focusing on PVC Ivie explains “It was our ironmongery customer base who encouraged us to start stocking PVC. They were finding the demand and wanted us to stock it alongside our traditional ironmongery products.”

When looking to diversify the business into pvc A1 Ironmongery and Plastics had a range of criteria they were looking for in a supplier. David explained “We wanted

a product that was good quality, but also came with good customer service and back up , and found that Freefoam’s range and support package ticked all the boxes.”

Whilst stocking the full Freefoam range of fascia, soffit, gutter, cladding and Geopanel A1 Ironmongery and Plastics find that Freefoam’s deep gutter range is a particularly strong selling product –due to their location on the west coast of Scotland with it’s high rainfall levels.

David summarized “When you’re confident about a product, that you know you’re not going to have any issues with, and you can go out there and sell it in a competitive market at a good price, we believe that’s one of things that Freefoam gives us”

Colin St John, Freefoam Commercial Director concluded “Building strong and lasting relationships with our customers, such as A1 Ironmongery and Plastics, is crucial to our business. Our roofline, cladding and interior products are an ideal addition to any building product business and it’s fantastic to see our customers grow and flourish with the help of Freefoam.”

LEADS 2 TRADE SEES 29% INCREASE IN DOUBLE GLAZING CONSUMER INTEREST

The UK’s leading provider of double qualified sales leads for companies operating in the home improvement industry has seen a big rise in customer interest in double glazing for the last few months when compared to this time last year. Leads 2 Trade saw a 29% increase in customer interest and a 41% increase in the number of appointments booked for their installers in the same period.

Andy Royle, co-founder and director of the Stockport-based company, commented: “Consumer interest is still high despite the cost-of-living crisis, and these results should give installers confidence.

“Both a 29% increase in turning customer enquiries into business and a 41% increase in appointments arranged for our members means that it’s far from doom and gloom. With windows and doors being vulnerable places for heat to escape, homeowners have understandably been looking at upgrading them to help keep their energy bills down.

“Installers are not getting as many leads from their self-generating efforts and with order and quote books drying up we are seeing more installers joining our network.”

Leads 2 Trade has been connecting homeowners looking to replace their

windows or doors with trusted double glazing installers in their local area from its Trusted Local Supplier network since 2006.

For consumers, all leads are double qualified from its websites by Leads 2 Trade’s in-house call centre, and for installers, the company’s guaranteed appointment, ‘no pitch no fee,’ leads mean installers only pay for the lead if they sit and pitch it so come with zero risk.

Andy added: “In terms of enquiries and leads double glazing has been very consistent and high-ticket items such as conservatory roofs haven’t really shown any signs of slowing down. We are not far off

seeing the pre-covid levels of 2019 which is hugely positive.

“That’s good news for installers and they must take advantage, particularly as 80% of our leads are now pre-booked appointments because it reduces no shows and is more cost effective, typically achieving a 1:3 conversion to sale with a cost of sale as low as 8%.”

For more information on joining Leads 2 Trade’s Trusted Network visit https://bit.ly/3EYFcna

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WHY MARKETING IS THE SECRET TO SUCCESS

Founder and Managing Director of leading full-service marketing agency Purplex, Andrew Scott, discusses why now is the perfect time for ambitious businesses to utilise marketing to tackle the current economic climate.

Over the past two years window companies have become accustomed to receiving an abundance of sales leads and record growth. Many companies even invested in their people and facilities to cope with the sudden rise in demand.

But with the cost-of-living crisis and current economic climate, it’s now going to be much tougher for some companies to generate a steady stream of leads and win new business.

Rather than taking drastic measures like cutting costs and battening down the hatches, companies should invest in raising their profile and building brand awareness to put themselves at the forefront of prospects and existing customers.

The good news is, for businesses who act now, they’ll be more likely to stay ahead, bounce back much sooner and grow faster than those who don’t.

ONE AGENCY, ONE FOCUS

More often than not, companies work with multiple agencies to deliver their marketing activity. As one agency focuses solely on PR, another would look at social media, while another would look at web design or digital marketing.

Although this approach may have worked in the past, the most effective method is creating one coherent marketing strategy that aligns each service to get the best results. This is because developing clear, consistent and integrated messaging which can be delivered across all marketing platforms is guaranteed to raise brand awareness and reach a wider audience.

Working with a full-service agency which brings together all key marketing disciplines under one roof is one of the best ways to achieve success. Results are faster, messages are consistent, and costs are reduced – plus, you’ll be working with just one expert team that will provide an exceptional service and always go the extra mile.

THE RIGHT TACTICS

When it comes to developing a marketing strategy, one size certainly doesn’t fit all. While most companies want to grow their brand and raise awareness of who they are and what they do, some are looking to improve customer engagement.

No matter the objective, the key is unleashing the marketing tools that deliver the best results.

For those companies looking to increase website traffic, drive engagement and boost leads, search engine optimisation, web design, pay per click advertising and social media are incredibly powerful tactics.

Whereas more traditional marketing methods like public relations, direct mail and video are fantastic for cutting through the noise in a predominantly digital world, helping to spread consistent messaging and reaching a wider audience.

Ultimately, whether a window company operates in the B2B or B2C sector, there’s a whole host of marketing techniques that can be utilised. The trick is understanding the winning combination to get the best results and generate the biggest impact.

Although this could be a daunting task for some, this comes as second nature to a full-service agency which will be on hand to offer guidance and, most importantly, develop a clear and cohesive marketing strategy designed to deliver results.

THE POWER OF PURPLEX

For those window companies not sure where to start with their own marketing strategy, Purplex is the perfect marketing partner of choice. With unprecedented industry

“Working with a full-service agency which brings together all key marketing disciplines under one roof is one of the best ways to achieve success. Results are faster, messages are consistent, and costs are reduced – plus, you’ll be working with just one expert team that will provide an exceptional service and always go the extra mile.”

Andrew Scott

knowledge and a team of marketing specialists, the leading full-service agency is one you can trust.

The team has over 18 years’ experience in the industry supporting hundreds of fenestration companies to develop an effective marketing strategy that boosts leads, increases brand awareness, and drives real growth.

If you have outgrown your current marketing agency and want to learn more about how Purplex can promote your business in the most effective way, visit: https://www.purplexmarketing.com/

ROCKDOOR AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION

The composite door manufacturer has quickly adapted to new building regulations.

Last June, the government set out a mandate of newly updated ‘approved documents’ for a number of English building regulations. One of the most recognisable documents to be updated was the upgrades made to ‘Part L – Conservation of fuel and power’, prompting Rockdoor to swiftly alter some of their manufacturing processes. ‘Conservation of fuel and power’ refers to the government’s plan to reduce all new build carbon emissions by around 30% compared to the 2013 Part L standards. To achieve this, details such as improving the expected U-values and Door Set Energy Ratings (DSERs) of entrance doors was required.

Rockdoor are well known for already offering the most thermally efficient composite

door on the UK market, however, small upgrades such as replacing a double-glazed unit with a triple-glazed unit or altering the threshold to meet the new required standards was implemented by the manufacturer.

Whereas numerous composite door manufacturers have been given an extra 12 months to meet the new U-value and DSER requirements by altering their manufacturing processes, Rockdoor quickly managed to reach the new requirements by the time the June 15th deadline hit, earlier this year.

Joint MD, Simon Bird is delighted with how Rockdoor responded to the changes, and provided the continued rollout of doors, since the update to the Part L approved document: “When we heard about the new required changes to Part L, we had to act as quickly and as efficiently as possible, in order to continue to deliver the

product that our customers have come to know over the last quarter of a century, without changing how we go about things too much. Adaptation, however, in this industry is crucial, with changes in consumer habits, governmental requirements and shifts in the market all contributing to the way in which we progress with the continued development of Rockdoor.

The composite door manufacturer currently offers A-C rated doors as standard, offering incredible thermal performance matched with unrivalled security across a range of traditional and contemporary door styles.

AVANTAL VOTED AS NEW PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

The ultra-modern Avantal door from Endurance Doors has been voted as new product of the year in the 2022 National Fenestration Awards (NFA’s).

In 2022 there were 2,128 nominations in the NFA’s with 29,060 votes cast across 33 categories. In a year in when there were a number of notable product launches, this achievement for Endurance Doors represents the importance the new ultramodern door will have in the composite door sector.

Avantal is based on the proven Endurance solid timber architecture and features a range of premium smooth foils to the exterior and a new satin white internal face and edge banding. Hardware is specified through a 3-Star ABS cylinder as standard, along with door ironmongery from Coastal with their Blu collection.

With a demand for higher quality, consumers are increasingly turning to Endurance Doors for the ultimate solid timber entrance door, and to the Avantal product for something a little more luxurious. There’s also a new Avantal brochure which has just been launched in response to customer demand.

Stephen Nadin was delighted with the accolade and commented: ‘It’s not the first time that we’ve won an award at the National Fenestration Awards, yet this feels a little more special given the research and development that has gone into this new door. Showroom samples are being installed by the week and it’s proven to be a focal point for many consumers demanding the best front door.’

For further information on the Endurance Solid and Secure composite door range including the ultra-modern 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 follow us on Twitter @EnduranceDoors.

Independent hardware distributor Carl F Groupco has reported a 45% increase in demand for trickle vents following the amendments to Part F of Building Regulations in June.

John Crittenden, Managing Director of the company, said: “We’re not surprised to be reporting these increased sales figures because they mean the requirements of the new Part F of Building Regulations are bedding in. The changes mean that trickle vents are by far the most cost-effective way to achieve compliance with the ventilation requirements, so we always predicted a sharp increase in demand.”

Carl F Groupco’s customers are benefiting from the company’s

commitment to maintaining enhanced stock levels across its ranges. It holds stocks of trickle vents from some of the top brands including Glazpart, Greenwood, RW Simon and Yale.

John commented: “It’s important to stress that trickle vents are the most cost-effective way of meeting the new Part F requirement, which is mandatory. Whether it is a home extension, new build or replacement windows, the majority of installations will need to be fitted with trickle vents. By holding strong stock levels across multiple providers, we are making it as easy as possible for customers to comply with the regulations.”

Carl F Groupco is one of the industry’s longest-

established names in hardware distribution.

It supplies an extensive range of premium quality window and door hardware and has longstanding relationships with Europe’s most innovative manufacturers.

It operates nationally, including to the Scottish Highlands and offshore islands, from distribution centres in Peterborough and Cumbernauld.

The company is renowned for its proactive approach that adds value to its customers’ businesses.

It took the lead in raising awareness of the requirements of the new Part F legislation and continues to support its customers by holding strong stocks of Part F-compliant products.

John concludes: “The industry has taken some time to adjust to the changes of Part F of the Building Regulations, but as our increase in trickle vent sales confirms, the changes are now bedding in well.”

Tel: 01733 393 330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk

A popular returning employee is set to drive excellence and innovation as Cotswold’s Technical Manager.

Hardware expert Steve Lewis previously served in the role for 5 years, during which time he played an integral role in new product development, tailoring existing products for new markets, and supporting the company’s sales and technical teams in India.

Now, he’ll once again be taking the lead in providing technical support to Cotswold customers, delivering internal and external product training, and designing the bespoke solutions that will help Cotswold clients grow.

“Steve doesn’t just have an incredible grasp of the technical side of our products - he also excels at the front-end,” comments Managing Director Tim Ferkin.

STAINLESS

GROWTH FROM TOTAL

Nationwide hardware supplier, Total Hardware has confirmed a 21.94% year-on-year growth for their Superior 25 stainless steel door hardware range.

For Chris Pell, General Manager at Total Hardware, there are numerous reasons why fabricators and installers have turned towards stainless steel door hardware, not least of which is the products’ durability and protection against product corrosion.

Chris said: “When it comes to product durability and strong aesthetic appeal, our Superior 25 stainless steel door hardware range continues to deliver. We’ve seen sustained year-on-year growth from customers who have decided to switch to stainless steel hardware as standard or offer an upsell on their products, especially from customers working in the premium end of the domestic market. With the continued demand for high-end door products, fitting Superior 25 door hardware makes perfect sense as the hardware offers both long service life and functionality”.

But it’s not just the domestic sector that is seeing the benefits of fitting stainless steel door hardware. Chris said: “For customers working in the commercial markets, stainless steel hardware should always be the default solution as it guarantees fewer call-backs or costly remedial visits, which is important to protect an installer’s bottom line and business reputation. And with a 25-year surface finish guarantee and 10-year mechanical guarantee as standard, installers can fit with absolute confidence.”

The Superior 25 stainless steel door hardware range includes letterplates, LBP lever/pad door handles, LBP lever/lever door handles, slimline pull escutcheon, pull bars, urn knockers and stainless-steel letters and numerals all delivering a suited range of door hardware for high-quality, coordinated aesthetics.

COTSWOLD TECHNICAL SALES

“Tailoring the perfect product starts with getting to know the customer and their business, and that’s where Steve’s in his element.

“I’m delighted he’s returned to Cotswold as we embark on an exciting new phase in our history.”

Steve Lewis comments: “It’s great to be coming back to Cotswold. We’ve got a fantastic team of people behind us, and I’m really looking forward to getting back out and supporting our incredible customers.”

In July 2022, Cotswold Architectural Products separated from Caldwell Hardware, following the decision by their owners to sell the Caldwell side of the business.

Cotswold is now the largest independent friction stay manufacturer in Europe, and the only business of its kind to totally own its supply chain.

Manufactured from 304 Grade stainless steel, Superior 25 door hardware is suitable for all door projects, including doors situated in demanding environments and projects with a high-end focus on enduring quality.

The Superior 25 door hardware range offers sleek, elegant aesthetics and is available in six finishes, White, Black, Chrome, Gold, Brushed Stainless and Flint, which works across contemporary and traditional door designs.

Total Hardware is a leading hardware supplier to the replacement window and door market. The company offers a comprehensive range of products from many industry-leading brands in addition to their own exclusive brands of premium hardware, Quantum, Duration, Guardian, Quad Lock and Superior 25.

The Leeds-based business has a laserfocussed commitment to delivering a strong customer service with a quick turnaround on all quotations and reliable next-day nationwide deliveries.

Chris concluded: “As these latest sales figures show, we are well on track to becoming the go-to hardware supplier of choice. This is testament to our compelling hardware offer supported by a strong and robust product portfolio.”

Tel: 0113 243 2255

www.totalhardwareltd.co.uk

Independent hardware supplier Carl F Groupco has confirmed it is continuing to hold enhanced stock levels to support its growing customer base. Managing Director John Crittenden said: “Despite market conditions, we are continuing to hold strong stock levels at £5 million to support the market and remain a reliable partner to our customers during these turbulent times. Our investment in stock inventory at our Peterborough and Cumbernauld distribution centres allows us to offer short lead times and a high level of customer service.”

Carl F Groupco increased its stock levels from £3.5 million to £5.5 million during the pandemic surge and recently made the decision to continue to hold elevated levels.

John commented: “There is no doubt supply chain turbulence has settled down since the worst days of the pandemic. However, the world is now facing a whole new set of challenges and economic pressures so we felt it was only right to use our scale to hold higher stock levels and protect our customers.”

The decision to maintain higher levels of inventory reflects Carl F Groupco’s proactive approach to its customers. It provides an extensive range of premium quality window and door hardware and has long-standing relationships with Europe’s most innovative manufacturers.

The company also offers a value-added consultancy service, testing and working

with its customers’ fabrication teams and manufacturer partners to scope new hardware solutions and ensure smooth transitions to new ranges.

For ease of ordering and an improved customer experience, the company recently launched My CFG, an online digital platform. John said: “My CFG is an easy-to-navigate platform which works across desktop and mobile devices and features several key functions including online ordering, quotation requests and live account facilities. This brings huge benefits to our customers as it gives them 24/7 access to all business functions helping them to be more productive and efficient.”

The company also supported – and continues to support – customers and the wider supply chain through the changes to Building Regulations earlier in the year.

For these reasons and more, Carl F Groupco has a decades-long track record, which gives it a longevity few can match.

In turbulent times, it makes sense to seek stability wherever you can. When it comes to hardware supply, that stability is available with Carl F Groupco.

Tel: 01733 393 330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk

Mighton has launched a full suite of Avia smart home security products, building on the success of the company’s ground-breaking Avia smart door lock with a premium, fully integrated and retrofittable package of solutions that have all been designed to work seamlessly with Apple’s HomeKit security ecosystem – widely acknowledged to be the most secure platform available.

The Avia smart door lock, which was introduced to the market in 2019, raised the bar for smart security products. Combining the best of mechanical and smart technology, it was the first smart lock to meet the criteria for Sold Secure SS301 Silver approval, and the first to achieve the Government’s Code of Practice for consumer Internet of Things (IoT) security.

The new family of Avia smart products includes the original smart lock plus an ‘intelligent’ casement window handle, sash fastener and a window and door sensor that allow users to tell, at a glance via their Apple devices, the status of their windows or doors.

The casement handle is available in a range of finishes and can replace existing handles in a matter of minutes, with no specialist tools required. The Avia window handle, sash fastener and window and door sensor are all battery operated, easy to install, and easy to set up using Bluetooth

Leading hardware supplier Kenrick has recruited its fourth apprentice into the business in a bid to help address the industry’s skills shortage and encourage more people into a career in fenestration.

17-year old Violeta Marcu has joined the West Bromwich headquartered hardware supplier as part of her Level 3 qualification in Business Administration with Wolverhampton-based training provider Nova Training. And the senior management team has been so impressed with her that it plans to offer her a permanent role after she has completed her apprenticeship in February next year.

In her varied role, Violeta is responsible for managing Kenrick orders, looking after customers and co-ordinating the transport of goods. She also works closely alongside the product development and health and safety teams within the business.

Violeta says: “I felt so welcome as soon as I joined Kenrick – everybody here is valued and the environment and work ethic is terrific. I enjoy every day at Kenrick –there is a lot of variety in my role and I am constantly learning new skills and picking up useful product knowledge. The vast majority of our customers are delighted with our service, which is not only a credit to the team, but it allows me to broaden my experience beyond customer service into other departments at Kenrick.”

Steve Jones, Kenrick’s managing director, added: “The skills shortage is an ongoing issue for the window industry, especially with obstacles like Covid-19, the war in Ukraine and the rising cost of living proving challenging.

“At Kenrick, we’re proud to have a highly skilled and experienced team, but we want to inspire the next generation into an exciting industry – and one that can give them a great start to their careers. Violeta has already proved to be a really valuable addition to our team and we hope that she will have a long and fulfilling career at Kenrick.”

Kenrick is a forward-thinking company and is keen to hear from talented people who want to join the team. Find out more by emailing sales@kenricks.co.uk.

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

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

LE technology with an LED indicator that confirms pairing and operation.

The Avia range also includes a smart socket that can be used in conjunction with Apple Home Automation to give complete control of household appliances; and a high tech, motion sensor PIR camera that can detect movement up to 10m away. Featuring a powerful LED light that illuminates when a person is detected, as well as an audible alert, it can operate for more than a year on battery power or indefinitely with an optional mini solar panel.

Mighton’s Chairman, Mike Derham, commented: “Smart home security products continue to grow in popularity but

in order to take full advantage of the demand, it’s vital that fabricators and installers can demonstrate solutions that are genuinely secure and not just a gimmick, in order to give homeowners ultimate peace of mind.

“With Avia, they are able to do just that. The Avia smart lock benefits from the class leading security that Apple’s iOS operating system provides, backed up by robust, mechanical hardware.

“We’ve applied the same ethos to our new family of Avia smart security products, which have been subjected to rigorous security testing so that they are also compatible with Apple’s HomeKit,” he continued. “The result is a market leading security package that will work seamlessly with any Apple device, delivering a familiar, high end user experience.”

Mighton’s new suite of Avia smart security products, which are available to buy now, are BSI Kitemarked, Secured by Design (SBD) certified and can be presented to homeowners as a complete package or sold individually. Also, unlike some competitor systems, Avia products do not require a subscription.

For more information and product details, visit: www.aviasmart.com.

UAP LAUNCHES NEW KEY WIND LOCK FOR PULL HANDLES

UAP, the specialist in locks and hardware for doors and windows, has launched a new key wind lock, designed specifically for doors with fixed handles such as pull handles.

Suitable for composite and timber doors, the Fullex Key Wind lock uses a key or thumb turn to engage and retract the bolts and latch. Once the door is closed, the latch can’t be operated without the key.

Julian Roberts, Technical Services Director at UAP said: “The Fullex Key Wind Lock is ideal for use with pull handles on the doors of residential properties, enabling homeowners to benefit from security, reliability, and functionality.

“If, for example, an intruder tried to open the door just after someone had entered the house with their shopping, they wouldn’t be able to get in as the latch would hold the door shut.

“A further benefit is the lock’s simplicity. Other key wind locks on the market require the key to be turned between 360 and 720 degrees. The Fullex Key Wind Lock enables the user to enter the door swiftly and easily.

To operate the lock, it takes half a turn to withdraw the bolts, is then returned to original position, then turned again to retract the latch.

In addition, we have developed a matching escutcheon, providing the option of a full, cost-effective system, including a pull handle, Key Wind Lock,

high security escutcheon and 1 Star cylinder.

The design of the Fullex Key Wind Lock is based on the Fullex Crimebeater lock, which is engineered to provide long-term reliability and security. Widely specified, Fullex Crimebeater has been fitted to hundreds of thousands of doors in the UK.

www.uapcorporate.com/

GET A GRIP ON TILT/SLIDE PATIO DOORS

Hardware manufacturer, VBH, has recently introduced a new greenteQ handle set range for tilt/slide patio doors.

Tilt/Slide patio doors continue to be a popular option for patio doors. Their ability to offer a large opening when in the Slide mode or controlled ventilation in the Tilt position makes them a popular alternative to standard inline sliding patio doors. Many people prefer the fact that they offer locking points around the whole door sash.

The new BGT10 handle sets are taken from VBH’s Continental greenteQ product range and, as such, are available in the finishes most popular in Europe. These are white, brown, F1 silver anodised, F4 bronze anodised, and F9 dark silver anodised.

There are Standard and Slim variants available. The Standard external lever stands off the door face by 51mm, while the Slim outer handle stands off by just 24mm, allowing it to pass the fixed mullion as the door slides open.

Rather than supply the handles in a set, VBH supply BTG10 as separate inner and outer halves. This ordering format allows fabricators to choose a Slim or Standard outer, as well as opting for different internal and external colours for bi-colour doors, cutting down waste and reducing cost.

THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL FOR DOOR HARDWARE

Leading independent hardware distributors, Carl F Groupco has reported an increase in demand across its highquality door hardware ranges suitable for use on aluminium doors. But for fabricators looking to offer aluminium doors with style, aesthetics and highquality specifications, John Crittenden, Managing Director at Carl F Groupco says the devil is in the detail.

He said: ”Aluminium has become the go-to material for door products as they deliver high-end aesthetics and long-lasting functionality that the market demands. But high-end aluminium doors need quality hardware to complete the picture. If you think about an aluminium door, the hardware is the function that end users will engage with daily, so exceptional quality and user experience are essential. It’s why we’re increasingly finding that aluminium fabricators and system houses are seeking next-level hardware as part of high specification installations.”

For such projects, FUHR, the renowned manufacturer of high-quality multipoint locking systems has become a popular choice.

The FUHR autosafe 833 Slam Shut Door Lock is a reliable multipoint locking device that has automatic locking functionality. It’s opened with a key on the outside and a handle on the inside. It protects a property from unauthorised access from the moment the door is closed as the latches turn into solid latch deadbolts upon closure.

The next two popular door hardware solutions available from Carl F Groupco are part of the SmartSecure range, which offers electronic multipoint door locking systems and smart access control technology that ensure functionality, durability and security – and pave the way to modern, stress-free living.

The SmartSecure FUHR autotronic 834 Automatic Door Lock is a practical hybrid

solution that combines the convenience of an automatic lock and the advanced functionality of an electromechanical lock. The door locks automatically as it’s closed. It can be opened manually with a key or with any of FUHR’s access control systems. These include

SmartConnect, an easy access control system that allows users to open doors with a smart phone or tablet. There’s SmartTouch comfort, which uses an active transponder and keyless unlocking by simply touching a sensor on the door or pull handle. There are also FUHR Radio Access Control Options, which include a radio fingerprint scanner, a radio keypad and a radio transponder.

The ultimate solution is the FUHR 881 multitronic door lock kit. With this system, the door is opened electronically using any FUHR keyless access control system.

Of course, the products at this premium end of the market are just a small selection

Gary Gleeson, Marketing Manager at VBH, says, “the greenteQ brand is very strong within the patio door sector. Although tilt/ slide doors are not in the same sales volume bracket as bi-folds, lift/slides or inline sliders, there is still a healthy market for them, and we sell a lot of tilt/slide hardware. We’re very pleased to have been able to introduce one of our German handle ranges into our UK product portfolio to give fabricators here a greenteQ option.

“VBH was recently named as Hardware Company of the Year again at the National Fenestration Awards. Perhaps it’s our constant quest to provide our customers with new product options that prompts them to nominate and vote for us when awards-time comes around each year.”

VBH can be contacted on 01634 263263, by email at sales@vbhgb.com, or send them a Tweet @vbhgb.

of what the company offers. As one of the only independently-owned hardware distributors, combined with long-standing relationships with Europe’s most innovative manufacturers, Carl F Groupco has the flexibility and competence to ensure their range always supports market trends.

Tel: 01733 393 330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk

MIGHTON’S AVIA SECURE SMART CASEMENT HANDLE AWARDED SBD APPROVAL

Mighton has announced that its Avia Secure smart casement handle has achieved Secured by Design (SBD) approval, the official police preferred specification that’s designed to demonstrate a recognised standard for security products that can deter and reduce crime.

The SBD accreditation follows recent PAS24 testing and approval for the ‘intelligent’ Avia casement handle, which is designed to notify homeowners of the status of their windows by sending alerts to Apple devices or via the Apple HomeKit platform.

The SBD approval underlines the enviable security credentials of the Avia Secure family of smart home products, a range that combines class leading smart technology with proven, traditional mechanical solutions for ultimate peace of mind.

The Avia Secure range includes door, window and PIR sensors, a sash window fastener and smart socket which - like the casement handle - have also achieved the government recognised BSI Internet of Things (IoT) security standard. The comprehensive range includes the Avia smart door lock too, which has passed rigorous testing to be awarded both Sold Secure SS301 Silver approval and ETSI accreditation.

Mighton’s Chairman, Mike Derham, commented:

“Smart products in the home have become part of our everyday lives – many of us will not think twice about using a mobile phone or tablet to adjust the heating, lighting or to operate home entertainment systems.

“But when it comes to security, it’s a different story. Homeowners want the assurance that they are using the best technology available, which is why we have designed all our Avia devices to work seamlessly with Apple’s iOS operating system and HomeKit platform.

“But they also want the peace of mind that the security products for their windows and doors are robust enough to withstand traditional attacks and can still function properly in a worst case scenario,” he added.

“We set the standard for smart and mechanical security with the introduction of our original Avia smart door lock and we’re now delivering that same level of confidence with the Avia Secure casement handle now that it has passed PAS24 testing and achieved SBD accreditation.”

All products in Mighton’s Avia Secure range are retrofittable. The casement handle, sash fastener and window & doors sensor have been designed for ease of installation, and are all battery operated. The Avia casement handle, which

“We set the standard for smart and mechanical security with the introduction of our original Avia smart door lock and we’re now delivering that same level of confidence with the Avia Secure casement handle now that it has passed PAS24 testing and achieved SBD accreditation.”

is available in a range of finishes, can be retrofitted in just a matter of minutes. Easily paired to Apple devices with Bluetooth LE technology, they allow users to check, remotely and at a glance, whether windows or doors are open or shut.

The Avia secure range smart socket, which is compatible with Apple Home Automation, performs as a high-tech motion sensor. Battery powered and available with an optional mini solar panel, the motion sensor can detect potential intruders from up to 10m away, illuminating them with a powerful LED light or sounding an audible alert.

All products are available to buy now, separately or as a complete package, and unlike other smart home security systems on the market, do not require a subscription.

For full detail on Mighton’s Avia Secure range, visit: www.aviasmart.com/

GLAZING SUMMIT 2022 THOUGHTS FROM GARETH JONES, MANAGING DIRECTOR, SOLAR FABRICATIONS HOLDINGS LTD

“People like to get together in uncertain times, to exchange thoughts and gain confidence from each other, so the 2022 Glazing Summit came at exactly the right time. All credit to Andrew Scott and the Purplex team who organised a superb event with excellent speakers and panellists. We might not have got much in the way of lively debate, and audience interaction was on the tepid side but, in fairness, consensus seemed to be the overriding theme for the day.

Of the issues discussed, the challenge presented by the current labour shortage was probably of the greatest concern with the double whammy of the post-Brexit exodus and, the bigger factor, the legacy of the Covid pandemic, which changed our attitudes to life and work. We are all very aware of the potential impact on the industry caused either because those who left during Covid, have not returned or, as our ageing workforce retires, a skills vacuum remains. It was widely agreed that the industry does not do enough to showcase itself to school leavers, or those we could attract in from other sectors.

Rising prices was the other stress factor, mainly as a result of spiralling energy costs. Even though prices aren’t increasing as much as they were 10 or 12 months ago, they are still coming frequently enough. And, finally, the industry is still struggling with the new building standards as discussed by an exasperated panel, chaired by Chris Champion. This really highlights the value of companies joining

trade associations such as the GGF, ACDM, BWF and CAB that offer the opportunity to feedback during the consultation phase of building regulations amendments.

What were my two main ‘takes’ from the Summit? Cautious optimism, tinged with realism. Firstly, it seems that the majority of people attending hadn’t experienced too much of a slowdown, there wasn’t the doom and gloom you might have anticipated. Secondly, the economic outlook as explained by keynote William Hobbs from Barclays Bank, was also surprisingly upbeat and, if he’s correct, fairly encouraging. He reported that the recession is likely to be short lived and that interest rates won’t spiral…but, in saying that, he also caveated it with the threat of the global uncertainty of energy prices and social instability. Perhaps he was being overly optimistic, given the Bank of England’s subsequent statement in early November.

Both the conference and the dinner provided good networking opportunities, with suppliers, fabricators and systems houses all represented. Kriss Akabusi gave a rousing performance for the after-dinner keynote and, as with all the speakers, it was good to have purpose behind it. It is our job to go away, dissect the message and apply it to our personal circumstances. So, who will Purplex deliver for us next year? I hear Liz Truss could be going cheap, if she struggles on her MP wage and PDC Allowance.”

“Both the conference and the dinner provided good networking opportunities, with suppliers, fabricators and systems houses all represented.”

Dear Editor,

RetrofitWorks

is proud to have been contributors to the insightful Cheaper Bills, Warmer Homes Strategy which was launched last month at Portcullis House.

It’s an independent plan from a crosssector group of UK industry experts including professionals, thought leaders, charities, private sector institutions, local authorities, analysts, academics and policy makers.

The plan offers a bold and transformative ten-year programme to retrofit the UK’s homes to:

• Tackle the long-term causes of the costof-living crisis

• Bring economic prosperity

• Improve quality of life

• Address climate change

WHAT THE PLAN MEANS FOR MOST HOUSEHOLDS

Call it future-fit, upgrading, improving, refurbishing, all of these terms are about retrofitting to improve a home’s energy efficiency performance, which when carried out in the steps recommended by the Cheaper Bills, Warmer Homes Plan, will result in:

Money in a household’s pocket offering a saving for the average household of at least £779 per year every year for decades to come. Significantly, the most at-risk households will benefit from the biggest savings of up to £4,464 per year

No household will have to pay from their own pocket. Instead, measures are funded through a mix of repayments from energy savings and grants for lower income households

Every home will be fit for the future: efficient, comfortable, healthy, safe, convenient and eco-friendly, achieved through a whole house upgrade consisting better heating systems, solar panels, and smart technologies with minimal disruption.

Local delivery for local benefit: the plan is made easy and accessible to all through future-fit one-stop-shops nationwide

Revitalise local economies and communities driving an average of £671million investment into each local authority area, managed and delivered by local people, creating 500,000 high quality local jobs.

In the words of the UN Climate Change cop27, the planet is ‘sending us a distress signal’. We can no longer afford for this distress signal to fall on deaf ears.

Tony Beer, Managing Director, RetrofitWorks

DANNY WILLIAMS ‘COLD CALLING’

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

Whoa! Now don’t go thinking that I am one of these modern, ‘woke’ business owners TA; my reputation as a hard arsed tough-bloke-to-do-business-with will go right down the toilet. But I am interested in mental health and am concerned about how it is only painfully and reluctantly dealt with.

Mental health problems have always been with us, but they are at last being recognised. But having said that, I believe that modern society and its pressures are contributory factors in an increase in mental health problems as well as being communicated better.

How do I deal with it in my own business? Not well is the honest answer, beyond being aware of the problem and potential for my people, as well as any other part of society, to be afflicted. My management style tends to veer towards that of Genghis Khan TA. Although I have yet to behead anyone with a butter knife or roast them alive over a barbeque, I have been known to get a bit shouty and cross if somebody doesn’t use their loaf in any given situation. An example of this took place last winter when one of my drivers decided that he would take the short cut back to the factory through a route that included a ford, even though there had been monumental rainfall in the previous days.

Predictably, the van go stuck in the deep and fast flowing water and, after towing the

vehicle from the torrent with a Land Rover, I made the twerp walk back to the factory, a journey of around three miles. Well, he’d have been a lot worse off if he’d been in the car with me…

On the other hand, what we have at Pioneer is, I believe, a decent team spirit at all levels, probably the best bunch of people that we have ever had. Stupidity apart, I like to develop, encourage and reward enterprise, commitment and hard work and within that, there is a reliance upon one another. We also care about each other. If something appears to be not-quite-right about a colleague, we ask. And within that I like to think that not only will we spot if someone has a more serious problem, then we will act upon it.

I also believe that teamwork is the best way of dealing with skivers, who on the rare occasion anyone tries it at our place, now seem to have adopted ‘mental health’ instead of ‘bad back’, the previous favourite as the ailment of choice. Whilst I am sympathetic to any genuine health problem (yes I am!) mind and back are equally invisible and difficult to counter, but with the additional problem that false claims undermine the genuine cases. But that is the lot of the business owner….

In terms of the cause of a worsening of mental health in society generally, as you might imagine from our short but (you may have felt) intense encounter at Edgbaston in October, I have a view that the pressure to conform in all areas of society, has never been more powerful, adding further pressures over those we all meet on a daily basis.

There has never been more opportunity to communicate with each other, including strangers. But this ‘ultimate’ means of

communicating with each other also creates pressures to conform, to follow certain lines of behaviour which are then contradicted by other, ‘louder’ views, about what we should own, how we should dress, what we should or should not eat; we must have the latest phone, a new electric car, we can’t say this, we must look like that, and our lives must look perfect on social media platforms… for many it’s all too much. Even those of us that boast about not being swayed by social media, obviously are.

In danger of sounding like a radical leftie tree hugger, on the other hand I believe that society moves constantly towards restricting us: don’t get angry even of the service is poor (and it seems to get worse, whatever your problem), don’t protest, conform to this, to that, put up with so much rubbish and poor service from those that control the must-haves in our lives such as power companies, local authorities….

Social media is also good for our society… the positive attitude to mental health, the eradication of racism, anti-social behaviour….but the pressure to decipher what is genuine and what is fake news, is increasingly difficult. And for many, it builds to information overload.

I do my best to say what I like (and do so, through this column, for one), I do what I like generally within the bounds of the law and accepted morality; I don’t live on social media, I don’t worry about fashion (yeah go on, give it your best shot) and I don’t need the latest gadgets.

And most important of all, I understand what or who upsets me so I avoid it, or them. But our conversation, TA, was most pleasant and I was delighted to receive your letter. I was, really.

* 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.

“Great to meet you at the Glazing Summit in October. You did say to write in but at the risk of offending I was surprised to learn that you had embraced the broader issues of mental health, especially after reading some of your harder edged views. How do you deal with the issue in your own business?”

TA Staffordshire

Tony Beer

SHELFORCE WINS YET ANOTHER AWARD

Leading Birmingham window and door manufacturer Shelforce has scooped yet another award after being voted Diversity Champion at this year’s Scale-Up Awards 2022.

Celebrating high-growth companies and the entrepreneurs running them, the ScaleUp Awards are the first and only awards focusing on the scale-up sector.

Shelforce, which specialises in providing high-quality PVCu and aluminium products to local authority building projects and works closely with Birmingham City Council, impressed the judges with its inclusive approach to training and employment, with 75% of its workforce having a disability.

It’s just the latest in a long line of awards the Erdington-based company has picked up in the last 18 months and it will sit alongside the likes of the 2021 Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) Business of the Year, the 2021 Asian Business Chamber Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion, and the 2021 British Chamber of Business Awards Equality Trailblazer for the West Midlands.

Shelforce beat strong competition from six other companies and a delighted Howard Trotter, the company’s Business Manager, said: “It’s absolutely brilliant to win Diversity Champion at this year’s ScaleUp Awards. It’s a great reward for the initiatives we have in place for staff and the leadership and management team, and it was a wonderful evening.

“We have created a hugely supportive work environment that both inspires and benefits our team, and this has created exceptional staff satisfaction, development and increased employee engagement with Shelforce’s values and goals.”

The prestigious event, held at London’s acclaimed Tobacco Dock and hosted by comedian Russell Kane, attracted 450 business leaders, entrepreneurs and VIPs from across the nation.

Attendees included the likes of Theo Paphitis, Touker Suleyman, Alpesh Patel OBE, Josh Robson and Emma Sayle.

Brought to you by Business Leader Magazine, more than 500 businesses and entrepreneurs entered this year’s awards and Oli Ballard, Director at Scale-Up Awards, commented: “We were so excited to crown these incredible businesses that are shaping their respective industries and the UK economy, and I’d like to congratulate Shelforce.”

To find out more about Shelforce, call 0121 603 5262 or visit www.shelforce.com.

NFA SUCCESS FOR VBH

VBH, the company behind the popular greenteQ hardware brand, has been successful at the 2022 National Fenestration Awards, picking up wins in two categories.

The presentation event was held at Doncaster Racecourse on 5th November, where 20 members of the VBH team joined hundreds of other industry hopefuls.

Following a full card of racing, lunch, afternoon tea and entertainment, the serious business of the awards began. VBH emerged victorious in the Hardware Company of the Year and Digital Marketing Campaign categories.

VBH Marketing Manager Gary Gleeson says, “The team here have been looking forward to the NFAs since we were short-

listed in May. We travelled from all points of the GB compass to enjoy the day and were over the moon to win two awards, including that for Hardware Company.

“Hardware supply is, of course, what VBH is all about, so we were particularly pleased to win this one. It was nice to celebrate a win or two on the horses while we were here, too!”

The Digital Marketing award was in recognition of the work done by VBH to promote the greenteQ Q-Smart electronic door handle.

NFA awards are decided by votes from all sections of the industry, including fabricators and installers.

Gary concludes, “VBH have been named Hardware Company of the Year three times

KOLORSEAL WINS NFA FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

The celebrations at Kolorseal Ltd have been the highlight of a very positive year for the team, with the 4th consecutive victory as NFA Colour Specialist. As a niche company, providing bespoke colour coating services to the fenestration sector #NFA22 win, reflects the high quality standards associated with the firm.

The #NFA22 Independent Industry Awards have gained recognition across the fenestration sector as an accolade that promotes and reflects the highest standards.

The gala event held at Doncaster races on Saturday 5th November, was the largest of its kind with a champagne reception, NFA22 trophy presentations, followed by a full day of celebrations that included the last flat race of the season, an evening of live entertainment and a 7 course dinner.

Deborah Hendry, Managing Director, takes great pride in celebrating this achievement which she considers is very much a team effort. The awards, recognised for requiring both nomination and voting by industry peers, she believes demonstrate the highest acknowledge from the sector.

As such, with the National Fenestration Awards being industry led, this win reflects the high standards and the unequalled reputation of Kolorseal, in a fair and open way.

Deborah comments, “This has to be the best award to win - one where we are voted for by our customers and suppliers. It is something we never take for granted and for the Kolorseal team it demonstrates that their commitment to the company does not go unnoticed.

The NFA award is a great recognition that boosts morale and demonstrates to the industry as a whole that we can help them with their own businesses.

All of us really appreciate every single vote that has been given to us this year, particularly given the very tough competition.”

The company is recognised by customers for helping to support their business with quality colour coated products. Advice is offered on the Kolorseal website to give ideas and trends on colour options that will help fabricators and installers to offer more to their own customers.

Equally, for commercial contracts where architects and specifiers look to create a striking appearance to both contemporary and traditional building projects, the Kolorseal colour palettes offer a complete choice in both UPVC and aluminium products.

For Deborah Hendry, the NFA Colour Specialist of the Year Award is a wonderful achievement. She comments,“In a very tough market we are so proud and deeply humbled to have won this year. No doubt our success story can be attributed not just to the quality standards we provide but also the drive and commitment of the whole team.”

For more information on Kolorseal Ltd please visit www.kolorseal.co.uk or to discuss a project, please call 01924 454856.

since 2019. This is particular pleasing as it’s a vote for everything that all members of our team do, right across the company, to provide the industry with the best products and the best service.”

VBH can be contacted on 01634 263263, by email at sales@vbhgb.com, or send them a Tweet @vbhgb.

PROUND WINNER: Howard Trotter, Shelforce’s Business Manager on stage with his award flanked by Russell Kane (left) and Dan Barber, judge and Director of Brand Strategy of ClearCourse

AN AWARDS EVENT TO REMEMBER

The National Fenestration Awards winners event was held last month on Saturday 5th November, and yes, it went off with a bang!

Guests were welcomed into the Hilton Garden Suite at Doncaster Racecourse. The day boasted a full race card, the racing

was particularly exciting because of the heavy ground on the day producing some unexpected winners. The food presented included ham hock, lamb rump and warm spiced yorkshire parkin. That wasn’t the most exciting thing about lunch though, to their guests’ surprise, singing waiters from Surprise Shows had a little something up their sleeve!

When Jason the “waiter” explained that a member of the wait staff was leaving that

day, he wanted him to do a speech. Carl nervously took to the mic and struggled with the PA system providing some earpiercing screeches on the speakers. The guests were a little curious and felt sorry for Carl but what they didn’t know was what was about to happen…

Carl and Jason burst into song with a number called “The Greatest Show” from the feature film, and immediately guests were both shocked and thrilled. What

followed was a show stopping performance with lots of audience participation, songs including Sweet Caroline and Daydream Believer. A never-ending conga was also parading around the room and the waiters also picked out a boyband tribute act from members of our excited audience.

This certainly was dinner and a show!

As racing ended a delicious selection of sandwiches and cakes were served at

afternoon tea as attendees awaited the awards presentation to begin.

Presenter Lee Phelps, experienced sports editor, radio presenter and producer then arrived to announce our winners, the atmosphere was electric as guests waited to see if they had been crowned 2022 champions.

Winners made their way to the stage area gathering great applause from the 300 strong crowd.

They were then congratulated by Lee and Sarah, from FENEX, collected their fully engraved glass trophy and certificate and had a celebratory photo taken on stage. They then walked to the ‘NFA winners enclosure’ for another great photo opportunity! 2022 NFA winners badges, available for the whole team, were also collected throughout the night.

33 trophies were then given out along with two extra surprise awards recognising multiple award wins and a lifetime in fenestration.

This year new categories were added to the campaign including Window Component, Director of the year and Conservatory Product. Winners included Morley Glass and Glazing, Stuga Machinery and the Endurance Avantal door. A full list of winners, photographs and a video, can be found on the 2022 winners page.

In the closest category - Young Person of the Year, the top 5 finalists were all given a trophy celebrating up and coming talent in the fenestration industry.

Congratulations to all winners!

Next it was time to celebrate as Helter Skelter played a perfect range of songs from Oasis to

The Beatles, it was great to see guests let their hair down on the dancefloor and all partied into the night.

Lee Clarke, Director of the NFA’s Said ”We certainly won’t forget this event in a hurry

and want to thank all who took time out to join us and say thank you to all our sponsors. It will be difficult to top our 2022

this space!”

event, but we will be brainstorming to see how we can make the 2023 event bigger and better as we celebrate our 10th anniversary.

Yes you heard that right, the NFAs were launched in 2013 and we are planning to mark the occasion significantly, so watch this space!”

The National Fenestration Awards would once again like to thank all who made the event possible including all sponsors, staff at the Hilton, videographer, photographer, singing waiters and Helter Skelter.

For more information about the National Fenestration Awards, for instance how you can become a sponsor, please head to our website.

”We certainly won’t forget this event in a hurry and want to thank all who took time out to join us and say thank you to all our sponsors. It will be difficult to top our 2022 event, but we will be brainstorming to see how we can make the 2023 event bigger and better as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. Yes you heard that right, the NFAs were launched in 2013 and we are planning to mark the occasion significantly, so watch

SPONSORED BY GQA AND BUILDING OUR SKILLS

NEW APPOINTMENTS

CAREERS

The Glazerite UK Group has further strengthened its IT department with the addition of Senior Software Product Developer, Andy Thompson. Andy worked for Glazerite for a number of years prior to re-joining the fabricator in the newly created role.

Paul Jagger, Glazerite’s Head of IT, says: “We’re delighted to welcome Andy back to Glazerite. He will be focused on driving through strategic changes in IT and will work closely with myself and Group MD, Rob

NEW APPOINTMENTS

Brearley, on developing our systems, alongside rolling out Group-wide projects.

“Andy has also been tasked with helping us to introduce new technologies to help underpin our ambitions for growth as a company and for our installer-partners.”

Andy joins Paul, IT Systems Administrator, Chris Cooper, and IT Apprentice, George Willdig in a burgeoning department being strengthened to improve the fabricator’s

internal infrastructure as well better support customers with nextgeneration software services.

Andy adds: “I’m delighted to be returning to Glazerite and joining the team. We’ve got lots of new ideas and technologies in the pipeline and I’m looking forward to embedding these for the benefit of the business, our employees, and our installers.” www.glazerite.co.uk

FOR NEXT

The GGF’s Skilled Pathways Scheme is one of the most comprehensive training schemes in the glazing industry and is already helping the next generation of glaziers build a solid foundation of knowledge and expertise. Trainees come away with a well-rounded overview of the member companies they’re partnered with, as well as the industry at large, ensuring a secure future as a qualified and integral member of the sector.

Anda Gregory, Chief Development Officer at the GGF explains in detail what the Skilled Pathways Scheme has to offer: “Skilled Pathways was launched to provide a framework that will help provide knowledge-based training around health, safety, environmental, and technical competencies.

on Behavioural Safety, Mental Health Awareness, internal auditing, and employee responsibilities to be completed, and a business description to be written to ensure the trainee has understood what they have been shown so far.

“The Skilled Pathways Scheme then provides 5 days of training at Total Support Training with technical presentations and practical lessons. This tuition also offers wider industry knowledge so that trainees come away with an appreciation for the importance of quality control to the longevity of a finished product. In this stage of the programme, trainees also complete a manual handling course, an online and practical assessment on health and safety, and a company specific project assignment.

A window manufacturing expert with decades of expertise is the latest addition to the board at fastgrowing Victorian Sliders.

Jason Powell joins as the company’s Production Director after more than twenty years spent at a major national fabricator.

In his new role, Jason will be responsible for health and safety, production, quality and the supply chain.

Overseeing the company’s employees, transport, stock and maintenance, Jason will work to ensure Victorian Sliders is performing to

a consistently excellent standard – and delivering the right quality product at the right time, every time.

“I’m delighted to be joining Victorian Sliders,” Jason comments.

“What the team have achieved in Ammanford over the last 17 years is nothing short of extraordinary, and I’m extremely pleased to be joining them at this exciting stage in their journey.

“Together, we’ll continue to build Victorian Sliders into a world-leading window manufacturing business.”

Group Managing Director Steve Winslet comments:

“The incredible success of Victorian Sliders has only been made possible because of an amazing team of skilled, experienced, dedicated people.

“Jason is a fantastic addition to that team, and I look forward to working with him as we strive to achieve even bigger and better things in the months ahead.”

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

“The programme starts with an introduction to the scheme for the member company and an online training course for existing employees that would like to act as mentors for the scheme. Once this preparatory stage is complete, the mentor is supplied with all the information they need to begin the mentoring process.

“In the first week of training, candidates are introduced to their assessor and to the GGF, as well as asked to complete a level 1 CSCS to ensure safe working practices. For the next few weeks, there are online courses

“Once candidates have spent more time with their member company, they are required to produce a more in-depth research project and complete a lengthy online course in risk assessment. At this point in the process candidates also begin their NVQ Level 2 Qualification, because while the Skilled Pathways Scheme delivers a comprehensive training package, we recognise the need for trainees to have an industry recognised qualification.

“At the end of the programme the trainee completes an end point assessment and is interviewed by the GGF about the course and what they have learned. Then, once the assessor has signed everything off, the candidate receives a Skilled Pathway certificate and CSCS card with relevant NVQ.

“The Skilled Pathway Scheme is a fantastic training programme that ensures candidates leave with complete confidence to develop their new careers. And participating member companies can enjoy peace of mind from future proofing their business with the next generation of glaziers.”

RECRUITMENT RECRUITMENT

FOYNE JONES FIGHT WAR ON TALENT BY SHARING SALARIES PRE-INTERVIEW

Foyne Jones, recruiter of choice for the KBB, Builder’s Merchants & Construction Supplies sector talk frankly about sharing salaries preinterview, so businesses can help new and existing staff to better manage the cost-of-living rise as The Money Charity reveals 29% of UK adults are using credit cards to pay for essentials.

Peter Jones, Founder & Managing Director at Foyne Jones says: “The UK economy is experiencing a ripple effect right now, as greater levels of inflation, ongoing political upheaval and the war on Ukraine have all contributed to the cost-of-living increase. I recognise that many small businesses continue to navigate the economic harm caused by the pandemic, however the same can be said for the average homeowner who has also experienced nationwide job losses, market uncertainty and now, energy, food and fuel bills at an all-time high! So, what can be done to help limit the damage to your business and future staff? I believe a great starting point is to remove the veil of secrecy around salaries and earning potential when advertising a new role in your company. Let the people know what they can earn with you so they can make an educated, well-informed decision and ultimately plan for the future. At the very least, it will allow them to budget for a change in household circumstances such as a pay cut, reduction in hours, rent increase and higher mortgage rates.

When it comes to looking after your current team, then you could look at the redistribution of funds through postponing company events, free business tools and services,

remote working, even a paperless office to recoup costs. In doing so, you will be able to invest this money elsewhere including employee incentives, rewards, company growth and investment. In fact, Foyne Jones is exercising this exact strategy at the moment having recently been shortlisted for the finals of this year’s Global Recruiter Awards for Best Recruitment Process Outsourcing Business. It would be wonderful for the team and I to attend this event but on reflection, I felt the money spent on awards tickets would better serve my staff and so as a business, we paid the equivalent ticket value into their bank accounts instead!

Everything costs, so whether you’re paying to run a showroom or help with added costs for those working from home, be honest about what you can and can’t supplement. As a mental health ambassador, I know that financial difficulties are a common cause of stress and anxiety and being kept in the dark is only going to add new pressures. In my opinion, ending salary secrecy is a quick way for employees to gauge a clearer idea of the potential for upskilling, promotion or moving into a neighbouring position to increase their pay band.”

Interestingly, the recruitment sector is showing signs of greater employee movement next year as the latest global report from PwC indicates that from those surveyed, 1 in 5 are extremely or very likely to switch jobs. Holly Spring, Associate Director, at Foyne Jones explains, “I invite employers to share more information on salaries prior to first-stage interview because time is precious for both candidate and businesses alike

right now. We continue to develop solutions that use creative preselection tactics like video technology to assist with recruitment and increase the level of transparency between candidate and client. Salary disclosure has therefore become an integral part of our recruitment process, seen as a priority for jobseekers’ when advertising the role. Greater transparency means that candidates can rule themselves in or out right away, especially if they need to factor in travel costs or childcare, like I do as a working parent.”

Peter continues, “Building financial resilience both personally and professionally needs to be the bedrock for every business and the survival of our industry, so newcomers and established players can benchmark their earning potential from the get-go and make the best choices for them. Whether you are an employer looking at the different pay bands in the market or a keen professional weighing up your options, knowing a salary from the very beginning will manage expectations, encourage genuine prospects, and ensure the ideal candidate every time.

If you are looking to work with a recruiter, find out what their philosophy about salary discussions are. If you’re not in alignment, don’t proceed. You will only be out of pocket and disillusioned, just like a jobseeker who has forked out time and money for a face-to-face interview and is still none the wiser about the takehome pay!”

Tel: 0207 486 1777 www.foynejones.com

LEVEL 3 NVQ IN GLASS PROCESSING FOR KATHERINE WALTON OF RECCLESIA STAINED GLASS

GQA Qualifications and its approved centre, Absolute Training Solutions, have described Katherine Walton as ‘inspirational’ and a true ‘rising star of the fenestration industry’, after they supported her in the achievement of a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Glass Processing.

The 40 year-old Stained Glass Studio Manager at Recclesia Stained Glass is in the limelight, even adding an appearance on Channel 4’s Old House New Home series to her impressive CV after she assisted presenter George Clarke to develop some bespoke windows for one of the show’s projects. Commenting on her NVQ achievement, Sean Monaghan of Absolute Training Solutions said: “Katherine was the ideal candidate for the GQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Glass Processing. Her passion and enthusiasm for glass and glazing was clear to see, and she produced an excellent portfolio of evidence. Katherine has also been supporting all the glass team members at Recclesia with their own NVQ qualifications, including providing guidance with Health and Safety regulations and on their projects. I was able to observe Katherine as part of our own internal quality assurance process and I was very impressed with her knowledge of the glass sector and the previous projects she had completed, including cathedrals and other listed buildings. We will be using Katherine’s portfolio as an example of good practice, and we look forward to working with her and her team on other training schemes and qualifications in the future.”

Speaking for GQA, the awarding and qualifications-writing organisation who wrote the Level 3 NVQ Diploma

in Glass Processing, Jim Gregory, who acted as External Quality Advisor said: “Having observed Katherine at work and interviewed her as part of the EQA process it was clear that she is very experienced in her role at Recclesia. During the assessment she demonstrated her skill as a stained glass conservator. In conversation with Katherine, her knowledge and enthusiasm for the glass sector she is involved in was clearly evident. It is always a good thing when people understand the value of qualifications as a way of further developing

their knowledge, their skills and their careers, and I am very pleased to have been able to support Katherine in her achievement. I’m sure she will be an inspiration to other people thinking of entering the industry.”

Katherine Walton added: “Vocational qualifications are not only a great means of developing a person’s career. They also play a role in helping to make companies competitive in the markets in which they operate. We are one of the few conservation companies in the UK that continues to maintain a full in-house staff of conservators and traditionally skilled craftsmen and women.

We are therefore often chosen to work on some of the UK’s most iconic buildings. The service provided by GQA Qualifications and Absolute Training Solutions Ltd will enable me to deliver the highest standards for our customers.”

Recclesia Stained Glass specialises in the conservation and repair of historic and listed buildings, churches, ancient sites and ruins. The company offers 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.

The company works on projects ranging from parish churches to cathedrals, castles to stately homes, and village halls to city halls. It works with organisations including English Heritage, the National Trust and a whole host of heritage guardians. More information on GQA is available at www.gqaqualifications.com.

NEW APPOINTMENTS

GQA APPOINTS STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS MANAGER

GQA Qualifications, the fenestration industry’s leading awarding and qualifications-writing organisation has appointed Dan Brown as Strategic Relationships Manager. The role is a new one, created to help facilitate GQA’s strategic aims and its 5-year business plan.

One of GQA’s key goals is to create and strengthen collaborative relationships with relevant external bodies, trade associations and other stakeholders involved in vocational education and training. The new role will play an integral part in expediting this. Dan will engage with stakeholders to optimise GQA’s representation and impact. In addition, he will monitor qualification registration and certification data, identifying key trends and areas for development and support. Dan will also work with employers to help communicate the benefits of a competent and qualified workforce.

With over twenty years’ experience in the fenestration industry, spanning a variety of roles, Dan is well-placed to assist GQA in its aim of raising standards in the industry. He will also be forming partnerships with key sector bodies and employers across the other areas in which GQA operates. This will also be with the aim of encouraging and offering formal qualifications and accredited training as a means of developing people and their skills to enable them to achieve their career ambitions.

Talking about his industry experience and the new role, Dan says: “I’ve been involved in the fenestration industry for over twenty years, starting out as Estimator and Technical Support in the PVCu

conservatory market before moving into the architectural aluminium sector as a Project Draftsman. This gave me a good grounding in the design, manufacture and installation of aluminium façades.

“I then moved to a global aluminiumproducing company that manufactured profile systems for the building envelope sector as an Estimator and Technical Advisor, working with designers, fabricators and installers. From here my role developed into Project Manager before progressing to UK Account Manager, responsible for maintaining and developing new relationships with key industry influencers and project stakeholders to deliver complex facade solutions, and support their ambitions to drive the industry towards low carbon and the circular economy.

“I’m extremely excited to move into this role with GQA because I firmly believe that investment in vocational training and qualifications not only demonstrates the commitment of an individual or a company to strive toward excellence and self-improvement, but the sense of personal

pride in achieving a formal qualification can empower people with the confidence to build successful long-term careers and improve their social mobility through education. Working toward an industry-relevant qualification can also contribute to addressing skills shortages, and encourages the growth of a local sustainable workforce.

“The timing could not be better. The Building Safety Act has provided a turning point by emphasising the need for a skilled, competent workforce across all roles within the construction of high-rise buildings. GQA is perfectly placed to support the needs of the Building Safety Act through qualifications in the construction sector, especially as we are now effectively building ‘glass cities’. It can offer product manufacturers third party accreditation for the inhouse training courses they offer their staff, providing reassurance to Principal Contractors regarding the safe application and installation of projects from a competent and qualified supply chain.

All in all, it’s a great time to be joining GQA!”

More information on GQA: www.gqaqualifications.com

CAREERS

GGF COMMITS ITS SUPPORT TO BUILDING OUR SKILLS’ ‘INSPIRING THE FUTURE’ CAMPAIGN

Building Our Skills - Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice has received further support for its campaign to take the industry to the education sector as the starting point for creating a workforce of tomorrow. John Agnew, Group Managing Director of the GGF has committed the support of the organisation to the ‘Inspiring The Future’ campaign being promoted by Building Our Skills alongside the Education and Employers Charity.

‘Inspiring The Future’ has been designed to connect young people with the world of work by engaging volunteers from industry to visit schools and share details of the specific sectors they work in, including career opportunities. It is seen by Building Our Skills as key in helping to acquaint school age children and their teachers with the Fenestration, Glass and Glazing industry, and to communicate to them the broad range of job roles and career paths it offers. The campaign connects volunteers to state primary and secondary schools via the Education and Employers match-making platform. Volunteers are asked to give just one hour a year to the programme, although they can choose to do more if they wish to help inspire children. The first step is for them to register their interest on the Building Our Skills website and complete a very simple application form. Teachers who have signed their schools up to the programme can see details of volunteers

local to them and then invite them to talk to their school about the job they do and the industry they do it in.

Speaking about their commitment, John Agnew said: “At the GGF we are not only fully aware of the skills shortages afflicting our industry, but the implications of it at a very local level for our members, as well as the wider industry. While we recognise that it is a long-term journey, the work that Building Our Skills has started in trying to raise awareness of the industry amongst school age children is something we want to be fully supportive of, and that is why we have committed the energy of the GGF to get behind it. We will be working with Building Our Skills at all levels, nationally and regionally, to give the fullest support, and we will be encouraging our membership to get involved as volunteers where they can.”

Mark Handley, Building Our Skills’ Partnerships Manager, said: “I want to say a big thank you to John and the team at the GGF for committing their support to the Inspiring the Future campaign. It is great to have an organisation of the size and standing of the GGF alongside us. We’re now well on the way to achieving our primary objective of securing 50 industry volunteers and the support of the GGF and its membership will help accelerate that process. I’m very pleased with the response to the call for volunteers to date, but I would like to encourage the whole industry to fully acknowledge the need for us all to do something to help raise awareness of the industry amongst those who may become its workforce of tomorrow. Working with Building Our Skills on the Inspiring The Future campaign is the perfect opportunity, and I would urge as many people as possible to get involved.”

Anybody interested in finding out more about the Inspiring The Future campaign, or anybody thinking about volunteering can do so by clicking here https://buildingourskills.co.uk/campaigns/ inspiring-the-future/

CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN

CAREERS

Building Our Skills - Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice has won the support of VEKA plc. The major PVCu window systems manufacturer is to take part in two of the campaign’s programmes in order to help it attract new recruits into the industry, and even the company’s MD is personally getting involved.

The next few months will see VEKA active in Building Our Skills’ ‘Inspiring the Future’ campaign and new ‘Inspiration Days’ programme. The Inspiring the Future Campaign asks employers to go into schools and talk to young learners about the possibilities for their future careers and what they could achieve. It is intended to make both them and teachers more aware of the broad range of career paths on offer in the fenestration industry. VEKA plc MD, Neil Evans, is setting a great example by taking part in school visits.

The Inspiration Days initiative is designed to open up industry factories and facilities for school visits. The programme has been devised in order to enable young people to see first-hand what goes on inside businesses. It gives them the opportunity to talk to employees and see what job roles are on offer. The process can inspire them at a time when they are working out which career path to choose.

Commenting on the company’s pledge to support Building Our Skills, VEKA’s MD Neil Evans, said: “Attracting new recruits is absolutely the right thing to do in order to help address the industry’s skills shortage, and reaching young learners of school age is a key part of achieving this. Here

at VEKA we share Building Our Skills’ aims of showing young people what working in the industry is all about and demonstrating the wealth of roles on offer. I’m firmly behind staff members going into schools to talk to pupils as a great way of inspiring them and hopefully getting them to choose the fenestration industry when they’re ready to make their career choice. That’s why I’m doing my bit. In addition, we’re looking forward to demonstrating the opportunities that the industry affords by hosting school visits.

“I would encourage other companies to get involved in Building Our Skills’ Inspiration Days and Inspiring the Future programmes. Throw open your doors to young learners and encourage your staff to visit schools. Let’s all get behind Building Our Skills’ admirable work in order to help future-proof our industry.”

Mark Handley, Building Our Skills’ Partnerships Manager added: “We’re so grateful to VEKA for its support. The company is a prestigious leader in its field, and I’m confident that its partnership with us will inspire other fenestration industry employers to follow suit.

“I believe that the sky’s the limit in this industry for anyone with a decent work ethic and willingness to learn through the right training. We’ve heard so much over the past few years from people in the industry about the skills shortages. It’s sad and it’s frustrating, because there’s such a huge variety of roles available, and a big part of the problem is that so many would-be employees just don’t know about them. For the vast majority of youngsters they’re unaware of what’s on offer. So many people think that this industry is only about selling windows! The reality is there are over 50 career paths available, and VEKA’s involvement will help to communicate this fact to young people.”

For details of how to get involved in either the Inspiring the Future Campaign or the Inspiration Days programmes head to https://buildingourskills.co.uk/ or email sayhello@buildingourskills.co.uk.

Doncaster, DN11 9UU or Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk. Entry deadline: 20/12/22.

(5)

answer and your contact details

and send your

entry to: FAO: Miss Christina Shaw, Glass News Competitions, 19 Heather Close, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9UU or Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk. Entry deadline: 20/12/22.

British Plastics Federation (BPF)

Tel: 0207 457 5000

British Standards Institution (BSI)

– Standards & Publications

Tel: 0208 996 9001

BSI – Assessment & Certification

Tel: 0845 080 9000

Building Research Establishment (BRE)

Tel: 01923 664000

Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB)

Tel: 01453 828851

Dekura

Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS)

Tel: 0345 053 8975

Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA)

Tel: 0207 645 3700

Get Britain Building (GBB) Tel: 0870 162 0936

Glass & Glazing Federation

Tel: 0207 939 9101

GQA Qualifications (formerly Glass Qualifications Authority) Tel: 0114 2720033

Health & Safety Executive (HSE)

– Glass & Related Industries

Phil Smith, HM Principal Inspector Tel: 01782 602300

David Appleton, HM Inspector Tel: 0115 9712800

Proskills – Head Office Tel: 01235 833844

Proskills – Glass & Related Industries

Neil Robinson Tel: 07917 015 322

Recovinyl (via Axion Consulting)

Tel: 0161 355 7618

The Glazing Ombudsman (TGO)

Tel: 020 7397 7200

UK Green Building Council Tel: 0207 580 0623

Veka Recycling Tel: 01322 38721

Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) Tel: 01295 819 900

Wood Window Alliance (WWA) Tel: 0844 209 261

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