Glass news October 2013

OVER 100 GAIN ‘ADVANTAGE’ WITH SYNSEAL WEBSITE INITIATIVE

REHAU UPDATES CALCULATOR WITH NEW A+ RATING

GREEN DEAL WILL FAIL UNLESS GOVERNMENT TAKES ACTION

The Green Deal will fail unless the Government takes swift and decisive action to incentivise consumer demand for energy efficiency, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Issue 31 | October 2013

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

What’s Your Opinion?

Glass News Asks:

What products or services will drive the increases we anticipate in 2014?

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Continued on page 14...

BFRC Launches Homeowner

Energy Rating Certificate

The certificate will be specific to the property and the products installed and will feature the installers name and date of installation as well

Who reads us? Window, Door, Roof Fabricators & Installers, IGU Manufacturers & all who are associated with glass & glazing.

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According to a recent survey of all FMB members in Great Britain, more than 70% think a reduced rate of VAT would be a “successful” or “highly successful” way of encouraging their customers to commission energy efficiency work.

BFRC has responded to requests from its registered businesses to launch a homeowner’s window energy rating certificate.

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

as the well-known ‘rainbow’ colour label. It is the only such certificate available in the UK glazing sector.

If an installer uses BFRC energy ratings as the route to compliance for ADL (rather than U-values) then this Homeowner Certificate can be issued for the client.

Continued on page 33.

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OCTOBER 2013

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

So, the last quarter is upon us...

Heading into the last quarter of the year, it’s clear from all the activity that there’s expectation in the air and the fenestration industry is moving up a gear.

Certainly, in talking to the trade, as I go about the country, more is being talked about the prospects for 2014 than any doom and gloom about 2013. This leads me to think that this year has recovered after the awful weather in the first quarter - nothing outstanding in that records have been broken, but alright.

While sales may prove to be there, or thereabouts, margins may be a different story and we await results from the leading players. What will be interesting is seeing how the different regions of the country have fared and whether the latter part of the year is much better than the beginning. I’m seeing, in Yorkshire, home improvements of every kind and the homeowner seems to be prepared to now release cash for those due, or overdue improvement tasks.

Planning permission notices seem to be everywhere and it’s interesting to stop at these postings and read the type of permissions being sought. Extensions, attic conversions and infill building - while there’s a lot of windows and doors being fitted in villages around my home. However, free cash or the availability of affordable loans, seems to be the key to the home improvement market and confidence that interest rates will remain low is essential to anyone taking that bold step now. And while the public sector remains cash strapped, contracts are still being awarded and the expectation from fabricators and installers allied to that sector is that this will remain to be the case. Good news indeed.

And so to new build. Mortgage deals are about and the loan ratio of deposit to money borrowed seems to be improving.

Seeing the amount of houses being sold off plan seems to confirm this, while a look in

estate agents’ windows at the ‘Sold’ signs for general house sales tells us that the market is moving.

So in our Voice of the Industry page, this month, we’ve asked: ‘What products or services will drive the increases we anticipate in 2014?’ It seems that most sectors within our industry have something in their portfolio of products or services that they believe will make the difference.

Let’s hope this is the case.

No one wants to be viewing a recovering marketplace with rose coloured glasses, and we’re certainly not out of the woods yet, but positive thinking and positive talking, while being realistic, is what we need. We’re pretty good at ‘doom and gloom’ in this country and the public will sometimes react to what they read in the newspapers and see on the television. Let’s hope and trust that what they hear is positive as that will fuel a recovery for an industry like ours that relies on consumer confidence.

As we were going to press the news came out of the acquisition of Eurocell by H2 Equity Partners a leading Western European investment firm with offices in Amsterdam, London and Cologne. This is a further example of private equity buying into the window and door industry, both here in the UK and on the continent, and such well known names as Everest, Profine and Synseal are currently owned by private investment firms. This could be viewed as a further example of confidence in the UK market.

Happy days, we hope!

Finalists are announced for the G Awards 2013 See page 32

CONTENTS

CONTACT DETAILS

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Publisher & Owner: Christina Shaw T: 01302 759096 M: 07805 051322 E: christina@glassnews.co.uk

In Profile

12 Trade News 28 Calendar of Events 30 Glass News Interview Sliders UK 36 Glass News Interview Chase Taylor Recruitment 37 Voice of the Industry 38 Doors 44

Tech Talk

46 GQA Newsletter 50 New Products

‘TIME OUT’ Winners – September!

Sudoku: G. T Bryan, Brimingham Crossword: Ellen Robinson, Plasglaze, Paignton Spot The Difference: Chris Quantrill, DG Supplyline, Westcliff On Sea Eye Spy: Eva, Palda Windows, Middlesex Congratulations to all our winners! Good Luck in this months Time Out pages!

52 Hardware & Security 58 Conservatory Expert 62 Profile Bending 64 Colour 68 Windows 73 Installer Focus 74 Timber 74 Product News 76 Glass 78 Recruitment 82 Charity News

Features Editor: Sheilah Reed T: 0114 2885988 M: 07880 990144 E: sheilah@glassnews.co.uk Trade Counter Distribution Department: Roz Worgan E: roz@glassnews.co.uk Graphic Design: hook-a-duck Deadline for copy: 28th of each month

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87 The Basman

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

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Editor: Chris Champion T: 07850 267223 E: chris@glassnews.co.uk

With thanks to our contributors: David Amos, Daniel Basden, Maco, Vast PR, Glazpart, Synseal, Hoppe UK, Glassparts, Regalead.

84 Monthly Horoscopes

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IN PROFILE

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VEKA gets an A+ (or three) from the BFRC VEKA has updated its WER calculators to reflect the new BFRC SEL A+ scheme.

within the industry, so it is no surprise that we should be one of the first systems companies to upgrade our WER calculators to take into account the new BFRC SEL A+ scheme.”

The BFRC is now accepting applications for the new ‘A+’ band, which applies to windows only. Any BFRC ‘A’ rated product which achieves a rating index of 10 or more can be upgraded to an ‘A+’ and VEKA is one of the first major systems companies to be granted the new 'A+' licenses.

“It has always been of great benefit to us and our customers to remain ahead of the curve when addressing energyefficiency practices. When the Building Regulations were updated to include WERs as a route to compliance, fabricators of The VEKA UK Group's brands were better placed than most.”

VEKA's Matrix 70 andMatrix Fully Sculptured casement windows and Vertical Sliding systems are now available with a rating of A+ thanks to the Simplified Energy License (SEL) Scheme. The SEL initiative from the BRFC combines the benefits of a simpler, more flexible rating system with stringent control and auditing.

Sales and Marketing Director of The VEKA UK Group, Colin Torley explains: “VEKA has long been at the forefront of environmental innovations

“We strive to be quick off the mark when it comes to the latest industry developments, so we can best serve our customers.

If we can offer our products with the coveted A+ rating, it means our customers can do the same and they can continue to build their businesses on our world-renowned reputation.

As a BFRC registered systems company, our fabricators will be able to calculate their ratings in a very simple manner, easily categorising their products as A+, A, B or C rated.”

FEATURES

2013 NOVEMBER • The Machinery Expert • Transport & Handling • Marketing & Business Expansion

“Our commitment to energy efficiency is not a new initiative: Not only was VEKA's the very first window system in the UK to gain an 'A' rating, we were also the first window systems company in the world to invest in our own closed-loop recycling plant.”

“When it comes to energy efficiency, The VEKA UK Group is not only concerned about the performance of its products, but also the way in which our

systems are produced. Since 2008, we have worked tirelessly to develop and introduce energy-saving measures that will gradually reduce our carbon footprint. Through the implementation of these measures we have managed to save a massive 2208 tonnes of carbon from being emitted.”

DECEMBER • The Timber Expert • 2013 Product Review • What’s New for 2014 • Software & IT

Email or call Sheilah for further details!

Email: sheilah@glassnews.co.uk Tel: 07880 990 144

Tel: 01282 716611 www.vekauk.com READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0004

EVEN THE VERY BEST NEED A SIDEKICK

The Synseal Registered Installer business support package, which is sponsored in behalf of its members by their local supplying fabricators, is one of the most comprehensive marketing and sales development schemes ever devised for professional installers of windows, doors and conservatories.

It includes an eye-catching SRI branded logo and helpful marketing materials such as van siders, professional retail sales literature, online publicity and directory listings and a wide range of practical advertising materials all designed to attract the interest of the homeowner and stimulate increased business. These selling tools are supplemented by access to the Synseal photo library, technical downloads, invites to attend new product installation training events, special promotions and discounted offers from trade association “benefit partners” including a

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series of digital support options that are all devised to assist lead generation.

The materials, features and benefits of this creative Synseal Registered Installer business support package are designed to allow members of the scheme to compete professionally, even against the resources of big direct-selling home improvement retailers.

That the Synseal Registered Installer Scheme is delivered through the company’s fabricator network is a crucial element, as it is designed to strengthen relationships between installers and their principal local suppliers. To benefit, installers must have a current purchasing relationship with a sponsoring Synseal or K2 fabricator or wish to apply for a new trading account, subject to approval by a sponsoring fabricator.

As an exclusive option, Synseal has partnered with leading trade association FairTrades to offer a special discounted membership subscription and provide a number of quality

“We have carefully developed our Synseal Registered Installer business support programme.”

benefits which are of specific interest to installers. These include HomePro insurance backed guarantees; the government-endorsed TrustMark accreditation which requires checking of installed workmanship by the British Board of Agrement to provide reassurance to homeowners; and cost-effecive BM Trada self-certification for compliance on refurbishment jobs to save installers time and money.

Synseal’s Chief Executive David Leng had been contemplating such a programme for some time: “We have carefully developed our Synseal Registered Installer business support programme, looking at what a few other industry players have done quite well and also identifying some aspects that our rivals have poorly implemented in the past. We carried out detailed online market research in 2012 which confirmed that there was significant demand for Synseal to offer proactive support to installers. Using this feedback our aim was to put together the most comprehensive and effective installer scheme in the industry. The positive response since the launch in April this year confirmed that is exactly what we have done, and nearly 300 installers have now applied to receive our new SRI business support with approval of their local Synseal fabricators.”

Synseal’s Head of Marketing Mark Schlotel said the scheme was the logical next step for Synseal: “We have great products and have always offered highly innovative support options for our fabricator customers, including digital marketing expertise. But the SRI package now extends some valuable business support to our customers’ customers – loyal Synseal installers.”

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0005

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IN PROFILE

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Stylish & Practical Polyframe

Brand New Window System For Climatec Launch a new & Now in their 21st unique profile year of trading, Essex based fabricator Climatec Windows have a new offering for their customers.

Brand new to the market, Climatec are the only fabricator in the South East to offer the new Calibre Window & Door System.

Marketed as the ‘Perfect Profile’, Calibre is extruded in Britain and provides a system that you would expect from the top brand profile suppliers.

Climatec customers can expect a window that offers them the best of everything they need but cuts out everything they don’t.

Windows and doors fabricated by Climatec using the Calibre profile provides customer’s with a simple, multi-chambered product that is of exceptional value. However the quality and performance provides an ideal product to offer alongside Climatec’s already high quality windows, doors and conservatories to their trade counter customers.

Climatec’s Calibre windows and doors come in standard white, or cherrywood on white and applewood on white foiled finishes. With a 55mm or 67mm outerframe, and ogee glazing bead only, there is a simplified standard specification of locks and hardware, therefore providing an easier ordering process.

Any customer requiring a window or door that is outside of the Calibre specification, Climatec have a wide range of bespoke products they can offer using another profile system.

“We are excited to be one of a chosen few to offer this new system to our customer’s” says Marketing & Sales Co-ordinator Jayne Lovett “ And looking at

initial interest in the product, and subsequent orders coming in, we can certainly see that customers are also excited to be able to sell this no frills product on.”

Details of the Calibre product can be found on Climatec’s website www. climatec-windows.co.uk, and further details can be obtained by contacting the office on 01702 613733.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0007

The Polyframe Group are pleased to announce the launch of the new and unique Assured profile range which is being offered exclusively to trade customers. This new multi chamber profile will be fabricated in the Polyframe Belfast factory and includes casement, French, tilt & turn windows and residential & French doors.

Manufactured exclusively

by Polyframe, the Assured range, offers a practical and ideal solution for the trade installer in today’s domestic refurbishment and new build markets.

This chamfered profile system gives customers a wide range of options with 10 colour choices available ex stock. As well as a standard white Polyframe offer Golden Oak, Rosewood and black all with on white options and grey, cream and white woodgrain both sides.

The Assured 5 chamber profile system has been designed to ensure compliance with all the latest Building Regulations in the UK and Ireland and can also achieve U Values as low as 0.9. The range also complies with Window Energy Ratings and can easily achieve A rating and 1.3 U Value with float glass, or alternatively by adding low iron outer pane U Values of 1.1 can be achieved.

Polyframe will market the Assured Range in Northern and Southern Ireland, Scotland and also distribute through their network of 12 nationwide Trade Centres in

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“As well as a standard white Polyframe offer Golden Oak, Rosewood and black all with on white options and grey, cream and white woodgrain both sides.” the UK. Peter Dyson, Polyframe Sales Director, commented “With our Trade Centre network growing year on year the Assured Range is a great addition to the Polyframe range and enables us to provide all trade customers with an alternative profile choice.”

“The Assured range will sit alongside our current portfolio of Halo Rustique and Eclipse as well as Rehau S706 and Edge profiles, manufactured at Halifax and Norwich respectively and Rehau Tritec 60mm and 706 fully reversible fabricated in Belfast. In addition to this we also have our own unique range of Composite Doors with the Calder Collection being manufactured in Mansfield.”

“With 7 profiles to offer we are confident that we cover all options for both the trade and retail markets.”

The Assured range will be available from Polyframe from November 2013.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0008

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IN PROFILE

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Anglo Make

G13 Finals

Anglo European are delighted to be in the G13 finals for the best trade marketing campaign.

“This is the icing on the cake”, comments James Lister operations director for Anglo.

“The campaign has not only heightened the profile for Anglo, it has also boosted sales for the company.”

“When we set Graffika (our marketing and design agency) the task of coming up with an idea not only to promote the use of our steel reinforcements, but also highlight our presence at The Fit show, we wondered what they would come up with”, comments James.

The concept of using teaser adverts during the run up to the Fit Show helped to promote the product combined with a hint to what would be on the stand at the show, and at the same time raising awareness of steel reinforcement.

“We were very happy with the results of the campaign, and the amount of new business and clients we have gained from it”, comments James.

“The cyborg theme coupled with the terminator film prop on the exhibition stand really encapsulated our product range, it provides the strength below the skin of the window and door systems.”

It took some time to find one of only two film props in the country, once Anglo had secured one, the campaign was back engineered with the last advert designed first.

“So being in the finals is the ideal end to a very successful year for Anglo.”

Mathew Glover joining in with the spirit of the campaign.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0010

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IN PROFILE 1013/0013

Take your partner

(but choose wisely) There’s no denying that aluminium is increasingly in demand. Alan Robinson, director of specialist aluminium door and window fabricator, Alumen, advises how to decide on the best aluminium options for your business.

UK buildings clearly have a love affair with aluminium, in fact, it is the second most widely used metal, with a whopping 40% of annual UK production used within the construction sector alone.* This is particularly evident in the in the window and door sector, which has seen demand for aluminium profile significantly increase in recent years.

As one might expect in a tough market, fabricators have been quick on the uptake, incorporating this growth material into their offerings. But with such a high number of fabricators now offering aluminium windows and doors, how can you tell what sets them apart, and, more importantly, which aluminium fabricator partner is the right one for you?

The key to this decision, as with any important implementations to your business, is to listen to your customers. What are they requesting? Is there a current trend of several customers asking for the same thing?

Then think about your relationship with your fabricator, have they done likewise and asked your

opinion? If so, can you be sure they can provide what you and your customers require?

At Alumen we closely monitor industry trends to ensure our customers are kept ahead of the game.

Most recently we have seen the trend for extension and improvement of existing homes continue to gather pace, as many people continue to take steps to improve rather than move. Because of this, consumers are making higher value investments in improvements such as conservatories, orangeries and garden rooms. We have noticed in particular, a huge increase in the number of aluminium bi-folding and sliding doors being sold to projects like these in order to combine outdoor and indoor living areas.

Bi-folds provide an opportunity to create greater flexibility in terms of living and working spaces, due to their ability to provide a 90% opening onto a conservatory or garden room. They also allow maximum natural light into the building, which can help promote wellbeing over artificial lighting. For your eco-aware customers, who demand high energy efficiency, you have the added benefit of reassuring them that bi-folds have something to offer here too. The allowance of more sunlight into a building increases the temperature

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

inside, helping to reduce energy bills, and with the great leaps in technology by manufacturers to control solar gain, homeowners and workers can control the amount of sunlight to suit them.

Aluminium bi-folds ensure all the additional benefits associated with such a material. They are light in weight with high levels of strength for ease of handling and a long life. The profile is also ideal to provide superb kerb appeal, with its ability to accept a variety of surface finishes.

Once you’ve made the decision to incorporate aluminium, the next question is which products.

Your customer will want to see a variety of quality options from which you can work closely with them to determine what works best for their particular requirements, rather than giving them only one option. At Alumen we recognised this and as of last year we offer a choice of both Schueco and SMART aluminium bi-folding door systems, alongside our inhouse expert advice on the right product for the right application. * Use of Aluminium in Building Construction, Prof. Madhuri K. Rathi, Mr.Ajinkya K. Patil, Amrutvahini College of Engineering, Sangamner, for engineeringcivil.com.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0012

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

REVOLUTIONARY

DESIGNS FROM SPECTUS A new era for the PVC-U window is dawning, as one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of window and door systems unveils its new fully reversible window.

Spectus Window Systems has undertaken an extensive design, development and testing programme to produce a new fully reversible window that has been manufactured using a new and ingenious low carbon technology profile system.

Providing complete functionality was Spectus Window Systems’ main purpose in the development of its new fully reversible window. The product is an ideal application to be used

in medium to high rise social housing and for those consumers who may have had difficulty with access or the physical requirements of cleaning and maintenance.

The designers have also taken into account the need for ultimate light and ventilation as so the fully reversible window can accommodate large sash sizes.

COMPLIANCE IS KEY Spectus Window Systems prides itself on supply products that are rigorously tested and comply with only the highest security and safety standards.

The new fully reversible window has been tested and is compliant to PAS: 24:2012 which is the enhanced security accreditation.

Compliance to this standard gives full assurance to both installer and customer that they have a product that has been designed and

tested with security as the maximum priority.

The fully reversible window system is also compliant to BS EN 12608 ‘Unplasticized polyvinylchloride (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and doors. Spectus holds both kitemark and enhanced security option licenses for all window system it manufactures.

Spectus Window Systems has also put its new product through a stringent testing programme against severe weather conditions including water tightness, air leakage and wind deflection. The robustness of the fully reversible window withstood all these tests and complies with BS EN: 6375, parts 1, 2 and 3.

GREENER THERMAL PERFORMANCE Through its continual investment in product improvement, the fully reversible window

incorporates the company’s new ‘Aeroframe’ thermal barrier technology within the five chamber profiles giving greater thermal performance The Thermal realisation of the new fully reversible window cannot be underestimated, with a 5 chamber system and argon filled triple glazing enhancing performance, the product achieves a U-value of 0.8 and an A+ rating under the Window Energy Ratings scheme. The fully reversible window also has the ability to incorporate a second and third weather seal maximising thermal performance and provides glazing options of 24, 28, 40 or 44mm thickness of glass.

It also comes with a full suite of hardware and accessories.

The fully reversible window is created using a recycled composite outer frame reinforcement and environmental credentials are further complemented

by Spectus Window Systems’ low carbon manufacturing processes. Spectus Window Systems is also accredited with compliance to BES: 6001 which confirms that the products sourced by the company have been made with constituent materials and have been responsibly sourced.

BRIGHT & LIGHT Easy to use, the window has been designed to fully rotate a 180-degree pivot action enabling users to clean the windows from the inside of their homes. It is available in different finishes including woodgrain and a whole spectrum of colour and is compatible with Spectus’ Elite 70 suite.

Phil Duncombe, product manager at Spectus Window Systems commented: “We’re moving into a new phase of fully reversible designs that provide ease of use whilst maintaining the highest

“The fully reversible window also has the ability to incorporate a second and third weather seal maximising thermal performance and provides glazing options of 24, 28, 40 or 44mm thickness of glass.” security values. Coupling these factors with an affordable energy efficiency that will minimise carbon emissions and reduce energy bills, this is the ultimate fully reversible window.”

For more information please visit the Spectus website www.spectussystems.co.uk or call 01953 283344.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0008

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

A Day in the Life of an

Edgetech Engineer

Karl Jones, one of Edgetech’s team of Technical Sales Engineers, is celebrating ten years with Edgetech this year, so understands how the industry is different today than it used to be.

“The industry has come through some tough times and customers have been looking for more support from their suppliers. Edgetech came to market with warm edge technology that was radically different to what everybody knew and has always strived to make sure that customers reap the maximum benefit from their investment in our products. We have been there for our customers through good times and bad and will continue to go the extra mile to make sure we are the IGU systems partner of choice.”

“There isn’t really a typical day for an Edgetech Technical Sales Engineer as the range of support we provide for our customer base is wide ranging and includes equipment installation and comprehensive training for new customers as well as accreditation support, ongoing training and production audits for the customer base and ongoing general technical support.”

“My contact with customers can be both formal with directors or managers READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0016

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EUROCELL ANNOUNCES CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP Eurocell recently ended months of speculation by announcing its new owner as the £2.5billion investment company, H2 Equity Partners.

The deal follows a lengthy process with several interested parties involved before H2 Equity Partners emerged as the preferred suitor over the past few weeks.

and informal with shop floor operatives. These levels of contact are invaluable in building customer relationships and the feedback gained helps my colleagues stay ‘on the ball’.”

“Today I am installing our ‘Super Shop’ equipment for a new customer.

While our technical team has carried out hundreds of such installations, each one is still exciting and different.

Each one is an opportunity to work with new people and to provide input to shop floor layout, processes and productivity.”

“When the equipment is installed and ready to go I will start training the customer operatives in the application of Super Spacer and also show them how to maintain the equipment. I will also run through the housekeeping regime that they need to implement to make sure they get the best from the product and the equipment.”

If you want more information from Edgetech on any of their products, or the additional services they offer, visit www. edgetechig.co.uk or call 08700 566844.

Eurocell’s previous owner, the Brusselsbased Tessenderlo Group, has embarked on a series of divestments and rationalisation programmes in recent years following a change in strategic direction. Eurocell has grown every year under Tessenderlo’s tenure and remains a profitable business, with a turnover of £150million and employing around 950 people throughout the UK.

synergies between us in terms of our ambitions, beliefs and approach to business.”

Eurocell will remain as an autonomous business and will implement the existing five-year business plan, which includes investing in more service improvements, developing more new products for launch over the next 12 months and opening more new branches.

The derbyshire-based PVC-U extruder has a network of 125-plus branches nationwide and stands to gain from H2 Equity Partners’ expertise in distribution businesses. H2’s portfolio of companies includes several European manufacturing and distribution businesses, plus the Unipart car parts brand in the UK. Eurocell already has trading relationships with H2 group companies.

Patrick added “Our commitment to helping our customers grow their businesses will also not change. We’ve got some exciting innovations planned over the next 12 months which will provide Eurocell customers with significant competitive advantage.”

For more information about Eurocell products and services, call the Customer Care Team on: 0800 988 3049, email: press@ eurocell.co.uk or visit www.eurocell.co.uk.

Patrick Bateman, CEO of Eurocell, declared “I’m delighted that we will be working with H2 Equity Partners to continue our business growth. I believe there are some excellent

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0017

GIVE & GET BACK: PLANITHERM ANNOUNCE Q1 WINNER OF THEIR CASHBACK PROMOTION When you’re a giver, it’s always nice to get something in return every once in a while. This is precisely what happened to Miss Winsome Dalley of Downley, High Wycombe when she won back the entire cost of her window installation after entering Planitherm’s quarterly promotion.

As a dedicated nurse serving her community, it was only fitting that Miss Dalley hear the good news whilst on the job. Receiving a phone call from Paul Pixley, Managing Director of Bahama Windows, whilst in the back of an ambulance returning from Stoke Mandeville, Miss Dalley was delighted to discover she had won back just over £6,500.

“I’ve never won anything in my life before,” she said after learning of her good fortune.

Replacing seven windows, two five sided bays, and a backdoor, Miss Dalley took the advice of Pixley to install A rated windows after an enquiry

Labour would build houses on grand scale Speaking at a joint NFB and FMB fringe event at the Labour Party conference, Shadow Housing Minister Jack Dromey MP said a Labour government would build houses on a grand scale and get more SMEs involved in tackling the housing crisis.

For more information, visit the FMB website: www.fmb.org.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0019

she made to Bahama, stemming from seeing her next door neighbour having theirs done.

Delighted to see Miss Dalley presented with her cheque by Brian Penny of Saint-Gobain Glass, Bahama’s Managing Director, Paul Pixley, stated, “We have been installing Veka windows and doors for some years now and we consider them the best on the market, and now that we standardise in Planitherm glass manufactured

by Glazerite, this unbeatable combination makes everything that we do “A” rated.”

Planitherm Competition winner Winsome Dalley receives her cashback cheque from Bahama boss Paul Pixley.

Bahama Windows was formed in 1970 and is currently expanding to accommodate its growing customer base made up of locals who have decided to “improve, not move”. The fact that Bahama is a registered installer for both Network Veka and Planitherm, it gives householders the confidence to upgrade their cherished homes with Bahama's attractive double glazing for enhanced security while

also offering major heat savings.

For more information on Saint-Gobain visit www.saint-gobain.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0018

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Fill in the missing numbers.

1-9 in each line diagonally and horizontally, 1-9 in each of the nine small square grids.

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See this month’s TIME OUT! pages for more puzzle fun!

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TRADE NEWS

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GGF SUPPORTS POLICE INVESTIGATION INTO FIRERESISTANT GLASS ‘FRAUD’ The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is supporting the recent Police investigation following a complaint about the specification of some of the fire resistant glass supplied by Glassworks Ireland Ltd, a company based in Hillview Industrial Estate, Randalstown, County Antrim.

It is alleged that Glassworks Ireland has supplied some non-fire rated glass as fire resistant, branding the product as Pyroguard.

CGI who manufacture Pyroguard products is a GGF Member that manufactures recognised, approved and certified fire-rated glass or one of their registered stockists.

A Senior Police Officer has urged customers to check the legitimacy of the product by contacting Pyroguard/CGI, to ensure the product’s authenticity and, if found not to be genuine, to report this to the Police and Trading Standards.

The GGF’s Fire Resistant Glazing Group and the Federation’s technical department work continuously with Members to ensure that Fire Resistant Glazing Systems are manufactured and installed to comply with the legal requirements contained in the relevant Building Regulations or Standards and the installation meets the very highest industry standards. The GGF, through the work of its Fire Resistant Glazing Group, has published ‘A Guide to Best Practice in the Specification and Use of Fire Resistant Glazed Systems’ which is publicly available for download from www.ggf.org.uk and is referenced in Building Regulations Approved Documents.

The police have stated that two people have been arrested and questioned as part of a fraud inquiry, however Detective Chief Inspector Colin Gillis said: "There is absolutely no concern regarding Pyroguard products supplied by other companies and our appeal is only to those who have dealt with Glassworks Ireland Ltd.” Giles Willson, GGF Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Technical Affairs commented, “We support the police investigation into this case to ensure that our Members products and services and their customers are protected against the potential fraudulent supply of products that are not genuine.”

Kevin Hulin of Mann McGowan and Chairman of the GGF Fire Resistant Glazing Group commented, “We welcome the police message and the investigation. This case is of a particular serious nature because fire resistant glazing can save lives. The GGF Fire

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Continued from page 1...

Almost two thirds of FMB members (65%) think a free energy efficiency assessment would encourage more of their customers to improve the energy efficiency of their home.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “It’s time for the Government to accept the Green Deal has not been a success. The FMB has worked hard to promote the Green Deal to small construction firms, but until our members see a clear demand for Green Deal work and a more straightforward route to the Green Deal market, they will not engage with the scheme.”

Resistant Glazing Group is at the cutting edge of the industry standards and have invested years of hard work to establish the importance of fire resistant glazing, so it’s imperative any cases such as this are investigated thoroughly to ensure that companies are operating legally when it comes to manufacturing, supplying or installing life safety Fire Resistant Glazing Systems.”

Fire resistant glazed systems have provided a proven method to contain fire and smoke within a building, enabling the safe egress of the occupants. Fire resistant glazing also reduces the amount of damage to a building by containing the fire and thereby reducing the spread of fire. The result is a less expensive and speedier repair, enabling the business to return to normal sooner following a fire.

Giles Willson summarised “It is worth reminding consumers and businesses that fire resistant glazed systems need to be certified, through comprehensive testing as a complete system, and be installed by competent operatives. Failure to follow these basic steps could result in the system not performing correctly. The GGF website (www.ggf.org. uk ) has more information on fire resistant glazing, suppliers and installers as well as a comprehensive publication, ‘A Guide to Best Practice in the Specification and Use of Fire Resistant Glazed Systems’ which is available for free download.”

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Gillis added, “It is extremely important that anyone who has had fire-resistant glass supplied by this company takes steps to confirm it is the legitimate product, even if the glass is marked with an 'official' stamp and has an accompanying certificate of authenticity implying that it is fire-resistant glass."

GGF Member CGI, the manufacturers of legitimate Pyroguard glass products, can be contacted by customers who believe they have been sold a Pyroguard product from an unauthorised source. For technical advice and guidance please call +44 (0)1942 710 723 or for further information on Pyroguard and their Technical Licensing Programme, please visit www.pyroguard.eu Anyone who finds the product they have purchased is not to the required standard should contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) investigation team on 028 9448 1644. For further information go to: www.ggf.org.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0021

Berry continued: “The latest Government statistics show that just over 70,000 Green Deal assessments have been undertaken to date, but only 12 Green Deal Plans are ‘live’, demonstrating that a growing number of home owners want to improve the energy

“A reduction in VAT would reduce the overall cost of the work and make Green Deal finance more attractive.”

efficiency of their properties, but they aren’t interested in paying for it using Green Deal finance. A reduction in VAT would reduce the overall cost of the work and make Green Deal finance more attractive to home owners who may be deterred by a large debt against their property.”

Berry continued: “Our latest research also supports the Government’s own findings that just having a Green Deal assessment is enough to encourage a significant number of people install energy efficiency measures in their home, regardless of how they choose to pay for it. Government research found that from a sample of households that had a Green Deal assessment, 81% have already, are in the process of or intend to install at least one energy efficiency home improvement. That’s why the Government should consider offering free energy efficiency assessments alongside a reduction in VAT.” Berry concluded: “Above all the Government needs to seize the opportunity to announce how it intends to light the touch paper to the flailing Green Deal scheme.”

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0022

LATEST HIGH-TECH LEAD CAPTURE TOOLS PROVIDED TO ALL FIT SHOW EXHIBITORS: Data Capture Technology Assures a Successful ROI Companies may have a range of objectives when exhibiting but at the heart of it will be lead generation.

With this in mind the organisers of next year’s FIT Show are offering the latest visitor lead capture and analysis technology to all exhibitors as an inclusive part of their stand package, to ensure they enjoy the greatest benefit from the event.

Whereas every exhibitor was offered a badge scanner at the last event, exhibitors at The FIT Show 2014 will download an app to their mobile devices. The system enables exhibitors to scan a code on visitor badges with their mobile device to secure contact details and other information, specific to them, all of which will be stored securely in their online portal.

This effectively automates lead generation at The FIT Show – no need to write down details or transcribe information from business cards - but more importantly, each exhibitor

is included within the cost of each stand, with exhibitors able to purchase as many additional licences as required at competitive rates to suit their specific requirements. may customise the system to capture exactly the information they require, thus dealing with a key limitation of earlier badge scanning systems. They can even type specific notes relevant to individual leads.

All FIT Show exhibitors will be able to pre-programme their own data capture requirements using a special dashboard, which then uses the information captured during the show to provide real-time feed-back (subject to a 3G or Wi-Fi connection) on individual visitors and therefore allowing personalised response to their needs.

From the exhibitor’s management point of view, the performance of the exhibiting experience may be closely monitored against pre-determined criteria to ensure optimum performance and motivation throughout the event, further ensuring an excellent return on investment for participating at The FIT Show. A single-user licence

“We want our exhibitors to make the most from their appearance at The FIT Show,” said Paul Godwin, Managing Director of organisers FIT Events Ltd. “We have therefore invested in this technology through our registration partners N200, to provide our exhibitors with the most efficient and flexible means of securing information from visitors to their stands. We will also work with exhibitors during the run up to The FIT Show 2014 to ensure they fully understand how to get the most out of this facility.”

A video offers further information on the technology: http://youtu.be/ XH8tvYTuETE The 2014 FIT Show will take place at The International Centre Telford on 10th, 11th, 12th June 2014.

More information on how to exhibit can be found at www.fit2014.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0023

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

15

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

The VEKA UK Group puts Education in the frame

National Plastics celebrates

25 years in business 2013 is a milestone year for National Plastics: the UK’s largest independent trade counter is celebrating 25 years in business.

The VEKA UK Group has unveiled a new brochure dedicated to the education market, detailing the many products and services available to specifiers and decision makers within this sector.

Such an anniversary would be reason enough for celebration, but the company also has another reason to crack open the champagne: it’s seen its highest ever sales to date this year and the trend looks set to continue.

Managing Director Geoff Foster says, “We have grown exponentially in the past 25 years and we are very proud of our success.

But we couldn’t have done it without our staff or customers and now is a good time to thank them for their loyalty and support.”

Twenty five years in business plus record sales are no mean feats in today’s economic climate, so what is it that the company is doing that means it’s not only surviving but also thriving?

Geoff says there are four reasons behind their success.

The Group has a strong, long-standing presence in the education field and this new brochure demonstrates a wealth of experience in designing and specifying for education.

Featuring a detailed introduction to The VEKA UK Group, the document goes on to outline the wide range of VEKA and Halo products suited to education buildings.

VEKA Sales and Marketing Director Colin Torley explains: “We decided to redesign and update our education brochure as part of our commitment to commercial fabricators - it gives them an even better sales tool with which to approach education clients.The VEKA UK Group has a huge range of high quality products which are perfect for the education sector including many that have only just been launched to the industry.”

“The new TwinSash, for example, can reduce sound levels by around 50dB and help make classrooms quiet havens for concentration.

It means lessons won't be disrupted by noise from outdoor play areas and sports fields.”

“Schools can be incredibly expensive to heat, and the TwinSash can achieve a U-value of just 0.38 and a window energy rating of A+38.”

“For school buildings and university developments that have a focus on 'green' technology and sustainability, we have also explained the many benefits of VEKA's recycled Infinity system.”

“As well as detailing all relevant products and accreditations, the new brochure also explains the support services available to education clients, including: energy saving calculations for anticipated fuel savings, a full design, specification and consultation service, in-

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“We decided to redesign and update our education brochure as part of our commitment to commercial fabricators - it gives them an even better sales tool with which to approach education clients. The VEKA UK Group has a huge range of high quality products which are perfect for the education sector including many that have only just been launched to the industry.”

The first is the range of products on offer.

Geoff says, “The most important thing our customers want is the ability to come in and buy what they need, when they need it. It sounds simple but having the right stock readily available is one of our key business objectives. And our group buying power means that not only can we give customers the range of stock they need, we

can also supply it at a competitive price.”

The second is the quality of service that the team offers. Geoff says, “We are lucky to have a solid team of dedicated people working with us, as well as a great network of suppliers behind us. It means we are all committed to ensuring our customers get a level of service that meets and exceeds their expectations.”

The third is the company’s commitment to expansion. In what was undoubtedly a challenging marketplace last year, the company pushed forward with ambitious plans, relocating some depots to larger units and even opening a brand new depot in Cheltenham. Geoff says, “Opening larger units enables us to carry more stock lines and larger stock quantities, so we can supply more products “off the shelf ”.”

Lastly, it’s the customers and Geoff is quick to point out that National Plastics would be nowhere without their support and input. “Our customers have and always will be the core of what we do and we centre our business around them and their requirements. It means we’re able to provide the solutions they need to grow their own businesses.”

2013 might be a celebration year for National Plastics, but complacency is not an option. Geoff concludes, “We constantly assess and evaluate what we do to ensure we get it right. It could be easy to get complacent, but we know there are many out there who would happily take our place so we are always striving to retain and increase our market share.”

With passion like that and ambitious plans afoot for 2014, it looks likely there will be more anniversaries to come.

Tel: 01495 249838 www.nationalplastics.co.uk

house CAD service, NBS Plus, CPD certified seminars and site audits - to name just a few.”

“The combined products, services and skills of The VEKA UK Group mean we are very well placed to meet the needs of the education sector. Especially since our colour foil range has recently been extended and schools can choose to match school colours and logos.”

With a huge range of energy-efficient windows, doors and curtain-walling systems, as well as an unrivalled number of support services, it's no wonder that The VEKA UK Group is top of the class for its education offering.

To order a copy of the new brochure - email education@veka.com or call 01282 716611.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0025

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0026

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

1013/0027

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

17

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Glazpart launches new catalogue for glazing accessories at www.glazpart.com Banbury-based Glazpart, is a specialist injection moulding company with extensive experience in the fenestration industry, employing 80 staff at its ISO 9001:2008 certified site, producing millions of mouldings each month.

Glazpart has launched a new catalogue covering its extensive range of glazing accessories to contract and install windows. These include flat, bridge, frame and wedge packers, glazing shovels, fixing lugs, run up (Rider) blocks, locking wedges and many, many more.

Fully revised and easily downloadable online at http:// www.glazpart.com/products/ glazing-accessories/ or read online as a “flip file” as though reading a paper copy all with instant access, the catalogue provides detailed summaries of all of our key products features and benefits from our extensive product lines.

We attempt to add knowledge and background information for our customers as to why products are used or needed such as:

• What is technically the best way to toe and heel glass?

• What is the difference between a location and a setting block?

• Why is a bridge packer used?

• Why fit a drain hole cover?

New to the catalogue is detail of the extensive range of colour options, whether a moulded colour, vacuum foiled, printed wood grain or paint sprayed.

Also, covered are our extensive packaging options such as trade counter and point of sales packs E.g. Glazing shovels and multi packs E.g. Mixed flat packers.

New applications are also detailed including our comprehensive range of flexi corner wedges which are

Deceuninck’s new campaign microsite Deceuninck has launched a new microsite: AskRoyFrost.com. It’s the focal point of a new multi-media campaign with an exciting package of new sales tools, business Apps, tailored heavyweight digital marketing, and bespoke marketing support for fabricators and installers to help them grow.

• How do you stop frame packers falling off as you try to fit a window?

• Where should you use flat packers?

AskRoyFrost.com:

the best way to toe and heel glass and our plastic fixing lugs which reduce bridging of the thermal bridge during window installation.

According to Dean Bradley – Sales and Marketing Manager; “This is a key document for Glazpart and our customers as we try to improve market knowledge and understanding of what and where to use our products.”

“This document supports our customers to access the right technical data easily, whilst providing useful background information to improve understanding and compliance whilst raising standards across one of our key markets.”

Whilst downloading the catalogue there is the option to keep in touch through social media or you can add your details to our electronic mailing list to find out the latest developments in our glazing accessories at Glazpart as they happen.

Tel: 01295 222400 www.glazpart.com READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0028

Deceuninck’s new campaign opens with the question Why? - Why your PVC-U supplier?

It’s the question all ambitious fabricators who believe they should be growing faster and more profitably should be asking themselves, the company says.

During the campaign Deceuninck and its customers will be answering the question: Why Deceuninck? Visitors to the site can download answers to the question, and follow the discussion via Roy’s Blog, Twitter (@ DeceuninckUK and @RoyFrost1) and video interviews, as well as follow the campaign as it develops in online and print advertising, PR and direct marketing.

Roy Frost, Deceuninck’s new UK Managing Director explains: “When I joined Deceuninck, I was blown away by Deceuninck customers’ answers to my question: Why Deceuninck? And I listened for comparison to a lot of fabricators using other systems answering my question: Why your PVC-U supplier? People are not used to Deceuninck shouting in the UK, although we’ve been here a long time. But I realised that we’ve got a lot to shout about. Deceuninck really is different.

We’ve got competitive advantages and innovative British solutions for fabricators and installers that other systems don’t have.

That’s what this campaign is about.

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“Askroyfrost.com is the ‘go to’ place for ambitious fabricators and installers to give their businesses an edge and find our latest business Apps, brochures, sales aids, bespoke marketing and expert digital marketing support to help you stand out and sell. I’ve always believed in a personal approach,” says Roy. “That’s why I’m inviting business-hungry fabricators to contact me via the site. You can call me or ask me to call you. Our new strategy is geared to helping fabricators and installers release their potential.

We call it: Release Your Hero Within.”

If you’d like to talk to Roy visit www.

AskRoyFrost.com to release your hero within and start growing.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0030

The biggest night in the industry

just got bigger

The biggest night in the industry just got bigger. aїr is the most exciting brand to hit our industry this decade and it’s sponsoring the G13 awards on 29 November. aïr is the most impressive range of high performance sliding and folding doors. It’s built to withstand extreme conditions and to endure the rigours of daily use. Refined homeowners are searching for inspiring ways to create space and aïr offers a world of boundless possibilities in terms of style and efficiency.

1013/0029

Home page of askroyfrost.com.

“Captivating the industry is important for the launch,” says aїr’s brand ambassador. “That’s why we’ve chosen the most prestigious event of the year. We’ve been working on aїr for over a year to create the biggest consumer brand. We believe aïr is set to become the

leading sliding and folding door in the UK.” “aїr will impress homeowners when its huge consumer marketing campaign hits in January. And installers will benefit from great quality, qualified sales leads.”

Installers can register their interest at www.discoverair.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0031

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

1013/0032

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

19

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Minister backs fire door safety week Fire and Rescue Minister, Brandon Lewis MP, said “I am pleased that the BWF is proactively working to raise awareness of an important area of fire safety through non-regulatory routes.”

He is the latest in a long list of high profile supporters who backed Fire Door Safety Week which raises awareness of this critical element of fire safety in every commercial, public and multiple occupancy building.

The new Emplas Website.

EMPLAS LAUNCH NEW WEBSITE A highly valued marketing support package provided

by Profile 22 came into its own when Emplas, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of windows, doors and conservatories decided that its website was in urgent need of an overhaul.

Since being established in 1979 Emplas has gained a reputation as one of the most experienced window, door and conservatory suppliers within the industry.

After holding a marketing audit the company decided that a new and updated website was needed to complement its new sales and marketing strategy.

Mike Crewdson, sales and marketing director at Emplas picks up the story: “Very early on we recognised the need for a new website to complete our strategy for this year. The old website had been in existence for eight years and while the company has advanced over that time, our main communications tool hadn’t.”

“We needed something that would enable the company to showcase both the commercial, social housing and trade sectors of the business.”

The site was designed and developed as part of the extensive marketing support offered by Emplas’ profile supplier, Profile 22.

“They’ve done a fantastic job,” enthused Mike Crewdson.

“The new website is fully functional, we’re able to show what Emplas does and what it stands for

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“Very early on we recognised the need for a new website to complete our strategy for this year. The old website had been in existence for eight years and while the company has advanced over that time, our main communications tool hadn’t.” with amongst other things pertinent case studies and a specific area where our customers are able to access all of our technical bulletins.

We can’t thank Profile 22 enough for the fantastic work done on our new website.”

“It’s been a really interesting project to work on,” said Katie Leese, customer support marketing manager at Profile 22.

“What we have created for Emplas is a bright and fully functioning website that highlights the unique support they provide for all of their customers.”

“This project has really highlighted the volume and type of marketing support that is provided by Profile 22.”

For more information please visit the www.profile22.co.uk or call 01952 290210 or visit the new Emplas website at www.emplas.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0033

This BWF-CERTIFIRE Scheme aims to raise awareness of the role of fire doors, drawing attention to specific issues such as poor installation and maintenance, and encouraging building owners and users to check the operation and condition of their fire doors and to report those that aren’t satisfactory. The campaign hopes to engage and educate people on the correct specification, supply, installation, operation, inspection and maintenance of fire doors.

There are about 3 million new fire doors bought and installed every year in the UK, the vast majority made from timber. However, in a recent review of 100 cases prosecuted under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, fire doors were the second highest reason for prosecutions. In many cases, incorrect doors and components are specified or brought onto site. And even when fire doors are correctly specified and installed, a recent survey among fire risk assessors revealed that 80% of the escape routes they saw were obstructed, 65% of fire doors were wedged open and 85% had door closers disconnected. www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0034

MLA EXPO 13

Show Review

The Locksmith Industry was well represented with seventy exhibitors, some taking more than one stand.

All of the usual suspects were present.

The theme for new products seemed to centre around digital entry products. There were some products that were a take on those shown at previous exhibitions and given a re-vamp or a new name. It was nice to see a number of the locksmiths in attendance to take advantage of the numerous training courses that were on offer. These courses were run by the MLA and some independent companies with MLA membership. Some of the tutors had come from as far away as the USA. There were courses in the design of cylinders, lock bumping and key cutting. The stalwart Jeff Turner was once again in situ with his Chubb 114 Lock Pick. Jeff is a gentleman and

has been a past chairman of the MLA. There were also courses in Government Locks and their history and the non-destructive opening of safes. Andy Kennedy and Ian Chadwick ran a course on uPVC I was reliably informed that this was interesting and very informative.

Once the show had finished, I tried to obtain the attendance figures for the show. The MLA was not forthcoming. This was a surprise as they had reported daily that the attendance was good and that preregistrations had been better that at previous shows. I sat with two of the sales team from the Fit-Show who said how good it would be if they could next time encompass the MLA show in tandem with the Fit-Show. Could be interesting.

MLA show review Danny Basden for Glass News.

BIGGEST BRANDS ABUNDANT AGAIN AT THE FIT SHOW Far from being a ‘Godfather Part III’ or ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’, the next instalment of the Fabricator Installer Trade (FIT) Show is already shaping up to be a sequel that lives up to the excellence of its predecessor, with more than 70% of exhibition space already under contract 9 months ahead of the event which takes place in June 2014.

Demand for exhibition space in 2014 ensued before this year’s event had concluded and has continued ever since with a host of returning exhibitors and new faces racing to secure their spot within The International Centre, Telford, for the event due to be held from 10-12 June.

With a total lead count of 24,990 generated at the first event, equating to 147 leads per exhibitor, it was no surprise that firms such as Deceuninck, Liniar, MACO, Quickslide, Door Stop, Universal, Pioneer and Solidor showed no hesitation in returning into the FIT Show fold.

Supplier of PVC-U products Eurocell and tool suppliers J. Tools and bi-folding door specialists Origin are just some of the many new recruits that are set to make their FIT Show debut, with glass specialists CR Laurence adding further diversity to

the mix of products and services.

Machinery will again be well represented with top brands Haffner, Promac, Lisec and Emmegi amongst those presenting interest for buyers wanting to see potential investments in capital machinery ‘in the flesh’ before commitment.

Alongside the exhibition favourites from the launch show The Master Fitter Challenge and Sales Professional of the Year will create some serious competition once again when serious cash prizes reputations will be at stake, whilst a full seminar programme is already under development.

The promotional campaign of FIT 2014 is well underway, designed to create the sort of buzz that characterised the launch event. Christened ‘The Next Installation’, a movie-esque inspired microsite for the event is now live featuring representatives from many of the companies set to be involved.

Any companies interested in booking a stand should contact sales director Jason Wootton on 07854 131050 or have a look at the remaining options by going to the web site which has full details of locations and pricing.

The 2014 FIT Show will take place at The International Centre Telford on 10th, 11th, 12th June 2014. More information can be found at http://www.fit2014.co.uk/.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0035

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

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TRADE NEWS Government boost for self-build ‘will increase choice’ New measures announced by the Government to help more people build their own home will increase choice and affordability in the housing market, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

The measures, announced by Don Foster, the Communities Minister, at the Liberal Democrat Conference, are designed to encourage take-up in the self-build sector, and include guidance for planning authorities to better identify local demand for self-build.

Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “We know that the self-build sector is an underdeveloped part of the UK housing market, accounting for only around 10 percent of all new homes, which compares unfavourably with other European countries such as Germany and Ireland, where the figure is 50 percent, and Austria, where it is as high as 80 percent. The Government’s proposed new planning guidance will encourage local authorities to accurately assess the level of demand for self-build in their area, which should in turn lead to local plans making better provision for self-build opportunities, increasing the options available to anyone looking for a new home.

Any exemption from paying the Community Infrastructure Levy needs to apply to all small developments, not just self-build projects, to ensure that large numbers of smaller sites do not become unviable, further weakening local housebuilders and further reducing the capacity of the industry to deliver the uplift in new housing the country as a whole so desperately needs.”

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0037

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The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

GGF CALLS FOR CHANGE

Conservatory Outlet’s

FOLLOWING LATEST GREEN DEAL FIGURES

Social Network

Following the recent Government statistics on Green Deal and ECO (Energy Company Obligation), the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) remains adamant that the Government has to change Green Deal in order to make it workable for the Glass and Glazing Industry.

The latest Conservatory Outlet Network event took place at the luxury Carden Park Country Resort in Chester where the dealer network congregated on Friday 13th September for a weekend that saw business successfully mixed with pleasure.

The latest Green Deal figures were released on 19 September 2013. The key points are listed below:

Assessments • 71,210 assessments were lodged up to the end of August 2013.

• 13,086 assessments in August was 4% lower than the number in July (13,645).

Green Deal Plans • 677 Green Deal Plans were in the system for individual properties as at the end of August, compared to 419 at the end of July.

• Of the 677 above, 293 were ‘new’ Green Deal Plans (quotes accepted).

• 372 of the 677 have moved to ‘pending’ (Plan signed).

• 12 Green Deal Plans were ‘live’ (i.e. the measures have been installed).

Cash Back Vouchers • By the end of August, 8,404 Cashback Vouchers had been issued, and of these, 5,733 vouchers had been paid (following installation of measures) with a value of £1.6

million. The majority of vouchers paid to date were in June and virtually all have been for boiler replacements.

ECO Measures • The latest figures show there were 194,751 measures installed under ECO up to the end of July.

• The number of ECO measures installed in July (44,917) was 32 per cent higher than the number of measures installed in June (34,017).

• The majority of all measures installed under ECO to date were for loft insulation (40 per cent of all ECO measures), cavity wall insulation (34 per cent) and boiler upgrades (21 per cent). All solid wall insulation types accounted for four per cent.

• 51 window installations have happened under ECO. • ECO brokerage - £205 million worth of contracts had been let through ECO brokerage up to end of August compared to £175 million at the end of July (Chart 5).

Green Deal Supply Chain • 101 Green Deal Providers had been authorised up to the end of August.

• 269 Green Deal Assessor Organisations and the 2,332 Green Deal Advisors they employ had been accredited up to the end of August.

• 1,662 Green Deal Certified installers of which only 80 are certified to install replacement windows.

On seeing the latest figures Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented, “It is unfortunate that our predictions for the last few years are turning out to be accurate and that Green Deal and ECO is simply not working for the glass and glazing industry. The Government needs to act swiftly to turn these figures around.”

The GGF has raised its Members’ concerns repeatedly at meetings with Government ministers, departments and officials outlining the issues and offering solutions.

Giles Willson, GGF Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Technical Affairs commented, “The Green Deal is not only too complicated and unattractive to consumers but it is also not necessarily improving energy efficiency in homes.

To have only 51 window installations out of almost 195,000 measures shows that Green Deal and ECO is not delivering the whole house approach. Is there really any point in getting loft insulation if the property is losing heat through energy inefficient windows?”

Nigel Rees concludes, “Despite these disappointing figures, we have to remain positive and continue our dialogue with Government in the hope that changes will be made. We would like to see the scheme become less complicated and also offer better incentives to homeowners and installers.

It is encouraging to hear the Government are considering changing the cashback voucher scheme, so that homeowners would not have to use a Green Deal Provider to claim cashback. Another option the Government could consider, is to perhaps re-direct some of the cashback money to fund free Green Deal assessments.”

Joining Conservatory Outlet directors Greg Kane and Michael Giscombe were over 60 people from the 23 company strong installer network who, in between being well fed and watered, enjoyed golf and country pursuit activities, while others chose to make the most of a luxury on-site spa.

After a day meeting new acquaintances and catching up with old ones, Conservatory Outlet’s guests attended a formal dinner on Saturday 14th September during which Greg Kane laid out his short, medium and long term plans for the Network which include one or two very imminent additions, before a period of consolidation and then a concerted push towards nationwide coverage.

The same night also saw each Conservatory Outlet Dealer presented with an engraved showroom plaque to recognise the close fabricator-installer partnership.

Trophies were also awarded to members of the +95% Club, made up of those

dealers who have achieved an average customer satisfaction score exceeding 95% since Conservatory Outlet launched its online customer review centre 12 months ago. Eight companies received the award as the more recently joined dealers such as Amber Home Improvements, Pennine Home Improvements and TradeMark Windows & Conservatories witnessed how long-standing members continue to benefit from being part of the network which has doubled in size in less than three years.

Formal proceedings closed and award winning singer, Jennie Sawdon, took to the stage to entertain for the rest of the evening as a professional photographer captured the best of the night’s action.

‘Certainly over the past couple of years we’ve hosted a lot of predominantly business orientated events for our dealers, so we felt that the time was right to thank our customers for their continued support by inviting them to something a little less strenuous, said Greg Kane.

The timing of the event was opportune as it allowed us to introduce, for the first time, a number of very high profile additions to the Network.’

Conservatory Outlet enquiries: tel 01924 239813 or visit conservatoryoutletdealers.co.uk.

The GGF will continue to work with the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to try and make Green Deal and ECO advantageous to its Members and the wider industry.

To read the latest Green Deal Statistical Report in full please visit https:// www.gov.uk/government/ publications/green-deal-andenergy-company-obligationeco-monthly-statisticsseptember-2013.

For further information go to: www.ggf.org.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0038

Conservatory Outlet Formal Dinner.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0039

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

1013/0040

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

23

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

New names & ranges for

Guardian SunGuard

JUST £1.15* PER WEEK TO SATISFY GOVERNMENT MTC REQUIREMENTS The full costs for the FENSA MTC Card scheme have been announced.

registration but they will also be required to undertake an online Knowledge Test and Onsite Assessment that will allow a full card to be issued. These tests and assessments will need to be completed by June 2014.

For those installers, surveyors and installers/ surveyors taking the industry experience route with the FENSA MTC Card the cost for completing the online Knowledge Test and the Onsite Assessment is £299 (ex VAT) – or just £1.15 per week*. This includes the cost of the card, which is £30 (ex VAT).

For those complying by taking or holding relevant existing qualifications the card is an additional cost.

Carded Qualifications

This currently represents the most costeffective route for satisfying the new glazing sector Minimum Technical Competencies (MTCs) that have been introduced by government, and are effective from June 2014.

Guardian SunGuard is well established, representing Guardian’s range of solar control products.

As technology and legislation have changed, so have the products and the branding associated to the family of SunGuard glass.

For many years Guardian SunGuard has been synonymous with solar control products which reflect the suns short wave radiation away from the glazing, greatly preventing unwanted solar heat from entering our buildings. SunGuard also helps characterise projects, helping to create the signature for a facade.

Today the SunGuard family has been greatly extended, new products have become far more technically advanced offering higher levels of selectivity, creating more natural looking glass combined with complete performance. Whilst, some of the older members of the SunGuard family are still going strong, continuing to stand the test of time despite in many ways being one dimensional in their performance.

To rationalise the SunGuard range and create distinction between the different levels of performance, Guardian have changed the branding for some of the SunGuard ranges.

The well established SunGuard High Selective range has for some time been accommodating the more advanced SNX products; these have now been given their own range – SunGuard eXtra Selective, where all new triple silver coatings will reside. The High Selective products have now been renamed becoming

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“The new SunGuard branding is a positive move and a necessary adjustment.” the SunGuard Super Neutral range. The SunGuard Solar and the SunGuard High Performance ranges will remain the same, although the SunGuard Solar range has been accommodating the new SunGuard Solar HD products. SunGuard Solar HD offers an advanced level of durability and can in some cases be used monolithically, depending on the application.

These SunGuard Solar HD products will now come under the SunGuard High Durable range.

There is also a new section dedicated to SunGuard speciality products which stray outside of the remit of other SunGuard ranges and are unique in their performance and capabilities. These will be branded SunGuard Advanced Solutions.

For the main part the new names for the SunGuard ranges will not impact product specifications, as the product names will not be changing. For more information on the new SunGuard ranges and products, visit www.guardianglass.co.uk.

Mark Bristow – Regional Manager for Guardian Glass UK advised: “The new SunGuard branding is a positive move and a necessary adjustment, as more new and advanced glass options are added to our ever increasing SunGuard product portfolio”.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0041

Alternatively, for those operatives that want to go down the qualifications route costs will vary depending on the qualification taken and whether government part-funding is available. The GQA Centre to which each applicant will be allocated on joining the FENSA MTC Card scheme will be able to advise on this.

The FENSA MTC Card is operated by GGF Training Ltd. “This may look like a lot of money, especially to glazing installers and surveyors who have previously not had to have any stated experience or qualifications,” comments FENSA Managing Director Chris Mayne.

“But this equates to just £1.15 per week over the five year validity of the FENSA MTC Card – less than the cost of half a pint of beer.

It is also far lower than the costs of satisfying MTC requirements in other construction sector professions such as electricians and gas technicians.”

There are now just ten months to go before all operatives have to satisfy the new government MTCs for the glazing sector. Start the process now - register for your FENSA MTC Card via www.fensa.org.uk/mtc.

“We strongly believe that the FENSA MTC Card represents exceptional value for money – and that the launch by the government of MTCs for the replacement glazing sector will further drive up quality and professionalism in our industry,” adds Mayne.

The FENSA MTC Card can also recognise that the installer or surveyor holds relevant glazing sector qualifications – a minimum of NVQ Level 2 (installers) or Level 3 (surveyors). Holders will have to demonstrate competence with the latest measures by being reassessed.

The FENSA MTC Card is a simple, easy and cost-effective way of recognising Minimum Technical Competence. The holder can clearly prove that they have the experience, skills and competences to carry out the contracted job to a nationally recognised standard.

GGF Training Ltd has partnered with GQA Qualifications Ltd (Glass Qualifications Authority), which has been recognising individual competence for over 20 years in a wide range of glazing and building sectors, and will be managing and verifying this carded system.

The FENSA MTC Card recognizes and records an individuals’ qualifications or experience and shows the identity of the holder. This information can be viewed by scanning with a smart phone, revealing information held by GQA. This technology ensures the information is always up to date. The card is held by the individual and is transferrable across employers and Competent Person Schemes.

MTCs work hand-in-hand with the declarations of installer and surveyor experience or qualifications made by installation companies as they transition to Certified Installer status.

If you have any queries about the FENSA MTC Card please email enquiries@fensa.org. uk or telephone 020 7645 3700. *The FENSA MTC Card that is issued for those operatives taking the industry experience route and successfully completing the Knowledge Test and Onsite Assessment is valid for five years. Dividing the £299 cost over five years/260 weeks gives a weekly cost of £1.15.

About the FENSA MTC Card Carded Experience The FENSA MTC Card recognises levels of competence achieved through the installers’ or surveyors’ relevant industry experience – and a minimum of two years is required.

Installers and surveyors will be able to obtain a provisional card immediately upon

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0042

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

FIT FOR BRITAIN

Hardware giant MACO has restated its total commitment to the UK through a further outing at The FIT Show. UK Managing Director Kevin Whiting explains the company’s thought processes.

Austrian-based Mayer & Company – better known to its customers in the UK at least, as MACO - is one of Europe’s largest hardware manufacturers. With subsidiaries in most European countries MACO steadfastly maintains design, development and production of its products within its own factories. Control, in the pursuit of perfection, is a key part of MACO’s corporate psyche.

The company’s UK Headquarters at Sittingbourne in Kent offers an impressive visual analogy for MACO’s commitment to engineering excellence: the steel-clad monolith towers impressively as the visitor approaches and the legend continues as one enters the building and continues through its interior. Wide-open areas, high ceilings and much use of steel either as structural elements or decorative hue abound. Constantly evolving in design and innovative features one hopes the science fiction-esque atmosphere is not lost in its execution.

MACO is highly structured throughout the organisation, that is clear. And yet much of the corporate discipline is assumed, ‘felt’ by its management and staff: “The corporate ID is key,” explained Kevin Whiting, managing director of MACO UK. “The DNA of the Group and its values are very important but we are able to approach the local market in our own way. We have a great deal of freedom to serve our market as appropriate, what is best for our customers, within a common set of principles. The values of the Group are ingrained - simply because they work.”

One assumes that autonomy has been earned however. The UK is one of MACO’s key markets and Kevin and his team have enjoyed backing for a massive investment during the past three years in product development for a range that has been developed specifically for the UK market; not adaptations but products, such as the new Protect door locks that are fully designed and based upon input from MACO’s UK customers. That autonomy also included backing for the company to take a stand at the first FIT Show that took place in April: “It was a great success,” explained Kevin. “Every product was new and the door lock was especially important for us. We told people it was coming and invited them to The FIT Show to see and try it for themselves. It was also an opportunity for us to work with our key customers with our products fitted to theirs on our stand. They included PVC-U, aluminium, timber and composite and it worked very well indeed.”

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

Kevin Whiting.

Kevin does not appear to be a man that does anything on a whim and so the company’s early booking of a further large stand at The FIT Show 2014 must be taken seriously, that he and his team have fully evaluated their next move: “We had a great show in Hall 4 [redesignated as ‘1a’ for 2014] and we were happy to be there. That location was not available to us again when we decided to book for 2014 and the opportunity for a large stand in Hall 1 came up and we took the decision early to secure it.”

Appearing at The FIT Show 2014 puts MACO at two major trade shows next year.

The Group’s resources are heavily focused on Fensterbau in its biennial cycle and an important focus for its pan-European customers. To a degree however the UK company’s participation in The FIT Show is a little at odds with Group policy. Kevin explains: “Fensterbau is a tradition for MACO and it is usually the only show the company participates in during that year; we thought that would be the case again. But we discussed our desire to be at The FIT Show again next year with the board and they backed us to take part again. It is a measure of the importance MACO places on the UK market and our customers here that the board decided to take part in both shows.

We have a huge investment in new products and infrastructure, people and every part of the UK business. Our new products are UK driven and specific and we need the FIT Show to communicate this.”

pull of Fensterbau few travel from the UK to the event; it remains very much a European mainland showcase. The first-time UK visitor is inevitably bemused by the stark contrast in the approach by most major exhibitors at Fensterbau compared with UK trade shows generally, with ‘stands’ taking the form of large bars and restaurant areas often catering for hundreds of visitors at a time. Unlike the MACO Group who pays exceptionally high importance on new products with over half of the stand space dedicated to product launches, many other stands have little if any product on display, the primary objective being customer retention in the highly competitive mainland European arena.

However, being a European and Worldwide Expo new products for the UK can get lost amongst those for Central European markets within the wider context of Fensterbau.

The FIT Show remains the best opportunity therefore for MACO UK to fulfil its specific objectives: “We will be working on our strategy for The FIT Show 2014 over the next few months but we certainly expect to discuss and develop the commitment from and with our customers,” explained Kevin. “We are interested in the long-term and we will be continuing the process that began at this year’s show. But importantly it will also allow us to show more new UK-specific products that we will be launching and importantly of course, to actually demonstrate just how smoothly our new door lock works, how good it actually feels and operates, something we cannot do any other way. This is crucial for hardware.”

TRADE NEWS

MACO will also repeat a strategy that they employed for 2013, that of immersing most of the company’s UK staff in the event: “We took almost all of our staff up to Telford,” said Kevin. “It was a great experience and opportunity to get them out to a different environment and to meet our customers.

Most of our 33 staff made the journey and it was very successful and something we will repeat for 2014.

Kevin is proud of the obvious respect that he and his team in the UK command from the Austrian board and the freedom they enjoy as a result to shape their own destiny. Many travelled from the company’s Head Office to experience MACO’s foray into The FIT Show for themselves, an experience that apparently shored up their confidence: “The feedback from Austria was very positive,” said Kevin, “very complimentary. They see a lot of shows and they were very impressed with the overall event.”

Praise indeed, for both MACO and The FIT Show. 2014 promises to cement the future for both brands.

The FIT Show appearance is also an acknowledgement that despite the power and

“We have a great deal of freedom to serve our market as appropriate, what is best for our customers, within a common set of principles. The values of the Group are ingrained - simply because they work.”

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0043

25

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

GETTING Market & Forecasts to 2016: D&G Consulting: 2013 Annual UK PVC Window, Door & Conservatory Industry Report

FIT AGAIN! Industry fights back – light at the end of the tunnel

Universal Arches have committed to the FIT Show again for 2014 with some gusto and will be looking to build on their impressive presence at the 2013 exhibition, as the company celebrates its 20th consecutive year in business.

At the FIT Show 2013, Universal Arches was the only bending specialist at the show, displaying newly formed Residence 9 frames and an arched Solidor composite door.

The company has exclusive arrangements with both of these key industry partners, as one would expect from the bending sector market leader.

With over 2,000 visitors to the stand in 2013, Universal Arches had what was, according to the organisers, the most visited stand at the show, based on data captured.

This was helped in no small part to the competition to enter the arched composite door, with the keys being handed out with the lanyards at the registration to the show.

The company will again be looking to enjoy similar levels of success at the 2014 show.

The exhibition also provided Universal Arches with the opportunity to talk to customers both existing and new about their new delivery service, fully glazed frame options and colouring facility.

Leon Day, managing director of Universal Arches comments: ‘We were one of the first companies to sign up for the FIT Show in 2013 and re-signed at the show for the 2014 event. It’s important for us as the market leader in the bending sector to be seen alongside our peers in the other sectors of the glazing industry and I for one cannot wait until June 2014.’

For further information Universal Arches log on to www.universalarches.com, call the sales office on 01744 612844 or follow them on Twitter @universalarches.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0044

Just released is The 2013 Annual PVC Window, Door and Conservatory Industry Report from independent specialists D&G Consulting.

It is the most up to date report on the current health and prospects for the UK window, door and conservatory markets.

Crucially, D&G report that the medium and long term prospects are probably more favourable for the industry than for many years. Having been battered by events over the past five years, most out of the control of the industry – but some self inflicted – we see clear signs of an industry led fight back. The industry is leaner and more professional.

The report identifies that many companies are adapting to the current austerity measures and fighting to get an increased share of the consumer’s disposable income. There is a new resilience and this is reflected in this report and especially in the forecast sections.

This comprehensive 159 page new report details the

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actual performance of the UK PVC window, door and conservatory industry. It is packed with detail, figures, analysis and forecasts to 2016 on volumes and values for PVC windows, doors (panel, composite, bi-fold and patio) and conservatories. As for all of this series of reports, the latest issue covers all the products by volume and value at System Company, fabricator and installer level, and by sector (private housing improvement, social housing improvement, private house building, social house building and non housing applications).

Compared to previous editions the report has substantially enhanced the content on doors – especially composite and PVC bifold – and conservatories.

• It is both composite and bifold doors that are experiencing growth over and above the industry average.

• Conservatories play such a significant part of the industry values at both the fabricator and installer levels. After a period of decline from the start of the credit crunch and recession a modest increase in conservatory volumes and values is forecast.

Chart A illustrates the different trends in the various sectors of the window market with most sectors being predicted to rise over the forecast period while Chart B shows the trends in the door market, demonstrating the growing position of composite doors.

David Amos, Principal of D&G comments: “We are now seeing positive signs of increasing confidence and recovery in the window market and our latest report certainly provides key information to back this up.

But there are winners and losers. Some companies are growing faster than others.

Some sectors are in growth and others in decline. Some products are forecast to fare better than others.”

“As our markets start to recover from the problems of the past few years the demand for quality market information and most importantly forecast data is crucial. Thanks to our forecasting model that uses construction industry and economic forecasts, along with comprehensive interviews with many companies in the industry, we believe that we will see the start of a slow growth. The report provides insights to which products and markets are likely to experience growth. It is clear that by 2016 the industry will

be very different from that before the recession – the report shows that there is no prospect of a return to what some may refer to as ‘The good old days’.”

“We are conscious that in today’s business environment, companies, institutions, accountants and banks are requiring more details and while it may be easier to bury your head in the sand or just take a guess at future trends, being armed with accurate and comprehensive information will give your business the best tools to latch on to the new growth.”

The cost of the report is £2,200 (£2,000 to existing customers). All purchasers receive a free update to the forecast section in the autumn and following spring. The reports are sent by email. D&G are happy to visit and discuss the report and help you present the data in a format useful for individual businesses and stakeholders.

Email D&G Consulting now on info@dandgconsulting. co.uk or phone David Amos on 01424 773134 to order your copy or if you would like a copy of the introduction and list of contents.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0045

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Amazing offers for

new members in October BRITAIN’S best builders can take advantage of three special offers from the Federation of Master Builders in October.

DGCOS 2013 Membership

Enquiries Surpasses 2012 So Far DGCOS has seen a significant rise in the number of membership enquiries received in 2013 so far, so much so that the total has already exceeded those received in 2012.

“Our mediation service helps solve disputes in the event of a problem customer. To date, we have resolved over 82% of disagreements (at no cost to either party) through the mediation process.”

Many long established and reputable firms are now understanding the benefits that DGCOS membership brings, and the stringent criteria ensures that the DGCOS badge is one worth handing.

the rapport building stage of the quotation, followed by showing the Nick Ross DVD whilst calculating the total cost of the contract, allowing their membership with DGCOS to instil confidence in their prospective customers.

Tony Pickup, Founder of DGCOS, said: “We have already surpassed the number of enquiries received in 2012, and we are well on target to beat the 2011 figures by the end of the year. DGCOS membership is going from strength to strength and this latest news shows that installers are now recognising the importance and the benefits of being part of the Scheme.”

Ultimately, DGCOS wants to continue improving the reputation of the industry whilst helping installers increase sales. Recently, DGCOS members are reporting increased conversion rates since joining the scheme, accomplished by making simple changes to their sales pitch and effectively using the DGCOS marketing materials, featuring Nick Ross.

Members are using the Consumer Brochure and Peace of Mind Pack during

Tony continued: “DGCOS provides installers with a comprehensive package to help give consumers confidence and hence sell more. Our mediation service helps solve disputes in the event of a problem customer.

To date, we have resolved over 82% of disagreements (at no cost to either party) through the mediation process. If agreement proves impossible the case can then be referred to the Ombudsman for a legally binding decision, again at no cost to either party.”

DGCOS helps members secure business and more customers are looking for the DGCOS logo. Customers know that dealing with a DGCOS member offers the best security for what is often a major investment in home improvement. More information is available from www.dgcos.org.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0046

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

Each can receive, free, a top-quality 22 Draper Supercut handsaw just for meeting their local FMB representative by the end of the month. Then, if their application is successful, they will also receive a year’s free registration with the Government-backed TrustMark scheme for professional trades.

For more information, visit: www.fmb.org.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0047

1st Glass wins with Tradelink As a forward thinking fabricator with 20 years of experience in understanding installers’ needs, it was the next logical step at the end of 2011 for Tradelink to bring the fabrication of much requested aluminium products in house so that customers have the choice of high quality PVC-U and aluminium profile under one roof.

Since then the trade fabricator has seen a huge rise in demand for its range of aluminium windows and doors, and so this year has been re-investing in the aluminium plant.

To celebrate the success of this side of the business, Tradelink took the decision to reward its loyal customers, offering an iPad mini to those who ordered £5,000 of goods in a three month period. The first customer to reach this milestone was Surrey-based 1st Glass Windows Ltd, a family run business that has been trading for some 16 years, and of those has been a Tradelink customer for 10.

Bruce Morley, Business Development Director at Tradelink presented the prize to Operations Manager at 1st Glass, Warren Dalton, who comments: “We’ve been working with Tradelink for 10 years now, and have always been very pleased with their high quality products, good service levels, customer service and excellent delivery times. We were already

Bruce Morley, Business Development Director at Tradelink presents the iPad mini to Operations Manager at 1st Glass, Warren Dalton.

buying aluminium windows and doors for domestic applications from Tradelink and so the iPad mini was a great added incentive for us. I’m delighted 1st Glass was the first to win, and the iPad mini is already proving an invaluable selling tool after we uploaded images of recent installations onto it to show potential customers the scope of what we can deliver.”

Bruce adds: “We have always strived to ensure our customers get all the help and support that we can give them, not least when times have been tough. It is great to hear that the iPad mini is already coming in useful in helping 1st Glass gain new business. Many of our other customers are also ordering aluminium in their droves, so it won’t be long before we can present the next iPad mini – in fact we have at least another 10 presentations in the pipeline so watch this space!”

QUICKSLIDE BOOSTS HOPE66 CHARITY TALLY WITH FUN & GAMES NEARER HOME As 22 members of the Hope66 charity cycling team set off to ride the length of the iconic Route 66 in the United States, VS manufacturer Quickslide decided to have some fun while raising cash towards the epic ride.

Bolstering the latest bid to raise money for the Hope House Children’s Hospices that have become the unofficial ‘official’ charity of many in the glass & glazing industry, Quickslide donated £2 for every window and door sold whilst the riders were en route.

The staff, customers, suppliers and anyone the Brighouse based company could muster also chipped in, raising a massive £6,248 towards an anticipated total of more than £150,000 expected to be raised as a result of 16 cyclists, mostly well-known names from the UK glass & glazing industry, riding more than 2,600 miles along Route 66 in just 14

days. Adrian flew to Santa Monica, California to cheer the riders in at the end of the challenge, where he announced the total of the Quickslide effort.

“It was such a massive project that we felt we had to do something to contribute,” explained Adrian who had members of staff riding their own race on peddle cars and kiddy bikes to raise cash as part of the company’s effort.

“Hope House is a marvelous charity and does so much for children with a life limiting condition and their families.

And the contribution made

by GM Fundraising through the Hope66 ride really makes a difference to the kids.”

“Bearing in mind that everyone on this amazing trip paid their own expenses so every penny raised goes to the charity, we felt we had to get involved. My thanks to all of the staff, customers, suppliers and friends of Quickslide for their good humour and generosity,” he added.

To make your own contribution please go to: www.justgiving.com/teams/ hope66 READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0049

For more information call Tradelink now on 01354 657650 or visit www. tradelinkdirect.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0048

27

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Calendar of events

The Events Calendar will be a permanent feature and we are happy to consider details of any events relevant to our industry, that you would like to promote.

OCTOBER

With this feature visible to all our readers, events should be those which you are happy for everyone to see or take part in. Got an Open Day? Promoting a Charity Golf Day? A Networking event for the industry?

2

Send your details to events@glassnews.co.uk.

November 2013

February 2014

2 November 2013

1-2 February 2014

Glass Fusion Black Country Living Museum, Dudley www.bclm.com

Futura Home Interiors Show Citywest Hotel, Dublin www.expodatabase.com

7 November 2013 FAST (Fastening & Assembly Solutions and Technology) Exhibition Williams F1 Conference Centre, Oxfordshire www.fastenerexhibition.co.uk

March 2014 4-6 March 2014 Ecobuild ExCeL, London www.ecobuild.co.uk

19 November 2013

26-29 March 2014

The Social Media Results, PR & Comms Conference - Interact & Influence Hotel Russell, London www.prsocialmediaconference.com

Fensterbau Nuremberg, Germany http://www.frontale.de/en/

JUNE 2014

25-27 November 2013

10-12 June 2014

Glasstech Asia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia www.glasstechasia.com.sg

FIT Show 2014 Telford International Centre www.fitshow.co.uk

29 November 2013 G13 Awards Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London www.g-awards.co.uk 27 November 2013 The Advanced Email Conference - Maximum Performance, Maximum Impact Grand Connaught Rooms, London www.theemailconference.com

OCTOBER 2014 21-24 October 2014 glasstec 2014 Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre www.glasstec-online.com

GOLD SEAL PRAISES BUSINESS MICROS’ COMMITMENT Gold Seal Homecare has praised the installation team at Business Micros for their skill and commitment in commissioning a new machine link at its Glasgow factory.

Gold Seal, which fabricates in the Profile 22 system, was upgrading its existing cutting centre recently to a more advanced machining centre but was hit by a series of engineering glitches. These threatened to delay the installation of the new machine and to disrupt its window production.

John McNamee, the MD at Gold Seal, said it was Chris Bailey of Business Micros who was the driving force in getting the installation back on track and ensuring that the new machine was up and running on schedule.

John said: “Without Chris’ intervention, we would certainly have struggled to get the machine centre running properly in the time we had allowed. He really impressed us with his commitment and his support – he worked all day and all evening and didn’t leave until everything was right back on track.”

Chris installed an Evolution machine centre link at Gold Seal enabling the company to fully integrate the machine with the rest of its Evolution manufacturing and processing software.

“It was great to feel that our help was appreciated. Gold Seal has been a Business Micros customers since it was established 25 years ago and I think this latest installation has reinforced the partnership between us.”

Gold Seal Homecare, based in Dykehead Street, Glasgow, manufactures around 250 frames per week for customers in the trade, new build and commercial sectors.

Tel: 01925 422955 –www.businessmicros.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0050

Jack Aluminium hits the high street Jack Aluminium’s excellent U-value performance and quick turnaround of stock has seen its curtain walling grace the shop fronts of some of the top names on the high street.

Working with Yorkshirebased MBE Glazing, Jack Aluminium’s Curtain Wall Suite has been used on shop fronts on the high street and out of town shopping centres including, Sainsburys, Tesco, Waitrose, Marks and Spencers, New Look and Costa Coffee.

Jack Aluminium’s curtain walling uses PVCu pressure plates to create a thermal insulation barrier. This combined with cost effective glass units provides a high performing curtain walling set with low u-values.

Popsie Singh, managing director at MBE Glazing said: “Other companies offer a curtain walling suite but we chose to work with Jack Aluminium because we get good service, a competitive price and a very quick turnaround on stock.

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Chris adds: “Our vast experience in commissioning machine centres means we can often help out on the engineering side as well as installing the software. There are very few problems we haven’t seen before and at Gold Seal we were able to help identify the faults fairly quickly and offer advice as well as technical support.

“Jack Aluminium replenishes stock at our Halifax-based powder coating centre every month and we always have at least 200 lengths of curtain walling available so our turnaround for customers is extremely quick.

“In addition the U-values are excellent and Jeff from Jack Aluminium is on hand to advise us regarding our CE marking.”

Jeff Pearson, sales director of Jack Aluminium added: “Jack Aluminium’s Curtain Wall Suite utilises a combination of aluminium

and PVCu to enhance the thermal performance of the unit, which makes it ideal for shop fronts of this type.

“The Curtain Wall suite has been designed for low rise applications with a ‘clip in plate and ladder system’ which is manufactured in the factory to ensure quality control and enables rapid assembly and installation once on site.”

Tel: 024 7646 7449 www.jackaluminium.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0051

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

RegaLead’s Open House welcomed

exhibitors & visitors from around the world The wet and dismal weather on Thursday 19th September did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm shown by the 150+ visitors and local dignitaries making their way to Manchester for the second Open House event hosted by RegaLead, the company renowned for adding value to glass, windows and doors through decoration.

Following the success of the inaugural Open House in 2011, everybody was expecting another great day, and they certainly weren’t disappointed.

Exhibitors extended from decorative glass to composite door partners from across the industry and the globe including AquaSurTech, Capstone Doors, CENSolutions, Distinction Doors, Edgetech I.G. Inc., FC srl, GlassParts, Harvard Print, Hoppe, Inagas, UV-Tek, ODL, R-fit Solutions, VidriArte S.L., and Vikking.

The organisation by RegaLead was, as you would expect, faultless, with a professionally put together exhibition that had plenty to interest the visitor. The fact that Regalead partners from as far away as Canada, Italy, Ireland and Poland had felt it worth the trip is testament to the close working relationship the company has with its partners around the world. Indeed, this was referred to by the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Naeem ul Hassan at his address, commenting on the fact that the event had attracted so many visitors to Manchester and he urged everyone to take the opportunity to experience the delights the city has to offer.

More a genuine exhibition than an Open House, this day had everything including an excellent programme of seminars on such subjects as Multi-level ColorSpray, Deep sandblasting techniques, Glass fusing and Wood grain door techniques. In fact some wag remarked that RegaLead could have called it the FIT-ter Show!

Alan Fielder, Sales and Marketing Director of Edgetech, comments: ”Edgetech was pleased to be invited back to the second RegaLead Open House to demonstrate our Cushion Edge product - a flexible, U-shaped version of Super Spacer featuring a multilayer vapour barrier backing and dual seal design for enhanced thermal performance and improved argon gas retention in tripleglazed IG units. We officially launched the Cushion Edge Starter Pack at the Open House in conjunction with RegaLead so we were delighted to come along and offer our

Araceli from Vidriarte looking pleased to win some alcohol in the raffle, which was a common reaction.

Alan Fielder of Edgetech telling one of his customary jokes.

Wanting to know what all the fuss was about, John Lennon, Marilyn Monroe and Eric Cantona decided to pop in and join the party.

RegaLead’s Ricardo Figueiredo and Robert Bloomfield clearly hoping the peaceful atmosphere remains.

support. We came away with some good leads and it was a useful networking opportunity.”

he was proud to be able to show the trade in the UK the developments they have made in composite doors with 44, 60 and 68mm door blanks and their patented Inox Glazing System. Tadeusz and Kamila, who had travelled from Biala Podlaska for the event, were showing a stunning range of contemporary door styles using a flush 44mm door blank and their stainless steel glazing frames.

Glass Parts was also pleased to have been involved with the Open House, as Kieran Costello Junior, Sales & Marketing Manager explains: “We officially launched Glass Parts as the UK arm of our business at this year’s FIT Show, so the RegaLead Open House was a great opportunity to follow up by exhibiting all the latest product developments at rates exclusive to the day. It was a really well organised event and a good time certainly seemed to be had by all.”

Talking with Tadeusz Konaszuk of Vikking, the Poland based composite door company,

RegaLead’s Guy Hubble giving a tentative thumbs up as visitors arrive.

As we have come to expect, what was a well organised and very informative event was a great social occasion too with RegaLead’s legendary hospitality, and the evening offering a barbecue that is rumoured to have carried on into the small hours!

A final word from Guy Hubble, RegaLead’s Joint managing Director: “We’re delighted with the success of the Open House, and had more than 150 people through the door from the UK and beyond. The majority dug deep and purchased raffle tickets or provided prizes for those who did. Welcoming Councillor Hassan to take a tour and draw the winning raffle tickets for us in aid of Help for Heroes was a great end to a successful day.”

The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Naeem ul Hassan enjoying a tour.

The Decorative Door Products Hall proved busy throughout the day.

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0052

MD issues rallying cry following market report Responding to the recent Palmer Market Research (PMR) report which assesses the glass and glazing industry, the Managing Director of a leading fabricator has issued a rallying cry to installers.

Terry Richardson, who is MD of TWR Trade Frames gave his assessment of the industry and the recent industry report by Palmer; “Firstly, it is great news that Britain’s domestic glazing market appears to be returning to growth for the first time since the recession. This will provide a real boost for installers up and down the country. Growth across all product areas has been predicted for five consecutive years which also fills me with optimism. However caution is required and I would say growth markets such as bi-folding doors and niche products remain key for fabricators and installers.”

Terry went further by saying that the report had vindicated the investment and product development his company had undertaken, despite the tough economic conditions. The report predicted five consecutive years of growth across almost all products, and an overall increase of 15% in market size to an installed value of £4.15bn by 2017. It also highlighted that the introduction of bi-fold doors has changed the market for patio door and conservatories.

“Entrance doors are set to grow and bifolding doors still remain a huge growth area. We offer installers a bi-fold survey, supply and support service and one of the industry’s leading bi-folding doors.

But still there is some caution among installers about how to install or specify the product – we can help with that.”

As part of its strategy to help installers tackle profitable business opportunities, TWR Trade Frames has also recently started manufacturing and supplying Residence 9; the nine chambered window system from Eclectic Systems which is widely considered to be one of the most innovative and luxury on the market.

Lee Marriot, who is Sales Manager at Residence 9 was keen to work with TWR on this product: “TWR saw us at the FIT Show and subsequently got in contact to get set up and begin manufacturing Residence 9. It was an ideal fit for us as they are our furthest northern fabricator and the only one in the North East manufacturing R9. They were also already fabricating aluminium and targeting the higher end of the market which also made it a perfect fit. TWR also have very strong distribution links in the South East and London which is an area experiencing strong demand for Residence 9 – we’re excited to be working with TWR as they are a quality fabricator. It certainly has the makings of a successful partnership.”

Tel: 0191 565 2200 – www.twrtf.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0053

29

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW!

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Sliders UK... the story so far

Mike Spain, Joint Managing Director of Sliders UK. Mike co-founded Sliders with Ian Longbottom in 2002.

I know you and Ian established Sliders UK back in 2002 but what brought you together to form the company?

Ian and I met at Windowware when we both joined on the same day, we both had customers on our respective areas that were fabricators and bought patio door kits from us, but asked if we could find someone to assemble the doors for them.

We quickly realised there was a gap in the market, but being loyal employees we initially went to the board at Windowware with the idea. They were at that time owned by Heywood Williams who did not give the go ahead so we decided to look for a partner.

Ian approached his customer who agreed to a joint venture but in the end they were ham strung by their private investors so we needed to find another partner. This Ian found in Planet Conservatories, but after a short time we were told that they no longer wanted to be part of it so we took it on ourselves, raising the cash to buy them out.

That first year result of £860K turnover was an impressive start with just 8 employees, so, 10 years later what are your annual results?

It’s 11 years now and we have managed growth in every year we have existed.

Obviously the period between 2008 and quite recently have been tough years for everybody, and we concentrated in those years on trying to keep as tighter rein on costs as possible.

We’ve had some great results recently though, growing from £5.2m at the yearend 2010 to £7.5m this year – a growth of an astonishing 44% in 3 years.

I know you were a finalist in the Glassex Awards back in 2004....are awards important to you?

You started with patio door units and had moved up to around 150 patio door units per week – what other products had you added to your portfolio?

In a word, no. We believe that the only accolades that have any real value are those of your customers. It may seem obvious to say this but without the support of your customers no business is going to last very long. You only get that loyalty and support by doing the simple things right.

We now regularly manufacture 350 plus patio doors a week, mainly from the Duraflex system in both whites and a range of foils.

We added Veka VS’ to the range in 2008 and experienced some good growth with them, but recently took the view that we could better utilise the factory space and manpower manufacturing Aluminium Bi-folding Doors.

We added composite doors mid-way through 2011, having first had a look at this market several years earlier. We recognised that the potential market for these products was huge and we wanted to see what part we could play in it, so we canvassed our customer base and the feedback was positive.

This initiated a large investment in time and money to get our own plant up and running

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while also investing stock of raw materials, which is absolutely necessary in order to keep lead times as competitive as possible.

I know you were the first patio door manufacturer to attain Secured By Design. Can you tell us about that and your working with Winlock?

We have always looked for opportunities to find unique selling propositions and it’s a question of trying to keep an open mind.

Many ideas and proposals come your way as a Managing Director, especially as the business becomes more successful.

When Graham Pearce came to us with a revolutionary new lock design it got us thinking about how we could achieve SBD (Secured by Design) on a patio door and this began a long and nerve-shredding journey,

working with the test houses to develop a meaningful test. This was achieved right at the beginning of the financial crash, but now it’s paying dividends as we are now known for all our products having SBD approval.

And now in 2013, where does the company stand financially and can you finance any expansion plans? & You’re an established company with customers throughout the UK. What comes next? What products do you see driving your business forward?

Having weathered the recent long recession, especially in our sector, indeed having continued to grow, we view then next couple of years as a great opportunity to cement our position and continue to bring new products to the market.

We are financially strong, have great customer and supplier relationships and our management team has evolved by bringing in good people into key roles.

For more information about Sliders UK, visit www.sliders-uk.com.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0054

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

1013/0055

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

31

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Finalists are announced for the G Awards 2013 With the G13 Awards for the Glass and Glazing Industry rapidly approaching, Glass News congratulates all those companies who have made it through to the finals and wish them well for our industry’s gala night of the year on Friday 29 November at the London Hilton on Park Lane, when the winners will be announced.

For tickets, go to www.g-awards.co.uk.

Commercial Project of the Year

Lister Trade Frames Pilkington UK SG Window Systems

Dave Thomas, Haffner’s Managing Director said, “We have been delighted with how popular the Murat range has proved. We believe Murat machines offer the perfect combination of quality and an attractive price and it seems that fabricators agree with us. I’m very proud to have signed this arrangement that will see us continue to be the exclusive supplier of Murat machinery in the UK.”

Lordswood Architectural Environmental Initiative of the Year

Lister Trade Frames The VEKA UK Group Ritec International Nationwide Windows

Training & Development Initiative of the Year

Saint-Gobain Glass UK

New Product of the Year

The VEKA UK Group

Lister Trade Frames Build Check The Fenestration College Exe Windows & Doors Saint-Gobain Glass Roseview Windows Pilkington UK Mila

Promotional Campaign of the Year Retail

Solidor Group Sheffield Window Centre Nolan uPVC Reynaers REHAU

Promotional Campaign of the Year Trade Component Supplier of the Year

FIT Events REHAU The VEKA Group Anglo European Eclectic Systems LLP for Residence 9 Thermoseal Group Cotswold Architectural Products Mila Grouphomesafe

Customer Care Initiative of the Year

Lister Trade Frames CEN Solutions REHAU Everglade Windows

Conservatory Installer of the Year

Sherborne Clearview Home Improvements West Yorkshire Windows Thistle Windows & Conservatories

Installer of the Year

KJM Windows & Conservatories PJ Plastics The Window Company (Contracts) Elwyns Windows

Fabricator of the Year

Polyframe Lister Trade Frames SWC Trade Frames Everglade Windows Truframe

Glass Company MiGlass of the Year Glassolutions Saint-Gobain Ravensby Glass Co RegaLead Custom Glass READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0056

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Fifteen months ago, Haffner GB Ltd brought the Murat machinery range to the UK. Following a staggeringly successful 15 months, Haffner has just announced that it has just signed a ten year supply deal with the company.

The VEKA UK Group

REHAU

“Glass News congratulates all those companies who have made it through to the finals and wish them well for our industry’s gala night of the year.”

Haffner signs ten year supply deal with Murat

AMETEK LAND Award Consignment Stock Agreement AMETEK Land, the world leader in design and application of infrared temperature measurement for industry, has awarded Thorite a major consignment stock agreement for the supply of pneumatic and process products.

Thorite won the agreement in the face of heavy competition from over a dozen competing pneumatics suppliers and will now provide the majority of Land's requirements, centred on a wide range of high quality products manufactured by Festo, Norgren and Burkert.

Phil Wilson, Land's Contracts Manager, is delighted with the new arrangement and said: "There are two major benefits behind the implementation of this consignment stock agreement with Thorite, which is the UK's biggest independent distributor of pneumatic products and process systems.

The first relates to the most keenly priced supply of leading pneumatic components that we can incorporate into our internationally acclaimed product range, ensuring we can maintain our competitive edge within the market. The second ensures zero downtime, enabling our infrared instruments to be delivered on time, every time. I look forward to working closely with Thorite's expert personnel and am confident the agreement will be mutually successful."

Land is a unit of AMETEK, Inc., based in Dronfield near Sheffield specialising in infrared temperature measurement and combustion & environmental monitoring.

The company's products are used extensively in applications as diverse as steel, glass, aluminium, mineral processing, power generation, utility and aircraft gas turbines and many other industries. AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices & motors.

Perhaps one of the reasons that Murat machines have proved so popular is that they’re designed with the fabricator’s needs in mind. Take the latest additions to the range, for example, the SMR three and four head welders. Developed in conjunction with Dave Thomas himself, the welders take advantage of recent technological advances and offer huge benefits in terms of speed, accuracy and the finished quality of products.

Automatic head positioning via turret stop locators ensure the corner and transom line up perfectly every time irrespective of the operator. The touch screen display shows the operator which style of window he is welding so he can quickly see where each cut piece is positioned. At the press of a button the corner or transom fences move to their correct setting without the use of set-squares or jigs.

If a transom head is selected, the middle corner fence retracts into the table to allow the transom or mullion to locate against the rigid setting plates. The fence rises again for corner welding so there’s no need to reset the machine. The transom is set at 90° by the selfcentering mechanism irrespective of uneven arrowheads, this ensures perfect transom and cruciform joints, which will result in better cleaning and greater frame accuracy.

The welders, like all Murat machines, also benefit from superb build quality. Festo pneumatics, Hiwin bearings and Schneider controls all ensure they will perform for many years to come, while Haffner’s two year warranty on all new machinery provides valuable peace of mind.

Dave Thomas says, “Murat machines allow fabricators to invest in high quality engineered products at some of the lowest industry prices. I think what they offer is unbeatable.” Add in Haffner’s renowned service and support, and you’ve got a truly hard to beat machinery package!

Tel: 01785 222421

Tel: 01274 663471 – www.thorite.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0057

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0058

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

“This new certificate will give homeowners proof of the level of energy efficiency their new windows have achieved as verified by the premier, independent authority on window energy ratings, BFRC.” Continued from page 1...

At the point of notification on the FENSA website installers will now be asked if they would like this BFRC Homeowner Certificate issued and dispatched with the FENSA certificate.

This new certificate will give homeowners proof of the level of energy efficiency their new windows have achieved as verified by the premier, independent authority on window energy ratings, BFRC. It can be kept by the homeowner and presented to an Energy Performance Certificate surveyor and any prospective purchasers when it comes to selling the property.

This certificate is a valuable new marketing tool for installers. Issuing of the certificate can be promoted by the installer to the homeowner as a value added benefit of using that company. It will also link the new windows supplied with the installation company and could facilitate ‘word of mouth’ recommendation. It is issued at the same time as the FENSA certificate and can be supplied with no extra administration for the installer.

This new BFRC Homeowner Energy Rating Certificate will cost the installer just £1.50 (ex VAT). As it is not mandatory homeowners will also be able to purchase this certificate direct in the event that the installer does not provide it. In that case the cost will be £10 (ex VAT) and will be charged to the homeowner.

Replacement certificates can be purchased in the event of loss.

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“BFRC recently surveyed its registered businesses about a number of issues ranging from technical support to marketing,” commented BFRC Managing Director Chris Mayne. “80% requested a BFRC Homeowner Certificate that clearly sets out the energy rating of the products installed. We have quickly responded to that demand and launched this new certificate.”

The certificate will feature the energy efficiency label that the recent research found was recognised by 82% of homeowners.

The BFRC Homeowner Certificate is just the first of several marketing support initiatives that will be launched by BFRC during the next 12 months.

Tel: 0207 939 9120

“80% requested a BFRC Homeowner Certificate that clearly sets out the energy rating of the products installed.”

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0059

1013/0061

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

33

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Modplan goes from strength to strength

as parent company Burles Group reports 60% rise in pre-tax profits The Burles Group, the parent company of leading VEKA trade fabricator Modplan, has just reported a rise in pre-tax profits of 60% for the year ending 31 December 2012.

1013/0062

Heidi Sachs, Modplan’s Managing Director, is delighted by the company’s success in 2012 and equally delighted that it looks set to build on it in 2013.

“We’re forecasting £24m in turnover for this year as a group – up from £22.5m last year – and another increase in profit too. Our exports were up and we’re expecting more export growth in the current year too.”

Heidi has a particularly good reason to be pleased by the Burles Group’s success: it is attributed to an increase in sales at her company both in the UK

1013/0063

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and through its foreign subsidiary Modplan Nordic A/S. Heidi says her company’s success is down to two things: “Extending the range of products we offer has been valuable.

We plan to add a new product division this year too. The initial feedback has been very positive because it further adds to our portfolio of products and makes us an attractive one stop shop for our customers. Our drive to attract new customers has also worked well. We find that our genuine partnership approach is very appealing, especially in the difficult economic climate.”

Modplan’s success means the company has just acquired a further 45,000 square feet of manufacturing space opposite its headquarters in Abercarn, Gwent. The new property manufactures all of Modplan’s roofs, plus holds a brand new, state-of-the-art spray plant and glazing facility. Heidi is extremely positive about the expansion, saying, “We’re already noticing a

big difference by moving just one division into the new site – it’s given us more manufacturing capability.”

In the directors’ report Burles Group said: “Against the unsettled economic backdrop the group has continued to invest in both new technology and its employees. We believe the group is in a strong position to ensure that we can achieve our goal of making money by supply our customers with excellent products and service while maintaining a sustainable profit margin by which to invest in future group activity.”

And judging by Modplan’s success, the trade fabricator is a perfect example of this offering in practice!

Tel: 01495 246844 www.modplan.co.uk

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0064

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

The Independent Ratings Company

for those with customer service as the heartbeat of their business

There is a growing perception across industry and society as a whole in the UK that good service is a thing of the past…we don’t agree! There are many companies who give fantastic service to their customers and who have built their whole business success around it.

Perhaps what they don’t always do is to use that service and the deserved plaudits they get from it as a genuine sales tool which can absolutely help them to win more business.

“We have all sub-consciously joined a global consumer group in which we won’t buy anything until we have seen the views of our peer group” The fact is, whether we realise it or not, we have all subconsciously joined one big global consumer group where we won’t buy anything without first seeing the view of our peers.

This is great news for those who give good service as a matter of course and who already capture feedback from their customers; what they need to do is make sure that the feedback they get is very visible to all their future potential customers and that they are using it to their advantage.

We live in an age where an estimated 85% of people will look at your website before they even think about speaking to you. Let your good work with your previous customers start working for you.

Let their comments as a part of the sub-conscious consumer group start the selling process for you. Your lead generation will be better qualified and your sales will increase as a result.

Let the great service you give start to generate more business for you.

Outstanding service is the single biggest differentiator in business today – use it to your advantage The new ratings and review packages from The Independent Ratings Company are designed for just this specific purpose.

They have been designed for and by industry people, and to accommodate the needs of the smallest installers to the largest fabricators; they are for people servicing the retail sector, those who want to support their approved installer networks, or for those working in the commercial and social housing sectors.

Regardless of what sector or sectors you service, you should collect and use reviews.

More importantly you should publish these reviews on-line and let as many people see them as possible. These reviews will give your future customers confidence in you, and will differentiate you from your competition.

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

The Independent Ratings Company packages are not comparison sites – this is about your business, your service levels The packages designed by The Independent Ratings Company are specifically not comparison sites.

They are about your business and the service you give; they are tailored to help you make the most of the great things you do everyday and to win more work as a direct result.

To discuss our packages or to arrange an FOC trial contact us 0161 266 1006, email: sales@theindependentratingscompany.co.uk or visit: www.theindependentratingscompany.co.uk.

The Independent Ratings Company, Fort Dunlop, Fort Parkway, Birmingham B24 9FE READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0065

35

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW!

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

“We’re a supplier of products... in our case, that product is people” Chris Champion talks with Mathew Gibson, Managing Director of Chase Taylor, the specialist recruitment agency for the fenestration industry.

So how does this work? Do I pay for you to put my One Page Me together?

No! Absolutely not, the One Page Me service is entirely free to candidates. I said earlier that we’re all about opening up the talent pool.

We, effectively, take you through a series of questions which are normally ‘tick box’ answers. Those answers are used to put your own One Page Me together....a document that can quickly be scanned by a potential employer and will tell him whether your talents fit their own criteria for a job.

Firstly, Mat, you’ve been in the recruitment industry since leaving school so, by my reckoning, that’s 24 years of experience. Is that about right?

So you could condense my 40 years worth of CV into a succinct One Page Me, rather than it rivalling ‘War and Peace’ in size?

I actually had a short spell in the financial services industry before starting in recruitment but, yes, certainly 20 years in recruitment and 10 of those specialising in fenestration.

So you’ve seen the good days and the bad days in this industry. Some say that recruitment is a good barometer of the state of the market - so are there good signs of recovery?

Quite honestly, companies are always looking for good people and people are looking for positions, but I would definitely say that there is a solid and apparent revival with more companies looking to recruit. Bear in mind, we don’t service the UK alone. There’s Europe and as far away as India. I recently placed a Managing Director for Fenesta Windows, the largest fenestration company in India, manufacturing in excess of 10,000 frames per week. And following the MD, we’ve placed another 5 people in production and administration.

So an Indian company looks for a UK based recruiter?

They did, but because they wanted British personnel. We often forget how our fenestration industry is looked at by others - we are looked on as the leaders in this industry and Fenesta wanted the best.

But how would Fenesta know about you in the first place?

Believe it or not but the answer is social media! Fenesta found Chase Taylor through the professional social media networking site Linked In.

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From left to right: Alison Fagan, Office Manager, Mat Gibson, Managing Director and Emma Allen, Reception / Administration.

Just going back for a moment, it must have been difficult for you when our economy went into recession?

We suffered as everyone did. We even had a client who pulled a recruitment drive after the interview stage. That makes things very difficult for everyone but, in their case, they were actually right and virtually anticipated the downturn and put a hold on the recruitment. From the candidate side too, people were holding on to their jobs and not wanting to risk a move. In that situation we did as everyone in the industry did - worked harder and more effectively and kept a close eye on costs.

You have, however, expanded your own staff and invested in a very good website. It seems that the whole essence of Chase Taylor is one of approachability with professionalism. Is that fair?

People will always buy from people, and when I set my own company up I wanted it to reflect how I would like to be treated, both as a candidate looking for a job and or as an employer seeking to recruit talent.

So friendliness and approachability are important but we are totally professional in everything we do. Our aim is to open up the

talent pool and to place talented individuals in the correct niches of the industry. It could be CEOs or MDs or, equally, production, sales or administration staff.

Does Chase Taylor almost follow through an individual’s career, placing them in positions moré than once?

That has happened, certainly. But clients must be able to trust us and that includes not poaching their staff simply to fill another commission. Confidentiality is paramount, both for the employer and the candidate. No one wants a situation where a candidate’s CV is sent to their current employer! We’ve all heard of these things... but not with Chase Taylor.

I’m particularly interested in the candidate side and your One Page Me concept....

We’ve found that many, and particularly senior people who have been in the industry a long time, don’t have an up-to-date CV. The fact that it’s called by a latin name says it all... it’s a bit forbidding, difficult to do, time consuming and so on. On top of that, if a potential employer gets a 4 page CV, our own research says that they are unlikely to read it in depth. They want something that gives them the facts about the candidate’s experience and what makes them tick , and will help them put together a short list for interview. That’s when they’ll get into the minutiae.

Yes, that’s the whole point. Our database of candidates is just as important to us as a database of potential companies who want to hire us to recruit for them. We are very experienced in this industry, recruiting for window, door, profile manufacturers, hardware companies and so on. In fact we recruited a whole sales team for UAP and you can read about that process on our website.

Chase Taylor is just another part of this industry. We’re a supplier of products....in our case, that product is people

Editor comment: I think that says it all: “We’re a supplier of products... in our case, that product is people”.

Chase Taylor is a recruitment agency that is very much part of the whole fenestration industry. Just looking at their website you can tell that the company knows their business, but also ours, whatever product or service we represent. Mat Gibson and his team provide a totally professional but friendly service and just reading the testimonials from well known names in our industry, backs up everything Mat and I have talked about in this interview.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0066

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

What’s your opinion?

With October’s edition of Glass News heralding the final quarter of the year, many will be finalising budgets for 2014.

With growth expected, the Editor of Glass News asks:

What products or services will drive the increases we anticipate in 2014?

Jason Thompson Glazerite

Mark Schlotel Synseal

Stewart Lamb HOPPE (UK) Ltd

Kieran Costello Jnr Glassparts

Guy Hubble RegaLead

My feelings on this are triple glazing for improved thermal performance and acoustics; coloured foils will continue to gain popularity and I still feel composite doors and Bifolds will continue to grow.

Customers now want more than just a conservatory and the focus on Orangeries will continue with our commitment demonstrated with 4 major structural and 2 enhancements made to K2 and Synseal products as the industry moves towards the year end.

In terms of volume and value, composite doors have to be on the agenda as a continued industry growth area for 2014, and the whole supply chain needs to keep innovating to serve this demand and retain added value.

With consumer confidence on the up, I think 2014 will see a resurgence in home improvement spending and an opportunity for our industry to add value by offering something new.

Composite doors have already proved their worth at a time when the economy ensured there were few real areas of growth available.

Improved software for iPad’s and tablets will sales people to give sharper presentations and accurate quotes on the night will also have a big impact whilst the Internet and web sites will continue to grow to generate more and more leads. VS windows will also continue to grow as they become more authentic and acceptable as a replacement for timber in more conservation areas.

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

Orangeries and other value added designs are reviving the conservatory market and creating desire amongst homeowners who had previously become tired of the standard white PVC-U offer.

Performance has also been dramatically improved through the use of high performance glass, with margins also receiving a boost as purchase values rise.

HOPPE believes so strongly in this sector that we’ve invested significantly in an entirely new furniture range for January launch. Designed specifically with composite doors in mind, the range includes stainless steel pull handles, lever on rose and lever on plate handles, and PAS24 performance escutcheons.

Although no one is forecasting sales hikes in 2014, there should be growth, and as well as products like composite doors really penetrating retail, I believe a collaborative approach between specialist, expert suppliers will help cement the upward trend. HOPPE for example will be continuing to work closely with Distinction Doors with dedicated product for their national door showroom roll outs.

Success will come from offering new products that both excite consumers and are innovative enough to make them part with hard earned cash. That’s why we’ve spent recent months researching the market and introducing what we believe is an aspirational product that will satisfy these demands by building on a much loved concept – next generation glass balustrades.

Still a favourite in RMI projects and new build, glass balustrades help give the illusion of more space while wowing the neighbours.

We will all still need to be price sensitive though as cash isn’t suddenly going to flood the market, and our quick to install Crystal-View frameless balustrade system which is fully adjustable allowing for straight line installation where no handrail has been used, looks set to be an additional best seller for our customers’ portfolios.

Consumers are now taking the opportunity to replace ageing PVC panels as composite doors come down in price to a level that is affordable. We see this trend continuing in 2014 and industry analysts are predicting another year of double digit growth in the retail composite door sector.

However, consumers are also becoming much more savvy and looking for further individualisation beyond just glass options, so the standard red, blue and green colour offerings will no longer be enough.

Colour is becoming a major factor in terms of consumer choice for both windows and composite doors and we expect to see this translated into significant growth in our DoorColourTM offering.

For us, a successful 2014 will be about new products.

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DOORS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Vista

launches innovative new door range

DEKKO’S PREMILINE PATIO Dekko Window Systems have seen sales of their Kömmerling window and doors increase significantly, including the highly impressive PremiLine patio door, since becoming part of their UK fabricator network in 2012.

More recently, the introduction of the PremiLine patio door has done much to boost sales, along with the launch of the run through sash horn for the Kömmerling O70 Gold window system. The O70 Gold window and door system has proven to be a firm favourite with the customers of Bredbury based fabricator, thanks to the highly energy efficient 5 chambered design, wide range of foiled options from stock and other key features.

The PremiLine patio door is the perfect match to the C70 and O70 Gold systems.

Given the innovative design of the outer frame which is 70mm deep tapering out to 80mm to accommodate the sash, it can be easily coupled to any Kömmerling 70mm frame and benefits from a large range of ancillaries. Additionally outer frames can be either welded or mechanically jointed.

Vista’s ‘Inox’ steel glazing cassettes.

Vista, one of the UK’s largest and longest established manufacturers of door panels and composite doors will launch a new range of contemporary style composite doors in October.

The new range will include six new door styles together with 35 new decorative glass unit’s manufactured using Vista’s new ‘Inox’ stainless steel glazing cassettes.

Vista’s Managing Director – Keith Sadler explains: “Vista has a reputation for innovation and staying ahead of trend. When we looked at the current styles of our competitors, we found them to be very traditional.

Modern houses and housing developments are constantly changing and so require new READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0067

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“Modern houses and housing developments are constantly changing.” thinking and new designs to keep pace with today’s tastes.”

He continues: “The new cassettes have a very low profile and so look more contemporary with their stainless steel finish. They will suit the more modern style of home and apartment.”

All Vista composite doors feature 3 x 3 way adjustable hinges, a five point lock, 70mm triple seal outer-frame, thermal inserts and stainless steel hardware. They are PAS 23/24 approved, Secure by Design accredited and come complete with a full 25 year guarantee.

Tel: 0151 608 1423

The run through Sash Horns have also been a welcome addition to the Kömmerling product range for Dekko and have proven to be a far more aesthetically pleasing option than the other option of ‘stick on’ sash horns.

Kurt Greatrex with the PremiLine patio door.

Kurt Greatrex, sales director of Dekko comments: ‘We’ve a great relationship with Kömmerling and their products have brought in considerable sales for us. The on-going product development programme is also a big plus for us as a business.’

Kevin Warner of Kömmerling concludes: ‘Dekko have proven to be a great addition to the Kömmerling fabricator network. It’s important for us to be able to work closely with our customers in the development of new products and in their business. Above all, it’s a true business partnership.’

For information on Kömmerling, call 01543 444900, e-mail enquiries@profine-group. com, log on to www.kommerling.co.uk or follow them on Twitter @kommerlinguk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0068

SOLIDOR’S BEST BROCHURE NOW EVEN BETTER Solidor have just published their latest composite door brochure, which is packed with 60 pages of innovation, industry firsts and key features of their market leading range.

The new brochure focuses on the fact that their doors are based on a solid and fully sustainable hardwood core and encourages homeowners to take the ‘Knock Knock’ test which was so successfully demonstrated at the FIT Show earlier this year. Environmental credentials and quality standards are also covered along with their 17 different door colours/finishes including industry firsts Mocha, Rich Aubergine, Chartwell Green, Duck Egg Blue, French Grey and Irish Oak. Within the new perfect bound brochure are also the outer frame and glass options, along with their exclusive hardware options including the Avantis lock, which provides for the largest deadbolt in the UK and traditional ironmongery range. There are 10 standard door designs, along with French Door,

Stable Door and side frame options and the inclusion of the luxurious Italia Collection.

Solidor have also extended their warranty to 12 years, which covers all aspects of the door and multi-point locking mechanism. Finally, the back page encourages homeowners to download the new Solidor App, which guides homeowners through the design process for a new Solidor composite door, which they can paste on to an image of their own house.

Gareth Mobley, managing director of Solidor comments: ‘We have invested a huge amount of money in the design, photography and printing of our new 60 page perfect bound brochure. Our customers are now telling us that it has become a benchmark in the sector for composite doors and I tend to agree!’

For a copy of the new brochure and new colour swatch, or to find out more about their Recommended Installer scheme then log on to www.solidor.co.uk, call 01782 847300 or e-mail enquiries@solidor.co.uk. To keep up to date with all of their developments follow them on Twitter @solidorltd or look them up on Facebook.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0069

From left to right: Gareth Mobley of Solidor with Adrian Keegan of Flair Plastic Products.

FLAIR PLAY

FOR SOLIDOR

Flair Plastic Products have just refurbished their showroom to display more of Solidor’s impressive composite door range to the trade and consumer sectors, as the composite door pioneer continues to grow at a pace.

Throughout the UK, installation companies are looking to enhance their showroom offering and Flair’s newly refurbished site is particularly impressive, with 13 Solidor composite doors on show, each with a different exterior colour.

Yet Solidor can now offer an incredible 17 colours inside and out, along with 18 colour combinations for their chamfered or ovolo Kömmerling outer frames.

The showroom environment at Flair has proven to be a great way in which to display the solid core composite doors from Solidor, along with many of their other key features including exclusive hardware options, through colours and wild range of glass designs. All the PVCu materials used by Solidor are also leadfree, something that Flair also support with the use of Kömmerling window and door systems.

Flair operates both in the domestic and trade markets and have grown quickly from their base in Sutton Coldfield, into a major player across the central band of the UK. Adrian Keegan, strategic consultant for Flair comments: ‘Its important for us as a business to be aligned with the best brands and products in the industry and that’s why we solely specify Solidor. Their product is the best by far in the composite door sector which makes the selling process relatively easy for us.’

Gareth Mobley, managing director of Solidor concludes: ‘We’re delighted to see such a strong brand presence for Solidor in the new showroom and they clearly know a great composite door when they see one! Over the past few years Flair have grown significantly and they clearly have an eye for premium products.’

To find out more about Solidor including their Recommended Installer campaign then log on to their new website at www.solidor. co.uk, call their sales office on 01782 847300, or add to their Twitter following @solidorltd.

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DOORS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

HOPPE delighted to be integral partner in the launch of

the first dedicated Distinction Door retail showroom at Nationwide Windows

HOPPE (UK), the manufacturer synonymous with innovation, quality and performance in hardware for the architectural and window and door sectors, is delighted to be an original working group member of the Distinction Doors retail showroom concept that’s just gone live and looks set to take sales of composite doors in the UK by storm.

Stewart Lamb, HOPPE’s National Sales and Marketing Manager comments: “We were delighted to see the concept come to life at the recent opening of the inaugural showroom at Nationwide Windows.”

“We’ve been working closely with Distinction Doors for a while now with the single objective of making the world of composite doors a lot more interesting. Initially spotting potential for our premium Designer Door Handle Range, Distinction and HOPPE are now working closely together to develop further high end hardware solutions to help add value and differentiate on behalf of customers.”

“The official opening of the pioneering retail showroom at Nationwide Windows was the culmination of this first step.”

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Dave Gomersall, Distinction Door's Operations Director, comments: “We believe the Designer range will continue to support us in maintaining our market leadership, and with HOPPE as a partner, Distinction's tried, tested, trusted mantra will be in safe hands: Put simply, the Designer range is a top quality product from a top quality brand and we're delighted to be working with HOPPE to develop a high quality pull handle that exceeds standard offerings.”

“After further product enhancements, we will be presenting the new range to all our customers to complement contemporary doors in the residential and commercial markets.”

Stewart Lamb adds: “When it comes to new product developments, it's important to have a finger on the pulse of market trends.

And one current trend that has traditionally enjoyed success in the commercial sector and is now making its presence firmly felt in the domestic market is the pull handle.”

“As a leader in stainless steel hardware manufacturing, we are usually ahead of the curve when it comes to spotting demand for new product sectors, and pull handles are currently showing significant trending.

Traditionally the domain of higher end commercial developments, pull handles are enjoying a surge in demand as more door businesses look to differentiate their offering via the hardware specification.”

“Our existing pull handle range comes in a broad range of finishes and styles, and we're excited to be working with Distinction to further develop this range and support the ambitious showroom roll out across the UK.” For more information on HOPPE (UK) Ltd visit www.hoppe.co.uk or call 01902 484 400.

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Polyframe Improved range of Composite Doors Polyframe Composite Doors have recently made some significant improvements to their composite door product range.

Since starting to manufacture the Calder Collection range of composite doors in January the company has gone from strength to strength, with sales far exceeding the initial forecasts. Key to this success has been the range of options available to customers and to maintain this momentum Polyframe have added more choices.

The range has been enhanced with the addition of 1 new door style, 3 colour choices, 2 glass designs along with outer frame, hardware and threshold additions.

Peter Dyson, Polyframe Sales Director, stated “the new additions to the composite door range will enable us to move to the next level as a composite door manufacturer. We have added Grey, Cream and Chartwell Green colour options, along with black on white outerframe, a new door style – Stainland and two exciting new glass designs. We have also added a low PCVu threshold and new colours for hardware to the range.”

“This means that we can now offer 23 door styles, 14 decorative glass designs, ten colour choices and six hardware colour options. A comprehensive offering that we are confident will cover all options that our customers require.”

Polyframe have strategies in place to grow the composite door facility and are looking at some exciting new product options for the new year.

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The Great Composite Door Debate

What do you think?

On 10 September four industry professionals went head to head to discuss some of the issues they see facing the composite door market today in the Great Composite Door Debate, hosted by TV presenter Michelle Orpe.

Although it’s one of the few growth sectors in our industry, it brings with it a new set of challenges which the four participants, each with an interest in composites, discussed at length at this roundtable event.

“Across the array of issues discussed on the day, there weren’t many disagreements amongst our professionals,” says Fiona Lund of Brouha Marketing, organisers of the event with MyTrade TV, “but we’re expecting some of the content to create a stir among viewers.”

Guy Hubble at Regalead, one of the participating companies says: “Composite doors have proved lucrative for everyone involved to date, but that can only be sustained if we hold our nerve as an industry and keep the added value in the product.”

“It’s easy to forget as the norm shifts that the entrance door is no longer the poor relation of windows. The composite door is sold as a product in its own right now, rather than an after thought to a houseful of windows. Regalead helps its customers keep added value in their doors with our decorative glass units,

specialist paint techniques and stainless steel glazing system.”

Roger Benton from HOPPE (UK) adds: “The entire market had to shift when composite doors gathered pace, to ensure the end product offered the consumer something different and something they would be prepared to pay for. But this shift came with challenges for suppliers – not only to design something new to fit the overall product seamlessly, but also to ensure the new designs were made to last.

Composite doors came with longer guarantees than PVC doors, so needed a completely new approach which we discussed in more detail in this debate.”

One of the main discussion points centred around maintaining margins on the product as another of the participants, Mark Atkinson from Hurst, explains: “To date composite doors have not only offered installers a means of boosting sales, they have also achieved excellent margins. The trouble is, as more consumers have a composite door on the front of their house, the more we need to differentiate the product for new customers who want something different from Mrs Smith next door. The question is how we do that while maintaining margins.

Component products offering a world of variation are definitely available to differentiate so I think we all agreed in this discussion that cutting prices wasn’t the answer. I’m sure there will be installers that disagree but consumers are aspirational and are prepared to pay more for a high quality product. I’m sure the cynics will accuse us of simply trying to maintain our own margins but the truth is there are enough margins in this popular product for everyone involved. I’m sure our customers would

“The entire market had to shift when composite doors gathered pace, to ensure the end product offered the consumer something different and something they would be prepared to pay for.” agree that it would be detrimental for us to peel back the specification of our doors to remove cost because I honestly believe consumers will choose the higher specification door for more money over the lower specification, cheaper option.”

David Gomersall from Distinction Doors agreed: “We all have to remember that we are dealing with a more discerning consumer now. We should be embracing the fact we have a product that people want and are happy to pay for, rather than trying to undercut the competition. Composite doors offer the homeowner so much – as well as the aesthetic and security benefits they’ve been sold on for a while, they now also come with Door Energy Ratings, decorative glass and Designer door furniture to differentiate one door from another. Each of these components also allow installers to demand more money for the optional extras. I strongly believe the industry should be working as a collective to educate the consumer about the options available to them, in order to maintain the existing margins we have all enjoyed from composite doors.”

The footage of the debate can be seen in instalments in this and future editions of MyTrade TV. Please get in touch and let us know what you think about the issues raised in the Great Composite Door Debate.

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TECH TALK

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Tech Talk with Strafford Cooke, Technical Manager, Mila

STRAIGHT TALKING GUIDE TO STANDARDS There are a bewildering array of standards governing the hardware used on windows and doors and, even as someone who is dealing with them every day, I can understand how many fabricators and installers find them confusing and difficult to keep track of.

EN1627-30 This standard is being presented as the European equivalent to our PAS24: 2012 and we are already seeing doors entering the UK which have been tested to it. The main difference between this and the British Standard is that it works on a grading system instead of a pass or fail criteria. It does not include any weather or cycle test performance nor any tests on the cylinder or security handle. SBD and BSI are currently working with other industry bodies to try to have additional elements added to the standard to bring it in line with our tests.

Door locks BS3621, 2007 Single point locks (Thief resistant locks, key egress)

Strafford Cooke.

If you don’t know your PAS23s from your TS007s, here’s my straight talking guide to door set standards which tells you what they all mean and why they matter. I’ll be covering window standards and more general performance standards next time.

Door sets BS: PAS23-1,1999 (now replaced by BS6375 1/2/3) Was the performance standard for door sets – used to demonstrate that the door set is fit for purpose. It includes cycle testing the complete door set including hinges, lock and cylinder for 50,000 cycles. It also includes a weather test and measurements of the force required to lock and unlock the door – too much force and the door set fails the test.

BS: PAS24: 2012 (replaced BS: PAS24-1, 2007 and A2 2011 this year and now covers all door and window types) The security standard for door sets - certifies that a particular door, frame, lock and hardware set has withstood a series of physical tests based on the common methods of burglary. Tests include bi-directional loading, hard and soft body impacts and manual attack with crow bars, screwdrivers and chisels. The A2 part of the test covered attack on the cylinder and security hardware but does not include bump testing which is covered separately.

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The minimum standard for locks on external or entrance doors to be acceptable to the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the police service. Includes a General Vulnerability Assessment.

BS8621, 2007 Single point locks (Thief resistant locks, keyless egress) Equivalent to BS3621 but applies to locks which offer egress without the use of a key (ie fire exit doors).

BS10621, 2007 Single point locks (Thief resistant locks, keyless egress) As BS8621 but applies to locks with an external deadlock override facility (ie locks which allow the occupier to apply a secondary deadlock from the outside to prevent the door being opened from the inside by a burglar who might have gained entry through a window. These can only be used where there is an alternative means of escape.).

PAS3621: Multipoint locks (Thief resistant locks, key egress) Introduced to provide a mechanism for certifying the performance of multi-point locks without the need to test them in door sets. It mimics the BS3621 standard for mortice locks. This standard should be approached with caution because it measures only the performance of the lock and does not take into account the quality or performance of the door set where the lock will be fitted.

PAS8621: Multipoint locks (Thief resistant locks, keyless egress) As BS8621 but for multipoint rather than mortice locks.

“If you don’t know your PAS23s from your TS007s, here’s my straight talking guide to door set standards which tells you what they all mean and why they matter.”

PAS10621: Multipoint locks (Thief resistant locks, keyless egress) As BS10621 but for multipoint rather than mortice locks (This applies to locks where the occupant uses a thumb turn cylinder on the inside and a key locking cylinder on the outside).

Door cylinders BS EN 1303: 2005 The minimum requirement to show that a cylinder is fit for purpose. It includes a series of tests on the cylinder which result in an 8 digit code (normally stamped on the keys).

All cylinders submitted for testing in PAS24: 2012 must comply with this standard.

BSI Kitemark on cylinders The Kitemark on a cylinder indicates that it has been submitted to the MLA (via BSI or a UKAS accredited test centre) for testing by three independent locksmiths to see if the cylinder is bump resistant. This can sometimes be misleading for consumers though as they understandably think that

a kitemarked cylinder has been tested for security but this is a General Vulnerability Assessment and not a PAS24 test.

TS007 Enhanced security for replacement door cylinders and security hardware A new standard introduced to try to combat the problem of lock snapping. It works on a star system: 1 star indicates that a cylinder is bump resistant, 2 stars indicates that security hardware such as handles and cylinder guards can resist a three minute attack with the tools set out in PAS24 and 3 stars indicated that a standalone cylinder can resist the same three minute attack. Installers can choose either to combine a 1 star cylinder and a 2 star handle to meet the standard or to use a standalone 3 star cylinder. Our opinion is that it is better to fit a security handle and an anti-bump cylinder as this works as a visual deterrent.

Sold Secure SS312: Revision 4: 2010 The Diamond Standard for lock cylinders.

Based on EN 1393: 2005 and the General Vulnerability Assessment from BS3621, this standard incorporates additional requirements to address critical issues relating to the security provided by cylinders and associated keys. At diamond level, the cylinder is subjected to a 1 minute attack with heavy duty tools.

Tel: 01327 312400 www.mila.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0081

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GQA NEWSLETTER

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

OCTOBER 2013 Rainbow Glass get GQA Qualified Ryan Irvine (left) & Lewis Wheatley (right) of Rainbow Glass Studio have both recently completed GQA Glass Processing Qualifications with RT Resources Ltd. Rainbow Glass Studio from Prestwick, Scotland specialise in the restoration work of stained and leaded glass windows. This work includes historic and conservation work.

Ryan completed his GQA Level 2 in Glass Processing in 2012 as a new recruit to the company and with Rainbow Glass’ commitment to training and development, he has now completed his Level 3 mentored by Lewis who also completed his GQA Level 3 in Glass Processing in 2013.

Ryan was also one of the first e-portfolio candidates with RT Resources to complete his qualification. Ryan said “I found the e-portfolio a lot faster and easier to use than my paper portfolio for Level 2. It was easy enough to revisit knowledge questions when it suited me to. Straight forward for contacting and organising visits with my Assessor Brian. I thought it was a more efficient way to do the qualification.”

Assessor Brian Moultrie said “Ryan progressed significantly from the early days of his Level 2 to the completion of his Level 3 qualification. Ryan is a big part of their team for the glass processing in the factory and also on site for the installation of the panels. Working with Ryan and Lewis was a pleasure and made it easy to assess them with their organisational skills.”

Barnsley College’s Think Low Carbon Centre This week I had the pleasure of visiting Barnsley College’s Think Low Carbon Centre, built within the grounds of my old secondary school at Honeywell; The Centre is the result of a £2.75m investment from the European Regional Development Fund through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme 20072013, with the remainder of the project funded by the College.

Roy Thomas, Programme Manager at the Centre and the GQA Approved Centre Coordinator, along with senior lecturer, Eric Passmore, gave me a tour of the facility and detailed some of the green technologies behind the Barnsley College initiative.

The Centre is a comprehensive resource for anyone wanting to see how low carbon buildings look and work; the impressive visitors entrance and reception immediately caught my eye as the reception desk is fronted by a significant piece of art encapsulating cullet and light. Amongst the green technologies I saw were solar panels, triple glazing, a woodpellet powered bio-mass boiler and under-floor heating that is fuelled by an air-source heat pump that captures heat from outside the building. All power generated is displayed within the centre for visitors to see. The centre also recycles rainwater used for toilet facilities and has reflective sun-pipes allowing natural light in dark rooms.

Walking around the facility gave a feeling that this is

“A second workshop houses fully ergonomic work stations and testing rigs for a variety of technologies.”

GQA / NLTG Achiever progresses with Lancashire Double Glazing North Lancs Training Group candidate, Jordan Baker of Lancashire Double Glazing, has been promoted to the position of Production Manager with the Preston based company.

somewhere that working and learning would be enjoyable; the main workshop had a plethora of features that made it more than just a place of learning; from the ‘sight panels’ showing three types of insulation (Sheep’s Wool, Straw and recycled Denim), to the acoustic ceiling panels that reduce echo and reverberation, allowing sound to travel to the four corners of the room effectively and clearly.

A second workshop houses fully ergonomic work stations and testing rigs for a variety of technologies, with a separate area housing bay sections for practical delivery of external wall insulation sessions. All around the facility, visitors and students alike are able to see how the Centre utilises green energies with many of the technologies visible and not covered – from the insulation sight panels in the conference room to the very visible under-floor heating system on the first floor.

The College currently delivers learning programmes linked to green technologies and is bracing itself for the start of the new term, welcoming in students onto a variety of courses.

While the College is a GQA Approved Centre, much of the work on our qualifications is carried out on site, but with the potential of the Think Low Carbon Centre evident, it is hoped that we will see GQA involvement in this fantastic facility in the very near future.

Jordan achieved his GQA Level 2 Production of Glass Supporting Fabrications in 2008, progressing on to the Level 3 Apprenticeship in 2010, achieving in 2012, and now continuing his personal development by signing up to a Level 3 Business Improvement techniques qualification, all through NLTG. Jordan first arrived at LDG 10 years ago starting off as an apprentice fabricator. His duties and responsibilities now range from every day running of the factory shop floor with over 20 staff, ordering materials, organising and setting production targets to recruiting staff into the company. He regularly meets with senior staff during meetings to discuss the running of the factory.

to discuss any further training needs for his staff and takes a keen interest in their development.

Jordan went onto say; “All the health and safety and English and maths training provided

by NLTG is imperative to LDG to help create a safe and healthy working environment for all employees. The training helps them to understand the reasons why it is important to have these procedures in place. I would like to thank NLTG for all their support with my own development and I will continue to work with NLTG and Roy to support them with new trainees in the future.”

Jordan said; “All the previous and current training I’ve had from NLTG has put me in good stead and helped me to where I am today – in work and as a person. I always recommend NLTG and any new members of staff are put onto the training scheme immediately, so they can benefit from the training that existing staff are benefitting from.”

Jordan always looks forward to NLTG visits and takes time to sit with his Assessor, Roy Pusey,

New EV Joins the Team at GQA GQA are delighted to welcome Andy Carrington as the newest member to join our team.

He joins us from Derby College and brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge. Andy has been in the industry for 30 years and has had various job roles from Glass and Glazing maintenance to Surveying and Management. He also has vast experience within the assessment and verification process of GQA qualifications.

Within his previous job, Andy was nominated and won the GQA Best Practice in Assessment Award at the 2011 GQA Conference.

Andy will focus primarily on Fenestration, working with GQA Approved centres to provide support on Fenestration linked qualification and programmes, including MTC compliance solutions.

Andy says, “My strengths are my knowledge of the industry and experience of assessment and verification and I look forward to the challenge to improve on what GQA has already achieved and to working closely with other industry bodies”. Mick Clayton, CEO of GQA said, “Andy is a fantastic addition to the team, I have known Andy personally for many

years and his experience, endeavour and personality will be an asset to GQA and our centres.”

Andy is joining a team of 9 External Verifiers who work throughout the UK, providing a strong support network for over 70 GQA approved centres offering our qualifications.

Tel: 0114 2720033 | Fax: 0114 2768466 Web: www.gqaqualifications.com | Email: marketing@gqaqualifications.com GQA Qualifications Unit 1, 12 O'clock Court, Attercliffe Road, Sheffield S4 7WW 46

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NEW PRODUCTS

New retail brochure for Halo Halo, a brand of The VEKA UK Group, has unveiled a newly updated retail brochure.

The glossy 32-page 'Designed for Living' brochure showcases the comprehensive range of windows, doors and conservatories that Halo systems are able to offer.

A valuable sales tool in the Halo marketing range, the new brochure features stylish imagery and highlighted information about the levels of energy efficiency and security features that can be specified. Other updates include: explaining the frame style options, showcasing the extended colour range and detailing the various hardware choices.

The information is presented in a 'jargonfree' format to help guide homeowners in choosing the perfect home improvements for their property.

Sales and Marketing Director of The VEKA UK Group, Colin Torley explains: “We felt it was time to update Halo's retail brochure to showcase the broad product range currently available from this well-respected brand.”

“We are committed to offering the best sales tools for our customers to attract new sales, and a large part of this is making sure our marketing materials reflect the quality of our products. This brochure is a glossy update that shows off Halo's varied product range in a simple and accessible way.”

“Halo fabricators and installers can even sign in to the Marketing Toolkit to personalise and order this brochure online. It can be tailored to their business by including the company name, logo and contact details.”

Tel: 01282 716611 www.halo-uk.com

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

HURST LIVE GOES LIVE An intensive period of research and development at Hurst Plastics has culminated in the company launching its most advanced information resource ever to account customers.

‘Hurst Live’ is a totally bespoke system which has been designed and created by Hurst to provide rapid access to a wealth of information and live updates. Hurst Live can be accessed through Hurst’s recently revamped website and also via iPhones, Android phones and Windows Smartphones.

Customers will now benefit from live order tracking, to view full details of every single order and chart its real time status through order processing, manufacture and delivery. Hurst Live also provides valuable information on a customer’s full order history over the last two years so they can see their buying habits at a glance. Online ordering of composite doors has been designed to be both

Escape Fast with Lockmaster Panic double door gearing secure and simple, whilst significantly reducing paperwork.

main Hurst website. Once set up, Hurst Live launches straight into a customer’s trade account at the touch of a button.

The new portal has a wide range of essential information available to download from individual customer pricing structures through to technical data such as U-values and certification, as well as access to the extensive library of Hurst’s product images.

If you are an existing Hurst customer and would like to hear more about Hurst Live, or if you are interested in becoming a Hurst trade partner, then please contact Hurst on 01482 790790.

Hurst Plastics is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of high quality PVC-U door panels, infill panels, composite doors and associated laminated products.

Scott Chapman, Hurst Plastics’ IT manager, says: “This move underlines our commitment to develop cutting edge solutions which support our customers and help them to build their businesses. Hurst Live has brought some fantastic technological advances to our customers in an easy to use format.”

Products are manufactured at Hurst’s 50,000 square foot purpose built factory in Kingston-upon-Hull and supplied to both the domestic and commercial markets throughout the UK and Europe.

“They now have access to a vast amount of information and technical support at any time of the day through their PC, tablet or Smartphone.

Initial feedback has been very promising and we are confident that many customers will embrace this new development, which gives them even more power to sell to the homeowner.”

Hurst Plastics is a member of the Hurst Group, which was established 40 years ago.

With expertise in joinery, building services, ceilings and flooring, the Group is recognised as a major force in the contracting and glazing industries.

Tel: 01482 790790 www.hurst-plastics.co.uk

Hurst Live is available free of charge to Hurst trade customers and can be downloaded by visiting the

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1-9 in each line diagonally and horizontally, 1-9 in each of the nine small square grids.

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The new double door panic door system from the world’s favourite lock company has been designed specifically to work with Lockmaster to offer all the advantages of high security and compression performance, together with accredited emergency egress capability.

Complementing the existing single panic door system, the new patented double door variant is fully CE Marked and tested to industry standards including full ICM accredited compliance with EN1125:2008, the European standard panic door hardware performance.

Says Huw Rogers, Technical Services Manager at Yale Door and Window Solutions: “The new patented double door solution is a unique system for use on outward opening single and double exit doors, even in high frequency applications.

“Even more importantly for Yale Door and Window Solutions, it is a showcase for our commitment to fabricators, to introduce innovations in hardware that can be easily included into an existing product portfolio, with minimal impact to their operational processes, regardless of whether they are manufacturing PVCu, composite, timber of aluminium doors.”

An optional external access handle set working on an innovative clutch mechanism, ensures that once the key is removed the system is securely locked to the outside whilst maintaining full emergency egress functionality at all times.

The new Lockmaster Panic double door gearing is certified to 200,000 cycles on doors up to 200 kilos and is tested to resist corrosion to in excess of 240 hours NSS. As with all Yale Door and Window Solutions Locking systems, the new system is offered with a ten year product guarantee, for additional peace of mind.

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1

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6

2

See this month’s TIME OUT! pages for more puzzle fun!

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0086

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3 4

1

9

Yale Door and Window Solutions has unveiled a patented double door multipoint panic door system, created and accredited to offer emergency egress for a wide range of applications.

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For further product details or more information, please visit www.yaledws.co.uk/ panic READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0088

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

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HARDWARE & SECURITY

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Mila Quality & Service...

it’s in our DNA

‘On time and in full’ is a mantra that seems to be trotted out by any manufacturing or distribution company, and not just in our industry. It’s come to be expected... of course, everything we send out is on time and in full! But not everyone works to the same definition, or monitors performance to the same exacting standards.

So on a visit to Mila’s impressive facility at Daventry it was no great surprise when they claimed 98.6% of order lines arrived with their customers on time and in full last week.

What was a surprise was the lengths they go to to monitor their processes, so that their statistics are absolutely correct. No false claims here! In fact Mila are brutally honest and some may say, to their detriment. If a new customer, with no account set up, ‘phones at 17.00 hours on a particular day, requesting a pallet load of a product, or just a single item costing a few pence, the delivery to that customer of the article they’ve ordered goes into their statistics of being delivered within 24 hours. Now that’s impressive!

This attention to detail is all part of Mila’s strap line ‘Quality and Service - it’s in our DNA’, and it’s no idle boast. What comes across when meeting Richard Gyde, Mila’s MD, and his team, is that they are passionate about their business and the service they provide to customers. It hasn’t always been easy, indeed Richard says, “Back in the late ‘80s we had built a successful business and were proud of both our quality and service but we got a bit complacent, letting other hardware companies get a foothold in the industry. Not anymore. We learned our lesson the hard way and work very hard to make sure our quality and service are always outstanding.

With nearly 10,000 SKUs in their 80,000 sq ft warehouse, ensuring stock availability becomes an art form, particularly when the hardware items come from China, and Eastern Europe, too. Whether fast moving items or slow, each SKU has its own lead time so that the managing of the ordering and the logistics of getting the product on the shelf has become the life of Supply Chain Director, Oliver Burgess, and his expertise is paramount in keeping to those impressive ‘on time and in full’ statistics. This is a busy warehouse but, in walking round, there’s a calm efficiency and a cheeriness that is infectious. It sounds hackneyed, but these are nice people. They know what they’re doing and doing it with a will and a pride in a job well done. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Oliver’s knowledge and presence - a tall man with a dry sense of humour and a laconic delivery - is in demand as a speaker on the Supply Chain circuit and that he has been drafted onto the executive committee of the Leaders in Supply Chain Group UK. In a recent presentation at the Institute of Directors, his ‘Bears, Bulls and Dragon’ talk on the issues and problems caused by Chinese New Year, and the effect that that celebration can have over a 6 month period, emphasised his knowledge and perception of how logistics effects every part of a business.

This is a team, in the best sense of the word.

None of their success would happen without quality products and Mila invests substantial money in designing hardware, sourcing product and monitoring every step of a new product launch....and it involves everyone.

Mila has had its fair share of problems over the years, even writing off products in 2008 when, like many hardware companies, it experienced problems with the pitting of hardware finishes. “Not something we liked doing but it was right thing to do.

Our product development rationale and monitoring of quality with high levels of testing will, hopefully, ensure it never happens again,” said Richard.

Delivering products to customers is one thing but ensuring stock is available is another.

Straff Cooke.

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When Alan Peel, Quality Manager, produced his intricate charts for monitoring the quality and performance of every component it proved that every detail of a product is signed off at every stage. And if the high levels of Quality Assurance at Mila’s Daventry facility is impressive, the fact that they have a six man team based in China to work with their suppliers, is even more so. Both Oliver and Alan explained the importance. A cost? “Absolutely, but essential in forming a partnership with your suppliers.”

Mila insists that their suppliers follow the self same procedures and tests as Mila do themselves and, although initially a shock to the Far Eastern system, the suppliers quickly learn the importance of this rigourous procedure and learn to welcome it.

Testing is a hugely important part of any new hardware product launch and Mila’s own test facilities cannot fail to impress. Technical Manager Straff Cooke has all the facilities to hand and is constantly testing product - there are handles and locks going through cycle tests as we walk through. “How long have they been on test?” I ask. “These have been on for over three months now” says Straff. If a directive calls for a certain amount of cycle tests, Straff will over test, and probably double the required time proscribed.

Surface finishes are all important and the monitoring of the thickness of the finishes is key to ensuring a high standard finish to the product. While the tried and tested Salt Spray rituals are followed, both Mila and their supplier partners now use the same acid drop equipment to constantly monitor the finishes to their products. “The consistent thickness of a finish is essential and we have found that the best way to measure the coating is by acid erosion,” commented Straff, “it means that constant testing by our manufacturers means that the specification we have demanded is adhered to.” This must be a comfort to Mila’s customers, knowing that the monitoring of processes at every stage prevents the engineering out of cost!

Mila is rightly proud of the quality of its products and the service they provide their customers but it’s clear that the company has no intention of resting on its laurels. New

Richard Gyde.

designs and products are constantly on the go and, in some cases, that product development can be a 5 year process.....with every process analysed and recorded by Product Development Manager Paul Pearson and his team. Every item produced can be tracked through its design, concept, prototyping, testing, tooling and function testing stages, and sign off by those responsible at each stage is archived for reference back, if necessary.

Quality and service are most definitely in Mila’s DNA.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0089

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

HARDWARE & SECURITY

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

KENRICK CENTURION

BRINGS A PLUS

Thistle Windows choose

Trojan hardware from Sealco

Leading hardware supplier Kenrick has unveiled the latest product to join the family of Centurion shootbolt locking systems.

Centurion Plus has been created to combine the very highest levels of security and smooth operation for the homeowner with speed of fitting and flexibility for the window fabricator. Each sash benefits from a robust unhanded die-cast central gearbox and extra adjustable steel mushroom cams to provide adequate compression and security on the window. Six locking points provide even greater security along the window. Available in backsets of 20mm and 22mm, the system is Secured By Design approved and offers BS7950 standard security.

Centurion Plus has been successfully tested to more than 100,000 operations of opening and closing the window. It has also been successfully tested to more than 240 hours of intense salt based corrosion to exceed the requirements of BS7412.

Steve Williams, Kenrick’s sales and marketing director, says: “Centurion Plus has been engineered to provide extra security, whilst being easy to use. And just like the original Centurion, there are just a few components per window so it is extremely quick and simple to install, thus enabling fabricators to maximise profit margins without compromising on quality.

Centurion Plus is covered under Kenrick’s comprehensive security guarantee. It provides the homeowner with free security cover, up to £500 towards the cost of replacing a damaged window or door and up to £600 towards the cost of replacing stolen property for a period of 10 years from the date of installation.

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 multipoint window shootbolt are extremely cost effective and easy to install.

Tel: 0121 553 2741 www.kenricks.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0090

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

Debar add colour match

entrance door handle to existing bi-folding door hardware range

Since switching to Sealco, Scotland’s largest independent hardware distributor, “we have not had to replace a single tarnished handle,” according to Thistle Windows’ Trade Director, Andrew Cadman.

Based in Aberdeen, the majority of Thistle Window’s customers live in coastal areas where tarnishing and corrosion from the weather are common problems.

Thistle Windows tried several different handle manufacturers but found that within months if not weeks of installation they were having to visit customers again to replace window and door handles.

Andrew Cadman added: “Thistle Windows had worked with several different handle manufacturers but was still looking for a product that exceeded their expectations in quality and performance.

“The potential for corrosion problems as a result of the salt water, rain and wind speeds has always been an issue of concern for us, but since using Trojan from Sealco we have not had to replace a single tarnished handle.”

Bi-folding door hardware specialists; Debar Limited is launching a special range of entrance door handles from Hoppe, specifically colour matched to their own ‘Vivo and Verso’ handle and accessory range.

of their product ranges, so we were delighted when they agreed to produce their Atlanta handle in the extra 3 colour finishes Debar offer, allowing us to offer our customers a complete suite of handles from one source.”

Debar, who launched their range of hardware, including: handles, shootbolts, locks and catches for the intermediate panels on the bi-folding doors several years ago, has introduced the ‘Atlanta’ handle to their product portfolio to allow customers to offer a single colour finish on a complete bi-folding door system. The Hoppe Atlanta handle will be sold alongside Debars existing range, matched to their current six colour finishes; white gloss, black matt, grey matt, brushed satin, polished brass and chrome.

Stewart Lamb, Hoppe national sales and marketing manager, agreed: “Graham approached us earlier this year at the ‘Fit Show’ and explained the potential of providing a handle which matched Debars’ current finishes. With the number of bifolding door systems being installed growing year on year, we can see the potential in the partnership between Debar and Hoppe and are delighted to be a supplier.”

Debar had been investigating the market for a while, looking for an entrance door handle, but needed a third party that could not only make a handle which offered extensive fit to most multipoint door locks, but more importantly could produce the right colour finishes with their own Vivo and Verso product ranges.

Graham Fawthrop, Debar managing director, commented: “Hoppe has a strong reputation in the market place for quality and robustness

The new range of handles suit most multipoint door locks with a 92mm centre, and come in a lever lever option. All finishes provide a 10 year coating guarantee and are matched to Debars own Vivo and Verso handle and accessory ranges.

Debars’ bi-folding hardware range can be seen on the company’s website, www.bifoldhardware.com and find out further details by calling sales on 01274 673547.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0092 1013/0093

Trojan Sparta window and door handles from Sealco are corrosion resistance to BS EN 1670 with grade five painted finishes and grade four plated finishes. They are cycle tested to 25,000 cycles under operational load and come with an impressive 25 year guarantee.

Alan Malcolm, Sales Director at Sealco Scotland said: “We thoroughly research our products to ensure the advice we give is helpful to our customers. It’s very satisfying to know that we have fixed the problem for Thistle Windows and their customers.”

Tel: 01324 610710 – www.sealco-scotland.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0091

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HARDWARE & SECURITY

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Max hits the airwaves to promote Britannia Windows & the Trojan Group celebrate the benefits of the MAX6MUM SECURITY® Baby & Child Window-Safe™ Restrictor an excellent partnership The Royal Association for the Prevention of Accidents has reported that each year over 4,000 children fall out of a window.

MAX6MUM SECURITY® Powered by UAP Limited has launched a radio campaign to raise awareness of this and to promote the solution.

David continues: “The radio campaign is the beginning of our marketing plans for the MAX6MUM SECURITY® range. The aim of this is to raise awareness of the brand and to also offer support to our customers as it directs consumers to their local stockist.”

The solution is presented in the form of the MAX6MUM SECURITY® Baby and Child Window-Safe™ Restrictor. MAX6MUM SECURITY® has rolled out a radio campaign across Smooth Radio which focuses on the restrictor, the aim of which is to create awareness and demand for MAX6MUM SECURITY® products.

MAX6MUM SECURITY® will also be promoting the Baby and Child Window-Safe™ Restrictor at an upcoming Baby and Toddler Show in Bluewater in mid-October.

For more information on the campaign visit www.getmaximumsecurity.com.

The radio campaign will initially be rolled out across the North West, East Midlands and West Midlands, reaching millions of listeners.

To complement the airtime campaign, MAX6MUM SECURITY® is also running a digital campaign on http://www.smoothradio. co.uk/; this will run for five weeks and will expect to get 163,410 impressions.

One example of such a relationship is the one between Britannia Windows and hardware manufacturer the Trojan Group, who have now been working together for over ten years.

Britannia Windows is based in Clevedon in Somerset.

Founded in 1980 it has grown to become one of the biggest manufacturers and installers in the south west.

The company works in the retail, trade and commercial markets and manufactures 800 frames per week.

The business has enjoyed

MAX6MUM SECURITY® MD David Jennings said: “The radio campaign will help to launch MAX6MUM SECURITY® to consumers, raise brand awareness and alert people to the fact that a child falling out of a window is a common and serious issue.”

The radio campaign which began on September 2nd will include a mixture of 30 second and 10 second adverts spread across the day from 6am to 7pm. The radio advert features the MAX6MUM SECURITY® brand character, Max, who tells of the risks of children falling out of windows and advises listeners of the solution.

The advert directs listeners to a new micro site, www.getmaximumsecurity.com. This site includes information on the window restrictor, fitting instructions and a list of stockists. Businesses interested in stocking the MAX6MUM SECURITY® Baby and Child Window-Safe™ Restrictor can also express their interest on the site by filling out an enquiry form. The micro site links back to the main MAX6MUM SECURITY® website.

When you’re looking for a supplier, you’re looking for a business you can build a long term partnership with while adding value to your own business.

significant growth in the last few years, and turnover is approaching £25m.

When asked for the secret of his company’s success, Managing Director Hayden Rushton, says, “We supply a well engineered, well made product supplied on time and at the right price. It’s the same principles as Trojan.”

Britannia purchases its window and door handles, door hinges and letter plates from Trojan. According to Hayden, the products are “well-designed, wellengineered, easy to install and come with a long term guarantee, so you can fit and forget. The product quality is beyond doubt.” These benefits are particularly important to Hayden, who says he deliberately chooses specialist suppliers that are led by technical and design considerations.

“That way if things need sorting they get done quickly and compromises aren’t made on quality. We’ve had bad experiences with

other companies ‘value engineering’ to the extent that the products fail. At the end of the day, even if it’s not our fault, a product failing reflects badly on us as a company and could impact on our reputation in the area.”

But the strength of Britannia’s trust in Trojan goes beyond the straightforward reliability of its products. Hayden says simply, “We like and believe in the people at Trojan.” At the end of the day, when you’ve got products you trust and people you trust, you’ve got the makings of a longterm partnership that adds value to your business, which is exactly what Britannia has got with Trojan.

Trojan Manufacturing Group Tel: 01922 713 933 www.trojan-hardware.com Britannia Windows (UK) Ltd Tel: 01275 878153 www.britanniawindows.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0095

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0094

Cotswold Stays’ success

with Carl F Groupco customers

FS Friction Stays from Cotswold Architectural Products have become bestselling lines for hardware distributor Carl F Groupco. Functionality and durability are reported as key reasons for the stays’ popularity.

Commenting on the popularity of the product, John Mitchell, Head of Technical Support for Carl F Groupco, said: “With each variant available in ferretic or austenitic steel, the Cotswold range offers much more than a standard stay.”

Manufacture in both ferretic and high grade corrosion resistant austenitic stainless steel is recognised as significant in adding to the appeal of the range.

“The austenitic option provides higher grade corrosion resistance which is ideal for use on windows located in coastal areas or in places where high humidity is a factor, such

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as swimming pools. The “Extreme” variants of FS Friction Stays offer additional support for heavy duty windows up to 35kg in weight.”

Featuring two reinforced austenitic heavy duty links which add strength, the friction stays are ideal for triple glazed windows.

Tel: 01733 393330 – www.carlfgroupco.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0096

John Mitchell, Head of Technical Support for Carl F Groupco demonstrates the benefits of FS Friction Stays.

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

1013/0097

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

55

HARDWARE & SECURITY

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

We asked...

”If you own a glass shop, a showroom, a trade counter or a depot... read on”.

You did!

In the September issue of Glass News we asked ‘If you own a glass shop, a showroom, a trade counter or a depot…read on.

You did!’

The response to our appeal in last months edition has been outstanding, and has proven to us that the MPL Approved Stockist model has hit the right note with the industry.

We believe becoming an MPL stockist is the most exciting, the most cost effective, and the most profitable opportunity in the market at the minute.

MPL is a supplier of all the multi-point locks the industry has ever seen To re-cap, MPL is a supplier of multi-point locks; more accurately we are a supplier of all the multi-point locks the industry has ever seen, with an incredible range of stock unrivalled in our field. Our business is very simple, to supply replacements door locks ( along with window hardware) to the industry for where original installations have broken down or are at the end of their natural lifecycle and need replacing.

The replacement lock market is one of the fastest growing sectors in the industry The replacement lock market is one of the fastest growing sectors in the industry. At our existing trade counters and via our internet sales we continue to see a rapidly rising trend towards people needing to replace their door and window hardware due to failure and breakdown of the original components. This shouldn’t surprise us, the industry is now in a mature phase, and door and window hardware was never designed to have a lifetime guarantee.

What we are seeing is a real growth spurt in this area and what is really interesting is that it is not just the trade lads who come to our counters, it is also members of the public who bring their existing locks and ask if we can replace them. The big thing for us now is to have as many locally based outlets as possible.

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The big thing for us is to have as many locally based outlets as possible

The MPL prospectus contains fully costed business models showing turnover and profitability levels

It is for these reasons that we have developed the MPL Approved Stockist model. If you are the owner of existing premises and want to increase your profitability then you should be talking to us. Your only investment is in stock, and we will do the rest.

So, if you would like more information about becoming an MPL Approves Stockist please get in touch with me. We will be happy to send you a free of charge prospectus by return which contains fully costed business models so you can see exactly what the opportunities are. It is made clear in the prospectus what levels of business and profitability you should reasonably expect to achieve, how much of this will be to the trade, how much will be to the public, and what other opportunities there are within the MPL offer.

The market is already created, it is the natural next phase of an industry which has been going for 30+ years, and becoming an MPL Approved Stockist will give you a profitable business stream for many years to come.

Thank you!

Graham Graham Jones is Managing Director of MPL www.multipointlocks.co.uk 01924 360444 graham@multipointlocks.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0098

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

1013/0099

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

57

CONSERVATORY EXPERT

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

CONSERVATORY EXPERT

!

RT PE EX

CONSERVATORY

Glass News speaks to Managing Director, Phil Foulgar, on why Four Seasons is so well placed for your Conservatory needs.

Four Seasons Conservatories adds the Guardian Roof System to their

impressive range of products

As one of the first K2 trade conservatory roof fabricators, Four Seasons Conservatories of Worksop are recognised as a specialist in this field.

This company has grown apace. Founded in 2000, they are now fabricating 50 roofs per week from their 16,000 sq ft factory and head office complex and, importantly, it’s their customers who say that their success is down to

a mixture of superior service, precision fabrication and the quality products they produce.

Their product range continues to expand, as does the company, with the replacement conservatory

1013/0100

roof system, the Guardian Roof System , taking the trade by storm. It is one of the biggest revelations to hit the home improvement market in the last ten years, such that consumers are now able to change their

old conservatory roof for a new Guardian Roof and effectively turn the old conservatory into a new extension that can be used all year round. The complete changeover takes only three days with very minimal disruption to the household.

and a choice of external tile finishes.

This roof system is designed to replace the existing glass or polycarbonate roof of a conservatory while retaining the original windows, doors, frames and walls. A great and economic refurbishment that, at the same time, provides substantial energy cost savings. All fully tested and approved to thermal and structural standards, the Guardian System is a high performance insulated roof system comprising of a preengineered lightweight frame, two layers of rigid insulation board, internal insulated plasterboard, exterior grade plywood, vapour membrane

This is a roof system that has been tested thoroughly and has a number of distinct advantages for the homeowner. Being LABC registered means that building control with its checks and approval system is made as easy as possible. Additionally, with everyone’s minds on thermal performance and energy efficiency, the comfortable year round ambient temperature plus that the product has been thermally, structurally and condensation risk tested, means reduced fuel bills for the life of the roof.

The Guardian Roof System achieves U Values of 0.18 w/ m2/k for England and Wales and 0.15 w/m2/k for Scotland and is fully guaranteed and benefits from fast installation.

Add to that a great choice of design including Edwardian, Lean-to style, Victorian, Gable Ended or a combination of designs and it’s not surprising that both Four Seasons’ customers... and their customers, rate this product so highly.

If you like the idea of the Guardian Roof you will be reassured by Four Seasons

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Consevatories’ emphasis on supporting their installer customers with full technical support for the installation process and their commitment to supporting their customers.

2013 has been an important year for Four Seasons, with further investment made, due to expanding their range, with the introduction of the New Wave Slide and Swing Patio Door System.

Claiming to be a door that does what bi-folds don’t, with a beautiful seamless finish and no bulky hinges and hardware, the New Wave Door has already proved to be a popular addition to Four Seasons overall product offering.

So a full product range is available with the ever popular K2 Conservatory Roof System, the New Wave Slide & Swing Patio Door System, and not forgetting the Guardian Warm Roof, Four Seasons offer a whole host of quality products to suit every project.

Tel: 01909 735833, email: gareth@fourseasonsroofs.co.uk or visit www. fourseasons-roofs.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0101

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

TUFFX PROVIDES

CONSERVATORY EXPERT

1013/0103

THE PERFECT AMBIENCE The growing trend for larger living areas has had positive impact on the market as sales figures can prove for specialist manufacturer TuffX Conservatory Roof Glass over the last 12 months.

It would seem the desire to renovate and upgrade existing conservatory roofs is also a growing tendency within the home improvement sector with 10 – 15% of orders taken by the company on a monthly basis being for replacement roof glasss.

kitchens or informal living areas which is a continually growing trend. Installing or upgrading conservatories enables the consumer to improve lifestyles and add space in a simple and costeffective way.

This was demonstrated most recently in a striking project in Hertfordshire. Mr Jonathan Lee had purchased a modern converted pub, which proved quite problematic due to one room with a glazed roof. The rain created a major issue every time there was a downpour as the existing polycarbonate roof leaked in various places.

Having heard about the possibility of replacing conservatory roofs, he decided that the best solution was to completely replace the old roof with a new self-cleaning glass option.

For most homeowners the addition of a conservatory is usually a more cost-effective solution to moving property, particularly if more space is required. Conservatories are a major selling point also for consumers who are looking to make the most of their gardens.

As the room was an integral part of the house it was vital that the right products were used to ensure that the leaks were fixed. The high performance, self-cleaning properties in the Ambience range provided the ideal solution, with the installation of Ambi-Aqua roof glass.

The increase in demand would appear to revolve around the ability to enlarge

Mr Lee comments, ‘I had considered trying to fix the leaks but felt in the long

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

term that it would be more cost effective to replace the entire roof. The original roof obviously had seal problems and I was insistent that the company surveyed the project before installation began. After hearing about replacement glass roofing options I evaluated the benefits of the Ambience range from my installer, after evaluating each one I felt that the Ambi Aqua option would be of the most benefit, got a quotation and survey done which all came well within the budget.’

He continues, ‘I am very pleased with the results as the room is an enjoyable living area and since installation I have every confidence in the product I have purchased.”

Senior management at TuffX believe that many customers are reaping benefits through retro-fit contracts as product performance and simple installation are leading to referrals.

For more information on the products available in the Ambience roof glass range please visit the website www.ambiglass.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0102

59

CONSERVATORY EXPERT

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Connaught Conservatory Roof’s strapline is

a dream for any installer

“We do more so you do less” is a simple strapline, but if you’re always short of time (and who isn’t?) it will be music to your ears.

ROOF ASSURED INSTALLS COME RAIN OR SHINE

With summer drawing to a close and business continuing to be tough, the outlook for B2C businesses involved in external installations could be viewed as ‘unpredictable’. But home improvement companies can find a solution in the all weather, all yearround installation properties of the Roof Assured by Sarnafil single ply, flat roofing membrane for their conservatories and orangeries.

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2012 was the wettest on record and with the outlook for October, November and December 2013 slightly colder and wetter than average, the ‘high pressure’ is on for installers to retain business during the long winter months.

Time is money and many other flat roofing systems can only be applied in dry conditions, and at a certain temperature, which effectively rules out the long winter months. Because of the unique installation properties and process of the Sika Sarnafil membrane however, installers can be confident that work doesn’t have to stop because of the weather.

The ‘all weather’ proposition is also an appealing selling proposition to consumers; a flat roof that can be installed in all weathers is likely to endure all weathers.

It also means that turn around on having their conservatory installed can be reduced as Roof Assured by Sarnafil accredited installers won’t be held up by the weather or long waiting times because of a full

order book throughout the summer months.

The proposition gets even stronger when you consider that, once applied, a Sika Sarnafil single ply roof is virtually maintenance free in the same way that many other PVC extension features are, eliminating the new for periodic maintenance.

Consumer confidence grows with the Roof Assured by Sarnafil product guarantee of 15 years and the Sika Sarnafil membrane which has a life expectancy in excess of 40 years as certified by the BBA (British Board of Agrement).* For Roof Assured by Sarnafil approved installers the weather just doesn’t get them down’!

If you would like to know more about becoming a Roof Assured by Sarnafil installer visit http://www.roofassured. co.uk/installer/ *Independently assessed by the British Board of Agrement (BBA) to last in excess of 40 years, in their opinion.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0104

For David Gallagher, Connaught Conservatory Roof ’s Managing Director, it’s a strapline that perfectly captures his company’s philosophy. “If we can do something in our factory, we will, saving time and money for the installer and ensuring a quality product for both the installer and the end user.”

But Connaught’s approach extends beyond the factory into all areas of the company’s interaction with its customers. Take its Guardian Roof solution.

This retro-fitted solid conservatory roof is a solid, thermally efficient roof with a U value of just 0.18 that gives homeowners a year round living space plus lower heating bills.

As David says, the support from the factory is second to none – little touches such as pre-glazed roof vents, numbered eaves beams and bars, completely assembled ridge top caps, top and bottom caps and tie bars cut to length, for example, all make the installation process easier.

Add in extras such as free

base plans if required, assembly drawings and installation manuals and you’ve got a package that makes the installation very straightforward.

But it’s the extras that make Connaught truly different. For example, the team has made the hassle of getting Building Regulation approval much easier and cheaper.

Connaught has teamed up with Rotherham Building Control to provide a fixed cost service available to all installers nationwide for £300 + VAT and provides all the forms that the installer needs to complete.

The Guardian roof has LABC approval and the partnership arrangement with Connaught takes any uncertainty out of the process.

As well as practical support like this, Connaught is also hand to offer advice on every aspect of design and installation from the simplest domestic conservatory to the largest commercial portal

structures. With over 50 years’ combined experience, they have the level of expertise you can trust. Structural reports can also be provided if needed for complete peace of mind. The team has a rapid turnaround on quotations, so installers can close a sale quickly, while there’s comprehensive marketing support to help installers make the most of the Connaught products in their portfolio.

Alongside the Guardian Roof, Connaught also offers Ultraframe and Eurocell roofing systems.

The product range alone would make Connaught a one stop shop when it comes to conservatory roofs. Add in the level of practical, well-thought-out support that Connaught offer, and you’ve got a roofing partner that adds genuine value to your business.

Tel: 01709 710100 www.connaughtroofs.com READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0105

Ultraframe relocates Quantal manufacturing to Clitheroe Ultraframe has today announced it will close its Newton Abbot manufacturing facility at the end of this year.

The Devon-based plant exclusively produces the Quantal roof system; all of this production will move to Ultraframe’s main

production plant based in Clitheroe, which produces both Ultraframe and Wendland roof systems.

Julian Slade, Ultraframe CEO comments on this move: “Any decision directly affecting staff is difficult and we have given serious consideration to a range of options. However, we can best serve the Quantal brand and Quantal customers from Clitheroe. By moving production we will utilise our broader capabilities, which

include enhanced research and development resources, as well as additional complementary products and services. The Quantal brand is a key component of the Ultraframe business and we want to send a clear message to our customers that this decision will positively impact both the Quantal roof and the overall offer available to them.”

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0106

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

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PROFILE BENDING

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

‘Windows’ of

opportunity!

‘Where did the time go?”

Something we all say when talking or thinking about the good times.

Well it’s the same for the team here at Arcoframe. 2013 is our tenth anniversary year and what a busy year it’s been! The good times have been aplenty and we are thankful for ten very successful years in the profile bending industry.

Despite some lean times dictated by economic trends, we as a company have gone from strength to strength over the last decade. We have, at all times endeavoured to provide our customers with a reliable and cost effective service.

2013 has been a full on year so far; we’ve seen a record amount of orders coming in and a record number of frames going out the door!

As a result of customer demands, we have had to expand our fleet of vehicles to meet delivery requirements.

As you can see from one of our vans pictured here, our new livery is quite distinctive and definitely not easily missed. Whether our customers are locally or nationally based, our aim has always been to deliver quality handcrafted frames and we do everything possible to ensure that the frames arrive safely packaged, ready for installation… and on time!

In the ‘Ten-Year’ stakes we’re in great company! Our local Super League team St Helens RFC has seen many a ‘sporting great’ wear its colours with pride and we would argue, none finer than local lad and England International James Roby.

James has spent the last ten years as the cornerstone of St Helens RFC and has been rewarded with a testimonial season in 2013.

“2013 has been a full on year so far; we’ve seen a record amount of orders coming in and a record number of frames going out the door! As a result of customer demands, we have had to expand our fleet of vehicles to meet delivery requirements.”

Arcoframe were delighted to sponsor James first charity event at the home of The Saints, Langtree Park Stadium. The night was good fun and a great success, with money raised donated to James two chosen charities Group B Strep Support and The Steve Prescott Foundation. James is pictured here with Charlie Richards, Partner and Co Founder of Arcoframe and Ian Williams. Ian coaches local rugby league team Blackbrook Royals U16’s who are sponsored by Arcoframe and are also celebrating their tenth anniversary.

Ten years ago our initial orders came primarily from St Helens and Liverpool based companies, these days we deliver to all areas of the UK but we haven’t forgotten our roots and still maintain a solid working relationship with our very first customers. Pictured here with Charlie are Greg at Warwick Developments, Dave at Vision Conservatories & Windows and Graham at Mersey Windows.

Back in 2003, realizing that there was a gap in the UPVC market for arched, circular or indeed any shaped frame that required the

profile to be bent during the manufacturing process, we saw a ‘Window of opportunity’ and set up Arcoframe Ltd. What started out as a small but dedicated team has increased over time and now boasts a committed and expanding work-force. We believe that being a family run company has been the major contributing factor in our success: Co Owner and partner, Jimmy Chorley snr, manages the production side of things. Both of Jimmy’s sons James and Chris Chorley work in a manufacturing and technical capacity.

James handles shop floor production queries and customer technical enquiries, Chris heads up the fabrication department. Dave Forshaw (Son-in-law to Jimmy Chorley) is shop floor manager, his role is to enable the smooth running of the production line and is ultimately responsible for quality control.

Our local Chamber of Commerce recently recognized Arcoframe as one St Helens fastest growing companies. We love what we do and we are proud to announce, that we are here for the long haul!

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0108

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October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

63

COLOUR

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

GREY HAS ITS DAY AT CUSTOMADE As the bi-fold market continues to boom, the Customade Group has reported record sales of bifold doors in black and grey aluminium.

The Gloucester-based fabricator, which is one of the largest suppliers of the Visofold 1000 internally beaded 70mm system from Smart Architectural Aluminium, has seen a marked shift towards stronger monochrome shades. There has been a huge growth in demand for Customade’s stock colours - Gloss White (RAL 9010), Matt Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016) and Matt Black (RAL 9005) - which are all available on a fast 10 day delivery.

Andy Thomas, Customade’s sales and marketing director, explains: “The demand for alternatives to standard matt white has soared in recent months as homeowners have become more aware of the choices and finishes available to them.”

“White, black and anthracite grey are the most popular colours at the moment, because they complement modern and traditional properties equally well and suit most styles of interior and exterior décor. For added choice however, we can produce our bi-fold doors in more than 200 RAL colours. The versatility of powder-coated aluminium means that homeowners can now easily create a totally bespoke coloured door that makes a real style statement on their property.”

Customade is able to supply its bi-fold doors in dual colour

“White, black and anthracite grey are the most popular colours at the moment, because they complement modern and traditional properties equally well and suit most styles of interior and exterior décor. For added choice however, we can produce our bi-fold doors in more than 200 RAL colours. options to match or contrast with the exterior fixtures and internal décor of a property.

Door handles are available in any RAL colour to match or contrast with the door.

For an added colour option, Customade also has an exciting collection of integral blinds. The blinds are available in a wide range of colours, including three choices of silver, cream, white and a number of pastel shades.

They can be either manually or electrically operated.

Customade offers a comprehensive 25 year guarantee on paint, 20 years on glazing and 10 years on installation. Customade was established in 1979 and offers a comprehensive range of bi-folding aluminium

doors and commercial products, including the Visofold 1000 door and Visoglide patio door.

The £20 million turnover Customade Group, which employs 230 people, also includes Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions, the Bi-Fold Shop, Fineline Aluminium, which supplies designer architectural aluminium products with very slim sight lines, and Hourglass Seal, which manufactures glass and sealed units.

For further information on Customade’s range of bifolds doors, please contact Customade’s marketing hotline on 0800 0094 203 or visit www.customade.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0110

Modplan lives life

in VEKA colour

Once a niche product, coloured PVC profiles are now entering the mainstream.

One company perfectly positioned to help installers take advantage of this is leading trade fabricator Modplan. Not only is the company a VEKA fabricator and therefore able to offer the newly launched Variations range of foiled colours, it also made considerable investment in their new paint spray facility earlier this year so can offer a comprehensive range of spray finish colours too.

Chris Reeks, Modplan’s Sales Manager said, “Our package of foils and sprays mean that our customers can offer an alternative to aluminium.

This is especially good news for our customers who operate in the commercial market.

When you’re competing with an aluminium alternative, you need to show that PVC-U offers

the same aesthetic versatility, is competitively priced and has a shorter lead time too.”

Foil finishes will be available on Modplan’s FS profile range plus its vertical slider and sliding patio door. Foils available ex stock are the increasingly popular Chartwell Green in addition to perennial favourites Dark Green, Beck Brown , Anthracite Grey and White Woodgrain. All other colours in the Variations range will be available to order with an extended lead time.

Alongside the new foils are Modplan’s spray finishes, all applied in-house for a rapid turnaround time. The company uses Kolorbond, a product which is manufactured in the UK and all Modplan’s profiles can benefit from it. Unlike most paints for plastics which stick to the substrate, Kolorbond forms a molecular cross bond with the plastic surface for a longer lasting finish. Available in any RAL colour, not only is a spray finish fantastically versatile it also means that profiles can be coloured on every surface for a seamless and sophisticated look.

Chris Reeks says, “Coloured profiles, whether foiled or sprayed, are an aesthetically appealing option for homeowners , specifiers and architects. We are proud to be supplying high quality, durable finishes in both alternatives and are looking forward to helping our customers make the most of what colour has to offer.”

Tel: 01495 246844 – www.modplan.co.uk

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READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0112

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

COLOUR

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper Left to right: Silver Brush Effect, Bronze Platin, Aluminium Brush Effect, Heavy Metal.

GLAZERITE OFFERS THE FULL SPECTRUM OF VEKA COLOURS Glazerite Windows is offering all its installers the entire range of the newly-launched Variations colour foil range from VEKA, giving them access to all 18 colours and woodgrains across every available product.

The national trade-only fabricator not only took up the Variations offering from day one – and was one of the first to offer the entire range – but had already worked with the supplier on product trials earlier in the year.

RENOLIT EXTERIOR Adds Metallic Designs to Range Cramlington, 1st September 2013. Bronze Platin and three metal brush effect designs; Aluminium, Silver and Heavy Metal, have recently been added to the RENOLIT EXOFOL range of exterior films.

Aluminium Brush Effect – the lightest of the three variations with a very light grey background and slightly darker silver brush, emulates classic white brushed aluminium.

Their prestigious appearance in conjunction with the additional benefits provided by the EXOFOL FX formulation make them of particular interest in the field of architecture, providing on-trend metallic designs in a long lasting construction which is particularly well suited to commercial developments, modern new builds or grand renovation projects alike.

Silver Brush Effect – a slightly darker grey background with a silver brush results in sophisticated silver grey aluminium.

The new designs incorporate special metallic pigments that contribute significantly to the overall level of realism and feature a satin-effect surface finish with a corresponding fine brush metal emboss to complete the look.

The results of recent research conducted independently by RENOLIT concluded that over 82% of UK fabricators found metal colours appealing and would be interested in stocking them if available. With grey and dark brown foils representing the top two selling colours in the UK, these new foils represent a modern alternative.

Bronze Platin is a unique dark brown burnished bronze with maximum appeal.

Staying in the established mahogany colour area, this non-directional overall painteffect emulates a solid coloured foil and is on trend with its iridescent metallic lustre.

When used in exterior applications its rich colour will adapt and reflect with different levels of sun and light to stunning effect.

Brush effect is a metallic design available in three different silver-grey combinations; Aluminium Brush Effect, Silver Brush Effect and Heavy Metal. The fine brushed metal emboss corresponds to the design and is complemented by a satin-effect surface finish.

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

Heavy Metal – a high impact design of silver brush with anthracite grey gives a strong design statement.

Director Jason Thompson said Glazerite was keen to be in from the start so installers could make the most of the growing demand for colours and grains: “These are not only popular in the domestic market but our installers are also seeing a lot of interest from the commercial sector, especially for grey – and the new VEKA range has five varieties.”

the range. Also, having such a broad range in stock also means we can deliver vastly improved turnaround times.”

“We will be offering every available foil/ system option, covering not only Matrix 70 and FS but also Fully Reversible, Vertical Slider, In-Line Patio and Single Rebated Composite Door, to make sure our installers don’t miss a single opportunity.”

Glazerite is VEKA’s largest UK trade fabricator and a prominent Network VEKA member, with a reputation for unsurpassed customer service as well as a comprehensive product range. The company offers a fully nationwide service based on manufacturing units in Northants and Greater Manchester and a distribution hub in Bristol.

Continuing, he adds, “This involves quite a number of profiles but VEKA has facilitated very small order sizes to keep stock purchasing at a reasonable level so we are also able to offer very competitive prices for

One of the very first installations prior to the launch was in a conservatory in Chartwell Green, fabricated by Glazerite and installed in July by Trent Valley Windows and Doors Ltd in July (pictured).

www.glazeritewindows.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0114

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RENOLIT EXOFOL FX is a highperformance film which sets new standards in terms of colourfastness and protection.

The film's low surface tension makes it inherently dirt-repellent and therefore easy to clean. Even graffiti can easily be removed.

It is weather and ultraviolet resistant and this high-performance material retains its gloss level throughout its service life.

The base layer incorporates Solar Shield Technology (SST), to further decrease heat build-up of the film and the laminated components. Solar Shield Technology also protects the profiles against excessive heat build-up. The infrared reflectivity of SST is beneficial for both white and dark substrates.

RENOLIT offers a guarantee of up to 22.5 years for this product – up to 15 years as a warranty on the film and another 7.5 years via RENOLIT's proprietary renovation service.

We hope you like our new Bronze Platin and Brush Effect Metallic designs. Should you wish to order a sample swatch please contact us directly on Tel: 01670 718222, or email: renolit.cramlington@renolit.com and we will be happy to arrange delivery.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0113

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COLOUR

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Autumn

makes us think about colour more than any other season More than in any other season autumn is the one where colour is a significant factor. The almost daily changes in the colour of our immediate environment make us think more about how things look than at any other time of the year; for those who supply to a consumer sector increasingly influenced by the range of home design and home makeover programmes on TV, being able to offer any colour they might choose is vital if you are not to lose sales opportunities.

We offer the same limitless range of painted glass splash-backs that we offer on window and door products.

They are truly outstanding and offer the consumer a really cost effective means of bringing some of the key rooms in their home to life”.

“As consumers become more and more adventurous in their demands, the only way to be able to service them is to use the kind of product we offer.”

The only limitation is your imagination This is the real strength of Colour4You as Managing Director John Wood tells us.

“The beauty of painted windows, doors, and conservatory roofs is that the only limitation is your imagination. Painted frames are the most flexible and customer focussed option in the market.”

“As consumers become more and more adventurous in their demands, the only way to be able to service them is to use the kind of product we offer.”

“The beauty of painted windows, doors, and conservatory roofs is that the only limitation is your imagination. Painted frames are the most flexible and customer focussed option in the market.”

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You don’t want to have to say “no” to any customer “At the end of the day you do not want to say no to any customer. With Colour4You painted frames you don’t need to. The other great advantage of course is that we can supply you from stock with colour matched fascia’s, soffits, gutters and other rainwater goods; and can colour match exactly your requirements for Slot vents, Cill end caps and any other ancillaries you might need. The options are truly limitless.”

Extensive Delivery Service Colour4You are also delighted to be able to offer an extensive frame delivery service within a two hour radius of their North West base, and a full delivery service for all fascia’s, soffits, rainwater goods and other ancillaries.

As the economy picks up it is likely we will see a different consumer mentality going forward, one in which the increasingly discerning customer is going to choose what they want and expect it to be supplied, rather than being happy to choose from the standard range which fabricators and installers want to offer.

door products. They are truly outstanding and offer the consumer a really cost effective means of bringing some of the key rooms in their home to life.”

For installers and fabricators coloured glass splash-backs offer another great sales opportunity. Colour4You will be delighted to offer advice and talk you through their product range.

Colour4You is a supplier of coloured windows, doors, fascia’s, soffits, rainwater goods and kitchen and bathroom splash backs.

Tel: 0800 678 5515 Email: info@colour4you.net www.colour4you.net

The latest trend is coloured glass splashbacks for kitchens and bathrooms, ideal for fabricators and installers into the full ‘home improvement’ market.

Painted windows and door products are not the only thing Colour4You specialises in. They are also right at the forefront of supplying painted glass splash-backs for kitchens and bathrooms.

As John tells us “this range of products is truly outstanding and we have seen a massive surge in demand.”

“For fabricators and installers who are into the full ‘home improvement’ market then this is something for them to consider. We offer the same limitless range of painted glass splash-backs that we offer on window and

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0116

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

1013/0117

WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

SHEPLEY CUSTOMERS INVEST IN Total Glass supplies quality products for luxury homes NEW SHOWROOMS In recent months, REHAU fabricator Shepley Windows has supported three of its customers in setting up impressive new showrooms to showcase its Visage product range.

Whilst retail companies continue to invest in online marketing to help generate enquiries, there remains no substitute for face to face interaction with homeowners, and all three are reporting very positive returns from their investments.

Lostock Hall Glass Limited’s new showroom in Preston features stunning full height house elevations so visitors can get a real street side view of how the windows and doors will look in their own house. Coupled with a long wall full of window styles and options, homeowners can choose the exact products they want whilst in the showroom.

It is an inventive approach which started to generate sales even before the official showroom launch. Lostock Hall Glass director Darren Coupe said “After 18 years focusing on trade, the retail side has seen rapid growth since completing the showroom. The street side view allows customers to see how windows and doors will look in their home, making choosing a window much easier.!”

Mountwood Windows and Doors in Oxton on the Wirral similarly picked up thirty enquiries in the first two weeks of opening their showroom from people just walking in off the street.

Situated in a prominent location in the town, the showroom has made clever use of an old storeroom, turning it in to a welcoming bright space displaying a wide range of Visage window styles, colours and composite doors. The open fronted layout is designed to encourage visitors to walk in and browse around.

showroom combining windows, doors and roofline with bathrooms. MD Mark Mitchell said: “Our new showroom is already attracting customers, most of whom said they didn’t know we did windows even though we’ve been here for seven years”.

Ian Griffiths, Sales Director at Shepley Windows, has been instrumental in helping the companies to establish their new showrooms and has helped to deliver the support from Shepley. He says: “With the state of the housing market prompting many homeowners to improve rather than move, we have identified a trend amongst many of these buyers to spend more on each item. As a result, they have much higher expectations of the installation companies they choose and understandably want to shop in a stylish and professional environment.

“We’re helping our customers to deliver what these buyers want, as well as helping them to increase passing trade. These showrooms are already making a real difference to all three businesses and we will continue working with them ensure that they maximise their return.”

It is a technique that is working according to MD Mike King, “We’ve been really surprised with the success, many people didn’t even know we were here” said Mike. “We started selling from the showroom straight away.”

Home Improvements of Brighouse has created what is almost certainly a unique

Quality PVC-U windows and doors designed and supplied

by Total Glass met the high specification for Cedar Point, a collection of seven luxury homes in Formby built by award-winning house builder LPC Living.

Working with main contractor Construction Partnership UK Limited, Total Glass manufactured the A-rated casement windows and French Doors for the three and four-bedroomed

properties in Ennerdale Road, on a site which was previously a service station.

The Liverpool-based PVC-U and aluminium fabricator also assisted with the window design for the threestorey dwellings, which feature French Doors with top and sidelights on the second floors.

“Our ability to provide design services as well as to

For more details, contact Total Glass on 0151 549 2339 or visit the website at www.totalglass.com.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0120

Certass TRR launches its new WER Label with A+ & more!

Certass Ltd, a UKAS approved Certification Body which operates a Window Energy Rating Scheme through Thermal Rating Register (TRR) has now launched a new Window Energy Rating (WER) Label. This new label is unique to the TRR scheme adding important consumer information as well as detailing the correct window specifications.

Our new label introduces 2 new WER bandings A+ at plus 5 points and A* at plus 10 points. In addition our new label introduces an innovative new rating graphic for both Light Transmittance and Heat Retention, presented in a consumer friendly manner. The TRR scheme labels are unlimited to all new TRR members and there are no charges to our existing TRR members for updating to the new A+ and A* rating. Labels can be created using either full simulation

READER ENQUIRY NUMBER: 1013/0118

supply fenestration products within very short lead times and on budget contributed to the successful completion of this stylish project,” commented Phill Cresswell, Sales and Marketing Manager at Total Glass.

reports or using the TRR calculator. The TRR calculator has all major glass types and spacer bars included with a large number of system company profiles.

Jason Clemmit, Certass Managing Director said, “We are delighted to bring another new industry leading solution at an affordable price which will provide additional information for the consumer in a format that helps salespeople sell their product’s energy efficiency as well as the aesthetic benefits - which can be easily understood by all. In our diverse and ever changing industry we are proud to offer complete solutions to our customers including meeting the compliance requirements for both CE Marking legislation and Building Regulations. Most important of all is that our offering assists our customers in the selling of their products to consumers.”

Certass Ltd is a UKAS accredited Certification body with licenses to operate Competent Person Schemes, PAS2030 certification, TrustMark certification and also operates a Window Energy Rating scheme in line with Building Regulation requirements.

Certass has a customer led focus, always delivering excellent service at a cost effective price. Certass is one of the fastest growing Certification Scheme operators with thousands of members using our systems.

Tel: 01292 292 095 www.certass.co.uk www.thermalratingregister.org

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READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0121

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Legend BEATS COMPOSITE ON COST FOR MERTHYR CARE HOME Synseal’s Legend70 profile helped PVC-U beat composite to a 100-frame contract for a new-build care home at Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales.

The main contractor and local authority were originally looking to use composite for the window and door frames at the home in Treharris, as Sean Mullins, director of fabricator/installer BWM Ltd explained: “But when I showed them the Legend profile and the cost saving over composite, they went for it straight away. It had the right kind of specification and the grey on white was just the look they wanted and of course, we were able to give a much better price.”

BWM, based in nearby Pontypridd, has been working with Legend for about 15 years. Commercial contracts now account for over two thirds of its business and while Legend is designed specifically for the commercial market, Sean explained that the company finds it equally suitable for all of its work: “We are able to use the same system for all our PVC-U. It does the job, whether it’s commercial or domestic, and that keeps things simple at the factory.”

Legend is a popular choice among architects and specifiers. It can achieve a 1.2 U-Value in a doubleglazed unit or 0.9 in triple. It incorporates three attractive trim levels and more than 150 components, making it very versatile in both looks and performance, and is also available in a 100%recycled option.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0122

REHAU UPDATES CALCULATOR WITH NEW A+ RATING

1013/0125

REHAU has received its A+ licence from the BFRC for the REHAU TOTAL70 system which means that customers can now use the calculator to see how they can potentially achieve an A+ rating on their own windows.

The launch of the A+ on REHAU TOTAL70 gives customers another chance to assess both the thermal performance and the flexibility of the new five and six chamber profiles in the system. Fabricators and installers can try out different combinations of frame, glass and spacer bar from drop down menus on the website and see how easy it could be for them to achieve an A+ before working out which is the most cost effective route for individual projects.

REHAU’s move coincides with the official release of the new A+ licences from the BFRC on 9 September. Customers who want to obtain their own licences to achieve an A+ can register via the BFRC website.

REHAU has updated its www.rehauanswers.com online thermal ratings calculator with the addition of the new BFRC A+ rating.

Dean Franklin, the Technical Applications Engineer at REHAU responsible for www. rehauanswers.com, said: “We are aware that lots of our customers will want to exploit the potential marketing benefits of an A+ rating so we put everything they need in place on the website ready for the official launch.

We will also be offering ongoing advice and support for customers on all aspects of thermal ratings and performance.”

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0123

Whiteline First In Line

With New A+ Energy Label Innovative fabricator Whiteline is amongst the first group of companies in the UK to achieve the new A+ Window Energy Rating (WER) being introduced by the BFRC. The A+ rating is only awarded to windows with energy Rating Index of +10 or more, signifying the most energy efficient products that consumers can buy.

Highest efficiency is a great opportunity for retailers to market the very latest high-tech products, so their customers can make real savings on their energy bills and carbon footprint.

Whiteline’s A+11 certified 70mm window uses the

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

unique SlimSASH profile that is exclusively available to their customers. The full technical specification behind the great performance includes 6 chamber SlimSASH and frame, glazing flipper and a 28mm DGU combining Diamant, Swiss V Spacer, Argon and Planitherm Total Plus.

Director of Operations Peter Hand sums up the potential. “For current and new Whiteline customers alike, our attractive SlimSASH styling and outstanding A+ energy efficiency make a great winning combination. Top of the range performance

and certified energy savings make a powerful story to boost your window sales right away.”

Tel: 01323 723724 www.whiteline.co.uk

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0124

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WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

FRAMEXPRESS RAISES THE BAR

Survey shows 92% of Glazing customers are online Internet experts The Consultancy has emphasised the importance of a digital presence in the windows and doors industry after statistics revealed that three out of four potential customers log onto the internet every day.

The official figures, from the Office of National Statistics, show that daily internet use has doubled from 35% to 73% since 2006. And a staggering 92% of 25-35-year-olds regularly buy good or services online.

Richie Thornton, Director at The Consultancy, a specialist in digital sales and online communications in the windows and doors industry, is not surprised at the figures but said firms who do not have online ordering or quoting systems are being left in the dark ages.

He said: “The industry has come a long way since the 80’s and 90’s when you got the traditional salesman turn up with a briefcase and a mountain of brochures and take hours going through the whole process.

“Customers are a lot more educated these days and have the ability to research

In recent years Georgian style windows have become increasingly popular with both planners and homeowners alike. Since their introduction into the frameXpress portfolio the company has seen a steady increase in demand over the last 12 months as customers have grasped the added dimension this brings to their business.

and communicate with others at the click of a button. The days of turning up on a doorstep and trying to pin customers down to a sale there and then are quickly disappearing.

“Customers tend to check out companies online and price check a lot more, particularly in the current climate. They can also visit social media sites and learn about a company’s reputation, good or bad.

“If you’re not selling online then you are missing out on a massive share of the market.”

The digital revolution has not been confined to the younger generation either.

Statistics show that daily internet usage by the over 65s has jumped massively over the past seven years.

In 2006 just over 9% reported using the internet every day compared with today’s figure of 37%.

Richie continued: “The glazing and door industry was never traditionally at the forefront of the digital revolution but thankfully the majority now know that to compete they

must have a good online presence. That does not necessarily have to be an expensive high-end website, there are plenty of lower cost solutions.

We offer packages through www.theglazingvault.co.uk which start at under £800.”

Richie believes that it will become the norm for customers to have chosen their products before they make any contact with the companies.

Systems will become fully automated from the point of sale, through the invoicing process to the manufacturing and delivery. With companies themselves becoming far more savvy with simple but efficient digital systems.

Richie said: “There’s no need to be frightened by digital systems, if anything they are more simple, far less time consuming and can be tailored to suit your individual business needs and working practices.”

For more information, visit www.theconsultancy.co.uk or call (01429) 239689.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0126

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The astragal bars can be fitted to any product to enhance the look of windows, doors, French doors & conservatories, giving them a traditional Georgian appearance of individual panes. Those available in the frameXpress range are available in white or woodgrain foils and are suitable for both domestic and commercial applications.

Most recently these were incorporated into a renovation project in Cambridgeshire where planners had stipulated that all replacement windows must be sympathetic to the original appearance

of the period home. The homeowners wanted windows with black exteriors whilst the interiors had to be white. The astragal bars were securely fitted using clips which were wrapped around the sealed units while the centre clips incorporated a specially developed adhesive that sticks to the glass in all weathers.

Ian Davis, Sales Manager at frameXpress believes that the consumer desire to upgrade their existing properties rather than move home has resulted in such positive trading for the astragal bar option.

He comments, “The astragal bars make an ideal solution for customers working on renovation projects as they provide the traditional Georgian appearance that so many planners require. They make a cost effective solution to the alternative multiple window pane option. The introduction of the astragal bars was considered a progressive step to ensure frameXpresss customers

had broader choice when approaching homeowners.”

Ian Davis continues, “As manufacturers we are recognized for providing the highest quality windows, doors and conservatory products to the industry, which is demonstrated on this project. Being able to diversify and broaden scope for our customers’ benefit continues to be equally important. We have a highly experienced team which provides tailormade solutions and will offer technical advice on large, small or complicated projects. Taking positive steps forward in relation to product diversification continues to reinforce our leading market position, which our customers recognize.”

Tel: 01952 581100 READER ENQUIRY NUMBER: 1013/0128

ANGUS ADDS TO THE MERLIN NETWORK Angus County Windows are the latest home improvement company to move over to Kömmerling fabricator, The Merlin Network in Scotland.

The Forfar-based installer was established in 1999 and today still remains a family based business, installing a wide variety of windows, doors and conservatories.

The decision to change to Kömmerling was based on the brand reputation, range of colours from stock and highly energy efficient 5 chambered systems, along with the service, quality and support from The Merlin Network.

The Merlin Network is a relatively new addition to the Kömmerling fabricator network and the company has been able to build

additional sales quickly as the introduction of Angus County Windows has shown. Their fabrication expertise and experience of the Scottish market has proven pivotal in recent years and the introduction of Kömmerling products they believe, will help the business grow further.

Barry Allan, owner of Angus County Windows comments: ‘It was a relatively easy decision for us to change with the combination of Kömmerling products and the service and support offered by The Merlin Network. Our customers value quality from product through to installation and after-sales service.’

Geoff Beck, business development manager

From left to right: Barry Allan, owner of Angus County Windows with Geoff Beck of The Merlin Network.

at The Merlin Network concludes: ‘We’re delighted to introduce Angus County Windows as our newest customer and now feel with Kömmerling we have the perfect business partner.

This will help us make further inroads into the Scottish market.’

Fur further information on one of Scotland’s leading fabricators, The Merlin Network, call 01383 821182, e-mail sales@merlinnetwork. co.uk or log on to www. merlinnetwork.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY NUMBER: 1013/0129

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

GBP – the first stockist in Central England of the new Link-Vent from Glazpart

4000 Halo windows for social housing project Yorkshire Windows, a longstanding Halo customer has been busy installing thousands of new replacement windows in the Chesterfield area for a Rykneld Homes, an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO).

“The windows we have installed are white casements, fabricated from the System10 profile to match the existing stock.” casements, fabricated from the System10 profile to match the existing stock.”

Rykneld Homes is responsible for the management, maintenance and improvement of over 8,100 properties and the neighbourhoods in which they are located on behalf of North East Derbyshire District Council. The contractor for this particular project was Keepmoat – a provider of residential regeneration and development projects in the UK. The company was formed in 2012 as the result of a merger between Apollo and the Keepmoat Group of companies – Bramall Construction, Frank Haslam Milan, Milnerbuild and Keepmoat Homes.

When the leading Rotherham-based fabricator and installer was asked to provide a solution to help retrofit 4,000 windows for the social housing project, the company chose to supply the System10 chamfered profile system from industry-leading Halo, as Jonathan Bailey Operations Director explains.

“We decided to supply and install the System10 range from Halo as it was the perfect choice to meet the high specification required by D&B Keepmoat Group for this particular project. The project was an External Wall Insulation (EWI) scheme, with the aim of reducing carbon and Keepmoat were particularly interested in the System10 clip-on cill, which is retro-fitted after the EWI work has been completed. Based on a range of 62mm or 70mm sections, System10 utilises the same sash, bead, gaskets and ancillary sections to provide low maintenance performance for the end user, making it the ideal range for window replacement programmes in the social housing market.

The windows we have installed are white

Yorkshire Windows has been manufacturing and installing double glazing, composite doors, conservatories and roofline for customers throughout Yorkshire for more than 33 years.

Jonathan concludes: “We are happy to work in partnership with Rykneld Homes as we are well aware that our responsibilities extend to the communities in which we operate, and the wider environment as a whole, so working with Rykneld Homes to provide brighter futures for communities was great.”

READER ENQUIRY NUMBER: 1013/0131

General Building Plastics (GBP) are the first distributor to stock the latest trickle Ventilator from Glazpart in Central England.

With over 20 years’ experience of supplying high quality PVC building products to the trade and DIY markets this innovative new product is seen as a key development for the business.

The Link-Vent’s will be available either from stock or delivered within 48 hours by our trained staff, daily between 7.30 and 4.30 on weekdays and Saturday mornings. This is from their four branches located at key locations at Rugeley, Shrewsbury, Banbury and Walsall covering Central England.

According the Wendy Hill, Director, GBP Ltd: “The Link-Vent range fits well into our quality product offering and with the extensive range of colours we look forward to a successful launch.”

The trickle vents will initially be available as screw fixed with the option to add clip in pawls for faster installation on site. As with most items at GBP the trickle vents will be available ex-stock in white, brown, tan and black in both the 2500 EQA and 5000 EQA. The Link-Vents are designed to meet the requirements of building regulations, Approved document F1 2010 (Means of ventilation) whilst delivering a product to meet the needs of today’s ventilation and window markets.

According to Dean Bradley - Sales and Marketing Manager, Glazpart Ltd “The linkVent is the most versatile and efficient trickle ventilator on the UK market today”

Key features include 1

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• Meets F1 requirements for new build and replacement sectors

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Just for fun!

Fill in the missing numbers.

1-9 in each line diagonally and horizontally, 1-9 in each of the nine small square grids.

See this month’s TIME OUT! pages for more puzzle fun!

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• 1000’s of colour decoration options, delivered in any combination or packaging requirement.

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• Compact • The Link-vent 5000 EQA delivers significantly more EQA performance compared to similar overall length traditional 4000mm2 (free area) ventilators.

“The Link-Vent range fits well into our quality product offering.”

• The Link-vent 2500 EQA delivers approximately the same performance of a traditional 4000mm2 in the length of traditional 2000mm2 (free area) ventilators.

• Efficient • 2500 EQA is delivered through a 204 mm x 13 mm slot size, reducing routing machine times and waste materials generated. For simplicity the 5000 EQA has 2 slots of the same size.

• Use of ASA in this application delivers • Excellent UV colour stability with good mechanical properties • Clever design • Simple, user friendly opening of the vent finishes with a positive closing action.

• 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.

• Rounded ends of the vent allow for installation on timber windows • Available in either screw or clip in fixing types. The screw fix design eliminates the need for end caps. The clip fix design Pawl’s allow for a fast, easy vent installation.

• 1000’s of Colour options • Standard colours in stock at GBP are White, Dark Brown, Black and Tan. Colours also available to order from GBP will be Cream, Grey (7015 and 7016), Chartwell Green and the Wood grain print effects of Irish Oak, Golden Oak, Mahogany and Rosewood as well as Paint sprayed ventilators to ANY RAL, BS colour and a colour swatch matching service is also available. www.glazpart.com READER ENQUIRY NUMBER: 1013/0132

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

INSTALLER FOCUS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Centiam are clear winners

for Kestrel When it comes to first rate roofline installations, Centiam Home Improvements have proved they are picture perfect.

The Glasgow-based company were clear winners of leading PVC-U and PVC-UE manufacturer Kestrel’s ‘best installation’ photographic competition.

Centium run by directors Joe Miller - who many will recognise from his earlier career as a top flight footballer with Celtic - and Paul Carr, only uses Kestrel roofline products.

Managing director Paul Carr said the win was a ‘major achievement’.

“We have very high standards, and strive to fit the best, so winning this competition proves that,” he said.

“We have been using Kestrel’s products since we established two years ago, and chose to do so because Kestrel’s products are the best.”

Simon Reynolds, marketing director of Kestrel said: “We would like to thank all of our installers who entered the competition, the standard was extremely high.

Congratulations to Paul and all at Centiam who are very worthy winners.”

To find out more about our registered installers scheme visit: www.kbp.co.uk/ support/registered-installer.

Centiam install high quality fascias, soffits, guttering and external cladding to customers throughout Scotland.

For more information go to: www.centiam.com.

“We have very high standards, and strive to fit the best, so winning this competition proves that.”

OVER 100 GAIN ‘ADVANTAGE’ WITH SYNSEAL WEBSITE INITIATIVE More than 100 Synseal customers now have professional bespoke websites built through the company’s Advantage site-building initiative and more and more installers are now coming aboard thanks to the new Synseal Registered Installer business support scheme.

The initiative, which is part of Synseal’s acclaimed Advantage Digital Marketing package, was at first taken up by fabricator partners but is now also gaining momentum with the installers themselves, as Digital Marketing Manager Andy Potts explained.

to do this to the same professional standard themselves. At the same time, they are realising a quality website is a vital tool in securing work in these days when consumers initially search for products and services online and word-ofmouth recommendations count for less.”

functions required, are just part of Synseal’s comprehensive Advantage Digital Marketing package, with a host of marketing services such as email and SMS texting campaigns, social media advice, Search Engine Optimisation and WER calculation.

“The launch of SRI has given installers more direct access to this specialist resource and many more of them are beginning to make use of it, especially as their bespoke website can be tailored to target homeowners and also trade business if required. Once they are on board, we can arrange everything for them, from design and graphics to maintenance and hosting.”

Installers using the initiative can also incorporate Synseal’s unique WOW App to upload design images of conservatories, orangeries, windows and doors and add them, along with their own branding, directly onto a photo of a prospect’s own home. There is also a lead-generating app based on offering the homeowner an instant online quotation tool.

Andy Potts concluded by saying, “Installers and fabricators should not be expected to be digital marketers – that isn’t the primary reason why they are in business – but with this turnkey support from Synseal we are able to offer a whole range of resources to make it as easy as possible for them to gain commercial advantage.”

Continuing he added, “Many installers, and of course fabricators, would not have the ability

The websites, offered at three levels, Silver, Gold and Platinum depending on the

CPA team up with industry sales expert A leading installer support body has teamed up with an industry sales expert, in order to produce a training guide for its installer members.

The Consumer Protection Association is joining forces with Paul Clifton, who runs Window Sales Lab – a sales training and profit mentoring consultancy, to further help its members add value to their sales presentations and win business ahead of their competitors.

Paul is author of a book called ‘What Master Salesmen Know that Average Salesmen Don’t’ and recently judged the 2013 FIT show Sales Professional of the Year Competition. He is recognised as one of the industry’s leading sales gurus and CPA Director Jeremy Brett is delighted that they will be working with him on this guide.

Jeremy comments: “Sales is sometimes seen as a dirty word but without people going out and selling products and services, the economy wouldn’t function. Undoubtedly the recession has changed approaches to selling; and installers have had to refine their techniques, become more innovative and use a wider range of marketing tools.”

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0133

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READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0134

“This has also been good for consumers because it has raised standards and empowered them to ensure they are going to get a good deal.”

“We already offer a number of valuable services to help our members add value to their sales presentations, such as quarterly assessment reports, marketing material and training and support. Teaming up with Paul is an extension of our commitment to our members and the general public.”

The guide will initially be published as a series of articles, focusing on techniques to improve pre and post sales performance and will also contain lots of hints and tips on how to dramatically improve conversion rates and increase profitability. It will eventually become a full guide, available to all CPA members.

Paul comments: “Day in day out I see the difference sales training and profit planning can make to double glazing companies and have helped countless companies increase their bottom line. I work with home improvement companies to improve their sales performance and I also go out in the field and let salesmen watch me sell.”

“I know from experience that the CPA work very closely with installers to help them boost sales and I am delighted to have teamed up with them for this series. They work very hard for their members and are the original and best consumer protection organisation.”

The CPA have been in business for twenty years and equip installers with Insurance Backed Guarantees, promotional literature, finance and insurance, deposit protection and training and reports to help them stand out when they present themselves to potential customers.

“Our brand and what we do is trusted by consumers and we give installers a powerful first impression and service package. The bottom line is that our members are outperforming this pressurised market,” says Jeremy.

For more information call The Consumer Protection Association on: 01462 850062.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0135

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TIMBER

PRODUCT NEWS

Dempsey Dyer supports Sheerwater Glass in showroom design

Unquestionable ‘logic’: Emplas adds through cream offer to its range

Innovative trade fabricator Dempsey Dyer has given trade customer Sheerwater Glass a stepping stone into the timber market, helping them design a new timber showroom and providing valuable information about the market.

Sheerwater are long standing installers of aluminium and uPVC windows and doors, but turned to Dempsey Dyer to help them enter the lucrative timber sector.

Dempsey worked closely with the team at the Sheerwater Glass Centre, sharing advice on the best way to arrange and display their products in an inspirational manner, and according to Mark McCluggage a director at Sheerwater Glass their new showroom has already helped the company convert more sales.

“Since the opening of our timber showroom 16 weeks ago, we have secured in excess of £140k of new business, all of which has come at good margins” Mark commented.

“Dempsey was extremely helpful during the showroom design process and their valuable advice helped us create the right effect.” Mark continues: “Historically Sheerwater Glass has installed uPVC and aluminium windows, doors and conservatories, but following several meetings with Peter Dyer and a visit to Dempsey’s impressive factory in West Yorkshire, I decided now was the right time to increase our product offering to include Dempsey Dyers complete timber fenestration range. It’s much easier to enter a new market with the backing of

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an established and quality supplier such as Dempsey Dyer, who is willing and able to help with extra business elements such as showroom designs”.

Peter Dyer of Dempsey Dyer commented: “If you sell high value timber products, an impressive showroom is essential. Consumers aren’t going to buy premium windows and doors unless they can touch and feel the product first, which is why we are keen to help our customers create the right impression. Having a good showroom is not simply a case of throwing all your products into one room, items need to be placed logically and customers should be guided on a journey if possible, leading them to the right product for them.”

Trade manufacturer Emplas, has added the Eurologik 70 through cream range to its already extensive colour offer.

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

profile, Mike Crewdson, Sales and Marketing Director, Emplas argues that the addition of the Eurocell system to its core Profile 22 offer, allows the fabricator to deliver increasing flexibility to installers.

Available in a casement, tilt before turn and door profiles, the fully reinforced and thermally efficient chamfered system has a nearest match to RAL1015.

He said: “Cream has significant consumer appeal – we see that in our foiled ranges - a through colour chamfered offer gives us a little more flexibility to support our installers in accessing opportunities generated by colour, across sectors.”

Far more cost-effective than foiling both sides of the

Eurologic through colour cream casements from

Emplas come in a 60mm outer frame and 70mm sash, transom and mullion. Tilt before turn options come in a 75mm outer frame and sash, with an 85mm transom and mullion.

Doors are available in a 75mm outer frame, 70mm transom and mullion, with a 115mm midrail and 105mm sash plus low threshold option in silver.

The range accommodates a 28mm DGU and is internally glazed with a co-ex sloped bead and includes cream astragal and Georgian bar options. Available in five days unglazed and 10 days

“Doors are available in a 75mm outer frame, 70mm transom and mullion, with a 115mm midrail and 105mm sash plus low threshold option in silver.” glazed, the offer includes chrome handles as standard.

Eurologic is launched in addition to Emplas’ established colour offer . This includes a rapid turnaround service on non-standard foiled products with product dispatch in as little as 10 working-days of receipt of orders.

Dempsey Dyer knows a thing or two about showroom designs, having recently revamped their own at their headquarters in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.

Dempsey’s showroom displays several of their high value products in situ, including an impressive set of timber bi-folding doors, timber vertical sliding sash windows and the Beaumont mechanically jointed uPVC window, while the remaining products are housed in vertical draws that can be pulled out at any time.

Available across its product offering, this includes a choice 19 colours including Irish Oak, Sienna PN, Sienna PR, Steel Blue, Dark Green, Dark Red, Crème Weiss, Beck Brown, Chartwell Green, Barley Water, Willow Green, Vanilla, Hazy Grey, Slate Grey and Gale Grey.

For more information on call 01977 649641 or visit www.dempseydyer.co.uk.

Crewdson added: “Aesthetics have become the sales tool or prop that allows installers to communicate the huge advances in window technology that have been delivered to the consumer.

For more information on Sheerwater Glass call 01932 968008 or visit www. sheerwaterglass.co.uk.

Emplas’ range also includes dual colour finishes, allowing installers to mix and match external and internal finishes, while foiled products are guaranteed for 10-years.

“It’s a great sales platform and we believe we offer our customers one of the most comprehensive colour and product offers in the industry. It’s been fundamental to our strategy and to our continuing growth.”

For more information visit www.emplas.co.uk, email info@emplas.co.uk or call 01933 674880.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0136

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0137

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GLASS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Hird first in UK to offer Customer Focus: updated P11104 vacuum lifter Regency Goes On Growing…

“The P11104 In New-Build & Retrofit vacuum lifter

Hird has become the first plant hire company in the UK to take delivery of a revised version of the worldbeating P11104 vacuum lifter, demonstrating its determination to be an industry leader in glass lifting technology.

Wood's Powr-Grip® has made significant improvements to the P11104, one of the most popular and most recognised vacuum lifters in the world, enhancing performance in key areas, including energy use, safety and productivity.

Hird Director John Wilding said: "A revision of the P11104 is a significant development in the glass handling industry. It is one of the mainstays of glass vacuum lifting around the world.

Being the first hire company in the UK to stock this newlyupdated vacuum lifter demonstrates our determination to be an industry leader in glass lifting technology. Our customers know that, when they come to Hird, they will be getting the latest, most modern and

is designed to be particularly lightweight and space-saving.” most capable glass lifting equipment on the market."

Hird is one of the fastest-growing plant companies in the UK, providing a national service for the sale and hire of mini cranes, glazing robots, glass handling attachments and accessories, and powered access equipment.

The P11104 vacuum lifter is designed to be particularly lightweight and space-saving. Its narrow dimensions make it especially

effective for glass transportation and installation in confined spaces.

A dual circuit vacuum pump, 180 degree rotation and 90 degree tilt, combined with an impressive load capacity of up to 320 kg, makes the P11104 ideal for lifting flat glass panels on construction sites.

Key changes to the P11104 vacuum lifter include: • A new dual head vacuum pump which boosts productivity by requiring less power and providing longer battery life. The pump is also designed to allow faster attach and release times.

• New digital vacuum switches allow the vacuum pump and vacuum level warning devices to operate independently of each other, eliminating alarm distraction during routine cycling of the vacuum pump.

• Push-button controls are positioned at the operator's

fingertips for improved convenience, ease of use and enhanced control during glass installation.

• The redesigned lift bar creates a lift point that is an easilyreplaceable spool that extends the vacuum lifter's service life. It is also adjustable, making it more versatile when installing glass or other materials.

John Wilding said: "This revision of an already impressive vacuum lifter will keep the P11104 at the forefront of glass lifting technology.

We're very pleased to be the first in the UK to offer it to hire customers."

As well as providing a wide range of Wood's Powr-Grip® glass vacuum lifters, Hird is the UK and Ireland distributor for Winlet glazing robots and Valla mini cranes.

Hird also provides a full range of operator training courses for glass vacuum lifting, compact cranes and powered access.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0139

They have more than one reason to celebrate at Regency Glass this year.

The Lancashire-based processor has not only notched up 30 years in business but is also on course for its third successive year of record sales – and the factory is so busy it is having to share out work to its sister company, Glasscraft in Leeds.

Demand is growing in all areas but especially newbuild which now accounts for about 20% of Regency’s work. There is also an increasing trend in the sector towards triple glazing for new developments, and both new-build and retrofit customers are going for ever better U-Values.

“We’ve never been busier,” says Sales & Marketing Manager Steve Massey, “and all of our customers are busy too. There’s been a massive upsurge in newbuild, mainly due to easier mortgages, and we are finding that triple glazed is being specified here now more and more. Also, virtually all our retrofit business is argon-filled nowadays though we are seeing some increased demand for krypton.”

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Continuing, he adds, “Everyone’s after better and better U-Values and with the

help of Saint-Gobain Glass, we are able to give them what they want. We have started using Planitherm One because we can get a U-Value of 1 on double glazed units with a 16mm argon-filled gap and of course better again with triple glazed.”

One of the downsides of having a long history is that the machinery can get a bit historic too so Regency has been investing heavily to keep ahead. It recently spent £300,000 on a new arrissing line and is now looking to put £800,000 into replacing its 15-year-old toughening unit. The existing one still does a good job, Steve explained, but it was not designed for offline coated glasses so it’s too slow to keep up with the company’s bursting order books.

This year is not only well set for another record performance but the first half alone has seen turnover up by £1million on last and the factory is now up to and sometimes beyond capacity.

However, Regency’s parent company, the CorpAcq Group also bought another processor, Glasscraft in Leeds three years ago and this is now proving a very useful solution for Regency’s surplus business, as Steve explained.

“We have all been working hard to turn Glasscraft around to work the way we do, so now, as well as it being

a successful company in its own right, we are able to pass some of our work to Leeds knowing it will be done to our standards. Also, we have a few customers who are physically nearer to Leeds so it makes sense in every way.”

Growth has also meant more people, and in the last six months Regency has taken on ten new staff bringing its workforce to around 90, though Steve stresses it still depends heavily on the skill and experience of its longer-serving staff.

“Many have been with the company 20 years and a few go right back to the early days,” he explains. “They are absolutely invaluable to us – and our customers – and an asset that not every company like us could claim to have.”

There have been many high points in the 30-year history of Regency Glass but one stands out from the rest, even if only for sentimental reasons – Regency was the first ever independent customer for UK-made glass from Saint-Gobain.

Of course, much else has happened to this forwardthinking processor down through the decades, but to have received that very first consignment when Eggborough began production in 2000 means it will always have a place in SGG’s history. www.saint-gobain.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0141

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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RECRUITMENT

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Recruitment

See more positions online at: www.glassnews.co.uk

Helping you find & place positions.

If you are looking to recruit, contact us today for prices!

Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk or Tel: 07805 051322 NEW APPOINTMENT

NEW APPOINTMENT

Modplan appoints Customer STEVE SEVERS APPOINTED AS MANAGING Account Manager DIRECTOR SAINT-GOBAIN

Leading VEKA trade fabricator Modplan has further strengthened its customer service team by announcing the appointment of Mary Brennan as an internal Customer Account Manager.

Modplan’s Managing Director, Heidi Sachs, said, “We are delighted to have Mary on board. She has a wealth of experience in supporting customers and building positive relationships, which is a perfect fit for our customer-focused business.”

Mary said, “Joining Modplan is an exciting opportunity because the company’s approach to customer service is as proactive as mine.

I’m looking forward to putting my “can do” attitude to good use and offering a premier service to all our customers using my industry knowledge.”

Mary joins Modplan with a wealth of related industry experience, having spent over 25 years in the world of residential doors. Her role at Modplan will be to provide customer

Did you know?

GLASS UK LTD

Steve Severs has been appointed as the Managing Director of Saint-Gobain Glass UK Ltd (SGGUK), with immediate effect.

service excellence on a day-to-day basis, build strong relationships and keep customers upto-date on new products and services.

Modplan is renowned for its commitment to building long-term, mutually profitable relationships with its customers. It’s clearly an approach that’s paying off, since the company posted a record turnover last year. Mary joined the team in August and has added further experience and passion for customer service, demonstrating Modplan’s intention to set the gold standard when it comes to trade fabrication partnerships.

Tel: 01495 246844 – www.modplan.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0143

Did you know?

Did you know?

We can email your We offer recruitment You can advertise vacancy to our 8500 banners on our your vacancy in this contacts for just weekly News Shot, publication from as £250! from just £50 per little as £150! week!

For print and online recruitment marketing and an effective media mix, email Christina for further details: christina@glassnews.co.uk 78

Steve has an intimate knowledge and understanding of the business, having joined SGGUK in 2003 as Coater Manager to lead the commissioning and development of Coating at Eggborough. He progressed to Operations Director in 2007, the position from which he takes up his new role.

Steve replaces Pierre Lucien-Brun who has provided excellent leadership of SGGUK since January 2010. Pierre returns to France to take up a new assignment within the SaintGobain Group.

A keen rugby fan, active cyclist and triathlon competitor, Steve lives in York with his wife and three teenage boys. He previously enjoyed a career in the steel industry that included production, logistics and sales roles which, combined with his time at SGGUK since joining the Eggborough team, has equipped Steve well for his new position as MD.

Steve’s senior position and long-term involvement with SGGUK and the Eggborough facility will ensure a seamless transition to his new extended role in the business: “I look forward to extending my involvement with the business and especially to spending more time with our customers,” said Steve. www.saint-gobain.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0144

FEATURES 2013 NOVEMBER • The Machinery Expert • Transport & Handling • Marketing & Business Expansion

DECEMBER • The Timber Expert • 2013 Product Review • What’s New for 2014 • Software & IT

Email or call Sheilah for further details: sheilah@glassnews.co.uk | 07880 990 144 October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

RECRUITMENT

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Using a recruitment agency is the ‘best value’ if you are looking for new staff…

Through its own inadequacies and failings, recruitment as a sector, regardless of industry, has not always helped itself.

There are far too many clients who have suffered a bad experience or have been let down by recruiters motivated more by the chance of a prospective payment than by trying to develop long term partnerships with clients.

We are trying to change the perception people have of the recruitment sector The perception that all recruiters are motivated the same way is something that we at Chase Taylor are working really hard to try and overcome. We cannot do it alone of course, but we can represent ourselves in a much more professional and ethical way than some of those who have gone before us.

In doing so we hope to raise the bar for the recruitment industry.

If we are able to do so, this will be to the considerable benefit of the client, in our case window and door industry clients; at a time when it looks like we are definitely seeing

the start of an economic recovery this will be more important than ever.

Anybody recruiting needs to be absolutely sure they are getting the widest pool of people to choose from. You cannot get this by recruiting from responses to an advert.

We totally understand why people advertise their vacancies; on the surface of it advertising is a very cost competitive way to recruit; but is this true in reality? If you advertise your vacancies then you have to act upon the responses which come from that advert; this takes your time and potentially has a high cost, both of which could be taken care of for you by a professional recruiter. The most important point though is this. People responding to an advert are generally those who are dissatisfied in their current role at that given moment, and is that genuinely going to deliver you the person your really need?

As businesses recruit, it is absolutely vital that they get the right people to choose from.

The only way to guarantee this is to use a recruitment company which has access to the widest range of talents in the industry; those who have registered their interest with a

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

recruitment company are waiting for the right appointment, not just any appointment; those are the people whose skills may be exactly what you need, and who are not likely to respond to an advertisement because they are not technically ‘looking’.

We are happy to offer you a free consultation if you are thinking about recruiting – talk to us before you decide how you are going to do this.

So if you are thinking about recruiting in the next 12 months, why not give us a call before you decide how to do this. We will be more than happy to offer you a free informal consultation to advise you of the best ways to proceed to fill your particular needs. We are focussed on one industry only, and we believe we have a great talent pool. I have no doubt that we can help you achieve what you want – a great employee to help take your business forward. Using Chase Taylor Recruitment can really help you to achieve this.

To complete your ‘One Page Me’ simply phone Chase Taylor on 01453 404646 or email mat@chasetaylor.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0145

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RECRUITMENT

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

NEW APPOINTMENT

NEW APPOINTMENT

Emplas adds SFS INTEC APPOINTS NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR depth in SFS intec Limited has appointed a new Managing Director, Mike Diesendorff, to be based at the company’s UK HQ in Leeds.

Diesendorff has over 20 years experience in a managing director role across a number of industries - the last seven of those have been with SFS intec owned company, Gesipa. With knowledge of SFS intec’s market position, business approach and long-term goals, Diesendorff is predestined to make a trouble-free transition into the new role.

Diesendorff commented: “My aim as MD is firstly to listen to our customers and

the SFS intec team, to learn and understand which areas of the business require the most focus and development.

Then working closely alongside my new colleagues, we will agree the best routes to make our customers more competitive and to grow our company sustainably.

“Previously, I have always taken a very customer focussed approach and this won’t change in my new role.

I will actively engage with customers and suppliers, alongside my internal teams, in order to provide the right support where it is most needed. My familiarities with the business will ensure that the transition will take place quickly and smoothly.”

Arthur Blank, General Manager at SFS intec AG, commented: “The UK market is highly

important for the company’s construction division. We are well positioned within the industry and have plans to launch new products and services which will benefit our customers. However, we are aware that new challenges are aided by the addition of new skills, so appointed a new MD to further strengthen the team.”

His arrival reinforces Emplas’ customer support office which has been restructured as part of a commitment to further improve levels of service.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0146

15 Apprentices Join the Glass Manufacturing Industry workforce. This will enable the sector to compete in manufacturing markets on a global scale and secure the future of an industry currently worth an estimated £2.5billion to the UK annually.

Following a Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed by the two organisations at the Glass Focus Conference in May, this new partnership will pave the way for closer skills and training collaboration across the sector.

Siemens Industry sector is a core provider, assisting British Glass and The Glass Academy to deliver quality apprenticeships in key regions of the North West, Yorkshire and Humberside and the South East. This includes on-the-job training and places at Siemens accredited Colleges, with rigorously high levels of training and assessment. At the end of three years, the candidates will have completed an Advanced Apprenticeship in Operations and Maintenance Engineering, gaining a BTEC Diploma and an NVQ Level 3 qualification.

It will also further the aims of The Glass Academy, a training and skills development initiative co-funded by Government and the glass industry, and set up by British Glass, the trade association. The key objectives are to boost apprenticeship numbers, develop more effective links between employers, training providers and learners and to up-skill the current

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This first cohort of apprentices will be based

Philip Heath has joined Northamptonshire trade fabricator Emplas as Customer Support Manager to headup its newly restructured customer support team.

Joining Emplas, having held sales executive and office management roles at Dunstablebased Nicholls and Clarke Glass, Philip brings more than a decade’s experience of the window industry to his new post.

You’re Hired

15 apprentices started work in the glass manufacturing industry across the UK this week as part of a recruitment drive and partnership between the British Glass Manufacturers’ Confederation and Siemens plc.

experience to its customer services team

at manufacturing sites in Sheffield, Leeds, Knottingley, Chester and Barking at companies including Allied Glass, Quinn Glass, Ardagh, Viridor and Poulten & Graf.

Dave Dalton, CEO of British Glass, said: “Creating industry-ready skills and providing this alternative occupational route for young people from all walks of life is critical to address the serious skills shortages we face, particularly in UK manufacturing and specifically within the glass industry.” www.theglassacademy.org

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0147

This sees customers retain a single point of contact for all ordering and any queries plus technical help. However, new flexibility across the function means that other team members can pick up customer enquiries if their main contact is unavailable.

Mike Crewdson, Sales and Marketing Director, Emplas, said: “We pride ourselves on the quality of our products and the sales and marketing support that we offer to our customers. But all of that pales into insignificance if you have a problem and you can’t get hold of someone to put it right.

Phil has extensive experience in the window

industry, understands the importance of the role and going forward will lead on the delivery of a more flexible and speedy support package to our installer customers.”

The changes follow significant investment by the Wellingborough-based trade fabricator its new online ordering system.

This gives Emplas customers instant access to an online quoting and ordering portal which allows them to input a specification, choose glass, hardware and furniture and then automatically applies their discounts, to provide an instant quote and ordering system around the clock.

Phil commented: “Emplas has invested significantly in its systems and that’s giving its customers new flexibility. That investment is fantastic but it’s people and the contact there if you need it, that underpins the impressive levels of service and support that Emplas delivers.”

“The great thing is that the senior team here haven’t lost sight of that and are continuing to invest in people to make sure that as a business, we’re there for our customers when they need that additional support.”

For more information on Emplas’ extensive product range and customer support package visit www.emplas.co.uk, email info@emplas.co.uk or call 01933 674880.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0148

NEW APPOINTMENT

MILA EXPANDS

PRODUCT DESIGN DEPARTMENT Mila has expanded its product design and development department with the appointment of Jeff Sharratt as a Project Support Technician.

Jeff is providing administrative and technical support to the design team, leaving them free to focus more of their time on the creative aspects of Mila’s ambitious product development programme.

His role encompasses

everything from validating and cataloguing off-tool component samples and producing packaging specifications, to maintaining project files and producing goods inwards quality inspection documentation.

Jeff has CAD and graphics experience and brings an added dimension to the already very successful department. He joins Mila from the exhibition design and display industry.

Mila has already launched five key new products this year, including the ProSecure multi-point door lock, ProSecure patio handle and NightSecure striker and has further significant new launches planned for the rest of 2013 and into 2014. www.mila.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0149

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

RECRUITMENT 1013/0150

1013/0151

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CHARITY NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

HOPE, HOPE, HURRAY AT

GM FUNDRAISING!

The GM Fundraising Hope 66 Team has now safely completed their 2,616 mile epic journey across the remnants of Route 66, raising in excess of £150,000 in the process.

It was an incredible journey for both the 15 cyclists and 7 support crew, facing flash floods in Arizona, temperatures in excess of 40 degrees in the desert and the challenge of cycling through ski resorts in the mountainous days. It seems incredible that the team have raised over £150,000 with further monies due, clearly the largest individual sum every raised by GM Fundraising by some considerable way.

This cycling challenge more than any other has truly captured the imagination of the industry with Facebook seemingly swelled daily with a huge level of support and accompanying images. For the cyclists in particular, it kept them motivated during the most of arduous of days. Furthermore, two of the support crew were interviewed for local TV, such was the interest generated in the USA. Big thanks has to go to Mighton Products as headline sponsor, without whom the challenge wouldn’t even have got off the ground, along with the support crew who were carrying out duties long after the cyclists had finished their daily riding.

Gary Morton, chairman of GM Fundraising comments: ‘Words cannot express my delight in the success of Hope 66 both in terms of the money raised and getting the team safely to the finish. We’re now ever so close to reaching

the £1million barrier which we hope to break during the Christmas Gala Dinner.’

He continues: ‘A massive, massive thank you to everyone involved including the riders, support team, Mighton Products and everyone that has donated. You’ve made a huge contribution to the children and families of Hope House.’

For further information log on to www.gmfundraising.co.uk, add to their Twitter following @gmfundraising, or look for their Facebook page.

If you’re quick you can also make a final donation at www.justgiving.com/teams/hope66.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0152

British Glass Raises One of Burnley’s ‘biggest’ the Par for Charity raises more than £4000 for some of Burnley’s tiniest

Keen golfers from the UK glass industry and its supply chain took to the fairways at Oulton Hall in Leeds this week to kick-start a charity fundraising drive for Hull based Dove House Hospice, raising over £1,500.

The inaugural charity golf day was staged

by British Glass, the Sheffield based trade association for the UK glass industry, to support the current President’s chosen charity.

Pablo Isasmendi, Managing Director of Guardian Industries in Goole and President of British Glass, selected Dove House Hospice for the fantastic work they do in offering support for adults with life-limiting illnesses, offering specialist palliative care for patients as well as support for their friends and family.

Their services are free of charge so they rely on funding from companies, individuals and the generous local community in and around the Hull area, to raise the £6.1million they need to run the hospice every year.

A total of 50 players competed in the shotgun start event, with a foursome from Allied Glass in Leeds taking the team prize and Fiacre O’Donnell of Quinn Glass winning the longest drive prize, a bottle of limited edition whisky.

involved in the golf day was so generous and I’m incredibly grateful to British Glass for nominating Dove House Hospice as its chosen charity of the year. It is partnerships and support like this which enable us to provide a future for hospice care in the region.

It really is vital and makes a huge difference to our patients and their families. I can’t thank everyone who attended and contributed to the golf day enough.”

Dave Dalton, CEO at British Glass added: “Our first Golf Day proved to be a great success and thanks to the generosity of our members and associated partners, we have raised much needed funds for a very worthwhile cause.”

British Glass also organised a charity auction with prizes including a behind the scenes tour of BT Sport, a track day at Silverstone and an outdoor climbing experience.

In addition to the auction, headline sponsors JCT600 offered the prize of a Mercedes on a par 3 hole, with hole sponsorship also coming from GTS (Glass Technology Services) and Babington College.

Katy Wood, fundraising coordinator at Dove House Hospice, said: “Everyone

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Winning Team L-R: Chris Sorsby, Project Officer at British Glass; 3 members of the Allied Glass team; Dave Dalton, CEO of British Glass.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0153

The VEKA UK Group, one of Burnley's biggest local employers, has raised £4230 for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Burnley General Hospital.

This amount was raised by the staff of the industryleading PVC-U profile manufacturer over a sixmonth period in a variety of ways.

Much of the money was raised through cake sales, sponsorship for the VEKA Team at the Manchester and Burnley 10k races plus a collection at the Network VEKA AGM. Gabriela Hammond, Head of Human Resources at VEKA plc explains: “We're very proud to have raised this amount of money for such a valuable cause.”

“The Neonatal Unit is a state-of-the-art facility that provides treatments and services that can make a crucial difference to babies that are born prematurely or with complications and illness.”

“The support offered to these families is invaluable

Gabriela Hammond and The VEKA UK Group team present a cheque for £4230 to representatives from the Neonatal Unit.

and we know all the doctors and nurses work incredibly hard.”

The team from the Neonatal unit were quick to thank the staff of The VEKA UK Group: “We were so amazed by the wonderful amount of money you all raised for our First Link Fund.”

“It is truly a fantastic amount and we feel so privileged you chose our fund to contribute to. It is invaluable to us to have the support of local companies such as yourselves.”

Tel: 01282 716611 www.vekauk.com READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0154

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

CHARITY NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Edgetech’s Third Annual

Golf Day Gathers the Industry Edgetech, a Quanex company, was pleased to host its annual Super Spacer Dealership Golf Day for the third year running on 29th August 2013 at Staverton Park, Daventry.

Some well-known names and some not so well-known but just as important friends from across the industry gathered together for a day of golf, followed by dinner, the much anticipated presentation featuring shots and videos from the day and the charity raffle.

Following the success of last year’s event and the tremendous spirit of generosity shown towards its chosen charity, the Realize Trust, Edgetech decided to support the same charity again this year. Andy Jones, Edgetech’s Managing Director explains: “The Realize Trust is a charity close to our heart as it was established by Andy & Agnes Gwynn of Crystal Clear (SW) Ltd, a member of our Dealership scheme, in memory of their daughter Courtney who tragically took her own life in January 2012 when she was only 14 years old. We pride ourselves on supporting our customers in their business dealings and so, when we heard about the charity it seemed only right that we support them with this personal mission too. Since

last July the Realize Trust has been busy getting its important message and information out regarding teenage suicide to as many teenagers, and parents, as possible. Their campaign is already proving successful with many celebrities wearing Realize Trust wristbands on programmes like Daybreak to raise the profile of the cause.

We are pleased to again be able to help further their work with the support of our golf day guests, as we raised the wonderful sum of £4110 during the raffle and auctions in the evening. We would like to say a big thank you to all those in

the room who dug deep for this worthwhile cause and of course the companies who donated prizes as without their backing we couldn’t have hoped to achieve such a significant amount.”

go through Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). We still have so much to do and your donations will make a big difference, they potentially could save a young person’s life.”

Agnes Gwynn of the Realize Trust comments: “I cannot thank Edgetech and their golf day guests enough. This latest donation will provide us with the funds needed to continue with our main focus, improving and standardizing the coverage of Mental Health and Wellbeing in schools, as well as supporting as many people as possible to

The winning team on the day was made up of the Cleartherm players, Gareth Laing, Wayne Riley & James McShane who were helped by Edgetech’s very own Mel Jones to their first place spot. The winner of the coveted individual 1st place trophy was Richard Oakes of Oakland Glass, followed by Kevin Warner of Kömmerling in 2nd place and Cleartherm’s Wayne Riley in 3rd. John Cowie from Windows Active also had a very successful day walking away with 2 trophies! John was a member of the runner-up team and also proved his aiming abilities by winning the Nearest the Pin competition.

For more information regarding the important work accomplished by the Realize Trust please visit www.realize-trust.com.

For more information on Edgetech’s range of Warm Edge Technology & Dealership scheme, call 08700 566844 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0155

Cornwall Glass Team Smash Tough Mudder Challenge Four members of the Cornwall Glass Group came together to smash through the gruelling 12 mile obstacle course, Tough Mudder in Wales this weekend.

Team members, Ryan Witham, Matthew Prowse, Roisin Grogan and Emily Gunning completed the course in 3 hours, where sheer team work, support and determination gave the team the strength to complete the course.

The team appropriately named themselves Chough Mudder after the Cornwall Glass toughened glass logo Chough Tough.

The 12mile course consisted of 20 demanding obstacles including; giant tanks of ice and water to dive under, 10metre walls to have a running jump up to, extreme mud miles, gecko wall climbing with a pool of mudded water if you fall and not to mention two sets of electric shocks therapy of 10,000 volts, and these are just to name a few. The team stuck

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

together, helping and supporting each other at every stage of the course and obstacles and cross the finish line together in a brilliant time of 3 hours.

The team consisted of members from the different branches of the Cornwall Glass Group including Cornwall Glass, Westcounty Glass in Saltash and Warminster Glass Centre. The team were supported through their training efforts by the Cornwall Glass

Group, further strengthening the network branch and team.

Chough Mudder Team: “It has to be one of the most challenging things we’ve ever done, either the ice pool or the electric shocks were probably the worst obstacles but it was definitely worth every bit of pain and mud to see that finish line!”

“It was such a mountain of a challenge, but with our support to each other around the course as well as our colleague back at the branches who have been supporting us from the day we signed up, we feel over whelmed by our achievement.”

Eco-building incentive needed, says FMB More than half of small building firms back a requirement by government on homeowners to make energy-efficiency improvements when they extend their home.

This would result in more work for their business, as long as any regulation was introduced alongside financial incentives to help pay for the work.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0157

Edgetech Donates $2500 to Hope 66 Charity Cyclists in Chicago Edgetech, a Quanex company, has pledged its support to the UK glass and glazing industry’s much loved fundraisers, Hope 66, with a donation for $2500.

The presentation took place in Chicago as the intrepid team were about to embark on their 2616 mile epic to Santa Monica, looking to raise significant funds for Hope House Childrens’ Hospices, an organisation that provides care to terminally ill children and their families. The cheque was presented to the team by Mike Hovan, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Quanex Building Products, who is described by Gary Morton as a ‘great friend of GM fundraising’ after representing Edgetech’s support of the team on previous US fundraisers.

Andy Jones, Managing Director at Edgetech comments: “Mike made the trip to Chicago to meet the team for dinner before they set off on their marathon journey and we’re thrilled that the donation has contributed to the team surpassing its £100,000 milestone.”

“Knowing many of the team personally, I recognise how much effort goes into this initiative. I hope the Edgetech donation will keep the team inspired as they endure the highs and lows of Route 66.”

Make a donation and track the team’s progress at http://www.gmfundraising.co.uk/.

For more information on Edgetech’s range of Warm Edge Technology, call 08700 566844 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk.

The Cornwall Glass Group is proud of the team’s achievement and always enjoys supporting their colleague’s ambitions. The Chough Mudder team are currently seeking their next challenge!

Tel: 01726 66439 READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0156

Mike Hovan presents the Hope 66 team with a $2500 cheque.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0158

83

MONTHLY HOROSCOPES

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Celebrity Astrologer...

RUSSELL GRANT ARIES

Mar 21st – Apr 20th

A passionate love affair keeps you out of the public eye in the opening days of October. You’ll steal the spotlight from an authority figure around the 2nd. Don’t challenge a conservative institute’s traditions on the 3rd. Family members will express disapproval over a business or romantic relationship near the 5th. Expand your horizons around the 7th by sampling some foreign cuisine. The 8th is perfect for hammering out a compromise between you and a business or romantic partner. Don’t discuss sensitive subjects like religion or politics around the 10th. Moving to a bigger place will go well on or around the 12th. Step up your fitness routine at mid-month; the results will be impressive. Let a friend introduce you to a new book or movie near the 16th. Family won’t be very supportive of a personal decision on the 18th. You’ll be rewarded for doing extra work at the end of the month.

LEO

Jul 24th – Aug 23rd

A lack of experience creates problems for you in early October. If you feel like you’re out of your depth with a particular duty or assignment, admit it. Ask the powers that be for help. The quicker you draw attention to the problem, the less your reputation will suffer. On the plus side, this is a wonderful learning opportunity. Beware of sending an angry email or text message around the 5th. Diplomacy is key during this sensitive period. Being able to withstand the insults of an oppressive authority figure will pay off.

Someone who admires your grace under fire will offer you the chance to show off your creative talent. The second half of October will be spent on the activities you love: Acting, singing, or playing music. You’ve always had a knack for the performing arts, and will enjoy developing your gifts in such a supportive environment.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov 23rd – Dec 21st

Money may be a tad tight at the beginning of October, so watch your spending. The less you use your credit card, the better off you’ll be. As a general rule, you don’t care very much about money, but it does bother you to be in debt. A friend who promised you a work opportunity will fall back on their promise in the days surrounding the 5th. You’ll have to find another source of income. A moneymaking opportunity related to childcare, property, or catering will come your way this month. This is your chance to pay off some bills and put anything left over into a savings account. A love affair gets a big jolt on or around the 18th. It will be hard to know where you stand during this stressful period. Instead of dwelling on your uncertainty, keep busy with domestic projects. This is a good time to clear your living and work spaces of clutter. By the time October turns to November, you’ll feel much more confident about the future.

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TAURUS

Apr 21st – May 21st

Beware of accepting a job offer on or around the 5th. There is more to this position than your potential employer pretends. Hold out for a better offer, even if loved ones pressure you to take this one. By the time mid-month arrives, you’ll be able to find a position related to writing, research, or teaching. The competition will be fierce, but you will prevail if you emphasise your work ethic in the interview. You will do battle with a bureaucratic organisation in the days surrounding the 18th. Support that was promised to you will suddenly be withdrawn, forcing you to find other ways to attain your objectives. Suddenly, it will feel like you’re walking a tightrope without a net.

Fortunately, you have friends in high places. Lean on a business or romantic partner when the going gets rough. Fill out applications for grants and scholarships as October comes to a close. Your efforts will not be wasted.

VIRGO

Aug 24th – Sep 23rd

October gets underway with an admirer confessing a crush on you. It’s nice to know your sex appeal is stronger than ever, but you shouldn’t sideline an old friend just for the sake of a romantic interlude. You’re obligated to attend someone’s birthday party, no matter how much you want to spend the evening with your amour.

It will be difficult to collect money that is owed to you on or around the 5th. Be ready to issue an ultimatum, and don’t believe any sob stories.

If you let your debtor off the hook, you’ll set a very bad precedent. Step up your fitness routine during October. Weight resistance training will yield admirable results. A steady source of income will come to an abrupt end at mid-month; you won’t be able to rely on money from a dividend, inheritance, or legal settlement any longer. Take the initiative with your amour at the end of October.

CAPRICORN

Dec 22nd – Jan 20th

Let a friend encourage you to pursue a lifelong dream in the opening days of October. Whether you’ve always wanted to write a book, learn to dance, or showcase your photographs, now is the time to do so. You’ll get a receptive audience for your work, and may even be offered payment for it. Don’t get defensive if an authority figure mocks your efforts around the 5th. Jealousy has a way of rearing its ugly head at this tension filled time.

By mid-month, a respected teacher will offer to mentor you. Seize this opportunity before a rival snatches it away. A property deal could come to grief at the last minute in the days surrounding the 18th. You may have to change your terms or wait for a more opportune time to seal such a deal. The more flexible you are, the better your chances of bringing this matter to a successful conclusion.

GEMINI

May 22nd – Jun 21st

A good job is yours for the asking at the beginning of October. This will be a wonderful opportunity to utilise your research skills. You have a knack for digging up information that eludes everyone else. Don’t cancel plans with a friend near the 5th, even if a hot date is in the works. You can’t afford to turn your back on the people who have loved and supported you all this time. A troubled friendship will fall by the wayside around the 18th. You can no longer tolerate an old friend’s erratic behaviour. Once this troublemaker leaves your life, you’ll have so much more time for the activities you love.

It will make you realise just how draining this relationship was, and how right you were to end it. Thinking of moving to a bigger place? The final days of October are ideal for finding a spacious, beautiful abode.

LIBRA

Sep 24th – Oct 23rd

October begins with an exciting opportunity to negotiate a pay raise, land a well paid job, or devote your energies to an important cause. Putting your energy toward work that is financially or emotionally awarding is critical. Fortunately, you take great pleasure in the arts, and will find a forum for your interest on or around the 5th. Don’t let a well meaning friend discourage you from pursuing an offer that excites your imagination.

Your loved one means well, but is more worried about your security than happiness. A passionate argument will cause an intimate relationship to fall apart on or around the 18th. Although it saddens you to turn our back on this friend, you now realise you can no longer maintain your alliance.

The two of you have been going in different directions for a long time, and now it’s time to part ways. Fortunately, your family will be very supportive. Lean on them whenever depression sets in, especially toward the end of the month.

AQUARIUS

Jan 21st – Feb 19th

October opens with a fantastic moneymaking opportunity. You have a chance to get paid for your creative work. The more distinctive your contributions, the more successful you’ll be. Don’t challenge an old institution’s policies around the 5th, or you’ll make an enemy of someone who should be your friend. Practice the delicate art of tolerance this month for by treating everyone you know with respect, especially experienced authority figures, you’ll be given an opportunity to study or travel abroad. The results of a test will be disappointing around the 18th. Take this opportunity to reassess your goals. You need to think about establishing some long term security, instead of gratifying your immediate needs. Get into the habit of putting a portion of your earnings into savings at regular intervals. If you don’t, you’ll be forced to endure some stressful situations that could have been otherwise avoided. A secret love affair spices up the final days of October.

CANCER

Jun 22nd – Jul 23rd

Early October finds you doing battle with an indecisive relative. You think you know what is best for this family member, but that’s not necessarily true. Try to be more flexible. A choice has to be made, but it won’t happen if you tighten the screws. You will have more success if you listen closely and make a few critical compromises. Be aggressive in financial talks at mid-month. You won’t get paid what you are worth unless push your agenda. Pushy behaviour is pretty alien to you, but it does serve a purpose.

Resist the urge to accept a job that involves lots of pressure. Although you’d probably be successful in this position, you really don’t want to sacrifice your personal happiness for the sake of an impressive title. Besides, you know what it’s like to work for a demanding boss. Do you really want to subject yourself to another such nightmare?

SCORPIO

Oct 24th – Nov 22nd

A book or movie will inspire you to develop your own creative talent in early October. Take this opportunity to play music, write a story, or paint a canvas. You’ve always been gifted at refurbishing antiques, and may want to show your artistry in this way. No matter how you choose to express yourself, it will be wonderfully fulfilling. A government agency or hospital will make life difficult around the 5th. Getting approval for an application will be practically impossible. Don’t waste your time dealing with office drones; go straight to the top with this matter, or it will never get solved. You won’t be able to ignore a health problem at mid-month. Make an appointment with a doctor and follow their instructions to the letter. You can’t afford to play fast and loose with your health. October ends on a high note, when a group of friends decides to throw you a festive birthday party.

PISCES

Feb 20th – Mar 20th

Early October prompts you to present a bold idea to a respected expert. It will be gratifying to see how well this proposal is received. Getting financing for this project will be difficult especially in the days surrounding the 5th.

Don’t worry if a lending agency turns down your application for a loan. You can get seed money from a cultural or religious institution.

If you feel like you’re out of your depth, ask a business or romantic partner to help you with grant applications. A source of income will come to an abrupt end near the 18th, forcing you to economise. Fortunately, you’ve already paid for a vacation you planned some time ago. Go ahead and enjoy this marvellous getaway. The locals will respond well to your dreamy, artistic nature and will offer to show off their homeland in style.

Accept somebody’s offer to serve you a home cooked meal; this will definitely be one of the most enjoyable days of the trip.

October 2013 | www.glassnews.co.uk

LETTERS

Sterling celebrate 20 year anniversary

(TGI®) supports Warm Edge Working Party

Liniar’s statement of intent

Leading systems company Liniar has announced the appointment of Sue Davenport to the position of Group Marketing Director. It is a clear statement of intent from Managing Director Roger Hartshorn, and the next stage in the company’s development as it seeks to become one of the genuine market leaders in the industry.

“Following on from the opening late last year of our brand new warehouse, and the completion in June this year of our 60,000 tonne capacity mixing plant, Sue’s appointment will boost our management structure as

these investments start to bring the growth we have planned for. We have had a clear policy from the outset to invest in an infrastructure which would support the current and future scale of our business, and to continue to develop great products for the exclusive use of our fabricators.”

“Sue’s appointment is the next piece in the jigsaw, and she will play a major role in the development of the Liniar brand going forward; and with her team will work alongside our customers to help them develop their marketing strategies as they too push for growth.”

“It is an exciting time for Liniar and for its fabricators.

At a time when many of the former market leading companies are losing their identity through being merged or through being acquired, and their product brands lose their identity in the market place as a direct consequence, the Liniar brand will continue to become stronger as a result of our on-going policy of investment in every aspect of our business.” www.liniar.co.uk

Aluminium and PVCu fabricator Sterling has reached a major company milestone this month (September) – its 20th anniversary.

Based in Warrington and operating from three manufacturing sites, Sterling has quietly grown into one of the North West’s leading trade fabricators, building a loyal following from local installers and gaining a solid reputation for quality and reliability.

The company was founded in 1993 by chairman Andy Wells and managing director Neil Messenger, employing five people and manufacturing the now defunct KB Sterling profile.

When that system was discontinued Sterling started to manufacture the Sekura system from Premier Profiles, before moving to the 70mm Halo Eclipse profile in 2005, which they continue to fabricate today.

In 2004 the company expanded to an additional 16,000ft² manufacturing unit, purchasing two CNC machining centres and increasing manufacturing capacity to more than 1,200 windows per week.

In September 2011 Sterling opened a third 9,000ft² factory to focus on the production of uPVC bi-fold, patio, and composite doors; enabling them to offer these specialist products in greater volumes.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0159

www.glassnews.co.uk | October 2013

This factory is also used to manufacture the Smarts Aluminium system for bi folds, patios and windows – a product line which has

proved very lucrative for Sterling.

The company now employs 65 staff and is firmly established as one of the North West’s leading trade fabricators.

Chairman Andy Wells commented: “I’m delighted Sterling has reached such a major milestone.”

“I would like to thank our staff, suppliers and most of all our customers for their support during the last two decades, as without them this journey would not have been possible. The company is in a very strong position and I look forward to continuing our growth for the next 20 years.”

Your Letters

GLASS PEOPLE

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

So what does the future hold for Sterling? The company has never been afraid to expand its portfolio and true to form they recently launched a new product into the market – the innovative New Wave Door.

Andy comments: “The New Wave Door is an incredibly clever concept, using ‘slide and swing’ technology to maximise space and give total flexibility.”

“The New Wave Door will give our customers something new and I fully expect demand to grow over the next few years.”

For more information contact Sterling on 01925818700 or visit http:// sterlingpvcu.co.uk/ READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0160

What’s your opinion?

Feel free to get in touch with your views on the industry, legislation, government, or even the newspaper.

Contact Chris: chris@glassnews.co.uk

Dear Chris, The British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) recently announced they will no longer be providing list of validated conductivity values for warm edge spacers.

The responsibility for testing warm edge spacers now lies with the Warm Edge Working Party, a voluntary group comprising of many of the leading European warm edge spacer companies, of which Technoform Glass Insulation is a member.

The group is run by German flat glass company Bundesverband Flachglas (BF) with technical input from IFT Rosenheim and the Multi-Pane Insulating Glass Quality Association.

There has been some confusion surrounding the conductivity values of some warm edge spacers and Technoform Glass Insulation is pleased to hear the Warm Edge Working Party will now be managing this important process. The Warm Edge Working Party is the warm edge industries leading authority and they will ensure all spacers are compared using “measured values” as opposed to “calculated values”- which is a much fairer method.

No company should gain an unfair advantage through incorrect statistics, and the Warm Edge Working Party will put a stop to all confusion in the warm edge market.

The warm edge data sheets can be viewed here: http:// www.bundesverbandflachglas.de/shop/ kostenfreie-downloads/bfdata-sheets-english Yours sincerely, Simon Rawlins, Product Manager, Technoform Glass Insulation READER ENQUIRY No: 1013/0161

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1 Burr bah transformed into stage whisper with custard! (7)

1 Ad sir twisted to make sudden attacks (5)

5 Stuff windows are made from, pane (5) 8 Alley Gill unusually against the law (9)

3 Language spoken in country where British troops are serving (7)

9 Sounds like pigeon announcing military take over (3)

4 Lebanese chats strangely create record of the financial situation (7,6)

10 Brazilian dance (5)

5 Laughed at or ridiculed and tied down to support tent (5)

12 Sits dun turns out to have no clothes (7)

2 Web address (1,1,1)

13 Theatrical cru reformed to create building feature (13)

6 Lancaster turned out to be ancient inheritance (9)

15 Soho dig turned out to be moderately OK (7)

11 A billionth of a Kg (9)

17 3,520 yards or more (5)

13 Able rag strangely use letters for maths (7)

19 Pub lawyers are called to it? Useful for windows. (3)

14 Thomas the cricket thrower sounds like lottery! (7)

20 I eye chock mixed up for winter sport (3,6)

16 Dostoevsky’s half wit (5)

22 It mad all over the place, so let them in (5)

18 Lacking self confidence seems like fairground coconut man (5)

23 Hatters madly break into pieces (7)

7 Us pal so transformed, relating to a wedding (7)

21 Gear women are sometimes urged to remove? (3)

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THE BASMAN

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

AS WE ENTER THE SILLY SEASON,

WHAT’S NEXT!

The end of September saw the season of annual conferences for all of the political parties.

What joy and hilarity this time of the year brings. Mr Clegg spouted about the LibDems in government and what he intends to do before the end of the parliament.

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Unfortunately this was met by various bouts of rhetoric and loud sighs as in the past. It is disturbing that this party actually believes its own spin. Hot on their heels was the Ed Milliband road show. It was amusing how much hype was given in news print about the involvement of their union paymasters.

Perhaps the time is coming when all political parties should have money from the public purse. This would help to level the playing field. Having listened to Ed, and thought that some of his parties hope and aspirations for our country in principle sound ok. Only to read in the paper today that his shadow cabinet reshuffle has seen the people the unions wanted replaced gone and new people in place.

All of this under the “Headline Red Ed takes turn to the left”. Lastly, we saw the Conservatives. Their leader, “Call me Dave” Cameron. Promising all of the things he thought we wanted to hear coupled with the Chancellor’s speech on how he has turned the country around with his austerity measures, made for some humour amongst the journalists of the printed press.

The only thing that is certain is that the ground rules and battle plans have been laid for what will be the longest run in to an election in my lifetime.

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Nineteen months to go, of spin and counter spin. The election planners and their spin doctors will be in their element for months to come. Ironically, in my opinion UKIP will be the unknown force in the coming months. Still time will tell.

The siege which took place in the shopping mall in Kenya lets us all in the UK know how lucky we are to live in a country like ours. Take notice all of you bleeding heart liberals. When the government security

“When the government security services ask for the extra powers they require doing their job.

It’s for a reason.” services ask for the extra powers they require doing their job. It’s for a reason. I would like to think that the information they have access to gives them the right to ask for additional powers.

We all have a responsibility to look after each other, safe in the knowledge that we are being looked after in turn. I don’t say we should not ask questions but at the end we should bow to the superior knowledge where national security is concerned.

Last Friday 4th October, I spent the afternoon attending a Speed Awareness Course in Sheffield. Whilst I regret the speeding offence that led to me being there, I must say that having made up my mind I wouldn’t enjoy it. I was pleasantly surprised. Having had a driving licence for 47 years, passing my test in Berlin whilst in the Army. I learned a whole lot about driving and what determines speed limits.

The answer my friends are in the street lighting.

The economic recovery is now in full swing.

The companies I have been visiting over the last month are all more positive than they have been for over a year. Optimism has replaced the pessimism and plans for the future and in some cases expansion in 2014 are being made. It’s good to see and hear the positive discussions. As we enjoy the Indian summer, the feel good factor has continued on the back of a wonderful year for our sportsmen and women the Ashes and all of the other achievements.

Finally, as we go into the second international break in the football season.

I cannot hide my delight in having my team The Arsenal at the pinnacle of the Premier League. It may not last but this is my moment.

Follow The Basman!

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Useful Numbers British Plastics Federation (BPF) Tel: 0207 457 5000

Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) Tel: 0207 939 9101

British Standards Institution (BSI) – Standards & Publications Tel: 0208 996 9001

GQA Qualifications (formerly Glass Qualifications Authority) Tel: 0114 2720033

BSI – Assessment & Certification Tel: 0845 080 9000

Health & Safety Executive (HSE) – Glass & Related Industries Phil Smith, HM Principal Inspector Tel: 01782 602300 David Appleton, HM Inspector Tel: 0115 9712800

BSI – Product Certification & Testing Tel: 08450 765600 BBSA (British Blind & Shutter Association) Tel: 01449 780444 Building Research Establishment (BRE) Tel: 01923 664000 Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) Tel: 01453 828851 Dekura Tel: 01952 201631 Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) Tel: 01827 52337 Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) Tel: 0845 053 8975 Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA) Tel: 0207 645 3700 Get Britain Building (GBB) Tel: 0870 162 0936

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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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