Glass News February 2024

63% OF PVCU THE RIGHT PEOPLE READ GLASS NEWS WINDOWS ‘SMOOTH WHITE’ IN 2023 THE UK’S LEADING TRADE NEWSPAPER FOR WINDOWS, DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES

Issue 155 | February 2024

Analysis of over 375,000 PVCu casements quoted by installers on Tommy Trinder’s platform in 2023 underlines the importance of colour; only 63% of PVCu casements quoted in the year were white.

Grey, in many shades, continued to dominate in 2023; the preferred finish for 1 in 5 casements with Anthracite (10%)

SEE PAGE 44

HARDWARE

and Agate (5%) still topping the charts. But overall, the Tommy Trinder data paints a picture of a highly fragmented colour pallet with installers presenting a dizzying array of choices to homeowners.

Continued on page 4....

"Grey, in many shades, continued to dominate in 2023; the preferred finish for 1 in 5 casements with Anthracite (10%) and Agate (5%) still topping the charts."

Grey, in many shades, continuing to dominate

IS !!

TH NTH MO

IS !!

TH NTH MO

SEE PAGE 26

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FEBRUARY 2024

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TIME TO WIDEN OUR THOUGHTS ON SUSTAINABILITY? We’re well into 2024 and, despite what has seemed like never ending rain up here in Yorkshire, the signs of spring being just around the corner are unmistakeable.

Snowdrops fighting their way through the soaked and muddy ground, catkins bursting out in the hedgerows and the birds in the garden showing amorous trends and looking as if the time for nesting is nigh. And then the cold snap! It’s certainly cold up north and having had a notification from the mob who treat the lawns at Champion Towers to say they will have to re-schedule the treatment because of frozen ground, it made me wonder how much the weather plays a part in the fitting of fenestration products?

To those of us who drive a desk or can pretty much hibernate in wintery weather, I don’t think we appreciate how the different seasons and weather conditions affect the construction industry in general. So, if we don’t, who have a passing knowledge of these things, it’s absolutely certain that that bunch of wasters in Westminster are blissfully unaware! It’s not as if there is any model that can be run to gauge the effect of the weather on your business….apart from the Profit and Loss Account! Apart from the weather, so all’s right with the world? Sadly not.

It seems as if the world is doing all it can to take back any progress made. Whether it’s in politics, finance, manufacturing or whatever, it’s one step forward and then two back.

The supply chain was back to some form of normality, then the Panama Canal gets blocked up. Happily, most of our imported product comes the other way, through the Suez Canal but suddenly we are having to send a lonely Type 42 Destroyer to ward off attacks on shipping from the Houthis operating in the Red Sea! It’s just one thing after another, and the problem is that all these events result in ever increasing prices and it becomes harder and harder to pass the increases through to customer. Quite simply, if the price gets too high, no one will buy. If anyone has an answer to this conundrum, please let me know and also tell our government because they have no idea!

As an industry we have looked at sustainability and taken it on board, particularly with the recycling of PVCu. The trade press has been hosted by many of the recycling plants operated by the system houses and the quantity of PVCu being processed has been impressive. Recently I had the opportunity to talk with Graham Coult from Eckersley O’Callaghan, an engineering design

consultancy with over 120 offices around the world. Graham has specialised in designing and building glass structures, including Apple shops and vast commercial buildings but has now found himself involved in an initiative to examine the recycling of flat glass and the company has raised money to fund a research programme.

The recycling of glass is, of course, not new, but it is lagging behind the progress that has been made in recycling PVCu – the days of seeing discarded window frames dumped in fields or cluttering up the ditches and hedgerows is, thankfully, in the past, generally.

Morley Glass has been at the forefront of flat glass recycling and has teamed up with Saint-Gobain Glass to install a glass crushing machine. Their customers return the old glass from removed window frames and it is crushed into cullet that is then bulk delivered to Saint-Gobain, and the customer benefits from saving the charges for landfill or skip hire. Cleverly, and generously, Morley Glass donate the cash they receive from the cullet, which could be around £50K per annum, to environmental projects in Yorkshire and invite organisations to apply for a £500 grant that Morley hope will create nature reserves, butterfly gardens, wildflower gardens, sensory gardens – even allotments in schools – in fact anything that improves the local environment.

They are producing around 2,555 bags of cullet per month (2 bags represents a tonne of cullet) and 1,547 tonnes saves enough energy to power an average home for 6 months.

January 2024 crossword solution:

CONTENTS 4 Front Page Story 4 Trade News 26 What Door?

34 Windows 36 Q&A: Regal Aluminium 38 Sustainability 40 Machinery

‘TIME OUT’ WINNERS – JANUARY! Sudoku: Adam Stokes, Margate, Kent Eye Spy: Vince Thomas, Milford-Haven, Pembrokeshire Spot the Difference: Clare Hodgson, Louth, Lincolnshire Crossword: D Harris, Leith, Edinburgh Congratulations to all our winners! Good luck in this months Time Out pages!

44 Hardware 48 Coloured Products 50 Cold Calling 52 Q&A: Dan Brown 54 Energy Efficiency 58 Marketing 66 Software & IT 68 Awards 69 BMBI 70 Careers & Qualifications in Fenestration 71 Letters 72 Time Out! 73 Find A Supplier

@GlassnewsMag @GlassNewsmag

Christina Shaw @Glass News

@GlassNewsMag /GlassNews

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CONTACT DETAILS Christina Lazenby Managing Director / Advertising Enquiries M: 07805 051322 E: christina@glassnews.co.uk Emma Champion Advertising Manager M: 07508 263262 E: emma@glassnews.co.uk Justin Lazenby Finance Director / Press Release Enquiries M: 07711 828710 E: justin@glassnews.co.uk Chris Champion Editor / Editorial Enquiries M: 07850 267223 E: chris@glassnews.co.uk Kate Carnall Graphic Design E: kate@glassnews.co.uk Deadline for copy: 16th of each month Please recycle this newspaper so we can continue to use recycling in our effort to help the environment.

More initiatives, emulating Morley’s efforts, could make a huge difference to how our industry is viewed. Homeowners who are environmentally aware may well ask their installer whether their old windows frames will be recycled but I doubt whether they take the glass into consideration. An installer who can highlight their own environmental credentials may well put themselves in pole position when quoting for a house load of windows!

If this is something that appeals to you, and it should, British Glass has an excellent section on recycling glass on its website and a pdf describing the benefits of recycling and some of the issues. For instance, contamination in a load of cullet may well mean rejection from recycling and the load going to make sandpaper, roads or ending up in landfill. They list companies that offer flat glass collection and these include URM, May Glass Recycling, Enva and Bottleman Recycling Services.

Guardian Glass, Pilkington UK and SaintGobain Building Glass may also backhaul cullet when they deliver new glass.

I’m indebted to Graham Coult for contacting me and stimulating my own awareness of the possibilities afforded by recycling flat glass and I’m looking forward to hearing more from him as his research programme gathers pace. I shall share his findings and thoughts with you!

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

www.glassnews.co.uk | February 2024

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FRONT PAGE STORY

TRADE NEWS

KEYSTONE MARKET RESEARCH LAUNCHES GROUNDBREAKING UK CONSUMER FENESTRATION TRENDS REPORT, SPONSORED BY EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS

Agate Grey - outselling Anthracite on Flush Sash

Continued from page 1...

“Long gone are the days when windows were white and handles were gold,” says Tommy Trinder’s CEO Chris Brunsdon.

“The activity from Tommy Trinder installers in 2023 suggests we have truly become a rainbow nation when it comes to fenestration; a mind-blowing 2104 different colour combinations were quoted on PVCu Casements during the year.”

Traditional woodgrains continued their decline with only Rosewood (4%) seeing significant volumes. Mahogany, an old favourite, was notable by its absence. Oak was trending upwards during the year lead

by Golden (2%) and Irish and with others coming onto the radar such as Amaranth, English, Natural, Coriander and Cinnamon.

“Such vast choice is wonderful for the homeowner, but it does mean great complexity for the installers,” says Chris.

“Tommy Trinder subscribers tell us that being able to touch and show clients exactly how a window will look in a variety of colourways has become a vital part of their sales process.

Modelling a window on the house in full photo-realistic quality, then backing that up

“We have 500 window firms using the app so it’s solid representation of the market.”

with full colour, photo-realistic inside and outside views of the product on quotes and contracts not only wows customers, it also removes any room for error.”

The Tommy Trinder survey also highlights the growing popularity of flush casements; In 2023 around a quarter of PVCu windows quoted by installers on Tommy had flush sashes.

Smooth White was even less popular as a finish on PVCu Flush Casements accounting for just 33% of all windows quoted.

Commenting on the scope and accuracy of the data, says Chris: “Use of the app is growing rapidly. We have 500 window firms using the app so it’s solid representation of the market. However, it’s likely that our typical subscriber’s product mix is somewhat skewed towards the top end.

Upselling occurs naturally when it’s quick and easy to show off premium features, such as foils, dual colours, dummy vents, mechanical joints, flush casements, surface mounted bars etc. It stands to reason that Tommy Trinder users will sell more of these value-added products.”

Looking at the Tommy Trinder data, has Chris got any insights to trends tip for 2024?

“My money is on the ongoing rise of the many variations on cream,” he says. “And probably fifty more shades of grey!” www.tommytrinder.com

Keystone Market Research, a research consultancy set up last year specialising in fenestration, is excited to announce the launch of a new quarterly UK consumer trends report and omnibus service for the industry, sponsored by Epwin Window Systems. This initiative aims to deliver ongoing essential insights for strategic decision-making, against the backdrop of a challenging economic climate, where every pound spent must count.

The inaugural report explores a wideranging selection of topics, including consumer preferences on window, door, and extension roof glazing styles, frame materials and purchase priorities, as well as likelihood of purchase of fenestration products versus competing home improvement projects like kitchen and bathroom remodels and market value forecasts. Additionally, it provides critical information to inform marketing decisions, including consumer-friendly product terminology and the sources homeowners turn to for information on available products, providing actionable insights for businesses.

Gerald Allen, Head of Marketing at Epwin Window Systems, the sponsor of the report, underscores the importance of supporting installers with enhanced market understanding: "In an environment where every lead is crucial, empowering installers with the knowledge to align their offerings with current consumer trends is essential. We commissioned Keystone Market Research to undertake a consumer research project for us last year, and their skilful approach delivered comprehensive results that exceeded our expectations and provided valuable data to shape future decisions. When we heard Keystone were considering tracking consumer trends regularly, we could see the huge benefit and insight that this would bring to companies throughout the industry, and we're happy

to be supporting the launch of this gamechanging service.”

Charlotte Hawkes, Founder and Director of Keystone Market Research, emphasises the significance of using the right data to drive business decisions: "While it’s important to discuss and monitor market development and trends within the industry, this is often based on historical data and supposition.

In order to accurately track which product styles are likely to be popular in the future, the primary focus must remain on understanding the preferences and priorities of the group that are actually going to define what becomes successful for the market: the end consumer. Our new report seeks to provide insights that enable businesses to stay attuned to consumer demands and adapt their strategies accordingly, for more accurate lead nurturing today, and investment in the right areas for tomorrow.”

From the Spring issue there will also be an omnibus option introduced, enabling companies to submit their own unique questions. This cost-effective solution provides fenestration companies with the opportunity to receive private, expertly analysed nationally-representative results tailored to their specific needs. There is also the possibility of further localisation of the main report data on request to enable installers to personalise offerings based on subtle regional differences, or on precise demographics if companies would like support understanding the needs of more targeted audiences.

The first report is available now, with single report or annual subscription purchase options. The first 30 companies purchasing an annual subscription will receive one omnibus question slot free of charge for use during one of the three remaining consumer surveys in 2024.

For more information or to purchase the report, please visit www.keystonemr.co.uk.

Oaks – surprisingly strong

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February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

LYLE HOUSE - CASE STUDY SILKA ALUMINIUM WINDOWS AND DOORS SUITE CREATES ENERGY EFFICIENT, ULTRA-MODERN NORTHERN IRELAND HOME With energy efficiency and cost-saving becoming more and more important in UK home renovation plans, County Antrim property developer John Stewart set about creating a highperformance family home.

Built to the highest specification over a two-and-a-half year period, Lyle House is now a stunning five-bedroom ultramodern home featuring timber cladding, a stone façade, high-tech amenities and plenty of additional space.

Integral to the project was a full suite of SILKA aluminium windows and doors,

which John chose for their sleek, stylish aesthetic and thermal performance in equal measures. Installed throughout the head-turning property, Lyle House has SILKAseamless Windows, a SILKAkärben Entrance Door and SILKA Lift & Slide sliding door.

Every SILKA window and door not only offers slim frames, triple glazing and PAS 24 security certification, but they feature ground-breaking insulation with SILKA’s trademarked Thermafill® technology, helping Lyle House become extremely thermally efficient.

it was dealing with the aftermath of COVID, rising material costs or getting planning permission. Having a clear plan and a great team of tradespeople, some of which I knew from the industry, really helped keep the project on track.

“We wanted to create a home that not only looked modern and fresh, but performed too – that’s why we chose SILKA for all

“This project was a long time coming,” explains John. “We’ve had to face a lot of challenges to get to this point, but we’re so happy with the finished result.

“As a property developer day-to-day, I am adept at dealing with all the challenges that came with building my own home, whether

our glazing. The team did a fantastic job installing Lyle House’s windows and doors.

We’re really impressed with the quality and the energy efficiency benefits we’ll get from them, too.

“The house has without a doubt changed our quality of life. For myself and my wife, to see our children enjoying their new home has made all the hard work worthwhile.”

Asa McGillian, SILKA’s Managing Director, was just as excited to see Lyle House come to life. “Our windows and doors not only offer industry-leading energy efficiency and tick all the boxes when it comes to benefits – they can truly revolutionise a home.

“But what I will take away from this project most is the impact the SILKA system has had on how John and his family enjoy their home. That’s what drives us to keep developing, innovating and finding realworld solutions with our products.”

TAKE A LISTEN: MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING PODCAST SERIES FROM DGCOS & NHIC The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) recently teamed up with the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) along with medical experts, frontline charity workers and DGCOS representatives to share first hand insight and knowledge about the industry’s current mental health and wellbeing challenges.

Faisal Hussain, DGCOS Chief Executive, comments: “During this carefully researched and structured series, the six episodes cover the following topics: mental health support in the sector and its effects on productivity; what does a good work life balance look like; managing loneliness working away from home; the importance of a holistic approach to supporting your team; and Mental Health Support in the Home Improvement and Renewables sectors and for trades people. The last podcast, which is relevant to today’s current economic challenges, tackles finances: Accessing debt support for better financial health. It’s been really interesting to see the engagement levels so far there have been hundreds of downloads.

“I’ve personally been encouraged to see how much mental health and wellbeing have become more comfortable topics of conversation in our sector and are on the agenda now for many businesses.”

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INTERESTING PANEL OF SPEAKERS Running during Autumn to coincide with Suicide Prevention Month in September and depression and mental health awareness month in October, we had a great panel of speakers who shared their personal experiences.

These included Hannah Vickers, Chief of Staff at Mace and Head of Productivity at the Construction Leadership Council’ Martin Lockham from Mates in Mind, George Jones from Cahill Renewables, Tony Steel from Band of Builders, GP Dr Rachel Cooper MBBS MRCGP, and Greg Jenkinson from Step Change.

VARIETY OF PLACES TO DOWNLOAD EACH SERIES

to see others in the industry gain benefit from the shared insights given on the podcast.

There are a variety of places where you can easily reach the podcast series, either directly from the PodBean platform, or from mainstream brands such as Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. The number of listens of each podcast is increasing, and it’s clear that there is value in these sensitive topics being discussed in such a transparent and heartfelt manner.

“The festive season often brings mixed emotions. For many of you it hopefully means a break and perhaps the perfect opportunity to have a listen. The podcasts are available on https://nhic.podbean.com/ or via Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

Faisal concludes: “It’s great to have such a positive response to the podcasts and know that they are having the positive impact we hoped for. This was confirmed by one listener emailing us to say that he realised he was experiencing burn out after listening to the podcast. He didn’t understand what he was feeling beforehand, but the podcast gave him some clarity and helped him move forward. If we help just one person with these podcasts, we’re happy, but we’d dearly like

“If you are reading this and struggling now, regardless of whether you’re a DGCOS member or not, we urge you to reach out for confidential 24/7 support by texting HARDHAT on 85258.”

Find out more about DGCOS: https://installers.dgcos.org.uk/ DGCOS social media: LinkedIn: https://shorturl.at/muKL4 Twitter: https://twitter.com/dgcos Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DGCOS

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TAKING SALES & MARKETING TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL IN 2024!

With the boom in the home improvement market now clearly a distant memory, we all envisaged that the demand for new windows and doors would not be able to continue at the rate that we had experienced over the last few years.

Selecta Systems Marketing Manager, Mark Walker, talks about how they are taking fabricator and installer sales and marketing support to a whole new level.

Over the last few years, we have been working meticulously in the background at ways of adding real value and benefits to our sales and marketing support service, tools and mechanisms. Our main drive and objective being very clear; to make our sales and marketing support package a real game changer, not only for ourselves, but more importantly for our fabricators and installers.

NEW TRADE & HOMEOWNER WEBSITES One of the first investments we identified was a brand-new website. In fact, we saw huge opportunities for two new websites, one for trade and one for retail. We were experiencing a number of homeowner enquiries, some 25+ per week, just through the website alone and more via telephone and email. This highlighted that there was potential for a consumer dedicated website with improved homeowner-based information and branding. This in-turn would be capable of generating and capturing sales leads for our fabricator and installer customer base. Hence, we designed and built both a trade and retail website, with the latter aimed at promoting the ADVANCE 70 brand. The way we see it is that our fabricators and/or installers sell the ADVANCE 70 window and door system, not Selecta, and the end consumer has ADVANCE 70 windows and doors installed.

On both the selectasystems.com and advance70.co.uk websites, a

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who don’t want to go through the headache of a website build. With pages full of quality imagery and product information, all that’s needed to complete your branded site is your logo, contact details, colour scheme and about us bio.

Combine that with the Window and Door Designer and you have the complete online package to help you win new business!

Mark Walker

Find a Fabricator / Installer feature was added, to make it easier and quicker for consumers to engage with our growing customer base.

By filtering it down to their area, distance from their location and products required, consumers can drill down their most local fabricators and/or installers. Direct links to the fabricator and/or installers website and contact details are included in the customer card, all contained within a Google map with directions, street view and other map functions.

WINDOW & DOOR DESIGNER AND HOME VISUALISER The biggest and most exciting addition to the consumer dedicated website is the Window and Door Designer with Home Visualiser, delivered by the amazing TOUCH. The complete range of Selecta products, direct from our Business Micros dataset, have been included thus allowing visitors to the site to design their own windows and doors!

They can choose the style, configuration, colour, hardware and glass decoration before saving each design within the portal. The most valuable part of the designer is that a homeowner can upload images of their home and drop on their newly designed windows and doors! This enables them to see if the colour or design they desire compliments the style, period and location of their home before submitting the enquiry.

Once completed they can submit their enquiry which lands within the Dealer Network section of our newly upgraded Connect customer portal. A professional PDF copy of their design lands in the homeowners inbox too!

Once the enquiry hits our admin area of the Connect portal, we are then able to assign it to their local fabricator and/or installer! Every customer of Selecta is included within the Connect portal and has an account to not only access their sales leads, but a host of other sales and marketing tools and information. The fabricator and/ or installer is now able to accept the lead, which comes complete with the customers design and contact details. It also allows them to download a professional PDF copy of the design and a survey sheet to quote the customer.

Selecta are the first systems company to launch the TOUCH Window and Door Designer and provide this level of sales and marketing support, as we continue to put fabricators and installers at the heart of our business. Between the Find a Fabricator / Installer feature and the Window and Door Designer alone we are currently generating in excess of 200 sales leads per month. These are distributed through the Connect Dealer Network to our customer base, dependent on leads location.

We see this figure increasing greatly during 2024 as we venture on an exciting campaign to further promote the ADVANCE 70 brand, website and Window & Door Designer.

STAY CONNECTED As part of the website updates, we also upgraded our Connect

We also have a web2print brochure creator on its way that allows our customers to brand and edit our range of brochures with their own information and imagery, without requiring any graphic design experience.

There will also be a stationery and promotional product shop, where customers can design and purchase everything from branded pens and letterheads, through to workwear and mugs.

customer support portal. Connect is designed to provide fabricators and/or installers with 24/7, 365 days a year access to a host of sales, marketing and technical support tools and information.

Originally launched in 2018, our Connect customer support portal, now includes more sales and marketing tools than ever before! The same Window and Door Designer with Home Visualiser that features upon our homeowner website, is available to fabricators and installers to have branded and sit on their own website. This amazing designer package and sales lead generator revolutionises the way fabricators and/or installers present and sell windows and doors to a whole new level.

With the addition of new sales brochures, branded sales videos and images, these investments in our range of sales and marketing tools demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the industry and more importantly, our customer base. Everything has been purposely designed to provide fabricators and/or installers with a simplistic way of upgrading their sales and marketing offering, helping to promote their products and services. All of which is aimed at helping fabricators and/or installers win new business and take their business to a whole new level in 2024 and beyond.

Also, within Connect is a brandnew website support package, where themed ready-made websites for both trade and retail businesses are available to fabricators and/or installers,

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

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COMPLETE LINIAR MAKEOVER GIVES FAMILY HOME INSTANT ‘CURB APPEAL’ The Virk family wanted a modern transformation for their four-bedroom dormer bungalow to enhance both its appearance and overall comfort.

They opted for products from Liniar’s extensive range, including PVCu windows, French and Bi-fold doors, an Elevate lantern roof, and fascia and soffits.

Fabricator-installer Eco Window Systems Ltd came highly recommended for undertaking the project by family members who’d already used the Hinkleybased company.

Proud homeowner and husband Pardip Virk explains, “The Eco team had done amazing work on my mother-in-law’s home, providing great service and high-quality products expertly installed. My wife and I therefore trusted them to manage the project on our own property – and they didn’t disappoint!”

Eco Window’s Director Gemma Harrison explains, “After speaking with the family, I fully understood their requirements and had a clear idea how best to achieve them.

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We fully upgraded the property’s old windows using Liniar’s highly energy efficient 70mm EnergyPlus system. By adding bay windows at the front of the building, we created a feature that not only provides instant curb appeal from the outside, but also lighter more spacious rooms inside. Agate grey sills were used for an eye-catching contrast against the cream frames, and we even had the guttering custom sprayed agate grey too. It’s little details like this we feel add a nice touch.”

She continues, “A stylish residential door, flanked by full length sidelights all manufactured using the same Liniar 70mm EnergyPlus profile were installed too. This further increases natural light entering the front of the home and the overall effect is a much cleaner, more contemporary facade.”

garden access. We topped this with a lantern roof from Liniar’s Elevate range. It matches the length of the bi-fold door and the roof ’s slim sightlines allow maximum natural light into the conservatory.

“The Elevate system is a popular choice amongst both our trade and homeowner customers. With its twin-walled top caps it’s extremely energy efficient, while Liniar’s patented weather dam delivers exceptional protection against the elements. The Virk Family’s entire conservatory now features glass instead of polycarbonate,

meaning a comfortable ambient temperature can be easily maintained all year round.”

Pardip says, “The conservatory is getting plenty of use now. It’s such a bright, comfortable space enjoying gorgeous views, and with the new bi-fold doors fully opened it feels like the garden has been brought into the house – we love it!”

He concludes, “The Eco team have done an amazing job, delivering a comprehensive makeover which has completely revitalized the family home. The project has even attracted the attention of a few neighbours who now want their own homes renovated by Eco, and we fully recommend them.”

To see Liniar’s full range visit: https://www.liniar.co.uk/

“We’re delighted with the result, which gives a stunning first impression of our home. But it’s the conservatory at the rear of the house we’re most pleased with.”

Homeowner Pardip says, “We’re delighted with the result, which gives a stunning first impression of our home. But it’s the conservatory at the rear of the house we’re most pleased with.

“The old polycarbonate conservatory was draughty and leaked during wet weather. It also got too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, so really wasn’t getting used much. It’s a shame because the conservatory connects to a large back garden and should be an enjoyable space.”

Discussing the re-design Gemma states, “By combining a 5-pane bi-fold door along the main wall with French doors at one end, we enabled the conservatory to be completely opened for seamless

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS ANNOUNCES MAIN EVENT SPONSOR FOR G24 AWARDS Epwin Window Systems has just announced it will be a main event sponsor at the G24 Awards.

Gerald Allen, Head of Marketing at Epwin Window Systems, emphasised the importance of the G Awards in acknowledging excellence within the fenestration industry. He said: “The G Awards recognise and celebrate excellence in our industry and are a great way to reward the commitment and continued innovation that this industry delivers. We are delighted to be a main event sponsor and support such a prestigious event.”

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PREMIER ARCHES MAKES £100K MACHINERY INVESTMENT

Fentrade’s high-quality aluminium windows and doors have proven their contemporary appeal in a recent home renovation in Torquay. The substantial domestic project was carried out by retail and commercial installer Southern Design Windows and marked their initial collaboration with Fentrade since selecting them as their fabrication partner for this venture.

Tony Higgin, Event Organiser, echoed this sentiment and commented: “I am, of course, delighted that one of the biggest names in the industry has agreed to sponsor the G24 Awards. Hot on the heels of the most successful presentation night last year, their presence underlines the importance of the Awards scheme to prominent industry names.”

Now in its 20th year, the G-Awards is a unique opportunity to celebrate excellence and the wide range of award categories reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the fenestration industry.

Gerald said: “The credibility of the awards aligns well with our business, and it’s one of the reasons we’ve been actively supporting this event for many years.”

In addition to being a steadfast supporter, Epwin Window Systems has also been successful in winning multiple G Awards. Notably, the company secured the Best Business Initiative of the Year at the G23 Awards for its groundbreaking Connect digital resource platform. 2023 was the first year the category of Best Business Initiative was included in the G Awards, making the win even more important. Gerald said: “Winning an award is always noteworthy but to be the first winner in a new category made it even more special.”

Established in 2004, the prestigious gala event is dedicated to celebrating innovation and exceptional performance from the best companies and the best people in the UK market. The annual awards ceremony, set to take place at the Hilton on Park Lane on Friday, November 29, has become a hallmark event in London.

Gerald concluded: “We are looking forward to November’s ceremony and the opportunity to celebrate the wonderful achievements and innovations of our industry. The evening is also a perfect opportunity to network, entertain customers and connect with fellow industry professionals. It’s one of the many reasons why Epwin Window Systems continues to support the G Awards.”

Tel: 0808 101 4143 – www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

FENTRADE’S ALUMINIUM WINDOWS AND DOOR DELIVER CONTEMPORARY APPEAL

Leading arched and angled frame specialist Premier Arches has invested over £100K in new machinery, significantly ramping up production and efficiency.

The company has invested heavily at the start of 2024 by adding a new copy router, a new four-head welder, two new ovens, additional saws and finishing tools.

This investment, funded by profits from the previous year, will allow Premier Arches to grow capacity while maintaining the high quality finish on bespoke arched and angled frames that they have become famous for.

Director Joe Trueman comments: “We’ve seen significant growth in 2023, we’ve won tons of new customers, and our existing customers have grown. This increased demand was beginning to stretch our capacity in Q4 of 2023, but the £100K of new kit allows us to deal with the current volume of orders and opens up capacity, allowing us to fulfil our growth plans for 2024.

We’re set up for a huge year.”

The St Helens-based company manufactures and supplies arched, angled, gable, circular and entirely bespoke windows and doors in a range of stocked systems, offering a full service to fabricators, trade counters, installers and local builders, transforming the often daunting procedure of profile bending into a simple and pain-free process, saving fabricators time and money.

Managing Director Sean Greenall comments: “At Premier Arches, we’ve always operated on three core principles – excellent manufacturing, clear and honest customer service, and a ‘make life easier’ offering for our customers. This significant investment into infrastructure and machinery has allowed us to continue operating on these principles, providing the best service possible to our customers as we continue to grow through 2024.

“This investment in infrastructure empowers us to not only meet, but exceed, the evolving needs of our customers. In a landscape where some may face a downturn, we remain steadfast in our growth, with investments like these continuing to propel us forward.

“Our dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction remains unwavering, and we look forward to continually improving our services throughout the year.”

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

Chris Reeks, Managing Director at Fentrade, said: “Southern Design Windows were looking for a fabricator that could provide an all-round service package, which is exactly what we provide.”

The project involved a complete home renovation, including two 5-part bay windows and six inline sliding doors, all in a marine-grade paint finish to accommodate the coastal location. Attention to detail throughout was vital to deliver the high-end result required.

Chris explained: “Every customer supply agreement is different, so we worked closely with Southern from the initial quotation to the final delivery on this first order. We took the time to run through our procedures and paperwork to ensure their team was completely comfortable in what they were signing off at every stage.”

Fentrade is renowned for its customer-centric approach and this project was no different. Chris highlighted one example of how Fentrade supported Southern: “When it came to the delivery, two direct-to-site drops were organised to work in harmony with their fitting schedules and allow for installation time without too many frames being stored on site, thereby minimising any security risks.”

Established in 2016, Southern Design Windows Limited work across Devon providing a professional supply and installation service with a wide range of fenestration products, using an experienced team of people for a high quality finish. Aaron Hern, Owner of Southern Design Windows, said: “We’ve built our business on the quality of our offer, and our choice of fabrication partner is critical in helping us maintain our standards. Fentrade more than lived up to our expectations.

They were a pleasure to deal with, service interaction and product quality were excellent. The finished results speak for themselves and the homeowners are delighted.”

The first project Fentrade and Southern Design Windows worked on was so successful that Southern plan to use Fentrade on future projects. The company has already taken samples of Fentrade’s aluminium and Residence Collection products for its Paignton showroom. Aaron commented: “Fentrade fabricates the high-end products that our customers love. We look forward to working with Chris and his team again in future.”

Fentrade offers a comprehensive portfolio of products from renowned industry brands, all manufactured at its state-ofthe-art facilities in Newport. The company prides itself on exceptional customer service based on proactive communication and strong attention to detail – traits that were perfectly in evidence on this project with Southern Design Windows.

Tel: 01633 547787 – fentradealuminium.co.uk

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February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MARK SAFETY EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS GUIDE TO FUTURE GLASS FASTER PUBLISHES HOMES CONSULTATION WITH CRL SANDBLAST KITS The wait is over; it now only takes a couple of seconds to clearly mark safety glass, with the CRL Sandblast Kits.

Significantly faster than using transfers and etching methods, the kits ensure safety glass is marked to European Standard requirements in just two seconds.

Ideal for busy production environments, the CRL Blast Pack Safety Marking Kit and CRL Detailed Safety Blasting Machine Kit are straightforward to use and have everything needed to make clear marks on the glass.

The CRL blast pack safety marking kit comes complete with blast pistol for use with compressed air, one custommade brass stencil, stencil holder, retaining ring, grit collection bag and 2.5 kg of blasting agent. The lettering is contained in a 25mm circle, for a professional finish on all types of safety glass.

The Detailed safety blasting machine, uses a stencil with smaller lettering that is contained in a 20mm circle. Custom logos in varying fonts are possible. Custom stencils are sold in packs of 5. The manufacturer suggests each stencil should provide approximately 400 marks when machine is used correctly (p.s.i. on compressor and blasting time) For further information call 01706 863600, email crl@crlaurence.co.uk, or visit www.crlaurence.co.uk.

Epwin Window Systems has published a guide to the Future Homes Consultation document to help customers navigate the detail of the proposal. Phil Parry, Technical Director at Epwin Window Systems, commented: “Our guide explains the proposal and the relevant factors of the report so our customers can fully understand the detail and implications.”

The eagerly awaited release of the consultation on the Future Homes Standard has delivered some unexpected developments for the industry including the decision to retain the current notional values, keeping them at 1.2 W/(m²K) for windows and 1.0 W/(m²K) for doors. Phil said: “Whilst the proposal to retain the current thermal efficiency requirements has attracted the headlines, now is not the time to be complacent.

These proposals are in the consultation period and everyone in the industry needs to continue to make their voices heard. It’s also important to remember that this is only the consultation document so there could still be changes made depending on feedback.”

Phil continued: “One important change that the consultation proposes is to remove the standard window configuration from new building dwellings.

This means that each window’s U value will have to be calculated on their actual size. In other words, even the smallest toilet window will have to comply with the requirements, which is significant.”

The new guide is available to download from the company’s Connect digital portal. The

award-winning platform also has a live forum where customers can submit their own questions to Epwin Window Systems’ technical experts.

SCHÜCO EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2024 NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES

Phil said: “Given the intricacy of the consultation it is our responsibility to guide our customers through the complexities. This new guide, coupled with the online support via Connect, will deliver the clarity needed for our customers and give them the information they require to respond to the consultation document.”

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which is responsible for the Future Homes Standard consultation, gathered information from the industry about the future direction of Document L for this consultation. This included the Glass and Glazing Federation Document L Working Group, of which Epwin Window Systems is a part.

Phil said: “The consultation period is open now and ends at 11:59pm on 6 March 2024.

Responses can be submitted via https://consult.levellingup. gov.uk/energy-performance-ofbuildings/fhbs-2023-consultation/ We would strongly encourage everyone in the industry to continue to make their voices heard.“ In putting together its guide to the consultation, Epwin Window Systems is continuing to take the lead in this vital debate and is supporting its customers in getting to grips with the implications of the proposal.

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

Schüco is delighted to announce that entries are now open for the 2024 Schüco Excellence Awards, marking the eleventh year of the event. These industry-renowned awards celebrate outstanding design incorporating Schüco façade, window, and door systems. Presented in partnership with Architecture Today, the awards recognise creativity, innovation, technical expertise, and collaboration to deliver architectural intent.

Participation is open to architects and specialist contractors showcasing projects that integrate Schüco aluminium and steel products and systems. Winning projects will be announced at a celebratory awards lunch to be held at The Pelligon (formerly known as East Wintergarden), Canary Wharf, London on 27th June 2024.

Schüco welcomes entries that cover projects both large and small, in urban and rural locations, and designed by practices and specialist contractors of all sizes. Winners will feature in a special awards supplement published in Architecture Today and in a special feature online.

Architecture Today editor Isabel Allen will serve as the chair for the 2024 judging panel, which comprises eight industry experts, including engineers, architects, and façade consultants.

The awards ceremony will honour accomplishments in eleven categories, featuring perennial favourites like the Individual House Award, which attracts a high calibre of creative entries, as well as newer additions such as the Major Project Award, introduced last year for buildings with at least 1,000 square metres of Schüco façade.

Other categories include awards for Commercial and Mixed-Use developments; Education buildings; Health, Culture and Leisure buildings; Individual House Improvement; Refurbishment and Adaptive Reuse projects; Residential developments; Specialist contractors; Steel projects and Sustainability projects.

The deadline for entry is Friday 12th April. For full details and to enter, please visit: https://excellence-awards.awardsplatform.com

“Schüco welcomes entries that cover projects both large and small, in urban and rural locations, and designed by practices and specialist contractors of all sizes.”

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February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CONSERVATORY OUTLET PASSES ISO ACCREDITATION

HERITAGE TRADE FRAMES UNVEILS NEW SHOWROOM AND TRAINING FACILITY

Conservatory Outlet, the Yorkshire-based manufacturer of windows, doors and other home improvement products, is celebrating after once again passing its ISO 9001:2015 assessment.

Longstanding Epwin Window Systems fabricator Heritage Trade Frames has unveiled a brand-new showroom and training centre at its headquarters in Bolton. The impressive facility has been purposely designed to showcase the company’s extensive range of high-quality windows and doors, featuring products from the Profile 22, PatioMaster, and Stellar Aluminium collections.

This marks yet another year the company achieved this globally recognised standard for quality management.

To achieve this International Standard, organisations must demonstrate their ability to provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. They also need to enhance the satisfaction of their customers through the effective application and implementation of systems.

The ISO 9001:2015 certification acknowledges Conservatory Outlet’s high standards, with a clear and dedicated focus on performance, excellence and innovation within the fabricating and fenestration sectors.

Speaking after being presented with the renewal certificate, Scott Brittain, Conservatory Outlet’s Group Head of Technical, Quality and Continuous Improvement said: “This achievement underlines how committed the company is to the quality management system, ensuring that our Premium Retail Network and their customers receive market-leading products that truly are best-in-class in terms of performance, quality and security.”

“The assessors were once again delighted with our exceptionally high standards.

We’re thrilled with the feedback that we’ve received and we’re looking forward to

Scott Brittain, Conservatory Outlet’s Group Head of Technical, Quality and Continuous Improvement

working towards renewing and gaining further qualifications in 2024.”

2024 is set to be another brilliant year for Conservatory Outlet, which has seen its Premium Retail Network record yearon-year growth over the past twelve months. The company is looking forward to its annual submission for its PAS24 accreditation early in the year and is set to expand its already impressive product portfolio with new advancements to its collection of windows and doors.

Managing Director of Conservatory Outlet, Mick Giscombe, concludes: “Renewing our ISO 9001 accreditation for another year is an impressive achievement. It underlines how seriously we take quality and continue to push forward to make improvements across all aspects of the business, which only benefits our clients and customers.”

Tel: 01924 231829

Completed in December 2023, the newly unveiled showroom is testament to Heritage Trade Frames’ commitment to providing customers with innovative and high quality product solutions. The spacious and meticulously designed space allows trade customers to experience the craftsmanship and advanced features of Heritage’s diverse product offer.

Lee Darcy, Sales and Marketing Manager at Heritage Trade Frames, commented: “The new showroom and training centre represents a significant milestone for Heritage Trade Frames. We’re delighted with the new facility and by working closely with the Epwin Window Systems’ team, we have put together a dynamic display of products in both PVC-U and aluminium providing visitors with a firsthand experience of the exceptional quality and advanced features of our window and door solutions.”

One of the showroom’s highlights is the integration of smart technology with selected products fitted with Yale SensCheck, demonstrating Heritage Trade Frames’ dedication to staying at the forefront of industry advancements. Lee said: “Yale’s SensCheck

is the next generation in smart window and door sensors, offering homeowners enhanced security and peace of mind. The Yale SensCheck Window Sensor monitors the state of the window. It can detect if the window is open, locked in a closed position, or locked in a partially closed position. If the window is tampered with the sensor will send alerts directly to the homeowner. To fully appreciate the benefits SensCheck delivers, visitors to the showroom now have the opportunity to interact with these products, gaining a greater insight into the seamless integration of the smart home solution.”

In addition to showcasing Heritage Trade Frames’ advanced product range, the new facility serves as a comprehensive training centre and meeting hub. Lee said: “The training centre will run various workshops and training sessions to ensure our customers are well-versed in the latest industry trends and technologies.”

A 360-degree virtual tour is also available allowing customers to experience the showroom from the comfort of their own devices.

Lee concluded: “We are incredibly proud of our new showroom facility, and it’s been a great effort by the Heritage Trade Frames and Epwin Window Systems’ teams. We’re delighted with the result.”

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

EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS LAUNCHES NEW ULTRA-SLIM VERTICAL SLIDING SASH MEETING RAIL Epwin Window Systems has just launched the latest enhancement to its best-selling PVC-U Vertical Sliding Sash Window System.

The new ultra-slim Vertical Sliding Sash meeting rail is just 37mm deep, faithfully replicating the appearance of traditional sash windows and adding even more heritage authenticity to the well-regarded system.

Phil Parry, Technical Director at Epwin Window Systems, said: “The PVC-U Vertical Sliding Sash Window System has always been the window of choice for conservation areas, listed buildings and period properties. The new ultra-slim meeting rail enhances these credentials even further.”

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Epwin Window Systems has a long track record of continuous investment in its systems to ensure it continues to meet the long-term needs of its customers. This ultra-slim meeting rail is the latest example of this.

Phil commented: “Our sash window fabricators are some of the country’s most respected and long-standing Vertical Sliding manufacturers. Our internal design and technical teams drew on their expertise to develop an ultra-slim meeting rail that factored in all the credentials to exceed customers’ expectations.”

The new slimmer meeting rail delivers clean sightlines to maximise light source whilst still preserving the natural character of the window which is vitally important especially on heritage-sensitive projects.

The new meeting rail joins a wealth of features that help to deliver heritage excellence for every project. They include

a choice of welded or mechanical joint options, run-through horns, a deep bottom rail and dedicated ancillaries and end caps.

The system is available in a choice of colour options including popular heritage hues such as Chartwell Green and Cream. And for a premium aesthetic appeal, a choice of five complementary base colours are available to achieve a seamless appearance, especially when the window is open.

The system is a practical option for installers – the 128mm outer frame matches box sash dimensions and there’s the option of a 150mm or 210mm cill. It’s Kitemarked to BS EN 12608, PAS 24 accredited and is designed to achieve Secured by Design status so is Document Q compliant.

Thanks to its combination of authentic aesthetics and impressive performance, Epwin Window Systems’ PVC-U Vertical Sliding Sash Window System has been a system of choice since it was launched in

2000. With the introduction of the ultraslim meeting rail, the aesthetics have been taken to the next level, and ensures the system will continue to hold its status as the industry’s preferred sash window solution.

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

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Welcome to the NEW Aluminium Inline Sliding Door Where strikingly slim aesthetics and intelligent design combine.

Quite simply, the future of inline sliding doors.

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35mm

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U-Values as low as 0.9 W/m2K

Discover a stellar advantage for your business 0845 300 9356

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

FENTRADE AND ID30 REDEFINE INTERIOR FINISHES Fentrade’s design flair has come to the fore with a series of projects displaying its innovative use of aluminium for interior finishes.

Chris Reeks, Managing Director at Fentrade, commented: “The ID30 Internal Door and Screening System is a fabulously versatile system. We’ve recently created several projects for homeowners who want to achieve a modern, contemporary aesthetic.”

In one recent example, Fentrade’s design team developed a specification for a project involving an ID30 Door and internal staircase. Chris commented: “The ID30 offers scope for experienced designers to think outside the box. In this project, for example, we complemented the ID30 doors by creating a stylish set of internal bannisters from standard aluminium.”

The ID30’s versatility means it has quickly become a popular choice with Fentrade’s customers. Chris said: “As well as the more innovative projects, our customers have used the ID30 system across domestic and commercial settings, as internal door and screens, as office partitions and to create shower and bathroom spaces.”

The versatile system features single and double hinged entrance doors, as well as single and double sliding door sets. All options can be customised with colour, glazing choices and door furniture options.

As these projects show, the Fentrade team is always on hand to add value. Chris said: “As an experienced aluminium fabricator, we are committed to offering our customers the service they need. High quality manufacture, rapid turnaround times and complete reliability are just the start.

We can also offer design and specification input when required, helping our customers to push the boundaries of product design and functionality and achieve outstanding results for homeowners.”

Fentrade is an award-winning trade aluminium fabricator manufacturing a comprehensive range of windows, doors, curtain walling and shop fronts at its manufacturing centre in Newport, South Wales.

Its trade and commercial customers value its customerfocused approach and commitment to quality at every level. As these impressive design results show, this commitment delivers exceptional results.

Tel: 01633 547787 – www.fentradealuminium.co.uk

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PORTAL HS provides the best outlook for a light and barrier-free life.

➊ Flood the room with natural daylight. The fixed glazing merges seamlessly into the floor with the ECO PASS SKY threshold. ➋ When the sash is open, the minimal threshold height allows barrier-free access to the outside. ➌ The DRIVE axxent HSA

integrated lift & slide drive can also be operated via an app for even greater convenience.

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Available in timber and the following PVC profiles: Schüco CT 70 / LivingSlide / ThermoSlide Veka Topline / SLIDE 82 / MOTION 82 Deceuninck HS476 / Monorail LS PVC GEALAN S8000 / S9000 Profine Premidoor 88 LUX / 76 Rehau Geneo / Synego Salamander evolutionDrive / ID Aluplast HST 85

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

THERMO vflex

1.2 SASH WINDOWS Roseview Windows are the first and only manufacturer to offer uPVC sash windows with a 1.2 W/m2K u-value, without requiring specialist glass such as triple or vacuum glazing.

In partnership with REHAU and using patented technology, ThermoVFlex is a profile enhancement that costs much less than triple glazing and vacuum glass, is more versatile than either, and doesn’t change the appearance of the window in any way.

ThermoVFlex is available on Ultimate and Heritage Rose sash windows from the end of February.

Authentic style. Modern performance. Another industry first from Roseview.

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TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

REGAL ALUMINIUM EXTENDS ITS OFFER WITH THE NEW REGAL BIFOLD PLUS DOOR Regal Aluminium has added the new Regal Bifold Plus Door to its growing aluminium product range. Jason Bamford, Managing Director at Regal Aluminium, said: “The new Regal Bifold Plus Door is the next generation of aluminium bifolds and offers superb slimline aesthetics. It’s the perfect solution for installers looking to make the most of high-end aluminium products and tap into the trend for larger door expanses.”

Designed to separate environments and unify spaces, the Regal Bifold Plus Door has an 80mm deep frame and offers excellent thermal and acoustic performance, thanks to its 45mm thermal bridge breakage and a glazing capacity of up to 48mm. The

intelligently designed door has a slim central section of 100mm, which maximises the glazed surface area, filling the interior space with natural light.

With a choice of bifolding door configurations, the door can accommodate up to 14 sashes making it suitable for the largest of apertures. Jason said: “The bifold door is impressive and its slim sightlines are perfect for creating light-filled spaces that are so popular in the domestic sector. And for installers, the pre-gasketed knock-in beads, allow for quick installation whilst leaving a high-end finish.”

The Regal Bifold Plus Door is available in a choice of powder coated finishes for customer personalisation.

Like all Regal Aluminium’s products, the Regal Bifold Plus Door will be manufactured at the company’s Nottinghamshire headquarters. And to help installers make the most of the market opportunities, Regal offers a competitive seven-day bifold turnaround.

The addition of the new Regal Bifold Plus Door is the latest in a series of new product introductions for the growing trade fabricator. Jason concluded: “Our strategy is always to offer the products that today’s installers need which is why we continually evaluate and, where necessary, expand our

range. There has been an increasing focus on products that appeal to consumers who still have discretionary spending power.

For this market, the answer is always premium aluminium products that combine exceptional aesthetics with modern day technical, security and thermal efficiency benefits. The new Regal Bifold Plus Door joins a growing portfolio of aluminium products to support this market and early customer feedback on the new door has been exceptional.”

Tel: 01773 483090 www.regalaluminium.uk

LOW U-VALUES ON SASH WINDOWS WITHOUT SPECIAL GLASS Respected sash window manufacturer Roseview Windows now offers sash windows with significantly reduced u-values. The company’s class-leading Heritage and Ultimate Rose sash windows are available with a certified U-value of 1.2 W/m2K without the use of specialist glass such as triple or vacuum glazing.

Roseview Managing Director Richard Burrells explains: “Until now the only way to reduce the u-value on sash windows below 1.4 W/ m2K was with triple or vacuum glazing. Both options carry problems, including cost, weight and practicality. For instance, most sash windows include astragal bars, which are not viable with triple or vacuum glazing.

“ThermoVFlex allows us to manufacture a Heritage or Ultimate Rose sash window

“This is a major advance in sash window technology.” Richard continues. “While the Future Homes Standard is maintaining current U-value requirements, finding economically viable ways of improving energy efficiency remains important.

For new-builds in particular, this gives customers more room to manoeuvre with their limiting values.

“Roseview has a long history of innovation, pushing back the boundaries of what is technically and visually possible with sash windows. This is simply a continuation of that, made possible by our close partnership with REHAU.” Richard concludes.

standards in window development for over 30 years. Our latest development is a patented technology that can reduce the U-value of our windows without the need for specialist glazing. It’s a significant step which is particularly relevant for sash

windows and so it made perfect sense to work with long-standing REHAU customer Roseview to launch this exciting new technology.”

For more information visit www.roseview.co.uk or call 01234 712657.

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IZE PR

This advance uses Roseview’s new ThermoVFlex system, which is based upon patented technology developed by REHAU. ThermoVFlex centres on improving the window’s u-value through profile enhancements, rather than relying on glass.

with a 1.2 u-value, while using the same IGUs that previously gave us 1.4. It costs much less than triple glazing and vacuum units and doesn’t impose restrictions on the use of safety glass, patterns or astragal bars.”

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Commenting on the launch, Russell Hand, Head of Product Management and Technical at REHAU Window Solutions UK said: “REHAU have been setting the

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February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

E LIPSE Trickle vents may be necessary, but visible vents can compromise the heritage aesthetic of sash windows.

Eclipse is a new way of including trickle vents on uPVC sash windows, replacing the external vent hood with a full width, two-part, foil-matched head section.

Because when it comes to traditional windows, there’s no place for compromise.

Eclipse will be available on Heritage and Ultimate Rose sash windows from the end of February, only from Roseview Windows. #traditionredefined

01234 712657 trade@roseview.co.uk www.roseview.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

HOW TO BOOST BUSINESS WITH ROOFLINE AND CLADDING Colin St John, Commercial Director of Freefoam Building Products Ltd looks at the marketing and sales tools installers can use to sell these top home improvements.

PVC roofline and cladding are being used to modernise and enhance the value of properties across the country, transforming tired homes in just a few days. Now two of the most popular home improvements in the UK, high quality PVC and PVC-UE options are available in a choice of colours and come with long-lasting guarantees.

This is a major opportunity for stockists and installers who want to add roofline and cladding to their portfolios, but the product and the marketing support has to be right. Colour products are doing particularly well, especially ranges with a wide choice of shades that can colour-match windows, bifolds and front doors. This mean installers can sell a matching suite of products to upgrade the whole façade. “[Offering a] wide range of colours has helped us win many contracts. The most popular colours with homeowners at the moment tend to be the grey shades – especially Slate Grey,” says Terry Luscombe, Director of Weatherproof Systems, a Freefoam Registered Installer based in Devon.

These products aren’t a commodity option; the best come with 10+ year guarantees and installers are selling them as aspirational and desirable, carefully chosen to enhance kerb appeal. It’s crucial that the sales and marketing support matches

“Online design apps – such as the Freefoam Visualiser tool – allow homeowners to experiment and play, adding different products and choosing colour options on a picture their own property – this moves them much faster down the decision-making process and creates opportunities for upselling.”

this approach, with a consistent look and messaging from the initial search and enquiry through to after-care documents.

TIPS FOR ON- AND OFF-LINE MARKETING Often the first crucial decisions are made online when homeowners search for products and companies to use.

Your own website and social media (or your supplier’s) should be easy to find online, and as easy to use on a mobile as a laptop. Giving a bit of company history and detailing the brands you use can add credibility, but the biggest impact comes from eye-catching pictures and case studies. Before and after photos can tell a great story for you - helping homeowners visualise the difference products will make to their property really drives sales and improves margins.

Freefoam Misty Grey cladding and roofline colourmatched to other elements

Some suppliers can help capture online searches with proactive social media – Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

We do this at Freefoam but go one step further, actively generating qualified leads for our network of Registered Installers through MyFascia and MyCladding websites.

Freefoam Freeflow Display Board

Slate Grey (left) and Storm Grey (right) Fortex cladding on two neighbouring houses, by Freefoam Registered Installer Deaton Installations Ltd

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Freefoam Fortex Cladding Board

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TRADE NEWS

Freefoam Commercial Director Colin St John

“Promotional materials should always be upto-date and show the latest ranges, reflecting trends in the market – and ideally kept out of direct sunlight to avoid fade-marks!”

Online design apps – such as the Freefoam Visualiser tool – allow homeowners to experiment and play, adding different products and choosing colour options on a picture their own property. This moves them much faster down the decision-making process and creates opportunities for upselling. Installers can send a link or hand over a tablet in person and talk prospective customers through the options.

Freefoam Misty Grey cladding and roofline on a Shropshire home reno

“I always take a sample box on my first visit to customers,” adds Terry Luscombe.

Although a lot of material is online, many installers say they sell best when they also have something for homeowners to handle: a substantial brochure with high-end photography that they can leaf through later, leaflets on new products, colour and woodgrain foil swatches – so they can see and feel the difference – as well as display boards and samples.

These offer homeowners the reassurance that they’re dealing with a professional, established company.

Promotional materials should always be up-to-date and show the latest ranges, reflecting trends in the market – and ideally kept out of direct sunlight to avoid fade-marks!

TOP TECH SUPPORT As well as solid sales and marketing support, it’s crucial to have access to technical expertise, whether that’s specific

The Freefoam Cladding Visualiser

fitting advice and detailed product information from a dedicated team, or support from an Area Sales Manager who is happy to get directly involved. Choosing easy-fit products reduces the need for technical support, of course, but its great to know it’s there if and when you need it.

Roofline, fascia and cladding are growing markets with huge potential for further expansion – as long as you have the right support. Find out more about Freefoam’s package, and lead generation for Registered Installers, by calling 0800 002 9903 or visiting www.freefoam.com.

Freefoam Registered Installer Weatherproof Systems with homeowners

www.glassnews.co.uk | February 2024

“As well as solid sales and marketing support, it’s crucial to have access to technical expertise, whether that’s specific fitting advice and detailed product information from a dedicated team, or support from an Area Sales Manager who is happy to get directly involved.”

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TRADE NEWS

ROSEVIEW LAUNCHES ECLIPSE TRICKLE VENT SOLUTION

EVERGLIDE ALUMINIUM PROFILE NOW AVAILABLE FROM AT PRECISION Leading hardware supplier AT Precision has officially launched a new range of aluminium profile, ensuring fabricators have access to everything they need in order to manufacture a complete bi-fold door.

The investment in the new Everglide range of aluminium profile includes new specialist machinery to design the profile, and a new machine to manufacture a thermal break in-house.

Industry-leading sash window specialist Roseview Windows has launched Eclipse - a new concealed trickle vent system for their Heritage and Ultimate Rose sash windows.

Eclipse is a two-part hood system that replaces the external trickle vent hood with a foil-matched aluminium cover and separate flyscreen, both of which run the full width of the window. It attaches directly to the top of the window frame without adding any height. The system is manufacturer-tested in accordance with BS EN 13141-1.

Roseview Director Mike Bygrave explains the new system: “While Part F insists on trickle vents in most circumstances, sash windows are a heritage style. Visible trickle vents can compromise the traditional aesthetic, especially in the eyes of homeowners.

“In response we’ve looked at various ways of including trickle vents on sash windows as discreetly as possible, which in turn led to Eclipse. We first showed Eclipse as a concept at FIT Show 2023, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.”

“Eclipse is now one of four methods we offer for including trickle vents.”

Mike continues. “We already have a concealed overhead vent option, but as a chambered uPVC profile it requires the height of the window to be reduced by 25mm. Eclipse is a flat aluminium section, shaped to resemble a subtle drip head and foiled to match the window. It fits on top of the window without adding to the height, and can be cut back at the sides to fit behind brick or stone reveals. It also has the advantage of having no internal projection that needs to be bridged with trims or architrave.”

When ordered Eclipse will come prefitted to Roseview’s Heritage or Ultimate Rose windows, and is available to the trade from February 2024.

For more information visit www.roseview.co.uk or call 01234 712657.

26

“Since opening our doors in 2020, we’ve been manufacturing the Everglide range of bi-fold hardware, which includes rollers, top guides, pull handles, cleats and shootbolt handles, as well as the Everseal range of high-quality gaskets,” explains Sales Director Michael Hewitt.

“Both ranges are compatible with most major systems, and because they’re manufactured in-house, come at a very affordable rate, potentially saving aluminium fabricators thousands of pounds a year.

“Over the past 12 months, we’ve further expanded our portfolio with a range of plastic ancillaries, a high-quality range of espagnolette window handles, and the Ingenious Duplex MPL from Ingenious Locks.

“The combination of all these product investments meant we were able to supply fabricators with everything they needed to manufacture a bi-fold door, bar the actual profile and glass – but that’s now changed.

“With our new high-quality Everglide range of aluminium profile, we’re now able to supply more than just hardware – we can now provide the full offering to our customers and save them time, money and hassle – with no compromise on quality.

“The high-quality profile is easy to work with, and means our customers can rely on AT Precision as their one-stop shop for all their bi-fold needs – all they need to do is add the glass!”

For a full selection of high-quality aluminium bi-fold hardware and profile, visit www.atprecision.co.uk.

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN WITH

STABLE DOORS FROM DOORCO

Leading composite door supplier, DoorCo, launches a specially designed stable door range, available in both of their ORiGINAL and GRiPCORE brands, in response to customer desire for a purpose-built door that delivers on both stability and design.

Technical and Sales Manager, Ian Glenister, talks about the new product: “Stable doors are a popular customer ask, but as with everything we do at DoorCo, we wanted to supply a product that is fit for purpose and exceeds the quality of any other products available on the market.

“The key with stable doors is to ensure the best possible stability and finish.

The traditional method of creating stable doors in the industry is to cut a standard foam filled slab in half, remove the foam and back fill with timber.

This can cause instability and for DoorCo, this just isn’t good enough. We have therefore re-innovated the composition of our standard ORiGINAL slab specifically to create the best possible stable doors.

ENGINEERED READY “The new stable door range is also available in the GRiPCORE slab. The HDF plywood element of the newly-engineered hybrid core, which now contains both foam and timber, provides enough rigidity to create a stable door from the regular slab, meaning no additional innovation has been required to include the GRiPCORE upgrade in the collection.

COUNTRY CLASSIC DESIGNS “When it comes to design, we’ve focused on offering the classic country feel that stable doors are known and loved for. The new range has an initial 6 designs available, all made from our farmhouse slab.

As well as the farmhouse solid, both ORiGINAL and GRiPCORE stable doors are available in Belfry, Sunningdale, Merion, Merion Grid and Pevero designs. All of these door styles have the same glass units available as the regular door designs.”

MADE WITH PARTNERSHIPS Explaining the partnership that brought the stable door project to life, Ian

adds: “We collaborated with both Winkhaus and Stormguard to finalise our stable door design. All of our stable doors come with a Winkhaus stable door locking kit and a Stormguard weather bar kit to help complete these door sets.

“Working with these key suppliers has simplified the offering for fabricators.

Not only do they have a door slab that has been specifically designed for its purpose, a collection that has been hand-picked to suit, but they also have preselected components that deliver the best possible performance.

“Stable doors can also be prepped by DoorCo to reduce the workload for fabricators even further. It is our priority as a supplier to offer a prepping service that does as much of the work as possible for our fabricators by being able to prep the slabs, paint, glaze and provide the weather bar and locking kits too.”

DoorCo’s range of stable doors are available in both ORiGINAL and GRiPCORE now. For more information, you can explore the range in brochures or by contacting Customer Services on 01625 428955.

DOING ORIGINAL DIFFERENTLY “Our ORiGINAL stable door slabs are pre-fitted with an internal PVC rail which is carved through during prepping to create the split design. This not only makes prepping a quicker and easier process but also ensures the stability of the finished door.

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

AN ‘XCLUSIVE’ OPPORTUNITY WITH APEER Apeer’s Managing Director, Asa McGillian, introduces the ApeerXclusive Partnership, an exciting new initiative that’s designed to help installers maximise sales opportunities in the year ahead.

Offering PAS24 as standard, homeowners can select from a wide range of exclusive designs and glass options and benefit from Yale or Ultion hardware with our enhanced £2,000 anti-snap guarantee.

As we look ahead for 2024, it seems likely that we will experience many of the same challenges – and opportunities – that we encountered last year.

And it also includes our stunning new hybrid aluminium Kärben Door Collection.

Featuring the popular, aluminium inspired SILKA finish, this premium range combines contemporary aesthetics with class leading performance. And as well as incorporating our cutting edge Thermafill® technology to deliver U values as low as 1.1 / m2k, it also introduces carbon fibre reinforcing to ensure unmatched strength.

Those challenges include a reduction in the volume of sales across the home improvement sector post pandemic, meaning installers are having to work harder to win the attention of end users and to convert leads.

But as mentioned, the opportunities are still there – especially if you are equipped with the right products and level of service – which is why we have created a new initiative, called the ApeerXclusive Partnership, that’s designed to help our customers take full advantage of ongoing demand for premium entrance door solutions.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN APEERXCLUSIVE PARTNER? First and foremost, it means a guaranteed, exclusive area of postcodes to market and sell our doors, and we will support you in doing that by directing all sales leads in your area to you, free of charge.

It gives installers a unique opportunity to access the largest, best looking and highest performing range of entrance doors in the industry, with 62 x 70mm doors, 60 x 44mm doors, 20 x 120mm doors and 16 x aluminium hybrid doors, without the risk of competing with other Apeer customers.

That includes the Apeer 70 collection, which offers 3.5 times greater thermal resistance than a 48mm timber core composite. Third party tested by TUV, Apeer 70 is double rebated for ultimate weather resistance and airtightness and achieves U values between 0.9 and 1.1 W/m2k.

28

Our comprehensive range also includes the ultra-high performance Residence Collection

by Apeer, which is the perfect option for heritage applications and high-end Residence Collection glazing projects, boasting U values from as low as 0.51 W/m2k.

As an ApeerXclusive partner, you will also benefit from a privileged pricing policy across the entire Apeer door range, but to help convert even more leads, we’ve

Asa McGillian

also introduced a ‘fighter range’ of heavily discounted 70mm products.

Of course, we know that competitive prices are not the ‘be all and end all’ of closing a sale, consumers are more knowledgeable than ever when it comes to investing in home improvements and they typically want a reassurance of quality, especially when it comes to a new entrance door.

For that reason, ApeerXclusive partners can also benefit from unbeatable rates on showroom doors, giving their customers the chance to experience our marketing leading products first hand and we will also supply free corner samples, so they can get a better idea of the innovation that has gone into their design.

There’s even more detailed information in our high-quality sales brochures – provided free of charge to ApeerXclusive customers – and to ensure that our partners remain

one step ahead of the competition, we will also be introducing additional special offers, such as free accessory upgrades and seasonal savings, on a quarterly basis.

Finally, we’re also giving ApeerXclusive Partners the opportunity to take advantage of our online door configurator – free of charge – which allows homeowners to tailor make their own entrance door, along with a bespoke landing page on their website.

It’s a market leading combination of outstanding products that’s backed up by highly competitive pricing, first class marketing support and the opportunity to target homeowners in an area that’s dedicated to individual ApeerXclusive installers.

All we ask for in return is a minimum order of one door order per week. We’ve already had an extremely positive response to the ApeerXclusive partnership since launch at the start of the year, so I would urge any new or existing installers to get in touch soon to find out how you can really make the most of 2024. www.apeer.co.uk

“We’re also giving ApeerXclusive Partners the opportunity to take advantage of our online door configurator – free of charge – which allows homeowners to tailor make their own entrance door, along with a bespoke landing page on their website.”

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Introducing

the new Regal Bifold Plus dooR from

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Experience superior performance, energy efficiency, and security with the new Regal Bifold Plus door from Regal Aluminium.

Superior slimline aesthetics

Can accommodate up to 14 sashes

Pre-gasketed, knock-in beads for quick fitting

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Excellent thermal and acoustic performance Glazing capacity up to 48mm Slim central section of 100mm, maximising the glazed area

PAS 24 approved Choice of powder coating finishes Seven-day turnaround from order confirmation

To discover how the new Regal Bifold Plus Door from Regal Aluminium can add value to your portfolio call 01773 483090 sales@regaluk.co.uk www.regalaluminium.uk Brookhill Industrial Estate, Brookhill Road, Pinxton, Nottinghamshire, NG16 6NS, United Kingdom

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

REINVENTED TRADITIONAL:

THE THEME OF 2024

DoorCo Marketing Manager, Ellie Pool, gives us an insight into what’s upcoming and trending for 2024 in the composite door market and how traditional doors are leading the way.

standard range. Now these two colours are manufactured through our Standard Door Production Line, they have a 7-day lead time and no longer carry an additional paint charge.

HARDWARE STYLING Alongside the ongoing revival of colour, it is also being predicted in the world of hardware that we’ll see Brass and Matte Black take a step back, with silver and chrome coming back in trend this upcoming year. As well as being relevant across interior lighting and hardware throughout the home, the same is likely to apply for external doors too, so it’ll be interesting to see whether we’ll see a shift from modern door furniture trends, back to a more classic choice to match the more traditional tastes.

When it comes to discussing door trends, it’s usually more contemporary designs that lead the discussion and we’ve seen lots investment in innovation to support the drive for more modern looking homes in the UK. However, when you look at the sales stats, Traditional has always taken top billing.

The housing landscape in the UK is made up of more traditional properties after all, so it’s no surprise that doors that are in keeping with this style have continued to reign supreme in terms of door numbers produced.

Towards the end of 2023 Traditional doors were very much back in focus for marketing with a refreshed look and increased sales, and we predict this revival of vintage styles will continue throughout 2024.

The classics of Carnoustie, Lytham and Sunningdale will continue to be popular. These are all the perfect designs to allow people to keep with this ever-popular aesthetic but opt for delivering something fresh to the market, making us we confident that Traditional doors will continue to increase in popularity throughout the next 12 months. But more exciting news in this area is the launch of Eaton.

EATON The brand-new Eaton slab is a one-of-a-kind entry to the market.

Available in our tallest, widest size ever (950mm x 2100mm). And with equal trimability at both the top and bottom of the slab, allowing the slab to be rotated 180 degrees and used both ways, you can create multiple designs from just one slab.

The hero design of the set, the Eaton, has the square moulding at the top and the Knightsbridge has the twin verticals at the top.

Furthermore, by cutting the twin vertical mouldings into a half-glazed aperture, we then create the Tatton. Eaton has a totally stunning new design of its woodgrain finish too.

The Eaton designs make up the majority of the NOiR Collection, designed around the roaring 20’s with 7 Traditional styles in the range and a fresh new handpicked selection of glass designs, including exclusive pieces only available for DoorCo customers.

MATCHING WITH THE REST OF THE HOME The next biggest trend to traditional we expect to grow in 2024 is the front door becoming

30

more of a decorative feature in the home. It’s an interior design trend for 2024 that is well documented across many home improvement publications, and we think the front door could be the perfect way to achieve this.

From bold colours on the external side to catch attention from the curb, adding a splash of colour to the internal side is a great way to make a hallway statement that can then be followed throughout the home.

COLOUR REFRESH Talking of colour, no new year would be complete without a discussion about what we think will happen with colour in the coming months. DoorCo has always offered an inclusive collection to suite the expansive tastes of the homeowner.

This year we’re simplifying this by introducing standard RAL colours to the mix and have already featured a variety of popular shades in the new GRiPCORE brochure.

NEVER BEFORE SEEN GLASS In addition to the new glass styles in NOiR, we’re excited to be able to offer customers a whole new range of decorative glass in the wider collection. Designed to offer something new to inspire every customer, no matter what their tastes, the all-new designs present both bold pops of colours and intricate line work, backed up by designs inspired by last year’s best-sellers.

All the innovations and trends discussed in this article are aimed at one thing – delivering products and services to our customers to help them be successful in any way we can. Their success is our priority and will be central to everything at DoorCo in 2024.

Our priority is to make our customers’ lives as easy as possible, so as well as simplifying the colour offering, we’ve also introduced the popular PAiNT shades, Slate and Agate, to our

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Introducing the Stellar Aluminium Slimline Bifold Door from Mercury Our Stellar Slimline Aluminium Bifold Doors are manufactured to the highest standards to deliver outstanding product performance.

• Superb slimline aesthetics • Faster installation with patented pre-gasketed knock-in beads • Tailed glazing gaskets and under-glass seal for enhanced thermal performance • Slimline 117m meeting stile • 28mm, 36mm, and 44mm glazing options • Choice of colour options manufactured to Qualicoat specification

T: 01452 383 344 E: sales@mercuryspecialistframes.co.uk

www.mercuryglazing.co.uk

Mercury Glazing Supplies Ltd Unit E1, Goodridge Business Park, Goodridge Avenue, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL2 5EB

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Unit 3, Lloyd Street, Parkgate, Rotherham, S62 6JG

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

STOP CRIME AT THE DOOR WITH

XTREMEDOOR FROM VISTA

According to recent data from the Office for National Statistics, there is an average of 525 home burglaries taking place per day across the UK.

With a house being burgled every 165 seconds, it’s no surprise that homeowners across the country are looking for ways to protect their properties, and it’s therefore vital that fabricators and installers are equipped to meet this growing demand.

With the superior security features of XtremeDoor composite doors from trade supplier Vista Panels, fabricators and installers can offer homeowners much sought-after security, while getting the edge on an increasingly competitive market.

To ensure maximum security for homeowners, Vista’s XtremeDoor composite doors utilise a five-point locking system with two hooks and three deadbolts. Additionally, these doors feature an anti-snap, bump and drill cylinder designed specifically to withstand common methods used during burglaries.

XtremeDoor composites have also undergone rigorous testing by the Greater Manchester Police who were unable to gain entry using an enforcer tool.

The robust security details incorporated into these composite doors are also designed with Secured by Design accreditation in mind. This prestigious certification ensures that products adhere to strict standards set forth by police authorities across the country.

In addition to their unrivalled security features, XtremeDoor composites offer other benefits such as energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal, factors that make them an ideal choice for homeowners looking for a combination of style and safety.

Ian Smith, Vista’s Sales and Marketing Manager comments: “The recent data from the Office for National Statistics is a stark reminder of the need for increased security measures in homes across the UK. “At Vista, we are committed to providing our customers with products that offer exceptional security features, and with XtremeDoor composite doors, fabricators and installers can offer homeowners peace of mind knowing that their properties are protected against intruders.

“Our doors have been rigorously tested by the Greater Manchester Police and have proven to be impenetrable even under extreme circumstances. We take pride in exceeding industry standards and helping our customers stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.” www.vistapanels.co.uk

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33

WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SHEERLINE LAUNCHES REVERSE BUTT JOINT FOR THE ALUMINIUM MARKET Known for developing innovative solutions to historic challenges within the aluminium industry, Sheerline has announced the launch of its latest revolutionary product, a Reverse Butt Joint for the Prestige window system.

Based on Sheerline’s tried and tested corner cleat, a new patented, precision-machined, aluminium T cleat will enable Sheerline customers to offer fully internally beaded aluminium windows, that feature both opening vents and fixed panes. It will streamline the fabrication and installation process, enabling fabricators to manufacture the reverse butt joint using Sheerline’s newly introduced Prestige Z transom.

This solution eliminates the need for external glazing, reverse adaptors, and dummy sashes, therefore saving time and money.

The reduction in materials, manufacturing, and labour costs also adds to the appeal of the product and opens a realm of opportunity in the specification sector.

a dummy sash, which reduces waste and saves time. Saving 20% on material and labour costs when compared to a window featuring a dummy sash rather than a fixed light.

As well as making the installation process quicker and more efficient, there are also visual benefits to consider. For example, the discreet joints give a sleek, modern appearance, adding value to both the visual aesthetic of the window overall and the installation.

As with all Sheerline products, homeowners can easily create consistent styling throughout the home with crisp, clean lines that embrace the trend of bright, airy spaces bathed in natural light. There is also the

option to perfectly match products in terms of styling, security, and colour.

fabricators, installers, and consumers that there are options for aluminium too!”

Sheerline understands how important it is for homeowners to feel safe and secure within their homes. That’s why individuals who are apprehensive about externally glazed windows will gain peace of mind from this fully internally beaded product.

“Tried and tested is great, but innovative solutions backed up by real-world experience and extensive R&D can offer unexpected opportunities, benefits, and advantages. There are many outstanding features to highlight about our newest product – the fact it streamlines the fabrication and installation processes, but also the fact it gives our customers greater choice, and that’s something we pride ourselves on,” he added.

Dave Watts, Sheerline’s Technical Sales Director said: “Anyone who operates within the PVC -U market is aware of the advantages of reverse butt joints, but within the aluminium industry, they’re relatively unheard of as legacy aluminium systems can’t accommodate them. With our new reverse butt joint, we want to show

Learn more about Sheerline’s new Prestige aluminium reverse butt joint by contacting Sheerline on 01132 978000 or emailing: info@sheerline.com.

Follow @SheerlineSystem for the latest news and updates.

Large-scale commercial projects and tenders, where efficiency is key, will benefit from the streamlined approach offered by the Z transom. For instance, it’s the ideal option for projects that require fully internally glazed windows and reduces the need for scaffolding as glazing and remedial work can be carried out from within a building.

In addition, the reverse butt joint uses less material when compared to windows that use

STEEL WINDOWS AND SCREENS DELIVER STYLE TO ENHANCE INTERIOR DECOR Strong yet comparatively slim steel frame sections are well recognised amongst architects for offering excellent light transmission, while the slender sightlines are also ideal for allowing windows to “bring the outdoors in.”

However, contemporary systems available from members of the Steel Window Association (SWA) can also play a pivotal role in influencing interior fitouts.

The unexpected property boom from the pandemic included people adding extensions or improving their homes and saw SWA members responding to high demand for both classic and contemporary steel windows, doors and interior screens. In fact, the latter has proved ideal for creating home offices or sub-dividing living spaces without significantly cutting light reaching deep plan areas; while introducing an aesthetic often described as industrial but also sophisticated.

Getting the best from these versatile, high-performance systems does, though, require careful consideration of both potential suppliers and between the multiple systems available which offer a choice of performance as well as appearance.

Ethan Blackman, Contracts Coordinator for long-established SWA member, Cotswold Casements, comments, “In terms of the way projects are specified, normally we get clients (property owners) being directed to visit our showroom by their design consultants once the decision to utilise steel

34

frames has been made, so that they can decide on items like ironmongery or type of opening light.”

“While a lot of our clients have already decided that they want the slim sections and large pane size that steel windows offer, they still want to view the past projects to help visualise how their own properties might turn out. There are a lot of nice-looking buildings on our website including commercial buildings! Normally they will send us their architects’ drawings detailing what they are trying to achieve.

We will then respond with CAD drawings and a quote.”

“We’ve also invested in a new CRM system which enables everyone involved in a contract, including the client and our

production team, to keep track. Plus, we have new window making software – all of which helps improve the customer journey, and the turnaround time.”

Interestingly, there is a perception in the market that the vast majority of steel doors and windows are produced in black, but while it is a popular colour, Cotswold Casements is one of the SWA members seeing a lot of interest in Anthracite and other shades of grey, as well as brighter colours, like Cotswold Green, white and even the stark ‘Industrial Patina’ finish. The latter is proving particularly popular for warehouse and barn conversions, along with heritage buildings generally.

Property owners and professionals can use the “Find a member” facility on the SWA website to identify a manufacturer in their locality or offering the particular area of speciality that their project requires, in order to obtain a steel window package produced to a high standard which will be correctly installed.

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

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

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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Q&A: REGAL ALUMINIUM

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

In a series of industry spotlights, Glass News caught up with Jason Bamford, Managing Director of Regal Aluminium to discuss the new business and the benefits the trade company is offering to installers.

You announced the purchase of Regal Aluminium in 2023. Is that a separate business from Regal Windows and Doors?

Yes it is! Regal Aluminium is a fabrication business aimed at supporting ambitious trade installers with a portfolio of highquality aluminium windows, doors and internal screening products. We do work in the commercial and domestic sectors, but our big focus for 2024 and beyond is developing the trade side of our aluminium business. Our sister company is Regal Windows and Doors, which is family-run business with a history stretching back over 30 years.

You have vast industry experience having been a fabricator of PVC-U and aluminium, you’ve been a bi-fold door specialist and your businesses have also included installing. What has driven you to concentrate on the aluminium side?

One factor underpinning success is diversification, hence moving into aluminium fabrication. Aluminium products have long been a staple of commercial projects but over the past few years we have seen a shift in demand from consumers looking for cutting-edge ‘designer’ products which aluminium delivers. Our portfolio features high-end aluminium windows, doors and internal screening, making us a go-to option for installers keen to offer a mix of premium product solutions.

All your working life has tied you to the East Midlands and particularly Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Is this the area where you will concentrate your efforts with Regal Aluminium, or will you offer products further afield?

We are in a great location in Nottingham in the Midlands. We have a 20,000 sqft factory with a modern office space. Currently, we're in the process of constructing an on-site showroom, a development that promises significant advantages for both our customers and our team. Our ambition and business strategy has always been to expand beyond our geographical area and we have.

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Jason Bamford

Since we launched Regal Aluminium last year, our trade customer base has grown exponentially, and we are now working with installers throughout the UK. Certainly aluminium products have grown in popularity within the homeowner market but is the commercial side still the main customer for aluminium products?

We are certainly busy in the commercial sector, but we have witnessed very strong growth from domestic installers who want to offer a mix of premium product solutions.

It’s clear that today’s homeowners are well versed when it comes to home improvement products. The slim profile aesthetics of aluminium offer exceptional drama, making them the perfect choice to create the stylish light-filled open plan living spaces that are often featured in home makeover shows and lifestyle magazines.

listed building renovations and large-scale refurbishment projects with conservation building requirements or planning constraints. The windows are available in fixed, tilt & turn, side hung or top hung casement options with a choice of heritage or art deco hardware to complement the products.

One of the biggest opportunities for us has been the launch of our Heritage Collection, something that was boosted by our most successful advertising campaign yet. We could see that heritage aluminium products were in very high demand, so we used the campaign to capitalise on this popularity.

The other benefit of heritage systems is they have good profit margins, so we knew that any investment in raising their profile in our business would always pay dividends. It makes me incredibly proud to say that the last 12 months have been the best yet for the business, witnessing a remarkable 45% increase in turnover. This robust growth can be attributed to several reasons. You could sum the reasons up by saying we have a strong business foundation built on quality and service. We then add further value with innovation and a distinctive USP.

The Interior Screening System perfectly complements the heritage windows and doors and helps to create light and airy internal environments. It can be used to divide or delineate residential and commercial spaces of any shape and size, while also providing an effective acoustic barrier. With a choice of hinged single and double doors, as well as pivot and sliding options to accompany the fixed glazed screen, the flexible and versatile system provides almost limitless design possibilities.

What products do you offer in your Heritage Collection?

Our Heritage Collection includes the Heritage Window, Single Door and Double Door which provides the ideal solution for

All products in the Collection are available in a choice of standard or non-standard colours, including metallic, dual colour, textured and anodised effect finishes.

Personally, I believe the heritage sector has huge opportunities for our industry.

It showcases all the intelligent innovation that our industry has to offer and it gives homeowners the high-end products they want to enhance and add value to their homes.

Can the private home market afford aluminium products and do you believe prices will reduce closer to high end PVC-U products?

There has been an increasing focus on products that appeal to consumers who still have discretionary spending power. For this market, the answer is always premium aluminium products that combine exceptional aesthetics with modern day technical, security and thermal efficiency benefits. These high-end products rightly attract a price premium because in part, they’re more complex to fabricate, can support larger apertures and deliver an architectural statement beyond mass market offerings.

In my opinion, the private home market is likely to continue showing interest in highend aluminium products, and as market dynamics evolve, there is a reasonable expectation that prices may become more competitive, making these products an even more appealing choice for consumers with discretionary spending capacity.

You have particular knowledge of bi-folds but what do you see as being your main products that you will be offering?

Our primary focus remains on bifold doors, and we've recently expanded our product range with the introduction of the new

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Regal Bifold Plus Door. Boasting an 80mm frame, this door excels in thermal and acoustic performance, featuring a 45mm thermal bridge breaking and a 48mm glazing capacity. Its slim central section, measuring 110mm, allows for maximum glazed surface area, flooding interiors with natural light.

I know that the team here at Regal Aluminium thrives on the positive feedback we get thanks to our commitment to these two fundamentals. I also know that it directly contributes to boosting our reputation and growing our business. It’s why we’ll never compromise on quality or service.

The system is notably user-friendly with a knock-in bead for quick and easy installation. Accommodating up to 14 sashes, it stands as a statement door ideal for even the largest openings.

Aluminium has always been known for having longer lead times than the PVC-U equivalent – can that change and can Regal Aluminium lead the way?

What can Regal Aluminium bring to the market that will differentiate yourself from other installation companies?

Very much so. Our comprehensive strategies are firmly in motion, resulting in significantly reduced lead times for our aluminium products, enhancing our competitiveness. As an example, our aluminium bifold doors are now manufactured and delivered within 7 days from the customer's sign-off making us extremely competitive in the market.

The factor that sets us apart in the industry is the tailored marketing support and business development input on offer. I’ve developed several businesses over my 34 years in the industry and I’m keen to use my experience to work or even mentor installers that want to move to the next level. This puts us on another level for ambitious companies who want to grow their businesses.

You have always been an advocate of great customer service, is that the key to success in this market?

There are two fundamentals for Regal Aluminium: quality and service. All our products are fabricated by highly skilled, highly trained operatives in state-of-the-art facilities, so the quality of our products is second to none. In all my years in the industry, I’ve learned that exceptional customer service is the one thing you can’t compromise on. Outstanding customer service is in the DNA of Regal, and it shows.

Q&A: REGAL ALUMINIUM

What is the key for installers operating in the domestic market at this time?

I believe our recipe for success is one that installers can follow too.

Diversify your sectors and your products depending on what the market needs. The market doesn’t stand still, and neither should you.

Find your USP too, so people know exactly why they should choose you over any of your competitors.

My other big piece of advice is always to go back to basics. Too many businesses still try to compete on price. But it’s always a race to the bottom that no one – not even the customer – can win.

A VIRTUOUS CIRCLE Instead of competing on price, I believe there are huge benefits to be had from competing on quality and service. When we do this, we create a virtuous circle from which everyone benefits.

When installers take pride in their work, their performance tends to excel. Positive feedback for their efforts serves as a motivating factor, driving them to continually improve and deliver an even better job.

But the virtuous circle doesn’t stop there.

When you focus on quality and service you can raise your rates and charge a premium.

This boosts your margins and gives you capital you can use to reinvest in the business to raise quality and service even more.

The combination of high-quality aluminium products plus extensive industry expertise and experience means Regal Aluminium has a compelling offer for its customers.

For more information call 01773 483090 or email jason@regaluk.co.uk. www.regalaluminium.uk

www.glassnews.co.uk | February 2024

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SUSTAINABILITY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATIONS Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) look set to be in demand this year, as developers and specifiers seek to achieve sustainability goals and contribute to the decarbonisation of the construction sector. Here, Lara Coutinho, Sustainability Programme Manager at Tyman UK & Ireland, a division of the Tyman group that includes ERA, explains what EPDs are and the role they will play in sustainable construction.

25% of all UK carbon emissions are directly attributed to the built environment, according to UKGBC. So, with the UK looking to achieve a reduction in emissions of 78% in just over a decade, much is resting on the construction industry becoming more sustainable in its operations.

The government highlighted the need to rapidly decarbonise the UK construction sector in its 2023 ‘Powering Up Britain’ proposal, which made clear the importance of collaborative efforts for creating significant operational change by 2050’s net zero deadline.

Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important for the fenestration sector to work together and alongside others within the construction industry to create meaningful, sustainable and long-term change.

One certification initiative that is contributing to this goal is EPDs. EPDs

are based on principles set out in the ISO standard 14025 for Type III environmental declaration which gives them general international acceptance.

Administered by independent EPD Program Operators, these documents are set to become more prevalent, given that they are becoming increasingly sought after by developers and specifiers who must meet increasing sustainability requirements.

WHAT IS AN EPD? Valid for five years, an EPD is a document that declares the environmental impact of a product during its lifetime. They are created based on data obtained through a Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA), which is peer reviewed in line with the latest relevant construction standards.

This enables manufacturers to evidence the overall environmental performance of a product, which is of interest to developers, specifiers, architects, engineers and designers that are looking to implement sustainable construction practices.

Although EPDs aren’t mandatory at present, those involved in the building of new homes or renovation projects are likely to opt for products that come with EPDs because they can help projects to achieve credits from sustainable certification schemes.

WHY ARE EPDS IMPORTANT? Products with EPDs are likely to be chosen for housing developments given that they boost the likelihood of developers securing projects by meeting sustainability expectations. They also help to increase the market and rental value of property as they help to increase its sustainability credentials, which is highly sought after in today’s ecofriendly world.

EPDs can contribute to points in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) schemes, which are internationally recognised rating initiatives that help to determine the sustainability performance of a building.

Using BREEAM, which is a widely adopted standard in the UK, as an example, ratings are allocated according to a range of stars between Acceptable (used for in-use properties only), Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent or Outstanding.

Given that sustainable construction is becoming more crucial, as is meeting the country’s net zero targets, developments edging towards the higher end of this scale are considered a better investment and therefore tend to have a better market and rental value. With EPDs helping to score points that boost these ratings, it is good

Lara Coutinho

practice for suppliers and manufacturers to provide specifiers and developers with products that carry EPDs.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE FENESTRATION INDUSTRY? As a result, it will be beneficial for businesses throughout the fenestration supply chain to adopt EPDs, from system houses and window and door manufacturers to component suppliers.

The ability to provide independent verification of the lifetime environmental impact of windows, doors and their components not only demonstrates suppliers’ sustainability credentials, it can also assist in tender processes for new-build and large-scale refurbishment works.

EPDs offer the transparency required to drive forward sustainable change within the construction sector, allowing specifiers, developers and manufacturers to better understand the environmental impact of suppliers’ products.

Working with manufacturers who supply EPDs means system houses and fabricators will be ahead of the curve, and can differentiate their offering from others on the market. In addition, those who are quick to partner with manufacturers who do provide EPDs are more likely to stay ahead of any regulations or legal requirements to provide them in the future, should this change occur.

Not only this, but EPDs also help to educate all elements of the supply chain to better understand what materials and processes make for market-leading sustainable products.

With sustainability a primary focus of the construction industry and the expectation that EPDs will become the norm for those specifying homes of the future, fabricators and door manufacturers would be wise to explore EPDs for their own products whilst partnering with component suppliers who are doing the same.

For further information on ERA’s diverse portfolio of security products, visit www.eraeverywhere.com or contact the sales team at 01922 490 000 or email info@eraeverywhere.com.

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February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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MACHINERY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PERFECT CUTTING TRANSOM GROOVER UPDATE SOLVES FOIL ISSUE SOLUTION FOR MULTI-TRACK SYSTEMS Kombimatec has launched a new DGS560 large capacity Electronic Double Mitre Saw, perfect to help fabricators meet demand for increasingly popular larger custom windows and doors.

The powerful and versatile DGS560 can be used to cut a variety of Aluminium or PVC-U profiles and has an impressive mitre blade travel of over 400mm. This makes it ideal for cutting wide multi-track aluminium systems at 45 degrees on the long edge. It can be configured in a 4, 5 or 6m version with the option of an extended cut facility to cut longer than the machines’ bed length.

Along with this large cutting capacity, it has the option of a compact HMI (Human Machine Interface) or colour touch screen for controlling the machine. The first has a robust screen and keypad whilst the second uses visual representations of the components and icons on the screen.

This user-friendly interface makes it easy to understand and enables safe operation even by operators with limited prior CNC experience. The touch screen is also mounted on an overhead boom keeping it clear of the profile being processed and reducing the risk of any accidental damage.

Both control systems have a USB port for uploading and downloading sequential cutting lists created by the operator or window making software, and which can also be used for program updates when required. A number of features built into the machine ensure high precision cutting that is clean and accurate every time.

Kombimatec’s Managing Director David Parsons said: “Our new DGS560 Double Mitre Saw is designed to help fabricators cut large multi-track systems accurately and efficiently - saving them time and money. It is particularly easy to use with a number of features to make it simple and safe to operate. These include auto-hinging safety guards, two button safety start and two stage clamping.”

“We’ve been in the business of designing and manufacturing machinery for Aluminium and PVC-U window manufacturers for over 40 years. We’re proud to continue leading the way in providing what fabricators need to meet the demands of the market.”

For further information on Kombimatecs range of CNC machines and fabrication solutions call directly on 01582 562218 or email sales@kombimatec.com. www.kombimatec.com

Jade Engineering’s popular and highly effective TG300 Transom Groover, has been given a whole new lease of life after learning of a production issue that has been causing issues when processing a relatively simple requirement.

groove both sides of the profiles simultaneously. On single sided foiled frames this causes a minor but irritating delay in the process as the foiled surface should not be grooved, meaning that grooving needs to be carried out manually.

Epitomising Jade Engineering’s welldeserved reputation for producing highly effective, reliable single purpose machines for the production of PVC-U and aluminium frames, the Jade TG300 has been updated following calls from fabricators who have themselves responded to the rise in the number of foiled frames being ordered by homeowners.

Jade responded by adding a facility to the TG300 to enable each pair of knives to be operated independently, allowing the top or bottom knives to be turned on or off according to production needs. “This is a small but significant change that ensures that the TG300 Transom Groover continues to be the leading machine of its type, after being in service for more than 30 years,” said Jade Engineering director Sean Mackey.

The popular choice of frames that are foiled externally and white internally

DESIGN & SUPPLY CHOOSES PROVEN STEEL MACHINING OPTION FROM EMMEGI (UK) Emmegi (UK)’s proven track record supplying machines for steel fabrication is what gave architectural and industrial door specialist Design & Supply all the reassurance they needed to invest in a Phantomatic T3 Star machining centre.

The Merthyr Tydfil based fabricator has replaced a mix of manual milling and drilling machines with the Emmegi 4-axis Phantomatic, having seen the CNC machine in action both in Germany at one of their steel profile partners and at a similar sized UK based steel door fabricator.

Scott Davies, Design & Supply’s Director, said he and his team did a good deal of research into the CNCs available, and it was only Emmegi (UK) which could so easily prove that its CNCs had the strength and durability to cope with the very different demands of steel profiles over the more typical aluminium.

He explained: “From the initial enquiry all the way to the final installation, Emmegi (UK) filled us with confidence that they were the right choice for this investment.

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has caused a problem in production as most machines - including the Jade TG300 - will automatically

The other users we spoke to were very positive about the machine’s capabilities and the potential ROI. We also liked the fact that it could so easily be linked with our LogiKal processing software and give us even better value from that as well.”

Design & Supply manufacturers acoustic, fire and security steel doors for trade, commercial and industrial applications. It has a successful 30 year track record and continues to expand.

Scott Davies added: “The biggest drivers behind the machinery investment were the need to expand capacity and optimise efficiency, and we have really appreciated the input from the Emmegi (UK) team on how best to deploy the machine in order to achieve that.

“They have helped us with everything from how to manage cutting lists to how to utilise Emmegi’s own CAMPlus 3D software, and have provided really useful ongoing training.”

The Phantomatic T3 Star can machine from any angle from -90° to + 90° and on steel sections up to 3mm. It comes with automatically positioned clamps and has been supplied to Design & Supply with a 4 piece tool magazine. The company now plans to add Emmegi’s specialist Twin Ferro steel saw to run alongside the Phantomatic T3 Star and automate its production still further.

More details at: https://www.emmegi.com/en/home and http://designandsupply.co.uk/ Tel: 02476 676192 – www.emmegi.com

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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MACHINERY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THE CORNERS YOU SHOULDN’T CUT WITH YOUR CNC With predictions rife about the industry facing a gloomy 2024, every business owner should be looking at cost efficiencies.

But don’t go cheap on your CNC, says Adam Jones of Jade Engineering

Adam Jones

as a matter of course, re-examine its processes and overheads – and not just when under pressure from slow sales – cutting corners with the key elements of your output is not just a false economy, it is commercial suicide.

CNC – ‘Computerised Numerical Control’ – machines are commonplace in the window and door frame manufacturing industry these days. In fact, for anything other than double figure volumes, it is pretty much impossible to run any fabrication production line profitably without one, or more.

These extraordinary machines perform hundreds of repeated operations in a fraction of the time that even the best human operator can manage, with consistent accuracy, without stopping for tea and pee breaks, grumbling about their pay and never catching a cold.

When CNC machines first gained popularity in the window and door industry of the late ‘Eighties, they were heralded as a solution to the labour shortage, so little has changed in the decades since: skilled labour remains as elusive as ever. Whatever the primary driver might have been to

install such equipment – and bear in mind that back then the leap from the frame production methods of the day to CNC kit required a huge leap of faith and investment – the quality of finished frames is consistently, significantly better than it ever was before the advent of this technology.

However, as with any sophisticated and complex equipment, CNCs require tender loving care. To produce consistently high quality frames, in dependable volumes and with minimal downtime, they should be serviced in line with manufacturers’ recommendations. And tool changes should also be made in accordance with the requirements of the producers, but also within the recommendations of the manufacturers of the tools. Usually us.

the impact on your company’s reputation, amongst dozens of your customers, will suffer.

Of course, whilst CNC machines are the heartbeat of most production lines, most frame making facilities are also peppered with auxiliary kit for the oneoffs and limited runs, for which the larger machines are uneconomic to produce. It is equally important to maintain these to the recommended schedules and again, replace the tools frequently. Do not wait until poor quality and failure demands attention.

With many pundits reporting that sales are down and the economic horizon looking at best, uncertain, the temptation might be to trim maintenance schedules and therefore, costs. Don’t! Whilst every business should,

This can be easily resolved by imposing a planned tool change and maintenance programme, included in budgets. When maintenance is planned, arrangements can be made to alleviate any potential disruption. That sounds obvious, right? So why are there so many factory owners out there prepared to wing it? It is far more disruptive to fix a broken machine than service one. And tool changes take minutes.

An operation producing around 400 frames a week should change tools every six months or so and other numbers, pro rata. That is a fact of frame-making life. We understand that machine tools are one of the highest overheads of the frame making process. But to ensure optimum output and product quality, the tools need to be sharp.

And we offer a regrind service that extends life of tools by a factor of three, whilst slashing costs by 75%. And a box of tools can be returned to us for as little as a tenner, so tooling costs can be significantly reduced.

The key to it all is this is simple: the only corners that should not be cut in your factories, are maintenance costs and schedules. www.jade-eng.co.uk

Well of course you would say that Adam, I hear you say.

But we have seen the results of neglect over many years. And when business gets tough – and paradoxically when business is frantic as well as down – the temptation is to run machines longer without maintenance and push tools to their limits. The results are inevitably costly, and not just in terms of remakes. For in addition to product quality suffering, damage is done to the moving parts of these expensive CNC machines as worn tools set up imperceptible vibrations that increase wear on bearings, spindles and other components. Eventually something will break – and usually expensively. Start counting frames production lost, and then

42

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

HARDWARE 5 STAR REVIEW FOR CARL F GROUPCO’S

NEW 3* CYLINDER

Independent hardware distributor Carl F Groupco has reported positive feedback from its recently launched enhanced variation of the Iron Guard 3* Cylinder.

The enhanced Iron Guard 3* Cylinder by Federal was introduced to the company’s extensive portfolio in November last year, and its far-reaching benefits have already proved popular with customers.

Notably impressed were longstanding Carl F Groupco customer, Universal Window Repairs Ltd of Didcot, Oxfordshire, an established manufacturer and supplier of trade windows, doors and conservatories. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and high product standards, Universal Window Repairs has partnered with Carl F Goupco since 2010.

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PERFECT PACKAGE DEALS

Paul Wanless, Director at Universal Window Repairs, explains: “Having worked closely with the Carl F Groupco team, we appreciate first-hand the strength of its hardware offer. After discussions with their Regional Sales Manager, Andrew Price, about the benefits of the new enhanced Iron Guard 3* Cylinder, we were convinced of its security credentials, practicality and value for money.”

Paul continued: “The 3* cylinder provides maximum security compliance, featuring advanced elements such as a patented firing pin mechanism which engages if the cylinder is snapped.

Additionally, the cam locks itself down, preventing unauthorised access and providing an additional layer of security and peace of mind for our trade partners, which is important.”

The cylinder’s advanced security features include a unique trap pin, which activates during attempted picking or bumping, locking the plug and preventing access. In both scenarios, the cylinder can still be operated safely from the inside of the property.

Hardware manufacturer, VBH, is making things easy for its customers by offering related products as bundled packages, giving customers the benefits of buying from one specialist source.

Bi-fold door lock components have long been supplied in this way and the company is now turning its attention to aluminium and PVCu outward opening casement window hardware packages.

An added advantage is its non-handed design, with sacrificial cut features on both sides for consistent anti-snap protection, regardless of the fitting direction. For additional homeowner peace of mind, the horizontal keyway with a secure dimple cut key and the visible Kitemark on the face further enhance its security credentials. The nickel finish with a brass barrel is available in double, single, and thumb turn options, as well as keyed-alike pairs, and comes with five keys and a keycard for secure registration and reordering.

VBH encourages customers to use ‘package deals’ as they can provide better value for money, and save the ‘hassle’ of sourcing hardware for the same window from two or more suppliers.

Paul concluded: “The enhanced Iron Guard 3* Cylinder by Federal is an intelligently designed product that gives a riskfree route to 3-star compliance. The new 3* cylinder has more than lived up to our expectations”.

“The same window needs all these products, so it makes sense to place just one order, with all the components delivered and invoiced together. It saves so much work for the customer’s buyer, stores people and the accounts team.”

Universal Window Repairs has been sourcing its window and door hardware solutions from Carl F Groupco for over a decade, which includes renowned brands such as Yale, MACO, Siegenia, Cotswold and now Federal. As confirmed by the favourable review from Universal Window Repairs, Carl F Groupco is widely recognised for its exceptional product selection and is acknowledged as a valued partner, consistently delivering numerous advantages to its customers.

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

Dan Powell, Head of Brand at VBH says, “Our product range has evolved to such an extent that we can offer multiple choices of locking system, friction stay, handle, security and safety devices, and vents.

VBH advise that buying hardware packages does not mean a restriction of choice, citing the fact that they have multiple choices of friction stay brand in stock, including greenteQ, Yale and Securistyle, and no less than eleven casement locking systems from espags through to shootbolts that link to smart home networks.

The addition of the greenteQ Securitas OFFSET security espagnolette to the locking system range has opened up the package deals to fabricators using slim aluminium profiles that have no Eurogroove.

Dan concludes, “What could be easier than having all your preferred casement window hardware on a Favourites List on our VBH24 online Customer Portal, where, with just a few clicks, everything you need for the following week’s window production arrives the next day? It’s hassle-free.”

For more information on window hardware package deals or on any other hardware in the VBH range, contact the company on 01634 263263, email at sales@vbhgb.com, or send them a Tweet @vbhgb.

44

MILA LAUNCHES NEW EVOLUTION DOOR HINGE WITH QUICKFIT MAGNETIC TECHOLOGY Mila’s popular Evolution high security hinge has ‘evolved’ for composite doors, with a new version featuring game-changing, magnetic, quick-fit technology for the first time.

The new Evolution hinge for composite doors incorporates high strength magnets in the sash part and the lid which means the fabricator simply has to locate the hinge lid over guide fins on the inside edge of the sash part and bring the magnets together to secure it firmly in place.

There is no drilling or screwing required and no need for a jig. There’s even no need to fit end caps because the lid has a clever all-in-one design, negating the need for separate hinge caps or covers.

Mila says it is a quicker, simpler and more efficient option for fabricators, with full accreditation to PAS24: 2022 and SBD and no compromises on security.

In terms of aesthetics, the new Evolution hinge for composite doors has a slim design and overlaps the frame profile by just 5mm to allow for maximum plaster line clearance. For replacement installations, that reduces the need for frame extensions, and, for new build, it allows for a smaller frame profile to be fitted which can be

useful in complying with the larger clear opening requirements of Approved Doc M. For Approved Doc L compliance, it also leaves room for thicker plasterboard to be fitted around door reveals to increase energy efficiency.

The new hinge comes with all the high performance specifications that customers have come to expect from Mila, including a steel hinge pin for added strength and bespoke options for both Eurocell and Liniar profiles alongside the universal option.

There are 10 colour options to choose from, including white, black, brown and anthracite grey, as well as polished chrome, smooth satin and polished gold PVD. All come with a 10 year guarantee on mechanical operation and five or ten year guarantees on finishes.

More details are at: www.mila.co.uk.

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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with MAGNETIC QUICK FIT TECHNOLOGY FAST, CLEVER, HIGH PERFORMANCE, SLIM & SECURE.

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HARDWARE

XR6: ELEVATING SECURITY THROUGH INNOVATION AND PRECISION Winkhaus’ state of the art design and manufacturing facility in Munster, Germany, is dedicated to our mechanical and electronic access control solutions. Our team is committed to creating solutions that focus on quality, flexibility and ease of use, with the added adaptability to tailor solutions to meet the requirements of our customers.

Winkhaus’ mechanical locking systems have a rich tradition of excellence, with consistent, high levels of functional safety, user-friendly convenience and reliable protection. From individual entrance or apartment doors to expansive offices and buildings, our mechanical technologies have been trusted to secure a diverse range of structures.

Holding the esteemed British Standard Kitemark as a 1-star solution, the XR6 High Security Cylinder Range boasts anti-bump, anti-pick, and anti-drill protection, among its array of features. The cylinder options include double cylinder, thumb-turn cylinder and half cylinders.

The XR6 Cylinder Range exemplifies a meticulous fusion of design and engineering, purpose-built to seamlessly complement Winkhaus locking solutions. In compliance with industry standards such as TS001-1, and PAS:24, the XR6 stands as a fortified defence against potential breaches.

Security features of the XR6 include anti-bump and anti-pick Torpedo™ tumbler pins, along with hardened steel components that resist core extraction and improve drill resistance. Practical design elements, such as the recessed key guide and the support channel, address issues like challenging lighting conditions and potential key breakage over time.

Mike Rushen, Sales Director at Winkhaus UK, adds: “XR6 is a fusion of innovation and assurance, where safety and security are of the highest priority. Designed to seamlessly integrate with the complete range of Winkhaus locking solutions, XR6 offers a comprehensive security ecosystem.”

Learn more about the features and benefits of our XR6 Cylinder Range here: https://www.winkhaus.co.uk/en/xr6-51-cylinder, or contact marketing@winkhaus.co.uk.

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

REVOLUTIONISING DOOR SECURITY: WINKHAUS UNVEILS INNOVATIVE INTERLOCKING STABLE DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM Winkhaus UK, a leader in innovative door locking solutions, proudly announces their newest addition to their catalogue of reliable and groundbreaking technology. The Interlocking Stable Door Solution is a revolution in security and design, taking inspiration from the features and performance characteristics of the popular Cobra multi point locking system.

This new innovation provides enhanced security with four locking points featuring separate deadbolts and hooks for both the upper and lower parts of the stable door.

Designed with precision

and functionality in mind, the system’s integrated shootbolt eliminates the need for additional hardware to link the two parts of the door. This not only saves valuable time in fabrication but also enhances the overall aesthetic design of the door, providing a sleek and seamless appearance.

One of the standout features of the Winkhaus Interlocking Stable Door Locking System is its easy-to-adjust roller ball latch. During installation, this feature ensures precise setup, streamlining the process for builders and installers.

Furthermore, the simplified future adjustment capability ensures a hassle-free experience throughout the entire lifespan of the door, adding convenience for the user and precision for a perfect fit.

To accommodate diverse design preferences, the upper and lower locks are supplied with 1300mm length faceplates.

This generous provision empowers architects and designers with the freedom to create a wide range of door styles, catering to various aesthetic preferences and architectural requirements.

All Winkhaus products include Nano Protect as standard, an innovative coating, applied through a rigorous electroplating process, which boosts reliability and longevity. Tested to EN 1670 corrosion protection class 5, surpassing the requirements by 66%, it offers excellent corrosion resistance.

Notably, our Nano Protect coating exhibits self-regeneration, sealing light scratches from daily use with silicon dioxide particles.

Mike Rushen, Sales Director at Winkhaus UK, said: “Manufactured and designed in our state-of-the-art facility in Meiningen Germany, the Interlocking Stable Door solution has all the qualities customers expect from a Winkhaus locking solution.”

“The integrated interlocking mechanism reduces the amount of visual hardware, simplifying sourcing, preparation and fabrication for our customers. This product is a testament to the innovation, functionality and design excellence that Winkhaus represents, and it is set to transform the way stable doors are fabricated and experienced.”

For more information, please visit https://www.winkhaus.co.uk/en/stable-door.

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February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Winkhaus XR6 Cylinder Range XR6 1 Star Cylinder Range: Unrivalled Security, Uncompromising Quality The XR6 cylinder range is meticulously designed,

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used in production. XR6 cylinders are crafted from premium materials, boasting a brass body, steel cam, and

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hardened steel anti-drill pins. Supplied with nickel-plated

are crafted with precision and commitment to unparalleled security standards. Holding the esteemed British Standard

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ecosystem. Choose XR6 for a fusion of innovation and assurance, where your safety is our top priority in the ever-evolving landscape of security solutions.

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COLOURED PRODUCTS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

HÖRMANN TRUEDOR ADDS AGATE GREY TO ITS COLOUR PALETTE The popularity of grey with homeowners choosing a new front door continues unabated, with Anthacite and Slate grey still leading the field. To offer homeowners a new take on grey, Hörmann Truedor have introduced Agate Grey to their range of composite doors, to provide a lighter, softer shade of grey. With a hint of green, Agate Grey is particularly suited to properties constructed from stone or lighter brickwork, to create a natural, calm entrance to any home.

can create an eye-catching focal point. The new, state-ofthe-art paint mixing system at the company’s IG Doors manufacturing plant means that Hörmann Truedor can match any RAL reference resulting in an endless choice of colour and creativity.

A clever online Door Designer is available which allows homeowners to gain inspiration and create a door to suit their property, with the ability to incorporate and mix a range of door styles, glazing, hardware, and accessories together with colour options.

Hörmann Truedor offer the market an unrivalled selection of colours for their composite door range, with 10 classic and 26 premium options. Consumers have the opportunity to select a door that will subtly co-ordinate with the exterior of their property or create a real impact. For those looking for a softer colour palate Agate Grey joins other popular organic colours in the range such as Country Green, Sand Dune and Pigeon. Whilst for those with a bolder design preference Purple Violet, UltraMarine and Pure Orange

In addition, to help Installers illustrate the true colours of the options available, a new sample box is available containing swatches of each of the 10 Classic and 26 Premium colours.

To find out more about Hörmann Truedor visit https://www.truedor.co.uk/colours or call 01530 516868.

DAWS EXPANDS ITS “FROM STOCK” COLOUR RANGE TO 10 COLOURS FOR ALUMINIUM BIFOLD DOORS North West based DAWS, the leading trade aluminium supplier to the door and window industry, is proud to announce the expansion of its “from stock” colour range taking the number to 10 vibrant stock colours for its highly popular Smoothfold Aluminium Bi-Fold doors.

Phil concluded by saying “And it’s not just the colour choice that makes the Smoothfold range such a desirable Bi-Folding door. The system is extremely fitter friendly, pre-gasketed with quick glaze beads, toe and heeling devices as standard and sporting the sleek Ultion handle for that extra level of security.”

DAWS The Trade Aluminium Supplier you can rely on.

For more information about DAWS and it’s expanded range of stock aluminium bifold door colours, please visit www. daws.co.uk or call 0151 374 2851.

Sales Director Phill Cresswell said “This exciting development is a testament to DAWS commitment to providing trade customers with not only exceptional quality and lead times but also a wide range of customization options to help them to win more business.”

“The 10 stock colours are White, Grey, Black, Cream, Sienna Brown, Agate Grey plus four dual combination colour ways including: Grey on White; Agate Grey on White; Sienna Brown on White and Black on White.

All have been carefully chosen to reflect the homeowners requirements, offering your customers the flexibility to choose a finish that perfectly suits their taste and the overall look of their homes. The expanded colour palette ensures that DAWS trade customers can offer more choices than ever before without extended lead times.”

Key features of the new stock colours include: • Each colour option is covered by a 25 year Qualicoat paint guarantee that ensures long-lasting durability, and this coupled with outstanding quality fabrication provides customers with doors that will stand the test of time.

• Versatile Design: The 10 new stock colours have been thoughtfully selected to complement a variety of architectural styles, making them suitable for a massive range of residential applications.

• Quick Availability: With these colours now available in stock, customers can enjoy short lead times, ensuring a fast and more efficient delivery process.

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Smoothfold Aluminium Bi-Fold door swatch cards

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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COLD CALLING

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

DANNY WILLIAMS

‘COLD CALLING’

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

“Am I the only one that thinks that the world is going mad? It seems that everything is against us. Things settle down and the supply chain improves then the Panama Canal gets blocked only for terrorists to block off the Suez Canal and we’re all back to square one! Wars, inflation, idiot politicians, wasted public money: where does it all end and how do we plan for the future and continue to provide a good and value-for-money service to our customers?”

JB, installer, Bedfordshire I must admit JB, even as a man that believes that my glass is pretty full most of the time, I am fast approaching the point when I am reluctant to turn on the radio or TV for fear of even more bad news.

If I was religious then I would be expecting a plague of frogs, locusts or even worse, Liz Truss becoming leader of the Tories again, to fall upon us as a punishment from whatever god might actually be the one pulling all the strings. Mind you, even Truss might be an improvement on Sir Kier, though that will undoubtedly be the case when we go to the polls later this year.

The human race is really doing its best to implode at the moment. Power always seems to get into the hands of the worst possible people though to be honest, hasn’t it always been that way? My large team of research assistants have, as always, been thoroughly investigating the themes and

facts relating to current Global struggles, to produce the hard facts upon which every Cold Calling column is based (!). And with my correspondent JB’s observation that ‘…the world is going mad’…as the central theme, my minions went to work.

But after reporting facts, for example, that the total number of drone attacks increased by 40.8% in 2022, I decided that I was barking up the wrong tree, especially as I don’t believe that a single incident of a drone attack has ever been reported in Chelmsford…

I decided therefore that a/ This was all too depressing and b/ It was above my pay grade and that I should consider the points raised, JB, in a more appropriate fashion, that is, what the hell does all of this have to do with selling and installing windows and doors in good old Blighty?

The Big Issue must be the threat of raised prices once again, with the Yemen-based Houthis taking pot shots at shipping, prompting cargo vessels to add around 3500 miles and 10 days to every journey between east and west and back again. And whilst we have experienced similar issues previously – the EverGiven paralysing the Suez for example in 2021 – the problem with this one is that it will not be solved in six days.

I think it’s odds on that higher prices will result from this latest skirmish. And adding therefore to the seemingly inevitable and continuous rises in the cost of everything.

I believe JB, that it is all too easy to get caught up in events and affairs that we can do nothing about. And even, if I am honest, when we do decide to get active – such as

The cost-of-living crisis has hit the pockets hardest of those in the lower to middle income sectors and it is likely to remain that way for the foreseeable future. It makes sense therefore, to sell products that appeal to those that already have money. And whilst they may want value for their money, they also want the best for their more substantial homes. voting in the imminent General Election for example - the experiences of a lifetime suggest that whatever colour politics we vote for, we will end up with dross. We must therefore look after our own and focus on the things that we can influence.

Such as the products that we manufacture and sell and install for example. And thereby hangs the tale: whilst the prospect of the windows and doors that we sell are likely to continue climbing in price, the smart money seems to be on selling more upmarket products from brands that are well known for their quality and which are, therefore, more expensive. The cost-ofliving crisis has hit the pockets hardest of those in the lower to middle income sectors and it is likely to remain that way for the foreseeable future. It makes sense therefore, to sell products that appeal to those that already have money. And whilst they may want value for their money, they also want the best for their more substantial homes.

I have looked at your website JB and you have a mix of products that you promote under your own brand, rather than those of your suppliers. Your emphasis appears to be on low price, with ‘we will beat any price’ featured more than once in your blurb. If ever you needed examples of how

this stance is dangerous, look at the failures of two of the biggest price-led sellers in the industry last year: Duraflex and Safestyle.

My advice is that you need to change the emphasis from price to quality, with products that will appeal to better-heeled customers.

In order to shift more upmarket, I also believe that you should abandon your preference to promote all products under your own brand and, having negotiated with some of the more prestigious suppliers in the market, adopt and heavily promote their brands through your marketing, getting their input to help you. In this way, you will significantly shorten the time required to move your own brand upmarket.

Bear in mind though JB, that your customer service, installation and after care must all reflect the better quality and more expensive products that you are selling. My experience is that people with money are prepared to shell-out, but especially if they are respected and treated well.

And actually, stop watching the news, listen to Heart or TalkSport on the radio and stick your fingers in your ears when the news comes on. It might not stop global conflict but it will help stop you worrying about it.

* Danny Williams is managing director of Chelmsford based Pioneer Trading and has been involved with all aspects of the windows and doors industry for 35 years.

His activities include manufacturing a full range of windows and doors in PVC-U and aluminium, an IGU facility, retailing and commercial contracting.

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February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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Q&A: DAN BROWN

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GETTING TO KNOW THE GQA Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, poses the question to GQA Qualifications’ Dan Brown: “We know GQA delivers training and qualifications to the fenestration industry but GQA does much more than that – can we discuss that?”

GQA is not new but just how long has it been in operation?

GQA, also known as the Big Green Q, traces its origins to the mid-1990s when it was a division of the Glass National Training Organisation, Glass Training Limited (GTL). Initially named Glass Qualifications Authority, the organisation separated from GTL in 2001 to focus exclusively on the glass sector. In 2011, we adopted the more recognisable name GQA Qualifications, aligning with the evolving role of our Awarding Body in other sectors.

Originally you offered just 11 qualifications.

What does the number stand at now?

Presently, we provide a comprehensive range of more than 230 qualifications, utilized in the four home nations, along with Southern Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Mauritius, and Senegal.

And the number of certifications you have delivered?

The total number of our certifications has exceeded 320,000, with approximately 72,000 of them originating from the glass sector.

You also advise a number of committees. I know CAB is one of those but what other committees are you involved in?

I currently represent GQA on a number of committees, holding the position of Chair of Communications at the Joint Competency Initiative for The Building Envelope Sector (JCI). The JCI is an association of representatives from the building envelope sector who collaborate to create competency frameworks and offer guidance for compliance with the demands of The Building Safety Act 2022. Additionally, I serve as the Chair for Carbon and Energy Efficiency at the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC), where I work in conjunction with the Construct Leadership Council’s CO2nstruct Zero—a response from the construction industry to the Government’s Net-Zero commitments. I also represent GQA in various working groups that collaborate with the Department for Business & Trade and the Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero. Whilst in a broader sense, GQA collaborates with trade sector organisations like the Glass and Glazing Federation and Council for Aluminium in Building and supports working groups associated with The Armed Forces, schools, colleges, and the wider community.

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Although we’re interested in fenestration, you also operate in a number of other industries. Can you tell us about those?

In total we provide vocational qualifications across 20 sectors including Construction, Nuclear, Petro-Chemical, Automotive and Water Treatment!

Apart from industry, I believe you even work with the Prison and Probation Service?

We collaborate with over 60 prisons and Young Offenders Institutes across the nation, aiding their learners in acquiring qualifications as an integral aspect of the rehabilitation process. It is crucial for us to strive for the preparation of as many learners as possible for life beyond prison, ensuring they attain qualifications and readiness for employment. This approach is vital in mitigating the considerable risk of reoffending that may arise if individuals cannot secure stable employment upon release. Additionally, we extend our efforts to work with organisations supporting individuals classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). It is equally imperative for us to reach those who are at risk of becoming disengaged in society before they face homelessness or become involved in criminal activities.

You have centres in this country but also abroad. Just how far out into the world is GQA reaching?

GQA maintains an international outreach, exemplified by our collaboration with training providers and companies in Saudi Arabia, Mauritius and Senegal.

This experience has equipped us with the expertise to establish collaborative partnerships beyond the borders of the UK. What are GQA’s plans for the future?

Do you spread yourselves out into further industries and become more international?

As an Awarding Body, it is crucial for us to stay abreast of the evolving trends within each sector. Taking the construction industry as an illustration, it is currently undergoing significant transformation through the digitalization and automation of processes.

Additionally, there is a shift towards new methods of construction, with more operations being conducted off-site and employing modular construction techniques.

This is accompanied by the development of technology that aligns with a sustainable future.

To effectively support these industry changes, we must ensure that individuals entering these new careers have access to qualifications that make them suitably qualified. Furthermore, our commitment to providing high-quality services has garnered increased interest from overseas.

Is GQA self-funding through certification fees or is it supported through government grants?

GQA does not directly access any Government funding, with revenue being generated by qualification registrations and

the associated services. We are committed to self-sustainability, aiming to reinvest in the individuals, professions, and sectors within which we work.

How does GQA attract staff and what qualifications do they require to be considered for employment?

Those who collaborate with GQA often witness the positive and motivated nature of our employees, fuelled by the quality of support and advice we deliver. This, in itself, serves as a compelling motivation for individuals considering roles with GQA Qualifications when they become available. While qualifications and training are paramount for GQA, we place equal importance on supporting our staff along their professional journey. If there are gaps in their learning, we are committed to providing the necessary support. Moreover, GQA also values personal traits such as enthusiasm, professionalism, a passion for assisting others, and compatibility with the close-knit GQA family when seeking potential team members.

For instance, what is your background, Dan, and how did you become involved with GQA? I commenced my career as an estimator with the conservatory manufacturer Cestrum, later transitioning to the role of Architectural Draughtsman at the aluminium façade specialist HW Architectural. Subsequently, I dedicated several years to German Systems House WICONA, part of Hydro Building Systems.

Starting as an estimator, I steadily advanced within the organisation, eventually managing accounts for specialist façade contractors and Tier 1 Contractors.

This role involved contributing to the construction of now iconic high-rise buildings in major cities, particularly London. Given this background, the position of Strategic Relationship Manager felt like a natural progression for me. I was drawn to this role by the meaningful work that GQA undertakes to transform lives.

The organisation empowers individuals through education, providing them with the means to break free from challenging social circumstances or enhance their professional growth. I consider myself lucky to be part of an organisation that directly supports their journey.

Has the issue of training and certification been embraced by our industry?

Certainly, there is a prevailing issue with training in our industry, largely stemming from an outdated mindset that fears investing in training due to the misconception that trained individuals will eventually leave. This perspective has hindered the development of trust and lasting relationships between employers and employees. Unfortunately, this approach has left our industry underqualified in crucial areas. The current legislative landscape,

Dan Brown

particularly under the Building Safety Act, imposes severe consequences, including imprisonment and unlimited fines, for those making incompetent decisions.

Nevertheless, there is a noticeable shift in attitudes towards training. Employers are increasingly recognising that a well-qualified workforce contributes to heightened quality and workmanship.

This not only reduces waste and the need for remedial work but also enhances the likelihood of completing projects to a high standard. In turn, this not only saves money but also maintains a positive reputation, ultimately leading to more opportunities for winning additional work.

What influence can GQA have on government to tighten up training and certification even more, such that we can all feel confident that whatever work we may have done, and within whatever sector, we can guarantee to have that work done by competent people?

GQA is well-positioned to aid government departments and statutory committees in shaping training and development strategies within many sectors. As an Awarding Body specializing in establishing standards in learning, encompassing the development of qualifications, vocational assessment, and accreditation, our expertise is closely aligned with these objectives. We encourage those seeking guidance on learning or endeavouring to create training and quality strategies to contact us. Leveraging our proficiency in organizing content for learning outcomes and aligning them with regulated qualification frameworks, we can ensure uniformity and adherence to standards and competency-setting. GQA is prepared to assist government entities, working groups, and committees in their efforts to elevate workmanship quality by enhancing competency, introducing rigor, and ultimately build more safely, exemplified by our collaborations with the JCI and the NHIC. We enthusiastically welcome opportunities for engagement and collaboration.

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

UNMATCHED ENERGY-EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE

FROM THE RESIDENCE COLLECTION

With an 88% increase in searches for ‘energy-efficient windows’ in the past three months1, there is a clear growth in consciousness of environmental concerns and a commitment to minimise energy usage amongst consumers. This has led to installers prioritising energyefficient and sustainable window solutions in their product ranges.

incorporating various manufacturing techniques and featuring a refined sevenchamber design. This design ensures a seamlessly flush and maintenance-free finish both internally and externally.

With its sleek lines and modern aesthetic, the R7 system is an excellent option for contemporary homes, offering versatility and a clean, elegant appearance.

The final system that completes The Residence Collection window range, R2, is the architectural highlight of the collection, with its bold and modern appearance.

This system achieves one of the highest classifications on the British weather test, where windows are tested for their water tightness, so that no water seeps into the home. It also passes all security tests with the inside glazing bead contributing to higher security performance, while still maintaining its clean line appearance and superb energy-efficient performance.

The Residence Collection, a premium designer of windows and doors, presents a high-quality product crafted in the United Kingdom, supported by a network of committed fabricators and installers across the country.

The Residence Collection is leading the way for installers interested in highly energyefficient windows. The premium window designer provides a variety of energyefficient double and triple glazing solutions across all its three window systems, R9, R7 and R2. The Residence Collection also achieves the Document L regulation that came into effect last year, with all three systems achieving u-values as low as 1.2W/ m²K with double glazing. The Residence Collection systems not only meet but also surpass the requirements of the upcoming building regulation change scheduled for 2025, making them future-proofed systems.

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The R9 provides the choice of double or triple glazed options, contributing to the creation of highly efficient glazed units that deliver exceptional thermal and acoustic performance. With triple glazing, the system achieves remarkable u-values as low as 0.74 W/m²K. The R7 and R2 collections both boast A++ energy ratings and reach u-values as little as 0.79W/m2k for triple glazed options. This showcases the unmatched energy-efficiency of The Residence Collection windows.

is favoured by fabricators, installers, and homeowners alike. It combines modern manufacturing, British craftsmanship, sophisticated designs, maintenance-free finishes, and technological innovation that outperforms its competitors.

The renowned Residence 9 collection, the original timber alternative window,

The Residence 7 collection is crafted with a focus on contemporary lifestyles,

Perfectly replicating flush timber window designs, R9 is approved for use in conservation areas and listed buildings as well as being available in 21 colourways, making it tailored to a diverse range of property needs.

Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at The Residence Collection adds: “There is a growing desire amongst customers to have energy-efficient windows to lower household energy consumption and achieve a smaller carbon footprint. The Residence Collection responds to this demand by offering installers a range of windows that boost energy-efficiency.

"Our primary focus is to equip installers with a diverse range of choices, enabling them to provide their customers with high-quality products that align with the dynamic preferences of the contemporary consumer."

The Residence Collection offers premium systems for the premium customer, all boasting energy efficient features.

Find out more on the website here: www.residencecollectiontrade.co.uk/

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

NEW GLOW HEATED GLASS: THE LOWDOWN With the launch of Glow, TuffX has introduced game-changing heated double-glazing to the bi-folds market. Commercial Director Paul Higgins explains why, how and everything else that installers and homeowners need to know.

There may be some debate about exactly what the Future Homes Standard will finally look like when it comes into force next year, but one thing is pretty clear: newly built homes will need to produce up to 80% less carbon, commercial buildings will also have to reduce their emissions, and home extensions are expected to be subject to higher standards too. It’s spelling the beginning of the end for mains gas connected homes, gas boilers and radiators.

Stepping into this chilly space in the market for new and innovative heating alternatives is TuffX, with the eagerly awaited launch of it’s Glow electrically heated glass. Available for bi-folds as an affordable and efficient alternative to radiators, fires and underfloor heating, Glow is thermostatically controlled, switching on and off when it reaches the desired temperatures just like any other primary heating source. What’s more, its clever and totally invisible mechanisms means Glow glass looks just like a regular glazed unit.

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HOW DOES GLOW WORK? While the glass may look the same, on the inside pane Glow features an integrated and invisible heating glass solution that radiates heat into the home. Using infrared technology and glass layered with intelligent conductive coatings, heat is generated when an electrical current is passed through it.

Depending on outside temperatures, Glow glass can reach surface temperatures inside of up to 35-40c. This is below the safe-totouch industry standards while making it an ideal heating solution within the home.

Glow emits radiant heat rather than the convection heat that is produced by traditional radiators. Essentially, this means it warms people and objects rather than space.

In fact, it’s even easier to maintain than regular glass, coming with the added bonus that it dramatically reduces condensation on panes too.

“A good example of radiant heat is that it is what make sunshine feel warm on your skin,” explains TuffX’s Commercial Director Paul Higgins. “It makes Glow the perfect glazing option for bi-fold doors as the sole heating solution for a room, or as an additional heating method in an extension or conservatory.”

It can be used in rooms where space is at a premium, as there’s no need to take up valuable wall space for radiators, while in every other respects it works just as any other thermostatically controlled home heating system does.

WHY CHOOSE GLOW? “For homeowners, Glow bi-folds are an affordable, space-saving and environmentally friendly heating option that’s available in a regular smart, fully compliant and efficient aluminium bi-fold door,” explains Paul.

For installers, the process is the same as installing regular bi-folds, explains Paul: “However, we recommend the electrical connections are carried out by a qualified electrician, with the product conveniently

designed to connect direct to a 240v home mains supply, making installations easier and hassle-free.

“We provide a comprehensive installation guide with each order and will also be offering our trade partners full training on Glow’s features, benefits and installation.

“At TuffX we’ve been working on perfecting Glow for a long time, since we first introduced it as a concept, and we know it has been eagerly anticipated by the industry,” says Paul. “So we’re delighted to now be offering it to the bi-folds market when it’s never been more needed. And we can’t wait to see the impact it has.”

Unlike heating systems that can require regular servicing, Glow is maintenance-free.

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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MARKETING

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

LET US HELP YOU WITH YOUR MARKETING IN 2024

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hello@mra-research.co.uk www.mra-research.co.uk

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Call. 07590 818 458 Email. hello@hook-a-duck.co.uk February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk HOOK-A-DUCK - 61.75MM X 156MM.indd 1

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

COLOUR IS HERE TO STAY...

AND IT CAN BE VERY PROFITABLE Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, attended the opening of RegaLead’s ColorSpray Trade Counter and Training Centre at Wythenshawe, Manchester, learning about the painting of PVCu and how this market has grown and opened new opportunities for fabricators and installers.

It’s a bit frightening when you think you have a reasonable take on what’s going on in the industry – what’s on the up and what’s on the down – only to find there is yet another vast gap in your knowledge! A case in point for me is what is happening in the paint side of the industry. We all know how important colour is, whether for doors or windows, and how foiling is so popular, even if it is just a grained white foil.

The painting of doors, certainly, but PVCu profile? Not so much.

The ColorSpray Network Trade Day was a typical RegaLead trade event: extremely well organised and attended, lots to see and learn about, interspersed with RegaLead’s normal good humour and ridiculously good hospitality. I could wax lyrical about the Coffee Cart and the range of fancy coffees available, and the ‘Best Pizza this side of Naples’ from Wood Fire Smoke Pizza tent and its four high speed pizza ovens that churned out pizzas in a couple of minutes.

This was a real attraction on a cool late autumn/early winter day.

RegaLead has always been masters at staging days like this and the fact that visitors stayed so long was down to the wide variety of stands to view and people to talk to. If you were interested in the opportunities afforded in painting PVCu profile and entrance doors, this was the place to find out how to do it and the kit you would need get set up.

The background to all this was the opening of a Trade Counter on the Roundthorn Industrial Estate in Wythenshawe, Manchester. Those in the know are fully aware of RegaLead’s long standing interests in paint solutions although their prowess in decorative glass is better known. In fact,

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RegaLead’s electrical corona discharge solution for oxidisation

part of RegaLead’s legendary fun for their customers, a bouncy castle! Perhaps, drying equipment such as a Shubox drying system or the all-important paint. It’s all here, and there is full training, too. You could start as a complete amateur with a wish to start a business of your own and walk out, fully trained, kitted out, and ready to offer a service to your customers.

Every sort of kit was available for prospective painters

the ColorSpray side of the business dates back to 2009 when they launched a resinbased paint system. For the first time ever, glass companies didn’t have to rely on a paint system that had been ‘shoe-horned’ into the glass sector from another industry.

Suddenly the market had an easy-to-use, mix on demand solution for painting glass and the ability to create any RAL, Pantone, NCS or BS colour thanks to the range of 15 base colourants.

This Original glass system is now used by 350 companies globally and makes the company one of the world’s largest specialist glass coatings providers. Now ‘Original’ has a number of stable mates including Vetrocoat, Omnicoat, GRP, Mirrorcoat and Ceramic. While Original, GRP and Mirrorcoat are solvent based, the others are all water based and all the range has different binders. The point is, there’s a paint solution for just about any surface finish within fenestration but also takes in the painting of kitchen units and splashbacks, too.

out there. I had no idea that the painting of PVCu was so prolific and had no idea that the market extended to the painting of existing PVCu windows, in situ, to give them a refresh or, simply, because the homeowner fancies a different colour. But the painting isn’t restricted to fenestration products: the market for the painting of kitchen units and splashbacks is vast and the trade counter and training centre at Wythenshawe is directed at that market as much as at fenestration. So, you want to set up a painting operation, or even extend the offering you have to your customers?

Well, this is the place to start. Whether you need spraying equipment, a spray booth – even a portable blow up (steady!) spray booth, something I thought, on arrival, was

On the day, a whole variety of businesses were there offering both advice and the necessary equipment for a potential painting business or to upgrade existing kit, and imparting knowledge, too. There was Sata with spray guns and air regulators; J Tape and the necessary masking tapes, films and accessories; Orange Box had spray booths and associated equipment and Schuberts Finishing with their infra-red drying systems. Abode Decorating Academy who are onsite kitchen and PVCu training specialists and Spray Train offering In booth spraying, with both practical and theoretical training, and also Q Tech with their Turbine Spray systems.

Plus, of course, all the expertise of the RegaLead staff is available to customers.

The question I had was whether paint can adhere to PVCu satisfactorily? I’ve seen plenty of plastic items, particularly down

I was learning a lot during the day, not least that there is a huge market for paint

“This original ColorSpray Resin is now used by over 350 companies globally and makes the company one of the world’s largest specialist glass coatings providers.”

Experts across the painting sector were there to help

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Lots of activity at the Trade Day

pipes and guttering that have been hand painted and have cracked and flaked such that in a pretty short time the original plastic surface is exposed. Apparently, the secret is to increase the surface energy as the higher surface energy is more easily wettable preventing forming a contact angle, that is better known as surface tension, such that a droplet of paint won’t spread across the surface. There are various methods by which higher surface energy can be achieved and I remember seeing a naked flame being passed over a GRP door skin to do exactly that, out in the Far East. But, with Health and Safety Laws in the UK, naked flames on the shop floor are frowned upon! So how can this surface tension issue be overcome? Mechanical prep (or scrubbing with prep clean for the lay person) is the most common method but is not practicable or efficient way when faced with many lengths of PVCu profile.

Of course, a naked flame does the job as it initiates an oxidative chemical reaction that forms enough polarity to the surface to provide excellent paint adhesion - so RegaLead has come up with a safe answer.

They have constructed a piece of kit that passes the profile through an electrical corona discharge and provides the necessary oxidisation while also creating an ion field that neutralises static and removes dust and contaminants. Ingenious!

composite doors. Combining PVCu profile with, say, GRP skinned doors, means you have different materials that react to heat and cold in different ways. Phrases like ‘Solar Heat Gain’ and ‘Heat Build Up’ spring to mind. Without getting too deeply into the physics, some substrates, like wood, with temperatures of up to 700C (1580F) do not significantly influence the substrate.

However, with PVC-U this is a different story, as high temperature can cause critical damage, such as softening, deforming, and changes to the mechanical properties of the substrate. To counter the problem of heat expansion with dark colours, RegaLead

Composite doors set up for spraying in situ

Demonstrating paint spraying techniques

has developed a range of Cool Colours to complement its existing range. These Cool Colours use specialised Infra-Red-Reflective (IRR) Pigments which substantially reduce any heat build-up. The IRR pigments reflect 44% of the infrared wavelength and the heat build-up is only marginally over that of standard white profile. This is just one example of their expertise – RegaLead’s ColorSpray division know what they’re talking about. This is important as colour is here to stay. The popularity of colours change over time: it was all kinds of grey but is now moving towards a much wider colour

palette. The point is that whether it’s new windows and doors or, it seems, the painting of existing PVCu windows to give them additional life, paints and how to apply them properly, is very important.

Where does the market go from here? I asked Joint Managing Director of RegaLead, Guy Hubble, this very question.

“The demand for colour will continue to grow both for foiled products and those using painted finishes. However, when it comes to foiling PVCu profile there will always be an issue over stocking for both the systems companies and the fabricators.

To be economic, foiling profile has to be run in vast meterage and combined with all the different configurations for window profile, cills and so on, such that the stock requirements quickly become economically un-viable. This is undoubtedly stifling the growth in colour and consumers are still faced with a relatively short range of options. The current answer is painting assembled frames but the future is likely to be painted lineals. We have seen the market in North America embrace the idea of short runs of painted lineals, typically 250M of mixed profiles, and fabricating in much the same way as foiled products.

Our partnership with Schuberts and Giardina on automated lineal painting and the developments in prepping with the Corana system, combined with our paint technology, is bringing this system to reality in the UK market”

The ColorSpray side of RegaLead’s business is backed up by having on-staff chemists and the benefit of learning from their experience in the North American market.

Everyone knows the issues of dark colours attracting heat and issues with dark coloured

Paul Edwards shows off RegaLead’s portable spray booth

The opening of the Colorspray Trade Counter and Training Centre at Wythenshawe was a must for those wanting to know more about painting PVCu Windows and Doors and benefit from the fast growing, and hugely profitable, on site re-spraying business. All the coatings are available through the ColorSpray Network and via a network of trade outlets across the country, and the full range is also available at the ColorSpray Trade Counters in both Manchester and Kent.

A variety of tack options from J Tapes

Very welcome pizzas for all!

SATA’s beautifically stocked display van

www.glassnews.co.uk | February 2024

The new ColorSpray trade counter

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MADE FOR TRADE CELEBRATE THE END OF 2023 WITH LONG SERVICE STAFF AWARDS Awards for staff who have attained from five to over thirty-five years of consecutive service with Aanco and Made for Trade.

Made for Trade, a thriving business in its 40th year, is proud to recognise the exceptional dedication of its long-standing staff. Over the past decade, this company has experienced remarkable growth and expansion, now operating across three major factory sites, including the Korniche bi-fold door fabrication facility at Wynyard. With the increase in staff numbers, Made for Trade has become a significant employer in the region.

“Over the past decade, this company has experienced remarkable growth and expansion, now operating across three major factory sites, including the Korniche bi-fold door fabrication facility at Wynyard.”

Factory staff celebrating 5 years consecutive service awards

Amidst their numerous reasons for celebration, Made for Trade takes great pride in the loyalty and commitment of its employees, many of whom have

been with the company for several years.

These remarkable individuals have reached impressive milestones, with some surpassing 30 years of service with the

Northeast manufacturing business. In fact, a remarkable group of five employees collectively boasts an astounding 140 years of service with the award-winning company.

Amy Pout, Richie Bezance, Brenda Webster, Frank Donaghy, and Kevin Southall are the famous five, whose unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements have made a significant impact on Made for Trade.

Amy has devoted an impressive 21 years to the company, while Richie has reached the remarkable milestone of 20 years. Frank's dedication spans an incredible 35 years, followed closely by Brenda's 33 years of service. Last but certainly not least, Kevin Southall is celebrating an astonishing 37 years with Made for Trade.

In recognition of their remarkable service, Made for Trade's founder, Richard Gaunt, and his son, Managing Director Bradley Gaunt, recently hosted an event to honour these long-standing staff members. Each employee was presented with well-deserved awards and certificates, acknowledging their unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to the company.

From left to right Brenda Webster, Richard Gaunt, Kevin Southall, Bradley Gaunt, Frank Donaghy, Amy Pout and Richie Bezance

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Made for Trade's Long Service Awards truly exemplify the professional and dedicated culture that has propelled this company's success over the past four decades. As this business continues to grow and prosper, it remains committed to recognising and celebrating the invaluable contributions of its exceptional staff members.

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SO, WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT TOMMY TRINDER?

Window installer turned software guru, Chris Brunsdon, talks us through his journey from family installation business to developing the Tommy Trinder app. Launched just four years ago Tommy Trinder has established itself as go to app for installers looking to add some pizzaz to their sales process.

BUT WHAT INSPIRED ERSTWHILE WINDOW INSTALLER, CHRIS BRUNSDON, TO VENTURE INTO SOFTWARE IN THE FIRST PLACE? AND WHAT, EXACTLY, MAKES TOMMY TRINDER SO SPECIAL?

Chris Brundson

“I’ve always loved selling windows,” says Chris. “28 years in the industry, and I’ve tackled most parts. But selling windows face-to-face has always been my favourite bit. My Dad sold windows for 50 years, and his dad before him too. So, I guess it was in the blood!”

Tommy Trinder’s platform was born of out of Chris’ frustration. Frustration at trying to sell windows to customers with the wrong piece of software to hand; software that was clunky, overly complicated, built for manufacturers not installers, but most of

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all, he says, dull and boring: “When I was out selling windows for my Dad’s business, I just wanted a piece of software that had some wow factor about it, something that would get the customers heart beating faster and help me take an order. There was plenty

of tech that was great for running factories, but none that was much help when I was sitting on a customer’s sofa and trying to make a sale.”

7 years of development and some hefty investment later, Tommy Trinder was born.

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

“You just draw with your finger or mouse, like sketching on a pad, and ‘as if by magic’ windows and doors appear in full, photo-realistic glory.

As one of our customers put it ‘If you can use an etch-a-sketch, you can use Tommy Trinder.’”

And the firm’s rapid rise has certainly been impressive; Over 500 installation firms now use the app for selling, and an eye-watering £2 Billion (yes Billion!) of work was quoted to homeowners via the app in 2023. But how does Chris account for the growth?

And why is Tommy Trinder any different from other quoting software?

“First and foremost, Tommy Trinder is fun to use. And super-easy,” says Chris. “You just draw with your finger or mouse, like sketching on a pad, and ‘as if by magic’ windows and doors appear in full, photorealistic glory. As one of our customers put it ‘If you can use an etch-a-sketch, you can use Tommy Trinder.’”

The firm’s flexible and affordable pricing policy has also proved a winner. Tommy is available from £100 a month and there’s no initial outlay, which means that installers of all sizes can benefit. Getting up and running is quick too, with almost no set up required on the part of the user. The app is delivered customised to each installer with their range of products pre-setup. And according to the firm any product, in any material is possible.

“It’s pretty common for an installer to have to source from multiple suppliers on one job nowadays - a composite door, some sash windows and an aluminium bifold, for example,” says Chris. “Often this means juggling a plethora of pricing apps, spreadsheets, and pricing books just to get the quote out of the door. It drives installers

nuts! With Tommy Trinder any product, in any material – PVC, ali, timber, steel – from any supplier, can be quoted. All through one app.”

One of the features that has proved increasingly popular is the app’s ‘makeover’ tool. ‘Makeovers’, where customers receive a render of their new windows and doors super-imposed over an image of their property, are fast becoming a staple part of the quoting process according to latest analysis of quotes prepared by installers on the app. The firm reports that over 60% of all quotes prepared for homeowners are

accompanied by a visualisation, compared to just 25% two years ago.

“When you consider the ease with which consumers are able to model other significant purchases like cars or kitchens, it feels inevitable that offering the client a visual of their new windows and doors in situ will become the norm,” says Chris.

“And makeovers make sound business for installers too – not only does an impressive visual wow customers and win orders, but being clear about what you are going to fit at the quoting stage reduces error and rules out misunderstanding from the get-go.”

WITH THE MARKET SLOWING AND LEADS THINNING, HOW DOES CHRIS SEE THE FUTURE FOR TOMMY TRINDER? “Market sentiment has definitely changed,” says Chris. “But interest in Tommy Trinder has continued to surge. Enquiries were up 80% this summer, compared to last.

Pro-active installers are looking to shore up conversion rates and keep growth on track by bringing in tools that give them a competitive edge; when the going gets tough, the tough get going. As the market tightens, we’re expecting to see demand for Tommy Trinder continue to strengthen.”

Installers interested can find out more about Tommy Trinder and book a free demo at TommyTrinder.Com.

www.glassnews.co.uk | February 2024

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SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TIME TO STOP FALSE ECONOMIES AND EMBRACE YOUR SUPERPOWER! As we embark on what is predicted to be another challenging year, Ab Initio’s Rhonda Ridge talks about the need for more integration and automation of admin in installation businesses for improved productivity and profitability.

Making any kind of change can be a challenge, particularly in the business world with more stakeholders to keep informed and happy. It can feel like a mountain to climb. And so, we don’t do it. We put it off and continue along our current path. The trouble is, this is often a false economy, leading to more people working harder on tasks that could be streamlined with just a little upfront effort. With another challenging year ahead streamlining processes is becoming even more important to remain productive and profitable.

And never has there been an area of business in need of streamlining more than admin in an installation business.

“The Customer Portal is integrated with the Checklist feature to help keep homeowners up to date proactively.” about an invoice or snagging issue, any member of the team should be able to check on the status of the order and answer the query quickly and efficiently. In addition, although AdminBase makes it easy for team members to find the information they need for customer queries, the system also reduces the need for incoming calls in the first place with its Customer Portal feature.

PROACTIVE CUSTOMER SERVICE

Historically admin tasks have been treated as an afterthought or a poor cousin in home improvement companies with scribbled notes being passed around, different methods of communication being used

by different team members, and various departments using various databases and online programmes to suit themselves. But streamlined admin can be a company’s superpower and one of the best ways to achieve this is through the centralisation and automation of data across the entire business.

KEEP THE BUSINESS IN CHECK AdminBase does just that with its fully integrated management system bringing all aspects of the business together. The AdminBase Checklist feature could be considered the backbone of the system because it breaks each project down into a list of milestones. For example, booking a survey, working out costings for a project, ordering materials and booking a fitting date, to name just a few. Each of these elements are then updated as and when they are progressed, and all information is available for everyone involved in the project to view at any time.

Having data centralised in this way, not only improves efficiencies across the business but it also has a positive impact on customer relationships. Whenever a homeowner has a query whether it’s at the start of the process about an order, or during an installation about a site visit, or at the end of a project

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Rhonda Ridge

The Customer Portal is integrated with the Checklist feature to help keep homeowners up to date proactively. The portal lets consumers log in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help themselves to updates on their orders. They can confirm appointments online, make payments and when the job is complete, report any service issues that may crop up.

The AdminBase Taskboard facility also makes it easy to monitor the detail behind the projects and the project milestones held in the overall Checklist, by showing which jobs have been allocated to which members of the team and highlighting areas where people may be overworked, and areas that still have capacity. AdminBase also includes a pre-programmed element that will update the Checklist automatically when data is entered in another part of AdminBase, saving even more time and resources and ensuring all data is always current.

A TAILORED SOLUTION Automation can seem daunting and when you try to shoehorn in a system that hasn’t been designed for your business, these doubts are probably not unfounded.

However, AdminBase has been designed by people with direct experience in installation businesses and so is completely tailored to the everyday processes that are important to this type of business and the way it interacts with customers. It is quite simply the best way to streamline time consuming processes while improving customer relationships and profitability.

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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SOFTWARE & IT

AWARDS

DOORCO CELEBRATES BUSINESS

AWARDS SUCCESS

“Moving forward on this strong foundation, 2024 will be all about the new products we launched in December’s INNOVATiON Week takeover.”

Macclesfield-based DoorCo is delighted to kick start the year off with the announcement of two team related wins at the North Cheshire Business Awards: Gold in the Health & Wellbeing category, and Silver in the Team of the Year.

Marketing Manager, Ellie Pool, says: “We’re so delighted to have achieved success in the both the categories we entered at the local North Cheshire Business Awards, which took place at the end of last year.

Throughout 2023 our focus has been on building strength within the business in order to better support our customers, through investing in our infrastructure and team. So, achieving Silver in Team of the Year and Gold in Health & Wellbeing is the perfect result.

“As a business we firmly believe that happy, healthy employees who have the backing

“The aim was to provide greater support for the whole team, ensuring that as employers, DoorCo is doing everything it can to support the general health and wellbeing of the team.”

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to make independent decisions, equates to greater productivity, profitability and customer satisfaction. This ethos comes from the top down with several key appointments made at Senior Management level, training programmes to secure internal promotions, and team growth across the board. With the right people in the right places, we have experts across the business from procurement to marketing, technology to manufacturing, distribution, customer services and beyond, and we feel like our Team of the Year accolade is the perfect way to celebrate this.

“Of course, a great team deserve great benefits, so as part of the retention and recruitment drive the Senior team took a close look at health and wellbeing initiatives on offer. The aim was to provide greater support for the whole team, ensuring that as employers, DoorCo is doing everything it can to support the general health and wellbeing of the team.

This includes the introduction of Mental Health Ambassadors, access to subsidised gym membership, flexible holiday trading which is particularly important for people with families, and generally ensuring the culture is open and accepting of people’s individual circumstances and challenges.

Gaining this recognition within our business community and being pitched against all types of organisations – FMG, Pharmaceutical, tourism etc outside of our own industry – and winning, is real recognition that we are setting the benchmark as a top employer with people firmly at our heart.

“Moving forward on this strong foundation, 2024 will be all about the new products we launched in December’s INNOVATiON Week takeover. We are incredibly excited about the future and pleased that the North Cheshire Business Awards has recognised the hard work and dedication of the last 12 months.”

For more information call: 01625 428955 or visit: https://trade.door-co.com/

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

BMBI

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

BUILDERS MERCHANT BUILDING INDEX

BMBI, THE BAROMETER OF SALES TO BUILDERS AND TRADES, EXPANDS TO 92% MARKET COVERAGE The year 2023 is rounding off with a significant relaunch of the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, now featuring builders’ merchants sales data to builders and trades people covering 92 percent of GB national sales, up from just over 80%.

of companies and organisations outside of construction, who want to know what’s happening, what’s important and why.

The why is provided by leading brands of building materials, components and software – the BMBI Experts - who make sense of the trends and issues for readers.

Launched in 2015 as a brand of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), BMBI uses data from GfK’s ground-breaking Builders Merchants Panel, The panel captures generalist builders’ merchants’ sales throughout Great Britain to builders and trades people who are directly involved in repairing, maintaining, and improving Britain’s 27.7 million homes. The recent addition to the panel of Huws Gray, JT Dove and CMO Stores, mean the data now tracks the sales of 92 percent of builders’ merchant branches making it the most accurate, comprehensive monitor of market performance available.

The website is regularly visited by economists and advisors, the national media, the big banks, big six accountants, management consultants, private equity investors, financial institutions and Government departments, anyone in fact who needs to know the trends and what is driving the trends in a complicated and fragmented industry.

The monthly BMBI report is well used by merchants, their larger customers and suppliers and is used by construction generally. It has also caught the attention

“Since its inception in 2014 GfK’s Builders Merchants leaderpanel has become a key market barometer through its usage in the BMBI,” says Emile van der Ryst, Key

Across the pond, readership is growing rapidly, and the BMBI website gets regular hits from the US Senate, US State Department, individual senators, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to name just a few.

Account Manager – Trade & DIY at GfK – an NiQ company. “It’s become a reference point for industry leaders, financial institutions, and government organisations.

“After a relaunch of the data in 2020 we are now pleased to announce the latest relaunch, which comes into effect with the October 2023 dataset. The key missing market contributor, Huws Gray, is included for the first time alongside CMO Stores and JT Dove, both well-known market players.

“This is an exciting new chapter for the service which we believe is a crucial step in providing a relevant and important view of the market, especially in these challenging economic conditions.”

Mike Rigby, Managing Director of MRA Research which produces the BMBI report says: “Once you track over 90% of builders’ merchants’ sales of building materials to builders and tradespeople the numbers are, practically speaking, the market itself, not an estimate or approximation of it.

That’s a crucial distinction. It’s not like a survey or poll which takes a small slice of the market, which is intended to represent

the market, and then scales up. However sound your sampling and rigorous your methodology, there’s a world of difference between scaling up from a small sample, and reporting on 92% of actual sales to the market.”

“The relaunch in the October BMBI report,” confirms BMF Chief Executive John Newcomb, “is a significant step forward in establishing reliable statistics across construction. The BMF’s Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) is the closest measure there is of Britain’s small builder and trades market, and the best proxy we have to the important residential RMI (Repair, Maintain, and Improve) market.

“BMBI is as accurate a measure of the market as it’s possible to get. That’s one reason we call GfK’s Builders Merchants leaderpanel, ‘gold standard’ data. And it’s why so many decision makers and influencers regularly spend so much time poring over the reports and video debates from the BMBI Experts on www.bmbi.co.uk.”

The use of a fully integrated installer management system such as AdminBase can improve efficiencies throughout the organisation which in turn improves teamwork, productivity, customer satisfaction and ultimately profitability.

Holding a centralised Checklist improves the efficiency of all departments as they can see immediately the progress of a project.

All updates are immediately shared across the entire system, ensuring everyone has the same live information at any one time.

www.glassnews.co.uk | February 2024

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CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SPONSORED BY GQA AND BUILDING OUR SKILLS GQA Qualifications is the only issuer of CSCS cards for the Glass and Fenestration industries.

Building Our Skills is a strategic campaign designed to help bridge the growing skills gap in the Fenestration Industry

NEW APPOINTMENTS

CAREERS

UAP APPOINTS NEW CFO

STUDENT REGISTRATIONS EXCEED 500 FOR BUILDING OUR SKILLS’ BESPOKE INDUSTRY CAREERS FAIRS IN MARCH FENESTRATION, GLASS AND GLAZING – 50 CAREERS IN ONE DAY

UAP, the specialist in locks and hardware for doors and windows, has appointed a new chief financial officer (CFO).

Adam Lumley brings more than 18 years of commercial finance experience to UAP. Throughout his career, he has held director-level roles at private-equity backed organisations, large multinational firms, and at a global consultancy.

As UAP’s new CFO, Adam will be using his financial skills to drive profitable growth and cultural change.

Speaking about his responsibilities, Adam said: “UAP has expanded rapidly in recent years and

“Adam’s experience, which includes proven expertise in growing profitable businesses, is crucial to our longterm strategy. His skills will enable us to identify opportunities for further expansion and efficiency.”

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has ambitious plans to keep scaling up. My job is to make sure it remains a very efficient, profitable business and that our culture aligns with this aim.

“With seven different brands forming part of the UAP group, I’ll be working closely with senior managers to ensure there are consistent goals and ways of working, putting us on the strongest possible growth path.”

UAP, which was crowned Hardware Company of the Year at the National Fenestration Awards in 2023, grew by more than 50 per cent last year. Strategic acquisitions brought Maher London and Security Hardware into the group.

UAP has also invested in Armadillo Metal Coating, and launched Fire Door Maintenance (FDM), a business offering fire

door inspection and maintenance services plus specialist training.

To accommodate its growing team and improve efficiency, 2023 saw UAP move into a new 120,000 sq ft headquarters in Bury.

David Jennings, CEO of UAP, commented: “Adam joins us at an exciting time when we want to take the business to the next level.

Our new headquarters is key to achieving this along with continued diversification and innovation.

Building Our Skills - Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice says student registrations for the first of its series of bespoke industry careers fairs in March has now exceeded 500.

The eleven ‘families’ together encompass over 100 individual roles, demonstrating career progression opportunities, training, qualifications and how students can start out on their career journeys in the industry.

“This is brilliant news,” says Mark Handley, Building Our Skills’ Partnerships Manager.

He adds: “Clearly, this new initiative is striking a chord with educators, parents, the industry and students themselves who are seeing the value in it. Our aim is to show the industry to over 1,000 school children and their teachers over the course of two pilot events in March. If the two pilots are successful, these will become annual events enabling us to keep in touch with those who attend as they get closer to thinking about their careers. It is also our intention to expand the number of events into other areas of the country where we are already working with other local education authorities.”

For teachers, parents and students who want more information about the ‘families’ and the roles they include, simply email sayhello@buildingourskills.co.uk and ask for details.

As part of the new initiative, Building Our Skills has launched ‘Career Families’ to help students understand the many career options open to them as they get closer to the world of work.

For those in the industry who would like to participate, or would like more information initially please click on this link https://online.flippingbook.com/ view/916107420/

The Career Families will be showcased in person at the pilot events to be held in March 2024 as a part of National Careers Week. The first will be in South Yorkshire at the Oakwell Stadium, home of Barnsley FC, and the second in Manchester at the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City Football Club. Building Our Skills is working in conjunction with the education bodies in South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester to bring these events to fruition.

“Adam’s experience, which includes proven expertise in growing profitable businesses, is crucial to our long-term strategy.

His skills will enable us to identify opportunities for further expansion and efficiency.” www.uapcorporate.com

February 2024 | www.glassnews.co.uk

LETTERS

NEW APPOINTMENTS STRATEGIC NEW APPOINTMENTS

HELPING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE FOR CDW SYSTEMS

CDW Systems has continued to improve service to customers thanks to the strengthening of its office-based team at its headquarters in Gloucester.

The specialist aluminium fabricator’s two most recent appointments include Natalie O’Grady and Shiloh Thomas.

Natalie is the company’s purchaser, while Shiloh is a trainee estimator/ processor within the sales team.

Another recent recruit is Thomas Dwight, who works as an estimator/ processor in the sales team and previously worked for CDW Systems before rejoining.

All three have helped to increase support and service and further establish strong customer relationships, and Jeremy Phillips, Group Chairman of CDW Systems, said: “Natalie and Shiloh work well together and all three appointments have had a huge impact on customer service and have helped us ensure our clients receive the highest level of support and assistance.

“Natalie has helped centralise procurement and it means we’ve now got a dedicated person to look at everything that’s coming in so we can deliver exceptional service on that side of things.”

Before the turn of the year, CDW Systems extended its office hours for customers, with the office now opening at 7.30am instead of 8am so staff are available for the times when customers need them the most, continuing to prove why CDW Systems is the perfect partner for installers.

Established in 1992, CDW Systems aluminium products include windows, bi-folds, sliding patio doors, commercial entrance doors and curtain walling. For more information visit www.cdwsystems.co.uk or call 01452 414853.

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

The emergence of the solid roof market has been in response to the fact that there are over two million conservatories in the UK that are in urgent need of upgrade.

The replacement of a roof gifts homeowners the opportunity to reignite the enjoyment of an additional room all year round. And yet, we’re also seeing strong sales of new installations too as the glazing industry further moves into the realms of the singlestory extension market.

AN EARLY WARNING Dear Editor, Post COVID and post Ukraine invasion, the global hardware sector had just been getting used to a period of relative stability when it comes to logistics and freight costs.

However, that stability seems to be coming under increasing threat from the spate of attacks by Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea making their way to and from the vital Suez Canal transport link; and I think the market needs to be alert to some potential warning signs ahead.

23 commercial ships have been targeted since midNovember - triggered in part by the current crisis happening in the Middle East – and we’re seeing a growing number of freight companies deciding to switch to safer, but significantly longer, alternative routes as a result.

We’re assured that there’s now a US led international naval force in place to defend the Red Sea, but there’s no sign yet of confidence returning to the sector; and the vast majority of ships are now making the journey from Asia to Europe via the Cape of Good Hope. That’s another 3500+ nautical miles and another 10-15 days at sea.

If the current situation continues for much longer, the vast majority of UK importers are likely to be looking at delivery delays and rising transport costs – because it doesn’t just take longer for containers to arrive here, but also longer for them to be shipped back empty ready for their next cargo.

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? Feel free to get in touch with your views on the industry, legislation, government, or even the newspaper.

Contact Chris: chris@glassnews.co.uk

www.glassnews.co.uk | February 2024

Dear Editor,

At the moment, shipping container costs are nowhere near the record levels we saw in the pandemic, but we’re already being quoted prices which are up 175% compared to last year, and we are hearing talk of the dreaded freight surcharges once again.

While ‘warm roof ’ design is the accepted as the best standard for roof construction in the UK and indeed for local authority building inspectors, we’re seeing some adoption of timber cold roofs, which are already suffering from condensation nine months of the year (Google dew points). Some of the cold roof samples we have are shocking too with the timber cassettes loosely fitting in between the rafters.

These ‘cold roofs’ are being marketed incorrectly as ‘warm roofs’. Simply Google ‘Cold Roof vs Warm Roof ’ to check the roof you are being supplied is a true warm roof. Alternatively email us or tag us on social media and we’ll happily help out.

The solid roof replacement sector is still gathering pace and we’ve assisted several trade partners and consumers with our award-winning WARMroof, to replace a failing cold roof. The perils of these ‘inferior roof types is considerable with the threat of condensation, emergence of mold and even rotting timbers over time.

Surely as an industry we must focus on the supply of roofs that are ‘warm’ by definition and not just in name.

Because if we fail to do this, we are failing the trade and ultimately the consumer with roof solutions that could be deemed not fit for purpose.

So, if anyone’s in any doubt a ‘warm roof ’ enjoys full insulation above the rafters and not just loosely in between as defined by the wider construction and roofing sectors. You have been warned!

Chris Cooke, Director Prefix Systems

Some of the big retailers, including Next, have started warning consumers that some items might be delayed over the coming months, and, as a responsible supplier, it’s only right for us to do the same in this market as well, so that we manage the expectations of trade customers.

My understanding from the Mila supply chain team is that carriers are in a much better position than they were during the pandemic to make operational adjustments because there’s now a degree of overcapacity in global shipping, but we are keeping a very close eye on developments, and Mila will be updating customers directly as soon as we have more news.

Richard Gyde Mila

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