Glass News December 2014

Supalite explains the benefits of LABC approval see page 30 for more details

CAB’s ‘Deep’ Justin Ratcliffe, CAB ceo, highlights a busy period for CAB including the Members’ meeting at The Deep, Hull which revealed the latest state of the market updates and a Bristol breakfast meeting involving BDP and contractual awareness seminars by Knowles.

CAB’s programme of Regional and Breakfast meetings has taken in Hull and Bristol in the last few weeks with an eclectic

Distribution to: Window, Door & Conservatory Roof Fabricators & Installers, IGU Manufacturers & all associated with glass & glazing industry.

TIME OUT! CROSSWORD

range of relevant supply chain speakers.

The October meeting at The Deep, Hull for over 100 members featured powerful presentations from David Saxby, founder, Architecture00 and Peter Foster, Head of BIM Implementation at offsite manufacturer WACO. Finally Geraldine Fleming, Executive Vice President, Knowles gave an introduction to a series of key contractual awareness seminars that she will be presenting to CAB members in 2014/5.

£50 Special Xmas Bonus Prize!

The Hull meeting saw the launch of the CAB’s State of the Market figures for Q3, 2014 which highlighted the strength of the aluminium in building sector and to a certain extent the economy in general.

PAGE 94

Continued on page 4...

Issue 45 | December 2014

IS !!

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Positives

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

PAGE 76

PRODUCT REVIEW

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2

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

December 2014

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

That was the year that was...

It’s extraordinary to think that yet another year has flown by and here we are wishing everyone a Happy Christmas, once again. By all accounts, 2014 hasn’t been a bad year at all.

There will always be the variables between those boasting doubling of turnovers and those happy to have matched the previous year’s performance. The state of the economy has much to do with success or otherwise but it also depends on product life cycles, the introduction of new products and whether the company is in seed, startup, growth, established, expansion, mature or exit mode.

We have seen mergers and acquisitions, companies re-inventing themselves and re-organising for the future but few, I would suggest, start-ups. We are an industry, like many others, that is experiencing consolidation. Companies will continue to disappear and this may well be the order of things whereby the weak go to the wall, while the strong continue to grow. Is this a bad thing? I think it’s the natural order: but for the cycle to continue new companies need to be established within the industry.

I suspect our industry is only mirroring what is happening in society as a whole. I was shocked to read that a salary of £32,000 puts you in the top quarter of salaries while £70,000 puts you in the top 5%. Hard to believe but, apparently, true. So wealth is all about asset base and the rich will continue to get richer. Nothing new there, as we all know that money makes money. So do we learn anything from this or does it just sound like a political rant? Not at all. The simple fact is that this change in our society has grown from the Thatcher years and even accelerated through those of Blair.

So the political landscape will do little to change this income to wealth divide and we need the wealth to create jobs. What it does mean is that we are destined to have fewer and fewer individual companies within our industry and we’ll see the larger companies grow bigger, both through organic growth and acquisition and, until the banks are prepared to help start-ups, that is how it will remain.

The whole issue of trade associations and their value was highlighted this month by my attendance at the Council for Aluminium in Building at The Deep in Hull. This was billed as a CAB Regional

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

Members Meeting and Mini-Conference and, having experienced a wide variety of Trade Associations in a plethora of industries since I started my working life in 1965, I was prepared to be under-whelmed.

How wrong can you be? I am used to trade associations starting out life with the best intentions of representing and lobbying for their members, only for them to turn into money making machines for a group of greedy individuals, who are mostly concerned with their current salaries and future pensions. So often the necessary regulation of an industry, welcomed at the start, becomes a machine that generates more and more ways of taking money off the members but does little to enhance that industry’s standing in the eyes of the public. So to turn up at Hull and find an enthusiastic and impressive turn out of members who so obviously value CAB, was reassuring. Add to that an exceptionally well organised event with speakers of a very high standard educating their audience in an interesting and often humorous way, reminded me that associations that are well run and transparent in their financial dealings – CAB members know exactly who does what and for how much – are to be welcomed and valued. A report from the CAB Members Meeting and Mini Conference can be seen on Page 22.

And so, with a final rant of the year complete, it just leaves me to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a welldeserved rest ahead of the onslaught that will be 2015. And what will that bring us?

WINDOWS! See page 48

CONTENTS

CONTACT DETAILS

4 Front Page Story

Publisher & Owner: Christina Shaw 9 The Paddock, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9HS M: 07805 051322 T: 01302 759096 E: christina@glassnews.co.uk

6 Glass News Interview: Media 10 8 Trade News 38 Glass News Interview: Senior Architectural Systems 40 Hardware 44 Tech Talk 45 Conservatories 48 Windows 56 Doors

‘TIME OUT’ Winners

– November!

Crossword: L Dixon, Cumbria Eye Spy: Malene Svendsen, Grouphomesafe, Wolverhampton Spot The Difference: Mr M Hayward, Dorset Sudoku: D Turner, Reading Congratulations to all our winners! Good Luck in this months Time Out pages!

60 Colour 62 Machinery 68 Voice Of The Industry 71 Face To Face: Rob Bloomfield 72 Face To Face: Chris Bailey 73 TIRC newsletter 74 Installer Focus 75 Installer Insights 76 Product Review – Spotlight Special 80 Recruitment 86 GQA Newsletter 87 Face To Face: Charlotte Davies 88 G14 Review 90 Glasstec Review 91 Charity News 94 Time Out! 95 Find A Supplier

November crossword solution: @GlassnewsMag

Advertising Enquiries: Christina Shaw M: 07805 051322 T: 01302 759096 E: christina@glassnews.co.uk Editor: Chris Champion T: 07850 267223 E: chris@glassnews.co.uk Features Editor: Sheilah Reed M: 07880 990144 E: sheilah@glassnews.co.uk Sales: Kathy Leeming T: 01405 947279 E: cathy@glassnews.co.uk Trade Counter Distribution Department: Roz Worgan E: roz@glassnews.co.uk Graphic Design: hook-a-duck Deadline for copy: 19th of each month glassnews™ is a registered Trademark.

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

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Please recycle this newspaper so we can continue to use recycling in our effort to help the environment.

Joined the Golf Register?

Chris Got Something To Say? Email Chris at: chris@glassnews.co.uk

Just email chris@glassnews.co.uk with your name, company, address and golf handicap (or what you play off).

You never know, you may just get an invite to a corporate golf day in 2015!

3

FRONT PAGE STORY

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

PERSIMMON SET TO CREATE UP TO 500 NEW JOBS A YEAR WITH EXMILITARY SCHEMe

Continued from page 1...

A rise in third quarter sales was reported by 80% net balance of members compared with the previous quarter and 87% net balance reported a rise in sales compared with 12 months ago. There were very clear signs that the recovery in our sector had become more sustainable and this was highlighted by further confidence of rising sales in both the final quarter of 2014 (60% net balance) and especially the year ahead (93% net balance).

Headlines:

Q3, 2014.

• 87% of CAB members, on balance reported a rise in sales in Q3 compared with the previous year • 93% of members reported that they anticipated sales rising over the coming year • Costs continued to rise with 53% net balance reported a rise in costs in Q3 compared to a year ago largely due to wages and materials. 79% net balance reported that costs would rise in the next 12 months (75% in Q2) • Headcount increased compared to a year ago for 73% net balance of respondents while 87% had forecast an increase in the year ahead (69% in Q2) • Raw Material prices had become a key factor (21% of respondents) in ‘likely constraints on activity over the next 12 months’ after Capacity (36%) and Demand (29%) The survey represented another strong quarter for the aluminium in building sector with confidence in forward demand and especially capital investment metrics such as product improvement and plant & equipment comparable with the previous quarter or slightly above. The most significant increase, year on year, was again in Plant and Equipment at 79% net respondents for the year ahead (69% for Q2).

With increased sales activity, inevitably almost, costs were rising with wages overtaking materials as the biggest factor for the second successive quarter. The other key drivers were energy costs and taxes.

Exchange rates were negative on balance for the second successive quarter.

4

Leading housebuilder, Persimmon Homes, has announced a recruitment drive to bring up to 500 exmilitary personnel into the business.

Q3, 2014.

Above: CAB State of Market Survey results Q3, 2014 In the wider construction sector, there was clear evidence according to the Construction Products Association of tender prices rising. Many major contractors were still working on projects won in 2013 at relatively low prices so continued to suffer from the key concerns of rising costs and skills availability, especially in areas such as private housing.

A slightly less favourable picture of Q3 construction was put forward in the latest Constriction PMI report from Markit CPS. They stated that looking ahead, construction firms were more cautious about their prospects for output growth than at any time since October 2013.

Their view was that although positive overall, a range of factors tempered business optimism in September 2014 including strong cost pressures, concerns about skilled labour and signs that house building growth had cooled from the multi-year records set earlier in 2014.

Meanwhile RIBA’s ‘Future Trends Workload’ survey of

UK architects for August 2014 showed that confidence in the prospects for future workloads had remained upbeat with a positive balance figure of +28, driven primarily by growth in the commercial and private housing sectors.

It was clear that the aluminium sector was still ahead of the wider construction sector but we still needed to urge government to be clear about infrastructure investment and there needed to be a steady flow of new projects.

CAB Breakfast Meeting, AT-Bristol CAB’s November meeting welcomed Neil Sansum, Architect Director, Bristol at BDP Architects who highlighted the wide use of aluminium by the RIBA Award winning practice.

He focused particularly on the design process behind the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) at the University of Exeter’s Falmouth campus which achieved one of the highest BREEAM Outstanding scores in the UK at 91.57%.

After updates by the CAB Team highlighting especially their varied work on standards, regulations and best practise, Geraldine Fleming, Knowles presented a contractual awareness seminar entitled, ‘We’ve done the work, now how do we get paid?’. The punchy content, brilliantly conveyed included: contract formation; the quotation; post tender negotiations; the contract; formalities; correspondence and payment. Further seminars are planned in 2015, particular targeting CAB’s growing fabricator base.

For further information on any of CAB activities or membership of the Association in 2015 please contact Justin Ratcliffe on 07970 735689 or email justin.ratcliffe@c-a-b.org.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0003

The housebuilder, which has 24 regional businesses in England, Wales and Scotland, is working with Nordic Focus Training, to retrain people from the Army, Royal Navy and RAF in bricklaying and joinery.

Speaking at the launch, held at one of its developments in Durham, group CEO, Jeff Fairburn, said: “We have worked hard over the course of 2014 to develop this programme to help us meet a shortage of much needed skilled tradesmen across the UK. Earlier this year we appointed a dedicated ex-military resettlement specialist, Tommy Watson, to spearhead the programme and we began welcoming the first of our new employees at the start of October. We are already on course to bring 500 new people into the business in 2015 and if our growth continues, we will repeat this in 2016.

“The new recruits are all starting on an 18 month training programme with time spent in the classroom and out on site. Our courses welcome new people every four weeks and based on the recruits we’ve already seen we are very excited with the quality of the

candidates and some of them I’m sure will go on to take management positions within the business in the future.”

Persimmon currently employs 3500 people across 24 businesses as well as its head office in York. Alongside trainee bricklayers and joiners, the company is also directly employing other staff with a military background into sales and management roles.

In 2013, Persimmon signed the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant and all new trainees will be encouraged to be reservists. Persimmon will build over 13,000 new homes in 2014 and plans to open many more developments in 2015.

“As a business, we appreciate how hard our team works to support our growth and deliver new homes to communities across the UK. Each year hundreds of young new apprentices and trainees join us and I know that the latest ex-service people to join us will be welcomed by everyone.”

To find out more visit www. persimmonjobs.com and click on working with us.

All jobs for service leavers are listed on ‘RightJob’ and if you have access you should apply through www. ctp.org.uk, searching for Persimmon.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0004

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

5

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: MEDIA 10

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

MEDIA 10 ANNOUNCES UK CONSTRUCTION WEEK

WITH THE ACQUISITION OF THE BUILD SHOW AND CHRIS CHAMPION, GLASS NEWS’ EDITOR, TALKS WITH PAUL GODWIN, MD OF THE FIT SHOW, ABOUT THE ACQUISITION Media 10, the UK’s biggest design and build event company, has today launched UK Construction Week which will bring together the newly acquired Build Show and the highly successful Grand Designs Live. In addition, a further seven dedicated events will accompany UK Construction Week to create the most comprehensive construction focused event the UK has ever seen.

The dedicated week of industry dedicated events will be held at the Birmingham NEC from 6th to 11th October 2015 and will bring together the full spectrum of construction industry sectors under one roof.

The Build Show already has great support from a significant range of exhibitors, associations and media. Grand Designs Live, with over 24,000 trade attendees, and the portfolio of other construction related events gives UK Construction Week a projected trade attendance of 50,000, making it the most significant event in construction for decades.

Media 10’s CEO Lee Newton said: “For the first time Media 10 is able to combine our experience and leading events to create the strongest trade event the building and construction industry has ever seen. Apart from incorporating Grand Designs Live into UK Construction Week, we are proud to add the Build Show to this impressive event offering every profession valuable exposure to the latest innovation in the build industry.

“We already attract more architects, designers and specifiers to our events than any other organiser through 100% Design, Clerkenwell Design Week and Grand Designs Live.

Therefore this event is perfect for Media 10 as we believe we are the only company that is capable of delivering such a large and ambitious project.”

Designed to promote construction at a time of renewed growth and optimism in the industry, UK Construction Week will be supported by the UK government and a raft of industry associations, as well as trade and consumer media, with the sole aim of increasing productivity and profit in this vital sector that employs 2.2 million people in the UK. Paul Godwin, who with colleague Matthew Glover launched Build Show late last year said: “The response received to the Build Show from the industry has been tremendous.

6

Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, follows up the announcement of Media 10’s acquisition of the Build Show with a short interview with Paul Godwin, MD of The FIT Show.

Paul, it was always going to be an ambitious project adding the Build Show to your portfolio of exhibitions, so are you slightly relieved that Media 10 has taken it on?

It is the right event at the right time in the resurgence of the building and construction industry and, combined with the resources and existing events within the Media 10 Ltd stable under the UK Construction Week banner, will deliver an event worthy of Britain’s most important sector. We are delighted that Media 10 will be taking Build Show forward.”

“The NEC and Media 10 create the ideal partnership to bring together a range of dedicated events under one roof, delivering a high profile, comprehensive and wellconnected construction-focused national event,” said Ian Taylor, the NEC’s Venue Sales Director. “We create national market places for people to come together and do business, and we’re proud to be the home of this exciting new venture from Media 10, one that UK plc so greatly needs at a perfect time of renewed optimism.”

Each of the nine event sections at UK Construction Week will retain its own feature areas, and as well as a heavyweight seminar and debate programme. This will now be supplemented by new additional content in the expanded programme of event – which will include Show Homes, Live Building areas, CPD, Political debate, Skills workshops, heavy plant demos, materials and surfaces features, and Smart Building demonstrations.

Attracting tens of thousands of construction professionals, UK Construction Week will generate a significant amount of publicity and optimism in the market place, culminating with the huge trade and consumer audience that regularly attends Grand Designs Live, the UK’s most decorated exhibition.

For more information please visit www.ukconstructionweek.com.

No, not relieved but delighted that Build Show – our baby – has gone to a good home.

We had great plans for the event and it was well received by many of the professional and trade bodies of the industry as well as a number of key exhibitors so we were confident it is the right event and in 2015, at the right time and especially with the new dates (6-8 November). But I will agree that Media 10 has the size and experience to take Build Show to another level.

So are you saying that it will be a better show under their ownership?

It was always going to be a different ‘sell’ to the building sector where you are dealing with very large companies. The decision making process is very different and, it must be said, longer. Media 10 has taken Build Show on about a year out from the event, an ideal campaign period. I am sure they will do well with it.

The aim was, presumably, to alternate the FIT Show and the Build Show so you had a show each year.

What does this mean to you now?

You now have the FIT Show every two years and nothing to keep the staff busy in the blank year...

We have been proved to be right in coming up with the Build Show concept but after being introduced to Lee [Newton] by a mutual friend he explained that an event like Build Show was high on their list when we launched ahead of them. He persuaded us that they still wanted to fulfil their plans and to work with them to agree a deal for Build Show.

In a sense yes although our plans for the event were thorough and we would have created a great event. What we could not do of course is connect Grand Designs Live and therefore introduce the trade visitors that event attracts; and Media 10 has an extraordinary database of architects and designers that will now be invited to attend.

It became clear that, whilst we were confident we would have a good show, Media 10 were in an ideal position to fulfil our ambitions for the event, and more. We recognised that and did something about it – and for the good of all. There are times in life when you have to recognise when someone else might be better placed to carry something through.

You had started out with stands being booked from much the same companies as those at FIT. Was it looking like the fenestration sector would support the show but the actual building sector was slow off the mark?

We are of course focusing on the FIT Show now and we will formally launch FIT Show 2016 in the New Year; planning is well under way. What we will do is look at providing the FIT community – the window, door and conservatory industry – with new ideas and opportunities and how we can do that more effectively.

That’s not strictly true; in fact our earliest exhibitors were companies that knew us from the FIT Show but which were firmly planted in the aluminium, commercial fenestration sector, for which FIT is the wrong show. They knew what we had achieved with FIT and Build Show offered the right proposition for them. In fact we were aware that too many window companies early on might send out the wrong signals so we toned our sales to that sector down; nonetheless they kept coming to us and in the end, business is business!

As far as the rest of the building and construction sectors are concerned, budgets for 2015 have only just been set for many companies and so the next few months will see many more exhibitors joining.

Paul, I appreciate your honesty and I think the trade will respect you and your organisation for putting the Build Show into the hands of Media 10. So your focus is now very much on the FIT Show?

Our focus is on the FIT Show and the window, door and conservatory industry, one that is related to but quite distinct from the building industry per se. It is something that is close to my heart and I believe we do a great job for our industry and the support we have received proves that the FIT Show is the right vehicle for the fenestration industry.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0006

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

1214/0007

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7 27/08/2014 13:52

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Calibre:

a no frills, no fuss, no headaches profile from the REHAU stable Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, reports from the Calibre presentation held at Doncaster Race Course.

Although Calibre, a separate venture from REHAU’s core PVC-U window and door system business was launched in Spring 2013, this profile range has been deliberately kept under the radar. It is a distinctive brand which has been designed and developed for a carefully defined and targeted sector of the market, and for very good reasons. Calibre was introduced to meet the demands of a limited number of REHAU customers who wanted a product which would appeal to the trade sector.

Now, some 18 months following the launch, Calibre is being made available to fabricators that understand how to make two distinct brands work.

Talking to Dave Rotherell, Production Manager, and Eddie McGrath, Commercial Manager, of Worsley, Manchester, based Excell Trade Frames, they were enthusiastic about Calibre saying that the introduction of the new profile by REHAU had come at just the right time for them. Constantly under pressure on price for commercial contracts they had considered dual sourcing. However, the introduction of Calibre meant that their systems and arrangements with REHAU could remain the same rather than bringing an additional profile on board from a different manufacturer. Now they can offer REHAU’s premium products plus Calibre, too.

The advantage is that the 15 profiles in the Calibre range are easy to fabricate and easy to install and come with all the qualities that the market expects. The fact that this profile is competitively priced while being stylish, functional and good quality is a distinct advantage.

From left to right: David Rotherell, Production Manager, and Eddie McGrath, Commercial Manager, of Excell Trade Frames.

Martin Hitchin, Chief Executive, REHAU UK, said: “The profiles are extruded in REHAU’s Blaenau manufacturing facility which has had a positive impact on our overall business efficiency by increasing the volume of product going through our factory.

It is important to stress though that REHAU remains our premium systems brand with a large and loyal customer base, and Calibre does not compete with our existing profiles nor does it challenge or undermine our brand values.”

Calibre is just the latest element in REHAU’s continuing programme of investment in the UK market and is a good example of how they we are successfully broadening their expertise.

This point was brought out by Danny Hague, National Sales Manager for Calibre Window Systems, in his presentation when he emphasised how Calibre is satisfying the installers needs by providing a profile of acceptable quality, priced for margin for the ‘bread and butter’ jobs. Additionally, Calibre gives the fabricator a quality/value product to offer the volume market with the consumer getting acceptable quality at an affordable price.

“Calibre fills a void in the market and enables customers to compete in the tough market conditions while still offering REHAU’s premium products for those jobs requiring the highest quality.”

Danny Hague presents Calibre to the trade.

“Now with Calibre firmly established with REHAU customers, it’s clear that this value profile also appeals to start-up companies in the fenestration industry and provides a platform from which a company can build its business.” Said Danny Hague.

So what is Calibre? It’s a 70mm multi-chambered profile with a clean white, glossy finish that benefits from brand new tooling.

Lead free and 100% recyclable, it has a pre-inserted gasket that is unique and has a patent pending. It has a range of key ancillaries and a standard 28mm glazing bead. Achieving the highest A WER rating and kitemarked to BSEN 12608, it also has a weather performance for all market requirements.

The two outerframes of 55mm and 67mm allow manufacture of opening in and opening out Residential Doors, French Doors and windows, and Tilt and Turn, and has a White/ Woodgrain offering of Cherry Wood or Apple Wood.

Calibre is definitely a departure from the REHAU norm…. and why not? It was explained that this was a multi-tier brand proposition, not unlike many vast multi-national companies such as Volkswagen with its offering of Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Seat and Skoda – brands within a brand that are designed to satisfy customer needs.

The Calibre proposition comes with all the back-up one would expect from REHAU and as the literature says: No frills. No fuss. No headaches. Calibre is all about results.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0008

8

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

1214/0009

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9 27/08/2014 13:57

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

SUCCESS & GROWTH

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg

Champions Manufacturing FOR TUFFX THROUGH 2014 in South Yorkshire

The Ambience range from TuffX has achieved impressive figures this year with month on month growth throughout 2014 as the conservatory sector has gathered momentum.

Manufactured in-house at the company’s state-ofthe-art 55,000 sq ft factory in Knowsley, Merseyside, the leading specialist conservatory glass roof manufacturer has expanded the range over the last two years and increased its capacity by installing the latest technology for its specialist glass production.

Ongoing investments in new, modern manufacturing equipment has included an upgrade of one of two furnaces as well as a third Bottero cutting table.

Based on this year’s success, further investments have already been planned for 2015.

To accommodate increase in demand TuffX has also expanded its national delivery fleet from fifteen to seventeen, incorporating two brand new vehicles including a 7.5 and 12 tonne wagon which deliver either to factory or direct to site within a 5 – 7 day turnaround.

Andy Hayes Sales Manager comments, “We put a lot of effort into helping our customers gain advantages over their competitors, with substantial marketing support and a wide array of innovative products.

Our continued growth has been achieved through our determination to meet the needs of our customers with an eye on market trends and the flexibility to change accordingly.”

The entire Ambience team takes great pride in supporting customers on all

levels, from order processing through to production and final delivery. Every aspect is carefully monitored by the recently modified Quality Control Department. The company as a whole has seen steady growth that has led to additional staffing by up to 15% for 2014, which helps Tuffx maintain a high level of performance.

As conservatory design has continued to progress with radical improvements to performance and aesthetics being introduced, it has generated substantial growth for Tuffx in 2014. Furthermore the company has introduced Apprenticeship Schemes to develop a greater skill base going forward.

Nationally, Ambience customers have acknowledged the immense variety of colour options, varying high performance glass options, including the NEW Ambi sunshade blue which offers the highest Solar control properties whilst maintaining it’s true self-clean coating.

Andy Hayes concludes, “Throughout 2014, competition in this sector has never been more competitive, however through innovation, new product launches and the high quality standards offered, TuffX still leads the market in the Conservatory Roof Glass market.”

Looking forward, TuffX has high expectations for the market and the Ambience portfolio with plans for further growth through 2015. For more information on the products available in the Ambience range, please visit www.ambiglass.co.uk or call 0845 3 400 200.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0010

Following his announcement a few months ago of £5m funding for The British Glass Academy Building as part of the Sheffield City Regional Growth Deal, on Friday, Deputy Prime Minister and Sheffield Hallam MP, Nick Clegg, visited the prospective site of the new building followed by a tour of the city’s University Technical College (UTC) to meet young people studying engineering, manufacturing and design courses.

Launched in 2013 by British Glass, the Sheffield-based trade association for the UK glass manufacturing sector, The Glass Academy is a skills development programme which offers a complete training programme for school leavers through to future industry leaders, providing Apprenticeships, bespoke glass sector courses and professional qualifications.

The provision of a dedicated building will enable the British Glass Academy to significantly extend its facilities, to include ‘mini’ factories for training, R&D facilities and a dedicated educational centre.

Mr Clegg visited phase two of Sheffield Business Park, the prospective location of the new building, which is also the site of the University of Sheffield’s proposed new advanced manufacturing research campus.

Work on the University’s Factory 2050 has already begun and a masterplan to develop out 50 acres of land, secured by the University for a range of advanced manufacturing initiatives, is currently in preparation.

Co-locating the Glass Academy at the heart of the Sheffield City Region’s growing advanced manufacturing hub would offer significant opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Dave Dalton, CEO of British Glass and The Glass Academy, said: “The glass industry is rooted in the work of a Sheffield University department 100 years ago so it’s fitting that the creation of the British Glass Academy world class centre of excellence as the hub of glass training in the UK will be based in Sheffield in collaboration with the University.”

Professor Sir Keith Burnett, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: “We were pleased to welcome the Deputy Prime Minister to the University to show him our proposed advanced manufacturing research campus which is absolutely central to our future plans as we continue to explore and deliver innovative ways of offering young

people access to high quality training and education, as well as working closely with the advanced manufacturing sector to ensure they can achieve maximum benefits from the real-life implementation of research carried out within the University.”

The Deputy Prime Minister was then given a tour of UTC Sheffield before meeting a group of enthusiastic learners from a range of technical courses.

The first of its kind in the region, the £10million UTC Sheffield specialises in technical qualifications in the creative, digital, engineering and manufacturing sectors, as well as offering mainstream academic lessons.

The idea is for young people aged 14-19 years old to obtain qualifications employers value the most and prepare them for real jobs with comprehensive work placement programmes.

British Glass, through its Glass Academy initiative, has committed to partner with the college on leading curriculum projects, interviewing for its apprenticeship programme and offering careers days.

Nick Clegg MP, said: “After securing investment for the new British Glass Academy and the Universities’ Factory 2050 down in Westminster, it’s hugely satisfying to come back to Sheffield and see shovels starting to go in the ground. Our advanced manufacturing hub is fast becoming the envy of the world and both these new world class developments will only enhance our reputation even further.

This can only mean even more investment and jobs for local people.

“Talking to some of the students at Sheffield’s excellent new UTC brings it home just how important it is to carry on building a stronger and more balanced economy. We want to make sure that young people in our area have the best possible chance to gain a good job and get on in life.”

Nick Crew, UTC Sheffield Principal, added: “Working in close collaboration with employers such as The Glass Academy to deliver the curriculum and live projects will help to provide employers with a welleducated and skilled workforce for the future.

We were delighted to welcome Nick Clegg here to provide him with an insight into the unique opportunities that the UTC offers our students.”

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0011

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Lib Dem 300,000 housing target easier said than done, says FMB The Liberal Democrats’ pledge to build 300,000 new homes needs to be underpinned by a proSME housing strategy if it has any hope of being achieved, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The Lib Dem’s 300,000 new homes target is the most ambitious yet. If we are to reach anywhere near that level of house building, we would finally be keeping pace with the demand for housing while also starting to address the backlog. Sadly, this hasn’t happened for several decades. The last time we built over 200,000 new homes was in 1988.”

Berry continued: “The introduction of 15 year local plans would help, but more importantly still, the Lib Dems must reinvigorate the SME house building sector through greater access to small sites and improved access to finance.”

Berry concluded: “The intension to create at least ten new garden cities could help increase housing delivery, but it is crucial that the procurement processes for these projects do not shut out SMEs.” READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0012

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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Email: sales@geofast.co.uk www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

Web: www.geofast.co.uk

1214/0013

11

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Record year end Buyers given new guidance for CDW follows to address concerns with ‘slim’ insulating glazing units

positive Palmer report pecialist aluminium fabricator CDW Systems is set to end the year as a record breaker, following continued strong sales.

The good news follows a report by Palmer Market Research that identified aluminium market share has grown from 5% to 8% in the last couple of years.

CDW Systems is one of the companies to have benefited from the material’s burgeoning popularity and look set to post year end trading figures that eclipse anything achieved previously.

Jerry Webb, Managing Director at CDW Systems, comments: “There is no doubt it has been a very good year for CDW Systems.

It has not been without its challenges though, as we have had to recruit new staff and add a second shift on the factory floor. But to have ended 2014 as strong as we started is pleasing.”

On the Palmer Report itself, which is a yearly look at the domestic glazing market, Jerry said that the growth of aluminium can only be a good thing; and as it started from such a low base there is much more of the market to go at.

Jerry Webb.

“This part of the report surprised me as we have seen sales of bifolding doors increase not decrease here at CDW Systems. This could be down to how established we are in the market, with our 22 years as a specialist aluminium fabricator potentially being a deciding factor when installers look for a supplier.”

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He comments: “Our own report into the aluminium sector earlier this year showed that domestic growth will continue, as more and more homeowners go for aluminium windows and doors.”

The report also stated that bi-folding doors failed to maintain the growth they saw in previous years and rather than increasing, the market fell overall by 7%.

“This part of the report surprised me as we have seen sales of bi-folding doors increase not decrease here at CDW Systems. This could be down to how established we are in the market, with our 22 years as a specialist aluminium fabricator potentially being a deciding factor when installers look for a supplier,” Jerry concludes.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0014

New guidance has been published by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) to help firms placing orders for insulating glazing units (IGUs) including narrow cavity or ‘slim’ glass units.

Such units – highly energy efficient, hermetically sealed units designed to keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer – usually consist of two or more panes of glass separated by a spacer material and sealed together at the edge.

The space between the panes is filled with air or an inert gas such as argon or krypton which, together with a low-emissivity glass coating, produces the unit’s excellent insulating properties.

Construction Marketing Awards

recognises TGQ as Best Event Finalist One of the largest events in the glazing industry’s calendar in 2014 has received its third award nomination of the year. Triple Glazing Question (TGQ), an initiative led by Edgetech UK, a Quanex company, has been named as a finalist for Best Use of Events and Live Marketing in the prestigious Construction Marketing Awards 2014.

The shortlisted TGQ event brought together the entire window industry to discuss triple glazing. Over 30 companies and industry influencers supported the initiative as stakeholders, speakers and experts and it attracted unprecedented levels of interest with over 600 registered attendees.

TGQ dominated the pages of the trade press with the debate about triple glazing for more than six months.

The aim of TGQ was to give companies the facts about how increased volumes of triple glazing could impact the entire supply chain,

enabling businesses to make informed decisions and ensure the supply of triple glazing would be sustainable in the longer term.

Andy Jones, managing director of Edgetech UK says: “To have the Triple Glazing Question recognised as being one of the best events this year in the wider construction industry is phenomenal. TGQ was a great success. It gave the industry a chance to start the discussion about the challenges and opportunities of triple glazing and to get factual information and answers to prominent questions.”

Triple Glazing Question is competing against three companies for the Best use of Events and Live Marketing Award. The winners will be announced on Wednesday 3 December at an evening ceremony at Radisson Blu Hotel on Portman Square in London.

Speakers at the Triple Glazing Question.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0015

‘Slim’ units have cavities of 8mm or less and often have a reduced edge seal and they are favoured in listed buildings or conservation areas as they allow thinner timber profiles and bead detail. They have become very popular after being featured on the ‘Grand Designs’ TV programme.

However, concerns have been raised by BWF members about the quality of some of these units supplied by a range of different manufacturers. Further investigation by the BWF has also highlighted that there are some ‘slim’ IGU suppliers who are seemingly unable to provide the appropriate test evidence required to ensure performance of the unit in the long term.

Kevin Underwood, BWF Technical Director, says: “We have received a number of queries through the BWF technical helpline and in our technical committee and council meetings particularly concerning certain ‘slim’ insulating glass units on the market. The new guidance addresses this concern, helping buyers to exercise appropriate care and ensure that when purchasing IGUs they know what to ask for and what they should expect from supporting documentation from their suppliers. IGUs that have been suitably tested and manufactured in a controlled manner should provide the levels of performance our members are looking for.”

Kevin Underwood points out that CE marking for glass units became mandatory on 1 July 2013, so this should help buyers of all types IGU that are covered by the harmonised standard BS EN 1279-5.

The BWF is advising its members to seek confirmation from suppliers that all the IGUs, both ‘standard’ and ‘slim’ types will be CE marked and will meet the requirements for the durability of glass units given in the BS EN 1279 series of standards.

Kevin Underwood explains that buyers should insist that units should only be supplied when there is the

“We have received a number of queries through the BWF technical helpline and in our technical committee and council meetings particularly concerning certain ‘slim’ insulating glass units on the market.” correct and full test evidence to accompany them: “In order to establish that the test evidence applies to the glass units which you’re intending to buy, you should ask the supplier for a copy of the system description, and check that this is fully consistent with what you’re buying,” explains Kevin Underwood.

“The IGUs should also have been tested for durability, which means meeting the requirements for moisture penetration, gas leakage if appropriate, and edge seal strength. The production of the IGUs should also follow a Factory Production Control system and periodic testing meeting the requirements of BS EN 1279.”

Members are also advised to discuss the length of warranty that is being offered by their glazing suppliers on these units and to check the detail as to what these warranties will cover. They should also confirm that they will employ an acceptable glazing method using appropriate and compatible materials in an effort to avoid future problems.

A copy of the BWF fact sheet on Slim IGUs can be downloaded at: http://www. bwf.org.uk/assets/bwf-iguadvice.pdf.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0016

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

13

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

REHAU CONGRATULATES POLYFRAME ON ITS SUCCESS REHAU is congratulating leading trade fabricator Polyframe on its stunning success at last week’s Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards.

The company, which has manufacturing sites in Halifax, Norwich, Portadown and Mansfield, received the award for companies with turnover between

£10m and £50m from BBC journalist Justin Webb.

Martin Hitchin, REHAU’s UK Chief Executive, said: “Polyframe is a very worthy winner. The company continues to impress us not just with the scale of its ambition but with its ability to consistently translate that ambition into phenomenal levels of growth.

“It has out-performed the market this year and the momentum shows no signs of slowing with new trade centres opening all the time and a new factory in Halifax coming on stream in 2015.

have played our part as one of Polyframe’s key suppliers.”

Polyframe has been shortlisted for ‘Fabricator of the Year’.

“It’s particularly pleasing to see success in the PVC-U sector recognised at such a prestigious event and we’re delighted to

After its success in the Yorkshire Post Awards, hopes are now high for both the forthcoming G-14 and National Fenestration Awards where

Further information is available at: www.polyframetrade.co.uk.

JAPANESE WINDOW INDUSTRY VISITS ‘WORLD LEADING’ BFRC A delegation of representatives of the Japanese window industry visited BFRC on 3rd November to learn how BFRC, the UK’s leading window and doorset energy ratings system, was launched and developed.

The visit was funded by the Japanese government.

and oldest established ratings systems is much in demand. This Japanese industry visit is the latest manifestation of what is worldwide interest. We would like to thank our colleagues at NSG for arranging this meeting.”

The Japanese window industry is looking into creating a similar system to that provided by BFRC and specifically came to the UK to meet the BFRC team. BFRC is considered to be the world-leader in window and doorset energy ratings and the Japanese delegation were here to find out how the system works, how it has been received by the UK industry, and the challenges that have been faced and overcome.

• Professor Hideyo Nimiya (Kagoshima University)

The all day meeting started with a presentation from BFRC Technical Director, Gary Morgan, followed by an in-depth question and answer session. Giles Willson, BFRC Chairman, welcomed the visitors.

Chris Mayne, BFRC managing director, and Toby Blamey, BFRC compliance manager, were also present.

“BFRC was delighted to host this visit and share our knowledge and experience,” commented Chris Mayne. “BFRC’s technical expertise and history of operating one of the most successful

“NSG Group is part of the industry body in Japan looking at window and doorset energy ratings. We obviously thought of BFRC and initiated a meeting,” added Phil Brown, European Regulatory Marketing Manager, for NSG group. “Sharing the learnings gained from launching, operating and growing a successful system could be invaluable.”

The Japanese delegation comprised:

• Professor Akihiro Nagata (Tokyo Metropolitan University) • Eiji Sakuma (Nichibei - shading devices manufacturer) • Kazunori Takada (Excel Shanon - PVC window manufacturer) • Dr Taito Kinoshita and Tomoko Shiozaki (Nippon Sheet Glass) • Hiroshi Mine (Japan Construction Material & Housing Equipment Industries Federation) • Dr Shinji Hagihara (Japan Testing Center for Construction Materials)

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0018

Hanley Trade Frames reveal

how you can get a slice of the £3bn home improvement spending boom in 2015 Earlier in the year, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced he would be giving people the legal right to take out as much of their pension they want and spend it as they see fit, a rule that will come into force next March.

Hymans Robertson, a leading actuary, has since forecast that a spending boom among the over-55s will be triggered by a relaxation of these pension rules, predicting that £3billion will be spent on luxuries such as kitchens, cars and; happily for fabricators and installers; windows, doors and conservatories - boosting the UK’s total spending by 0.6 per cent in 2015.

With the home improvement market poised to experience growth, Stoke based trade fabricator Hanley Trade Frames believes this is an excellent time for installers to start selling added value products such as PVC-u bi-folding doors, PVC-u vertical sliding sash windows and composite doors. Demand for these products is on the rise and managing director Steve Thomas believes they will prove pivotal in helping installers get their slice of the extra £3bn that will flood the UK economy.

Steve comments: “When the new pension rules come into force in March suddenly thousands of people will have disposable income burning a hole in their pocket and they will be looking for ways to spend it.

Windows and doors will be high on the agenda and with price not being much of an

issue, installers that have premium quality products in their portfolios will be the ones that benefit most from this opportunity.

Steve continues: “Bi-folding doors, vertical sliding sash windows and composite doors are all ‘in fashion’ at the moment and proving popular with consumers that have ‘Grand Designs’ aspirations. I would encourage installers to team up with a supplier that can offer these products at competitive trade prices so they’re ready to take advantage of this spending boom.”

Hanley Trade Frames manufacture VS windows, bi-folding doors and composite doors using Spectus profile. Composite doors are also made using the Solidor solid timber core slab.

Established in 1996, Hanley Trade Frames is a family run company that supplies installers within a 200 mile radius of its manufacturing base in Stoke-on-Trent. The company is in its third generation – managing director Steve Thomas’s father founded the company and Steve’s son works as a fabricator on the factory floor – and the majority of the staff have been with the Hanley for ten years or more.

The company prides itself on offering a superb level of service and has enjoyed year-on-year growth for the past decade.

For more information call 01782 201 150 or visit www.hanleytrade.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0021

• Lecturer Kiyoshi Itami (University of Shiga Prefecture) • Takashi Gondo (Kajima Corporation - general constructor) • Dr Koichiro Saito (YKK AP - window frame manufacturer) The meeting was held at Glaziers Hall.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0019

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December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

15

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Grounded ambition

Glass News meets Emplas’ new National Sales Manager Jody Vincent, who explains why Emplas is driving a step-change in installer service and support.

“I started out as a fabricator straight out of school at Omega in Peterborough before moving across into sales”, says Jody Vincent, National Sales Manager, Emplas. He continues: “It’s given me a grounding. A lot of people in sales don’t have the technical understanding, they can’t answer technical questions – customers just see straight through it.”

Jody joined Emplas from Omega in 2010 as an area sales manager, again working his way up through the ranks to promotion earlier this year to the National Sales Manager role.

Recruiting a new sales team to support him, he explains that his focus has now shifted to business development and the support of Emplas’ existing customer base.

“Things are certainly much better and we’re doing exceptionally well but the industry has changed and it is different – we all have to work that little bit harder. Those companies who expected to be handed new business on a plate once recovery kicked in are gone. The industry has become much more progressive and forward thinking”, says Jody.

installers exclusive sales areas, a free website, search engine optimisation and copywriting, plus dedicated marketing collateral including their own-branded protective tape, retail brochures and point of sale material.

Qualifying installers get a free PC, laptop or tablet to allow them to access Emplas’ 24/7 online and order tracking service. They also get exclusive access one of the industry’s most competitively priced composite door ranges alongside one of the UK’s largest product portfolios.

“The Installer Partnership is important for us”, continues Jody, “because it gives us a more structured framework for the support that we offer to our customers. We see so many installers who aren’t getting a good service from their supplier, we obviously want to show them that there is an alternative out there and if the service, quality and support that they get isn’t good, they should be thinking about change.”

Emplas’ track record on the point of quality and service is enviable, even compared to that of smaller regional manufacturers. In a recent industry survey, figures reveal that Emplas product quality was rated good or excellent by 98.7 per cent of respondents compared to an industry average of 79.2 per cent. Complete and on time deliveries similarly gave Emplas 99.3 per cent compared to an 84.6 per cent industry average.

He continues: “There are also a lot of guys, some who perhaps lost their jobs with bigger businesses during the downturn and who started up with just a van but who have put the work in and have really grown and are now taking on people and setting up showrooms. It’s a very exciting time to be working in the industry and working so closely with our customer base.”

It also knows a thing or two about retail.

Recording an average of 44 leads per month for the past three months with a 1:2 conversion ratio, Emplas’ own Northamptonshire-only retail business T&K gives the trade fabricator a unique insight into the retail sector. The expertise Emplas has developed through the £3.5 million G-Awards Installer of the Year winner, consequently features heavily in its new trade proposition.

This approach is evident in the new Emplas Installer Partnership, launched by the fabricator at the end of the summer. It offers

“T&K is good for us”, says Jody, “it gives us a genuine understanding of retail, what works, what doesn’t and we share all of that with our

retail customer base. It gives us something different and builds the credibility of our offer. We aren’t the cheapest and we aren’t the most expensive but in terms of product range, service and support, I genuinely believe that we offer more than anyone else out there.”

This point on price is something that he gives further analysis to: “It’s cyclical. We were chatting about it the other day. You get someone who will lead a big push into the market offering product at exceptionally low prices and they’ll pick up business.

“We’re not immune to it and we have lost business to people pushing product at silly prices. But what tends to happen is a couple of months down the line you get called back in and the customer will have had enough because they haven’t got the service and have been let down.

“By the time you have sat down with someone and actually worked out how much they lost because a product wasn’t right when they fitted it - the £75 they had to pay the fitter to go back or the discount they had to give to the customer - then compare it to the quality and service we deliver, plus the marketing support, it’s very easy to demonstrate the value that we deliver for not very much more money.”

Emplas has also sustained investment in its product range, developing a carefully honed retail product offer that draws on the T&K ‘test’ environment. This includes chamfered and fully sculptured casement windows, vertical sliders, foiled and colour options. Emplas also supplies a range of conservatories, orangeries and hybrid products, including the mid-market ‘Livinroom’ conservatory/orangery cross-over from Ultraframe.

This offer also includes one of the industry’s highest performing triple-glazed windows featuring a unit manufactured in Pilkington Optiwhite ‘E’ (outer pane), an argon or krypton gas filling and Pilkington K Glass ‘OW’ (toughened middle and inner pane), plus spacer bar with warm edge option to achieve a installed 1.1W/m².K. U-value.

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“We carry triple-glazed products because we have to be able to meet demand for it where it’s identified by our customers. Is it a big seller for us? At the moment its ‘no’ because of the price of glass”, says Jody. “When you get down to the price differentials in performance between an A rated window or A+, it’s marginal and when it comes down to it, people aren’t prepared to pay for it.

“We are seeing far greater return for our retail customers from other products, for example composite doors.”

This analysis has again fed into its Installer Partnership with member retailers qualifying for one of the industry’s most competitively priced but high specification door ranges.

This features 15 classic styles plus solid doors including panel, cottage and flush finishes.

Emplas’ composite door offer also includes a range of contemporary designs alongside Stable, French and bi-fold options.

In addition to standard colours, Emplas offers heritage colours including Chartwell, Duck Egg and Ice Cream through to a host of specialist finishes. It also includes an exhaustive glass range that features triple glazed units as standard while hardware is Fab&Fix with high security cylinders and cylinder guards, again as standard.

“Quality is important. The materials we use, the management systems we apply - it all contributes to an exceptionally high quality product and service”, says Jody. He concludes: “We’ll continue to invest in our range and how we work with our customers but ultimately, it comes back to that exceptional quality that comes through the factory.”

To find our more follow us on twitter #InstallerPartnership or @emplaswindows.

For more information visit www.emplas.co.uk, email info@emplas.co.uk or call 01933 674880.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0022

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

1214/0023

1214/0024

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www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

17

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Elev8 Interiors Ltd & Kier Services, Sheffield scoop top prize at the Considerate Constructors National Company Awards 2014 The splendour of Plaisterers’ Hall in the City of London played host to the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s 2014 National Company Awards on Friday 14th November.

find no way of separating these two winners who have equally demonstrated the utmost consideration in the work they undertake.

Both organisations are a fantastic example to the industry and have proved what can be achieved with thoughtful and intelligent planning, consultation and management.

Elev8 Interiors were praised for their inclusive staff culture, open door policy, community support and commitment to continual improvement. Kier Sheffield were congratulated for their exceptional commitment to site appearance, environmental standards, health and safety training and workforce development.

More than 300 industry professionals saw over 80 awards being presented, and for the first time in the Scheme’s history, the prestigious title of Most Considerate Company was shared between two companies: leading commercial refurbishment and re-fitting company Elev8 Interiors Ltd and local authority local authority housing repairs and maintenance contractor, Kier Services, Sheffield.

Introduced by John Maddock, Chairman of the National Federation of Builders, the Scheme’s much-anticipated National Company Awards are one of the highlights

of the construction industry calendar.

The awards recognise companies that have registered with the Scheme and have

Conservatory Outlet celebrates

record breaking month thanks to dealers’ growth For the second time this year, Conservatory Outlet has reported its best ever sales month, with the retail value of its output in October cautiously estimated at £12 million. The Yorkshire-based fabricator is crediting the record breaking month to its dealers’ growth.

Managing director, Greg Kane, commented: “The sustained growth many of our dealers are experiencing has resulted in a higher order intake in October than in any other month, including July 2014, which previously ‘wore the crown’ as our best ever month.”

With almost 8,000 windows, 400 conservatories and orangeries and 300 composite doors processed in October, it has been a very busy period for the fabricator’s

dealer network. Greg added: “We would like to thank our dealers for their hard work, which is the driving force behind this growth.”

The fabricator’s focus on offering the right products at the right time has also paid off, as sales figures for the newly launched solid roof are showing: the new product reached its targets and accounted for 5% of the fabricator’s total sales in October.

Greg said: “We are always striving to make sure our dealers are equipped with the right tools to take advantage of new market opportunities when these arise, but ultimately, it’s their hard work that feeds our network’s success. Our business model – of one exclusive dealer per region - allows us to create very close relationships with our clients and encourages valuable feedback. This is of paramount importance, as it helps us develop and adapt our products and services to our dealers’ needs.”

Moreover, the company has made a series of new appointments over the past six months as part of its strategy to offer a more comprehensive approach to dealer support, one which focuses on adding long term value to the network. “We took a series of strategic decisions over the past few months focused on strengthening and diversifying our dealer support, but also on preparing for future growth. These results prove that our preparation was not only auspicious, but also wise”, concluded Greg.

Tel: 01924 239813 www.conservatoryoutletdealers.co.uk

Conservatory Outlet managing director, Greg Kane.

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READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0025

demonstrated exceptional and ongoing commitment to considerate construction and an appreciation of the impact of their work on the community, the environment and their workforce.

This year, the Scheme presented a total of 85 awards including 37 Bronze, 27 Silver and 16 Gold. From the Gold Award winners, a shortlist was produced of the very highest performers and 2 companies received the top accolade of Most Considerate Company while 3 other companies that were considered for this award were presented with the title of Most Considerate Company Runner-up.

The Scheme praised both Elev8 Interior’s and Kier’s exceptional commitment to their consistent, considerate approach at all stages of their projects from planning to completion. The Scheme’s awards panel could

The most recent site reports written by the Scheme’s Monitors for Elev8 Interiors quoted that “there is a very impressive level of commitment to the Scheme which is commendable” and “the best practice advocated by the Scheme is being conducted to the highest standard and there remains ongoing, genuine and positive commitment.”

Kier’s most recent site report states “an excellent performance with the continued implementation of new procedures and ideas...” and particularly praised “the opening up of ‘The Link’ community hub and charity shops around various parts of Sheffield which is an innovative move forward to improve community relations even further with local residents”.

Joe O’Neill, Director of Elev8 Interiors and his team of 10 from the company, were surprised and thrilled to scoop the ultimate prize saying “We were absolutely delighted to win a Gold Award and our table were happily celebrating when the Elev8 Interiors name was called out as a winner of the Most Considerate Company 2014 title and we were truly shocked. The massive round of applause we received from the other award winners was amazing and something we will never forget.”

Scott Murray, Head of Services at Kier Sheffield, was also delighted saying “We are extremely proud to have been awarded Most Considerate Company. This shows real recognition of the hard work that has been put in by the team in Sheffield to raise the standards of the repairs service for Sheffield City Council over the last few years.”

Edward Hardy, Chief Executive of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, said: “I’d like to congratulate all our National Company Award winners. They’ve all demonstrated an extremely high level of commitment to considerate construction which we’re delighted to recognise and celebrate.” He continues: “Elev8 Interiors and Kier Sheffield are worthy winners who have consistently demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the Scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice.

They are a fantastic example to the industry and deserve this highest award. Well done to all the staff at Elev8 and Kier Sheffield.”

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0026

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

SWISSPACER sales up 15% worldwide

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The UK and Ireland market leader SWISSPACER is reporting record sales figures for 2014 worldwide.

Worldwide year-on-year sales to September 2014 are up 15%. Sales increased 3.4% in the UK and Ireland. France, Germany, Poland, Switzerland and North America all saw sales grow between 10% - 49%. Sales in Asia grew 262%.

Peter Appel, SWISSPACER Marketing and Sales Director says: “2014 is another record year for SWISSPACER with growth all over the world. SWISSPACER is the first choice of most large sealed unit makers because it is tried and tested to give the best thermal performance. SWISSPACER is also easy to process and can be used on existing machinery. Fabricators and installers ask for SWISSPACER because it gives the best thermal performance, long lasting results and

Peter Appel, SWISSPACER Marketing and Sales Director.

comes in a wide choice of colours. We look forward to seeing SWISSPACER’s growth continue into 2015.”

For more information visit www.swisspacer. com, call 0845 601 1265 or follow SWISSPACER on Twitter @Ultimate_Spacer.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0027

HURST BUILDS FOR THE FUTURE WITH GREEN POLICY Hurst Plastics has invested in an ambitious environmental policy which pledges to minimise waste and help the company achieve its goal of ‘zero landfill’ by the end of 2015. Hurst’s strategy aims to divert more than 350 tonnes of waste material a year from landfill and successfully recycle it into useful new products.

The Kingston-upon-Hull based company has introduced a number of green initiatives to help it significantly reduce material usage and recycle waste.

Hurst has teamed up with fellow Hullbased waste management and recycling firm Taylors Environmental and installed three large baling machines in its 50,000 square foot factory. The machines compact three tonnes of card and half a tonne of plastic packaging a month for recycling.

Hurst has also joined forces with Halifaxbased plastic recycling company Retech and now recycles 24 tonnes of MDF, polystyrene and plastic panel off-cuts and three tonnes of PVC-u off-cuts a month.

The ‘closed loop’ recycled material is then supplied back to the PVC industry. The company now also uses any suitable waste polystyrene for packing its composite and panel doors before dispatch.

Hurst’s environmental policy has been expanded further to minimise consumption

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

wherever possible. The company has recently invested in fleXipod – a cutting edge electronic proof of delivery and fulfilment system. Each vehicle in Hurst’s fleet of delivery vehicles is now equipped with fleXipod, which generates live ‘paperless’ information for both the customer and Hurst to ensure smooth, scheduled deliveries and enhanced service. Its introduction has halved the company’s paper usage and streamlined deliveries so vehicles use less fuel.

Tradelink

Darren Glew, Operations Director at Hurst, said: “Sustainability is really important to Hurst Plastics and we are very committed to minimising our carbon footprint by reducing, re-using and recycling whenever we can. We are recycling around 30 tonnes of waste a month and are reducing our paper and fuel usage wherever possible. We also partner with local companies where possible to reduce fuel consumption even further. Our environmental policy is ongoing and we are well on course to achieve our target to send nothing to landfill by the end of next year.”

If you are interested in becoming a Hurst trade partner, then please contact Hurst on 01482 790790. www.hurst-plastics.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0028

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TRADE NEWS

You talk, we listen

As 2014 draws to a close, Ged Ryan, CEO of HOPPE (UK) Ltd discusses how the upturn in market conditions makes it even more important to work with stable suppliers, who listen to customer needs.

With a general election on the horizon, it came as no surprise to hear that David Cameron has said ‘red warning lights are once again flashing on the dashboard of the global economy’, arguing that trade deals and continued spending restraint are what’s required to ensure continued economic recovery. By contrast however, he confirms that the British economy is growing, with record numbers of new businesses, the largest ever fall in unemployment and employment up 1.75 million in four years. Thankfully, reports from across the industry seem to echo that message, and convey 2014 as a much better year for businesses and tentative predictions of continued market growth over the next five years have been well received.

At HOPPE, we have regular discussions with our distributor and fabricator customers to keep up to date with how they are finding the market and currently, there seems to be a mood of quiet confidence. Any economic recovery is a difficult time as companies try to decide whether to invest in new products, services, staff, factory space and equipment to up their capacity to fulfil growing order books, or sit tight for a while longer to make sure they get the sustained business they are hoping for. Meanwhile, more than ever before, they need suppliers that can offer them stability and something new to help them stand out from the crowd of other companies who will also be trying to maximise any new sales potential.

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1999 saw HOPPE UK move to a purpose built 5000m2 distribution centre, on the back of a £2.2m investment. Since then, we have taken the business from strength to strength.

As well as continued product research and development in quality hardware for windows and doors, we have always appreciated that people are at the heart of our business, so have continued to invest in them, to ensure our customers are dealing with the most

knowledgeable and experienced team in the marketplace.

Of course, aside from our history in the UK, HOPPE is fortunate to be part of HOPPE Group, which boasts over 60 years trading into the European marketplace. It remains a family run business, set up by Friedrich Hoppe in 1952 and now run by his two sons, Christoph and Wolf Hoppe, and grandson Christian. Each play a hands-on role within

the business – Friedrich Hoppe himself designed the ‘Frankfurt’ handle in 1965, which has since sold over 65 million pairs. HOPPE Group has a firm set of values by which it does business today. These include trust, responsibility, understanding, credibility, honesty, integrity, loyalty and decency - characteristics on which we pride ourselves at HOPPE UK. With seven manufacturing facilities across Europe, it is easy to see how we have the capability to produce 90 million window handles each year and offer customers over 9,000 products in our range - a range we are continually developing and expanding to ensure we meet the needs of the ever changing market.

The HOPPE promise As the market continues to change and develop it is important to work with suppliers who understand the detail, can advise on legislation and compliance if required and who have the capability to research, develop and manufacture products in-house in order to make sure the market is getting what it needs. The investment into the development of quality, innovative hardware that outperforms its counterparts has played a key part in the HOPPE success and is something we will continue into the future. We know our brand, our customers and the landscape of the market and are expertly placed to continue to deliver hardware to suit their needs. 2015 will see us continuing to talk to our customers, to understand what they need from us in order to help make their business a success.

Call us on 01902 484 400 or log on to www.hoppe.co.uk for more information.

The HOPPE heritage 2014 marked the 25th year of trading for HOPPE in the UK and what a 25 years it has been. With continued growth from the outset,

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READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0030

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

1214/0031

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper The aquarium at The Deep.

Hull’s ‘The Deep’ hosts the Council for Aluminium

in Building and their Regional Meeting and Mini-Conference Chris Champion, Editor of Glass News, reports from the CAB Regional Meeting and Mini-Conference.

Although billed as a regional meeting, CAB members travelled from all over the UK to attend this Mini-Conference at Hull. And it’s understandable why, with an excellent array of speakers who delivered their sessions in a both interesting and humorous way. Boring it was not. Even the interaction between Justin Ratcliffe, Chief Executive of CAB and his team, with the members, was interesting.

It was clear by the attendance, with some 104 people descending on Hull from all

over the UK, that this is a very healthy trade association. The attendees valued what Justin Ratcliffe had to say and the work that CAB was doing to represent its members and the aluminium industry, as a whole.

First of the speakers was David Saxby, the co-founder of Architecture00, a collaborative multidisciplinary design studio based in London and working globally. He highlighted the use of aluminium in modern day architecture and specifically from the point of view of delivering ultra-low energy buildings and building integrated renewable energy. As a qualified architect, David has the experience of designing and delivering a wide range of award winning building projects including the RIBA award winning Manor Works, selected as the Best Building in Yorkshire for 2014.

KFP2418: From left to right: Greg Russell, ABS; Dean Walton, Alumet; Rob Gavin, ABS enjoying a non-PC fish and chip starter at an aquarium!

Justin Ratcliffe, Chief Executive of the Council for Aluminium in Building, addresses the Regional Meeting at The Deep, Hull.

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“By 2016, all centrally procured government construction projects, no matter their size, must be delivered using Building Information Modelling. This will extend right through the supply chain, from the largest contractor to the smallest supplier, and it is hoped, will lead to the industry-wide adoption of BIM as the benefits become more widely understood.”

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

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John Mitchell, Carl F Groupco.

With BIMs high on the agenda of many, Peter Foster, Technical Services Manager and Head of BIM Implementation at Premier Interlink (WACO), urged members to address Building Information Modelling sooner rather than later. The race is definitely on.

By 2016, all centrally procured government construction projects, no matter their size, must be delivered using Building Information Modelling. This will extend right through the supply chain, from the largest contractor to the smallest supplier, and it is hoped, will lead to the industry-wide adoption of BIM as the benefits become more widely understood.

Across the industry, organisations must get up to speed over the next three years - or risk missing out on valuable opportunities.

Probably unsurprisingly with BIM being a collaborative process, Peter invited members to contact him direct on any aspect of BIM that they felt he could help with. The message was clear. BIM will save vast amounts of money simply by reducing waste and ignoring BIM is not an option.

Geraldine Fleming, Vice President and Executive Director at Knowles Ltd, had a clear

David Saxby, Architecture00 presenting to the CAB mini-conference at The Deep, Hull.

message for members concerning contracts and getting paid: the original contract must be watertight and clearly state how payment will be made, and when. Much of Geraldine’s work involves obtaining payment for clients and it was made clear that although she and her team could help any members with contract and payment issues - particularly as sub-contractors to a main contractor – getting the original contract correct is a much cheaper option than pursuing money after the event. With a background as a Quantity Surveyor for Balfour Beatty Construction and as a qualified solicitor, Geraldine is well qualified to help anyone with dispute resolution, adjudication, arbitration and, if necessary, the dreaded litigation. There was a definite opinion amongst the members that they would rather have Geraldine on their side, than against them!

With a tour of ‘The Deep’, Hull’s spectacular aquarium with some 3,500 fish including sharks and rays, the members repaired for dinner with the starter served in a paper cone with drinks before going to the table.

Although excellent, this starter could have

“With a tour of ‘The Deep’, Hull’s spectacular aquarium with some 3,500 fish including sharks and rays, the members repaired for dinner with the starter served in a paper cone with drinks before going to the table. Although excellent, this starter could have been a little more politically correct….fish and chips at an aquarium?”

From left to right – David Saxby, Co-Founder of Architecture 00; Geraldine Fleming, Vice President and Executive Director, Knowles Ltd; Peter Foster, Technical Services Manager/Head of BIM Implementation, Premier Interlink (WACO); Justin Furness, Technical Director, CAB; Justin Ratcliffe, CEO, CAB.

been a little more politically correct….fish and chips at an aquarium?

In talking with members, it was clear that CAB is highly thought of and there is little doubt that those involved with aluminium will benefit from membership of the Council.

Part of the appeal and a reason for the excellent attendance must be down to the organisation of the events and the choice of venues. It was pointed out to me by a selection of members that CAB take the trouble to find interesting places to host their meetings. Testimony to this can be seen by

looking through the key events for CAB in 2015: a regional meeting in the Crypt Hall of Liverpool’s Catholic Cathedral; a technical conference at Loughborough University; the AGM and Golf Day at the Forest of Arden Hotel and a regional meeting on the Symphony River Cruiser and trip on this, one of the largest cruise vessels, from the Houses of Parliament to Greenwich.

It’s all looking good for the Council of Aluminium in Building and its members in 2015.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0032

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Should Roto Frank AG wish to diversify from their pre-eminence in hardware, they

could do a lot worse than go into tour operating!

Glass News Editor, Chris Champion reports from Venice on Roto’s 9th International Trade Press Day. It was somewhat ironic that Roto should choose Venice to launch their initiative on Burglary prevention, in a city where crime is virtually nil, save the odd pickpocketing of tourists. Venice is one of the few cities in the world where you can walk around dark alleys, and believe me there are many, without any fear of mugging. It’s said that even a single girl can wander the city in complete safety which, given that anyone would think twice about that in pretty much any town in the UK, is remarkable. No one can really say why Venice is so safe….maybe because escape from Venice is no easy matter as it would have to be on foot or by boat!

The Rialto Bridge, Venice.

Technology Divisions. The “innovative marketing concept” offers clear messages, complete measure packages and professional pre-sales activities. The microsite www. quadro-safe.com is the central platform, Mr. Pauly explained. The platform is already active, informing users about “Roto Quadro Safe” and offering documents for download as well as links to registered window and door producers.

Roto’s campaign is aimed specifically at Germany where, according to Roto, the country is referred to as a “paradise for burglars” but has a relevance for the UK, too.

The number of such offences in Germany has been increasing since 2008 to 150,000 cases in 2013. Detection rates are extremely low, only 15.5%. That means that only one out of six cases can be closed successfully by the police.

However, ‘resistance is not futile’, says Roto.

That is the motto chosen by the construction supplier for an integrated burglary prevention campaign, officially launched at the beginning of November 2014 at the 9th International Trade Press Day. With a comprehensive package of measures, the initiative is intended to stimulate consumer investment in windows and encourage new business for market partners.

In contrast to rural areas, criminals are mainly active in cities and border regions, according to statistics. In addition to the material damage, − costing German insurance companies about 480 million Euros in 2013 − they also cause irreplaceable losses of family treasures and mementos. Not to mention the grave and often long-term psychological impact on the victims.

The rapidly increasing number of crimes against property has also triggered media attention. Since mid-2013, there has been a

Roto at Fensterbau/Frontale 2014.

great deal of news coverage of this burning issue. This intensive coverage confirms strong public interest. Politicians “are slowly waking up”: the secretaries of the Interior organise special meetings to address this problem; there are state subsidies for building measures such as reconstruction loans. These subsidies are frequently used for windows and doors, which are the main point of attack for burglars.

that targets end users all over Germany. The intention is to get market partners on board − an example of Roto’s customer-benefit oriented “close to the customer” strategy.

This is a joint initiative of the Window and Door Technology and the Roof and Solar

The promotion campaign “Resistance is not futile” will be rolled out to get dealers and manufacturers on board. This will be done by direct mailing, press work and advertisements in relevant specialised media.

Promotion packages will be provided to participating businesses to support pointof-sale activities. The package includes an information brochure for end users, stickers for show rooms and a support programme for PR activities. The latter consist of a template for press information, photos with captions and a concise instruction manual. Registered manufacturers and dealers can also use the microsite to customise promotional material for local use, e.g. by adding their logo.

The launch of the Germany-wide end customer campaign is scheduled for 1

The campaign gives professionals an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their skills, engage customers, generate demand and offer added value. That is why Roto’s Udo Pauly is amazed that the industry “has been surprisingly passive so far”. Roto wants to change that with a promotion campaign for burglary-resistant façade and roof windows

Enjoying a beer on the terrace of the Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal.

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December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

43 minutes on the Roto stand, one couldn’t help but feel that the survey would have had more relevance if the split between customers’ remarks and those of potential customers had been clearly defined. Customers are naturally better disposed to a supplier than those seeking information with the idea of becoming a customer, possibly, in the future.

The doors and windows of Venice With a session presented by Prof Stefano Croce on the historical architecture in Venice, and looking specifically at the doors and windows in the city of Venice, it put neatly into context all that the visiting journalists had seen on their tour of city on the previous day. The architecture is remarkable and the explanation of the difference in Gothic, Baroque, Byzantine and Renaissance styles added much to what we could see on our tour of the city. And this was a visit to Venice that would have done any renowned tour operator justice. In fact, if Roto Frank wish to diversify from their pre-eminence in hardware, they could do a lot worse than go into tour operating!

Roto’s anti-burglary campaign motif - the frustrated burglar.

February 2015. From then on, Roto will use a great variety of communication tools: an information brochure, targeted media relations, social media activities and even a radio promotion campaign, which is unusual for this industry. The latter will include radio PR in form of pre-produced expert interviews and 30 second radio spots aired on selected stations. The radio spots alone are supposed to provide a coverage of some 25 million end users. The impact of social media and PR activities cannot be quantified just yet, but they will certainly reach audiences “that go into the millions”. All promotion activities will aim at channelling customers to the microsite www.quadro-safe.com and so to registered Roto partners.

Although a strictly German campaign there is no reason why it shouldn’t spread to other countries, including the UK…..it’s certainly

Udo Pauly, Head of Marketing at the Roto Window and Door Technology division.

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

another aspect over and above the issue of thermal properties that the fenestration industry can latch on to.

Results for 2014 Dr Eckhard Keill, Board Chairman and Head of the Window and Door Technology division at Roto Frank AG, with Financial Director, Michael Stangier, outlined the current state of affairs and the outlook for the company, going forward, and it was nice for the UK to be, as you say, ‘mentioned in despatches’ as being one of the few bright lights in a murky world of commerce. Smiles on the faces of the UK contingent could clearly be seen when it was admitted that the UK was probably the leading light in recovering from the global recession!

In Roto’s normal honest and straightforward manner, Michael Stangier was happy to

Prof. Stefano Croce, architect and associate professor.

admit that a performance on par with that of 2013 was, to them, a successful outcome in a difficult year. Net sales of around 650 million euros with around 4,000 employees in 16 countries makes Roto a substantial, world class, company. He was keen to remind the audience that, ever acquisitive, Roto would be looking for targets next year and, in fishing parlance, would be looking to land a reasonable sized fish!

Roto at Fensterbau/ Frontale 2014 Roto had gone to considerable trouble to survey their customers following their presence at Fensterbau/Frontale 2014. While the results showed a very high satisfaction level with both the show and Roto’s presence with customers spending on average around

Michael Stangier, Financial Director, Roto Frank AG.

This press visit, with 65 journalists from 16 different countries, indicates Roto’s presence around the world. To organise the logistics of 65 people all arriving on different flights would be impressive in cities such as Barcelona or Brussels, venues that Roto has used in the past. However, Venice is a different story with the added complication of water…in abundance! From arrival at Marco Polo Airport to the return on the following day the trip was organised to the nth degree, with water taxis laid on to deliver everyone to the Monaco and Grand Canal Hotel which, as the name implies is right on the Grand Canal with its own jetty for water taxis or gondolas, and just round the corner from St. Mark’s Square….difficult to get a better venue.

The guided tour of Venice, with a final gondola to take us to the excellent restaurant for dinner, gave an insight into the history and prominence of Venice through the ages.

The level of the efficient organisation was worthy of Roto’s ‘German Made’ tag line and was a clear reminder of how they run their business in a well ordered, efficient, and friendly manner.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0033

Dr Eckhard Keill, Board Chairman and Head of the Window and Door Technology Division at Roto Frank AG.

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Made For Trade celebrate successful year of rapid growth Conservatory roof and bi-fold door firm Made For Trade are celebrating a successful year

after record growth, leading to an expansion of their factory space and workforce in 2014.

The company has grown on average by over 60% each year since 2010 and now have over 700 companies in their customer base. High demand has seen the firm acquire two new factories alongside their original conservatory

roof building; one to house the aluminium bi-fold door division, and the other for the upcoming manufacture of sliding patio doors.

In addition to factory space, the Made For Trade team has also grown, with 18 new staff joining the company in 2014, increasing employee numbers to over 40. These additions include three graduates from Teesside University; two helping with quotations and order processing, and another to handle marketing duties. The phenomenal rise of the company and the demand for its products has led to the release of a new brochure, which introduces potential customers to their aluminium bi-fold doors and conservatory roofs, and also to key members of staff.

Managing Director Bradley Gaunt attributes the rise of Made For Trade on its lean and efficient strategy, allowing for significant savings to be made by customers. He said: “With further expansion expected in 2015, we have proved ourselves to be a force to contend with in the industry.”

To find out more about Made For Trade’s products, please call 01642 610799 for conservatory roofs, or 01642 610798 for bi-fold doors.

If you would like to request a brochure, contact Manying the Marketing Assistant on 020 3195 6737, or email your name, company and postal address to manying.siu@aanco.com.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0034

Rising demand for aluminium leads to announcement of

new factory

Lincoln based uPVC and aluminium fabricator, Sternfenster, has recently announced its plans to open a new factory exclusively dedicated to the production of aluminium windows and doors in 2015.

achieve the necessary space to accommodate further growth. We’re growing responsibly, but as effectively and efficiently as possible.”

The decision follows the continuous growth of the aluminium business experienced by the fabricator ever since entering this market, almost three years ago.

Sternfenster is currently operating from an 80,000 sq. ft. production facility in Lincoln, supplying the full range of Smart Aluminium products, including the Visofold 1000 bifolding doors and Shopline commercial doors and shop fronts.

Sternfenster’s managing director, Mike Parczuk, commented: “We’ve had very strong sales for our aluminium range over the last few years and it made sense for us to pursue this business opportunity. We have actually expanded our aluminium department several times in this period. At the same time, our uPVC division is stronger than ever and keeps growing with the addition of new machinery and staff to supply the increasing demand.

“The decision to invest in a brand new, 29,000 sq. ft. aluminium factory was made in order to

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This year alone the company has reported a 28% increase of the aluminium business since January. These results were achieved thanks to a strong customer service programme, complete with a dedicated technical department and extensive marketing support which continues to help its clients seize the opportunities of a growing market.

A wide variety of casement windows is also available from the Lincoln fabricator, such as the Alitherm Heritage 47 window system for heritage and renovation applications and Alitherm 600 and 800 casement windows, designed for excellent thermal performance.

Mike added: “Our plans prove we’re in it for the long haul and our aim is to constantly supply our clients with high quality aluminium windows and doors at reasonable

Sternfenster manufacture the full range of Smart Aluminium.

prices, and to satisfy their increasing demand whilst keeping our customer service levels up and our lead times down. We’ve got a dedicated technical department to help our clients with technical information and advice, and we’re also highly supportive of clients taking on aluminium – we ensure they have all the technical assistance they need to give them a head start in this new endeavour.”

Moving the aluminium department will also enable Sternfenster to further expand the production for its successful Residence 9 window. Thanks to a revolutionary development in the R9 manufacturing,

the fabricator’s sales for this product have recorded a 48% increase. Sternfenster is the only UK fabricator to produce Residence 9 with a unique, seamless corner weld, as a result of sustained investments in state-ofthe-art machinery.

The fabricator has obtained all planning permissions for the new facility, and construction is set to start at the beginning of next year.

For more information contact Sternfenster on 01522 512525, or visit www.sternfenster.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0035

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Bison growth results in new investment Genesis VS fabricator, Bison Frames, have enjoyed a strong 2014 with sales consistently outstripping targets. Due to their year on year growth, the company have invested in two new Maxi Mover vehicles to keep pace with delivery demands.

The two new Maxi Mover vehicles were built and developed to Bison’s exacting specifications and have been liveried with the distinctive Genesis product branding.

The Maxi Movers are low loaders at just 600mm from the floor and the inside has been specifically designed to safely transport their complete product range.

which has taken the market by storm. The window is a result of extensive research and development to take the vertical slider to a whole new level of authenticity.

Mark Tetley, Director at Bison said, “We’re delighted that we’ve needed to make this investment, because it’s another indication that we’ve got our market offering right and our business is growing as a result.”

The Genesis window has a truly traditional appearance thanks to its jointed (not welded) frame and sash and the use of period hardware and a complete range of heritage finishes. The window has achieved the seemingly impossible – acceptance for use on Grade II listed buildings and in Conservation Areas – and has attracted a great deal of interest, not to mention sales, as a result.

One of the reasons for Bison’s strong growth is the Genesis sliding sash window,

With innovation in the form of products such as Genesis and attention to detail as

shown in the purpose-designed vans, it’s hardly surprising that sales are growing and more and more companies find out how much Bison has to offer.

Tel: 0800 138 3838 www.bisonframes.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0036

Profile Lamination the complete Package Adhesive Solutions Limited are the U.K. agents for the Italian companies WPR Srl and Taka SRL. Based just outside of Venice WPR Srl are a leading manufacturer of profile lamination machinery Taka Srl are the sister company to WPR Srl and manufacture an extensive range of adhesive and primers for use in the profile lamination process.

All Taka adhesive and primers are developed in conjunction with WPR and as such are extensively tried and tested on WPR machinery. WPR and Taka work solely in the Profile lamination market and all there investment is focused on improving this process.

In recent years WPR have launched Automatic set up lamination

machines , Automatic priming systems, Double sided profile lamination and Automatic Foil cutting machines. These developments were in response to customer needs for faster working times due to the increased range of foil colours and finishes now available. Many of these Automatic lamination machines are used throughout Europe and the UK at the leading foil lamination companies.

machine from one company, application equipment from another and glue and primer from another.This would mean dealing with 3 different suppliers who understood their own product but not necessarily the other products required for the lamination process.

That changed when the WPR and Taka products arrived in the U.K.

As well as these state of the art machines WPR are also able to offer basic lamination machines and full up grades on other manufacturers existing machinery i.e Priming equipment, Coating heads Hot melt application equipment.

The customer was now able to buy everything he needed for profile lamination from one source safe in the knowledge that the was buying from a specialist. This has proved a great success and we have large market share and very strong working relationships with our customers.

Mike Dean of ASL adds we have been selling WPR and Taka products in the UK for nearly 10 years.When we first started the customer would buy a lamination

We have lamination machinery at the majority of the UK’s Profile lamination companies and we are the leading supplier of adhesive and primer for this application.

We work with the customer from Initial quotation to machine installation and un like some suppliers who disappear once a machine is sold.

We carry on working with the customer as normally we are supplying adhesive and primer and therefore on the shop floor on a regular basis.

This enables us to understand the customer requirements and give the necessary support.

The latest news from Taka is that a range of Taka Adhesive and Primer products including Zero VOC primer have recently gained the new Ral-GZ-716 Section ll accreditation.

Taka are justifiably proud of this achievement and they are sure our customers will be equally as pleased.

The new testing procedures continue to raise standards and the quality of the finished product throughout the industry.

It also gives Takas customers the security in knowing they are using latest machine technology and the some best adhesives and primers that are available. All Taka products come with a full guarantee and we have technicians readily available to give machine support if needed.

If you would like to discuss profile Lamination contact Mike Dean info@profilewrappingsolutions.co.uk. www.profilewrappingsolutions.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0037

NEW HOME CONTRACTS AT HIGHEST LEVEL SINCE 2008 Figures released today (20 November) reveal that the number of contracts for new homes increased for the sixth consecutive month in October and are at the highest level since 2008.

Barbour ABI, which is a chosen provider of construction data to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the Government, has published its latest Economic & Construction Market Review revealing that the total number of contracts for new homes awarded in October increased by 9.2 per cent from the month before and were 34.2 per cent higher than October 2013.

While the number of residential units continues to increase, contract values fell slightly in October, with values 0.6 per cent down on September and 6.2 per cent lower than the same month last year. Experts believe this may be an indication that the recent boom in house

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

building is beginning to spread to other parts of the UK, as opposed to a concentration in London where values tend to be higher.

Michael Dall, lead economist at Barbour ABI, commented: “With rumours of a cooling housing market, it’s encouraging to see the residential sector still performing strongly in October, accounting for a third (30 per cent) of the total value of contracts awarded. The fact that the number of units is on the increase but values aren’t shouldn’t prove too concerning for the industry, as this is more than likely due to a wider geographic spread of house building contracts to areas such as the South West (13.9 per cent) and South East (13.2 per cent).”

“After its recent sluggish performance, it’s also positive to see the infrastructure sector featuring prominently this month with 22 per cent of the total value of all projects. With

the sector showing growth in the latest ONS Construction Output figures, perhaps this is evidence of projects in the pipeline beginning to translate into activity on the ground.”

• The number of construction projects within the UK in October was up 5 per cent from September and 1.9 per cent higher than October 2013

The report also showed that the UK witnessed an overall increase in construction levels in October with the value of new contracts awarded worth £6 billion. This is a 5.9 per cent increase from September and 6.1 per cent higher than the value recorded in October 2013, an indication of further growth in the fourth quarter.

• Residential had the highest proportion of contracts awarded by value in October with 30 per cent of the UK total

Report highlights: • The total value of new UK construction contracts awarded in October was £6 billion based on a three-month rolling average – 5.9 per cent up on September and a 6.1 per cent increase on the value recorded in October 2013

• The majority of contracts awarded in October by value were in London, with 29 per cent of the UK total Watch Michael Dall interview Noble Francis, economics director at the Construction Products Association, about this month’s ECMR: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=mAcNsoLUmzI&list=UUeUKEHpDQYeoR-8QApLPqA.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0038

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Stability over ‘boom & bust’ 2013 was an exceptional year, consigning an exceptional period for construction – we hope – to history. It was the year that after four years of depression markets picked up and confidence returned. Throw in the Government’s Help to Buy scheme and the increasing availability of loans and mortgages and a latent demand, there since the mothballing of projects post-2008, was released.

So what of 2014 and what of the prospects for the industry going into the New Year?

Well, latent demand is still there but analysis suggests that growth in 2014 has been more sustainable, consistent and predictable – things that should make welcome reading for a construction sector still scarred by the dark days of recession.

“If you look back at 2013, it really was quite out of the ordinary”, says Mike Crewdson Sales and Marketing Director at Northamptonshire trade fabricator, Emplas.

He continues: “In May and June things started flying. Our customers were suddenly seeing full order books, not just for a couple of weeks ahead but eight to 10 weeks ahead.

“2014 has been different. We haven’t seen that massive release of latent demand but we have seen sustained growth throughout the year so that by October we had hit a record month for both new business and overall volumes”.

“That was great but in our experience with one or two exceptions, this growth wasn’t sustained. August was rather incredibly our busiest month, then things started to tail-off from September to the end of the year. 2014 has been different. We haven’t seen that massive release of latent demand but we have seen sustained growth throughout the year so that by October we had hit a record month for both new business and overall volumes”.

This is consistent with figures for the construction sector more broadly. The Markit/ CIPS Construction Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) increased to 64 in August over 62.4 in July – the fastest pace of growth for seven months and the 16th month in a row that the index has been above the 50 point mark.

That latent demand played its part in recovery in 2013 is indisputable. This may have slowed in 2014 but remains important nonetheless and according to Crewdson can be expected to exert a continuing influence into 2015, particularly in new build.

Lloyds Banking Group, for example, said in October that at least 60,000 new homes need to be built in Britain every year above the current level of supply to ease the country's housing shortage. Crewdson adds, “It doesn’t take a genius to work out that demand from new build is short of some sort of wider economic collapse, going to be sustained into 2015 and beyond.”

Crewdson reports that the fabricator has successfully supported a number of its retail customers move into new build in the last 12-months. This approach has been central to Emplas’ success. Supporting its customers in identifying and moving into new markets to support their own growth and by implication that of Emplas itself, is a central tenet of the fabricator’s Installer Partnership.

Launched at the end of the summer, qualifying installers get everything from a free PC, laptop or tablet to allow them to access Emplas’ 24/7 online and order tracking service to exclusive sales areas and their own branded tape. They also get access one of the industry’s most competitively priced composite door ranges alongside one of the UK’s largest product portfolios.

But the G14 Fabricator of the Year Finalist, the Installer Partnership is also about much more. It targets long term and sustained growth through training and development.

“As a business we have supplied large scale commercial contracts and new build for years alongside our core trade business, so we have learnt from experience”, says Crewdson.

He continues: “We share that experience with our customers as part of the Installer Partnership. The new build sector isn’t just about the big house builders. We have a number of retail customers who have won business from smaller developers and successfully expanded into the commercial arena. With focus on regional house building going into 2015, the new build sector is definitely worth exploration.”

Separately forecasts for the housing market remain largely positive. Analysts suggest that by

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the end of this year, house prices will have grown by an average of 7.8 per cent, the biggest leap since 2007 although warn growth is unlikely to be sustained at existing levels into 2015.

“We shouldn’t be too alarmed by this” says Crewdson, “You would be hard pushed to find anyone who believed that house price increases were sustainable at the seven percent rate. We also can’t expect interest rates to remain at the levels that they have been - there is going to be an inevitable adjustment.

“But I don’t see this triggering any sort of a crash, it’s simply about bringing back house prices to a more sustainable level after the market got a little ahead of itself this year.”

The more significant factor going into the New Year is likely to be the UK’s wider economic performance. The Bank of England stated earlier in October that it expects UK GDP growth to reach 3.5 per cent this year, slowing to three per cent next year.

“Consumer confidence is high at present because the UK economy is growing”, says Crewdson, “it directly impacts on consumer confidence and how much that they’ll be prepared to spend on larger ticket items.”

So what of the big ticket items?

Emplas offers one the industry’s most comprehensive product ranges. Developed during its own direct experience in the retail sector, developed through its own Northamptonshire-only retail business and G12 Installer of Year T&K. Alongside conservatory/orangery hybrids, bifold and sliding doors, casements and vertical sliders, it also includes one of the industry’s most competitive composite door ranges. Redefined by Emplas as part of the launch of its Installer Partnership, this features 15 classic styles plus solid doors including panel, cottage and flush finishes, in addition to a range of contemporary designs.

In addition to standard colours, Emplas offers heritage colours including Chartwell, Duck Egg and Ice Cream through to a host of specialist finishes. It also includes an exhaustive glass range that features triple glazed units as standard while hardware is Fab&Fix with high security cylinders and cylinder guards, again as standard.

“We know that the composite door market will grow again in 2015, which is why we have reinvested in our range this year to allow our customers to maximise the opportunities that this delivers”, says Crewdson.

He continues: “What we would observe is that the opportunities are there and will be there in 2015 but it may be that installers need to apply a little more lateral thought in maximising return on them than they have this year but they will we there and we’re looking forward to working alongside our customers to help them exploit them.”

MRA Marketing finalist for 4 Construction Marketing Awards MRA Marketing, the specialist Marketing, PR and Creative agency, is once again a finalist in this year’s prestigious Construction Marketing Awards.

MRA has been shortlisted for its work in four different award categories: Strategic Planning & Management (Deceuninck UK), Best use of Press & Public Relations (Deceuninck UK), Best Digital Campaign (Door-Stop International) and Best Use of Advertising (Deceuninck UK).

The Construction Marketing Awards are widely regarded as a national measure of excellence in construction marketing and business development. The three categories in which MRA’s work for Deceuninck UK has been nominated show how strategic, integrated programmes are key to successful marketing. Advertising, press releases, articles and digital campaigns have helped put the brand at the heart of the market.

The Door-Stop International digital campaign reflects the importance of digital media in today’s market.

A mixture of PR, print and online advertising, direct mail and digital marketing, social media, videos and PPC was used to drive traffic to Door-Stop’s website and the tools available there to help its customers sell more doors.

Lucia Di Stazio again: "It’s the 10th year in a row that we’ve reached the finals, and the second year running we’ve been shortlisted for four awards! Since 2004 MRA has won nine CMA awards and we’ve been a finalist 15 times, and we’re No.1 in the CMA Agency League. It’s always good to have our work acknowledged in this way.

Let’s hope we can add more awards to our tally this year!”

For more information visit www.mra-marketing.com or email lucia@mra-marketing.com.

For more information visit www.emplas.co.uk, email info@emplas.co.uk or call 01933 674880.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0039

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Making life easier for installers

Supalite Tiled Roof System gains LABC approval Supalite Tiled Roof System has been certified by LABC making the whole planning and installation process much easier for installers.

It is the latest development to be announced by Supalite and added to the many other outstanding features of the system, achieving LABC approval makes it easy to understand why Supalite is gaining so much installer approval.

Speaking for Supalite, Operations Manager Steve Hacking explained some of the immediate benefits of having LABC registration.

“For the many installers who use our roof system to replace existing conservatory roofs LABC approval makes the whole process really simple; they know that when they offer the Supalite system to a customer there are going to be no unnecessary delays, and the whole job can be

completed in the minimum amount of time. They are not going to fall foul of any building regulation stipulations that they might not be aware of; specifying a Supalite Roof takes away all of the risk”.

Specifying a Supalite Roof takes away all of the risk…

“Installers of our roof system can be confident that they are offering a product which has been approved and is certified by the relevant authorities”.

“LABC registration is just the latest addition to our offering, and complements the ongoing process of product development which has seen Supalite become a major part of the rapidly growing replacement roof market”.

Converting existing extensions into all year round living areas…

While being ideal for new build applications the

Supalite Roof System is primarily designed as a ready made replacement for existing roofs, helping to convert existing conservatories into all year round living spaces.

Offering vaulted ceilings to create internal space and lighting options, other homeowner friendly features such as an option to install LED down lighters externally into its unique fascia detail, large roof vents to allow the

maximum amount of natural light, and a complete range of colour matched ancillaries makes the Supalite Roof System the perfect choice for homeowners wanting to gain much more from their existing conservatory.

Outstanding thermal performance…

What’s more the Supalite Tiled Roof system delivers

outstanding thermal performance; with U value ratings as low as 0.15wmk2 available for the most extreme environments, and 0.18wmk2 as standard, the roof fully complies with all existing UK building regulations.

For homeowners, having a Supalite tiled roof installed takes away the extreme temperature fluctuations so often associated with a standard conservatory roof and offers them a new energy efficient product with the added benefit of lower fuel bills.

the Supalite Roof System to their customers there is a full range of marketing support items available ranging from standard brochures to bespoke brochures, advertising templates, consumer price lists, postcards, flyers, and showroom banners along with fully assembled samples.

Outstanding range of colour options…

“We want to expand the market share of the Supalite Roof, and the best way to do that is by supporting our installers in their own sales and marketing efforts”.

Its consumer appeal is heightened further by the choice of colour options and tile and slate variations available making it wholly flexible to meet individual consumer choices. There are five colours of tile and a further four natural effect slate options; all products have been extensively tested on live installations in the USA, Canada, and Australia over many years giving homeowners the peace of mind that the 25 years guarantee they get on it can be fully supported.

Outstanding marketing support for installers…

For installers who want to offer the many benefits of

Steve takes up the story “We are really determined that installers of our products should have the maximum amount of support available to them.”

“We have a full range of marketing support options available for our customers, and our joint efforts will bring rewards all round”.

Outstanding opportunities…

Adding LABC certification is the latest step along the way. If you would like to become a Supalite installer or manufacturer get in touch for further details of how to take advantage of the outstanding opportunities available to you.

For those wanting more information, Supalite www. supaliteroof.co.uk Email info@supaliteroof.co.uk Telephone 01772 828060.

For those wanting more information about LABC www.labc.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0042

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Visit our website: www.bisonframes.co.uk 31

TRADE NEWS

SELF BUILD PROPERTIES FALL TO SIX YEAR LOW AS FIGURES CONTINUE TO DECREASE Figures reveal that UK-wide self build planning applications in 2014 have decreased by 28% compared to 2008.

Data from Barbour ABI, the chosen provider of the Government’s Construction and Infrastructure Pipeline, shows that 16,792 self build planning applications were submitted in the first three quarters of 2008, which has steadily declined year on year to 12,159 in 2014.

As part of the Government’s on-going policy to increase the number of available homes, new measures were announced in the 2014 Budget to increase the amount of self build projects. These include a £150 million loan fund to help bring forward thousands of ‘shovel ready’ building plots and a proposed ‘right to build’ policy, giving custom builders the right to a suitable plot of land for self build housing, which is currently being pioneered in 11 areas across the country.

The new data from Barbour ABI highlights that self build applications are down across all regions within the United Kingdom when comparing 2008 to 2014, with the two worst affected areas being the Midlands and East Anglia, down 35 per cent and Wales, down a staggering 62 per cent.

On the findings of the data, Michael Dall, lead economist at Barbour ABI, commented: “Given the economic conditions in the UK over the past six years it is perhaps unsurprising that the appetite to build your own home has diminished. However, there are currently six million people in Britain who would like to commission their own house according to the National Self Build Association. This interest clearly lends credence to the various policies announced by the Government and by the opposition Lyons Review to help increase self-build in the future. Our figures today show that while the policy environment is favourable the figures for actual building continue to decline.” www.barbour-abi.com READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0045

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The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Call for checks to prevent doorstep crime The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) have joined calls for people to carry out thorough checks on traders in a bid to crack down on doorstep criminals. This is part of a major new campaign that has been launched as part of National Consumer Week to tackle doorstep crime.

The campaign – titled ‘Good Neighbours Stop Rogue Traders - is focused on how citizens can look out for signs that a neighbour or someone in their community may be being targeted by doorstep criminals and encouraging them to step in and alert the authorities.

However, there are also a number of simple steps people can take to ensure that they do not become victims of doorstep criminals.

These include: • Seek tradesman recommendations from family and friends • Obtain at least three quotes for any work you wish to take place • Check the references of tradesmen and go and look at previous work they have done • Produce a detailed written specification of the work you want to be done and ensure the quote provided covers all of this work (including supply of materials and removal of rubbish) • Ensure that the tradesman has the appropriate level of public liability insurance for the work to be carried out National Trading Standards is also advising people that they should never buy services on the doorstep from traders and should instead follow the guidance to ensure that they do not become victims of doorstep crime. The FMB and NFRC also advise against people hiring tradesman who coldcall.

Doorstep crime involves criminals preying on vulnerable people – often older and living with ill health – by cold-calling at their homes and pressurising them into paying extortionate prices for unnecessary goods or services. The outcome is often botched jobs on roofs, driveways and gardens and the practice often sees victims being frogmarched into banks and building societies to withdraw large sums of cash.

Throughout National Consumer Week, community events will be taking place across the country to equip people to help spot doorstep criminals and to promote ‘Nominated Neighbour’ schemes which are available in many areas, while partners from banks, building societies, neighbourhood and older people’s charities and victim support groups are also playing their part.

This coincides with a massive enforcement effort spearheaded by the National Trading Standards’ Doorstep Crime Project Team. This includes a pilot scheme across Yorkshire and The Humber which has torn

up traditional local boundaries to monitor criminals operating across different areas, an approach that has so far led to four arrests and 15 investigations. The team has also launched a series of training programmes for a range of partners including charities working with older adults, police forces and Citizens Advice call centre staff, and is working more closely with organisations such as the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau to pave the way for further breakthroughs.

Ruth Andrews, National Trading Standards Project Lead for Doorstep Crime, said: “It is vital that people look out for their neighbours, especially those who are elderly or vulnerable, and help protect them from doorstep criminals. However, there are also some simple steps that people can take to ensure they do not become a victim of doorstep crime.”

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “It is vital that people protect themselves, their friends and neighbours against rogue traders. The number one rule is to never, ever, buy from someone offering services at the door. No reputable trader will offer their services in this way.

To protect yourself further, ask people you know for recommendations, take up references and when getting building work done insist on a written contract. By taking these simple precautions you can protect yourselves and others against rogue traders and make sure you get good quality workmanship.”

The National Trading Standards Doorstep Crime Project is also conducting a survey of legitimate business to get their views on this issue. The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ FJ6CN7P. For more information on how to get involved in National Consumer Week 2014 and #stoproguetraders, please visit: www. tradingstandards.gov.uk/ncwinfo Signs an unwanted doorstep caller may be visiting a neighbour: • A van is parked nearby with workmen in, on, or near your neighbour’s property • Ladders or scaffolding suddenly appear • Noises such as banging, drilling, or chainsaws • Trees are suddenly removed or pruned in your neighbour’s garden • Poor quality work visible on the roof, driveway, or property • Your neighbour appears anxious or distressed • Your neighbour leaves their house more frequently to visit bank, building society, or post office accompanied by a trader To report a suspected doorstep criminal, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0046

ALDI TO SPEND £109 MILLION OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS ON NEW BUILD CONSTRUCTION On the back of a visit at their head office by the Prime Minister earlier this week, figures released today (12th November) reveal that the rapidly growing retailer is investing over £109 million across the next 12 months, constructing new build stores and the development of a stateof-the-art distribution centre.

The data from Barbour ABI highlights that 33 new stores should start construction within the next 12 months, 16 of which already have planning permission. This will take Aldi’s investment to over £84 million, alongside a £25 million distribution centre in Cardiff, which begins construction in the second quarter of 2015 and will create an estimated 400 jobs alone. This coincides with a £62 million investment for 31 new stores that have already begun construction so far in 2014.

The news is on the back of Aldi’s announcement on Monday that they intend to create 35,000 jobs and have 1000 stores open in the UK by 2022.

On the findings of the data, Michael Dall, lead economist at Barbour ABI, commented: ‘Aldi will see the UK as a major overseas target for expansion after steadily increasing their market share over the last few years, enticing customers from the traditional “Big Four” supermarkets with their budget price products. Over the next six to twelve months I expect even more construction projects from Aldi will begin if they are to stay on track with their 1,000 store target by 2022.

Aldi’s investment is an indication of the continuing change within the supermarket industry in the UK. For more information, go to www. barbour-abi.com or follow us on Twitter @BarbourABI for all the latest construction data news.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0047

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

The Door and Window Centre

rejoins Network VEKA

A Network VEKA member that investigated how its business would fare without the organisation’s support has returned to the Network fold, praising its many benefits for customer relationships and business development.

Network VEKA was established in response to an industry beset by bad reputations and disreputable operators. Its aim to consistently provide high standards of customer satisfaction through an elite group of strictlypoliced member companies has remained staunchly unchanged since its advent in 1996.

A family business, established by two brothers-in-law in 1989, The Door and Window Centre has always relied on wordof-mouth referrals for the majority of its business, receiving an estimated 90% of its trade this way. Network VEKA’s support in marketing efforts was still one of several reasons cited by The Door and Window Centre for its decision to rejoin though, alongside professional advert design and an online price engine – part of Network VEKA’s Web Tools package.

David Sinfield, Director at The Door and Window Centre explains: “The ability for customers to instantly access a ballpark figure for the installation they’re interested in – be it doors, windows or a conservatory – has been particularly useful. The price engine simply requires customers to input the dimensions of the job they have planned, then presents them with three approximate prices, convergent with the different grades of materials we use.

“Many PVC-U companies would love to feature this kind of tool on their website and, as just one aspect of its Web Tools package, Network VEKA has made it easy. When customers contact us with their online quote we’re immediately ‘on the same page’ and can further explore their options from a starting point that we know they’re happy with.”

BUY & BUILD INVESTMENT IN SOLIDOR Solidor Group has received a significant investment from DW3 Product Group, which has just been set up with the financial backing of private equity firm NorthEdge Capital, to form a new and dynamic group of businesses that’s set to change our perception of the fenestration industry in the UK. This strategic investment for a significant shareholding in composite door pioneer, Solidor Group, will allow the business to accelerate its growth plan, expand its senior management team and to continue investing in operations, capacity and IT. It will also provide a firm platform, support and commercial resources for a buy and build strategy to create a truly innovative group.

The company, based in Swanley, Kent, strongly values the reassurance, trust and peace of mind that customers place in the Network VEKA name, and how using the Network’s logo - alongside its own - helps to boost perception of The Door and Window Centre brand.

Over the last five years Solidor has matured into the fastest growing company in the composite door sector as it challenges for market leadership. With the industry’s best and award-winning marketing campaigns, they have continued to demonstrate an aggressive product development programme for their solid hardwood core doors that’s spurned a number of industry firsts, a colour range that extends to 17 finishes inside and out and a range of exclusive hardware options, not to mention a number of awards and accolades.

David continues: “What many don’t realise about Network VEKA is how much behindthe-scenes work it undertakes with member companies to ensure its values and benefits are consistently delivered.

DW3 Product Group is being headed up

by CEO Gareth Mobley, also the current managing director of Solidor Group and supporting him is an experienced board of commercially minded directors. They include

the incoming chairman Stuart Lees, who has considerable expertise in corporate finance, growth and acquisition strategies both inside and outside the industry with Epwin Group, Everest and Ultraframe.

This dynamic new group will be making further investments in the coming months, which they believe will help them realise their ambition to become one of the most successful and exciting company groups in the home improvement sector. In the coming months DW3 Product Group already have firm plans for acquisitions of businesses with similar qualities to Solidor, which will help redefine the structure of the glazing industry.

Gareth Mobley, CEO of DW3 Product Group commented: ‘This is great news for everybody at Solidor and for our industry as a whole, that external investors can now see real opportunity in our sector once again. This will allow us to accelerate our growth plan at Solidor and we've got big ambitions for the future and a number of further product developments to launch.

He continues: ‘I will still remain actively involved in Solidor, though we will be supplementing the business with a number of key appointments in the immediate future, while our established management team continue to run the business on a day to day basis.’

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0049

“The encouragement we get as part of the Network VEKA community is fantastic.

There’s help and advice with ongoing projects, the monthly audits allow us to provide new and potential customers with feedback from recent installations, and the training support has resulted in all our installers passing the MTC qualification.

“Our customers really value Network VEKA’s insurance-backed guarantees and, what’s more, there’s even support from the Network to help customers complete the forms correctly - ensuring they’re covered and we have our feedback. Network VEKA has been doing this for a long time and, as far as we’re concerned, they’ve got the formula just right.”

Pictured L - R: Christina Critcher, Matt Bettles, Antony Bettles, David Sinfield.

Tel: 01282 473170 - ww.networkveka.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0048

From left to right: Back Row – The team from NorthEdge Capital. Front Row Chris Chapman (Group Commercial Officer), Stuart Lees (Group Chairman), Gareth Mobley (Group CEO) and Carlton Hopley (Group Finance Director).

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Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

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The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Anglo Customer, Polyframe, Wins Prestigious Award

SYNSEAL ACQUIRES

LB PLASTICS & MANSE MASTERDOR Synseal has acquired the trade and operating assets of the Litchfield Group’s UK window & trade extrusion and door businesses, trading as LB Plastics Ltd and Manse Masterdor Ltd, for an undisclosed sum.

Based at Nether Heage in Derbyshire, LB Plastics pioneered the use of PVC-U windows for the British market back in the 1970s and the company has been synonymous with high performance thermoplastics for the UK building industry ever since. Operating production facilities registered to ISO.14001, LB Plastics predominantly supplies lead-free extruded PVC-U products to approved fabricators and installers, along with custom-designed extrusions to other building component suppliers. Product sales are backed by extensive technical support and inhouse design and testing services, including a dedicated team focussed on delivery of housebuilding projects.

In addition to Sheerframe PVC-U windows, doors and curtain walling, the Litchfield Group’s UK window & trade extrusion and door product portfolio includes a broad range of solutions such as Hometrim cellular cladding, roofline and trims, Sheerline fencing and decking products, Thermlock thermallyenhanced window and door reinforcements and an extensive range of Masterdor residential door sets and Suredor GRP composite doors.

David Leng, Synseal’s Chief Executive, comments: “LB Plastics boasts a proud tradition having served the UK fenestration industry for more than 35 years offering established and proven products that have stood the test of time. This acquisition is a good fit to expand the scope of our business, as LB Plastics primarily supplies commercial market sectors with a full range of specification products which complement our market-leading Synseal

solutions for residential and home improvement market applications. We will continue to invest in the proven and respected Sheerframe and Masterdor brands and, replicating business integration achievements following our major acquisition of K2 Conservatories in 2012, we will fully support the ondevelopment of LB Plastics and Manse Masterdor product offerings and service logistics to strengthen these businesses for future success.”

For further information contact Mark Schlotel on 01623 446207 or 07764 229694; email mark. schlotel@synseal.com.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0050

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Anglo European would like to congratulate Polyframe on their recent Excellence in Business Award, which was organised

by The Yorkshire Post. Polyframe was the winner in the ‘Companies between £10m and £50m’ category, recognising its phenomenal growth over recent years. Iain Duncan Smith was the keynote speaker at the glittering awards evening held in Leeds.

Anglo European have been a long term supplier for Polyframe and have kept pace with their phenomenal growth over recent years, including the opening of five new trade counters in 2014. “The logistics of supplying such a large fabricator with cut to size steel reinforcement is a complex operation” Comments James Lister, operations director for Anglo. “With our recent investment both in plant, vehicles and staff, Anglo are extremely capable of meeting their requirements, which is why we are the first choice for reinforcement by Polyframe”.

Anglo is now rolling out 10 million metres of steel reinforcement per year, to supply the ever growing number of customers., which will include Polyframe’s fifth factory opening in the New Year. When put into perspective in terms of scale and distance, if you lay four years of reinforcement production end to

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Anglo European pride themselves on their customer service which is at the heart of the business and is one of the reasons they are now one of the leading suppliers of Steel reinforcement for the window and door market.

“We would also like to wish Polyframe the best of luck for the forthcoming G14 Awards on the 21st November, where they have been shortlisted for Fabricator of the Year”, comments James.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0051

Award-winning Halo Fabricator strikes again!

Long-standing Halo fabricator Polyframe is proud to have won a prestigious award at a glittering local awards ceremony.

Polyframe was announced as the winner at The Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards. The organisation was shortlisted in the ‘Companies between £10m and £50m’ category, recognising its phenomenal growth over recent years.

quick to praise the businesses in attendance.

Apparently the growth of private sector businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber has been just as a fast as London, which we like to think we’ve played our part in! We were very proud to have been recognised for all our hard work, and we’re hoping for a similar level of success with the other awards we’ve been shortlisted for this year!”

Sales Director Peter Dyson believes that Polyframe’s dramatic growth during 2014 was the major contributing factor. “During 2014 we have launched two new brands and opened five new trade centres, which has seen our turnover increase by 41%. It is a testament to all at Polyframe that we won this prestigious award and the growth is only set to continue with the purchase of our fifth factory in Halifax, which is due to open in 2015.

Polyframe has been shortlisted for ‘Fabricator of the Year’ at the G14 Awards and at the National Fenestration Awards as well as being nominated for ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ in the Halifax Courier Awards.

“Iain Duncan Smith was the keynote speaker at the awards evening held in Leeds, and he was

1214/0052

end, they would circle the earth. "Working on these scales of production and lead times, we keep a very close eye on our warehousing and stock levels. We always ensures that we keep two steps ahead, therefore minimising any problems that may arise," comments James.

Colin Torley, Sales and Marketing Director at The VEKA UK Group, was keen to congratulate Polyframe on its many successes this year. “We are extremely pleased that Polyframe is being recognised for all the team’s hard work this year. They should be very proud of themselves for all they’ve achieved. Being shortlisted for so many awards is an impressive achievement in its own right! They even welcomed the First Secretary of State William Hague for a tour of their new factory in early October. With such a proactive business ethos, I’m already looking forward to seeing what Polyframe has planned for next year!”

Tel: 01282 716611 - www.halo-uk.com READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0053

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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Marketing Consultancy | PR & Communications | Creative Design | Web & Digital | Direct Marketing www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

35

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Modplan’s status as a VEKA Approved Fabricator

helps installers build their business

Leading VEKA trade fabricator Modplan’s Approved Fabricator status is being used to help their customers stay one step ahead in today’s competitive marketplace.

Chris Reeks, Modplan’s Sales Manager, said, “VEKA’s Approved Installer initiative has been designed to help installers grow their businesses. Our status as an Approved Fabricator will mean members can get the benefit of Modplan’s product quality and tailored business support as part of the scheme.”

The purpose of VEKA’s Approved Installer scheme is to help PVC-u window and door installers differentiate themselves from the 12,000 other installers in the UK, not to mention the countless more regional building firms also installing windows and doors. Membership of the Approved Installer scheme is free, but in order to maintain its credibility,

members will be required to demonstrate and maintain extremely high standards of installation and customer service. Chris explains, “The scheme is designed to help installers gain more repeat business and build their reputation in their local area.

As well as demonstrating commitment to the quality offered by VEKA’s world’s leading PVC-u window and door systems it will also give you access to a range of professional marketing materials, including exclusive Approved Installer items. Plus, because you need to work with an Approved Fabricator such as Modplan, you get additional technical and tailored marketing support as part of the package.”

A number of Modplan’s trade counter retailers were inducted into the scheme at the Celtic Manor in Newport recently, at the end of a seminar hosted by Modplan in conjunction

with VEKA. Chris said, “Our customers attending the day were excited about what the scheme had to offer them.

The bespoke marketing, branded promotional material and homeowner leads were seen as key points in the support, and with all the delegates signing up on the day it underscored their confidence not only in the scheme but in ourselves as a manufacturer.”

Modplan manufactures and provides a comprehensive range of products that includes three VEKA profiles, composite doors, PVC-u and aluminium patio and bi-fold doors, conservatories, the Vertex solid tile-effect roof and glass and polycarbonate conservatory roofs. Its status as a VEKA Approved Fabricator demonstrates what increasing numbers of customers know – Modplan offers a high quality product range and an outstanding level of support. For more information on any of Modplan’s products, simply Ask the Man from Modplan.

Tel: 01495 246844 www.modplan.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0055

FURTHER INVESTMENT AT UNIVERSAL

Bending and shaped frame specialist, Universal Arches, have just invested £829,000 in the purchase of their 24,500 sq ft premises at Peasley Cross Lane, St Helens, as part of an investment and development programme to support further growth.

The deal to purchase the premises from the existing landlord was concluded on the

“The purchase of our premises is an important move for us and one that will allow us to fully utilise and develop our existing site. Combined with new staff and capital equipment, we’re already gearing up for a sustained period of further growth.”

26th September and this will now allow the company to develop the site to further improve their manufacturing processes and capabilities within their ISO9001:2008 certification. Indeed, in recent months production has been consistently at record levels, with an incredible 186 frames delivered during a single day back in September, 2014.

Universal Arches has also recruited 6 new members of staff, taking this to 57 in total, along with the investment in two new single head welders. But the purchase of the premises will be the real catalyst to allow for further growth and to help streamline manufacturing processes at the site.

Leon Day, managing director of Universal Arches commented: “The purchase of our premises is an important move for us and one that will allow us to fully utilise and develop our existing site. Combined with new staff and capital equipment, we’re already gearing up for a sustained period of further growth.”

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: 1214/0056

Bohle AG takes over cutting wheel producer, Lixon With immediate effect Bohle AG is taking over the cutting wheel producer Lixon sprl and as a result further expands its market leadership in automatic glass cutting.

"With the takeover of Lixon´s business activities, Bohle reinforces its leading position in cutting technology for float or automotive glass producers and for companies which process glass at an industrial scale", Christoph Schmidt,

Vice President of Sales Bohle AG, explains the background of the takeover and adds: "The high Lixon quality successfully rounds off the supreme quality Bohle cutting wheel portfolio and enables us to address new target groups."

For many decades, Bohle has been offering application consulting for automatic glass cutting projects on an international scale, its employees have been visiting customers on site and the company has been developing and producing customised and projectspecific applications at fair prices in Germany.

"The development and production of cutting wheels is the core of Bohle as a company.

We have been understanding processes and markets for more than 90 years. The former Lixon customers will benefit from our long standing experience and performance ", Vice President Sales, Christoph Schmidt, is convinced.

The long-established company from Ransart, Belgium, is the second largest supplier of this industry sector in Europe and has had a significant influence on the development of glass cutting wheels for flat glass for more than 100 years. The Clip-S, still widely used today, was one of the company´s product innovations. In addition, Lixon pioneered in developing new materials for cutting wheels.

The negotiations about the acquisition of all company assets, including machines, customer data, trademark rights, patents and production goods, were conducted at glasstec 2014. This does not include a succession in title.

36

According to Schmidt, the first priority now is to guarantee the uninterrupted supply of existing Lixon customers with cutting technology in order to ensure a smooth production flow. For this purpose, all direct Lixon customers and trade partners will be contacted by Bohle shortly.

Peter Pokoern, Product Segment Manager for Automatic Cutting Technology, Dennis Kampmann, Technical Distribution for Industrial Glass Processing and Jean-Marc Auger, Vice President Sales for France – all from Bohle AG – after the successful negotiations at glasstec 2014.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0057

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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CERTIFICATE No. 04/4110

37

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

The secret to Senior’s success?

Constant progress!

You’re now up around the £28 to £29 million turnover mark and supplying to both commercial and some domestic, too. You’ve come a long way since 1991. Presumably it hasn’t been all plain sailing?

There are times when hard decisions have to be made for the greater good and the economic downturn hit us like it hit everyone else. However those days are past and we are now back into investment mode. Around £1 million is going into a new factory layout to buy a larger toughening furnace and heat soak oven at Scarborough. Denaby will also benefit from a £500,000 investment

Managing Director, Mark Wadsworth and the “Swedish Chef ”.

Chris Champion, Glass News’ Editor, visits aluminium specialists Senior Architectural Systems at Denaby, South Yorkshire, to talk to Managing Director, Mark Wadsworth.

Well, so much for, “would you like a quick look round the factory”. That’s a serious manufacturing unit out there! I had no idea of the size of the company…

By turnover, we’re now the largest privately owned fenestration systems company in the UK. We have 150,000 sq ft here at Denaby plus, of course, a service centre at Livingston in Scotland, and another in Newport, South Wales.

We also have the 40,000 sq ft Scarborough glazed unit manufacturing facility.

Supplying fenestration systems and powder coating facilities is fairly normal, but isn’t the adding of glazed units unusual?

was in the same building as our Scottish facility. Again, that was very important as we could then provide customers with ready powder coated aluminium….and all with a no-quibble guarantee.

We also took on a larger powder coating facility in Newcastle as well as a warehouse next door to the paint line and then put another Senior warehouse in, just stocking all the materials which could be painted. Our competitors thought we were nuts!

When we moved to Denaby, we took the opportunity to upgrade the powder coating facility by installing a state-of-the-art vertical paint line capable of painting up to 400 aluminium bars per hour, as well as the latest horizontal paint plant technology.

I think that’s the bit that impressed me most, although the rolling of the aluminium with the polyamide thermal break looked to be very efficient…

To be honest we were overtaken by events and we found the polyamide line was overstretched so the investment in the Aluroller, which inserts polyamide strips into our aluminum profiles, was a necessity and it improved both production volume and efficiency. Naturally enough this meant shorter lead times and happy customers!

It may be slightly novel but it takes away all uncertainty in the supply chain, giving our customers confidence in both quality and delivery. We acquired the business in Scarborough back in 2009 and it has proven to be the right thing to do.

38

Lennart Jonsson was the founder, back in 1991 with David Senior. Based in Bradford, the aim was to revolutionise the fenestration industry by putting customer service centre stage. Our motto being "Give customers what they want when they want it." As you say, I joined Senior as a one-year placement student while at Leeds Polytechnic. I was taking a language degree and was supposed to be taking a year out in Nantes in France.

Lennart had met my parents in South Wales and suggested he could collect my things at the end of my year to save them a trip. I told him I had lost my placement year and he said I could have a look at an admin job at his company in Bradford. My placement at Senior changed the direction of my life and I ended up getting a BA in Business Information Management and writing my dissertation on the aluminum systems industry.

Lennart then supported me through university and took me under his wing in the company. I have been involved in all aspects of the business, working my way up the ranks.

Lennart has given you a very free rein and allowed you to implement some interesting innovations…

I must say I was amazed at the powder coating facility at Denaby.

How did that all start?

We actually started powder coating back in 1993 when we bought the paint factory that

You have just been made up to Managing Director and it’s a really interesting story. From a one year placement student in 1993 to MD in 2014. Tell us about how this came about?

Ah! I presume you are referring to our transport policy?

The vertical paint line capable of painting 400 aluminium bars per hour.

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS

Yes. That, and the whole energy saving and efficiency programme.

In the case of transport, this represents a huge cost to us. We operate nine 18 tonners, delivering twice a week to our customers but innovating in this area has resulted in an annual saving of a six figure sum. In addition to this, we have economised on company cars, hence an investment in plug-in cars and installing charging points at our depots.

With our new paint line we are looking to slash the 20 tonnes of waste sent to landfill to four tonnes per year. Our new paint line is aiming at 97% recovery of powder which will be very significant.

Then, of course, there’s our installation of a biomass boiler which will consume 110 tons of waste packaging per annum.

You pride yourself on service for your customers, so is stock an issue for you?

We hold six weeks of stock at any time, so that represents around £3 million held in stock.

And product lines?

We actually have 6,000 stock lines. As far as products are concerned we have a busy design studio and are always looking to bring in new, and improve existing, products. Senior is much more than just aluminium systems and that’s why we changed our name to Senior Architectural Systems in 2008. For instance, we have our Hybrid system with aluminium externally and wood internally for that natural look and feel. We have aluminium, Hybrid and fibreglass window systems and

Senior’s aluminium/timber hybrid window.

the same for doors. There’s curtain walling systems in both aluminium and Hybrid and just aluminium for shopfronts. Our range of roof glazing and secondary glazing is in aluminium, too. In addition to this we have our new all singing and dancing curtain wall and revolutionary high thermal performance Pure window coming out in 2015, along with our brand new SF52 curtain wall system.

Much of our work and development involves thermal efficiency, with aluminium products capable of achieving Passivhaus standards.

Finally, I have to ask about the ‘Swedish Chef’…

It’s a standard joke at Senior! With Lennart’s Swedish heritage, in his absence we would sit a ‘Swedish Chef ’ character in his seat in his office, just to remind us of his constant presence even when he was absent. When he took his holidays we were able to show that the company improved its sales in his absence!

Aluroller increased production volume and efficiency.

Mark, it’s been a great pleasure meeting you and seeing the Denaby facility -and very informative. Many

thanks to you all and especially the ‘Swedish Chef’!

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0059

Quality is everything.

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

39

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

PATIOMASTER LAUNCHES FIRSTEVER HARDWARE CATALOGUE Following the launch of its refreshed and responsive website earlier this summer, PatioMaster is ending the year on a high with the unveiling of a brand new hardware catalogue. Produced in partnership with hardware specialist Safeware, it is the first time that the in-line sliding patio door company has produced a full and complete guide to its complementary hardware suites.

This handy reference tool offers fabricators and installers clear and concise instruction for choosing the right hardware for the right application. Product imagery and colour palettes sit alongside technical drawings outlining each

AVOCET PRAISES GLAZERITE FOR ABS ADDITION

item’s performance and capabilities.

Recognising the importance of security, and demand for high specification hardware, PatioMaster has dedicated a section of the catalogue to Enhanced Security. Here customers can explore those items which meet the requirements of Secured by Design. An identification chart completes this useful reference tool. Easily accessible at the rear of the catalogue it outlines all of the major parts required for the build and installation of a PatioMaster in-line sliding door set. And for complete ease, customers need only flip the catalogue over to find contact details for their local PatioMaster dealer; a handy touch that cannot be under estimated!

General Manager Chris Pell (left) with Director Andy Cunningham (right).

The PatioMaster range offers fabricators and installers a complete proven package of design choice, advanced security features and energy efficiency accreditations, in patio doors that are easy to fabricate, install and operate; all supported by a network of regional manufacturers offering national coverage.

For more information or to receive a copy of the new hardware catalogue please call 0808 178 3370.

Or why not check out the all-new PatioMaster website on your mobile, tablet or desktop device – www. patiomaster.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0060

REACH 50,000 PEOPLE WITH...

MAJOR BUILDING COMPANIES: 9% (WE MAIL TO 4,500)

House Builders

Property Developers Major Property Maintenance

FABRICATORS & INSTALLERS: 28% (WE MAIL TO 14,000)

All Material Window, Door & Conservatory

“Glazerite’s decision to tackle this problem through the incorporation, as standard, of the UK’s safest lock has to be applauded and I hope others will quickly follow suit.”

Avocet’s ABS lock is the only retrofit product in the country to be both TS007 3-star rated and hold Sold Secure’s SS312 Diamond accreditation – the latter being awarded only after the most strenuous and up-to-date testing procedure in the UK. A process that the lock has to undergo every 12-months in order to retain the accreditation.

In addition, Total Hardware is the exclusive distributor of the Quantum range of products, the company’s own label range. The Quantum range includes a suited range of door and window handles, which are available in 6 colours; BBA espag rods; friction stays; cylinders and door restrictors.

Raymond Pearce, Avocet Hardware’s head of UK sales, said: “Lock-snapping has become a huge issue in recent years and one of the main reasons for its rise in prevalence is the number of double glazed and uPVC doors being sold with locks that simply aren’t secure.”

Jason Thompson, a Glazerite director, added: “It doesn’t matter how many hooks and PUBLICAT ION! bolts your door has, the Euro cylinder is OTHER: 3% the weakest link. Burglars are aware of this Other weakness and lock-snapping break-ins are rising as a result. The ABS cylinders not ARCHITECTS & SPECIFIERS: 34% Major Building Companies only offer a higher level of security than our (WE MAIL TO 17,000) previous cylinders, they also qualify for the Tenders & Planning SBD and Maco Secure PLUS accreditations Approvals Fabricators & Installers without the need for a separate cylinder guard Construction & or security door handle.”

Building Projects Builders & Contractors Social Housing The ABS locks feature anti bump, snap, Public Sector pick and drill technology, and incorporate Retail Developments Architects & Specifiers a unique patented snap secure locking technology, which allows sacrificial sections to break off during an attack, leaving the door fully secure, but openable by key afterwards.

BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS: 26% (Commercial & Residential Developments)

Extensions

Renovation & Refurbs

1214/0061

WWW.FENESTRABUILD.CO.UK M: 07805 051 322 | E: INFO@FENESTRABUILD.CO.UK

Yorkshire based window and door hardware supplier, Total Hardware, is celebrating a decade of trading this autumn.

Operating from their 15’000 sq. ft. warehouse in Leeds, Total Hardware supplies a comprehensive range of quality window and door hardware to fabricators and installers across the UK. The company is a key supplier of hardware products from market leaders such as Archibald Kenrick, Fullex, GU, Trojan and Yale. With an extensive level of stock ready for immediate despatch, Total Hardware is able to supply via a next day delivery service anywhere in the UK.

ONLINE

New Build

40

Avocet Hardware has praised Glazerite Windows for its decision to fit its ABS snap secure lock as standard on all of its Secured

by Design (SBD) accredited doors.

FORTNIG HTLY

(WE MAIL TO 13,000)

Email for more information: christina@fenestrabuild.co.uk

Hardware supplier celebrates 10 years in business

“We know from trade and consumer feedback that security is getting higher on householders and businesses’ list of priorities in choosing windows and doors so we want to be sure our trade customers are fully armed to meet and exceed that demand by offering the very best available,” added Jason.

For additional information visit www.avocethardware.co.uk or call or call 01484 725601.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0062

Total Hardware was established by Andy Cunningham and Gary Cox, who are still running it today, together with Chris Morris, who joined three years later. All three have worked with major hardware manufacturers prior to setting up the business, and have a combined industry experience of around 70 years. Today the company has 14 staff, most of which are part of the original team the company started with.

General Manager Chris Pell comments on the 10 year anniversary: “When Total Hardware was launched ten years ago the owners had a very simple philosophy – to provide quality products and a high level of service in an extremely competitive industry and we still follow this same principle today. In partnership with our suppliers we try to provide products and a service that is unrivalled and this has always been, and always will be our main priority. We are delighted to reach this milestone and we are excited at seeing what the next ten years will bring.”

For more information call Total Hardware on 0113 2432255.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0063

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Have all your UAP Products

Laser Engraved

UAP consistently delivers an affordable, reliable service and constantly look at ways in which to develop and expand their catalogue of supplies in order to make them even more consumerfriendly. They have years of expertise when it comes to designing and devising new and innovative solutions which have been conjured up to appeal to even the most discerning of individuals.

As far as domestic tooling and equipment is concerned, there is no-one more established and reputable than UAP Limited when it comes to furnishing customers with reliable, resourceful products at competitive prices.

If you really want to make letterplates and door knockers eye-catching, attractive and unique then

Mark Rushton, the UAP Quality Manager, has this to say about their bespoke laser engraving service: “Laser engraving personalises equipment such as letterplates and door handles and makes them look aesthetically appealing.

If you want to safeguard your household and protect a property against potential risk and danger then laser engraving is an absolute must.”

He continues, “The reason why bespoke laser engraving is proving to be extremely popular amongst our customers is primarily due to the fact that it is ever so quick and simple yet makes an incredible difference. It only takes a matter of minutes yet transforms ordinary, run of the mill products into highly desirable items.

We always aim to keep our rates to an absolute minimum, which is why we are considered to be a leading authority when it comes to supplying superior locksmith tooling at affordable prices, and offer tailored, holistic solutions, carried out by fully-qualified specialists.”

Letterplates have been designed with the specific intention of protecting your post, and come with a range of unique features to provide security against vandalism, the elements and damage from regular usage. With a durable finish and attractive design, letterplates are suitable for a variety of door thicknesses and types.

However, even though these ‘Secure by Design’accredited products are indeed extremely reliable and resourceful, Mark

Rushton believes they can be enhanced and improved even further with the addition of laser engraving. He states that, “Letterplates are a great choice for any home, and a smart investment as they last such a long time and will not perish and tarnish when exposed to harsh weather conditions. But in order for them to reach their maximum potential and serve the purpose which they are truly meant for then laser engraving is an absolute must.”

Laser engraving takes a matter of minutes to complete and is absolutely

fascinating to watch. UAP specialise in efficient, effective laser engraving, which can be inscribed onto any metal of your choosing, so you are not restricted to having to choose from a limited range of options.

It is the ideal option if you want to make the exterior of your household truly unique and innovative, and you will also be pleased to know that laser engraving from UAP is

extremely affordable, so you will not have to fork out a fortune for the privilege of having a bespoke, tailored service at your immediate disposal.

For more information about bespoke laser engraving services just get in touch with UAP today at marketing@uapcorporate. com.

You can have logos, numbers and anything you want engraved entirely from scratch, so why not make your business really stand out from the crowd and create a lasting impression?

Make an instant impact with laser engraving, courtesy of UAP. READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0064

1214/0065

The ONLY Kitemarked Security Patio Handle New ProSecure Patio Handle Range with Patented FlexSecure® Technology

KM535608

Enhanced Security | It’s in our DNA

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

41

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

KENRICK’S SPLIT SPINDLE FITS THE BILL Leading hardware supplier Kenrick has strengthened its market-leading range of Excalibur locking systems with the addition of an innovative split spindled door lock. The development brings greater flexibility to the fabricator, enabling them to easily and cost effectively create either a lever/lever or a lever/pad application from just one lock.

At the heart of the Kenrick system is a standard 92mm centre, which cleverly accommodates both long and short back

plate handles and either a solid spindle to create a lever/lever lock or a split spindle to create a lever/pad lock. This solution is a versatile alternative to traditional twin spindle locks which need to use a longer back plate regardless of the operation of the lock.

Like the rest of the Excalibur range, the Excalibur split spindle door lock also offers exceptional levels of security for the homeowner. Benefitting from three hooks, two steel anti-lift bolts and three rollers, it is designed to provide both peace of mind and smooth operation.

Steve Williams, Sales and Marketing Director at Kenrick, said: “We are delighted to unveil the latest addition to the Excalibur family of high specification products.

Created to provide the fabricator a high degree of flexibility, the Excalibur split spindle door lock is quick and easy to fabricate and offers guaranteed performance.

And cleverly, if the operation of the door

MILA LAUNCHES KITEMARKED HIGH SECURITY PATIO HANDLE Mila has launched the UK’s only Kitemarked high security patio handle suitable for use with PVC-U, composite and timber doors.

raised within the handle’s backplate, and chamfered backplate shoulders which provide anti-grip protection for further mole grip resistance.

Part of the popular ProSecure range, the new patio handle has been successfully tested to TS007: 2012 and has achieved BSI’s two star Kitemark accreditation, as well as Secured by Design approval. The Kitemark is etched onto the internal backplate to provide reassurance for homeowners, while the Secured by Design logo is etched onto the external backplate as a passive deterrent to burglars.

The cylinder face itself is shielded with a slotted, rotating disc which is captive within the backplate and acts as an effective barrier against cylinder drilling and deplugging.

With neat, contemporary styling and a choice of six suited colours, the patio handle incorporates many of the innovative design and security features which have helped to make Mila’s ProSecure door handle such a success.

This includes its patented FlexSecure® technology, which is a force deflection feature that enables the innovative ball joints to flex when under attack to prevent the fixing screws from shearing.

There is also an integrated cylinder guard to provide anti-snap protection which is visibly

The new handle has market leading strength and stability thanks to a deep-drawn steel subframe which provides the reinforcement required inside the zinc alloy.

It features a universal D-lever for both left and right handed doors, two spindles to ensure easy fixing on all common door thicknesses and is supplied complete with fixing screws.

Like the rest of Mila’s product range, the emphasis with the new ProSecure patio handle is on quality and reliability. To demonstrate this, it has been independently tested to PAS24: 2012 and has achieved a grade 5 480 hours rating from the BS EN1670 salt spray test.

Mila’s Managing Director Richard Gyde is enthusiastic about the launch. He says: “This is the latest addition to the ProSecure range, all designed and developed in-house. It is easy to fabricate, easy to install and, while security on patio doors is sometimes overlooked by homeowners, this handle has real buyer appeal with stylish aesthetics, a choice of finishes and of course the reassuring Secured

by Design logo.”

Further information on the new patio handle is available to download at www.mila.co.uk/.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0067

42

set needs to be adapted after fabrication, it is simple to swap the handles and spindles on-site without having to change the lock or re-route the door sash. Providing top class security features, convenience and performance, this product really delivers and we’re confident that it will be extremely popular within the market.”

Like all Excalibur door locks, the Excalibur split spindle door lock is extendable to provide greater flexibility for the fabricator.

In addition, the gearbox is sprung on both spindles, which eliminates the need to buy more costly sprung handle sets. To further enhance fabricator choice, a one piece keep, individual hook roller and centre hook latch and roller keeps are also available.

Kenrick is a leading supplier of hardware solutions for PVCu, aluminium and timber window and door systems. The company has a proud heritage spanning more than 200 years, having been established by Archibald Kenrick who manufactured buckles and

livery fittings. Kenrick’s range of top quality products includes the market leading Excalibur multi-point window shootbolt are extremely cost effective and easy to install.

Tel: 0121 553 2741 www.kenricks.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0066

Increasing sales of Trojan Group’s 3D Composite

Door Hinge reflects wider market trend

According to recent industry research, the composite door has achieved dominance in the marketplace, with 40% of homeowners opting for this type of door for their homes.

The statistic didn’t surprise Tony Chadwick, Trojan’s Group Managing Director, who says, “Sales of our composite door hinge have been growing steadily for some time, with many customers increasing order quantities month on month. The sales clearly reflected that the sector was doing extremely well.”

Trojan’s 3D Composite Door Hinge offers all the quality and innovation that Trojan customers have come to expect, which is another vital factor in the increasing sales.

It is quick and simple to fit because the door can still be adjusted after being fitted to the property.

As its name suggests, it’s easily adjustable in all planes, either in the factory or onsite, ensuring perfect door alignment for years of trouble-free operation. It fits into the rebate to give an unobtrusive finish with no compromise on security and it can achieve PAS 23/24 accreditation as part of a specific door assembly. It’s available in a range of colours for a high quality finish and comes with a ten year guarantee for complete peace of mind.

Tony says, “Our customers value our hinge because it’s quick and easy to fit, saving time and money on-site. Plus the quality it offers enhances their reputation as an installer of quality products.”

Trojan’s hinge was especially designed for composite doors, reflecting the unique hinging requirements of this type of door and means that Trojan can be a one stop shop for composite door fabricators and installers.

Tony explains, “All our door furniture is suitable for composite doors, so together with the hinge we can offer a complete suite of products to make life easier.” What’s also true is that by using Trojan products, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of a composite door as well as the additional quality that Trojan products bring!

To find out more about Trojan’s composite door hardware, call them on 01922 713933.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0068

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

1214/0069

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

43

TECH TALK

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Tech Talk with Strafford Cooke, Technical Manager, Mila

NEW BUILD BEWARE! For any fabricator supplying doors and windows into the new build sector, November 7 was a very significant date, yet it seems to have passed virtually unnoticed by the industry and unreported by the media.

It was the date when the consultation period ended on the latest proposals from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) for incorporating new access requirements (draft Document M) and security standards (draft Document Q) into the Building Regulations for new build properties.

The GGF’s hardware group, of which Mila is a member, met at our Daventry headquarters to put together our response to the consultation, but I am concerned that the wider industry is not aware of the proposed changes or their full implications.

Essentially, there are two strands to the proposals which concern fabricators and installers. The first is that low thresholds with a maximum step height of 15mm will be required on all principal entrance doors fitted in new build properties, and the second is that all doors that provide access into a dwelling from the outside or into flats, and ground floor, basement and easily accessible windows fitted in new build properties will need to be tested to PAS24: 2012.

In principle of course, these are both really positive moves which would have widespread industry support but the devil, as they say, is in the detail.

With regard to 15mm thresholds, the main areas of concern are the availability of products which could meet the requirement and the potential problems which could be encountered with weather sealing. The draft Document M does not reference weathering and what level will need to be achieved and makes no mention of external water drainage.

It is our view that both of these areas would need to be addressed before the Document became law.

Strafford Cooke.

that timber manufacturers couldn’t be required to test all of their different design combinations, but why should the exclusion apply only to timber? We’re hoping that the exclusion can be extended to other bespoke doorsets and to windows as well as doors.

When it comes to security however, we have asked for even more of our concerns to be taken into account.

While Document Q suggests that security testing evidence could be cascaded to keep costs to a minimum, we do not support this and instead take the view that doorsets and windows should be physically security tested and a report obtained from a UKAS accredited test centre. We are happy to back test evidence being cascaded to prove compliance with weather and cycle testing but, when it comes to security, we don’t believe that it is appropriate.

Remember also that, in certain situations, PAS 24: 2012 requires laminated glass to be fitted and this can have a negative effect on WERs because of the reduction in g-value. At times, it can reduce an A rated product to a B or even a C and we have tried to make the DCLG aware of the implications of this.

There are other concerns as well, most notably the proposed exclusion of bespoke timber secure doorsets from the security requirements. It is entirely understandable

All of this may sound as though we don’t support the proposals but this is certainly not the case. We are all broadly in favour, but are keen to work with the DCLG to refine the plans so that they do not have a negative impact on the industry and instead allow developers and home buyers to benefit from so much of the positive work which has been done in recent years by the hardware sector in particular to deliver real innovation in security and performance.

It is worth noting that any fabricators that hold a Secured by Design licence for their products will already comply with this document.

Certainly, Mila continues to innovate in this sector with a whole range of hardware which can meet the PAS24: 2012 standard. In fact, our newly launched Kitemarked ProSecure patio handles, which have already passed the requirements of PAS24: 2012 and TS007, are going through testing right now with a major profile manufacturer to ensure that their complete doorset complies with the standard.

All of the documents relating to the DCLG consultation are available to view online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/ consultations/housing-standards-reviewtechnical-consultation. I would urge anyone with an interest in the new build sector to check the proposals for themselves. www.mila.co.uk

By Strafford Cooke, Technical Manager, Mila READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0070

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December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

CONSERVATORIES

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Naturally roofing from Roof Assured by Sarnafil In late August this year the newly-moved-in owners of a new build property in Hertfordshire could look out from their roof terrace to see a field of yellow provided by the planting of a green, or natural roof, installed as part of their ambitious homebuilding project.

The new home replaced an 80’s derelict bungalow and is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, a short walk from one of the oldest motte and bailey castles in England. In some areas regulations and incentives make it desirable to place a green roof on a new building and, in this case, it seemed a natural choice to specify a roof that paid tribute to the stunning, surrounding natural features and landmarks.

While the main house has a slate tiled roof one section undulates, like the rolling hills behind the house, creating separate roof areas; the green roof covers the main turret, which stands at the front of the house, and a small roof terrace

which is midway along the long roof stretch dropping down to a small additional roof.

Roof Technology, a Roof Assured by Sarnafil approved installer, was commissioned by award winning builder contractor Pearson Building to install the roofing on these three areas, combining the high performance credentials of the Sarnafil roofing membrane with the natural look of a sedum matting.

Peter Lucek, Managing Director, Roof Technology (rooftechnology.co.uk) said: “The

“The green roof makes a strong statement within the high design credentials of this innovative new build project. The fact that Pearson Building selected us, an approved installer of the Sarnafil single ply membrane, to work on such a high profile project is testimony to the quality and high performance of the work we carry out”.

green roof makes a strong statement within the high design credentials of this innovative new build project. The fact that Pearson Building selected us, an approved installer of the Sarnafil single ply membrane, to work on such a high profile project is testimony to the quality and high performance of the work we carry out”.

Sarnatherm roof insulation was laid on the primed roof deck of all three areas over which was applied a Sarnafil single ply waterproof membrane and a protection sheet was laid on the turret and terrace area. Drainage, a river stone perimeter and growing medium were then laid ready for the Sedum matting.

All Sarnafil products used in the installation are covered by a 15 year guarantee and the Sarnafil single ply membrane has been independently assessed by the BBA to last, in their opinion, in excess of 40 years.

If you would like more information on extending your business portfolio to become a Roof Assured by Sarnafil installer then visit http://www.roofassured.co.uk/installer/.

You can see a video of the home http://www. pearsonbuilding.co.uk/html/

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0071

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WINTER WEATHER? NO WORRIES...

Regardless of what the weather may throw at us this autumn/ winter, one group of fabricators are assured they will have no remedial call-outs to fix leaks, replace glazing or roofs…

Developments at Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems mean that the roof is now probably the most secure available on the market.

The company’s innovative glazing panel support and new muntin bar combine to ensure polycarbonate or glass is locked into position, in a way that eliminates any weather penetration. Further, the roof system has achieved the BRE’s severe weather rating.

“We guarantee that our glazing panels, if properly installed, will not slip,” affirms Aztec managing director Tim Franks.

“No other conservatory roof system manufacturer offers that. And the way our roof is fitted to the windows below further ensures it stays in place, however severe the wind loadings outside.

“Our roof design has evolved to ensure that once fitted, it stays there. Recalls about weather damage are non-existent among our customers. It means their profit on a job stays profit, it is not eaten away by remedial visits.”

Entry deadline: 31/12/14.

9

The Aztec roof is now the most widely-used independent system available to fabricators.

Uniquely, the company requires no stockholding, no minimum order quantity, and promises fabricators protected sales areas, with next working day delivery on even a single bar length.

Name: Tel: Address: Postcode:

Full details are available on the company’s website www.aztecsystems.net.

Email:

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0073

New NW Rooftech website

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NW Rooftech has just relaunched its website, www. nwrooftech.co.uk. The new improved site has been designed to showcase both NW Rooftech’s and NW Alutech’s comprehensive range of conservatory roofs and high performance aluminium products.

The easy to navigate site has been built around the two NW brands and illustrates

“The new site is much more modern and easy to use.”

1214/0074

0800 014 2769

sales@pearlwindows.co.uk 46

the range of products available under each sister brand. Under NW Rooftech, installers will find details of the K2 conservatory roof range. As one of K2’s largest fabricators, NW Rooftech offers a complete range of roofing products.

Also available is a wider range of conservatory and orangery options including a full external aluminium option which can be powder coated in any RAL colour.

You will also find details of the company’s new SupaLite tiled roofing system which is manufactured in-house in their dedicated factory.

Under NW Alutech, installers will find details of the Smarts range of aluminium bifolds and slimline patios which the company offers. Working with both NW brands allows you to get your roof and aluminium products from one single supplier.

Commenting on the new site, Sales Manager Dave Cheetham said, “The new site is much more modern and easy to use. Trade installers can easily obtain the information they require from both NW Rooftech and NW Alutech at the click of a button. Not only does the new site reflect the products and services we offer, but it’s a further indication of our growing business as we become a national UK brand.”

Tel: 01704 222 707 www.nwrooftech.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0075

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

CONSERVATORIES

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

ORANGERY COLLECTION SUMMARISED

IN TECHNICAL BROCHURE

Synseal have published a new technical brochure which summarises all available product designs in the company’s extensive Orangery Collection.

Crammed with isometric cut-throughs and dimensioned section drawings to deliver hard facts detailing the different orangery solutions with no sales waffle, this Orangery Collection technical brochure was designed to support Synseal’s programme of orangery installation workshops for fabricator partners and Synseal Registered Installers (SRIs) in Autumn ‘14. Recognising strong levels of interest in orangery extensions from UK consumers across a

broad range of design and budget aspirations, these orangery workshops have proven so popular that an extra date has been added to meet demand.

Mark Schlotel, Synseal’s Head of Marketing, comments: “We can now offer two hybrid orangeries – the best-selling Global Summer and K2 Capella – as well as four fully structural orangery designs that can all be fitted with a choice of either Global or K2 lantern

roofs: the wide-spanning Venetian, flat-roofed Rio, parapet-walled Integra and contemporary-styled Modena. This new technical publication details all these creative orangery product solutions in one handy reference source.”

For further information contact Mark Schlotel on 01623 446207 or 07764 229694; email mark. schlotel@synseal.com.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0076

Roof Assured in Harrogate The Homebuilding & Renovating Shows are becoming an important feature on the Roof Assured by Sarnafil events calendar, as part of the company’s increased investment in marketing to homeowners.

Charles Pierce, National Sales Manager, Sika Sarnafil, said: “Communicating the brand heritage of the Sarnafil membrane to ‘newbuilders and renovators’ is an important part of our marketing strategy. Single ply membrane roofing is a very popular solution for anyone embarking on a refurbishment or new build project. The Homebuilding & Renovating reader profile

1214/0078

Elena Gill, Homebuilding & Renovating magazine (left) and Robert Newall, Roof Assured (right), on the Roof Assured by Sarnafil stand at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2014, Harrogate.

is exactly the audience we want to reach to build brand awareness and generate leads for our installer network .

Many visitors to the stand have already heard the name Sarnafil mentioned to them by architects and builders and they are reassured by our brand heritage, our guarantees and our own

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

approved installer network”.

If you would like more information on extending your business portfolio to become a Roof Assured by Sarnafil installer then visit http://www.roofassured. co.uk/installer/.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0077

47

WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

‘Mind the Gap’

urges sealants firm in light of MTC

ACHIEVEMENT FOR OUTSTANDING LEEDS LANDMARK BUILDING

Andrew Swift, technical advisor for foam sealants supplier ISO-Chemie, says that despite moves to improve skills in the fenestration industry end-users are being let down by current methods of installation.

He says that while the Minimum Technical Competency (MTC) regulations will go some way to rooting out the ‘cowboy’ installers and surveyors through certification, there’s still a gap to be plugged when it comes to securing installations fully against the elements.

10 Wellington Place is an outstanding new contemporary building located at the heart of the Leeds business hub. The building provides a stunning vista across the city whilst providing accommodation for companies and organisations seeking a prestigious and distinctive landmark address.

“MTC will undoubtedly deliver an industry wide level playing field of competency for all professional window companies, which should ensure windows are measured and fitted correctly,” says Andrew Swift.

“However, while selling windows on the merits of ‘energy saving’ with A+ ratings is the norm, the expansion gap around the window is so often overlooked or ignored. Here, silicone, trims and spray foams might be used but no-one knows what the U value of the gap will be after their use.

“So, despite selling windows or doors on their energy efficiency, there remains a gap between the frame and wall through which energy will leak. More has to be done to highlight this and companies such as ours are working to provide guidance and expertise supported by innovative product solutions.”

SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS ASSISTS BREEAM ‘EXCELLENT’ RATING

ISO-Chemie’s Andrew Swift is urging the fenestration industry to ‘mind the gap’.

Products such as ISO-Chemie’s BLOCO ONE product can simply be applied from the roll around the frame in minutes before it expands from 2mm to 12mm over the next three hours, allowing easy fitting in the reveal.

“Installers can then assure the customer that the U value of the ‘gap’ is at least as good as the window, but usually better-down to 0.6W/ m2K. In this way, the fenestration industry is improving the way it looks after its reputation and customers.”

ISO-Chemie is one of Europe’s main producers of impregnated foam sealants, specialising in the manufacturer of foam products from polyethylene (EPE), polypropylene (EPP) and polyurethane (PUR) using the latest production techniques. The company’s UK technical and distribution operation is based in the North East of England, supported by a dedicated logistics service to ensure customer orders are completed as quickly and efficiently as possible (usually next-day delivery). More at www.iso-chemie.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0079

High performance glass supplied by SaintGobain gives the building its striking form through the impressive floor to ceiling glazing that provides occupiers and visitors with an unrivalled platform through which to overlook the city skyline and is key to promoting the project as a landmark building. The building features an innovative exterior design and the glass facade helps create light and airy interior spaces in which people can work, shop and relax comfortably. Saint-Gobain helped to create the glass façade design and its modern exterior to create a contrast against the existing stone architecture in the area.

Saint-Gobain Glass products were chosen over and above other glass alternatives in the specification due to the architect requiring a very specific amount of solar gain and light reflection in the glass façade. Aesthetically, the high performance glazing perfectly complimented the building with its neutral appearance.

Saint-Gobain Glass has extensive green credentials and is the first and only company of its kind to conduct Life Cycle Assessments for its products. 10 Wellington Place achieved a BREEAM Excellent-rating with SaintGobain Glass contributing towards this in two areas: the company’s high performance glass coatings that reduced solar gain up to 88% and therefore reduced the building’s dependence upon air conditioning; and the Life Cycle Assessment which traces the product’s life cycle from raw materials to the recycling of used glass.

Saint-Gobain Glass has an excellent technical specification team that is able to provide technical support and calculate solutions for various glazing problems at the very early stages of any project. For 10 Wellington Place the company worked closely with the architect, CJCT, and also the highly experienced Essex based glazing company Village Glass.

10 Wellington Place had a number of technical challenges to overcome, firstly due to its location. The building was susceptible to a high velocity of wind, and as it also featured large floor to ceiling glazing, it was particularly important that the glazing could withstand these varying degrees of wind pressure. Secondly, from an interior aspect, the floor to ceiling glazing had to be able to withstand potential impact through its use in ‘high traffic areas’. Saint-Gobain Glass provided extensive wind and barrier loading calculations, along with photometric data to help overcome the issues and ensure that the correct glazing was specified and installed.

The completion of 10 Wellington Place now provides a springboard for the further development of the area and the building’s design aesthetics will be echoed in the other developments that are planned. The regeneration scheme includes a further 106,000 ft2 of office space at 3 Wellington Place, the next building to be developed; 155,000 ft2 at 4 Wellington Place and a further 59,000 ft2 at 5 Wellington Place. It is part of a 14-phase development which will offer a total of 1.5 million square feet of commercial, retail, leisure and residential space in the centre of Leeds, with SaintGobain Glass at the heart of these additional project development stages.

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

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0080

ORIGIN INTRODUCES RECORD LEAD TIME ON NEW WINDOW

One week lead time service introduced on new Origin Window

Origin, a UK based, award-winning manufacturer of bespoke aluminium bifolding doors, windows and blinds, has reduced the lead time on its aluminium flush casement windows to just one week; a record lead time for a made-to-measure system within the glass and glazing industry.

Available on Origin’s most popular RAL colours, the reduced lead time means that customers can have their bespoke windows manufactured and delivered within seven days of the order being placed.

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As Origin design, manufacture and assemble all of their products in the Buckinghamshire based factory, it means that they have complete control over product quality, and this is further enhanced by the stringent quality checks that occur at each stage of the manufacturing process. Origin already offers a unique ‘Your Lead Time, Not Ours’ zero lead time service on its doors, and aims to replicate this on the windows by 2015.

Neil Ginger, CEO at Origin, said: “Offering a ‘Your Lead Time, Not Ours’ zero lead time on the Origin Bi-fold Door is a pivotal part of our

offering to both trade and end customers, so it is important that the new Origin Window replicates this to help maintain the high levels of service that our customers have come to expect from us. Since launching the new window earlier this year, we’re proud to have halved the lead time on each bespoke system, and are continuing to improve our processes to offer the shortest lead times in the industry.”

Like all other Origin products, the Origin Window has been designed and engineered at the company’s High Wycombe factory following demand from trade partners seeking a window

to match the aesthetic and quality of Origin’s folding sliding door system. The aluminium window frames allow for narrow sightlines, whilst providing superior thermal performance and improved acoustic dampening. This makes the Origin Window the perfect match for any modern build, as well as an ideal replacement for windows in a period property.

The Origin Window is available from www.origin-global.com.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0081

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

1214/0082

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49

WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Listers Projects Deliver Growth tremco technology “Listers Projects”, the commercial installation arm of Lister Trade Frames in Stoke on Trent, have recently completed a large contract in Droitwich for McCarthy & Stone Property Developments using Beaumont timber look windows and MetalTech curtain walling.

McCarthy & Stone are best known as the largest developer of privately owned retirement property in the UK. Over the past 30 years they have built over 45,000 apartments nationwide and regularly win awards for their work.

Glazing works carried out by Listers on the Droitwich project included over 250 Beaumont PVCu windows in white grained profiles.

The Beaumont window system was designed

by Dempsey Dyer Ltd to bridge the gap between PVCu and high-end timber windows providing authentic joint and corner details. It was these windows that impressed the buyers as they fully met their specification.

Working closely with the client’s site management team, Listers completed the full installation over a 4 month period. The timber effect windows were complemented by four Aluminium entrance lobbies using the MetalTech Curtain Walling system. The combination of traditional and contemporary glazing products delivered a pleasing and practical solution for the overall project.

Simon Lawrence, Listers Projects’ Commercial Installations Manager, said that “the scheme was challenging at times but very rewarding to work on. The works have resulted in an exceptionally well appointed building which delivered the client’s needs and fits well in the local community.”

Listers Projects have won a number of installation contracts this year due to their product range, reputation, full accreditation and their proactive approach to social responsibility. The division continues to develop lasting partnerships with a wide range of clients including Architects, Construction Companies, Property Developers and Selfbuilders and has reported a 77% increase in sales to September 2014.

More Information: Listers Projects, 01782 391900, www.listertf.co.uk.

The McCarthy & Stone development in Droitwich.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0083

weatherproofs Weru window

The North-West distributor for a high performance window system has called on the expertise of tremco illbruck to provide a compatible perimeter sealing system that is able to help installations meet the higher levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes as well as achieving excellent airtightness in other situations.

Based in Blackpool, Weru Windows (www. weru.co.uk) has become the approved dealership responsible for supplying and installing the Austrian-made Internorm windows. The company now covers the region from the West Midlands up to the Scottish Borders. Weru’s management viewed the delivery of Internorm installations as a fresh technical challenge requiring new techniques.

The first project which they tackled was a private house in Knutsford, Cheshire.

Compriband 600 was specified as the external weather seal, closing gaps from 3-30 mm.

Illbruck FM 230 expanding foam was then employed as a secondary seal that also offers excellent thermal insulation to counter cold bridging.

Graham Lindsay again: “When the Technical Manager for the area came and demonstrated the products on site it was evident just how good the technology is.The products used are easy to apply and are performing well.

Internorm is now in the process of adopting Tremco sealants on a wider basis.”

Weru Windows has also used the same products for a large project in Stockport, involving a timber frame building and tremco illbruck’s i3 system remains an option for future, even more demanding installations.

For further information on tremco illbruck and a copy of the brochure, please visit www. tremco-illbruck.co.uk.

The Managing Director of the company, Graham Lindsay, explains: “I have dealt with tremco over the years for the supply of standard sealing products but I have to admit that when we took on the dealership for Internorm, I was sceptical that anything could come up to the specification. Basically being on the coast, and used to very windy conditions, I didn’t see how such a simple-touse, site-applied sealing sy tremco illbruck’s Alistair Inglis showed Weru the products that make up the manufacturer’s advanced i3 system, that is regularly being used by housebuilders and their sub-contractors. This now enables them to achieve air leakage rates as low as three cubic metres per hour, per square metre; often in combination with off-site building technologies.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0084

Frame Fast (UK) demonstrates that modus® opens up opportunities In June, trade fabricator Frame Fast (UK) Ltd became the first UK company to manufacture Eurocell’s groundbreaking new modus® system.

is looking for: looks, performance, sustainability and value for money, not to mention being the first leading system to offer a 12-year guarantee.

Five months on, Nigel Leivers, Frame Fast’s Sales Director, says, “We were confident the revolutionary flush system would open up new opportunities for us and our customers.

That’s already proving to be the case: we’ve won a big new project as a result of what it has to offer and feedback from our customer base has been extremely positive too.”

It has clean, contemporary looks and slimmer sightlines and is available in a range of nine standard colours, plus over 40 special order options, making it versatile and flexible. The 75mm system covers casement windows, reversible windows, tilt & turn windows, entrance doors, french doors and composite doors.

modus® is the UK’s first fully integrated system with standard, slim rebate and fully flush options, meaning it’s a genuine alternative to aluminium and timber products.

It’s being billed as a game changer and it isn’t hard to see why. It offers everything the market

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The window is more energy efficient than its timber or aluminium equivalents and the reversible option is the most energy efficient on the market. A tripleseal option provides superb thermal performance and air tightness, so U-values as low as 0.7 can be achieved – exceeding Passivhaus standards. It also delivers exceptional triple glazing solutions.

The commitment to sustainability is demonstrated in its use of 50% postconsumer recycled PVC-U as standard and the 100% recycled PVC-U option that is available on request.

Innovative dual material extrusion technology (DMET) ensures fast, efficient use of postconsumer PVC-U in the production process and because it’s being manufactured and recycled by Frame Fast in the UK, modus® has a lower carbon footprint than many profiles made or recycled overseas.

Nigel concludes, “We were delighted to be the first UK manufacturers of modus®. The flush option is already opening doors for us and is offering great possibilities for our customers who are always looking for something new and innovative for their portfolios. In modus®

they’ve got a product that sets the bar high and is blazing a trail for others to follow.”

Tel: 01332 344459 - www.framefastuk.com READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0085

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Corner contours are checked and refinished.

Outside edges are levelled at the corners.

DEMAND A BETTER FINISHED FRAME

TruFrame are the UK’s largest Liniar fabricator and they have just launched an initiative to highlight the merits of a better quality frame, as their customers continue to benefit from hand finished windows and doors.

“This hand finish is unique to TruFrame and covers all window and door styles with a uPVC frame and sash including the industry leading Liniar bi-folding door system.”

Corner grooves are checked for uniformity.

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Like any made to measure product, you would expect a degree of hand crafted expertise and TruFrame employ a number of skilled technicians whose job it is to finish off each frame and sash to the most exacting of standards. It’s a 4-step process starting with the checking and refinishing off the corner contours, levelling of the outside edges, ensuring uniformity of the corner grooves and the cleaning of all apertures for weld-build up.

This hand finished process is also complimented by the clever way in which TruFrame uses precision end milling for their 20mm external astragal bars. The same production methodologies also extend to their new flush sash window, which benefits from Liniar Energy Plus range of profiles. The sculptured six-chambered frame is highly energy efficient and offered at a standard price without a premium, allowing installers to save 10-15% on their glass costs.

David Firmager, managing director of TruFrame comments: ‘Our customers benefit from a better finished frame and the reassurance that when it’s gone to site there will be no issues or remedials. We’ve quietly gone about building the TruFrame brand in recent years and now we’re looking to make a little more noise about what we do, particularly given the new products that will be launched throughout the course of 2015.’

It’s not only installers of the Liniar window and door systems that are looking for a better finished frame, but across the industry a number of companies have made the switch, helping to increase manufacturing levels at the company to 3,000 frames per week. This hand finish is unique to TruFrame and covers all window and door styles with a uPVC frame and sash including the industry leading Liniar bi-folding door system.

The company also carries out it’s own internal testing and development programme, which will see the launch of a number of exclusive products in 2015, as the company puts into place a plan to offer their customers a range of unique products to really help them stand out in the marketplace. To support the new products, there will also be a number of marketing campaigns designed to better equip their network of installation companies.

For further information log on to www. truframe.co.uk where there’s a complete set of product downloads or call the sales office on 01664 410140 for a free copy of their 68 page guide to windows, doors and conservatories.

You can also add to their growing following on Twitter @TruFrame.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0088

All apertures are cleaned of any weld build up.

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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Contact us today on 01934 428 778 or email enquiries@gosend.it to create your account or for more information 1214/0089

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

55

DOORS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

FLAIR’S FOOTBALL GIVEAWAY Flair Plastic Products ran a super-size football competition at this year’s FIT Show and the lucky winner was Robin Williams of Enfys Windows from the village of Trelech, Carmarthenshire, who correctly spotted the missing ball, receiving his Kömmerling PremiLine patio door on bonfire night.

During the FIT Show, Flair gave away 1,000 footballs and generated over 400 leads in the process on their astro-turf laid stand and this has helped the West Midlands based manufacturer experience further strong growth in the latter part of 2014. New products such as Kömmerling’s impressive lift and slide PremiDoor, along with their C70 and O70 Gold® suites now grace Flair’s impressive showroom, which has also done much to help expand the business.

A wide range of colours from stock including anthracite grey, black, cream, Irish Oak and Chartwell Green have also done much to increase sales as has the key features and versatility of the PremiLine patio door.

With five chambered chamfered and ovolo windows and doors, Flair have also been able to offer customers more cost effective glass options, at the same time as presenting them with a profile that’s long been regarded as the best in the industry in terms of finishing and design engineering.

Flair have also grown in recent years from a regional player into one servicing the entire

Merseyside based Vista has reinforced its position as the UK’s leading PVC-u panel manufacturer with the launch of a new product designed specifically for triple glazed doors.

From left to right: Adrian Keegan of Flair with Robin Williams of Enfys Windows.

UK mainland with the promise of a 5-day delivery of all Kömmerling products and for their new fitter friendly Space conservatory roof system.

Adrian Keegan, sales manager of Flair Plastic Products commented: ‘We were thrilled to be able to present Robin with the free PremiLine patio door, albeit a few months after the show had concluded. 2014 has been a great year for us and it’s a shame we have to wait until 2016 for the next FIT Show!’

Installers looking to switch to Flair are promised first class products, excellent customer service and a free showroom support package. For further information contact Flair on 0121 624 5001 or e- mail sales@flairwindows.com.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0090

s ct cula y The Pearl Difference

unlimited product choice for you, the installer...

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1214/0092

0800 014 2769

sales@pearlwindows.co.uk 56

Vista gear up for triple glazing with launch of 44mm door panel

Vista can now manufacture door panels that are up to 44mm thick and integrate with Modus, Eurocell’s new 75mm seven-chamber window system. Vista’s new 44mm panel is available in the full range of Modus colours, including dual colour, and a wide range of contemporary and traditional styles.

Vista sales director Wesley Buchan comments: “With demand for triple glazing looking set to significantly increase over the next few years, the launch of our new 44mm panel is an exciting development for Vista and our customers. Modus is a fully integrated window and door system that’s been specifically designed to accommodate triple glazing, and as the UK’s premier

panel supplier, we thought it was important we could offer a solution for triple glazed doors. I anticipate the new panel will be a big seller for Vista and I look forward to introducing it to new and existing customers alike.”

Vista’s door panel sales have grown 4% in 2014, which is all the more impressive considering the latest Palmer Market Report announced that the PVC-u door market was shrinking, having been overtaken by composite doors.

Vista manufacture PVC-u panels from a 50,000 square foot factory in Merseyside that is furnished with state-of-the-art machinery including five vacuum formers, four stamp presses, two horizontal glue lines, six bellow presses, CNC machinery, a wall saw, a glass washer and a range of smaller tools and machines.

The company also manufactures complete composite doors, and is the exclusive supplier of

Keith Sadler.

XtremeDoor, the most highly specified composite door in its price range on the market today. XtremeDoor has a five point lock, triple sealed outerframe, a 3 x 3 way adjustable hinge and stainless steel hardware as standard. Recent thermal tests by the University of Salford concluded that XtremeDoor is 19% more thermally efficient than a solid timber core timber composite door and 17% more thermally efficient than a timber door.

For more information call 01516081423 or visit www.vistapanels.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0091

SOLIDOR’S AT HOME WITH THE RADLINGTON As Solidor continues to innovate in the composite door sector, they have just unveiled The Radlington, a new deep nose cill that is available in nine finishes complete with matching foiled end caps.

The Radlington is perfect for the replacement door market and is a modern interpretation of a traditional timber cill, with similar dimensions, yet it also offers a traditional appearance for any new build project. Traditional timber cills were deep and usually aligned with a course of bricks and often these did vary in height, while metric bricks are generally 65mm high.

For these reasons, The Radlington has been designed and engineered 55mm high, with a projection of 165mm, allowing for packing, expansion, baypole jacks and irregular mortar. Yet the first installations have shown that it is far quicker to install on site and a more robust cill option than a standard 30mm high by 150mm projection cill, which is designed more with PVCu windows in mind.

This new type of cill is available for the existing Solidor range in nine finishes

including white, foiled white, cream, Chartwell Green, Irish Oak, golden oak, rosewood, grey, Schwarzbraun black. There are also eight further finishes to match the colours of the latest Solidor/R9 composite door offering, with exclusive finishes such as silvered oak and Painswick.

Lee Williams, sales director of Solidor commented: ‘The Radlington is a true replacement of the traditional timber cill, yet with modern engineered materials and structurally a great choice for a composite door installation. It’s a fundamental part of our strategy to offer our customers new and exciting products and The Radlington certainly fits the bill.’

For further information on Solidor then log on to www.solidor.co.uk, e-mail enquiries@ solidor.co.uk or call their sales office on 01782 847300. You can also add to their Twitter following @solidorltd.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0093

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

1214/0094

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

57

DOORS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Sealco’s timber bi-fold manufacturing pack saves time & money Sealco’s bi-fold door manufacturing pack cuts manufacturing time for joiners. The pack includes a Router Cutter and Hinge Jig to make it faster and more cost-effective to produce high quality timber bi-folding doors.

The specially designed router cutter reduces the time it takes to prepare the doorset and the hinge jig ensures accurate assembly first time.

“Timber bi-folds are a great opportunity for joiners but they can be time consuming to manufacture,” says Derek Malcolm, Managing Director of Sealco leading independent window and door hardware supplier. “That’s why we have worked with customers to develop the Sealco bi-fold door manufacturing pack.”

The Sealco bi-fold door manufacturing pack is free for customers when they order the PC Henderson Securefold Bi-fold System.

Designed for top hung bi-folds, the Securefold system comes complete with track, frame and door seals to ensure the best possible weatherproofing. There’s a choice of timber or aluminium thresholds.

“The system is corrosion resistant and built for long life. It has been tested to 100,000 opening cycles. There’s a Securefold Ultra high-security Secured by Design option available too. Four colour choices, black, brushed satin, polished stainless steel and titanium gold, suit any

door finish. All the components are made from stainless or cast stainless steel, anodised aluminium or polymers.

“From our experience having the right gearing and hardware is only part of helping customers sell more bi-folds. As well as cutting production time with our new bi-fold door manufacturing pack we also provide full technical back up where needed.

“This is just one of the ways we support customers. Earlier this year we ran a CE Marking workshop for timber window and door manufacturers with CE Marking experts Build Check. We were surprised that for many it was the first time they’d been given any practical information about how to comply.

We had several windows and doors on display, and the bi-fold doors definitely stirred most interest. Most joiners make a wide variety of products and the Sealco bi-fold door manufacturing pack is designed to make it easier and quicker to produce.” www.sealco-scotland.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0095

Distinction Doors launches 70mm door

Like the rest of Distinction’s range, the 70mm door uses a Nan Ya blank, guaranteeing an excellent pedigree. Thanks to the impact resistant GRP skin with rigid polymer subframe, high-density, CFC-free polyurethane foam core and high quality multi-point locks, it offers security that far exceeds both PVCu and timber doors, giving peace of mind to homeowners.

The aesthetics are unparalleled too.

The woodgraining on a Nan Ya slab is renowned for its authenticity. The graining is repeated on the glazing cassette, a subtle finishing touch that creates a seamless and

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Synseal’s fabricated range of Evolve Bi-fold doors has been enhanced with the addition of new anodised aluminium tracks and Artisan woodgrain foil colour finishes.

Previously available in a choice of solid White PVC-U and Golden Oak and Cherrywood woodgrain foil colours, the Evolve Bi-fold range now boasts new Woodgrain White, Woodgrain Brilliant White, Cream, Irish Oak, Chartwell Green and Grey foil finishes selected from Synseal’s Artisan woodgrain collection.

These additional Artisan colours are available for use in conjunction with newly-introduced aluminium tracks in anodised Silver or Gold finish. The thermally-broken aluminium top and bottom tracks feature a choice of trim/ trim, trim/stub (with 85mm nose) and trim/sill (with 150mm profile) threshold specifications.

Fully-manufactured and CE Marked by Synseal, Evolve PVC-U bi-folding doors are available for fabricator partners to purchase and underpinned £800,000 sales value growth in the financial year ending March ’14, with sales now tracking to deliver an additional 25% growth in the current trading period.

Steve Brown, Synseal’s Products & Customer Service Director, comments: “We always seek to offer customer choice to meet market demand, coupled with efficiency in terms of production and delivery lead times. This new expanded Evolve Bi-fold range means we can now supply 15 popular colour finishes, including dual-colour options.”

For further information contact Mark Schlotel on 01623 446207 or 07764 229694; email mark.schlotel@synseal.com.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0096

SHEPLEY’S COMPOSITE DOOR RANGE IS BIGGER THAN EVER Leading Rehau trade fabricator Shepley has added even more doors to its comprehensive Visage Composite Door Collection.

Distinction Doors has announced that it is just about to start production of its new 70mm door.

Chantel Roach, Distinction’s Marketing Manager, says, “We launched the door at the FIT Show where it attracted a great deal of interest. For fabricators and installers, the key selling point is that it can be over-rebated so it can be a direct replacement for the PVCu equivalent. For homeowners, the fact that it offers superb thermal efficiency with a typical 37% improvement over a timber door is likely to be an eye-catching proposition.”

NEW COLOUR OPTIONS FOR EVOLVE BIFOLD DOORS

sophisticated appearance. The 70mm door will be available in the complete range of Distinction Doors’ colours and homeowners will also be able to choose from the 5 glass ranges to personalise their choice. Add in the low maintenance and durability that comes with choosing a GRP composite door, and the 70mm door looks like an attractive option.

Chantel concludes, “We are delighted to be extending our range to include a 70mm door.

We know from our research and feedback from our customers that it will open up new sales opportunities – and that can only be a good thing.”

Tel: 0845 2000 816 - www.distinctiondoors.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0097

“Door fashions are moving fast,” says Shepley’s sales and marketing director Ian Griffiths. “We have added Powder Blue and Sage Green to our colours. The three new designs are Windsor Cottage, a traditional half glazed door, the stunning modern Belvoir with full height glazing and sleek pullbar handles, and the very beautiful Windsor Astragal,

a stylish period design with sandblasted glass.”

Shepley has also added full height matching decorative glass side screens, solving a longstanding industry problem for installers and offering even more opportunities to sell composite doors.

“There are three additions to the glass designs too.

The 1920s saw the rise of decorative glass and the new additions Charleston and Caledonian Rose use this period as their inspiration.

Reflections offers hand

crafted styling for consumers looking for something exclusive.

“Front doors are as original as their owners, and customers will find what they’re looking for in the latest Visage Composite Door Collection brochure.

The 36 page brochure shows all the glass designs colours and options next to every door style making it very simple for homeowners to choose the door they want.

There’s even a ‘what to look for in a door check list’.

“Today’s consumers are better at buying than ever before. They are used to comparing one product with another and the Visage check list gives them the opportunity to compare the technical stuff that often gets overlooked, as well as choosing by design.”

Further information is available at: www.shepley.com.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0098

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

DOORS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Wrightstyle & Christmas fire

1214/0100

safety in emerging markets

Wrightstyle, the leading UK steel and aluminium glazing company, supplies its fire-rated systems internationally. As Christmas approaches, Tim Kempster, the company’s managing director, warns that globalisation also has its dark side.

Fire safety is a subject that Wrightstyle knows quite a lot about. Our advanced systems are specified internationally – from shopping centres in Beirut to medical facilities in Hong Kong, and from a memorial chapel in the USA to Olympic projects in London and Athens.

We’re therefore aware of the huge variation in fire regulations between different jurisdictions, and the patchy way that those regulations are sometimes monitored and enforced. We’ve sometimes felt compelled to raise some of those concerns – including with the UK government when we felt that some internal fire doors were being wrongly classified as fire-safe.

Perhaps most notably we changed our fire certification methodology in one Middle Eastern country, because some architects were taking project-specific Wrightstyle certificates, copying them, and then applying them on other projects for which the fire test certificate might not be appropriate.

We’ve also written about the appalling textile factory tragedies in Bangladesh and elsewhere.

Our thirst for cheap T-shirts has in too many cases led factory owners and operators to cut corners. The Tanzeen fashion factory fire in 2012 is an obvious example, killing over 100 workers and injuring 200 more – or, worse, the 2013 collapse of the Rana Plaza factory building with the loss of over 1,000 people.

But these are just the industrial fires and building tragedies that make the news. In a report published at the end of 2013 by international labour campaigners, nearly 800 people were injured in garment and textile fires in Bangladesh in the previous 12 months.

But as Christmas approaches, it’s also worth remembering the 21st anniversary of the Kader Industrial Toy Company fire in Thailand. In that blaze, nearly 200 people lost their lives, and nearly 500 were injured. There were inadequate fire extinguishers or alarms, fire escapes couldn’t cope and some exits had been locked shut.

However, despite some similarities between the two fires, there is one glaring difference.

The New York fire directly led to new laws on building access and egress, fireproofing requirements, the availability of fire extinguishers, and automatic sprinklers. The Thailand fire happened in a jurisdiction where fire regulations had been ignored because official monitoring was inadequate.

It comes down to effective fire and building regulations being robustly applied – everything from building design and construction to tested alarms and suppression systems, such as sprinklers.

But containment is also a key factor – to prevent the fire spreading from its original location.

Those protective barriers, often external curtain walling or internal glass screens, also serve to provide escape routes for the building’s occupants – a safety strategy lacking in many Asian fire tragedies in recent years.

At Wrightstyle, we have invested significantly in research and design in both our internal and external systems – curtain walling, fire screens and fire doors – developing technically-advanced products and systems that have overcome the limitations inherent in the glass itself.

Around the developed world, more stringent building and fire regulations have led to architectural and design teams taking a multidisciplinary approach to assessing hazards: positively addressing the possible risks against that building’s occupants, structure, resources and continuity of operations. That assessment then guides the design team in determining acceptable risks and the effectiveness of the safety measures proposed.

In developing countries, the safety dynamic is changing – largely driven by large corporations implementing better supply chain management, and insisting on more stringent safe and ethical working conditions. The best-known accreditation body is WRAP(Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production).

But the demands of Western retailers and the buying public are largely cost-driven, and squaring the circle of price, worker safety and the wider environment is a constant challenge.

As Christmas approaches, and textile factories across Asia step up production, let’s hope that fire regulations will be better served by stricter monitoring – and that, inch by inch, the lessons of fire safety become embedded in more jurisdictions worldwide.

Tel: 01380 722 239

Nor was there a sprinkler system and the building was constructed with uninsulated steel which quickly led to building collapse.

Like most catastrophic fires, its likely cause was something minor – most likely a spark from an electrical short-circuit.

Before Kader, the worst factory blaze had been in the USA – in New York’s Shirtwaist plant in 1911, which killed nearly 150 garment workers.

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0099

59

COLOUR

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

CHEADLE GLASS ‘STEELS’ THE CONTRACT WITH VEKA STEEL BLUE FROM GLAZERITE Award-winning installer Cheadle Glass had no problem finding a colour match to win the contract for a large luxury apartment block in Wilmslow, Cheshire.

Working with trade fabricator Glazerite Windows Ltd, it not only found the right foil colour but also came up with an excellent style match for the timber window frames that were being replaced.

Matching existing window arrangements was essential to the contract, as residents of the four-storey block had specified, so Cheadle and Glazerite turned to the Variations range from VEKA and found that Steel Blue was spot on. Using VEKA’s fully sculptured

of colour possibilities!

Bowater Doors is delighted to be ‘splashing out’ on a vast, new colour offering.

The company has long offered a range of composite door colours including White, Beck Brown, Golden Oak, Rosewood, Green, Red and Dark Blue, and customers will be delighted to hear that the standard range is now available in HUNDREDS of colours.

profile, Glazerite produced frames that replicated the style of the original timber and also gave both an ‘A’ rating for thermal efficiency and a high specification of security with fittings from Maco.

Tom Hirst of Cheadle Glass said: “We listened carefully to what the residents wanted and, thanks to Glazerite and VEKA, we were able to provide it.

Everyone was pleased with the way it looks and very happy with the additional energy efficiency and

“We listened carefully to what the residents wanted and, thanks to Glazerite and VEKA, we were able to provide it.”

security they can expect from their new windows.”

1214/0102

Email for more information: christina@fenestrabuild.co.uk M: 07805 051 322 | WWW.FENESTRABUILD.CO.UK

Bowater Doors Operations Manager, Anita van Vuuren explains: “As always, customer satisfaction is our highest priority with these British-built doors, so we’re proud to announce this fantastic new colour offering. We can now offer doors in any RAL colour and they can even be matched to a colour of the customer’s choice. This allows homeowners to choose a shade to reflect their personality and create a unique look for their home. It also means that architects

Cheadle Glass was recently voted best in the North West in the prestigious Network VEKA Awards – one of no fewer than seven Glazerite customers that managed to walk away with more than half of the trophies from the entire event, including UK overall winner.

Glazerite is VEKA UK’s biggest trade fabricator as well as a major a supporter of both Network VEKA and the recently-launched VEKA Approved Installer Scheme. It was also the first VEKA fabricator to offer installers the entire Variations range of 18 colours and foils when it was launched last year. www.glazeritewindows.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0101

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Opening doors to hundreds

and specifiers in the commercial market can choose specific colours to fit with the overall project and even colour-match their branding.

“There is also the option to colour the frames to match, and doors can be different on each side. As such, clients can have a striking colour or woodgrain on the outside, but might choose a lighter, more subtle tone on the inside, to match the interior decor.

“Lead times for painted doors are currently 15 days and all our composite doors are covered by a cohesive ten year guarantee. Should a fault appear in any composite door, door slab or sealed unit supplied by The VEKA UK Group, following inspection, we will repair or replace the appropriate components free of charge. Full details of this guarantee can be found at http://www.frontdoors.uk.com/ about-composite-doors/guarantee/” “At Bowater doors we are continually listening to the market and developing our products accordingly, and - as you’d expect from an industry leader - the range is incredibly secure, energy efficient, weather resistant and durable. We’re pleased to offer such an expansive range of colour options as an additional benefit on these high quality Bowater Doors.

Tel: 01282 716611 www.system10aluminium.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0103

Vibrant new colours from Door-Stop Door-Stop has added three more colours to its range, offering even more choice to customers.

by Door-Stop customers via the one-click survey conducted when an order is placed.

There’s Poppy Red – rich and extra glossy for a truly vibrant colour to complement the existing range.

The new colours join the existing ten to give customers an unrivalled selection. With Door-Stop’s door configurator offering virtually unlimited choice, customers can design and sell a door to suit any property, from traditional to ultra-modern.

There’s also a new black/brown shade which matches the outer frame. And the third colour – Duck Egg Blue – is a popular shade chosen

To see the new colours – and more innovations from Door-Stop - visit www.door-stop.co.uk.

FORTNIG HTLY

ONLIN

PUBLICA E TION!

3 new colours from Door-Stop.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0104

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

1214/0105

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61

MACHINERY

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Modplan invests £500k

in keeping the bar high Leading VEKA trade fabricator Modplan is renowned in the industry for its exceptionally high standards of service and its partnership approach that is aimed at helping all its customers to grow. So committed is the Modplan team to maintaining these standards that it has just invested over £500k in doing so.

Heidi Sachs, Modplan’s Managing Director, said, “We’ve seen exceptional growth this year and we’re

delighted to be showing so many new customers the Modplan difference.

But we’re aware that one of the hardest things to do as you grow is to maintain the standards that got you there in the first place. It’s a trap we’re determined not to fall into, hence the recent investments.”

The investment has been made in two areas of the business The first is machinery: Modplan has introduced an automatic cutting and sawing centre, which has helped to improve efficiency and increase capacity as well as maintain consistency of quality. New bead saws and additional corner cleaners have also been added in order to accommodate the increase in demand as customers take advantage of a more buoyant market.

New machinery needed to manufacture the VEKA Imagine Bi-Fold has been another addition to the plant and the company is reporting growing demand for this new generation design.

Investment has also been made in staffing levels and Modplan has 15% more staff than it did this time last year.

New members of the team have been added in all areas of the business: shop floor, order processing, sales and accounts.

Heidi says, “We need a solid infrastructure to maintain the standards we set ourselves.

Increasing our team means we can provide the correct level of service and ensure we are giving every customer what they need.”

The investment reflects Modplan’s total commitment to exceptional service and its wide-ranging product portfolio that makes the company the perfect onestop shop. The company manufactures and provides a comprehensive range of products that includes three VEKA profiles, composite doors, PVC-u and aluminium patio and bi-fold doors, conservatories, the Vertex solid tile-effect roof and glass and polycarbonate conservatory roofs. For more information on any of Modplan’s products, simply Ask the Man from Modplan.

Tel: 01495 246844 www.modplan.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0106

Goldstar awards Haffner a gold star!

Trade fabricator Goldstar Trade Frames has recently invested in two pieces of automation machinery that has enabled it to become one of the most efficient manufacturers in the business. The company now manufactures in excess of 250 frames a week with fewer than five people.

Goldstar has invested in a new SMR-4 welder and an SVK2 corner cleaner from Haffner Murat. Mark Simms of Goldstar said, “We invested in a Haffner SBA 2 machining centre at the start of the recession. We were impressed with the quality of the machinery and, just as importantly, the quality of the advice we received.”

“The investment we made helped us ride out the peaks and troughs of the recession with minimum staff. So when the time came to make a new investment, we had no hesitation in turning to Haffner.”

In the SMR-4 welder and the SVK2 corner cleaner, Goldstar has made two extremely sound investments. Quite simply, the SMR-4 is the fastest and most accurate welder on the market today. Alongside a wealth of other benefits, the machine’s key selling point is the automatic self centering of transom and mullions, which ensures 90 degree transom welding even with uneven arrow heads.

What this means in practice is that welding can be undertaken without the need for a skilled operator. The SVK-2 CNC corner and transom cleaning machine offers superb flexibility. Suitable for bevel and radius

profiles, it’s a two axis machine that’s fully programmable for both white and woodgrain profiles. It has automatic profile recognition and comes with a rotary tool post for radius and internal cleaning with groove and woodgrain knives as standard. Both machines come with a two year part and labour warranty for complete peace of mind.

As well as increasing capacity without increasing overhead, the two machines will also help Goldstar to increase the accuracy of their output. Mark said, “The machines have only just gone in, but we’re delighted with what they’ve added so far. Haffner’s expertise has once again been invaluable and we know from previous experience that their level of after-sales service is exceptional.”

Founded in 1991, Goldstar manufactures PVC-u windows and doors, bi-fold doors, French doors, conservatories and composite doors. The company has a reputation for providing quality and service – a reputation that looks set to be enhanced as a result of this latest investment!

Haffner and Murat Tel: 01785 222421 Goldstar Trade Frames Ltd Tel: 01922 456223 www.goldstartradeframes.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0107

EAG go to Reading

English Architectural Glazing have secured a contract with John Sisk & Son (Sisk) as specialist glazing sub-contractor to provide the external façade cladding with a mixture of unitised curtain wall, windows, doors and feature copper rainscreen as part of this multi million pound new build development.

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The proposed development comprises the complete demolition of the existing Aldwych House office building and the reinstatement of a new Grade A commercial building to include six floors of office space with car parking and ancillary accommodation at lower ground floor level.

Edward Whipp, Pre-Construction Director of EAG, said “We are delighted to be working with John Sisk & Son again especially on this Iconic building adjacent to Reading’s Town Centre conservation area”.

EAG expect to commence on site February 2015.

Image courtesy of: Designhive.

Architects: Flanagan Lawrence | Client: John Sisk & Son READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0108

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

PERFECTION SEAMLESS WELDING FROM

Promac is proud to announce the official UK unveiling of the SL4 FF combined cleaning and welding centre at this year’s FIT Show held at The International Centre, Telford (10 - 12 June 2014).

The SL4 FF is a unique and innovative platform that pre cleans the corner joint before welding which delivers exacting quality, superior strength as well as significant productivity gains in manufacturing.

The highly intuitive on-board software makes the operator interface simple and efficient as the machine automatically processes all types of profile.

The state of the art welding heads are servo controlled via independent CNC’s and are fitted with an automatic self-cleaning device that guarantees extreme precision. The machine is equipped with four double tipped milling tools that are directly linked to the fully integrated swarf extraction system with a total machinery footprint of less than 30sqm.

The max welded external size is 3200 x 2800mm with the smallest external size being 400 x 400mm.

The welded square can be off loaded manually or automatically (optional) and ‘C’ welding is standard.

The seamless welded finish is simply breath taking and must be seen to be believed!

For Spares & Consumables www.promacshop.co.uk

1214/0109

www.promac.co.uk

3c Hadrians Way, Glebe Farm Industrial Estate, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 1ST

T: 01788 577577 F: 01788 567938 E: sales@promac.co.uk

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

63

MACHINERY

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Have your fill

For smaller units, the Multifill 1 and 2 employ the same technology to enhance control and improve productivity, and can also be used with Argon, Xenon, Krypton or mixed gases. These machines have a variable fill rate, which allows a much more accurate fill level to be achieved. The data logging and printing feature is also available on models in the Multifill range.

Options for all

Chris Kemp, Director of Inagas, speaks to Glass News about why IGU manufacturers are increasingly looking to gas fill their units, and offers advice on how to make the process as simple as possible, whatever the size of your business.

There’s no denying that 2014 has been the most positive year the industry has seen in some time, with the spectre of the recession starting to lift following six long years of uncertainty. It seems that the majority of people we speak to have seen growth in their sales on last year and people certainly seem to be busier than ever. We are no exception, as more and more IGU manufacturers choose to gas fill.

Whether this is in light of a more stable economy, or growth in the housing market in turn dictating that consumers have more confidence to spend on home improvement works, it would be churlish to

64

dismiss a more efficient and streamlined industry as a key factor. After all, in difficult times only the strong survive, and the companies who have come out the other side are unarguably those who have invested time and energy into future proofing their businesses by producing only the highest quality and most energy efficient products to meet the ever changing benchmark of industry standards.

Energy efficiency Since the changes to Document L of the Building Regulations in 2010 the provision of units with the lowest possible U-values and the best energy ratings are no longer an extra selling point, rather those who do not do so will suffer the consequences. Gas filling provides the best way to increase the thermal efficiency of a unit - while air can be a good insulator, inert gasses such as Krypton, Xenon and Argon are colourless, odourless, nonflammable, non-reactive and have low conductivity.

Argon is most widely used thanks to its fantastic insulation properties in the most common cavity sizes, not to mention its cost in comparison with the other gasses.

Having been established in the UK since 1992 as the leading supplier of gas filling

machines and test equipment for insulated glass units, we have seen how the changing industry has led to a marked rise in the number of companies looking to gas fill.

But for those who have never done so before, it can seem like a daunting prospect, which is why we have spent a great deal of 2014 developing new products to ensure that gas filling is an inclusive option for businesses of all sizes; and attending industry exhibitions at home and abroad to show how simple it can be with the right equipment and the right partner.

A simple solution We introduced the Smartfill range of gas filling machinery in 2010 as a simple solution for filling one, two or four units at a rate of 30 litres of gas per

minute. The range utilises the latest technology to enhance user control and improve productivity, including the Smart Start filling lance, which provides the operative with control from the lance, without having to return to the machine. All they need to do is insert the lance into the unit and press the button to start the gas filling process. The LED glows green during gas filling, turns red on completion and turns off after 30 seconds – simple. Now there is the additional option to keep a complete record of gas filling production with our new data logging and printing function. After every gas fill cycle the time, date, gas-filling percentage, overfill cycle, IG number, line number and filling time are recorded and stored in the Smartfill’s memory. This information can then be downloaded via a USB stick and transferred to an Excel file, and an IG label printed displaying the stored data.

For IGU manufacturers who may have thought they couldn’t afford to gas fill, or that their premises could not perhaps accommodate it, we this year launched the Interfill, a compact, 30 litre a minute machine capable of one or two-hole Argon gas filling. Interfill offers the majority of the benefits provided by the Smartfill range, but at a price which places it as the most affordable 30-litre a minute machine on the market, and the Interfill KX model provides the additional advantage of variable vacuum and flow rate control, making it ideal for gas filling with Krypton, Xenon or even mixed gases.

The Interfill range is small and light for maximum portability – essential for smaller companies who cannot compromise on space.

We constantly review and develop our range to ensure there is a gas filling solution to satisfy every level of production, and we can provide a balance of cost effectiveness with the kind of operational and energy efficiency the market demands.

If you have any questions about Inagas or any of the product developments to hit the marketplace, please call Inagas directly on 01442 832 764.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0110

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

1214/0111

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

65

MACHINERY

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Wintech Opens its Doors to the Next Generation of Engineers Leading UKAS accredited testing specialist, Wintech Engineering Limited, recently opened its doors to the next generation of Engineers when it invited students at Bath University to tour their Telford facility.

“The students are studying a Master of Science degree in Façade Engineering and through their visit they will gain an understanding of the test principles for facades, as well as an insight into everything else we do” says

Michael Wass, Technical Director at Wintech Engineering.

“The entire team at Wintech across all of our departments, whether onsite, bespoke or window and door testing, work hard to provide quality testing procedures that give customers the ultimate peace of mind in their products – we have even designed and built our own testing equipment to ensure the most accurate results.

During the visit the students witnessed our different testing procedures but were also given the opportunity to ask questions of our team of experts.”

“Wintech is keen to demonstrate its high standard of testing principles to students looking to enter the field to promote best practice from the start of their careers.”

The MSc in Façade Engineering is run by the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology which is an organisation providing information and training in the fields of building envelopes and glazing.

The CWCT sets industry standards and publishes both standards and guidance.

For more information about Wintech Engineering please call: +44 (0)1952 586580 or visit: www.wintechtesting.com.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0112

1214/0113

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66

Conservatory Outlet Corner Cleaner.

Continued growth sees new machinery investment at Conservatory Outlet Going from strength to strength, UPVC and aluminium fabricator Conservatory Outlet has made a six figure investment in new machinery that allows for increased efficiency with no compromise on the quality its regional dealers are accustomed to.

The new machinery consists of a quarter-million pound tandem line corner cleaner, from Winmac UK, and is part of the fabricator’s continuous investment plan.

The announcement comes after Conservatory Outlet has recently reported that October 2014 was its highest ever sales month, with the retail installation value of its output realistically estimated at £12 million.

The fabricator is notorious for its tireless investment strategy, not only in new

machinery, but also in staff and product development, as well as a comprehensive customer support programme.

Michael Giscombe, joint owner and managing director of Conservatory Outlet, comments: “Our dealers are the central part of our business and naturally, they need to be supplied with high quality products that are available on lead times which match their commitments to the end user. The new machinery was acquired in order to increase production capacity to accommodate the continuous growth of our network, while upholding the same quality standards and lead times that have contributed to our collective success.”

Keeping the lead times down throughout their network’s growth was also the reason behind another acquisition made by the fabricator, which recently added two new HGVs to its fleet.

Conservatory Outlet delivers multiple times per week to its dealer network, from Central Scotland to the Isle of Wight.

Alongside machinery investment, the fabricator

is also constantly focusing on developing and adapting its product range to help its dealers maintain their competitive edge and take advantage of new market trends. Michael added: “To complement an extensive range of quality products, we pride ourselves on being able to always maintain the high level of service and attention our dealers have come to expect from us, no matter how much or how fast our network is growing.”

The recently acquired ABS cylinder key cutting machine, although maybe not as immediately impressive as other, more costly purchases, is adding to the fabricator’s autonomy and further reducing its dependency on upstream suppliers.

The equipment is now up and running and Conservatory Outlet’s managing director said it’s already making a big day-today difference to a number of dealers.

For more information visit http://www. conservatoryoutletdealers. co.uk/ or call 01924 239813.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0114

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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67

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

What’s your opinion?

In January we asked 15 people from the industry: “What are your hopes and aspirations for 2014, for our industry as a whole, your company specifically and even yourself, personally.”

Paul Godwin Managing Director, VAST PR & FIT Events Ltd ‘The FIT Show’ Early 2014 was of course dominated by the second outing of The FIT Show.

I was more satisfied personally with the June event because it confirmed that it was not just a one off, a flash in the pan.

It was also interesting because it became a serious selling and marketing tool for exhibitors and buyers, confirmed by 80% of the space being rebooked for 2016. We had also launched Build Show late in 2013 and of course, sold the event on to the organisers of Grand Designs Live and other top events. Existing exhibitors, many of whom also support the FIT Show, will have an even better event with the earlier dates and strengths that Media 10 will bring to the party. It also means that we can focus fully on the FIT Show of course.

It has also been rewarding to see the economy generally improve and the window and glass industries specifically.

I am concerned however at the hindrance to growth caused by the skills shortage for which we are as a nation completely unprepared and for which there is no short term solution.

Overall though, a very good year.

68

Matthew Glover FIT Events Ltd ‘The FIT Show’

Mark Schlotel Head of Marketing, Synseal

Danny Williams Managing Director, Pioneer Trading

Roger Hartshorn Managing Director, Liniar

My life has changed dramatically during 2014: I sold my interests in Conservatory Outlet, a business that has already been taken forward significantly by the new owners Greg and Mick; we enjoyed a great second FIT Show which has cemented the position of the event in the window, door and conservatory industry; and I got married in the summer.

Looking back at 2014 now that Xmas adverts and Aussie jungle antics are dominating TV, the year seems to have whizzed by and this is because we’ve all been busy which is good news!

2014 progressed well for Pioneer and also for my family and I with the addition of a beautiful granddaughter!

The fact that 2014 has passed so quickly perhaps confirms that my hopes for the year have been realised; namely that the industry as a whole was going to be very busy, and Liniar customers particularly so.

As the saying goes, time flies when you are having fun!

The revival in the fortunes of the home improvement sector of the glazing industry continues as confidence has returned to homeowners and that has had a positive effect throughout. And as my family continues to be heavily involved as well as my interests with the FIT Show, needless to say I am delighted.

I believe that this will continue for some time to come, subject to influences such as the global economy for example, which continues to present a concern.

The next FIT Show may seem to be some time off but we are already considering some of the key issues for the event; we have our research from June and have beens studying the feedback from visitors and exhibitors and will respond positively to make the next show even more dynamic, more effective for everyone. Further feedback is always welcome however!

Market prospects into 2015 and beyond look encouraging and, although new installs for conservatories (underpinning one third of retail value in our home improvement market) continue to dwindle, marketing and sales attention has shifted markedly to focus on retrofit opportunities.

Orangeries are central to that battleground with many units sold, so there are reasons to be optimistic.

Housebuilding activity levels across the UK, although not exactly stunning, have also picked up as hoped to provide another welcome boost. Family and friends don’t get much of a lookin and I’m still dodging juggernauts on several motorways most days which is somewhat of a downer, but my “2nd job” in Roxy Magic means I’m getting loads of noisy bass guitar action!

Love (of “warm aluminium”) is the drug…

On the business front, sales continue to increase, through our trade frame sales, for our local retail company and also on the commercial projects we are involved with, which includes CrossRail. Our IGU company Tudor Glass also continues to attract more customers, one of the success stories for Pioneer Group. Changes within the management structure of the company have returned me closer to the sharp end of the business, something that turned out to be a welcome development. We have sharpened all areas of the business resulting in better working practices, improved output and lower costs and importantly, better morale at all levels. The change has been extraordinary and refreshing. I continue to be concerned about the difficulty in employing good people at all levels and especially window and door installers; the skills shortages in the UK will seriously hinder the improvement in the economy generally, but especially in the building and construction industry, which is at the heart of the country’s improvement. No short term solution appears to be either on offer let alone possible.

Confidence returned very quickly to the consumer market in 2014; I don’t see this changing next year either.

As a consequence we saw a real uptake in some of the great new products we brought to market, and we will be bringing more again next year. We invested in new business divisions to widen our overall offering; and all of these new ventures took off from the start. We will also be investing in more resource to support our customers next year, through the addition of more infrastructure and more key personnel.

I certainly think our expectations for the year have been met in every regard, and the prospects for next year are just as rosy.

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

With the year coming rapidly to an end, December’s ‘Voice of the Industry’ is going back to those who contributed to that original question to ask:

“Did 2014 come up to your hopes and expectations? Was it even better or were there some disappointments?”

Mike Rigby Managing Director, MRA Marketing

Colin Torley Sales & Marketing Director, Veka

Roy Frost Managing Director, Deceuninck UK

Drew Wright Managing Director, Distinction Doors Ltd

Martin Dickie Business Unit Director, Door-Stop

The Thames Barrier was built to protect London from exceptional flooding, the threat of a 1 in 100 probability event. It was closed four times in the 80s but used 50 times in the first six months of 2014!

2014 was every bit as exciting and eventful as we had expected it to be, here at The VEKA UK Group.

Helping customers stand out in an overcrowded market.

2014’s focus was on customer service, stock availability and product range and we’re pleased with what we’ve achieved.

The sale of Door-Stop to Masonite in February was a major milestone for the company. The last 12 months have seen great changes and exciting developments at Door-Stop.

Last year we emerged from deep recession - another ‘1 in 100’ economic event.

Did the recovery live up to expectations? Yes, the rising tide floated most boats but didn’t change market realities. Smart marketers with differentiated products and service have done well, attracting customers with money who want what they sell. Others, continuing to push undifferentiated commodity products at low prices have struggled.

Forecasts look good. It will take years to improve the UK’s poor housing stock, and build the backlog of new homes it needs. But the world is volatile and unpredictable. Exceptional ‘1 in 100’ events - there are five major world threats that could knock us off course can smash forecasts.

So, plan for the good, but expect the unexpected.

The first key event of the year for us was the opening of our new £multi-million mixing plant, followed soon after by our 3rd consecutive Fensterbau; where we previewed our new Imagine Bi-Fold and French Doors to a host of prominent UK visitors.

In June at The FiT Show we launched the Imagine range to the wider UK market, as well as announcing our new Approved Installer Scheme.

Both exhibitions were a huge success for us and a great platform to show our latest products and services.

Reaction to the Imagine range has been immense and our Installer Scheme has enjoyed similar success, with numbers rising rapidly to well over 200 in the space of just a few months.

2014 has been a great year for us and our customers - in fact October 2014 was our best EVER sales month. May 2015 be just as successful.

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

The economy has continued to grow and demand for home improvements has been sustained.

The industry is healthy, but not everyone is benefiting.

We are helping our customers make more of a name for themselves, building their brand and boosting their sales. This is a different route to most Syscos, who are more focussed on their own brand.

We give our customers, and their customers, the tools they need to differentiate themselves from the crowd: fully bespoke marketing, unique products, and quality reliable service.

The results lived up to expectations.

We are continuing to invest in helping customers grow.

With more new products, more people and a 110,000 sq. ft. warehouse opening earlier this year.

2014 was good for Deceuninck. We set our sights on doubling our market share in three years but our fast growth this year has been a big step, and we are now on the road to the top three.

We’ve made big investments in our customer service, from launching a new website that’s focused on bringing in more leads for our customers to extending stock availability in all areas from glass to blanks and cassettes. We’ve also invested £185,000 in our new paint plant to improve quality, lead times and cost in this area.

In terms of product range we’ve just launched our 70mm door and the Onelite bi-fold door, both of which offer significant benefits for installers looking to expand their portfolio.

The investments and developments we’ve made have put us in a much stronger position than we were at the start of the year.

We’re now well placed to help our customers take a larger slice of market share.

Our business strategy to help customers sell more doors remains the same. Tools such as Sales Manager and Brochure Builder help our customers win online leads and sell their way, making web and showroom work together. But the backing of a world-leading manufacturer has helped us focus even more on service, quality and customer care, and invest in some game-changing plans for the future. In the next 6 months we’ll be introducing new door and glass designs, hardware options, sales tools and doors that will really open up new markets for Door-Stop and our customers.

The composite market is the only door sector forecast to growth in the next few years and with Door-Stop still an incredible driving force, I believe it’ll outpace predictions.

David Amos D&G Consulting Has 2014 come up to my hopes and expectations? In almost every respect yes.

Emerging from the recession I hoped that companies would put in place platforms to provide sustainable growth - I was expecting a steady increase in the demand for PVC windows, doors and conservatories.

So it has proved – so far this year the growth has been steady at between 4% and 5%.

In January I said the industry’s post-recession landscape would be very different. Again so it has proved. This year Epwin Group floated on the AIM, Masonite acquired Door Stop and Synseal and Solidor received significant investment.

Almost certainly there will be more investment and acquisitions in the industry.

There are now pockets in the industry where investors see long term opportunities – especially well run companies.

The only disappointment is in the area of exports. I hoped in January to see more of the industry step out and start to export. Yes, Ireland is slowly emerging from its deep recession, but the real opportunities lie further afield.

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VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

Vic De Costa Marketing & Sales Manager UK & Ireland, SWISSPACER 2014 has been a good year for energy efficiency.

Cumulative changes to EU energy targets and industry energy regulations mean demand for energy efficient windows continues to rise.

High performance sealed units and triple glazing are top choices for homeowners looking to keep heating costs down. So energy efficiency is now a top priority for window companies too.

At the start of the year I urged window companies to think carefully about their choice of sealed units and components. The performance of some A rated windows drops quickly if the right components aren’t selected.

It’s an encouraging sign that since then, more window companies are choosing SWISSPACER to achieve high performing, energy efficient windows. Designed to achieve the best results, SWISSPACER warm edge spacer bars are ideal for all sealed units where energy efficiency is an important factor.

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The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

With the year coming rapidly to an end, December’s ‘Voice of the Industry’ is going back to those who contributed to that original question to ask:

“Did 2014 come up to your hopes and expectations? Was it even better or were there some disappointments?”

Clare O’Hara Group Sales Director, Grouphomesafe 2014 has been incredibly successful for ERA. Topped off with us picking up Component Supplier of the Year at the G14 Awards – we’re proud to be recognised as the industry’s finest but if I look back at what we were hoping to achieve this year – putting the ERA brand back on the map was very much part of the plan, so yes, we’re fulfilling that objective.

For me our real 2014 successes are rooted in our unique ability to work with our customers as partners – not merely suppliers. It’s what makes our business stand out. We’re not a ‘take it or leave it’ business, we work hard to ensure that our product innovation strategy reflects the need for our customers to really sell security as a critical feature.

We’ve worked hard this year to elevate the ERA brand into the public conscious and we’ll continue to drive the security message into the home improvement market next year. We’ve had a fantastic year and 2015 is set for even greater achievements.

Fiona Lund Brouha Marketing The Good: I said we’d approach 2014 with quiet confidence, a strategy borne out by our performance and the market in general.

Our predicted increase in industry’s new ideas, products, tactics and relationships came to fruition as the nextgeneration window and door industry started to emerge.

Dare we say it, the ‘buzz’ has come back into the industry – bringing with it its own set of challenges as fabricators struggle to keep up with demand and installers struggle to find enough skilled labour.

But no-one is complaining: we all know busy is good.

The Bad: My main failure was on a personal level – achieving that perfect work-life balance. But I have existing and new customers to thank for keeping us busy, so it’s not really a negative!

The Unexpected: One thing we didn’t forecast was the growth in our international PR and marketing as more companies look to identify and exploit export opportunities.

To sum up Brouha’s 2014, we’ve been lucky enough to continue working in partnership with companies that are driven, innovative and passionate: as a marketing company, who could ask for more?

Keith Sadler Managing Director, Vista

Andy Ball Managing Director, Balls2 Marketing

Back in 2013 when I wrote my last Voice of the Industry I was feeling very optimistic for the year ahead. Vista had just launched XtremeDoor, our new composite door brand, and I was looking forward to promoting this to the industry.

This time last year I said 2014 would be busy and all about social media. Balls2 Marketing has continued to grow with new customers, two new team members and yes, social media has been huge.

12 months on and I’m pleased to say the reaction to XtremeDoor has been really positive. Existing customers have really taken to the brand and are many are using our new consumer facing marketing literature to help them communicate the benefits of XtremeDoor to their target market. Vista also landed new customers, all of whom were keen to use the XtremeDoor brand to help them stand out from the crowd in the composite door sector. We really stepped up our marketing in 2014 and this led to Vista being nominated for the G-14 Promotional Campaign of the Year (Trade).

We didn’t win unfortunately, which I suppose is my only regret for the year, but we were still delighted to receive a nomination all the same.

Everyone at Vista is really looking forward to the year ahead. We will continue to promote XtremeDoor and we have a new thicker PVC-u panel designed for triple glazed doors which I predict will be a big seller in 2015.

The Triple Glazing Question, hosted by Edgetech UK, received 231 tweets and 116 retweets on the day of the event alone. People in Glazing (PIGs) attracted nearly 100 people to the September event in London through promotion on social media. Sarah and Gemma gave a seminar on using social media to transform a business in the FIT Show theatre to the second largest audience of the show.

Social media and a strong online presence are now an important part of the marketing mix. In 2015 video will become established as a effective way for businesses to be heard.

Video is already working well for our customers and creating short video messages that don’t cost the earth is what’s really needed. It’s a problem we identified early, so we’ve launched a professional low cost video recording service for businesses once a month at Balls2 Marketing’s HQ in Derby.

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

FACE TO FACE

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

THIS MONTH: Rob Bloomfield Operations Manager, RegaLead Ltd. Manchester born and bred, Rob Bloomfield has worked at RegaLead for 25 years, rising through the ranks from Warehouse Assistant to Operations Manager. Originally aspiring to join the army, their loss ultimately proved to be the industry’s gain. Oh, and he quite likes a round of golf.

It’s all about you Where were you born and live, currently...

I was born in St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester City Centre. I’ve lived and worked in Manchester my entire life and currently live just a five minute walk away from the office in Sharston.

Your education and the subject or activity in which you excelled...

I am educated to what would be the GCS equivalent these days. My favourite subjects were Technical Drawing and Metal Work so my career at RegaLead is very apt.

Your favourite sports or interests...

It’s got to be golf! I play off of a handicap of 13 and am fortunate to have a few trophies in my office. I am a member at Chorltoncum-Hardy Golf Club and play at least once a week.

Your biggest regret in life...

My eldest brother had a career in the army and I always aspired to follow in his footsteps, but it just never happened.

Someone or something that inspires you...

Every day I wake up and look forward to the new challenges ahead. Every day can be different, even after 25 years at RegaLead, I have had so many different people to look up to in my life but my driving force were always my parents, who made me the person I am today.

The temptation you can’t resist…

Golf! If I get the offer of a game, no matter when it might be, I always do whatever it takes in order to get out on the course.

your career When and how you joined this industry...

I joined the industry in 1990, when I started at RegaLead as a Warehouse Assistant when the business had just moved to Manchester.

I didn’t expect to be here for 25 years, but I’ve since worked my way up through the business and you could say I’m a bit of a ‘poacher turned gamekeeper’, as I used to be Shop Steward many years ago. That certainly helps in my current role, as I am able to see things from both sides of the fence. I am proud to say I am the longest standing member of staff.

The job you do in 25 words...

I am Operations Manager for the North West sites, which includes the lead factory, the film production factory and warehousing facility with 26 reporting into me.

Your greatest achievement...

I’ve had a hole in one at golf!

Seriously though, I am proud to say that since leaving school, I have always been in full time employment throughout my entire working life. I put this down to my commitment and loyalty to my employer.

The mistake you’d like to correct...

Fortunately there hasn’t been too many regrets / mistakes along the way, maybe I should have accepted other offers of promotion at the time, but you can’t and shouldn’t dwell on these things as opportunities come in various guises.

The talent you would like to enhance...

During my time working at RegaLead I have gained many new talents, especially taking on new roles throughout my management career. The only talent I haven’t really enhanced

would be into sales… which I’m sure if I did I would excel at that too!

and your future What you would like to do if you weren’t in the industry...

I would still like to be in a management role somewhere, as feel I have good man management skills and enjoy working with people.

A particular ambition...

To work for RegaLead until I retire. I would like to think that would be age 60, but unfortunately Guy and Darren (joint RegaLead MDs) seem to think 65 is more likely!

The way you want to be remembered...

As the person who would go out of his way to do anything for anybody. Someone who always gets the job done on time and to the best of my capabilities and always with a smile on my face.

If you would like to appear in ‘Face to Face’, or would like to nominate someone else to be featured, simply email chris@glassnews.co.uk. www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

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FACE TO FACE

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

THIS MONTH: Chris Bailey Sales Manager, Business Micros The sales manager for Business Micros and a familiar face - and name - to many in the PVC-U sector. He has spent many years installing software but is now dedicated to sales as the company continues to grow.

It’s all about you Where were you born and live, currently...

I was born in Warrington where I currently live but, as a child, I spent 10 years in Sheffield.

Your education and the subject or activity in which you excelled...

I went to school in NewtonLe-Willows, not far from where the Business Micros office is now located. I moved on to a local college but I soon got bored with that and went looking for a real challenge out in the world of work.

Your favourite sports or interests...

It’s probably a cliché to say that one of my main interests is Business Micros but I genuinely love my job and

I like spending time in and out of work with customers and colleagues. If I ever get time, I like to play golf but, I have to admit, that is generally with friends from the industry.

I’m a big football fan and, despite coming from the North West, my team is Chelsea - needless to say, I’m really enjoying this season.

Your biggest regret in life...

Because I travel so much with my job and spend so much time visiting customers, it would have to be missing a few too many of my kids’ birthdays.

Someone or something that inspires you...

I’m giving away my age here but it would be the all action heroes from the Hollywood blockbusters of the 1980s. I still love their never say die attitude – I even named my son Cole after the Tom Cruise character in Days of Thunder.

The temptation you can’t resist…

decision to leave college after a year and get a job put paid to all that. Of course, it would come in really handy now that I spend so much time in Germany with the machine companies so perhaps I should give it another go.

That’s an easy one. Letting my competitive edge get the better of me. In my world, there’s no such thing as a friendly game of anything!

your career

and your future

When and how you joined this industry...

I joined Business Micros on the 1st May 2002 as a data technician. It was a bank holiday so I should probably have worked out from that what the work ethic here was! Within a year of joining the company I was out on the road as an installer and I was quickly promoted to senior installer.

Soon afterwards, I was introduced to machinery and I worked my way up to senior machine engineer.

From there, I moved into sales and for a time worked as sales and installations manager. As the business has continued to grow, I’ve taken on the dedicated role of sales manager and I like to think that my many years of installing and setting up machines has helped me understand this business from the customer’s point of view.

The job you do in 25 words...

I organise sales and help to demonstrate and promote the software. I

What you would like to do if you weren’t in the industry...

I prefer to be out and about and don’t like to spend too long just in the office so it would probably be something outdoorsy.

A particular ambition... still get involved in larger projects though, helping the installation and support team whenever I can.

Your greatest achievement...

On a personal level, it was taking part in the GM Fundraising Rome 2 Home charity bike ride in 2010. I can still proudly boast that I conquered Mont Ventoux without getting off my bike!

but if they were based on a decision which I genuinely believed to be right at the time, then there’s no point in looking back.

The talent you would like to enhance...

I was quite good at German at school and wanted to study it at A Level but my

That’s easy. To be the best at what I do, and to do my bit to help Business Micros to be the best.

The way you want to be remembered...

I think it would be as someone who might not have got it right all the time but who could always be relied upon to give it their best.

The mistake you’d like to correct...

I firmly believe mistakes will always happen in life

If you would like to appear in ‘Face to Face’, or would like to nominate someone else to be featured, simply email chris@glassnews.co.uk.

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December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TIRC NEWSLETTER

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

December 2014

Approved Installer Network

Supalite partners with The Independent Ratings Company Supalite Tiled Roof systems has partnered with The Independent Ratings Company to run their Approved Installer Network.

All installers approved to join the network will get ratings and testimonials from their customers to demonstrate how good their service levels are.

Ratings and testimonials captured from customers will appear on the individual installers’ website, making the comments entirely personal to them. Installers will be able to show future potential customers how their services are rated by their existing customers for sales, surveying, installation,

Are you running an Approved Installer Network?

after care, and of course the impact of the new product on their home and lifestyle Ian Miller Head of Sales for The Independent Ratings Company was delighted to announce the partnership “It is great news for all parties; we are delighted to be in partnership with such a dynamic, progressive company; and for Supalite and for their installers it is a great opportunity for them to win more work by capturing and publishing comments and approval ratings from their existing customers”.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg; there are so many more features which the Supalite installers will have access to as a part of the agreement. The feedback from them is really encouraging; they can all see the benefits of being a part of the network and are really excited about the support it will give them to win more business”.

“With over 75% of people now looking at what their peer group is saying before making

Why not give us a call to find out about the our range of packages to help you and your installers win more work.

a purchasing decision using testimonials and ratings is one of the fastest growing ways of winning new business”.

“Our customer testimonials page is now the second most visited page on our website after products; having the comments of our existing customers on our website has brought us direct new business and supports our selling process completely” - Lauren Tutton Sales and Marketing Manager.

Falcon Installations are the latest company to join forces with The Independent Ratings Company. The Bridgend based company has signed up to a retail package to capture ratings and feedback from their customers to post on their new website.

Have you thought about carrying out market research?

Why not talk to us about how we can help you carry out market research for new product development; to understand trends, or to understand customer satisfaction levels.

The Independent Ratings Company Business Survey packages – a great way to develop your business!

T: 0161 266 1006 | E: ian@theindependentratingscompany.co.uk | W: www.theindependentratingscompany.co.uk The Independent Ratings Company, 3000 Aviator Way, Manchester Business Park, Manchester M22 5TG

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0116

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INSTALLER FOCUS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Consumer Protection Association celebrates issuing in excess of 1 million combinedpolicies to homeowners

GLAZERITE LAUNCHES

A WEBSITE FOR EVERY INSTALLER

Every single Glazerite installer is being offered a brand new website in a major initiative aimed at getting the trade fabricator’s entire customer base up to speed with today’s buying trends.

Glazerite Windows Ltd Director Jason Thompson said: “Nearly two thirds of all homeowners are known to research online before they even make an enquiry so we want to make sure every one of our customers is fully equipped to make the most of this with a new, fresh-looking site aimed directly at the retail market.

“Some of our installer partners may have limited or outdated websites and there are still some without any online presence at all. Customers want the facts, they want to see what they are actually buying and they want to see it all easily and in an attractive environment that reflects the quality of the installer’s products and service. This initiative means that all our installers can have an up-todate, versatile and customer-friendly site that meets their customers’ expectations as well as being a proactive and effective selling tool.”

The website is offered to all of Glazerite’s customers regardless of company size; it is quick and easy to set up and is customised to meet each companies individual requirements. It enables each one to select and feature the individual components of Glazerite’s extensive product range that they sell – and even add on non-Glazerite products such as fascia’s and soffits.

Glazerite will help with SEO work to give installers good search engine positioning, will provide links to any Facebook or Twitter pages and can either provide a new URL address or attach the new site to an existing one. A composite door design feature can also be added, based on either the VEKA or Solidor ranges.

Jason Thompson added: “Many of our installer partners are very busy working in a very buoyant marketplace and simply don’t have the time to create or update their own websites. We can now take the pain out of this by doing this work on their behalf, starting with a simple application form that can be completed either online or even faxed.”

The website initiative is part of the newly enhanced Glazerite Online Support Package, with many features to help every Glazerite installer to make the very most of every aspect of internet communication and marketing.

Glazerite is one of the VEKA UK group’s largest trade fabricators and is a major a supporter of both Network VEKA and the recentlylaunched VEKA Approved Installer Scheme. www.glazeritewindows.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0117

Designed to support installers offering VEKA and Halo products, the Approved Installer Scheme has seen an unprecedented uptake since it was launched at the FIT Show earlier this year, with over 200 companies having already joined.

“This initiative holds advantages for every link in the supply chain.”

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Among the many benefits that attracted Aberdeen-based Clearview PVCu to become an Approved Installer is free access to a dedicated online Marketing Hub, preloaded with exclusive, professionally-designed marketing materials that can be customised to include company logos, contact details, etc.

A family-run business, founded

by Lawrence and Debbie Muirhead in 2002, Clearview PVCu can now benefit from a range of personalised brochures, flyers, pull-up stands and more, all featuring the company's own branding, backed up by The VEKA UK Group's Approved Installer logo to help engage with and inspire confidence in potential customers.

National Sales Manager for the Approved Installer Scheme, Amy Grundy, was pleased to issue Clearview PVCu with one of the first welcome packs for a Scottish company: “We're

thrilled to have Clearview PVCu join us as an Approved Installer.

Lawrence's personable and responsible approach to business has led him to commit to using high-spec products from The VEKA UK Group. Now, with the industry's leading marketing support package behind him, we can help develop how Clearview PVCu gets that message across to potential customers and further Lawrence's business in the process. I look forward to issuing many more welcome packs to Scottish installers who follow Clearview PVCu's fine example!”

Besides marketing support, Approved Installers also benefit from valuable sales leads from a dedicated consumer-facing website and a subsidised website design and build service – essential for businesses in the digital age.

Amy continues: “This initiative holds advantages for every link in the supply chain -

The organisation, which was first established twenty one years ago, has revealed that it has now issued over one million combined Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) and Deposit Protection Schemes to homeowners.

The CPA was ensuring its members provided IBG’s that protected consumers long before it became a mandatory requirement; and for the organisation it has always been about adding value.

Jeremy Brett, Director, comments: “When we first achieved the one million combined policies number it really hit home how hard the whole team have worked and how long we’ve been providing IBGs; and other forms of protection and advice to installers and homeowners. Each IBG and scheme has a story behind it and we’re proud to have not only protected this many homeowners but also allowed installers to win more business.”

Clearview PVCu becomes one of the first in Scotland to receive Approved Installer welcome pack North-East Scotland's Clearview PVCu is one of the first Scottish companies to have received its welcome pack after signingup to The VEKA UK Group's Approved Installer initiative.

The Consumer Protection Association (CPA) is celebrating a major milestone that has once again underlined its commitment to helping raise standards in the industry.

Jeremy and the CPA team have always maintained that price can’t be an installers only USP and have worked with its members to not only offer IBGs but a whole host of other support products.

from fabricator to installer to homeowner – and with no fees to sign-up, it's easy to see how we've already Approved 200 companies in just a few months.

It's great to see companies like Clearview PVCu championing the scheme in Scotland – long may it continue!”

Tel: 01282 716611 www.vekauk.com

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0118

“Adding value is a buzz word now but we’ve been doing it for over twenty years. Whether it is marketing support; our reputation; quarterly reports; sales training guides or supporting installers to understand the latest industry legislation – IBGs have always been about a whole package that helps our members stand out from the competition and not just focus on price,” Jeremy says.

The CPA will soon be releasing the results of its annual installer barometer that assesses how installers are feeling about the industry and economy going forward; and Jeremy believes it will be full of optimism.

“All the indicators show us that the economy is moving forward – albeit tentatively. Our members and installers up and down the country are doing the industry proud and I anticipate there will be lots of positivity about 2015,” Jeremy concludes.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0119

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

INSTALLER FOCUS

Installer report reveals optimism across the board but concerns over legislation Installers are overwhelmingly positive about 2015 but have failed to see the benefit of recent legislation changes.

These are the headline findings from the annual Consumer Protection Association installer barometer. The CPA commissioned Insight Data to carry out the extensive report, which asked more than 12,000 installers a series of questions related to business performance and expectations for the years ahead.

The barometer compares business performance between 2013 and 2014 and also asks installers whether they think sales and profits will increase or decrease in 2015. When polled about how business performance in 2014 is comparing with 2013, 59.38% said that profit margins had increased, compared to 6.25% who said they had decreased.

The amount of work available also appears to be increasing, with 51.56% saying that the number of

leads they had received had increased in 2014, compared to 2013; against 4.69% who said they had decreased.

Looking forward sentiment is very positive, with 71.88% saying they expect sales to increase in 2015; with 28.13% saying they will stay about the same and a revealing 0.00% saying they would reduce.

Despite the majority of respondents expecting sales to increase, 62.50% don’t expect the number of staff they employ to increase, suggesting a desire to keep overheads tight and focus on profits.

Those polled were also positive about the industry and UK economy in general, with 53.13% saying that they expect further growth across the industry and 54.69% saying they expected the state of the UK economy to improve going forward.

The much maligned construction industry was also a source of optimism, with 51.56% saying they expected the number of major construction projects to increase.

But despite the positivity about the future of the industry and the UK economy, a high number of

installers – 60.94% - believe that recent legislation changes, such as making IBGs mandatory, were not necessary.

Jeremy Brett, Director at the CPA, comments: “Going forward there is clearly energy and optimism across the industry and the bulk of installers are positive about how their businesses will perform and the future of the UK economy. The report is extensive and gives installers the opportunity to have their say and share their frustrations and views on their business and the industry as a whole. It’s vital that installers have a voice and platform such as this.”

The report is carried out every year by the Consumer Protection Association and is the only barometer focused entirely on installers.

The CPA is the UK’s leading provider of Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) and has been in business for over twenty years. As well as providing guarantees and deposit protection, the CPA also offer marketing support; quarterly assessments; finance options; and support with business growth.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0120

INSTALLER INSIGHTS

INSTALLER INSIGHTS

What does triple glazing mean for you?

In the second in a series of installer focussed articles, Synseal’s Head of Marketing Mark Schlotel examines the issues to consider for installers when it comes to triple glazing, and debates whether it is in fact the best solution for everyone.

The end of the year is often a time for reflection and, in the case of a generally busier 2014, there has been a lot to reflect upon.

One big talking point has undoubtedly been triple glazing, but what does triple mean to you as an installer? At the Triple Glazing Question industry event last April, 75.6% of installers were quoted as feeling there is not a need for triple in the UK. Indeed, our climate may not be demanding enough for it to be a pre-requisite, however, some high profile direct selling national retailers are starting to push the slightly misleading message that “3 is better than 2” which is subsequently raising awareness among homeowners. So, what should you consider?

Is triple for you?

Firstly, you need to know how triple can work for you and your customers. Is it something you could potentially upsell?

We’ve seen a mixed picture at Synseal, with many customers reporting little or no interest from homeowners, and some customers who choose to prominently offer TG options telling us that more than half of their sales are now triple glazed. Whichever camp best describes your business, it’s important to be aware of the practical implications.

methods of holding them in place to ensure there are no breakages.

Specialist hardware is also a concern, as it must be sturdier and stronger than standard hardware to take the weight of the unit.

Speak to your supplier to make sure they are providing suitably robust hardware for your triple glazed windows.

We can help If after careful consideration, you feel a triple glazed offering is right for you, we can help.

Our SynerJy sculptured system can be neatly bead glazed with 36mm triple glass, whilst our Shield and Legend systems can both accommodate 40mm triple glass units, all manufactured in house by our IGU division, Global Glass.

Our latest WarmCore “warm aluminium” folding sliding doors can be optionally glazed with 44mm triple glass, which is widely recognised as the ideal TG specification.

If you don’t feel triple would be a selling point for you – and in many cases ‘clever’ double glazing can offer all the energy efficiency benefits of triple – we offer a wide selection of effective double glazing solutions with multi-chambered frame profiles, Argon or even Krypton gas-filled cavities and warm edge spacer options. And thanks to our 100% recycled Plastic Thermal Reinforcements (PTRs) which are designed to replace steel, your PVC-U windows can even move up one WER band using standard float glass.

So whether double or triple glazed units, Synseal can arm you with the right tools to generate leads and sales, so get in touch with us on the double. Or indeed triple.

Give Synseal a call today on 01623 444 390 for more information or visit www.synseal.com.

Watch your weight Weight is a key factor. Triple glazed frames will be around 50% heavier than a double glazed unit, so you need to have a good Health & Safety system in place for materials handling and more of you on the ground to install. Any profit generated by triple would surely be negated if your back is too injured to carry out further installations.

What about transport? Heavier insulated glass units will require appropriate vans or lorries to get them safely to site and more sturdy

Jeremy Brett.

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

“At the Triple Glazing Question industry event last April, 75.6% of installers were quoted as feeling there is not a need for triple in the UK.”

For more information visit www.synseal.com or contact Synseal on 01623 443200.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0121

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PRODUCT REVIEW – SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

The Radlington Cill

We Take a Look at...

the Best Products

of 2014

traditional look, modern interpretation Old imperial bricks varied in height, metric bricks are 65mm. Old timber cills were deep nose and often aligned with a course of bricks.

At 55mm The Radlington 19th century cill is a modern version of the traditional timber cill and allows for packing, expansion, baypole jacks and irregular mortar.

Installation becomes easier for replacement windows and doors when removing an old timber cill and the end result is noticeably more authentic. For new builds, recreating that traditional aesthetic is now achievable.

A 59mm cill platform means it fits 70mm, 75mm and 100mm frames and with matching foiled

Standard white to match all systems plus a full range of foils is in stock and supplied in small pack quantities, this has all been welcomed by customers and they say the foiled endcaps really are the ultimate finishing touch!

HT LIG L! OT IA SP SPEC The unique Residence 9 range from Glazerite is the latest major step forward in the industry’s quest for traditional realism using modern materials. It is specifically offered only in mechanically-jointed and colour-foiled to replicate precisely a 19th Century timber style, which was originally made with square, not diagonal, joints and always painted, never stained, as Glazerite Director Jason Thompson explained: “Some others may offer a similar window with

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Extruded on a through colour base to match the foil and with weldable reinforcement manufacturing time is reduced, combined with the unique internal trim that avoids the need to stock endless colour variants and also covers the internal weld sprue.

Gareth Mobley, CEO of the Solidor Group says “Compared to the generic slimline cills, there is simply no comparison.”

GLAZERITE AND RESIDENCE 9 – THE PERFECT COMBINATION It’s been described as the most authentic classical window ever seen in PVC-U – and the Residence 9 flush sash system is available with the backing of one of the UK’s most respected fabricators – Glazerite Windows Ltd.

endcaps you can give a superior finish to any installation.

conventional diagonal welds, and there are many fairly authentic window systems already on the market but we believe the Residence 9 fabricated by Glazerite stands above these.”

Glazerite also faithfully replicates traditional opening mechanisms and hardware. The window carries a very upto-date ‘A’ Rating as standard with 28mm double glazing or can achieve 0.8U-Value with 44mm triple glazed – meeting Passivhaus requirements – and its robust design achieves one of the highest results in weather tests.

This superb product is backed up with stunning marketing support and literature, and an impressive number of consumer leads that are being generated for installers by the bespoke R9 website. www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

Quickslide – the vs that ticks all the boxes We all know what consumers want in a window – looks, energy efficiency, security... and of course value for money. But there was a time when if you wanted a Vertical Sliding Sash, you had little hope of ticking all four boxes with one window.

That has now changed after Quickslide invested over a decade in evolving a window with great looks, performance and a price that puts it at the centre of any installer’s armoury and well within reach of almost any homeowner.

same time, PVC-U sliders either looked boxy and artificial or cost a fortune.

But we looked at the whole thing and said it really need not be that way.”

The result is a range of VSs with an authentic appearance that is the envy of the industry, at a price that makes them

a credible part of any installer’s offering, yet with a potential of achieving BFRC Rating of A+8 in some styles as well as other A and B Rated styles – all backed by the level of technical support that Quickslide customers have come to see as standard.

Quickslide Chairman Adrian Barraclough explained: “Not long ago, the Vertical Sliding Sash was almost unheard of outside the heritage and restoration industry. At the

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Introducing Powdertech

PWF Roughwood

Powdertech Wood Finish (PWF) continues to be one of Powdertech (Corby) Ltd’s most popular ranges. So much so that we have extended the range with PWF Roughwood, adding the subtle texture of wood and new shades.

Roughwood can be applied to most metallic substrates including aluminium, galvanized steel, cast metals and stainless steel.

PWF’s appeal and versatility have seen it used for many applications from solar shading and curtain wall, to door furniture and hand rails.

PWF is also popular in retail display and restaurants as well as home and office interiors.

Wherever the appearance

of wood is desired but metal is needed, perhaps due to fire safety hazards, the cost, or strength issues, PWF neatly solves the problem.

In a recent project we used Roughwood to coat the mullion and transom cappings within the new grass-roofed and oak-beamed Gloucester Services motorway service station.

By combining the strength and versatility of metal, with the Roughwood finish, there was no jarring effect of introducing metal into the natural looking interior.

We are very proud of our PWF range, a unique high performance coating with all the expected benefits.

For more information on Roughwood, the full PWF range and our other finishes please contact Richard Besant on 01536 400890; richard.b@powdertech. co.uk or visit www. powdertechcorby.co.uk.

PRODUCT REVIEW – SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL

SGG UNVEILS COOL-LITE® SKN STADIP® PRODUCTS TO COMBINE SOLAR CONTROL WITH SAFETY AND ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE Saint-Gobain Glass has brought together the acclaimed high performance solar control properties of COOL-LITE® SKN with the acoustic and safety benefits of its STADIP® range to offer COOLLITE® SKN STADIP® 165 and COOL-LITE® SKN STADIP® 174.

come from the use of two panes of glass with a PVB interlayer. Alternatively, in conjunction with STADIP® Protect, they can achieve P1A and P2A security accreditation for BS EN 356. By reducing solar gain, the products minimise the need for air conditioning, so helping to cut energy use and CO2 emissions.

The new additional benefits bring optimised sound insulation, safety and security benefits as well as reducing both solar gain and UV penetration to the commercial market, said Adrian Adams, Market Manager for Better Working at Saint-Gobain Glass: “Architects and specifiers are already very familiar with the advanced properties of the two separate ranges. Now, with COOL-LITE® SKN

COOL-LITE® SKN STADIP® 165 and COOLLITE® SKN STADIP® 174 are the latest in a series of market-leading product innovations from SaintGobain Glass which include COOL-LITE® SKN 176 II, the UK’s most neutral high performance solar control product that can achieve a light transmission of 70% combined with a g-value of 0.37.

STADIP® 165 and COOLLITE® SKN STADIP® 174 they can have the best of both in a single product, opening up potential for a whole range of additional applications.”

The acoustic benefits of COOL-LITE® SKN STADIP® 165 and COOLLITE® SKN STADIP® 174, used in conjunction with STADIP® Silence,

www.saint-gobain-glass.co.uk

GLAZERITE OFFERS SOLIDOR RANGE IN FS AND BEVELLED VEKA FRAMES

NEW WAVE FROM GLAZERITE – THE ULTIMATE SLIDE & SWING

Trade fabricator Glazerite Windows Ltd’s extensive door offering includes the acclaimed Solidor range in a VEKA outer frame, and is available in both fully sculptured and bevelled, as well as the Solidor Residence 9 door.

First came French doors, then sliding patio doors, then bi-folds ...but now comes the New Wave slide and swing patio door from Glazerite Windows Ltd.

The Glazerite Solidor is available in all inside/ outside combinations of 17 colours including Aubergine and Duck Egg Blue, with a full 10-year guarantee and a turnaround of 10 working days for UK orders. The product uses the Solidor branding and marketing literature which has a very strong reputation in both the domestic and trade markets.

Glazerite Director Jason Thompson said: “We feel that Solidor’s unique 48mm solid timber core construction

offers installers a valuable alternative to the 44mm GRP composite door in our range.”

The Solidor range was launched by Glazerite at the same time as the unique Residence 9 flush sash window system, Jason added, so the addition of the Solidor Residence 9 door soon after was a natural extension of both strategic partnerships.

Glazerite is the largest trade VEKA fabricator in the UK, with a reputation for unsurpassed customer service as well as a comprehensive product range with a fully nationwide service based on manufacturing units in Northants and Greater Manchester and a distribution hub in Bristol. www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

This impressive door combines the best of bifolds, patio and French doors because each leaf can be independently swung open, slid sideways or both, giving versatility and ease of use in openings up to six metres in width.

Glazerite Director Jason Thompson said: “This really is a true alternative to the traditional options available, with a unique action that has to be seen to be believed. Like a bifold, it gives uninterrupted access and panoramic views, but with the added versatility of swinging or sliding doors.”

Glazerite is equipping the New Wave doors with Maco CTS door locks, SFS 2D hinges and Fab & Fix hardware.

Frames are based on the acclaimed VEKA 70mm fully sculptured system and the door mechanism uses the Magnaline slide and stack technology.

New Wave from Glazerite is available for openings sized from 1,200mm to 6,000mm, using anything from two to seven door leaves, and in 36 colour combinations in all foil or foil on white options from the entire VEKA Variations range. Each comes with a ten-year guarantee, including all hardware.

Take a look at New Wave in action on: http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=1n1jj51l_D4. www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

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PRODUCT REVIEW – SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL

One day all windows will be installed this way

Thermobar Warm Edge Spacer – 0.14W/mK!

“One day all windows will be installed this way,” predicts Alan Fielder, Director of Sales and Marketing at the recent launch of TruFit by Edgetech UK, a Quanex company.

Thermobar Warm Edge Spacer, manufactured by Thermoseal Group, is officially at the top of the list of the most thermally efficient spacer systems as per figures published on the new Bundesverband Flachglas (BF) Data Sheet – 0.14W/mK. Thermobar has been engineered using thermoplastic tube and an integrated nonmetallic gas diffusion barrier.

It is the preferred choice of many sealed unit manufacturers because of its handling advantages: It can be stapled without cracking and breaking easily; There are no issues with hot melt bubbling on the edges of units due to inefficient breather holes in the spacer; It requires no costly investment in machinery; It is safe and easy to saw without the safety requirement of air extraction; it is bendable; the price is very competitive; it can be inkjet-printed for free; and it can also be supplied with pre-applied PIB tape.

As well as all these advantages, it is manufactured in the UK by a British company, Thermoseal Group.

Thermobar is available in Black, Grey and White in sizes 7.5mm – 19.5mm (4mm also available in black) as well as a wide range of bespoke accessories manufactured

by Thermoseal Group’s expanding injection moulding division. Accessories include: Corner Keys; Flexi Keys; Gas Keys; Gas Fittings; Duplex Fittings (new sizes released this year) and New Warm Edge Interbar and fittings.

THE VEKA IMAGINE BI-FOLD FROM GLAZERITE Leading Trade fabricator Glazerite Windows Ltd is keeping its installer partners ahead of the market with the Imagine bi-fold door from VEKA. Imagine was launched in 2014 by the VEKA UK group in response to forecasts that PVC-U bi-folds will account for over a quarter of the patio/sliding doors market in volume and over half by value in the next 2 years. It is a completely bespoke system, with every profile made specifically for this product and is, in Glazerite’s view, the best PVC-U Bi-fold on the market.

It has achieved Secured by Design status and Glazerite is one of very few in the UK to hold this accreditation on bi-folding doors.

Imagine from Glazerite is available in fully sculptured or bevelled, with up to seven

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The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

In tests Edgetech demonstrated that TruFit is the best way to install windows for energy efficiency. And it has the added benefit of being quick – up to 20 percent faster – simple and very clean to fit, providing a professional finish.

TruFit is a pre-compressed foam sealing tape for window and door installation.

energy rating performance and a long-life weather seal.

The results in thermal imaging are impressive.

Tests of installations with traditional sealant showed how much heat is lost at the edge of the windows.

When the same window was fitted using TruFit there was on average 23 percent less heat lost around the window fitted.

It’s not a question of good or bad installation techniques. TruFit works by expanding to effectively seal all gaps and spaces between the frame and wall. It not only saves money for installers and property owners it’s also a great sales opportunity.

Don’t just fit it, TruFit it!

It provides an effective thermal barrier at the edge gap between the window or door frame and the reveal. This ensures true

New ModLok ™ Bi-folding Door

sashes on a maximum 14 configurations, opening inside or out. It is also the only bi-folding door system to offer all three threshold variations: standard, Part M wheelchair compliant or ultra low as in internal room divider.

It was also developed in association with lock manufacturer ERA and comes with a five-star security guarantee including 24/7 help, up to £1,000 excess back-up on home insurance, up to £1,000 towards repair or replacement and £1,000 inconvenience compensation in the event of a lock component failing.

The Imagine bi-fold is also backed by an extensive marketing programme from VEKA.

At Liniar we have pushed the boundaries of product development once again with a further new incarnation of the bi-folding door concept.

Our new ModLok ™ bi fold door is designed to take our fabricators into new areas not historically available to suppliers of PVCu bi-folding doors, enabling them to access every part of the wider market.

It comes with a fully patented Aluminium

exo-skeleton meaning that ‘PVCu’ bi-folds can now reach the same size parameters as their Aluminium counterparts.

Available with 2 to 7 pane options the new door can accommodate wider individual sashes, and comes with the highest security and strength; strength from the door’s reinforcing being combined with its locking mechanism, and security from integral shoot-bolts with opposing

action hooks along with anti-bump and anti-snap cylinders.

A vast array of colours: The new ModLok ™ door comes with the widest range of colour options to meet the demands of both the consumer and commercial markets where colour choice has become such a big part of the buying process.

Outstanding Thermal Efficiency: The ModLok ™ bi-folding door is also extremely thermally efficient with options for double glazing and triple glazing to enable the lowest U values to be achieved.

Tel: 01332 883900 Email: sales@liniar.co.uk www.liniar.co.uk

www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Supalite Tiled Roof System One of the fastest growing products of 2014 the Supalite Tiled Roof System is perfect for those installers who want to be confident they are offering products which have been approved and certified by the relevant authorities.

Fully approved by LABC Supalite is ideal for new build as well as being a ready made replacement for existing roofs, helping to convert conservatories into all year round living spaces.

for homeowners wanting to gain much more from their existing conservatory.

Outstanding thermal performance…

What’s more Supalite delivers outstanding thermal performance; with U value ratings as low as 0.15wmk2 available for the most extreme environments, and 0.18wmk2 as standard, the roof fully complies with all existing UK building regulations.

Outstanding range of colour options…

Its consumer appeal is heightened further by the choice of colour options and tile and slate variations available making it wholly flexible to meet individual consumer choices. There are five colours of tile and a further four natural effect slate options. www.supaliteroof.co.uk Telephone: 01772 828060 info@supaliteroof.co.uk

Whether you are thinking about launching a brand new product and want to gauge interest from your direct customers or the wider industry in general; or whether you want to undertake a customer satisfaction survey to understand whether your product and service offerings meet the expectations of your customers The Independent Ratings Company packages offer you wide ranging research options, bespoke reporting, and analysis.

For more information get in touch with The Independent Ratings Company.

W www.theindependentratingscompany.co.uk E sales@theindependentratingscompany.co.uk T 0161 266 1006

PARSOL ULTRA GREY from SaintGobain brings a new depth to the design potential of tinted glass, offering the most intense grey tint on the market but with all the same creative processing options of a high quality clear float glass.

Also, being a true body-tint means it can give anything from light grey to a virtually opaque appearance reminiscent of black onyx, simply by varying the thickness.

Truedor - Outstanding Range

of Composite Doors launched by IG Doors The secret was revealed well and truly in 2014 with IG doors unveiling their brand new outstanding range of Composite Doors developed specifically for the trade market.

Truedor is an entirely new range of doors with over 30 exciting new styles, and more to come, and over 50 glass patterns all available as standard.

The Truedor range is ideal for its time; there are three very distinct ranges in the portfolio to suit the needs of property owners with their own particular requirements. There is the ‘traditional’ range with 19 styles already available and with more to follow; there really is something for everybody in this range, and it includes a dazzling array of colour options and glazing specifications.

This unrivalled density of grey adds even more versatility to the designer’s use of sheet glass for anything from shower screens, interior dividers and all kinds of furniture to a number of exterior architectural applications, said SaintGobain Glass Interiors Market Manager Jenni Bailey:

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

Market Research and Customer Satisfaction Surveys have proved extremely popular during 2014 with leading names in the industry engaging directly with their customers to gauge their opinions.

Market research and customer satisfaction survey packages include tailored topics and questions to ensure you get the best information possible from your customers; a proven method of communicating with your customers to ensure you get the highest response rates; and detailed reporting to give you all the analysis you require.

SAINT-GOBAIN GOES DARKER WITH PARSOL ULTRA GREY

PARSOL ULTRA GREY is the latest addition to Saint-Gobain’s growing interior

Market Research & Customer Satisfaction Surveys

Companies find the reports, feedback and analysis from their customers to be extremely beneficial in shaping their future; while customers take great confidence that their key suppliers have taken the time and the trouble to ask for their opinions in the first place. It is a sign that you care about what your customers think, and that you value their opinions.

Offering vaulted ceilings to create internal space and lighting options, other homeowner friendly features such as an option to install LED down lighters externally into its unique fascia detail, large roof vents to allow the maximum amount of natural light, and a complete range of colour matched ancillaries makes Supalite the perfect choice

“A tinted variant of SGG Planiclear, it can be curved, tempered, sand blasted, screen printed or processed in all the same ways as a conventional clear glass. This gives the designer a whole array of creative options along with the assurance of a tried and trusted material.”

PRODUCT REVIEW – SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL

range and offers a light reflectance of 4% and a transmittance ranging from 10% at 4mm thick down to less than 0.5% at 10mm. The level of privacy can also be controlled by varying the level of light in front of and behind the glass. www.saint-gobain-glass.co.uk

The ‘Cottage’ range has been designed specifically for a niche market which has very bespoke requirements; more than any other this type of property has benefitted from the home makeover boom, and IG doors is delighted to have a range which meets its particular needs.

ideally suited to those wanting to make the entrance to their home truly modern in its look and feel.

Finally the ‘Contemporary’ range, a selection of doors designed for a new era, with sleek lines and striking designs is

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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

SENIOR SAYS ‘YOU’RE HIRED’ TO APPRENTICE Never mind Alan Sugar and the return of BBC’s The Apprentice - glazing systems designer and manufacturer Senior Architectural Systems has taken on an apprentice of its own, who will gain a comprehensive knowledge of the construction industry from the firm’s South Yorkshire base.

Apprentice Chris Kenyon will spend time within each department at Senior’s Denaby facility - where it manufactures aluminium systems for use in construction - to gain an overall view of company processes.

The 19-year-old, from Swallownest, in Rotherham, will complete placements in the sales department, on the shop floor and in the packing and painting facility before joining the company’s estimating department, where he will complete his apprenticeship.

Did you know?

Chris will also spend one day a week studying for a Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering from Sheffield College, which will involve modules in health, safety and welfare, sustainable construction and surveying processes.

James Keeling-Heane, sales director at Senior, said: “We are delighted to have taken Chris on as an apprentice and look forward to helping him develop valuable skills and knowledge so he can build a career here at Senior.”

Chris said: “This apprenticeship has given me a great opportunity to forge a career and I look forward to learning more about the company and to developing my skill set, which will be of great benefit to both me and to Senior.”

For more information on Senior and its full range of products and services please visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0122

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!

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Window & Door expert, Chris Ross, appointed as new Customer Services Manager at Lancashire Trade Frames Lancashire Trade Frames, in their continuing efforts to provide an even better service, have announced the appointment of Chris Ross to the new position of Customer Services Manager.

Chris Ross has worked in the window industry for over 25 years, with brands such as Spectus and others within the Epwin Group portfolio. With extensive experience in product development, he is the perfect choice to assist the company’s growing customer base with their day to day needs. From aluminium bi-folds, to casements, composite doors or conservatories, customers can have peace of mind, knowing that the more technical nature of their queries will be expertly handled and that the order process will be seamless, and their deliveries on time and in full.

In addition to significant product and industry knowledge, Chris also brings a customer centric approach to the position.

This will help to drive forward the business’s ongoing service excellence program.

Lancashire Trade Frames are committed to their customers, working to promote their success in the increasingly busy, but always demanding, construction industry.

Chris commented on his appointment, “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to further develop the service excellence culture at Lancashire Trade Frames. The products that LTF offer are recognised as second to none in the industry. And, with some exciting new developments just around the corner, it is a great time to be joining the company.”

Mark Rowland, Lancashire Trade Frames’ Managing Director, speaking about the appointment, said: “We are delighted to have secured Chris for this role. With his product knowledge and reputation for customer care, he will be a great addition to our expanding team.”

For more information contact Joanna Hankinson on 07703 642052.

“From aluminium bi-folds, to casements, composite doors or conservatories, customers can have peace of mind.”

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0123

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

RECRUITMENT

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

NEW APPOINTMENT

NEW APPOINTMENT

NEW APPOINTMENT

PROMOTION MORE SALES MEANS MORE STAFF BRITISH GLASS TO DIRECTOR FOR EVER-GROWING GLAZERITE ELECTS NEW FOR SYNSEAL’S PRESIDENT STEVE BROWN Glazerite Windows Ltd has boosted its workforce by nearly 25% in 2014 to stay ahead of growing demand for its expanding product range.

The trade fabricator has taken on 39 more people in this year alone, taking the total over 200, to stay on course for its target of £21million sales for 2014 – and now looks set to hit or even surpass that target.

Key management appointments, including some newly-created positions, were backed by recruitment to staff the company’s Specials factory, opened in May to focus on newly launched ranges in the year and a dedicated Sliding Sash line.

Steve Brown has been promoted to the role of Products and Customer Service Director at Synseal.

Ever since joining Synseal from local systems company neighbours Eurocell in 2011, Steve has headed up Synseal’s product development, technical, quality, order processing and customer service teams in the busy role of Head of Customer Care and Product Strategy.

As Synseal operations have evolved and grown, Steve has overseen substantial reorganisation of the diverse teams under his control to meet the changing needs of the business.

Derbyshire-based Steve has also led the charge in driving through new product development and his creative thinking led to the recent introduction of WarmCore, Synseal’s innovative new “warm aluminium” folding sliding door range.

With 25 years of experience working in the UK window industry, Steve is a wellknown figure and he has played an active part on the Synseal Operations Board for several years, prior to moving up to his new position with full Directorship status.

David Leng, Synseal’s Chief Executive, comments: “This appointment reflects Steve’s growing strategic contribution to our business and all the Directors join me in congratulating Steve on this important and well-deserved step in his career at Synseal.”

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0124

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

Glazerite Director Jason Thompson said: “Sales have been growing for many years but the market really took off for us and our customers in 2013 so we launched a major recruitment drive to make sure our customers are in the best position to take advantage of this. We are also forecasting further growth in demand in the next few years and aim to be fully prepared for this.”

Among the appointments was Lee Albright as North West General Manager, in charge of the Bolton manufacturing unit which has seen production increase by over a third in the last year. In three new positions, David Matthews is HR Manager, Michael Brown takes Digital Marketing and Chris Price rejoins the company to be Operations Manager. Also Paddy Dixon becomes Purchasing Manager and Richard Day takes the new dedicated role of Transport & Logistics Manager, which was formerly split with H&S.

Glazerite’s New Starters (L to R) Richard Day, Michael Brown, Chris Price, Paddy Dixon and David Matthews.

The Specials unit, staffed by 18 appointments and internal moves, produces Glazerite’s newly-launched Residence 9 flush sash window and VEKA Imagine Bi-fold system as well as giving existing Sliding sash production its own dedicated line and staff for the first time. The forecast target will see sales put on 17.5% year on year, just the latest in a series of double-digit increases that have marked the company’s history since its beginnings in the year 2000.

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.

Dave Dalton, CEO of British Glass with new President, Davia Walmsley.

Davia Walmsley, Creative Director at Daedalian Glass Ltd, has been voted in as President of the British Glass Manufacturers’ Confederation at the trade associations’ Members Meeting, held on 6th November at the Mercure St Paul’s Hotel, Sheffield.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0125

This will be effective from 1st January 2015 for two years and will see Davia work closely with the team at British Glass to promote glass as a material in all its forms and applications, raising the profile of the industry.

Winkhaus adds 50 years of experience to the team

Davia is the driving force behind Daedalian as co-director and creative head of the business. Educated at Hornsey College of Art in ceramics and glass, Davia moved around the UK, building her skills and knowledge in glass art, until settling on the Fylde Coast in Lancashire and founding Daedalian Glass Design with her husband, Chris.

www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

NEW APPOINTMENT

Multi point lock specialist Winkhaus UK has made two new senior sales appointments. Gareth Turner has joined as Project Manager, covering the North West and Andrew Oldham as Project Manager for South Wales and the South West.

The appointments have been made to take advantage of improvements in existing markets and to help with the strategic direction, which focuses heavily on breaking new markets.

When combined, the experience that Andrew and Gareth have in the door and window hardware industry is 50 years.

Andrew comments: “I am delighted to have joined Winkhaus as I have coveted this position for a number of years. It is evident from being here only a couple of months how the strong culture of partnership, innovation and quality is at the forefront of everything the company tries to achieve.”

Gareth Comments: “It’s exciting to have joined a company like Winkhaus.”

“The business is 160 years strong and has a history of innovation and working together with its customers to achieve long-term growth with advanced locking solutions.”

The new appointments come as the national economy continues to gather momentum and Commercial Director at Winkhaus Justin Harris feels they will make a big difference.

He comments: “Both Andrew and Gareth bring lots of experience to the role and as we continue to expand and grow as a business through entering new markets, they will both play a pivotal role.”

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0126

Davia has continued to expand her repertoire of glass design skills, travelling the world learning new techniques and styles in Germany, Switzerland, Italy and America; and educating new generations of glass designers.

Dave Dalton, CEO of British Glass, said: “We are delighted that Davia will be our President for the forthcoming two years. With a wealth of experience working in the glass industry and a passion for inspiring the next generation to join the sector, she has much to offer as our President.”

The first female President of British Glass in its 100 year history, Davia is also keen to support the organisations’ Women in Manufacturing initiative, which aims to attract, support and retain women into roles in manufacturing across all job roles and levels.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0127

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RECRUITMENT

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

PEOPLE POWER IN 2015!

Ensuring you have the right number and calibre of people within your business in 2015 could make the difference between an average year and a great year, according to Chase Taylor, the glazing and fenestration industry’s true HR and recruitment specialists.

With the prospects for 2015 looking particularly good in the respective glazing, construction and home improvement sectors, companies are now gearing up for a year of growth which will inevitably result in an increased need for additional staff.

Yet to realise the opportunities for growth, companies should now be looking at their staffing requirements throughout all business processes and importantly adding those who have the attributes and skill set to deliver.

Getting good staff is now harder than ever and Chase Taylor have put into place an infrastructure and process with a team of seven professionals to help find the very best people for roles in the industry. They have built a database of over 2,000 people and have supported this with an investment in several licenses from the UK’s leading recruitment websites, giving them access to over 8 million CV’s. The team are also highly active through social media platforms, industry networking events and have recently exhibited at the FIT Show.

It’s not necessarily about just finding another member of staff, but being able to identify the one most suited to the needs of the client, as the cost of employing the wrong person

can be significant in terms of opportunities lost and mistakes made. The role of Chase Taylor is to expertly search all corners of the industry and indeed the recruitment sector as a whole to find the very best candidates.

Choosing an industry specialist in recruitment has been valuable to a wide number of clients over recent years and Chase Taylor has bought a refreshing, modest and professional attitude to recruitment.

The company is also the only recruitment company within the glazing industry to be a member of a professional body, in this case the REC. This is the professional body dedicated to representing the interests of the UK’s £19.7 billion recruitment industry.

Mat Gibson, managing director of Chase Taylor comments: ‘2015 will be a big year for the industry and one which will see the market in general prosper. Harnessing people power in your business will help you achieve your goals and to exploit the market opportunities that will inevitably come our way and we have an expert team at hand to support this.’

To find out more what Chase Taylor can do for either companies seeking a new position to fill or for individuals looking to enhance their career then call 01543 897800 or e-mail enquiries@chasetaylor.co.uk in the strictest of confidence. Alternatively look at www. chasetaylor.co.uk for the latest jobs or follow them on Twitter @Mat_Chasetaylor.

NEW APPOINTMENT

NEW APPOINTMENT

AWARD WINNING MARKETING AGENCY ANNOUNCES

NEW APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

Four Apprentices have been recruited by Purplex Marketing, which launched in 2004 and now employs over 40 people.

The specialist window industry PR, marketing and digital agency has taken on four IT Apprentices as part of its ambitious growth strategy.

Purplex, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, was founded

by Andrew Scott who has

unveiled plans to double its 40-strong staff by 2017 in areas such as web design, search engine marketing, app development and social media.

The company works with clients across the glass and glazing industry on marketing strategy, design, PR, as well as digital marketing.

Andrew said: “I am delighted to welcome the four new apprentices. Our

digital marketing division continues to grow rapidly as we attract new clients from across the UK and Europe. It is essential that we develop our team to keep pace with growth and new technologies, and introducing apprenticeships will help train the next generation of digital marketing experts.”

James Wilmot, Apprenticeships Recruitment Coordinator at Weston College, who provided the apprentices, said: “Apprenticeship applications have risen considerably because businesses like Purplex are seeing the benefits. They can mould someone to the company’s needs and put them at the heart of their business.”

Tel: 01934 808132 www.purplexmarketing.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0129

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READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0128

CHARLOTTE TAKES THE MARKETING EDGE With more than 7 years’ experience providing marketing support to customers of Edgetech UK, a Quanex Company, Charlotte Davies has been promoted to the newly created position of Marketing Manager.

Edgetech has developed a reputation for tackling some of the industry’s toughest challenges and Charlotte has played an active role in delivering marketing campaigns that engage with customers and other businesses within the supply chain.

In the new role, Charlotte will work with the sales and marketing team to further develop the award winning, free marketing support for customers, including brochures, extended warranty and sales leads from Edgetech.

Charlotte has implemented the marketing for several large events aimed at supporting customers through changes to the industry, including ‘Ricoh Revisited: Energy Efficiency in Focus’, Journey to C and one of the largest industry events of the year, The Triple Glazing Question which dominated the trade press for more than six months and provided essential information about the challenges and opportunities of triple glazing.

Most recently Charlotte has been overseeing the marketing for the launch of four new products aimed at IGU manufacturers, fabricators and installers. TruFit, TruShield,

Charlotte Davies.

TruSieve and Super Spacer Alpha were launched at a customer event held at a boutique hotel in Manchester.

“I’m really pleased for Charlotte. Her new role is very well deserved,” says Andy Jones, Managing Director of Edgetech. “This year has been one of the most exciting in terms of the marketing support and products we have offered to customers. First with the Triple Glazing Question, then with the sales tools we offered at The FIT Show and now with a new range of added value products to help customers differentiate themselves from their competitors.”

Tel: 08700 566844 READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0130

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

experts in finding the best glazing jobs and vacancies in the UK

Contact Bill Pratt, Ten Human Resources | Tel: 01454 418855 | Email: bill@tenhr.co.uk | Visit: www.tenhr.co.uk

WHY CHOOSE TEN?

We work with many of the leading companies in the window industry and we believe we have a knack for finding the right person, for the right job.

Bill & Jude established the recruitment agency in 1999.

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

1214/0131

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RECRUITMENT

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NEW APPOINTMENT

NEW APPOINTMENT

Emplas appoints new National Sales Manager Emplas has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Jody Vincent as its new National Sales Manager.

Jody, who entered the industry as a fabricator for Peterborough-based Omega, joined the Emplas team in 2010 is promoted to the new role, from his previous post as area sales manager.

Commenting on his appointment he said Emplas was committed to working in partnership with its customers to support their continued growth.

He said: “In my new role I’m personally much more focussed on business development, working with existing and new customers to help and support them deliver new growth, which is very rewarding.

“This is very much our focus going forward. We launched the Emplas Installer Partnership at the end of summer, which reiterates our commitment to our customers and in driving-up the standard of service quality and support that the industry offers to installers.”

SOLIDOR’S NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR

The Emplas Installer Partnership, offers installers exclusive sales areas, a free website, search engine optimisation and copywriting, plus dedicated marketing collateral including their own-branded protective tape, retail brochures and point of sale material.

Qualifying installers get a free PC, laptop or tablet to allow them to access Emplas’ 24/7 online and order tracking service. They also get exclusive access one of the industry’s most competitively priced composite door ranges alongside one of the UK’s largest product portfolios.

The scheme also draws on the direct retail experience developed by Emplas through its own Northamptonshire-only retail business and G12 Installer of the Year, T&K. Mike Crewdson, Emplas Sales and Marketing Director, said: “We have always prided ourselves on the level of support we offer to our customers. I don’t think that there is a fabricator out there who understands retail better.

“And there are also very few National Sales Managers who understand it or fabrication better than Jody. He’s proved himself an absolute asset to the team and I have no doubts that he will continue to do so as he leads it forward in the future.”

A poll last year revealed that Emplas’ product quality was rated good or excellent by 98.7 per cent of its customers compared to an industry average of 79.2 per cent. It also scored an enviable 99.3 per cent figure for complete and on time deliveries compared to an 84.6 per cent industry average.

To find our more follow #InstallerPartnership or @emplaswindows.

For more information visit www.emplas.co.uk , email info@emplas.co.uk or call 01933 674880.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0132

From left to right: Gareth Mobley, Solidor Group CEO with Joe Martoccia.

Solidor Group are pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Martoccia, as their new managing director, effective 15th December, 2014. Joe is a respected industry leader and brings considerable expertise and experience within the building, construction and home improvement markets to the composite door pioneer, which combined with significant investment from NorthEdge Capital, will build on Solidor’s market leading position.

Joe will be joining Solidor at a time when they are continuing to experience strong growth for their solid-core composite doors and it’s a business that’s steeped in success, thanks to their unique feature packed product and award-winning marketing campaigns. Joe’s appointment sends out a very clear message to the market that Solidor is committed to maximising the investment by DW3 Product Group and NorthEdge, both in terms of its ongoing product development but also its market penetration.

Joe Martoccia, comments: ‘Solidor is an impressive business by any measure and has all the attributes to deliver incredible growth

over the next couple of years. It’s vital that we stay focused on our unrivalled innovation and product development strategy, but work hard to deliver the ultimate retail experience for our customers. Exciting times are ahead for Solidor and our loyal network of retailers.’

Gareth Mobley, CEO concludes: ‘We’ve hand picked Joe to become the new managing director of Solidor at a time when having a great team is of paramount importance during the next phase of our growth. I’ll also be involved with DW3 Product Group, so for me it is key to have a top operator like Joe at my side to help us to achieve our big plans for the group. He has the passion, respect and ability to take the business further forward for many years to come and we’re thrilled he’s joining us.’

For further information on Solidor then log on to www.solidor.co.uk, e-mail enquiries@ solidor.co.uk or call their sales office on 01782 847300. You can also add to their Twitter following @solidorltd.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0133

NEED TO TARGET INSTALLERS?

Find local installers and the elusive white van man, with Glass News. We distribute to trade counters, as well as posting copies to a database of installers.

15,000 circulation!

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GQA NEWSLETTER

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DECEMBER 2014 MTC’s – Do you know enough about them? We are working with Fensa & Assure on their schemes. Contact GQA to discuss on 0114 2720033

Prospect Windows Embrace

Qualification Achievement It was a family affair for Prospect Windows of Leek Staffordshire when they looked at personal development and meeting the new industry requirements for members of competent person schemes. Geoff Hodkinson, the business owner, and his three sons, John, Shaun and Ryan all registered on the GQA NVQ level 2 Fenestration Installation and Glass Related Operations Technical Certificate in 2013 and, working with GQA approved centre PM Training, achieved their qualifications in September of this year.

Simon Smith, Assessor for PM Training said: “From a personal point of view it’s great to see companies like Prospect Windows welcome the changes within the industry and take the right steps to up-skill staff and recognise their competence levels. It was evident from the offset that John was very proactive and wanted to set the wheels in motion for all staff members to be assessed,” with Simon continuing “this approach was very refreshing and made the whole process a pleasure”.

Geoff did however have a few reservations on the policing of the individuals who had achieved the MTC or relevant qualifications and said “I hope that those who don’t comply get frowned upon in the industry, because the industry has been crying out for something like this for a long time and it would be unfair on those who have committed to it.” Geoff also said “we could have gone down the MTC route, but I felt that the qualification was more sought after and if you are going to do something then do it properly and get qualified”.

Prospect Windows were very impressed with the way PM Training handled the whole process,

from the original sign up, through assessment and eventually certification. Geoff has already put himself at the top of the list to register on the GQA Surveying qualification and is hopeful of starting early in 2015.

Simon said: “How Geoff has committed himself in the past, it is going to be a pleasure to work with Prospect Windows in the future”.

Asbestos – Ignore it at your Peril!

I recently attended an event hosted by the Harrogate Health and Safety forum and supported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The course was well presented and focused on legislation within industry and clarified details for contractors working with asbestos and asbestos based materials.

The HSE provided shocking information and figures showing that more than 4500 deaths occurred in 2013 as a direct result of contractors and other persons working with, or having contact with, asbestos.

Put that figure into context with 133 work related deaths that were recorded from all other working environments in 2013, and you can fully understand why the HSE rate the hazards for those working with asbestos potentially above those working in the nuclear environment. (These figures are expected to rise year on year).

fully trained and approved licensed contractors, and the type of works that could be carried out by non-licensed contractors, indicating that the non-licensed contractors must have had some form of recognised training.

We all recognise risk assessment – risk assessment is relevant in all walks of life, and it was interesting to find out what is taken into account during asbestos related assessments. The following are all factors taken into consideration as part of the full risk assessment: • the types of asbestos, • the condition of the existing materials, • likelihood of air borne spores, • measurement of air and the particles recorded within their findings,

The presentation also gave information on licensed approved contractors and non-licensed contractors; explaining why some work can only be carried out by

• the amount of time exposed to asbestos over a working day or week.

To clarify, for those working within the Fenestration related industry the types of work that could potentially be carried out by non-licensed contractors are those works involving cement based products mainly found within some soffits and fascia’s, rain water systems and roofing. Please remember non-licensed contractors must be trained, there is clear guidance for this in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

The presentation provided far more valuable information that is relevant to all of us involved with assessment and training. Asbestos is an issue that you will come across and being able to give reliable and informed feedback is important.

This area is one that GQA intend to offer CPD sessions in order to support our Approved Centres in the delivery of our qualifications.

Andy Carrington GQA EQA

Regency Glass celebrate First Level 3 Glass Related Distribution & Warehousing Achievement Daniel Aspden of Regency Glass was recently presented with his GQA certificate after achieving the GQA Level 3 Glass Related Distribution and Warehousing qualification with North Lancs Training Group.

Daniel, who works in the despatch department at the Leigh based company, is the first candidate to achieve this qualification via the NLTG advanced apprenticeship scheme. He has completed GQA qualifications at Level 2 and 3 in Glass Processing previously and was keen to add the Glass Warehousing qualification to his

CV when it became available. Daniel said “I am proud to be the first to achieve this via NLTG and am always looking to improve my skills; I know that the GQA qualifications are widely recognised and was recently surprised to find that on a 12 month working visit to Australia my Glass Processing certificate got me a job over there”.

Regency Glass has been consistently committed to the GQA suite of qualifications and NLTG apprenticeships of which 40 members of staff have now completed. Production Director Wayne Fitzmartin said “since we began with

the apprenticeship scheme around 12 years ago we have made it a policy to offer it to all staff and include this in the initial training plan for new staff; the apprenticeships have made a difference, staff are motivated and have a better depth of knowledge of health and safety and waste management, as well as understanding the importance of team work. During this period we have worked closely with NLTG and in particular Paul Fairhurst and Jennifer Wray and would like to thank them for their support and commitment.”

Regency Glass have recently nominated a further 19 candidates for the apprenticeship scheme.

Tel: 0114 2720033 | Fax: 0114 2768466 Web: www.gqaqualifications.com | Email: marketing@gqaqualifications.com GQA Qualifications Unit 1, Twelve O'clock Court, Attercliffe Road, Sheffield S4 7WW 86

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0135

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

FACE TO FACE

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

THIS MONTH: Charlotte Davies Marketing Manager, Edgetech UK The recently promoted Marketing Manager for Edgetech UK, a Quanex company.

Never one to shy away from tackling the industry’s toughest challenges

It’s all about you Where you were born and live, currently...

I grew up in Nuneaton and moved to Coventry when I got married in 2008. So I’ve only ever been a stone’s throw away from Edgetech in Coventry. My husband and I recently moved back to Nuneaton and bought a house that we are completely renovating. It’s a big project, but I’m really enjoying it.

Your education and the subject or activity in which you excelled...

After school my plan was to become a piano teacher, so whilst studying Piano I took a part time marketing job. I hadn’t expected to go down the road of marketing, but I loved it and knew it was what I really wanted to do. I got to grade 7 with my piano before being offered a marketing role at Edgetech.

I’ve since completed my CIM Diploma in Marketing Communications with the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Your favourite sports or interests...

The house renovation has become a hobby in itself.

If I’m not searching for inspiration on Pinterest or shopping in DIY stores, I’m sanding and painting.

It’s been hard work, but it’s

amazing to watch it come together. I still play the piano and I love cooking, so can quite often be found cooking my signature butternut squash risotto with a glass of white wine in hand.

Your biggest regret in life...

It might sound cliché, but I don’t believe in regrets.

If you make a mistake, the way you deal with it is what counts. If you focus on fixing the problem, it often brings with it new strengths.

Someone or something that inspires you...

My mum are dad are my ultimate inspiration. My dad’s work ethic is absolutely amazing and my mum has incredible attention to detail. I’d like to think I have inherited both of those from them. I have worked with Andy Jones at Edgetech for 7 years now and he has taught me an awful lot. He wants everything to be spot on and the ethos for things to be perfect has rubbed off on me.

The temptation you can’t resist…

I’m not sure you can class this as a temptation, but I do have a tendency to turn everything into a competition. Think of the least competitive activity in the world and I’ll make it into a competition somehow.

I’ll nip to the shop for a pint of milk and a loaf of bread and see how fast I can do it.

your career When and how you joined this industry...

I was an impressionable 18 year old when I joined the industry in my first ever full time job. It’s a really lovely industry to be in and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

I’ve learnt so much from people helping me along the way and it’s sociable. It’s also a very professional industry and we all work really hard, so it’s great when every now and then we get together as friends and don’t talk business.

The job you do in 25 words...

I manage and implement marketing activities for Edgetech. Everything from managing the marketing budget and arranging advertising to working with agencies and our CRM systems.

Your greatest achievement...

Part of my job is working on events, and over the years Edgetech has become somewhat renowned for tackling industry issues.

Over the last couple of years

“TGQ was on a different scale. We managed to bring together more than 600 people from the industry nationwide. TGQ dominated the trade press for more than six months and succeeded in giving people the facts about how triple glazing could impact their business and the rest of the supply chain.” we’ve worked on several big events for customers, including ‘Taking the stress out of window energy ratings’ and Journey to C for helping installers and fabricators achieve the energy rating certificate.

More recently in October we held the launch of TruFit, TruShield, TruSieve and Super Spacer Alpha at the rooftop bar of a boutique hotel in Manchester.

We had amazing feedback on the products and lovely comments from customers about the venue.

But the greatest achievement for myself and the rest of the team would have to be the Triple Glazing Question (TGQ). TGQ was on a different scale.

We managed to bring together more than 600 people from the industry nationwide. TGQ dominated the trade press

for more than six months and succeeded in giving people the facts about how triple glazing could impact their business and the rest of the supply chain.

The mistake you’d like to correct...

This is more of a generic mistake that I am constantly correcting.

I am a stickler for spelling and grammar and I am instantly drawn to the mistake on the page.

The talent you would like to enhance...

One day I’d like to go back and finish studying for my grade 8 in piano.

I was not too bad at art when I was at school, so it would be lovely to get back into painting pictures rather than just painting the walls in the new house at some point.

and your future What you would like to do if you weren’t in the industry...

I really can’t imagine being in any other industry now, but if I had to choose perhaps a career in interior design beckons. I can bring all my new decorating and DIY knowledge from the house renovation, combine it with my competitive streak and relaunch changing rooms with Linda Barker.

A particular ambition...

I adore Italy and would love to be able to speak Italian fluently. It’s such a beautiful language. After the house is finished, I think that will be my next project.

The way you want to be remembered...

A very happy person with an eye for detail, a competitive spirit, a dab hand with a paintbrush and played a good tune on the piano.

Grazie, molte grazie!

If you would like to appear in ‘Face to Face’, or would like to nominate someone else to be featured, simply email chris@glassnews.co.uk. www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

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G14 AWARDS REVIEW

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Winners • Training & Development Initiative of the Year: Quickslide • Commercial Project of the Year: Pilkington UK • Promotional Campaign of the Year - Retail: Eclectic Systems LLP • Environmental Initiatve of the Year: Glassolutions SaintGobain • Promotional Campaign of the Year - Trade: Reynaers

G14 Awards

• Customer Care Initiative of the Year: Emplas Window Systems

WINNERS

• Derek Bonnard Award: Gary Morton

Announced The glittering occasion that is the G14 Awards took place at the London Hilton, Park Lane, on Friday 21st November and celebrated the best of our industry in a wide variety of categories.

Promotional Campaign of the Year - Retail: Eclectic Systems LLP

Environmental Initiatve of the Year: Glassolutions Saint-Gobain

• New Product of the Year: Ultraframe (UK) Kevin Bridges hosting the G14 Awards

• Conservatory Installer of the Year: T&K Home Improvements • Component Supplier of the Year: ERA

Hosting the event was Tony Higgin, aided and abetted by comedian Kevin Bridges who presented the awards ceremony with a nice mix of fun, disdain, and a thorough lack of knowledge of the fenestration industry! Was it fun? You bet it was. And no one was happier than the recipients of the awards who, with the generous sponsors of the G14, took Kevin’s ribbing in good part.

• Installer of the Year: The Window Company (Contracts)

With the mandatory disco, plus charity casino, the evening wound down around 1.00 am with a large proportion of the guests carrying on in the Hilton’s Trader Vic bar into the early hours….

• Glass Company of the Year: Ravensby Glass

Promotional Campaign of the Year - Trade: Reynaers

• Fabricator of the Year: Polyframe

Customer Care Initiative of the Year: Emplas Window Systems

Training & Development Initiative of the Year: Quickslide

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Commercial Project of the Year: Pilkington UK

Derek Bonnard Award: Gary Morton

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

G14 AWARDS REVIEW

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Emplas claims double win at G14 Emplas has been awarded the top Customer Care Initiative Award in front of an industry-wide audience at this years’ G14 Awards for its innovative Customer Information Manual.

The unique 530-page resource, brings everything from product technical details to order forms instantly to the finger-tips of its customers and was launched following an 11-month development project.

New Product of the Year: Ultraframe (UK)

This involved Emplas’ customers from its very inception, including working and focus groups – something noted by the judges in this years’ award ceremony.

Conservatory Installer of the Year: T&K Home Improvements

Tony Higgin

Component Supplier of the Year: ERA

Held amid the glamour of the Hilton in London’s Park Lane, Emplas’ retail arm T&K, also scooped the Conservatory Installer of the Year following exceptional 45 per cent growth in sales in 2014 after a major rebranding exercise.

Emplas, which launched its new Installer Partnership this summer, was also shortlisted in the Fabricator of the Year and the Promotional Campaign of the Year – Trade, classifications.

Mike Crewdson, Sales and Marketing Director, Emplas said: “To come away with not one but two awards from this years’ G-Awards, is a fantastic achievement.

The growth that T&K has seen in conservatory retail sales has been exceptional following a major rebranding of its conservatory proposition – these are all initiatives which we’re sharing with our customers.

Installer of the Year: The Window Company (Contracts)

Fabricator of the Year: Polyframe

“The Customer Care Initiative of the Year

Award for our Customer Information Manual is also an affirmation of just how close our relationship is with the installers we work with and of the exceptional service that we are committed to giving to them.”

Part of Emplas’ online portal, the Customer Information Manual, gives Emplas installers instant ‘jump-to’ access to everything they need to know about products and processes in a single resource.

This includes Emplas’ customer service and support, product and prices lists, technical detail, all the available sales literature to bank holiday deliveries and customer complaints procedures, all in a single document.

Crewdson, explained: “There are always those moments when you want to check that little something or other and can’t find the right piece of paperwork, document, or brochure and before you know it, you’ve lost half an hour looking.

“Our Customer Information Manual was developed hand-in-hand with our customers. It saves them a great deal of time, as it gives instant access to everything they need to know about any product or process, any form or support material, and makes dealing with Emplas very easy. It is especially

useful for new customers as everything they need is in one place.

“We’re absolutely delighted that the 11-month effort that went into its development has been recognised by the judges tonight at G14 ” The Customer Information Manual sits as part of the fabricator’s industry leading support package and its new Installer Partnership, which gives qualifying customers access to lead generation, sales and marketing support, including their own website, in addition to 24/7 online ordering, one of the industry’s most comprehensive product ranges and most competitively priced composite door offers.

A poll last year also revealed that Emplas’ product quality was rated good or excellent by 98.7 per cent of its customers compared to an industry average of 79.2 per cent. It also scored an enviable 99.3 per cent figure for complete and on time deliveries compared to an 84.6 per cent industry average.

“2014 has been a very good year for us and for our customers”, added Crewdson, We’re now looking forward to 2015 and continuing to refine and develop our service and support offer, to ensure that we continue to deliver a competitive advantage to our customers throughout the year and beyond.”

To find our more follow us on twitter #InstallerPartnership or @ emplaswindows. For more information visit www. emplas.co.uk , email info@ emplas.co.uk or call 01933 674880.

Glass Company of the Year: Ravensby Glass

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

Kevin Bridges

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0136

89

GLASSTEC REVIEW

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Promac supply partners really got the halls buzzing at Glasstec Promac along with its supply partners who exhibited at this year’s Glasstec are delighted to announce another successful show where confidence levels were high and the industry as a whole was full of expectation.

Designed specifically as a module, this CNC platform sits between our vertical edge grinder and its wash process delivering high speed polished glass with precisely drilled holes and or notches.

“Glasstec is always a great show with excellent footfall,” says Joe Hague, Managing Director of the Promac Group.

“As a result of this and the fact our partners always have something innovative to show visitors, we always achieve a good amount of enquiries that we come away and convert into orders. This year however we saw a number of confirmed orders placed at the show from existing and new customers that we hadn’t met before and to me this level of commitment is a clear indicator of the optimism in the international market.

“Mappi lead the world in the production of high energy efficient flat glass tempering and lamination plants. Visitors to the stand could see an actual furnace module that demonstrated the features and benefits behind the technology. Reducing running cost whilst improving quality and overall performance made Mappi’s furnace a must see for all who are considering this type of equipment.”

“With all our European machinery manufacturers demonstrating the very best technology and innovation, it is easy to see why there was so much interest in their stands. The For.El drilling, milling and notching machine was of particular interest to most processors and was constantly commended for its performance, productivity and quality of end product.

“SoftSolution’s range of products developed to ensure quality throughout production were also of particular interest.

The unveiling of its new Vertical Line Scanner RCF was a great success and its demonstrations of the Cullet Scanner and Virtual Digitizing equipment proved consistently popular.

Joe concludes: “When a large part of your business is focussed on selling capital equipment, it comes as no surprise that the best platform to generate new business comes from exhibitions. As soon as people see first-hand what our supply partners have to offer, they can appreciate the productivity, performance and quality benefits available to their business. Combined with Promac’s competitive supply, technical support and service provision it truly makes our overall package compelling. The Promac Group will continue to work with leading equipment suppliers from around the world to ensure we bring the very best to the UK marketplace.”

For more information about Promac, their products and services, visit www.promac. co.uk or call 01788 577 577.

“With all our European machinery manufacturers demonstrating the very best technology and innovation, it is easy to see why there was so much interest in their stands.”

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0137

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Next Generation ClearShield® proves a hit at Glasstec Since Glasstec - The world’s largest International Trade Fair for Glass Production, Processing and Products and Ritec are delighted to report positive feedback, new leads and early business opportunities as a result of their presence at the show. Enjoying a busy four day event, Ritec demonstrated how the new ClearShield Eco-System™ for glass renovation, “non-stick” protection and maintenance gives glass companies the competitive edge by being the first and only technology with performance, added value and profit guaranteed at every step of the glass supply chain. As expected, interest from processors, fabricators, contractors, installers and shower companies was high.

This year’s Glasstec saw the exhibition’s highest ever attendance with over 43,000 visitors in just four days. This interest was mirrored at Ritec’s stand where the added value of the new ClearShield Eco-System™ was demonstrated. This resulted in substantial attention and positive feedback from visitors which far exceeded all predictions.

Visitors were shown how the ClearShield Eco-System™ transforms new or old glass into a higher value product with low-maintenance performance, resulting in diversification

leading to higher sales. Furthermore, the ClearShield Eco-System™ helps maintain the original ‘A’ Window Energy Rating (WER), allowing glass to uphold its optical clarity and light transmission over the life of the window.

Customers do not have to stock a new type of glass as Ritec's simple added-value package enables unprotected glass to be upgraded into ClearShield Eco-Glass™ in the factory.

In addition, Ritec continued its search for new marketing partners across the globe.

Ritec’s flexible marketing partner program enables its clients to jump-start sales, and provides detailed training ensuring partners meet their customers’ needs in the protection, maintenance and renovation of hard surfaces.

Stephen Byers, Managing Director of Ritec International comments: “Glasstec has proved a great success for Ritec with a fantastic reception to the new ClearShield Eco-System. We are delighted to have been a part of something so prominent to the glass industry and to have the opportunity to meet so many prospective customers and potential marketing partners. If you were unable to come along to the show but are interested in what we showcased, please contact us and we’ll be delighted to discuss it with you.”

For more information on Ritec International, visit www.ritec.co.uk or email info@ritec.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0138

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

GLASSTEC REVIEW

CHARITY NEWS

Glasstec Düsseldorf 2014

The window in situ at St Matthew’s Church in Stoke-on-Trent; and a close up of some of the border art.

A huge success for Thermoseal Group!

UK warm edge spacer bar and accessories manufacturer, Thermoseal Group, reports a huge success at the Glasstec Exhibition, Messe Düsseldorf 21-24 October 2014 – both in terms of sales leads from enquiries at the show, and also in attendance to its after-show party at The ThermoBAR.

dedicated to our warm edge products so please feel free to login towww.thermobarwarmedge. com or www.thermoflexwarmedge.com for further information. I am also pleased to say that we received a multitude of sales leads for the other 1,500 insulated glass components that we supply.

Thermoseal Group’s Marketing Manager, Samantha Hill says: “We were delighted by the continual flow of traffic we had on our stand at Glasstec. It was great to see broad International interest in Thermoseal Group’s own products – Thermobar and Thermoflex Warm Edge Spacers. There was also a great deal of interest in our ancillary equipment to manually process Thermoflex and automatic spacer bar benders for Thermobar.

“I was, of course, also happy to hear some excellent feedback on the Group’s branding and presence at the show. This in addition to the excellent feedback we had from the 250 customers and guests who attended our ThermoBAR at McLaughlin’s Irish bar gave us a real buzz at the show.

“If you didn’t get chance to attend the show, we have introduced new multilingual websites

“We’re now going through the multitude of sales leads with a view to processing customer enquiries as quickly as possible. We’d like to thank everyone who came to visit us at the show and a particular thanks to our customers and guests who joined us at the ThermoBAR for food, drinks and live music until the early hours.“ To find out about Thermoseal Group and its comprehensive range of insulated glass components and machinery for glazing manufacture, call +44(0)121 331 3950 or visitwww.thermosealgroup.com.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0139

RegaLead provides support for WW1 Centenary window

Edgetech Celebrated in Style at glasstec

RegaLead is very proud to have given its support to a stunning project to mark the Centenary of World War 1.

Edgetech Europe GmbH, a Quanex Building Products company, celebrated in style at this year’s glasstec exhibition, with a busy stand of visitors wishing the company a happy 25th birthday throughout the show.

The window, which takes pride of place at St Matthew’s Church in Stoke-on-Trent, spans 50 by 10 feet and depicts six soldiers, loaded with kit, trudging across an embankment in Ypres, Belgium.

Joachim Stoss, managing director with responsibility for Edgetech in Europe says: “We had a double celebration at this year’s glasstec with our 25th worldwide anniversary coinciding with our 10th anniversary of Edgetech’s presence in Germany. We are proud of our heritage because longevity alongside a trusted reputation demonstrates proven products more than anything else “We wanted to celebrate our milestones at glasstec because it is the industry’s leading exhibition and we weren’t disappointed with over 43,000 visitors reported to have attended the show. To extend the celebrations to our existing and future customers we launched an even more comprehensive product range at the show and at an exclusive press event we said thank you to our global media partners for their support over the years with birthday cake and champagne. General Manager of IG Systems at Quanex, George Wilson, also

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

Edgetech at glasstec.

gave a presentation with myself, on the latest Quanex news.

“The range of products we now have in our portfolio truly means we have a solution to keep customers ahead of the competition in every application, whether they need single seal (Duralite®), dual seal (Super Spacer®) or triple seal systems (TriSealTM and T-SpacerTM) for double or triple glazed units, with plenty of size and colour options across the range. We were also supported

by Sparklike and Inagas who offered live demonstrations of how simple gas filling and testing can be with the right equipment and partners. With all of these products and our team’s expert knowledge, our stand at glasstec was busy from the beginning of the show to the end, so we are thrilled with its success.”

Tel: 08700 566844 READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0140

With 48 panes of glass to fill and a deadline of the church’s remembrance service on 9th November, the project was no mean feat. So project organiser Frank McGregor employed the help of local school children to create the designs for the border, and RegaLead to supply the coloured films.

Frank explains: “As part of the Hanley Team Ministry I try to take a creative approach to my church work in the community. In the run up to the centenary, many churches have incorporated plaques and memorials and while thinking about what to do at St Matthew’s we realised that the church would really benefit from a stained glass window, so we thought this would make a great tribute and would look lovely with the sun streaming through the coloured glass.

“We approached local businesses for a sponsor in order to buy the materials and

one, Modern Glass, showed us a RegaLead brochure and recommended we speak to them. We were delighted when they offered to supply the coloured films and also cover the cost of 50% themselves. When it came to the Remembrance Service, people were really impressed with the impact of the tribute, which was particularly poignant as one of the soldiers depicted was local, and his niece was in the congregation. This project is ongoing for the next four years, and we plan to add more colour in time for next year’s service to keep it fresh and new. Thanks to RegaLead’s support we are more than able to do this and any leftover donations are going to Help for Heroes.”

Guy Hubble, Joint Managing Director at RegaLead adds: “We were more than happy to lend our support to this very worthwhile project. It is something very close to our hearts at RegaLead, particularly in light of the fundraising we did last year for Help for Heroes. Having attended the Remembrance Service at St Matthew’s, even I didn’t appreciate the size and scale of the window until I saw it for myself. I look forward to seeing how it develops over the next four years.”

For more information about decorative films from RegaLead visit: www.regalead.co.uk or call 0161 946 1164.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0141

91

CHARITY NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

World famous former Royal Marine Wish everyone GM POPPY RIDE congratulates GM Fundraising and a Merry UNFORGETTABLE, SAYS QUICKSLIDE’S ADRIAN Dekko Window Systems on Poppy Ride

Christmas with GM Fundraising

GM Fundraising (left) and Mark Ormrod (right). Dekko managing director Gary Torr is in the centre of the GM Fundraising photo with Graeme Bailey, managing director of Business Micros.

Mark Ormrod, the world famous former Royal Marine that became the first British triple amputee in the Afghanistan conflict, has congratulated GM Fundraising and Dekko Window Systems for their recent fundraising efforts.

GM Fundraising, the well-known industry charity that has raised over £1.15m for Life Limited Children based charities, recently embarked on a cycle ride in order to raise money for the Royal British Legion. The main sponsor for the ‘Poppy Ride’ was Dekko Window Systems, with Dekko managing director and veteran GM Fundraising supporter, Gary Torr joining the team of 17 riders and 4 support crew in a journey from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to the battlefields and Memorials of the Somme, France.

Mark Ormrod, who lost three limbs when serving in Afghanistan and has since raised substantial sums for military charities himself; was impressed by the efforts of GM Fundraising and Dekko and wanted to offer his congratulations.

He said: "It’s always extremely humbling to see the great lengths that people will go to in order to help others in their time of need.

As a former member of the British Armed Forces, I have a particular passion for military charities, not least because myself and my family have been beneficiaries of the great work that they do. The Poppy Ride by GM Fundraising and Dekko looks exactly that, and I know that the Royal British Legion and the other charities benefiting will be hugely grateful of the selflessness of the competitors."

GM Fundraising is well known for its gruelling endurance events and the Poppy Ride was no exception. Starting their journey at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire, the riders stopped off at Milton Keynes, the Cenotaph in Whitehall for a remembrance service and Dartford before arriving at Dover to take the ferry to Calais. They then cycled 75

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“Mark Ormrod, who lost three limbs when serving in Afghanistan and has since raised substantial sums for military charities himself.” miles to Arras before embarking on a 55 mile loop around the battlefields of the Somme. A two minute silence was observed at the Arras Memorial to commemorate 34,785 soldiers of the forces of the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand, with no known grave.

Dekko managing director Gary Torr commented: “2014 marks the 100 year anniversary of the start of the First World War and it was GM Fundraising Team Member and MD of Business Micros, Graeme Bailey, who came up with the idea to embark on an event to remember the fallen. As the nation’s custodian of remembrance, the Royal British Legion was the ideal organisation to receive the funds. The event was tough, but we all really enjoyed it and were glad to raise money for such a good cause. It was kind of serial fundraiser Mark Ormrod to show his support and everyone at GM Fundraising wishes him well in his future fundraising events.”

Mark Ormrod is the author of Man Down, a book about his experiences in the Royal Marines and rehabilitation from his injuries, and has since carved out a successful career as a motivational speaker.

Based in Lancashire, Dekko Window Systems fabricate Residence 9, Deceuninck and Kommerling windows and doors and supply trade customers throughout the UK.

GM Fundraising is delighted to announce the launch of its first ever Christmas cards, designed by the children of Hope House Children’s Hospices, in order to raise funds directly for them.

“The festive season will soon be upon us and for those traditional ones amongst us, who still like to give Christmas cards, it is satisfying to know that you are also doing your bit for charity,” explains Gary Morton, Founder of GM Fundraising.

“We have worked directly with the children at Hope House in order to create two very special, unique designs and we hope everyone will support us in our mission to sell as many as possible across the industry and further afield. Every penny raised from every pack sale will go directly to Hope House, so rest assured - whatever you spend with us, they get.

“Each pack contains 20 cards; 10 each of the two designs and are on sale for £20 a pack. Packs can be purchased directly from the GM Fundraising website www. gmfundraising.co.uk/cards or from any of the GM Fundraising team. We are also able to personalise these cards, with a special message or company logo as required, for just an additional £20 charge when ordering 60 or more.

“At GM Fundraising, we are always exploring new initiatives and opportunities to raise funds and believe the GM Fundraising Christmas card to be a great example of that.

Christmas is a time for giving and what better thing to do than give money to a very worthy cause at such a special time of year. As always, we thank everyone for their continued and tireless support.”

For more information, visit the GM Fundraising website at www.gmfundraising.co.uk.

Watch the Poppy Ride video here: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD1W2OafQ-Y.

For more information on Dekko Window Systems visit www.dekkowindows.com or call 0161 406 0055.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1114/0142

“It really was an unforgettable experience,” said Quickslide Chairman Adrian Barraclough, who made the incredible journey along with 20 other cycle riders and support crew.

“Not only riding as a part of GM Fundraising but concluding the journey at such an evocative memorial site was really something else.”

The group pedaled all the way from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to the memorial among the battlefields of the Somme – scene of some of the bloodiest battles in military history – to mark the Centenary of the beginning of The Great War. Along the way, they also stopped at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, then over the Channel and on to a 55-mile loop around the battlefields of the Somme including observing two minutes silence at the Arras Memorial.

GM Fundraising has now raised more than £1.2 million for children’s charities and The Poppy Ride was the group’s first expedition in support of another good cause, with all funds raised going to the Royal British Legion.

Quickslide is best-known for its acclaimed sliding sash windows, and the company has been instrumental in bringing this former niche product into the mainstream of the retrofit and new-build markets, but it also manufactures a wide range of other styles of windows and doors for trade, commercial and domestic customers.

For more information on GM Fundraising visit www.gmfundraising.co.uk or call 0845 302 1966.

For more information on Mark Ormrod visit www.markormrod.com.

It isn’t every day someone has the opportunity to mark two great causes in one event but that is what a team of window industry leaders did with the GM Fundraising Poppy Ride.

GM Fundraising Christmas cards.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1114/0143

There’s more about the Poppy Ride on: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD1W2OafQ-Y. READER ENQUIRY No: 1114/0144

December 2014 | www.glassnews.co.uk

CHARITY NEWS

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

The VEKA UK Group is proud to support The Poppy Appeal Dempsey Dyer Wear it Pink... and raise £860 for Breast Cancer Awareness and Macmillan Cancer Support Some very unusual outfits were on display at the Dempsey Dyer factory and offices on Friday Oct 24th as the whole company ‘Wore it Pink’ and raised money for Breast Cancer Awareness and Macmillan Cancer Support. The Dempsey Dyer staff raised £430 and the company matched this figure, making a grand total of £860.

Peter Dyer said: “Breast Cancer Awareness and Macmillan Cancer Support are two excellent charities that make a real difference and we wanted to do our bit to support. I would like to thank all the Dempsey staff for all their generous donations and for their general enthusiasm during the day.

There were some very interesting costumes and everyone was in good spirits – and it’s certainly the first time I have seen a window factory wearing pink!”

Based in Yorkshire, Dempsey Dyer manufactures uPVC and timber windows and doors in a vast array of colours and supplies installers throughout the UK. Dempsey Dyer has created a consumer facing brand called Inspire and installers have full access to a range of consumer facing marketing literature to help them communicate the benefits of Inspire products more effectively.

For more information on Dempsey Dyer call 01977 649641 or visit www.dempseydyer.co.uk.

“I would like to thank all the Dempsey staff for all their generous donations and for their general enthusiasm during the day. “

The VEKA UK Group’s chosen charity for the second half of 2014 is The Royal British Legion and the industry-leading systems supplier is proud to have raised funds for this valuable charity in a number of ways over recent months.

Most recently, a team from VEKA’s HQ in Burnley competed in the 5k Poppy Run in Accrington. Head of Human Resources Gabriela Hammond explains: “A team of us here at VEKA were delighted to take part in the 5k Poppy Run to raise money for The British Legion and Poppy Scotland. We had staff from numerous departments joining the fun including, HR, Finance, Warehouse and Technical.”

“It was hard work, but it definitely helped keep us motivated that we were contributing to such a good cause!”

“The first seven ‘Poppy Runs’ took place in 2012, and the number of these events held annually has grown year on year. Apparently there were 300 Poppy Runs organised this year across England and Scotland.

“As a company, our charity efforts have been focussed on The Royal British Legion since July. Staff from Bowater Doors and Bowater Projects have been selling poppies on the streets of Birmingham as part of the city’s official fundraising day.”

“Network VEKA collected charity envelopes at the organisation’s annual Awards Evening, we’ve had a charity ‘dress down’ day, a golf day and students from our partner school, Hameldon Community College organised a charity car wash, with half of the proceeds going to their Young Enterprise Fund and the other half to the Poppy Appeal.”

“We’ve raised a considerable sum of money for The British Legion and we’re not finished yet!”

Tel: 01282 716611 - www.vekauk.com

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0145

www.glassnews.co.uk | December 2014

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0146

UK WINDOW SYSTEMS SUPPORTS LOCKED IN FOR AUTISM CHALLENGE

SOLAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS BENEFIT LOCAL CANCER CHARITY

Leading commercial fabricator Solar Windows celebrated its 25th anniversary with a gala dinner hosted in aid of local Caerphilly charity Cancercareline Blackwood.

‘Living in a Box’ took on a whole new meaning for REHAU fabricator UK Window Systems when it provided a bespoke 3m x 2m glazed cube for its partner charity Caudwell Children’s latest fundraising challenge.

The Locked in for Autism challenge saw Stoke on Trent Mum Ally Nicklin spend 50 hours locked inside the box in her local 24 hour Tesco store.

The aim was to raise funds for Caudwell Children’s Autistic Children’s Therapies programme as well as to increase awareness of the condition and the isolation and frustration felt by sufferers.

The event was a huge success, with more than £5000 donated by supporters on line and in store in just 50 hours.

The charity now plans to repeat the Locked In For Autism event at other locations, and UK Window Systems’ trade counter manager Rob Horton has already agreed to rebuild the cube during November at a 24 hour Tesco store in Crewe ready for another willing volunteer to take on the challenge.

UK Window Systems has designed and built the glass box free of charge as part of its commitment to Caudwell Children which is its chosen charity for 2014. A spokesman for the charity said: “Caudwell Children have received fantastic support from UK Window Systems throughout the year but their dedication to this particular project was outstanding.”

The REHAU fabricator, which is based at an impressive new 30,000 sq ft premises in Cobridge, Stoke on Trent, is helping the charity to raise funds to benefit disabled children and their families across the UK. READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0147

The event, held at the Hilton hotel in Cardiff, attracted more than 250 of Solar’s staff, customers and suppliers, including representatives from PVC-U systems supplier REHAU and customers from across the private and social housing sectors, such as Crest Nicholson and United Welsh Housing Association.

Guest speakers were Robert Jones and Brynmor Williams, both ex Wales and British Lions scrum halves, and now senior executives at Solar’s insurance brokers Thomas Carroll Brokers Ltd. With a charity auction and raffle taking place during the evening, the event helped to raise more than £20,000 in much needed funds for the charity.

Carl Lewis, Managing Director of Solar Windows, said: “We wanted to use our anniversary celebrations to share some of our success with the local community.

“Of course, we already contribute a great deal in terms of providing employment, training and mentoring schemes for young people but we wanted to mark our 25 years with something special.

“We chose Cancercareline Blackwood because it does such fantastic work centred in and around Caerphilly where we are based. £20,000 will make a huge difference to this small charity and will help with their work providing cancer patients and their families with advice, counselling and a range of therapies to make their lives a little easier.”

Solar Windows is now one of the UK’s leading commercial window and door fabricators manufacturing in the REHAU TOTAL70 system, as well as specialist products such as the Passive House certified REHAU GENEO® window system.

Further information is available at www.solarwindows.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 1214/0148

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TIME OUT!

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Across 1 Packed behind this means lots of excitement (6) 5 Some basic ability can take you anywhere you want (3) 7 White bearded old guy in unpleasant arctic conditions (5) 8 Put on a show right now (7) 9 Stir broth to make it pulsate (5) 10 They ensure Santa’s not grounded! (8) 12 The ideal season for a leap year? (6) 14 So this is all about getting lifts (6) 17 Not so hot when it hurts your mouth (4,4) 18 A prickly subject at Christmas (5) 20 A published literary work (7) 21 A joint that turns out to be a tonne (5) 22 Put into words (3) 23 A quantity that is more than enough (6)

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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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