Window News May 2026

8 Euroglaze expands Rehau product portfolio with launch of

56 A renewed focus on window performance standards

Artevo

80 Ventrolla preserves the legacy of iconic Turnberry Lighthouse

A NEW ERA FOR TRIPLE GLAZING

CHOOSE

THE WIDTH OF DOUBLE. THE POWER OF TRIPLE.

An ultra-thin centre pane is placed with sub-millimetre accuracy, using our leading flexible warm-edge spacer, allowing for the production of high-performance triple-glazed IGUs that are compatible with 70mm systems and require just one outer seal.

Thin triples, powered by Super Spacer®, deliver exceptional energy efficiency in a smarter, lighter package

U-VALUES AS LOW AS 0.7-0.9 W/(M 2 K)

DESIGNED TO FIT STANDARD 70MM FRAMES

MORE THAN 40% LIGHTER THAN TYPICAL TRIPLE GLAZING

You can now receive your industry news in a range of formats: Newscast, Website, Social Media, and a magazine. So whatever your preference is for catching up with the latest innovations and news in the industry, there is a Window News format to suit everyone.

We aim to keep readers up-to-date with the latest industry news, trends, technical innovations and suppliers. Our web format means that we can be in the right place at the right time – wherever that may be.

The contents of Window News are provided for general use only and do not constitute general advice and should not be relied upon.

Views/opinions, replies and specific advice expressed by external persons are not necessarily those of Window News and are not subscribed to by Window News. To see the full terms and conditions please visit: http://www.windownews.co.uk/window-news-disclaimer/ Privacy Policy: http://www.windownews.co.uk/window-news-privacy-policy/

Publisher Gerald Batt

Tel: 01255 850245

E-mail: gerald@windownews.co.uk

Editorial E-mail: edit@windownews.co.uk

Production E-mail: production@windownews.co.uk

Copyright © 2026 PO Box 13225. Frinton-on-Sea, CO13 3BT

www.windownews.co.uk

Cover picture: Crittall’s W20TE system accounts for almost a third of consumer sales, read more on page 14

Forterro acquires Klaes and becomes a full-range software provider for the window industry

Founded in 1983, Klaes is one of the industry’s long-established leaders. What began as a one-man operation has grown into a familyowned company and a global leader in software solutions for windows, doors, façades and conservatories, now active in more than 50 countries worldwide. With digital tools such as the Klaes premium ERP system, the flexible production control solution e-prod, and highly specialised 3D solutions for façade construction, Klaes is deeply integrated across all operational areas of the industry. From its headquarters in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, the software house helps companies of all sizes to operate efficiently and remain competitive.

The move under the Forterro umbrella is seen by Miriam Berzen, one of the managing directors of the company, as the beginning of a new phase of growth and performance: “Joining Forterro marks an exciting new chapter for Klaes. For more than four decades, our mission has been to develop innovative and reliable solutions that help manufacturers in the window and door industry stay competitive and prepared for the future. We gain the strength and resources of a European market leader while retaining the passion and customer proximity that have defined us since our founding in 1983.”

With the acquisition of Klaes,

Forterro is consistently pursuing its ambitious expansion strategy within the window and door sector. While software Logikal (formerly Orgadata) remains the benchmark solution for aluminium systems, Klaes contributes extensive expertise in PVC and wood. The former BM Group, with its strong footprint in the UK and Irish markets, further complements the portfolio with specialised software for the residential segment, says the company.

The strategy behind this move is clear: Forterro is positioning itself as the leading material-agnostic partner for the window and door industry, bringing together one of the strongest cross-material portfolios on the market. By combining complementary capabilities across aluminium, PVC and wood, the group now supports the entire value

From left to right: Bernd Hillbrands (managing director, Windows & Doors Line of Business, Forterro), Miriam Berzen and Lars Klaes (managing directors of Klaes) and Marcus Pannier (president, Forterro)

chain – from configuration and calculation through to production and installation. This integrated approach enables manufacturers of all sizes to streamline workflows, optimise processes and accelerate their digital transformation, while further strengthening Forterro’s footprint in craft and manufacturing software across Europe, claims the company.

The shared objective is to make Klaes’s product portfolio even more powerful and future-ready. Together, the partners will invest heavily in cloud platforms and AI-driven innovations to significantly accelerate digital transformation across both skilled trades and industrial manufacturing. By pooling expertise within the Windows & Doors business unit, innovations in areas such as production automation and advanced data analytics can be brought to market significantly faster, according to the company.

Klaes will continue to operate as a strong, independent brand within the business unit. For customers, this step above all means long-term stability: access to a global network, a shared infrastructure and additional technological expertise to meet future market demands, says the company.

Dean Forbes, CEO of Forterro, highlights the strategic importance of the acquisition: “With Orgadata, the BM Group and now Klaes under one roof, Forterro supports all key materials and production processes in the sector. Through intelligent, increasingly AI-powered solutions, we enable manufacturers to digitalise their processes faster and more effectively than ever before.”

The acquisition agreement has been signed and is now subject only to completion of regulatory approval reviews, which are expected to conclude in the second quarter of this year.

NorDan UK expands into façade solutions with acquisition of RED Systems

Dekko

hits

Since 2015, Dekko has supplied the trade with a range of aluminium products manufactured using Reynaers’ high-performance systems, from bi-fold doors and sliding patio doors to slimline window systems suitable for both commercial and residential installations.

By combining NorDan’s expertise in high-performance timber and aluminium-clad windows and doors with RED Systems’ façade capability, NorDan says the business will offer a more integrated approach to building envelope design and delivery. This aims to support earlier project involvement, improve coordination across systems and reduce risk at key interface points.

Craig Greenwood, managing director of NorDan UK, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome RED Systems into NorDan UK. This is about bringing together two businesses that already share a strong focus on quality, collaboration and delivery. For our customers, it means a stronger, more capable delivery proposition. We’re strengthening our ability to support projects earlier, work more closely with partners and ultimately deliver better, more coordinated outcomes on site.”

In 2020, Dekko underlined its commitment to aluminium with the opening of a dedicated 25,000 square foot aluminium manufacturing facility. More recently, Dekko’s aluminium range was expanded further with the addition of Reynaers’ CW50 curtain walling system, catering to larger-scale architectural projects.

aluminium architectural glazing and SFS commercial projects with an expert design, supply and installation service. RED Systems has completed over 500 projects during the course of its 22-year history across the UK on large residential, commercial, education and leisure sectors.

The business is known for its early-stage involvement in projects and its ability to support clients through detailed design coordination and technical delivery, including multiple Building Safety Act gateway submissions.

“This is a significant milestone with Reynaers,” said Kurt Greatrex, managing director at Dekko Window Systems. “It’s a partnership built on trust and a shared drive for excellence. We’re looking forward to continuing this journey with Reynaers and delivering even more value to our trade installer customers through exceptional aluminium products and service.”

www.dekkowindows.com

RED Systems is said to have established a strong national reputation for delivering

Michael Green, managing director of RED Systems said: “We’re proud of the business we’ve built at RED Systems, particularly our reputation for delivering high-quality, designled façade solutions. In NorDan, we’ve found a partner that shares our values, our approach to quality and our long-term commitment to clients. This was an important decision for us, and it was critical to align with a business that strengthens, rather than changes how we operate.”

(L) Dag Kroslid – NorDan CEO, (C) Mike Green – RED Systems MD, (R) Craig Greenwood – MD, NorDan UKNorDan UK has announced the acquisition of RED Systems, a UK-based specialist in architectural glazing, curtain walling and façade systems.

GGF leads industry response to Approved Document B consultation

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is urging members and the wider sector to engage with a significant new consultation on proposed changes to Approved Document B, as it steps up its work with government to shape future fire safety guidance.

Opened by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the consultation focuses on revisions to guidance covering external wall systems and balconies, including a review of the current ban on combustible materials.

Of particular importance to the glazing sector is the potential introduction of exemptions to allow the use of laminated glass in balcony balustrades under defined conditions, following its effective ban in 2018. This move follows extensive research commissioned by the Building Safety Regulator.

The consultation builds on a major programme of technical

analysis into fire spread across multi-storey buildings, examining balcony design, spandrel zones and the performance of laminated glass systems.

While the underpinning research stops short of making direct policy recommendations, it provides the evidence base now being used by government to inform potential regulatory change.

Through its ongoing engagement with government departments, regulators and technical working groups, the GGF continues to play a central role in shaping policy outcomes that affect the sector.

“This consultation represents a critical moment for the industry,” said Kevin Jones, head of technical at the GGF.

“The direction of travel is clear. The government is seeking to refine guidance based on robust, evidence-led analysis. It is essential that the sector contributes its expertise to ensure that any changes are both technically sound and practically deliverable.”

The GGF Consultation Response Group will lead the Federation’s formal submission, drawing on its extensive technical expertise and close working relationships with policymakers and regulatory bodies.

Members are encouraged to feed into this process and submit their own responses, ensuring that the full breadth of industry experience is reflected.

With the consultation closing on 1st July, the GGF is calling on businesses across the supply chain to engage early and help shape the future of fire safety regulation.

Review of Approved Document B: Fire Safety – Health and Safety Executive – Citizen Space

AluK expands range with fire-rated window and door products

Aluminium systems company AluK has added fire rated window and door products to its range –providing a simple, single source solution for specifiers, fabricators and installers working on projects with specific requirements for fire protection, says the company.

AluK has formed a strategic partnership with Aluflam, one of Europe’s leading specialists in proven fire protection systems, to offer ready-made aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling systems to customers in the UK, which are independently firetested and compliant and available on short lead times, claims the company.

Russell Yates, managing director of AluK believes the move represents a major step forward for AluK in the commercial sector. He said: “Specifiers can now get comprehensive quotes and designs from us that include both fire rated and standard aluminium windows side by side, rather than having to work with two or more different suppliers. And commercial fabricators working with fire rated systems no longer have the headache of having to process fire rated products through their own factories – they can simply order ready-made,

fully compliant products via AluK when they need them, and even have them delivered direct to site if required.”

Martin Grove, managing director of Aluflam UK added: “Our partnership with AluK represents an exciting opportunity to combine Aluflam’s long-established fire-rated expertise with AluK’s strong commercial presence in the UK façade market. We see this collaboration as a powerful step in supporting AluK’s ambitions on large-scale commercial tenders where fire-rated performance is essential. Alongside this, Aluflam UK will continue to support our wider network of UK customers and partners, ensuring the market benefits from the full strength of our global capability and dedicated UK operation.”

AluK’s move is all about simplifying and speeding up the procurement process without compromising on performance, choice or aesthetics. There are now three core Aluflam product ranges in AluK’s fire rated offering, which suit the vast majority of applications in the UK. These all have full independent test data available to demonstrate performance and compliance, and all come with comprehensive design support and coordinated technical assistance from AluK and the Aluflam Group teams in Europe, says the company.

Russell Yates added: “Our commercial sales team will coordinate the supply of the firerated products to UK customers, supported by the specialists at Aluflam UK. Lead times are likely to be just 10 to 12 weeks at prices which we know are competitive. That’s particularly important for those fabricators and installers who are working in this area because it simplifies their logistics, and opens up opportunities for them to win additional new business.”

www.alukgb.com/commercial

Martin Grove, managing director of Aluflam UK (left) with AluK’s head of commercial sales Adrian Price

Euroglaze expands Rehau product portfolio with launch of Artevo

Euroglaze has just added Rehau’s Passivhaus compliant Artevo window system to its product offering – further strengthening its claim to offer the most comprehensive range of Rehau products of any trade fabricator in the UK.

Artevo uses Rehau’s 100% recyclable Rau-Fipro-X glassreinforced PVC, which is stronger and lighter than conventional PVC and allows for bigger window and door units to be fabricated without

the need for steel reinforcement. That means slimmer profiles, improved thermal performance and, with a minimum of 75% recycled content, exceptional sustainability credentials.

The system is primarily designed for high end commercial and residential projects where buyers want slimline frames and bigger expanses of glass, coupled with low U-values and “outstanding” sound insulation. Windows in Artevo can be up to 2.6m high,

with U-Values down to 0.8 and dB levels up to 48dB.

For Euroglaze, Artevo is a natural addition to its range. Managing Director Martin Nettleton commented: “We can justifiably claim to be a single source supplier for all your Rehau products – alongside three day delivery of standard casements in Rehau Total 70, we also offer Rehau Heritage vertical sliders, Rehau Rio flush sashes, Rehau Slinova patio doors and Rehau Rauferno fire rated windows. The market leading efficiency of our Barnsley factory and our commitment to lean manufacturing means we can stock and manufacture all these systems on reliable lead times and at competitive prices. Our trade customers really don’t need to go anywhere else to make the most of every single sales opportunity.

“We already have a high end window and door business within the Euroglaze group –called Ecotec, so we know the opportunities and demands of that market very well and we can even help and advise customers on how best to sell and promote Artevo frames.”

Artevo flush sash windows and doors have a profile depth of 80mm – in line with the Slinova patio. Design options include aluminium cladding, woodgrain foils, smooth coloured foils and smooth or textured paint finishes.

Martin Nettleton added: “Artevo is a high-tech system with huge potential in the commercial and new build markets in particular where there is sustained pressure for more sustainable solutions – particularly in PVC. We’re very excited to be early adopters of this Passivhaus compliant system and have ambitious plans in terms of sales and volumes.”

https://www.euroglaze.co.uk/

Raising competency across the building envelope sector

With competency under the spotlight, CAB is collaborating with industry bodies including the GGF, the NFRC and the JCI to strengthen training frameworks, technical standards and professional development across the building envelope sector. We report.

In a post-Grenfell world, the importance of competency across the building envelope sector has never been greater. As regulations are reformed, competence must be demonstrated at every stage of the supply chain, from design and specification through to installation and maintenance.

With a focus on the establishment of a unified and consistent approach to competency,

the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) is working collaboratively with key industry bodies, including the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), through the Joint Competence Initiative for the Building Envelopes Sector (JCI).

Bringing together multiple organisations under a single

framework, the JCI is designed to ensure that competency standards are aligned and clearly defined.

“Competence is something we all deal with day-to-day,” says Nigel Headford, CEO CAB, and Director of the JCI.

“Assuming is no longer good enough. Competency must be evidenced and this means the way we interpret regulations and requirements is critical.

“In uniting with other associations through the JCI, we are able to talk with one voice about competency and remain at the forefront of developments to update and inform our own members, as well as the wider industry.

“It also means that when we are talking to government, we are all on the same page, and better able to influence outcomes.”

With the demonstration of skills, knowledge, and experience essential to meeting regulations and maintaining trust, CAB, as part of the JCI, is also working alongside organisations, including CSCS and the GQA, to deliver new training and career competency frameworks.

Aiming to remove ambiguity around skills development and reflect the interconnected nature of the building envelope sector, CAB members are invited to offer feedback for consideration in the creation of pathways across fenestration, curtain walling and related sectors.

“One of the challenges historically has been understanding where you sit and what pathway you’re on,” explains Nigel. “This new framework joins everything together, so whether you’re in installation, fabrication or design, there’s a clear route for progression.

“This will include apprenticeships, newly qualified roles and ongoing professional training to make sure that competency is baked in from entry level through to senior positions.”

Alongside formal training pathways, CAB is also championing the recognition of continuous professional development (CPD) as a core component of competency. While many organisations already deliver high-quality training to clients and partners, this activity is not always formally recorded or recognised within industry systems – but CAB is working to change this.

“We want to make sure that if you’re delivering CPD, whether it’s to an architect, installer or anyone in the supply chain, that learning is recognised,” says Nigel.

“The aim is for that attendance to be recorded, so individuals can demonstrate that they are continually developing their competence, helping to create a more transparent and accountable workforce.”

As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, the role of organisations like CAB becomes increasingly important.

Ultimately, competency is not just about compliance but about raising standards across the construction sector.

Through its technical leadership and work with industry partners, its commitment to professional development and its proactive engagement with regulators, CAB is helping to build a more skilled, more accountable and more resilient building envelope sector for the future.

For more information about CAB, visit www.c-a-b.org.uk

Carl F Groupco strengthens capacity with new warehouse investment

Independent hardware supplier Carl F Groupco is continuing its investment in UK operations with the addition of a new warehouse facility, delivering more than 250 additional 1m pallet spaces to support growing demand across the business.

Located adjacent to the company’s main Peterborough head office, the new warehouse represents a significant step forward in Carl F Groupco’s operational capability. The facility has been developed to integrate seamlessly with existing operations, increasing storage capacity while enhancing the speed and efficiency of its distribution processes.

The investment forms part of the company’s wider growth strategy, ensuring it continues to evolve in line with customer demand while maintaining the high service standards for which it is known.

Owen Coop, CEO at Carl F Groupco, said: “This

latest investment reflects our long-term commitment to our customers. As demand continues to grow, it’s essential that our infrastructure keeps pace. This new warehouse gives us the capacity and flexibility to do exactly that.”

He continued: “By expanding our warehousing directly alongside our existing operation, we are able to increase stockholding, improve efficiencies across logistics and strengthen our ability to deliver a fast, reliable service. This is about making sure we consistently meet customer expectations, every time.”

The additional capacity will allow Carl F Groupco to hold a broader and deeper range of products, further strengthening its position as a trusted independent hardware supply partner to fabricators across the UK.

This latest development highlights the company’s proactive approach to investment, with continued focus on strengthening infrastructure and service capability. In a tightening market, investment of this nature is always noteworthy, demonstrating both confidence in the sector and a clear commitment to supporting customers with stability, availability and service.

Crittall’s W20TE system accounts for almost a third of consumer sales

Iconic steel window and door manufacturer Crittall Windows has announced that its W20 TE system now represents almost a third of all consumer orders.

This marks a significant shift in homeowner demand towards higher performing steel glazing that comes with a much admired and sought-after brand name.

The growth of W20 TE reflects a trend towards steel windows and doors that retain slender profiles associated with traditional Crittall designs, while meeting modern expectations for thermal efficiency and weather performance.

Developed as an evolution of the established W20 range, W20

TE delivers U-values of 1.4 W/ m²K, achieving compliance with Approved Document L while preserving refined sightlines. Dual weather seals are said to provide robust protection against the elements, making the system suitable for exposed locations as well as urban settings. Manufactured from 100 per cent recycled steel and galvanised for durability, Crittall says W20 TE offers a life expectancy exceeding 60 years.

Its versatility has also contributed to rising demand. Available in bespoke sizes and configurations, and finished in any RAL or BS colour, W20 TE can be specified for period

renovations, contemporary new builds and sensitive heritage projects. The inherent strength of steel allows for large glazed areas that maximise light without compromising structural integrity.

Russell Ager, managing director of Crittall Windows, said: “The fact that W20 TE now accounts for 30 per cent of our consumer sales demonstrates a clear change in priorities. Homeowners are investing in long-term quality. They want authentic steel windows with proven thermal performance, and W20 TE provides that balance without compromise.”

www.crittall-windows.co.uk

John Fredericks launches Veka Omnia flush windows and doors

John Fredericks Plastics has added the Veka Omnia range of flush windows and doors to The Ultimate Collection, helping installers to meet market demand for premium PVCu glazing products.

The double-flush and doublerebated PVCu system is perfect for creating aluminium ‘look-a-like’ windows and doors that are ideal for highend, design-led new-build and replacement projects.

The double rebate creates a superb weatherseal for impressive levels of thermal efficiency, with U-Values as low as 0.795 W/m2k on the 44mm triple glazed option and 1.2 W/m2k on double-glazed products. It also features a post co-extruded (PCE) gasket which creates a shadow line for authentic aesthetics and saves installation time on site, says the company.

Omnia is also well suited to

projects requiring enhanced acoustic performance. When combined with laminated glazing, the system can achieve sound reduction of up to 43 dB, depending on the overall specification.

Available in a full range of standard colour foils, the system also comes in a range of Feinstruktur colours – a decorative foil that combines a textured frame finish with the appearance of powdercoated aluminium.

John Fredericks’ managing director, Mark Dicconson says: “This expansion of The Ultimate Collection creates another great opportunity for installation companies to win more design-led projects with greater margins.

GGF calls for sector-wide input on HSE lead proposals impacting stained glass

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is calling on members and the wider industry to take part in a critical consultation response that could shape the future of lead use across both stained-glass heritage sectors and applied decorative lead.

Working in collaboration with the Icon Stained Glass Group Working Party, the GGF have been supporting engagement with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on proposed changes to acceptable workplace action an suspension lead levels under the Control of Lead at Work Regulations (CLAW) – proposals that could have significant consequences for those working with just traditional lead-based materials, particularly women of reproductive capacity.

Whilst the general feedback is in support of lower levels there are concerns about how this can

be achieved – particularly within the suggested timeframe, and when accounting for existing background and long-term body burden levels.

The proposed changes come at a pivotal time for the stained-glass sector, which has recently been recognised as an endangered craft in the UK, highlighting the urgent need to protect the specialist skills and craftspeople that remain.

Against this backdrop, the GGF is stressing that any regulatory changes must carefully balance improved health and safety with the long-term sustainability of the craft, ensuring that expectations placed on businesses are both realistic and deliverable.

“This is an issue that is both professionally and personally important to me”, said John Mannell, technical officer at the

GGF. “My own journey into the glass industry began with stained glass, so I understand first-hand the skill, care and tradition that underpins this part of the sector.

“Stained glass is not just a niche; it is a vital part of our sectors and nations heritage. With the craft now recognised as endangered, it is more important than ever that we protect the people and skills that sustain it.”

Early indications suggest that the proposed reductions in lead exposure limits may be difficult to achieve in practice, particularly women of reproductive capacity who will require significantly lower levels than the rest of the workforce. These challenges are compounded by two main concerns:

Firstly, is the whole-body burden that previously acceptable levels will take time to leave the body Secondly, the risk that if background levels are not considered, that there are potentially people who cannot meet the targets even with the safest of working practices. Taken together, these factors raise important questions about how quickly the proposed changes can

realistically be implemented across the sector.

All these concerns show that the proposals could place additional pressure on an already fragile skills base.

Through its involvement in the Working Party, the GGF is helping to coordinate an industry response, ensuring that feedback to HSE is underpinned by robust, real-world data and not just anecdotal claims.

Given the uncertainties around achievability, gathering detailed industry data will be essential in helping regulators understand what is practical within the proposed timeframe and where adjustments may be required.

“We fully support the ambition to improve health and safety standards, but any changes must

be grounded in evidence and be achievable in practice”, explained John. “Otherwise, there is a real risk, as already seen in Europe, of unintended consequences for businesses and craftspeople (most likely females) who rely on these materials every day.”

“It is critical that the proposed timelines and limits reflect real working conditions”.

To support this process, the GGF is urging businesses of all sizes, including SMEs, sole traders, training providers and heritage specialists, to complete the HSE Consultation and share it widely with relevant parties in their supply chain that work with lead.

A key objective is to build a comprehensive response that reflects real exposure levels across different roles, including where possible evidence of baseline

readings for individuals with no prior occupational exposure. This data will be critical in ensuring that any future regulation is proportionate and reflective of real working conditions.

With regulatory decisions likely to be shaped by the strength of industry input, the GGF is emphasising the importance of broad participation.

“We need the full breadth of the industry to engage,” John added. “From specialist studios to those working with decorative glass, every perspective matters in ensuring a balanced and sustainable outcome.”

To respond to the consultation, click here. The deadline to complete the survey is Friday 28th November.

www.ggf.org.uk

Eurocell expands PVC-U recycling network to 142 branches –extending its reach to Scotland

Eurocell has significantly expanded its post-consumer PVC-U recycling programme, rolling the service out to a further 53 branches to create a 142-strong national network for the trade.

The expansion introduces the service to Scotland for the first time, with Eurocell branches in Edinburgh, Edinburgh West, Falkirk, Glasgow, and Glasgow East now actively participating in the scheme.

Eurocell says that despite PVC-U being highly recyclable

and having a potential lifespan of up to 350 years, installers and the trade have historically faced limited access to practical recycling routes. Bulky window and door frames present severe operational challenges on small sites, frequently resulting in:

Expensive skip hire costs cutting into project margins. Time-consuming, unpaid trips to local tips.

Valuable, recyclable materials ultimately being treated as general waste.

Working with Biffa and major

regional waste management partners, including Rhinos, CTSR, D&G, Avon Reclamation, and PVC Collections, Eurocell is providing installers with a

Joy Naylor, manufacturing & recycling director at Eurocell

localised, highly efficient route to dispose of replacement materials.

Through the expanded network, trade customers are said to be able to easily arrange domestic and small-load collections via their local branch or by phone. Material is collected, consolidated at regional transfer stations, and transported to Eurocell’s specialist recycling facilities in Ilkeston, Derbyshire and Selby, North Yorkshire, where it is re-ground and extruded to be manufactured into new window and door profiles.

Joy Naylor, manufacturing & recycling director at Eurocell, said: “We know that dealing with old, bulky window frames is a massive operational headache and a growing cost for window and door installers and fitters. By expanding our recycling network to 142 branches, we are taking the hassle out of waste disposal.

“Our closed-loop system means the trade can drop off waste or arrange collections locally, saving them skip fees and time off the tools. Just as importantly, it gives our installers a brilliant sustainability story to tell their homeowner customers, proving that the old windows they remove are being responsibly recycled right here in the UK, and going back into the manufacture of new PVC-U windows and doors at our manufacturing facility in Derbyshire.”

In 2025 alone, Eurocell says it processed 36,000 tonnes of recycled PVC-U through its operations and achieved 30% recycled content across its extruded products, keeping valuable materials in circulation.

To find your nearest participating branch or to book a waste collection, visit: eurocell.co.uk/branch-finder

Timberlook expands delivery fleet

Timberlook, a heritage-style uPVC window and door brand from Affordable Windows Group, has announced a significant expansion of its delivery fleet – a direct response to the growing demand for its range of heritage-inspired products from installers across the UK.

The most recent investment has seen eight new vehicles and 16 demountable boxes added to the fleet, bringing the total number of vehicles purchased in 2025 and 2026 combined to 32. AWG’s fleet now stands at 64 vehicles in total, supported by a transport department of 50 team members – including drivers and office staff – who together ensure that orders reach installers reliably and on time.

The scale of the operation is considerable. On average, the fleet delivers approximately £1,000,000 worth of goods every week.

Amelia

Gaughan,

head of marketing for Affordable

Windows Group, commented: “Investing in our delivery fleet is just as important as investing in our production capacity. Installers need to know that when they place an order, it will arrive when they need it.”

“Expanding the fleet is our way of making sure we can continue to deliver – literally – as demand for Timberlook continues to grow.”

Adam Wrigley, the transport director at the company, added: “‘As demand for Timberlook continues to grow, our priority is ensuring that our logistics capability keeps pace. This investment in vehicles and demountable systems gives us the flexibility to maintain consistent, reliable deliveries for installers across the UK. By increasing both vehicle numbers and demountable capacity, we’re improving efficiency, reducing turnaround times, and ensuring we can support installers with dependable, ontime deliveries at scale”.

Endurance Doors boosts brand visibility with TV presenter Laura Hamilton

Endurance Doors has partnered with TV presenter, Laura Hamilton, known for property shows such as ‘A Place in the Sun’, to support her latest home renovation project and further boost the brand’s visibility among consumers.

Working with one of its trusted installer partners, Dorwyn Windows and Doors, Endurance Doors provided two doors for the project to showcase premium products and quality craftsmanship.

The collaboration can be viewed on Laura Hamilton’s new YouTube home improvement channel https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=qyxjrMjRcgY. It features footage captured by

Endurance Doors at Laura’s house and additional content created specifically for her platform.

Russell Hensman, group marketing

manager at Endurance, says: “Generating leads on behalf of our installers has always been central to our marketing activity, and an essential part of that is building confidence among discerning consumers. Partnering with Laura Hamilton on this project not only drives brand visibility it also fosters trust among her growing online audience.”

Laura Hamilton is best known for her role presenting Channel 4’s ‘A Place in the Sun’ since 2012, but her property journey began at just 19 years old.

She has extensive experience in property renovation and has become a trusted expert on property transformation, practical renovation and design trends. This all aligns perfectly with what Endurance Doors says is its values of craftsmanship and architectural impact.

“Partnering on this renovation project with Laura,” continues Russell, “highlights the superb performance and design flexibility of our doors, via a real world application in a high profile renovation.

“Dorwyn Windows and Doors demonstrated excellent craftsmanship with a first class installation, displaying the company’s commitment to delivering high quality windows, doors and rooflights with excellent service, expert installation, and superb product knowledge.

“As well as our products appearing in front of a new audience on Laura Hamilton’s YouTube channel and social platforms, the team at Endurance Doors will also be supporting the publicity of the project with its own content rollout.”

Russell concludes: “This level of exposure, including to a new audience, is invaluable for our installers. To be associated with such a trusted media figure and property expert is a great coup for the Endurance Doors brand, and we intend to maximise the opportunity on behalf of our customers.”

As the UK’s exclusive supply partner of Graf Synergy machines, Haffner delivers the seamless weld machine innovation to take your business to the next level.

• Superior transom welding quality

• V-Perfect ® transom welding technology

• Weld seam elimination

• Suitable for both V Joints and Butt Joints

• Precision accuracy - delivering a perfect weld every time

• Faster, automated fabrication

Discover more of the benefits of Graf Synergy machines from Haffner

WINNER

AluFold Windows adds uPVC to its offer

Supply-only fabricator AluFold Windows has introduced uPVC alongside its core aluminium offer, which it says expands its model to give customers more control as pricing and delivery pressures continue to build.

The move reflects the market shift, where both residential and commercial projects are led as much by cost and availability as they are by preference and design. By bringing aluminium and uPVC into a single supply model, AluFold says it is mitigating the added time, stress and logistics installers face when

forced to work with multiple suppliers as projects take shape.

Backed by Leicester-based Unique Window Systems and its close partnership with Eurocell, AluFold’s introduction of uPVC extends the same structured, supply-only approach already in place for aluminium.

A complete uPVC production facility has been built within AluFold Windows’ 70,000 sq ft factory at Whitebirk Industrial Estate in Blackburn, featuring advanced machinery including a BDM cutting and machining

(L-R) Neal Addison, managing director and Karl Williams, uPVC production manager

centre capable of processing up to 800 windows per week.

The new line is further supported by multiple quad welders, CNC corner cleaners and CNC beading equipment to ensure consistent quality throughout production, with AluFold’s operating team now said to be fully trained to work across both uPVC and aluminium.

“Aluminium will always be at the core of AluFold Windows,” says Managing Director, Neal Addison. “This isn’t about changing what we do. It is about recognising how our customers are working dayto-day and making sure we’re set up to support that properly.”

Karl Williams, who has led the integration of uPVC into AluFold since he joined the business in February, brings 20 years of hands-on experience across production, operations and quality control, having worked in multiple large-scale fabrication environments across the North West.

“I’ve had the opportunity to build uPVC into AluFold from the outset – the setup, the backing and the way the business is structured,” explains Karl. “It’s that solid base that gives our customers the confidence to price, plan and move projects forward without second guessing supply, which is the biggest support we can give them in today’s market.”

http://alufoldwindows.co.uk/

A one-stop service for arched and shaped windows and doors

Shaped frame specialist Premier Arches is proving that it can make ordering complex and bespoke-shaped windows and doors more straightforward with its onestop service on shaped frames and glass units, says the company.

Manufacturing from its dedicated facility in St Helens, the specialist fabricator experienced solid growth throughout 2025 and is finding that more and more trade customers are turning to them for a comprehensive service on arched, round and angled PVCu frames, according to the company.

“It’s not unusual for fabricators, installers and trade counters to source their own IGUs,” says Joe Trueman, Director at Premier Arches. “But shaped insulated glass units create a more complex ordering process, purely because of their bespoke nature. If you’re working from templates, it can mean creating more than one to share with multiple suppliers, and juggling different

deadlines too.

“It’s much easier and more efficient for trade customers to let us take care of the glass as well as the bespoke-shaped frames, ordering everything at the same time and having everything delivered together.”

Premier Arches works closely with its glass partners to offer a range of decorative glass options, as well as standard IGUs, to deliver the one-stop service with no compromise on design choice., claims the company.

Joe adds: “We work on a full range of frames that benefit from decorative glass designs, but where it’s most popular is on arched toplights for front doors. Homeowners still want the personalisation of decorative glass, even if they have an arched front entrance door!

“Our mission is simple: to make complex frames easy for the trade and help them make the most of this profitable niche market.”

February Builders’ Merchant like-for-like sales volumes drop -10.6% year-on-year

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in April, shows February’s total like-for-like value sales (adjusted to remove the effect of trading days) were -4.3% lower than the same month in 2025. Like-for-like volume sales were down -10.6% while prices increased +7.0%.

With no difference in trading days, total unadjusted value sales were also -4.3% lower, with volumes down -10.6% and prices up +7.0%. By value, six of the twelve categories sold more with Renewables & Water Saving increasing +19.6%. Of the two biggest categories, Timber & Joinery Products (+0.3%) performed better than Total Builders Merchants, but Heavy Building Materials decreased -8.4%. Landscaping (-8.5%) was the weakest category, although only fractionally behind Heavy Building Materials.

With no difference in trading days, total value sales were -3.3% down in the three months December 2025-February 2026 compared to the same three months last year.

In the 12 months from March 2025 to February 2026, like-for-like value sales were up +0.4% compared to the previous 12-month period (March 2024 to February 2025). Like-for-like volume sales (+0.2%) and prices (+0.3%) both increased. With one less trading day in the most recent 12-month period, unadjusted value sales were flat (0.0%) with volumes down -0.2% and prices up +0.3%. By value, ten of the twelve categories sold more, led by Renewables & Water Saving (+8.3%). Timber & Joinery Products (+2.2%) were ahead of Total Builders Merchants, while Heavy Building Materials fell -1.7%. Decorating was weakest (-1.9%).

In the year to date (January to February 2026), like-for-like value sales were -3.4% lower than the first two months of 2025. Like-for-like volume sales were down -8.8% and prices were up +6.0%. With one less trading day in 2026, unadjusted value sales for the first two months were -5.7% lower year-on-year. Unadjusted volumes were down -11.0% while prices rose +6.0%.

Mike Rigby, managing director of MRA Research which produces the BMBI report says: “As I write this it’s Day 47 of the Iran War and it’s hard to see an end. Bewilderingly, Trump’s answer to Iran’s refusal to capitulate is to blockade their blockade so the Straits of Hormuz are totally sealed off to everyone. The rest of the world is being held over a barrel (an oil one). About one month from now, when average stocks run out, the global economy will be facing the consequences of an actual gas and oil shortage of about 10 million barrels a day, according to Wood Mackenzie, the global leader in data, analytics and insights for the energy and natural resources industry.

That’s equivalent to an economic hit like Covid. Some countries are already suffering shortages and knock on effects.

“The latest GfK Consumer Confidence Index shows a 2-point fall in March, to -21 – the third month of decline since January. The biggest drop was in views of the general economic situation over the next 12 months, which fell 6 points to -37. The major purchase index, indicative of potential spending on home improvements, tumbled 4 points to -18, while the savings index increased 6 points to 27. Consumers are very concerned about the impact of the war on the economy and are favouring money in the bank over spending.

“But there are some green shoots for merchants with a surge in consumer interest in electric vehicles and home energy upgrades, as consumers try to uncouple from erratic oil and gas prices. Octopus Energy and British Gas have both seen record increases in solar and heat pump enquiries. Paul Haynes, BAXI’s product, solutions & marketing director, BMBI’s Expert for Heating & Hot Water Solutions, says the heat pumps market was up +25% in 2025 year on year.”

February’s BMBI report is available to download at www.bmbi.co.uk

Anglo – the dedicated supplier of steel reinforcement.

Compare your reinforcement prices today and lock in savings of up to 37%

Forterro supports Glazerite with server and dataset refresh to boost speed and efficiency

Forterro has supported Glazerite in completing a major eight month upgrade to its servers and dataset, which is already delivering what Paul Jagger, Glazerite’s head of group IT, describes as “significant performance benefits for customers and colleagues.”

Forterro has been Glazerite’s software partner since the company was founded in 2000. Over the past 26 years, Forterro has helped the Wellingboroughbased trade fabricator leverage maximum efficiencies and customer service enhancements from its suite of products. This includes Evolution and Satellite pricing, ordering and manufacturing software, EvoNet order tracking and stock control system and the Courier electronic proof of delivery tool.

The latest project enabled

Glazerite’s planned switch to a new server as part of ongoing investments to ensure the scalability, security and costefficiency of its IT systems. Forterro’s software development division in Scotland worked closely with Paul Jagger and his team to scope and plan the programme, which involved a complete dataset rebuild.

Impressively, that rebuild was completed ahead of schedule, ensuring that Glazerite could switch their order processing function onto the server a month early and ensure it was fully populated before going live.

The dataset rebuild project, led by Glazerite’s Senior Software Product Developer, Andy Thompson, has allowed Glazerite to remove all redundant profiles and hardware from its system as

well as consolidating its machining set up. This has, in turn delivered a faster, sleeker and easier to maintain system.

Forterro completed the detailed work required for Glazerite to change away from a 25-yearold dataset. This included implementing changes to Glazerite’s Batch Release Module, updating factory machine drivers, modifying the GlazeBot automated tasks and reporting tool, supporting changes to Courier, and creating a new set up for the EvoSatellite system.

Crucially, EvoNet, used for order management and tracking, item barcode tracking with scanpoint info screens and stock control – was recreated and amended jointly by Glazerite and Forterro. This allowed the system to work dynamically with orders from both servers, eliminating the risk of errors, bottlenecks and duplication.

Paul Jagger said: “Our advanced IT set up has always been an important differentiator for us in this market, and this project ensures that we maintain that advantage. There is always some inherent risk in migrating to a new server, but working with the Forterro team ensured that we were able to mitigate that risk almost entirely. Their support was crucial in the successful delivery of this project.

“The feedback I’ve received from both within Glazerite and from our customers using our EvoSatellite ordering system is that the transition has been seamless, with significant performance improvements

“The support we received from the team at Forterro was key to the success of this project. This was such a complex change with many moving parts, yet Glazerite’s operations didn’t miss a beat during the implementation phase of the switchover.”

https://www.businessmicros.co.uk/

Alunet launches new quoting platform for fabricators and installers

Alunet Systems says it is strengthening its support for aluminium window and door fabricators through a strategic partnership with Prime Value Software (PVS), delivering a “powerful front-end quoting platform” designed to increase installer sales and drive greater order volumes for fabricators.

According to Alunet, by working closely with PVS to integrate the full Aluna product range into the platform, the company has created a seamless link between installers and fabricators – enabling accurate, immediate, live pricing for the trade.

Alunet continues to work alongside fabricators using established production software including LogiKal, Business Micros, and First Degree Systems – platforms that underpin accurate estimating, cutting lists, CAD design and CNC integration.

Now, through Prime Value Software, Alunet says it is extending that efficiency beyond the fabrication factory floor and into the installer’s hands.

Because in today’s competitive

market, Alunet believes the speed and accuracy of a quote often determines who wins the job.

What This Means for Fabricators

Alunet says there is an investment required for fabricators to adopt the PVS platform, but the commercial return is clear. By equipping installers with free of charge instant, accurate pricing tools fabricators benefit from:

• Increased order volumes through faster on-site quoting

• Improved quote-to-order conversion with seamless oneclick ordering

• Reduced pricing errors and fewer revisions through live pricing and built-in configuration validation

• Automated pricing rules and customer-specific discounts

• Full visibility of installer activity, quotes and order history

• Integrated CRM, invoicing and payment gateway functionality

• Stronger installer loyalty and long-term trade relationships

• Improved cashflow driven by quicker decisions and confirmed sales

Rather than waiting for manual quotes to be prepared, installers can price immediately significantly increasing win rates.

What This Delivers for Installers

Free to use and “simple to operate”, Alunet says PVS software gives installers a professional quoting tool that works in real time:

• Accurate aluminium window and door pricing in under two minutes

• Live prices pulled directly from their chosen fabricator

• Ability to add installation costs and margins instantly

• 24/7 access to a branded trade portal with full quote and order history

• Validated product configuration to prevent ordering mistakes

• Seamless quote-to-order conversion

• ntegrated payment functionality The result, according to Alunet, is a smoother, more professional customer experience allowing installers to quote in the moment, win more jobs at the doorstep and submit accurate orders without delay.

Try It for Yourself

Alunet have launched a dedicated landing page enabling fabricators to invite their installers to trial the system and experience first-hand just how fast and intuitive it is to use.

To view the landing page for the new Alunet System’s PVS Software click the link:

alunetsystems.co.uk/installers

20 years of growth: Unique looks to the future after landmark year

Unique Window Systems has marked the completion of its 20th year in business, reflecting on a period of sustained growth, strategic investment and continuing commercial success.

As the company moves into its 21st year, its commitment to delivering quality, reliability and innovation at every stage of the customer journey remains unchanged.

The rapidly growing fabricator of aluminium and UPVC windows, doors and curtain walling has evolved significantly in recent years.

It attributes this sustained evolution to its ability to remain agile, responsive and entrepreneurial, even as its operations continue to scale. This approach has helped to drive

strong performance with turnover more than doubling since 2020.

The company’s 20th year has been particularly significant, marked by a series of strategic milestones.

Among them was the acquisition of the assets of AluFold Direct, which strengthened Unique’s aluminium offering and expanded its capability to support increasingly complex project requirements.

Investment in people has also been a key focus with several key appointments made during the year to strengthen sales and commercial functions. Another key priority has been product development with the fabricator launching new aluminium heritage doors and a new generation of its UniFold bifold doors.

Unique has also continued to build on its reputation within the commercial sector during its 20th year, reaching the milestone of delivering more than 1,000 new build and commercial projects to date. These include a wide range of developments from large scale residential schemes to complex multi-occupancy buildings.

In addition, Unique has maintained its commitment to community initiatives, continuing its support for projects such as DIY SOS and acting as a main sponsor for the upcoming Pro Con Leicestershire Awards. These awards celebrate excellence in construction, property and the built environment across Leicestershire and Rutland.

Commenting on Unique’s milestone year, Mir Patel, aluminium operations manager, at the company, said: “Reaching 20 years in business is a huge achievement for everyone at Unique Window Systems. What makes it even more meaningful is the strength of progress we’ve made during the last two decades and particularly over the past 12 months.

“From strategic acquisitions and product development to team growth and major project milestones, 2025 has been a year that truly reflects what Unique Window Systems is all about: continuous improvement, longterm thinking, and delivering added value for our customers.

“Being family-owned allows us to make decisions quickly and stay close to our customers, which is a real advantage in today’s market. As we move into our 21st year, our focus remains on further strengthening our commercial offering, investing in our people and infrastructure, and continuing to deliver high quality, reliable fenestration solutions for installers, contractors and developers nationwide.”

https://www.uws.co.uk/

The Business Pilot Barometer offers a monthly analysis of the key trends defining window and door retail. It draws on real industry data collated by Business Pilot, the cloud-based business management tool.To find out more see www.businesspilot.co.uk/barometer

The Business Pilot Barometer

Performance holds firm as market adjusts

By Neil Cooper-Smith, Senior Analyst, Business Pilot

April’s data paints a picture of a market that is continuing to adjust to a more uncertain and uneven trading environment, with performance increasingly shaped by efficiency rather than sustained growth in demand.

Conversion rates edged up again, rising from 39.3% in March to 40.0% in April, building on February’s 38.7%. This steady upward movement continues the trend seen since the start of the year and suggests that installers are becoming progressively more effective at converting opportunities into confirmed work.

Lead volumes, however, remain more volatile. After increasing to 115 in March, average leads fell back to 109.1 in April, broadly in line with February’s 109.0. While this suggests that underlying demand remains present, it also highlights a lack of consistent momentum, with enquiry levels fluctuating from month to month.

Sales performance reflects a similar pattern. Having risen from 51.1 in February to 54.7 in March, average sales eased back to 50.6 in April. Importantly, this does not indicate a sharp slowdown, but rather a continuation of the more variable trading conditions seen in recent months.

What stands out is that, despite these fluctuations in both leads and sales, conversion rates have continued to improve. This indicates that businesses are extracting more value from each enquiry, supported by stronger sales processes, more effective follow-up, and potentially better-qualified leads entering the pipeline

Lead times provide further insight into how the market is evolving. After remaining relatively stable at 26.6 days in February and 26.4 days

in March, average lead times fell significantly to 21.8 days in April. This reduction suggests increased operational efficiency, improved capacity, or a softening of order backlogs, allowing installers to respond more quickly to demand.

Meanwhile, average order values appear to be stabilising following February’s peak of £4,693. Values fell to £3,876 in March before recovering slightly to £3,954 in April. In context, this points to a more balanced mix of project types, rather than a sustained shift towards either high- or lower-value work.

Taken together, April’s data reinforces a key trend seen throughout the year so far: performance is being driven less by growth in demand and more by how effectively businesses manage and convert the opportunities they receive.

This remains closely linked to the wider economic backdrop. While inflation has stabilised in recent months, ongoing pressure from energy costs and global instability continues to weigh on household finances. Consumer confidence also remains fragile, with

many households cautious about discretionary spending.

For the home improvement sector, this creates a more selective market environment. Demand has not disappeared, but it is less consistent, and customers are more considered in their decisionmaking.

In practical terms, this places greater emphasis on process, responsiveness, and visibility. Businesses that can track performance closely, follow up quickly, and maximise conversion are best positioned to maintain output, even when enquiry volumes fluctuate.

Tools like Business Pilot play an increasingly important role in supporting this approach, giving installers the data and insight needed to manage pipelines effectively, improve conversion rates, and respond in real time to changing market conditions.

For more information visit www.businesspilot.co.uk

Rising consumer expectations are redefining the role of competent person schemes

FENSA is urging installers to prioritise expertise and support when engaging with competent person schemes, as increasingly informed homeowners reshape expectations across the glazing sector.

With more consumers researching products, performance standards and compliance requirements before committing to home improvements, installers are facing a more knowledgeable –and more questioning – customer base than ever before.

This shift, says FENSA, is changing what is required not just from installers, but from the schemes that support them.

“Homeowners are asking more detailed questions and expecting clearer answers,” says Sophia Wilson, scheme manager at FENSA. “That raises the bar for the whole industry. It’s no longer just about certification – it’s about having the expertise behind it to support those conversations.”

While access to information has

improved, not all of it is accurate. Installers are increasingly required to navigate conflicting or misleading guidance, particularly around areas such as product performance and regulatory compliance.

“Customers are arriving better informed, but not always correctly informed,” Sophia continues. “Installers need to be able to respond with confidence and clarity. That’s where the right support structure becomes essential.”

FENSA plays a key role in enabling this, providing not only a route to compliance but also the technical guidance and operational support that underpin day-to-day activity.

This includes responsive customer service, with timely and knowledgeable advice that helps installers resolve queries quickly and avoid unnecessary delays.

“At FENSA, we continually educate and upskill our customer service team to broaden internal expertise and improve firstcontact resolution”, explains Sophia.

Alongside this, robust compliance frameworks remain central to maintaining trust. FENSA’s UKASaccredited processes ensure consistent standards, impartiality and accountability across all registered businesses, regardless of size.

For FENSA, the evolving expectations of homeowners present a clear message for the industry: expertise must sit at the heart of certification.

“Competent person schemes are part of the infrastructure that supports quality and compliance,” Sophia concludes. “But their real value comes from the knowledge, consistency and support they provide behind the scenes.”

www.fensa.org.uk

Sophia Wilson, scheme manager, FENSA

GARDEN ROOMS FEATURING Alumina

More light, more space, less barriers!

Open an entire wall with a premium aluminium bi-fold door.

VERSATILE

Fully customisable and now with four bi-fold configurations

SECURE

Multi-point locking on windows & doors as standard

INSTALLER-FRIENDLY

Flat-packed kits with patented, easy-assemble fixtures

COMFORTABLE

Thermally efficient components for year-round comfort

How installers can adapt to lower consumer confidence

The conflict in the Middle East is driving disruption through supply chains and increased manufacturing costs. It is also influencing something equally important for installers – consumer confidence. What should home improvement companies be doing now, to win business?

GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index fell four points to -25 in April, with expectations for the wider economy over the next 12-months dropping to -43, the lowest level since February 2023. GfK said consumers “really do have the jitters now”, highlighting

pressure from fuel costs and the prospect of further energy price rises.

“2025 was a challenge with lower consumer demand in the face of higher rates of inflation. That was coming down but the crisis in the Middle East has pushed up oil prices and energy costs and turned everything on its head”, says Mike Parczuk, managing director, Sternfenster.

“Consumers have been hit by an economic shock from the prices that we’re paying at the pumps to fill up our cars, to what we pay for

a cup of coffee.

“And from July this year what we pay for our energy bills. That’s going to make things tougher in the short for all of as consumers but for the window and door industry it could represent a big opportunity.”

How does consumer behaviour change when things are tough?

Mike highlights that it’s not the first-time consumer behaviour has changed in response to economic shockwaves.

“We know big-ticket purchases, like windows and doors, are often delayed. Decision-making takes longer. And customers become more cautious about where and how they spend their money”, he says.

“Fewer enquiries may be coming through. Conversion rates can come under pressure. And price sensitivity often increases as homeowners weigh up their options more carefully.

“But none of that is new.

“We’ve seen similar patterns before, from the financial crisis through to Covid (albeit that ultimately created a very different trading environment to the one we’re seeing now) and the cost-ofliving squeeze.

“We know what we need to do. It’s about discipline and adaptation. Opportunities always present themselves.”

Selling energy efficiency

The background is important. Ofgem’s price cap for a typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit is currently set at £1,641 between 1 April and 30 June 2026.

Cornwall Insight’s latest forecast puts the July to September cap at £1,843.01. That’s an increase of

just over £200 a year.

“If you want to see evidence that the energy efficiency message resonates with the homeowner you only need to look at new figures for installation of solar panels which have been fitted every threeminutes since the Iran conflict.”

This is backed up by official figures. There were more than 27,000 solar power installations in March, the highest monthly total for 14 years. The number of applications for heat pump grants also jumped to its second highest monthly level on record.

Mike argues that the reasons that the sector hasn’t seen corresponding demand for new windows and doors is two-fold.

“The first thing is payback and evidence of it. The solar industry has very clear payback times.

“The Energy Saving Trust suggests an installation costs about £6,100 delivering energy savings of up to £650 a year, paying for themselves in 9-15 years.

“The second is funding. The Government pulled solar grants years ago, but the private sector stepped in with finance and green loans, successfully linking the cost of installation against credible pay back times.

“As a sector the window and door industry hasn’t been as effective at building that link between investment and payback. At the same time, we haven’t wrapped finance in that ‘green wrapper’, when it clearly resonates with the homeowner.”

Action to take today

While people still want warmer homes, better security and improved aesthetics, the challenge is how effectively those benefits are communicated. “Uncertainty doesn’t stop people buying windows and doors, but it does change how they buy”. Mike adds.

He argues the industry needs to move from reactive, to proactive sales. This is where the right tools and support can make a significant difference.

Sternfenster has invested heavily in digital sales infrastructure designed to help installers win work more efficiently, even in challenging conditions.

This includes platforms like EasyAdmin+ which allow installers to produce professional quotes quickly, track leads and manage the entire sales process in one place, improving speed and accuracy.

Meanwhile, digital showroom tools and augmented reality solutions allow homeowners to visualise products in their own homes, helping to build confidence and shorten decision-making times.

“If you can show a homeowner exactly what they’re buying, give them a clear, professional quote there and then, and manage the process efficiently, you’re already ahead of the competition,” Mike says.

“We need to evidence performance, payback and value. The advantage that we have over the solar sector is that windows and doors also have an emotional driver, in the sense that people also choose them because of how they look.

“If you can spend £10k on new windows and doors and make your home more secure, look better – and more energy efficient you’d go for it over a heat pump. Not wishing to take anything away from their positive environmental impact, but heat pumps are ugly!”

The importance of controlling your sales process

Controlling the controllables also becomes important. That applies not just to how you sell, but also how you price and manage risk.

With costs changing rapidly due to global pressures, installers need to rethink traditional approaches.

Sternfenster is actively encouraging customers to take practical steps, including, reducing quote validity periods, avoiding long-term fixed pricing without safeguards, building in mechanisms for price adjustments in contracts; and applying clear, transparent surcharges where necessary.

“It’s about protecting margin as much as winning work”, Mike says. “There’s no point winning a job today if it ends up costing you money tomorrow. You’ve got to build flexibility into your pricing and be open with your customers about why.”

He argues one of the most powerful tools installers have right now is honest communication. The reality, he says, is that homeowners are already aware of rising costs and global disruption. Rather than avoiding conversations about price increases, installers should lean into them.

Sternfenster is supporting customers with communication packs and materials designed to help installers have these conversations confidently.

“Everyone is watching the same news,” Mike says. “If you explain the situation clearly and professionally, most customers will understand. In fact, it can help you build trust.

“We have two choices we can sit passively and get carried along by events or we can proactively do what we can to manage what we can manage and feel a little bit better about things.

“We’re doing the latter and helping our customers to do the same.”

www.sternfenster.com

AluK publishes guide to future homes standard changes

AluK has been quick to respond to the updated Future Homes Standard and Part L. The aluminium systems company has created a dedicated website and published a new handy guide which gives fabricators, installers and specifiers all the information they need to ensure they comply with the new rules ahead of the 2027 deadline.

Overall, AluK has welcomed the changes announced to Future Homes on the basis that notional U-Values for windows in the updated Part L are now set at 1.2 W/m2K, which achieves a good balance between efficiency and cost. And it has backed the switch to calculating U-Values using the actual size and configuration of the window rather than the traditional standard test size as a practical way of closing the gap between designed and delivered energy outcomes.

AluK’s new website and downloadable Guide to Future Homes cover the implications of all the changes for customers and specifiers. There is clear guidance on how fabricators will have to calculate the U-Values and what installers will have to do to ensure and document the airtightness of their installations. There is also advice for specifiers on using project specific rather than generic system U-Values and how to align Part L with Part O and Part F.

The guide includes an explanation of how the new rules differ across new build, replacements, extensions and heritage projects and there are pointers to the updated Part L as it applies in Wales, where the 1.4 limiting U-Value for windows in new build is slightly lower than it is England.

The overall timeline for both England and Wales is clearly set

out in the guide and there is a summary of the key changes for quick and easy reference.

Crucially, the guide has plenty of reassurance from AluK on the steps that it has already taken to help and support customers – from providing third-party validated Uf values to offering project specific thermal modelling – and a checklist is included of all the AluK products and systems, with their U-Values and compliance status.

Paul Booth, AluK’s technical director, commented: “The new Future Homes Standard could be a real step forward in terms of delivering warmer, more efficient homes which are less dependent on fossil fuels. With notional U-Values set at a very achievable 1.2, it represents a great opportunity for the aluminium sector to win a bigger slice of the new build market in particular, and we are doing all we can to help our customers get ahead of the new rules before next year and put themselves in a great position to win new business.”

alukgb.com/learning/what-is-doc-l

Paul Booth, AluK’s technical director

Profit starts with process

As geopolitical instability in the Middle East continues to drive cost volatility, Sternfenster is demonstrating how installers can protect – and maximise – their margins through the use of its Easy-Suite of systems.

The global pressures facing the UK window and door sector have rarely felt more immediate. Ongoing instabilities in the Middle East have sent shockwaves through energy markets and supply chains, pushing oil prices upwards and driving cost inflation across manufacturing, logistics and installation.

For installers already operating within tight margins, the result is an increasingly difficult trading environment where profitability is under sustained pressure.

At the same time, homeowners are becoming more cautious.

While demand for energy-efficient home improvements remain, stretched household finances mean projects are scrutinised more closely, elongated or delayed altogether.

“We’re operating in a market where external pressures are largely out of installers’ control,” says Nathan Court, chief sales officer at Sternfenster. “What that does is put even more focus on the things they can control: efficiency, accuracy and how they manage their time.”

Sternfenster’s Easy-Suite of products have been developed

with exactly that objective in mind.

At its core is EasyAdmin+, which streamlines the quoting and order process, removing timeconsuming manual tasks, and reducing the risk of errors which can quickly erode already tight margins.

Installers can generate accurate quotes quickly, with pricing automatically applied, and once secured, orders move seamlessly into production without duplication of input.

“EasyAdmin+ is about giving installers the tools to do more with less,” Nathan explains. “If you can quote faster, avoid mistakes, and reduce admin, you’re immediately putting yourself in a stronger position to protect your margin.”

Those efficiencies are critical in a high-cost market; time saved on administration allows businesses to focus on revenue-generating activity, while improved accuracy protects against costly mistakes.

At the same time, the platform’s cloud-based functionality enables installers to work flexibly, generating quotes whenever and wherever opportunity arises – from on-site, to on the sofa.

However, maximising margins is not only about reducing costs; it is also about winning more work and converting more opportunities.

This is where the broader EasyAdmin+ ecosystem, including integrated tools such as automated follow-up functionality, plays a significant role. By ensuring consistent, professional communication with homeowners, installers can maintain momentum on quotes without adding to their workload, with structured followups proven to increase conversion rates by up to 36%.

Alongside this, Sternfenster’s EasySales platform extends those efficiencies directly into the sales

process.

Designed to enhance customer engagement and streamline consultations, it allows installers to create accurate quotes in real time. Features such as a 3D digital showroom enable homeowners to visualise products in situ, while its Proposal Builder tool turns quotes into polished, easy-to-understand documents, ready for sending to homeowners.

“EasySales takes the simplification of the sales process a step further,” Nathan adds. “It gives installers the ability to engage the customer, demonstrate the product and produce a quote there and then. That immediacy is incredibly powerful in a competitive environment.”

By combining immersive sales tools with instant quoting capability, Sternfenster is giving installers a significant advantage in a competitive market.

“What we’re focused on is making the whole process easier, from first enquiry through to order,” Nathan says. “If you can remove friction at every stage, you not only save time but also improve your chances of winning the job.”

The challenges created by geopolitical instability are unlikely to ease in the short term. Energy markets remain volatile, supply chains continue to feel the strain, and cost inflation is expected to persist. For installers, standing still is not an option.

“You can’t control global events, but you can control how your business responds”, Nathan concludes. “The installers who embrace smarter ways of working will be the ones who come through this stronger.”

For more information visit www.sternfenster.com

40% of women feel unsafe at their own front door. Here’s what that means for what you fit

By Alex Dutton, Sales and Marketing Director, Ultion.

We spend a lot of time in this industry talking about standards, ratings and test results. What we talk about less is how the people on the other side of the door actually feel about the products we fit.

Earlier this year, Ultion commissioned research into how women across the UK feel about safety. The findings were striking. Over two thirds of women say they feel less safe outside after dark during winter. More than a third have feared someone was watching them or following them to their door. And 40% say they would feel safer if they didn’t have to search for their keys when approaching their home.

That last statistic is the one that should get the attention of everyone in our industry. Because the moment a person is stationary at their front door, fumbling for keys in the dark, is the moment they are more exposed. It is also the moment where the products we specify can make a real difference.

The research also revealed something that should give

anyone who fits standard cylinders pause for thought. Only 21% of women say they feel very confident that their front door lock would actually protect them in the event of a break-in.

The uncomfortable truth is that a significant proportion of the locks being fitted across the UK right now offer very little real resistance to a determined intruder. A standard cylinder can be snapped in seconds using tools that are freely available and require no particular skill to use. Most homeowners have no idea this is possible. Most assume that a lock is a lock.

As the people who specify and install security products, we have both the knowledge and the responsibility to change that. When a customer asks for a new lock, they are trusting us to give them something that will actually protect their home and their family. That trust deserves better than a product that meets only the minimum standard.

Specifying a high security cylinder that is independently rated and tested to resist snapping, picking and drilling is not an upsell. It is the baseline. The conversation with the customer should not be whether to fit a secure lock, but which one best suits their door and their circumstances.

The research also highlights an opportunity. Homeowners who are made aware of the risks are receptive to better solutions. They are not reluctant buyers. They are people who want to feel safe and simply do not know what to ask for. Our job is to ask it for them.

Complicated supply chains cost money

By Russell Yates, Managing Director, AluK

Aluminium fabricators are already faced with a bewildering array of imported systems – and now we have news of a major systems company moving production out of the UK and switching UK customers to products imported from Europe.

That makes AluK one of a vanishing number of UK-based systems companies which relies entirely on UK extrusion and has its own production, paint, stock and service all in one place. And I can reassure all our customers that we have no intention of changing that.

In the commercial sector, multisourcing makes perfect economic sense in terms of securing the project based on the system specified. But I would argue that it

makes less and less sense in the trade sector.

I appreciate that the market is challenging and that the promise of cheaper product from lower cost overseas environments can be tempting, but the best way to stay competitive when you’re under price pressure is to simplify your supply chain – not to complicate it.

Ironically, since Brexit, we’ve seen imports of aluminium product into the UK rising steadily, with some trade fabricators now buying from two, three or even four different suppliers.

Not only does that leave them vulnerable to the kinds of supply chain shocks we’ve all witnessed in recent years – from Covid to

global conflicts – it also adds layers of unnecessary and expensive complexity to their businesses.

Some would argue that it’s a buyers’ market, with fabricators under the same dual or triple sourcing pressure from their installers as they are putting on systems companies.

But, for any type or size of fabrication business, managing more than one systems company takes time and resource.

Coordinating multiple suppliers with different lead times, shipping methods, customs procedures and minimum order quantities is a selfinflicted headache.

Trade and retail fabricators buying from overseas are not just at the mercy of late deliveries and slow response times, but any problems caused by quality and service issues are multiplied when the product is being manufactured hundreds or even thousands of miles away.

Continued on page 42

I can appreciate the cost pressures that UK fabricators face, but the solution to those pressures isn’t to add further cost by over complicating their businesses. I would argue that there are much more significant cost savings to be made by embracing new technology, managing their cost base, tightening controls and protecting cash flow rather than multi-sourcing, especially from overseas.

Working with one UK based systems company massively simplifies supply chain management and gives fabricators one fully-accountable point of contact committed to building a partnership and adding value.

Of course, that systems company has to be able to support fabricators’ efficiently and have a broad enough range of products to enable their customers to win business and be competitive across multiple sectors.

At AluK, we’re in the midst of a project to simplify our product portfolio into core platforms which our customers can stock in depth not breadth. With platforms like the 58BW/BD and our C70S systems, customers can keep three of four profiles in stock to meet the vast majority of demand and then add in Heritage, door or commercial profiles when required. All the main hardware and components are the same so fabricators spend less on stock as well as saving money by dealing with just one supplier.

This is ongoing and we will be keeping customers updated as we deliver further efficiencies which they can lever to their advantage. In a tough market, we’re committed to investing in the kinds of products, support and services which help our customers make money. uk.aluk.com Continued from page 40

Definitive results for draught disputes

Draught complaints are a persistent challenge for installers, particularly when performance is difficult to evidence. RISA’s latest approach introduces a method to quantify air infiltration, helping to bring clarity and confidence to dispute situations.

Draught complaints are one of the most common, and most frustrating, issues installers face after a project is completed.

What starts as a simple query can quickly escalate. A question turns into a complaint, a complaint turns into a withheld payment, and before long, a technical issue becomes a dispute.

A room that feels colder than expected. A customer convinced

something is not quite right.

The challenge is that draughts are not always easy to prove.

“In many cases, the installer has followed best practice, but there is no clear way to demonstrate that to the customer,” explains Lee Galley, inspection manager at RISA.

He continues: “It can feel like a no win situation for the homeowner, who is convinced that there is a problem, and the installer who has done what they genuinely believe is a good job.

“Without third-party involvement, it becomes a complete impasse – and that can delay payments or lead to

unexpected costs.”

Lee argues that without, clear evidence, it can be difficult to demonstrate that the installation was completed to the right standard, or if necessary, provide the right fix.

Air leakage and draughts remain a persistent issue across the sector. Complaints around discomfort and perceived poor performance are frequently encountered and often require further investigation.

Experienced inspectors can typically identify likely causes through on site assessment. Installation defects, sealing failures, or product limitations can often be highlighted through a detailed inspection.

However, this type of assessment is still based on professional judgement. In more complex cases, particularly where responsibility is disputed, this does not always provide the level of certainty required.

All windows and doors sold in the UK are tested for air permeability under standards such as BS 6375. These results are achieved in controlled laboratory conditions, which do not always reflect how products perform once installed.

On site, a range of variables can influence performance. Installation quality, interface detailing, building movement, and environmental exposure can all affect the outcome.

This creates a difficult position for installers. Even where the installation is sound, proving that performance meets the expected standard is not always straightforward.

How window pulse air pressure testing can help

RISA has developed a

methodology designed to address this challenge. Using pulse air pressure testing, the approach allows air infiltration to be measured rather than assumed.

The process begins with a baseline test to establish the overall air permeability of a property. This provides a clear reference point for further analysis.

Windows and doors are then isolated using specialist sealing methods. A second test is carried out under the same conditions to ensure a direct comparison.

The results are analysed using a developed mathematical model. This makes it possible to quantify the air leakage attributable specifically to the windows and doors.

“This approach allows us to move beyond what we believe may be happening and instead demonstrate it with measurable data,” Lee continues. “It gives all parties a clearer understanding of where air leakage is occurring and how significant that contribution is.

“By isolating windows and doors in this way, the methodology provides a clear comparison between overall building performance and installed product performance. This represents a shift from assumption to evidence based assessment.”

Moving things forward

Introducing measurable data into the process supports a more robust technical evaluation. It also provides a clearer basis for discussions between homeowners, contractors, and manufacturers.

“In dispute situations, having

quantifiable evidence can make a significant difference,” Lee added. “It enables a more balanced and objective assessment, helping to support conclusions that are both fair and technically robust.”

This is particularly valuable where there is disagreement over whether products meet specification. It is also relevant where traditional inspection methods have been unable to provide a conclusive outcome.

The ability to isolate and measure air infiltration in this way represents a developing capability within the sector. Historically, many draught related cases have relied heavily on interpretation.

By providing objective data, assessments can now be supported with greater consistency and confidence. This helps to improve transparency and clarity across the process.

Pulse air pressure testing is particularly effective where air leakage is difficult to localise. It is also beneficial where a formal, evidence based assessment is required.

“This is about giving installers a clearer, more objective way to demonstrate performance,” Lee continues.

“Data and hard facts are a great way of taking the heat out of the situation. When you can evidence what is happening, it becomes much easier to resolve disputes, identify the right remedial solution if necessary and move forward with confidence.

“That gets people paid and keeps them out of court.”

Wales follows England with a move to the new Home Energy Model

The Welsh Government has introduced the new Home Energy Model for u-value calculations for new build windows and doors – making the shift to triple-glazed units more likely.

Updates to Welsh Approved Document L and F were published on 7th April. These follow the shift announced in the publication of the Future Homes Standard for England (24/3/26) to the new Home Energy Model.

This effectively introduces a move away from the Standard Model and SAP calculation, introducing a requirement to evidence actual rather than ‘theoretical’ performance for each individual window.

“The Home Energy Model introduces the requirement to assess each window to its actual

size and configuration to arrive at an area weighted average”, explained Kevin Jones, head of technical, Glass and Glazing Federation.

“That includes all the items that sit within the opening, for example transoms, mullions, dummy sashes, astragal and Georgian bars, add-on cills, head vents and other components.

“These weren’t visible under the Standard Model but are visible under the Home Energy Model.

“While the Welsh Home Energy Model will be based on the same calculation as that across the border in England, there is a significant difference in that the limiting u-value – in shorthand, the lowest acceptable level of thermal performance – is going to be 1.4 w/m2K, compared to

1.6w/m2K in England.

“Depending on the design of the window and the building fabric as a whole, that could make it more likely that developers will have to move to triple-glazed options to meet regulations.”

The changes come as governments in Cardiff and Westminster attempt to close a gap in performance between theoretical building product performance – and what they deliver in real-life applications.

The changes will come into force on all new schemes started after 4th March 2027 unless the work has been registered for an initial notice or relevant notification provision before 3rd March 2027 and work starts before 3rd March 2028 in which case the old regulations will apply.

For any works where initial notice or relevant notification provision is not registered before 4th March 2027 and work does not start prior to 4th March 2028 the new regulations will need to be followed.

“While there are transitional arrangements in place, the changes to the Welsh Approved Document L and in particular, that limiting u-value of 1.4 w/m2K are going to drive house builders to focus very closely on the weighted average as a whole.

“It would be our expectation that that will push a lot of developers to specify triple-glazed windows, which clearly has big ramifications for cost and future window design.”

GGF members will be able to take a look in more detail and have the opportunity to ask questions at the summer launch of the new GGF Wales regional event, details of which will be released soon.

www.ggf.org.uk

Welsh Approved Document L can be found here

Kevin Jones, head of technical at the Glass and Glazing Federationn

James Dadd appointed vice president of marketing at Quanex

Quanex has strengthened its Extruded Solutions leadership team with the appointment of James Dadd as vice president of marketing.

James will oversee strategic marketing for the Extruded Solutions division, serving the fenestration, fire safety, and HVAC sectors, leading the global teams behind industry-leading brands such as Edgetech, Liniar, Avantek, and Schlegel to drive growth and market innovation.

Commenting on his appointment, James said: “It’s been an incredibly exciting start and from day one I’ve been made to feel very welcome by everyone across the business. The strength of the Quanex brand portfolio is exceptional.

“There’s a huge opportunity to build on the strength of these brands and increase collaboration across the group and with customers to ensure our innovation story is clearly and consistently communicated.”

James brings more than two decades of senior product, marketing and digital strategy experience, gained across a range of global organisations.

Most recently, he served as vice president of product and marketing for JELD-WEN Europe, where he led strategic initiatives across a €1.2bn product portfolio, managing both direct and indirect retail and distribution channels.

Chris Alderson, president of European Fenestration Division, commented: “James joins Quanex at a pivotal and very exciting time. His depth of experience and proven ability to lead highperforming marketing teams make him a fantastic addition to the business. We’re confident he will play a key role in accelerating our long-term growth ambitions.”

www.quanex.com

Purplex Marketing appoints new head of client relations

Glazing and construction sector specialist Purplex Marketing has appointed current employee Alex Lee as its new head of client relations, a strategic role created to strengthen customer partnerships and improve collaboration across the business.

The position carries a broad remit, bringing sales, operational and account management teams closer together to ensure greater clarity, consistency and accountability. A key early initiative is the introduction of a new reporting framework designed to replace outdated formats with clearer insight for both clients and internal teams.

Alex is currently moving from

managing his own portfolio of accounts, retaining a small number of long-standing clients while embedding new structures across the wider team. He

BDC Aluminium appoints new Group Aluminium Sales Manager

BDC Aluminium has appointed Zac Nedimovic, who has over two decades of industry experience across manufacturing, installation and sales, as its new Group Aluminium Sales Manager.

Zac’s career in fenestration began in 2003 when he developed hands-on experience across PVCu and aluminium systems.

Starting on the shop floor after university, he was directly involved in the production of windows, doors and composite products. This early experience laid the foundations for his deep technical understanding and commitment to quality and precision.

He later progressed into sales and commercial roles. This culminated in a sales director position at a

national manufacturer where he spent 15 years leading commercial strategy, developing key accounts and driving growth across the trade.

Zac went on to run his own installation business, supplying and installing glazing products for homeowners and small and medium-sized builders. This experience gave him a full understanding of the day-today operational pressures faced by installers – from surveying and installation to scheduling, team management and order processing.

In his new role at BDC Aluminium, Zac will enhance the company’s position within the aluminium market, focusing particularly on strengthening customer

will oversee the day-to-day operations of a highly effective account management team that has decades of collective experience, according to the company.

“I’m really looking forward to heading up areas that have the highest client experience and impact,” said Alex. “Helping the account managers and building the team up to be a more knowledgeable, stable, stronger outfit is also a big part of what I want to do.”

Andrew Scott, CEO of Purplex Marketing, said: “Alex understands that strong client relationships depend on both trust and consistent delivery. His experience, openness and leadership will help us sharpen our processes and build even stronger partnerships with our clients.”

www.purplexmarketing.com

relationships and driving sustainable growth.

A key objective is to ensure that internal systems and processes effectively support customers, while developing a clear market proposition based on premium products backed by exceptional service.

Zac Nedimovic

New Northern Area Sales Manager at AluK

Simon Moore is AluK’s new Area Sales Manager for the Northern region. He joins the team alongside Paul Greenaway, Neil Dattani and Wayne Richards, all helping AluK fabricators and installers make the most of every opportunity in the current market.

Simon has an impressive 40year track record in the industry across fabrication and installation in both aluminium and PVC-U, so he understands all the pressures and challenges that customers face. He says: “Even in tough market conditions, there are still opportunities to win business and deliver growth as long as you’ve got the right supply partner on your side.

“The AluK brand remains as strong as ever and the company has massively strengthened its customer support programme over the last couple of years and invested in some really exciting new products, so I’m very positive about the value I can help add to fabricators’ businesses.”

Simon is already out meeting customers and will also be at the upcoming PIGS events as well as at CIH Manchester and the Home Building & Renovating shows.

uk.aluk.com

FIT Show strengthens international sales with new German representative

Organisers of FIT Show, the UK’s dedicated fabricator and installer trade show, have announced the appointment of a dedicated international sales representative who will help drive overseas exhibitor participation for its May 18 – 20, 2027 event (NEC, Birmingham.)

FIT Show is pleased to welcome Balland Messe-Vertrieb GmbH, Germany’s representative for international trade fairs since 1985, as its new German sales representative. This appointment strengthens the show’s international sales support as it continues to build relationships with overseas brands looking to enter the UK market. Hendrik Taise, a senior project manager with Balland will be the project manager of FIT Show 2027.

Balland will play a key role in developing connections with German companies, helping to grow awareness of FIT Show and support further international exhibitor participation.

“Having someone on the ground in Germany is a real asset for us,” said Nickie. “It gives us even greater reach into the market and

helps us stay connected with businesses that are considering FIT Show as their route into the UK.”

Hendrik Taise,senior project manager with Balland MesseVertrieb GmbH, added: “We are delighted to be working with FIT Show and to help introduce more European brands to the opportunities the UK market offers. FIT Show has a fantastic reputation, and we are excited to support its continued growth internationally.”

With overseas interest continuing to grow, the appointment underlines FIT Show’s commitment to supporting international exhibitors and strengthening its position as the UK’s leading fenestration event. FIT Show also works with trusted agents in Turkey and China, further extending its international reach and ensuring the show remains accessible to brands across key global markets.

FIT Show is seeking representation in Spain, Italy and Poland. Contact nickie@fitshow.co.uk for further information.

Hendrik Taise and Nickie West

Find new customers here

The PROSPECTManager data portal provides access to a family of prospecting databases spanning building materials, building, home improvement and construction markets.

PROSPECTManager was created to make it easier for businesses to plan and grow.

Plan (geographically) where to grow Find hard-to-reach customer audiences

Identify more of the right sort of customers - who have the money to buy

Ratings by

@prospectmanager prospectmanager.co.uk

Calling time on anthracite grey?

With new figures showing anthracite grey and woodgrains losing ground to smooth colour options and new colours it’s time to rethink your colour offer, according to Darren Woodcock, general manager of Deceuninck.

One thing in life is certain. Trends and taste change. So is anthracite grey, the go-to PVC-U colour for installations for the last decade, about to join avocado green bathrooms, burnt orange kitchens and sepia brown deep rug-pile carpets; in the colour graveyard in the sky?

According to Deceuninck, the answer is ‘yes’, just not quite yet.

“Our colour offer has evolved massively in the last decade”, says Darren Woodcock, general manager at Deceuninck.

“Anthracite grey is on borrowed time”, he adds.

Established foils in decline

The latest figures for UK and Ireland from Renolit, show that there has been a big shift in PVC-U

foils in the last year. According to the laminate finish specialist greys took a massive hit in volume, with anthracite grey the biggest loser –down 31% in 2024. gale grey, slate grey and hazy grey, dropping by 27%, 98% and 9% respectively.

“If you think those figures are out, you have to look at the starting point. Anthracite grey and gale grey still currently makes up 34% of the market”, Darren continues: “so we and everyone else are still doing a lot of volume – but if you’re looking at what’s trending and what isn’t ‘greige’ seems to have had its day.”

Woodgrains left for dust by solid colours

The other big shift according to figures from Renolit is the wider shift away from woodgrains to solid colours. A trend first flagged

by Deceuninck in its consumer research.

The YouGov Deceuninck commissioned national consumer survey found younger consumers favoured smooth and solid colours above woodgrains and patterns.

Deceuninck Commissioned YouGov stud findings: consumer preference for solid smooth colour versus woodgrain finishes:

28% of 35- to 44-year-olds 31% of 45- to 54-year-olds 19% 55 +

This tallies with data from Deceuninck’s sales of foiled product in 2025, which reveals a clear preference for solid colours at 84% over foiled product at just 16%. According to Renolit this compares to 83% versus 17% for

the UK and Ireland as a whole.

Tracking the UK and Irish markets as a whole, the Renolit figures reveal sustained growth in solid colour options from 53% of the market in 2016, rising to 83% in 2025.

“We can see that there has been an overwhelming shift to smooth colour finishes over the last 10-years Darren continues.

“Woodgrains still make up a considerable share of what we do, but the popularity of solid and smooth foils, is significant. It’s evidence of a general growth in appeal, but also that they have also gained ground specifically with a younger demographic.

“We should be applying that insight in how we target homeowners and particularly consumers in their 30s, 40s and 50s.”

Which colours are trending for windows and doors in 2026?

So, if anthracite grey is coming to the end of its shelf-life, what’s replacing it? Well, according to the Renolit figures beck brown/ black brown is very much in the ascendency, with 12% growth year-on-year accounting 24% of total volume in the market as a whole this year.

Agate grey saw a 18% rise to account for 4% of the market for coloured foils last year. Pebble grey smooth seeing a 100% uptick, with cement grey seeing 64% growth and pebble grey achieving 14% growth.

“What’s interesting is to compare figures for Deceuninck and its customers last year, to the national trends for the UK and Ireland”, Darren says.

“Anthracite grey, while still important as part of our colour mix, made up less than 13% of Deceuninck and Deceuninck customer sales – this compares to

34% nationally.

“Our customers are selling a far broader mix of colours. This includes crystal white which singularly accounts for more than any other foil finish at 21% of all foils we sell, compared to only 1% nationally.”

In addition to its core offer from Renolit, Deceuninck has also added five new premium finishes in Continental’s Conti mattex range to its offer. Available in beige greg, shine beige shine dark graphite, green grey and Turner malt oak on white, solid colours closely resemble powder-coated aluminium.

“It’s an exciting product for us. The finish is superb its robust while delivering an ultra-matte appearance and nudges our colour offer a little further along with further incremental wins for our customers.”

Deceuninck’s broader colour offer, includes more than 200 special foils and 350 different colourways, including single and dual colours. With matching end caps, cills and ancillaries. This includes 30+ different colourways from stock, with a further 20 available in just 15 days.

Darren continues: “The other trend that has perhaps defined the market for PVC-U foils this year is the demand from installers for rapid lead times.

“The retail environment has been challenging and winning business has sometimes been about expediency.

“With 30+ stock colourways and 20 more available on lead times of only 15-days, including our new Conti mattex ranges, we are bringing a unique product and finish choice to home improvement. That lead is winning our customers business.”

www.deceuninck.co.uk

Reinforcement rethink

How fabricators are challenging the status quo on steel supply

Steel reinforcement – one of the most fundamental components in PVCu window and door manufacture – has long been treated as a fixed cost, tied closely to a fabricator’s chosen profile system supplier. But with global volatility continuing to disrupt supply chains, drive up raw material costs and erode margins, more are starting to question long-standing purchasing habits.

“Fabricators are under pressure from every direction right now,” says Paul Sullivan, back at the helm of steel reinforcement specialists Anglo as Managing Director. “Energy, wages, compliance – it’s relentless. But reinforcement is one of the few areas where you can make a meaningful, immediate saving without changing your product.

“There’s a long-standing

Paul Sullivan, Anglo’s managing director

assumption that reinforcement has to come from the profile supplier. But fabricators are realising they can take more control. Steel reinforcement doesn’t have to be bought as part of a package. Reinforcement is a separate discipline. It’s about steel grade, forming accuracy and coating specification – not who’s invoicing you for it.”

Proven savings in a changing supply landscape

Independent suppliers such as Anglo operate outside the systems house model, sourcing steel globally and focusing purely on reinforcement manufacture.

“We’re in the steel market every day, fighting for price and consistency,” Paul says. “That’s our entire focus. It means we can react faster, source smarter and ultimately pass those savings on.”

The numbers are what catch most fabricators’ attention. Anglo reports typical savings in the region of 17 to 37 per cent, with some operations achieving even more depending on volumes and current pricing structures –figures that are increasingly hard to ignore.

“One fabricator we’re working with is on track to save £120,000 this year alone,” Paul reveals. “That’s not by changing their system, nor by compromising quality – just by reviewing where they buy their reinforcement.”

In an unpredictable steel market, those savings also come with an added benefit: stability.

“Price volatility is a real concern,” he continues. “Fabricators want to know where they stand month to month. By leveraging the buying power we have through our group, we can offer a level of consistency that helps businesses plan ahead.”

Addressing the big concern

Of course, cost is only part of the equation. For many fabricators, the biggest hesitation around switching suppliers is performance and the perceived risk to product quality or warranties.

“The first question we always get is: ‘Will this affect my product?’ And I completely understand that,” Paul says. “Your reputation is tied to the performance of every frame that leaves your factory.

“But the reality is we’re producing like-for-like products. Same grades, same coatings for durability and corrosion resistance, and the same tolerances, all manufactured to recognised standards including ISO 9001 and BS EN-accredited steel.

“And in 36 years of business

– including the 450 customers we have on our books – we’ve never had a single warranty issue relating to reinforcement. That’s not a claim, it’s a track record.”

Unlocking efficiency gains

Beyond the headline cost savings, fabricators are also seeing operational efficiencies, particularly when moving to cutto-size reinforcement supply.

“Fabricators are looking at every part of their operation right now,” Paul notes, “and our cut-to-size service is designed to reduce handling, minimise waste and free up valuable floor space. If you can reduce stockholding, cut labour time and improve health and safety by eliminating longlength handling, that all feeds into overall efficiency, not just cost.”

However, Paul does acknowledge that change is never straightforward, particularly in an industry built on longstanding relationships.

“We’re all busy running production, managing staff, hitting deadlines. It’s easy to stick with what you know, and loyalty is important too. But not at the expense of your profitability. Five years ago, you might not have questioned it, but now you have to. This environment is too challenging not to explore every opportunity to improve efficiency and reduce cost.”

To make that process easier, Anglo has introduced a straightforward online quotation system, allowing fabricators to compare costs against their current supplier with minimal effort and zero commitment.

“There’s no hard sell, just real data” Paul stresses. “Put your system in, see the numbers and make your own decision.”

https://anglometal.co.uk

Kömmerling offers built-in flexibility for triples

In the context of changing consumer expectations for windows and doors, which continue to place increasing emphasis on energy efficiency, Kömmerling is offering its customers a solution with flexibility for double and triple glazing, built in.

Gareth Parton, Kömmerling sales and marketing director, explains: “There has been so much speculation about the future of triple glazing over the years, but the truth is no one really knows what will happen next. What we do know is that energy efficiency continues to climb the list of priorities for consumers, and they are more determined to protect themselves from future fuel price fluctuations with high performance glazing. This means

more people will be looking at triple glazing, but that is not to say that demand will shift overnight. That is why we have designed flexibility into our Kömmerling 76 system.

“The Kömmerling 76 system is an established range of products that have undergone extensive research and development to consistently improve performance. They cater for double glazing and triple glazing or special functional glass in thicknesses up to 48mm where required, because the system’s overall window design means it is more balanced with better load distribution, says the company.

“Each aspect of the Kömmerling 76 system has been carefully designed with energy saving in

mind, including the profile’s heat insulating properties, optional centre seal gasket, the insulating glass with edge sealant, and the wall fixings.

“In addition to its energy saving properties, the Kömmerling 76 system offers improved noise attenuation thanks to its innovative profile sealing technology, as well as the flexibility it offers in its ability to house sound insulating double or triple glazing. Its clever six chamber design and engineered features also make it ideal for large openings and big expanses of glass.”

Gareth continues: “The Kömmerling 76 system is available in casement and flush sash styles as well as tilt and turn, to suit all design choices. The casement option can achieve a U-Value of 1.2W/m2K in a double-glazed window and 0.78 W/m2K in a triple glazed window. The Kömmerling 76 tilt and turn window meanwhile utilises several cutting-edge technologies, including reengineered profiles for Passive House applications and the pioneering poCoverTec surface finish. And the Kömmerling Flush Sash range comes with heritage features including butt hinges and a dedicated face fix Georgian bar. An optional centre seal gives the Flush Sash option outstanding performance credentials against 70mm systems in the same style and elevates installers above the competition.

“Installers always need support from their suppliers, but while they are working harder than ever to generate and convert much coveted leads, they need suppliers that can take the initiative and invest in technically better products that offer flexibility. We are already designing and improving products that we know are ahead of tomorrow’s trends so that our installers can say yes to every project with confidence, today.”

A renewed focus on window performance standards

By Kevin Underwood, technical director at the British Woodworking Federation (BWF)

Reports of window failures in high-rise buildings have brought the mechanical performance of modern window systems back under intense industry scrutiny. While modern windows are designed and tested to meet rigorous standards, these failures underline the importance of correct specification, installation and ongoing maintenance to ensure long-term safety.

The Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures UK (CROSSUK) recently published two reports detailing failures in the mechanical performance of

windows in high-rise residential apartments. In one building, several windows installed during refurbishment works around a decade previously, fell from the façade, with hinge failure identified as the likely cause. In another case, a window casement detached internally and fell into the apartment’s living space.

Window casements that fall outwards pose an obvious risk to public safety, but inward failures are significant as well. Windows are heavy components, and any detachment can cause serious

injury or even death if they hit someone or strike a vehicle. Any catastrophic window fall-out also leaves behind a dangerous void, creating a serious fall risk for anyone inside the building.

Concerningly, both reports suggest that such failures may be occurring more frequently. They also reinforce a critical point for specifiers and manufacturers alike: hardware must be correctly matched to the window’s size, weight and application. And it should take into account factors such as wind load, exposure to corrosion and durability over time.

Spotlight on standards

There are several established standards that define the requirements for window hardware and performance. These include:

• BS EN 13126-1:2022 – covers general hardware requirements

• BS EN 13126-8:2017 – includes tilt and turn hardware

• BS EN 13126-9:2025 –instructions for pivot window systems

The key reference point for overall mechanical performance remains BS 6375-2:2009. This is supported by a suite of test and classification standards that address specific characteristics such as operating forces, racking, torsion and durability. Combined, these standards provide a structured framework for assessing how windows perform in everyday use and under more extreme conditions.

How performance is tested

All performance testing is designed to replicate real-world stresses and long-term use. For example, durability is assessed by repeated opening and closing in accordance with BS EN 1191, typically over 5,000 to 20,000 cycles. This helps establish how well a window will perform over its lifespan.

Operating force testing (BS EN 12046-1) is also vital to ensure

windows can be opened and closed safely without excessive effort. This is an important factor for both usability and safety. Meanwhile, impact resistance testing (BS EN 13049) subjects windows to significant loads, including impacts from a 50 kg mass, to evaluate their ability to withstand accidental damage.

BS EN 14608 and BS EN 14609 both assess structural integrity. They measure the window’s resistance to distortion and twisting forces through racking and torsion tests and are particularly crucial for larger or more complex configurations where stresses may be unevenly distributed.

Finally, performance levels are defined by classification standards. For example, BS EN 12400 classifies a window’s durability based on the number of successful operating cycles. And BS EN 13115 sets the thresholds for operating forces and resistance to deformation.

Getting specification right

Recent mechanical performance failures show that compliance alone is not enough. Standards must be interpreted correctly and applied. Careful consideration must be given to hardware selection, the quality of the installation, and the specific conditions the window will face throughout its service.

Modern windows are marvels of engineering, but throughout their lifespans they must keep building occupants and passersby safe. We must ensure window testing stays grounded in practical reality and this means ensuring testing is as accurate as possible and that it reflects real-world, everyday performance. The industry needs to maintain a clear focus on technical standards and practical applications to safeguard building users and the wider public at all times.

For more information, visit www.bwf.org.uk

Frame Fast extends Roof Fast range with 13

new lantern & Rooflight options

Frame Fast, a leading Derbybased trade fabricator, has expanded its Roof Fast range with 13 new options, offering installers in the East Midlands an even wider selection of glazed roof products.

The new aluminium product options include: pyramid lanterns, fixed lanterns, hinged-opening lanterns and vented lanterns, as well as flat fixed, hinged-opening, electric access and circular skylights. The range also features

fixed and vented pitched skylights, modular options, wall abutment styles and walk-on rooflights.

“Roof lanterns and skylights are no longer considered a niche product,” says Jason Pascoe, general manager of Frame Fast’s specialist Aluminium Division.

“After launching our fixed, flat rooflight last year, we’ve seen a real appetite in the market for something more design-led to suit high-end architectural projects.

This impressive new suite of options gives installers some massive upsell opportunities.”

The Roof Fast hinged and vented opening and electric access lanterns and rooflights feature integrated, programmable electronic control units that can be controlled with a remote. Additional options such as climate control features, where smart sensors will automatically close the lantern when precipitation is detected, complete this smart range of roofs.

Most sized roofs can be delivered or collected pre-assembled for straightforward, fast and easy fitting on site and lead times are typically 7-10 days.

The expansion of the Roof Fast range complements Frame Fast’s comprehensive trade offer. Jason adds: “Our goal is to benefit installers and builders with single-source reliable supply across all the glazing products they need. We’re here to offer the best installer support too, and our dedicated aluminium showroom in Derby is available for the trade to use as their own, with our technical experts on hand to help them upsell the benefits of this fantastic new product range.”

www.framefastuk.com

Magnetic appeal of SV System’s easy-control slider wand grows

Just over a year since it was launched, the innovative slider wand control option for the UniBlinds SV and SV+ Systems is proving to be a welcome addition to the specification of Morley Glass’s most popular integral blind system amongst customers where accessibility to the standard slider may be an issue.

Although a relatively simple concept, the slider wand’s

development involved an extensive research and development process by ScreenLine integral blind systems manufacturer Pellini S.p.A., with whom Morley Glass has partnered for 22 years. Their aim was to engineer and test an aluminium and high-grade plastic assembly, complete with a Sanitized coating to offer antimicrobial protection, which will not only stand the test of

time but achieve strong aesthetic appeal.

The result is a product that can provide a robust control device for SV and SV+ System blinds installed in windows that wheelchair users or people with mobility issues may find difficult to reach. It is also proving itself to be useful in awkward locations, such as windows above a kitchen sink, high up a gable end or above stairs.

The slider wand, like the standard cordless magnetic slider, is mounted on a profile guide down the left or right hand side of the glass. The design of the wand means it can provide a smooth up and down movement of the slider to operate the blind with ease – performing all the usual functions at arm’s length.

The aluminium wand is similar to those used to tilt the slats of the cord-operated manual ScreenLine Venetian blinds, and it is available as an option for both the Uni-Blinds SV System and the symmetrically-designed SV+ System.

Ian Short, managing director of Morley Glass said: “The ease with which you can control the SV and SV+ Systems means the cordless magnetic slider has long been the most popular of our control systems.

“However, the slider with integrated wand has taken the systems’ convenience to an even higher level, making the magnetic cordless slider control a viable alternative to motorised integral blinds for wheelchair users or people with reduced

mobility – as well as in windows that are harder to reach.

“In the first twelve months of the slider wand’s availability, we’ve seen a wide range of applications for the device, and we expect to see it specified much more as installers become more familiar with the position of windows that could benefit from the increased accessibility it offers.”

The SV System uses a patented design to allow all the functions of the blind to be controlled by powerful magnets. This means there are no cords on the face of the glass unit, offering a sleek, easy to clean result. The SV+ uses the same technology and control device, but it offers a different aesthetic, with dual slim side guides to provide a

symmetrical appearance.

As with all bespoke ScreenLine integral blind units manufactured by Morley Glass and sold under its Uni-Blinds brand, the SV and SV+ systems are available in a choice of colours including exclusive black, agate grey and anthracite.

Uni-Blinds are easy to fit and offer a long, virtually maintenance-free lifespan. They are all made to order by Morley Glass at its Yorkshire factory and supplied with complimentary delivery in as little as 10-12 working days, when ordered by 10am on Thursdays.

Find out more about SV an SV+ sliding Venetian integral blinds at www.morleyglass.co.uk

Cooler homes

start with smarter shading

Solar shading firm Caribbean Blinds marked the recent Global Shading Day by highlighting the growing need for effective sun protection in homes and workplaces across the UK.

Created by the European Solar Shading Organisation, Global Shading Day is an international initiative designed to highlight how solar shading can reduce energy use, lower emissions and improve comfort and wellbeing.

For Suffolk-based Caribbean Blinds, the day offered a timely opportunity to showcase the firm’s new White Paper, published at the end of 2025, which explores

why external shading is no longer a luxury but a vital response to Britain’s warming climate.

Research commissioned for the White Paper reveals that while 41 per cent of homeowners worry about overheating, only 15 per cent identify poor solar shading as the main cause. External blinds, on the other hand, can block up to 97 per cent of solar gain, reducing indoor temperatures by almost 20°C, claims the company.

Yet despite their proven effectiveness across Europe, UK adoption remains limited. Modern designs now accommodate sliding doors, rooflights,

conservatories and pergolas, providing solutions from blackout bedrooms to mesh fabrics that preserve views, all with minimal maintenance, according to the company.

“Large windows and bifold doors are hugely popular, but they let in a lot of heat,” says Stuart Dantzic, managing director of Caribbean Blinds. “External blinds stop that heat at source. They are simple, effective and underappreciated, and understanding them better could transform UK homes this summer and beyond.”

Caribbean Blinds’s White Paper is aimed at installers, architects and homeowners alike, demonstrating that shading is a sustainable response to climate change and a growing commercial opportunity for UK installers, says the company.

cbsolarshading.plx.mk/whitepaper

DARKNESS ON DEMAND

PLEATED BLACKOUT INTEGRAL BLINDS:

The Uni-Blinds® pleated blackout system is the ideal solution for situations where complete darkness is necessary. Whether it’s for a restful night’s sleep, movie enjoyment, or any room where even the slightest light is a nuisance, the blackout system completely eliminates light transmission.

Choose from four control systems

Suitable for slimmer double glazed units with a 20mm cavity version exclusively available from Morley Glass

Solution for new build or retrofit

Innovative spacer bars - double guided spacer bars coated to reduce reflected light with ‘warm edge’ technology to maintain excellent thermal performance

Colours to match any home

Choose

from our range of stunning blackout colours

White Alabaster Anthracite Black

Cocoa Dove Grey Ridge Grey Sheen

Mila and Whiteline Manufacturing strengthen partnership with new Lift & Slide patio doors

Whiteline Manufacturing has chosen the stainless-steel Mila solution for its modern aesthetic, premium material specification, and rigorous testing that has enabled doors to achieve PAS24 accreditation.

Available in 10 stylish finishes to suit any aesthetic, the Harbour Collection is perfectly suited to the modern, contemporary aesthetic of the Sheerline

Prestige Lift & Slide patio door, designed to let homeowners enjoy the great outdoors.

The handles are crafted from premium, 316-grade stainless steel. This ensures superior corrosion resistance for protection against the elements and makes them ideal for both internal and external use.

Certified to BS EN 1670 Grade

5, each handle in the range is exposed to salt spray for 1,000 hours to ensure it stands the test of time. As a result, they offer exceptional durability and corrosion-resistance.

In addition, the handles have been rigorously tested for resistance to forced entry, including drill resistance, lock picking, snapping, and tool manipulation, says Mila.

Leighton Baitup, head of product, Technical, at Whiteline Manufacturing, comments: “Our relationship with Mila spans more than two decades, and it’s one we value highly. The recent Lift & Slide project was a real highlight – achieving PAS24 accreditation on the Sheerline Lift and Slide is no small feat, and it reflects the calibre of Mila’s hardware.

“With their Supa range already well-respected across the industry, and the Harbour range now available too, we look forward to continuing to grow our partnership with them.”

Julie Holmes, sales director at Mila, adds: “Whiteline Manufacturing is one of our most highly valued partners, and this latest collaboration shows the growing market demand for lift and slide systems, which combine a luxury, high-end feel with slimness and smooth operation. We supply the complete Lift & Slide hardware with our Harbour range, ideally positioning us to offer it to any Sheerline manufacturer.”

To learn more about Whiteline Manufacturing, please visit https://whiteline.co.uk/.

For more information on the Harbour Collection from Mila, click here: https://www. milasecure.com/uk/en/products/ stainless-steel/harbourstainless-steel-collection.

Carl F Groupco adds Dynamic 2* Security Door Handle to its range

Independent hardware supplier Carl F Groupco has further expanded its product offering with the addition of the 2* Security Door Handle from

Dynamic Hardware.

Commenting on the new product introduction, Owen Coop, CEO of Carl F Groupco,

said: “The Dynamic 2* Security Door Handle combines strong security credentials with practical benefits. It is a stylish, high-performing solution that’s suitable for both new-build and retrofit applications.”

The handle has been manufactured and tested to the latest TS007:2024 standards and carries the BSI Kitemark, delivering reliable protection against modern attack methods. When paired with a 1* or 3* cylinder, it achieves full TS007 3* door security. The handle is clearly marked with its 2* credentials, providing reassurance for homeowners while acting as a visible deterrent to opportunistic attacks, claims the company.

Further reinforcing its security performance, the handle is Secured by Design approved, demonstrating compliance with recognised police-preferred security standards.

Suitable for PVC-U, timber and composite doors, the handle features a lever/lever configuration and incorporates Dynamic Hardware’s distinctive dimple grip indentation.

Manufactured from 304 stainless steel, aluminium and zinc alloys, the handle is designed for durability and corrosion resistance. It has been cycle tested to 100,000 operations and conforms to BS EN 1906 performance standards.

Owen commented: “Dynamic Hardware products are designed with performance, reliability and installation efficiency. The 2* Security Door Handle is another excellent example of intelligent hardware innovation that delivers real value for our customers.” www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

Comp Door launches new black outerframe

Comp Door has announced the launch of its new black outerframe, now available as a stocked option across its composite door range, as demand for darker, more cohesive entrance designs continues to grow across the UK.

Comp Doors says the move reflects a clear shift in homeowner preferences over recent years, with black emerging as one of the most on trend finishes in both contemporary and traditional properties. By introducing a fully stocked black outerframe, Comp Door says it is enabling installers to deliver a complete colour-matched solution without the need to compromise on contrasting frame options.

The new outerframe can be specified in both white on black and black on black configurations

and is offered across both chamfered and sculptured profile systems, giving installers full flexibility regardless of project style. Importantly, the new black outerframe is also available on stable and French doors, supporting a consistent aesthetic across wider entrance door installations.

Richard Diliberto, sales director at Comp Door commented: “We’ve seen black grow steadily in popularity over the last few years, moving from a niche choice to something much more mainstream. Homeowners are increasingly looking for a fully coordinated finish, and that includes the frame as well as the door.”

While darker door colours such as anthracite grey and black have long been popular, Comp

Door says frame options have historically required a degree of compromise, often pairing bold door colours with lighter or contrasting surrounds. The company believes the introduction of a dedicated black outerframe removes that limitation, allowing installers to deliver a more premium, design-led finish.

“This is about giving installers what they’ve been asking for; more choice, better alignment with current trends, and something they can get quickly,” Richard continues, “By stocking black as a standard outerframe option, we’re making it easier to meet customer expectations without extending lead times or complicating the specification process.

“Black is no longer a statement, it’s become a staple,” Richard adds, “This launch means there’s no need to compromise on the overall look. Installers can now offer a fully matching solution that meets the expectations of today’s homeowner.”

compdoor.co.uk

Jeld-Wen combines aesthetics with practicality in new advanced doorset range

Timber door manufacturer

Jeld-Wen has expanded its portfolio with the launch of a new doorset range, designed to support customers with project requirements, whether simple or more complex. The new additions strengthen the company’s SecureFIT and

ReadyFIT ranges, prioritising enhanced aesthetics and fire-safe performance across commercial and residential applications.

The range has been introduced as part of a wider refresh of the internal, communal, and flat

entrance door ranges. Aimed at simplifying the decision-making process for specifiers, the new range is claimed to help them to make confident choices in a complex regulatory landscape.

Developed for customers who want greater design flexibility without compromising on compliance, the advanced doorsets offer fire-safe solutions in an extended range of highquality finishes and hardware options.

Suitable for internal and communal applications, ReadyFIT Advance is supplied as a complete, pre-finished doorset system, including the door, frame and hardware, helping to streamline installation and support consistent quality. Featuring larger door profiles and high-quality finishes, including 4-sided hardwood lippings, this doorset is designed for unique and demanding projects where durability and appearance are equally important. The range is available in non-fire-rated, FD30 and FD60 options.

For flat entrance applications, SecureFIT Advance is engineered for security and compliance, without compromising on aesthetics. Designed to meet FD30 for fire protection, PAS24 standards and Secured by Design accreditation, the doorsets provide enhanced protection for residents while maintaining a high-quality appearance. Mirroring the large profiles and lippings of their internal counterparts, SecureFIT Advance offers design flexibility through a wide choice of finishes, with the option to incorporate glazing inserts to enhance light transfer and visual interest.

Lisa Ward, product and marketing director UK at JeldWen, explained: “In expanding our offering of doorset performances, we’re supporting our customers to confidently select the right doorsets for their specific project needs. The advanced additions give specifiers and contractors greater confidence that they can meet performance requirements while still achieving the design quality their projects demand.”

The launch follows Jeld-Wen’s recent achievement of the BM Trada Q-Mark certification, which, alongside its existing Certifire and Certisecure accreditations, allows it to offer a wider range of tested and compliant doorsets into internal and communal flat entrance categories.

Lisa added: “Until now, customers have often had to balance practicality with highquality aesthetics. With the introduction of this advanced range, we’ve bridged that gap, offering a solution that is as attractive and versatile as it is compliant.”

To explore the new range, visit: https://www.jeld-wen.co.uk/ products/interior-doorsets

Composite strength you can rely on, says ODL Europe

ODL Europe is highlighting the structural strength of its ODL Capstone composite door slab, as increasing numbers of fabricators and installers look to eliminate the risk of bowing, twisting and distortion.

At the heart of ODL Europe’s composite door offer, the ODL Capstone slab has been developed to deliver consistent performance, helping customers avoid costly callbacks and protect their reputation, claims the company.

Bryan Bultema, Managing Director at ODL Europe, said: “Doors are exposed to everything the British weather can throw at them. The challenge for fabricators and installers isn’t just how a door looks on day one, but how it performs months and years later. That’s where slab construction makes all the difference.”

He continues: “The ODL Capstone slab is designed to maintain its shape, even in high temperatures. It’s the combination of materials, construction and consistent manufacturing standards that gives our customers complete confidence in the product.”

Manufactured at 44mm, the slab features impact-resistant

GRP skins, a thermally efficient core reinforced with LVL and an integrated ABS security panel. This carefully balanced construction delivers exceptional rigidity and stability, helping the door resist bowing, twisting and distortion over time, according to the company.

The high-glass-content GRP skins provide additional strength and durability, while the reinforced core ensures reliable performance across varying temperatures and environmental conditions. The result is a composite door that performs consistently, reducing remedial work and supporting long-term customer satisfaction, claims the company.

Bryan adds: “Every avoided callback protects our customers’ margins as well as their reputation. That’s why we focus so heavily on the fundamentals of slab construction. When the slab performs as it should, it gives complete confidence.”

Bryan concludes: “Our customers aren’t just buying a door slab, they’re investing in reliability. With ODL Europe, they know they’re getting a product that will perform exactly as expected, whatever the conditions.”

www.odleurope.com

Further enhancements for AluK’s heritage system

AluK’s popular Heritage system has had some significant upgrades – including full PAS24 2022 +A1: 2024 accreditation of a Heritage single door fitted with a new liftlever lock and cylinder mechanism.

This gives buyers the option of choosing the system to create a statement front or rear entrance door and gives AluK customers a new up-selling opportunity.

Russell Yates, AluK’s managing director commented: “Fully accredited to the very latest version of PAS24, this Heritage door can now be installed in new builds and extensions as well as in refurbishment projects.

“We’re seeing a definite shift in the retail market towards aluminium front doors, and this means now we have another option for our

customers to add to their product portfolios. We already have PAS24 accreditation on our contemporary 58BD and 77ID entrance door systems and now we have matched that on our traditional, steel replacement Heritage door system as well.”

The smooth, secure lift-lever lock mechanism is fully compatible with the period-inspired handles on the AluK Heritage door which are available in matt black, antique bronze, heritage black and heritage grey.

As well as the PAS24 upgrade, AluK has also added a new stepped edge transom detail to its modern classic Heritage system, creating an elevated aesthetic which is even closer to the original look of steel windows and doors. The new transom can be used

across doors and fixed lights as part of a fully suited glazed wall and is quick and easy to fit using standard fixings.

Russell added: “Our Heritage window system has always been popular but when we added the suited Heritage door at the end of 2024, we saw a real spike in sales as customers tapped into profitable new business streams supplying the whole glazing package in one coherent system. Our fabricators like the fact that there are shared profiles, beads and ancillaries across the range and it is easy to manufacture and easy to install.

“They are reporting success with our Heritage products in both the steel replacement market and in new builds and refurbishments where buyers want to achieve the on-trend industrial aesthetic, and these two significant enhancements are designed to help them target even more of this type of work.”

alukgb.com/heritage-door

Ef for tless Orders Are A Thin g Of Th e Past

Most businesses don’ t need MORE marketing. They need a clearer view of what ’s actually driving revenue.

More businesses are investing into marketing than ever before Yet still facing:

Inconsistent lead quality

Wasted budget

Poor conversion

Unclear ROI

Using the CLEAR Framework, we help businesses identify:

What’s driving revenue

What’s wasting budget

Where leads are being lost

How marketing aligns with sales and growth

Is the composite fire door market about to catch light?

The product of a year-long delivery programme, Emplas has launched a new and fully accredited 30-minute Fire Doorset which is fire, smoke and security tested to BS EN 1634-1, EN 1634-3 and PAS 24:2022.

According to official government data, there are around 5million fire doors currently fitted in UK properties. Of these, the British Woodworking Federation estimates that more than 80,000 are replaced each year as part of the maintenance cycle.

Still dominated by wooden fire doors, that’s a huge potential market, but one in the post-

Grenfell and the era of the Building Safety Act, and ‘Golden Thread’, comes with massive responsibilities and an overriding requirement for transparency.

“It’s a very significant potential market, but the senior management team here were very clear that we would only launch into it with 100% certainty that the product was

right and that we also had the systems and controls in place to ensure that it was also installed correctly”, explains Bruce Rowell, head of SHEQ and technical at Emplas.

He continues: “We’re producing a product which is third-party certified and accredited all the way through the system.

“When it gets to the end, we can then, as a collective, offer the facility to say, ‘here’s your annual maintenance system.’ That’s what’s going to keep people safe.”

Strict controls

Regulation covering fire doors has been shaped most recently by the Building Safety Act, introduced in 2022 in response to the 2017 Grenfell tragedy. It introduces the concept of the ‘Golden Thread’, effectively a

record of design, installation and maintenance of safety-critical elements, including fire doors, particularly in higher-rise and higher-risk buildings.

It also assigns principal designers, principal contractors and accountable persons, enforced by the new Building Safety Regulator.

Part of the same review of fire safety, the Fire Safety Regulations 2022 introduce a requirement for quarterly checks on communal fire doors and annual checks on flat entrance doors.

These are predated by the Approved Document B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations 2010, which outline where fire doors are needed and minimum resistance ratings, e.g. 30-minutes or 60 minutes; and product standards and testing requirements.

This includes manufacture and testing in line with BS 476 Part 22 or BS EN 1634-1 (fire resistance); BS EN 16343 (smoke control); and PAS 24:2022.

“It’s really very much start to finish”, Bruce continues. “So staffing, design, what are the controls? What are the requirements around that? Are they compliant to the required regulations? How it’s specified, what product specifies its location, etc, what sort of substrate is it going into?

“Since the Building Safety Act, we’ve moved completely away from surrogate testing or desktop analysis; that is all gone. We’re looking at primary product testing to validate the performance of the product.

“We’ve gone through that process, with third-party audits to establish a process in how we put together the product

against a field of application, creating a very specific set of manufacturing and installation manuals, which have then been audited by BM Trada, everything is tested and designed to be fail safe.”

Almost double the standard requirement of FD30 30-minute fire doors

Manufactured by Emplas, the doorset is made up of the DoorCo 30-minute Firecore slab, the Winkhaus FireFrame door profile, plus Winkhaus’ AV2 autolocking system.

The range offers 4 slab designs in 6 stock colours with 13 glazing positions.

The field of application and the approved person

Bruce emphasises the importance of accountability throughout the supply chain, including installation.

He argues that this doesn’t need to be onerous, installers simply need to make sure that they’re using and evidence, the use of the right materials in the right way as set out in the installation manual and the suitability of the product for its intended use.

“It’s about checking that the product is being fitted according to a predefined field of application as set out in the installation manual.

“Is the right silicon being used? What type of fixing is being used? Does it have the right thread? Is the intumescence in the right location? Each of these key elements needs to be right to stop the fire from spreading.

“It’s key to a safe performance and risk reduction, which are the main priorities – first and foremost, this is about keeping people safe – but also business assurance.

“It’s demonstrating that each element of delivery, design, manufacture, installation and maintenance is audited against a specific requirement. If you can’t evidence it, it doesn’t get signed off.”

Installation checks and audits also have to be completed by the ‘approved person’, for example a senior fitter who is approved and trained to signoff against each stage of the installation process. This is another area where Emplas is putting in training tools and processes to guarantee transparency and compliance.

A major market opportunity

With 5 million fire doors already in situ in higher rise and social housing, many over eight years old, the maintenance cycle, in addition to new requirements under the Building Safety Act, will, according to Emplas, drive the market going forward – that is if you’re accredited.

“While there is no legal requirement for installers to undertake specific training, they will be expected to demonstrate training and installation competence in line with best practice guidelines set out by BM Trada.” Bruce continues.

“With a potential prison sentence hanging over decision makers, there isn’t a top 10 housebuilder, or housing association procurement office that won’t expect it.”

“There’s also a requirement for ongoing maintenance. If a door is adapted post-installation in any way, it’s going to get picked up in inspection and have to be changed out. These are opportunities that will run for years into the future”, he concludes.

www.emplas.co.uk

ADSA leads industry-wide initiative to ensure safe automation of fire-rated doors

The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) has launched a collaborative industry initiative to address a growing technical challenge: how to safely automate existing fire-rated doors without compromising their fire performance.

Automation is increasingly used across healthcare, education, transport and commercial buildings to improve accessibility, manage footfall and support safer movement. However, retrofitting automation to manual fire doors is not always a simple upgrade. Modifications such as installing operators, routing cables or replacing closing devices can alter the door’s construction and potentially affect its integrity as a fire-resisting system.

In response, ADSA has brought together a cross-industry steering group including leading manufacturers: record UK, dormakaba and Geze UK, alongside the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers, the British Woodworking Federation and a leading fire test house.

Controlled testing will be carried out to replicate common retrofit scenarios – initially focusing on timber fire doors. The aim is to understand how typical modifications, such as drilling for cabling or changing hardware, influence fire performance and to build a robust evidence base for the industry.

Darren Hyde, technical and training manager at ADSA,

said: “Many of the questions we receive now relate to automating existing fire doors. When you retrofit automation, you’re potentially changing the construction of the door. What we want to do as an industry is understand exactly how those modifications affect fire performance.”

While new-build projects benefit from tested, fully specified door systems, retrofit environments are far less predictable.

“In new-build, manufacturers can provide clear test evidence for complete systems,” Darren added. “In retrofit situations, that level of certainty doesn’t always exist. We want to close that gap in understanding.”

Findings from the programme will inform new guidance for engineers, specifiers and building owners, expected later this year. Rather than prescribing a single solution, the guidance will help professionals assess the impact of common modifications and apply practical measures – such as appropriate cable routing, firestopping and installation methods – to maintain door integrity.

The initiative also reinforces the need to consider accessibility and fire safety together. While automation delivers clear benefits, it must be implemented with a full understanding of its impact. At the same time, ADSA recognises that full door replacement is not always necessary; with the right technical approach, many existing fire doors can be adapted safely and responsibly.

By bringing together industry expertise, testing and practical guidance, ADSA and its partners aim to close the knowledge gap around retrofit automation and support safer, more informed decision-making across the built environment.

www.adsa.org.uk

Firemongery: The unsung guardian of building safety

Elliott Dawson, national accounts manager at UAP, explains why firemongery is more than a finishing touch. With scrutiny and regulations tightening, he argues that specification, installation and maintenance need to be treated as seriously as the doors themselves because firemongery is frontline safety.

Firemongery rarely makes the headlines. Hinges, closers, latches and seals quietly do their work while the industry debates cladding, alarms and evacuation strategy. When a fire happens, it is often these small components that determine whether a building performs as designed by buying time, containing smoke and keeping escape routes clear.

Firemongery is the link between a tested fire door and real-world use. People do not use a fire door,

they use a handle, a latch or a closer. If these components are mis-specified, poorly installed or allowed to drift out of adjustment, even the strongest door cannot do its job. Failures are rarely dramatic, but they build up over time. A closer may be disconnected for convenience, a latch replaced with something smoother but incompatible, a hinge may loosen and a seal can be painted over. Each decision may seem minor, yet together they erode the door’s ability to resist fire and smoke and

often only become apparent when it is too late.

Thinking about the door as a system

A fire door is more than a slab of wood or metal. Its frame, glazing, seals, signage and hardware all need to match the test evidence, but hardware is where this thinking often falls apart. Handles wear, closers are adjusted, cylinders are replaced and components are swapped. Without clear discipline, a doorset can appear correct but no longer reflect what was tested.

The challenge for 2026 and beyond is making system integrity practical by designing out ambiguity at the specification stage, setting clear installation standards and keeping maintenance routines simple enough to actually happen without compromising safety.

Specification and installation matters

Good firemongery starts at specification. Hardware must be proven for the intended fire rating and door configuration, and equivalent appearance or cost is not enough. Specifiers need to understand the door’s certification route, the evidence supporting the hardware and whether it is suited to the expected usage

Continued on page 76

Continued from page 75

and maintenance requirements. The cost of specifying correctly is small compared with the expense of remediation, disruption and reputational damage when failures are discovered.

Even the right products can fail if installed poorly. Misaligned keeps, under-fixed hinges, incorrect intumescent packs and missing components all affect performance in everyday use and in a fire. Competence must go beyond a certificate. Installers need to understand why every detail matters, and firemongery should be treated as a critical trade discipline that is measured, checked, signed off and auditable.

Maintenance wins or loses safety

Buildings evolve, users change and doors get knocked about. Inspection and maintenance are not just admin, they are part of the fire strategy. Facilities teams need clear routines, access to the right parts and the confidence to challenge quick fixes that bypass test evidence. Firemongery should be treated like any life safety asset, monitored, documented and repaired properly.

Recognition is overdue

Firemongery is not about ticking boxes. It ensures the fire doors we rely on every day actually work when it matters. The industry has made real progress in raising awareness of fire doors, and now it is time to raise the bar on the components that make them function. Hinges, latches, closers and seals are the unsung guardians of building safety, and they deserve recognition. With the insight and experience UAP brings to the sector, the industry has the guidance it needs to get this right, and it is time we start treating these components like they matter.

http://uaplimited.com/

Robust UK launches new adjustable door head extensions

Robust UK, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of steel door solutions, now offers adjustable head extensions free of charge on all non-certified doorsets on request, says the company.

This innovative solution is designed to cover gaps of up to 15mm between the frame header and the structural opening. Unlike conventional solutions such as spacers and mastic that simply fill gaps, the adjustable frame header extension creates a professionallooking installation, every time, enhancing the overall appearance, claims the company.

Fitters will welcome the fact that the adjustable extensions for door headers avoid the need for frame packers, and dispensing of the need for mastic will also ensure a more aesthetically pleasing result for the end customer. Ultimately, Robust’s new adjustable header extensions reduce the risk of remakes or unsightly gaps following site survey mismeasurements or in the instance of particularly out-of-square structural openings, supporting smoother project delivery and avoiding unnecessary cost, according to the company.

Installation is simple and efficient thanks to the use of jacking screws, and each unit is manufactured so that it can

be trimmed on-site to the exact required length, ensuring a precise finish every time. Previously, gaps of up to 10mm would have required filling with mastic, a process that could delay projects, look unsightly, increase costs and often involved specialist trades. Robust’s new adjustable header extensions eliminate these issues and increases the gap tolerance by 5mm, allowing fitters to complete installations quickly and efficiently while maintaining a high-quality finish, claims the company.

Paul Williams, commercial director at Robust, explains: “Our new adjustable head extensions provide installers and project managers with the ability to achieve an aesthetically pleasing finish to a doorset, even on challenging projects. It was developed in response to customer requests for a completely flexible solution, allowing customers to overcome any issues with mis-measurements up to 15mm between the frame header and structural opening.”

Robust is always seeking to innovate and offer its customers new solutions that meet market demands. The new adjustable door header extensions are the latest innovation that is set to resolve issues for door installations and ensure greater customer satisfaction, claims the company.

www.robust-uk.com

Inagas Introduce new Sparklike Handheld Nova

Inagas, the official distributor of Sparklike products in the UK and Ireland, has introduced the brandnew Sparklike Handheld Nova. Built on over 20 years of proven spark emission spectroscopy technology the Sparklike Handheld Nova is the latest generation of the Handheld device and the next chapter in non-destructive gas measurement for double glazed Insulated Glass Units.

Chris Kemp, sales director at Inagas, explains: “Sparklike is a name synonymous with innovation, so it’s no surprise that they have worked to develop the capabilities of the Handheld device. At its core, the Handheld Nova still offers the same things you can rely on from any Sparklike device:

• Non-destructive measurement

• Reliable argon and krypton verification

• Fast measuring time (circa 2 seconds)

\

“But now, the Handheld Nova is built on a modern software platform with wireless data transfer, QR-code-based traceability, user-configurable limits, and an updated industrial design developed for daily production environments.

“We’re hearing more and more across the industry about the importance of compliance – but it’s not just about having the right processes and procedures in place, it’s about documenting that fact. When it comes to gas testing, the current BS EN 1279: Part 6 legislation recommends carrying out checks on a

prescribed percentage of the units produced daily – depending on the production levels – relating to the level to which units are gas filled. Getting the audit trail right and documenting this process is just as important as getting the product right. These changes to the Handheld device have been made as a result of Sparklike’s understanding of how production environments are becoming more demanding. Traceability requirements have increased and the need for trusted data is arguably more important than ever and the Sparklike Handheld Nova can help make that process a lot easier.

Trade-in options available

“If you’re already using an earlier version of the Handheld device as part of your manufacturing process, we’d be happy to discuss with you the options available on trading it in against the purchase of the Nova. The Handheld Nova is part of a wider range of nondestructive gas measuring devices from Sparklike to satisfy every requirement when it comes to noninvasive gas measurement and we’re sure it will prove extremely popular in the UK and Ireland.”

www.inagas.co.uk

Emmegi (UK) widens choice of machines

Emmegi has supplied its second Someco machine to aluminium and PVC-U fabricator Mahon Windows in Athlone, Ireland, and in the process demonstrated the benefits to customers of being able to source machines from across the Voilap portfolio direct from Emmegi (UK).

Mahon Windows had already had an Emmegi Phantomatic M3 machine and a Someco 4TVH inline welder supplied and installed by Emmegi’s specialist sales and engineering team based in Ireland, and had been so impressed by the buying experience that it opted for Emmegi once again when it was choosing a new PVC-U sawing and machining centre.

James O’Connell, Emmegi’s sales manager for Ireland, advised the Mahon team on the best machine from the Someco range to suit their needs. He said: “After several years of working together, we have built up a valuable understanding of the Mahon Windows operation and identified the Someco SBZ SM11 CNC as the ideal machine to

support their current volumes and future growth plans.

“Being part of the Voilap group means we have access to a vast range of machines from the likes of Someco, Tekna and Keraglass as well as the complete Emmegi range, so we could recommend the ideal machining centre for Mahon to operate alongside their Someco in-line welder.

A team from Forterro (Business Micros) carried out the machine link to Mahon’s Evolution manufacturing software and were particularly impressed with how easy it was to link with the integral Someco software. Kevan Howarth from Forterro commented: “This was my first link to this type of machine, and it was a great experience. Really enjoyed working alongside Niccolo and Paul, the engineering team from Emmegi.”

The SBZ SM11 is a 13-axis CNC with centralised modules for milling, cutting and welding prep of PVC profiles. Its advanced

through-feed bar design allows for precise handling and positioning of profiles, and ensures highspeed, continuous processing – with inbuilt checks that ensure the profile being loaded by the operator is the one indicated in the machining list. The machine is equipped with 11 electrospindles for working on all sides of the profile and comes with an integrated contouring module, optimised for Seamless welding preparation via Mahon’s Someco SM4H welder.

Trevor Mahon from Mahon Windows says the machine is delivering everything the company wanted: “As both a trade and commercial specialist, we are focused on precision outputs and consistent, repeatable quality and that’s what we’re getting with this combination of Someco machines. We especially like the soundproofed cabin which is keeping noise levels down in the factory and our team have commented on how easy and intuitive the operator interface is. It’s also good to know that the machine is Industry 4.0 ready and gives us the option for remote diagnostics and production tracking.”

emmegi.com/en/home somecopvc.com/en/home and https://mahonwindows.ie/

Ventrolla preserves the legacy of iconic Turnberry Lighthouse

Ventrolla, a market leader in heritage restoration and renovation of timber sash and casement windows, has completed the second phase of works at Turnberry Lighthouse, a category B listed minor light on the South Ayrshire coast of Scotland.

Turnberry Lighthouse has been

a quintessential icon of South Ayrshire since 1873 and is considered one of Turnberry’s most powerful charms. The lighthouse was originally commissioned by the Northern Lighthouse Board to warn passing vessels away from Bristo Rock and is one of the oldest man-made structures on the

Turnberry premises. Since 2016, the building is also home to a halfway house and twobedroom suite, following initial renovation works by the Trump organisation.

The Ventrolla team was originally appointed to carry out restoration and replacement works to six windows, with the new windows being conservation friendly doubleglazed sashes. This was due to the current window units failing and higher quality replacements being needed. Following completion of the works, the Turnberry Lighthouse team commissioned Ventrolla

to restore and replace the remaining 18 windows on the property, with works completed in December 2025.

The project also included the installation of the Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) draught-proofing technology to create an effective barrier against cold air and draughts. Ventrolla says the technology delivers measurable performance benefits, helping with rattle and draught prevention, protection against water and dust ingress, whilst also providing superior soundproofing – with noise reduction levels of up to 6-10

dB(A), offering smoother window operation and improving the Window Energy Rating (WER) by up to 30%.

Mark Flanagan, managing director of Ventrolla, added: “To be able to work on a site as significant as Turnberry Lighthouse is brilliant. Our goal was to bring the windows up to a modern standard for comfort and energy efficiency, whilst also respecting and honouring the

craftsmanship of those who first built the property.”

“It was a great opportunity to showcase our skills in a different type of property to what we usually work on. It was incredibly exciting to be invited back to the property to complete work on the remaining 18 windows, ensuring Turnberry Lighthouse will stand proud for hundreds more years.

http://www.ventrolla.co.uk/

Senior puts innovation into motion for state-of-the-art

Senior Architectural Systems has supplied a full package of aluminium fenestration systems for the new headquarters of electric motor manufacturer

manufacturing facility

YASA in Oxfordshire. The new facility is the first of five specialist buildings to be completed as part of The Ranges development at

Bicester Motion. Designed by 3DReid and constructed by Kier, the project features glazing elements fabricated and installed by specialist contractor Elite Aluminium.

Located on the site of a former RAF bomber station, Bicester Motion is a 444-acre, mobility campus and technology hub. The Ranges development will expand the specialist facilities available on the campus, with the first of its bespoke new buildings bringing together YASA’s research, development, and production operations into a single purpose-built site.

Senior’s long-term supply chain partner Elite Aluminium installed the façade package, working closely with Kier and 3DReid to ensure seamless integration with the building’s steel frame and envelope.

To meet the project’s performance, sustainability, and design requirements, Senior’s SF52 capped aluminium curtain wall system was specified for the building’s striking glazed elevations and linked walkway. The system provides the structural capability required for large spans of glazing while delivering consistent sightlines across the façade, says the company. Another standout design feature is the use of the SF52 curtain walling to create the ribbon windows positioned beneath the roof verges.

Senior’s popular SF52 system is also supported by a new Environmental Product Declaration that provides accurate and comprehensive data, which unlike comparable documents from other manufacturers, does not include glazing to prevent skewed carbon calculations, according to the company.

To enhance safety and security at key access points, Senior’s Pure commercial doors were installed. As the largest and strongest doors in Senior’s portfolio, the Pure system is ideally suited to industrial and high-traffic environments and as part of the patented Pure range, the doors also contribute to the building’s overall efficiency by achieving low U-values and offering excellent durability, claims the company. Elite Aluminium also fabricated and installed Senior’s SPW501 aluminium automatic sliding doors throughout.

The completed building forms a central part of the wider Bicester Motion development and supports YASA’s continued expansion in electric motor technology.

www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

Why fenestration marketing needs a clearer

clear visibility over what’s actually driving results.

Over the past 12 to 18 months, working closely with businesses across the sector, one pattern has become clear: marketing has often evolved in layers.

view of performance

By Sioned Yates, Director, Access Marketing

Marketing is firmly on the agenda across the fenestration industry.

More installers and fabricators are investing in digital channels, exploring new ways to generate demand and recognising that “effortless orders” are a thing of the past and relying solely on referrals is no longer enough in a competitive market.

On the surface, this looks like progress. But in practice, many businesses are still facing the same challenges:

1. Inconsistent enquiry quality

2.Fluctuating enquiry levels

3. Unclear return on marketing spend

And a growing disconnect between activity and sales performance

The question being asked more frequently now is a simple one: “We’re doing more marketing, so why isn’t it delivering?”

The issue isn’t effort, it’s visibility!

In most cases, the problem isn’t a lack of marketing. It’s a lack of

1. Different channels have been added over time.

2. Different agencies or suppliers have contributed.

3’ Different tactics have been trialled and adopted without clear review

But rarely has everything been brought together and assessed as a whole. The result is activity, but not always alignment.

What a “deep dive” actually reveals

Before making any changes, the most valuable step is often to step back and carry out a structured audit. This is where things start to become more tangible.

For example; One installer I worked with was generating a high volume of leads through paid ads. But over 60% were price shoppers who never converted. The issue wasn’t volume, it was targeting and messaging.

A fabricator had strong website traffic and regular enquiries, but no clear follow up process. Leads were sitting in inboxes for days, meaning opportunities were being lost before a conversation even started.

Another business was investing across multiple channels, Google ads, social media, directories. But when we traced actual sales, over 70% were coming from just one source. The rest of the budget was delivering very little return.

In one case, the sales team was discounting heavily to close deals, while marketing was positioning the business as premium. Creating a disconnect that impacted both conversion and margin.

These aren’t unusual situations. In fact, they’re far more common than many realise. But without a clear view, they remain hidden and continue to affect performance.

Introducing a clearer way to Assess Marketing

To bring structure to this process, I use a simple framework designed to connect marketing activity back to commercial outcomes:

The CLEAR Framework

C – Channels

Understanding where enquiries are coming from and which channels are delivering value, not just volume.

L – Leads

Assessing the quality of enquiries and whether they align with the type of work the business actually wants to win.

E – Execution

Reviewing how campaigns, messaging, and targeting are set up and whether they are performing as intended.

A – Alignment

Ensuring marketing and sales processes are working together, with a clear journey from enquiry through to conversion.

R – Revenue

Identifying what is truly contributing to pipeline, margin, and profit.

From insight to action

What this process does is replace assumption with clarity.

Instead of asking, “What else should we be doing?”. Businesses are able to ask “Why isn’t this working and what should we fix first?”

And often, the answers aren’t about doing more.

They’re about:

1. Refining targeting to improve lead quality

2. Fixing follow up processes to increase conversion

3. Reallocating budget to higher performing channels

4. Aligning messaging with the type of work the business actually wants

Aligning marketing with business goals

One of the most significant gaps identified through these audits is the disconnect between marketing and wider business objectives.

For example:

A business aiming to increase margin was still generating price driven leads.

A company at full capacity was continuing to push for more volume instead of better quality enquiries

Sales teams were working hard to convert leads that were never the right fit in the first place

Marketing is often measured in leads, clicks and website traffic. But the business operates on sales, margins, capacity and profitability. Bridging that gap is where real progress happens.

Moving beyond tactical marketing

The fenestration industry has no shortage of providers offering individual services from websites to ads to social media. These all have their place. But without an overarching strategy they can quickly become fragmented. The opportunity now is to move beyond purely tactical marketing and towards a more strategic, joined up approach. One that starts with understanding performance and builds from there.

Marketing in the fenestration industry is evolving and that’s a real positive step.

But the next stage isn’t simply doing more. It’s developing a clearer view of what’s working, what isn’t, and why! Because when you can clearly see, where your best leads are coming from, where opportunities are being lost and what’s actually driving revenue. You can make better decisions.

And in a market where “effortless orders” are no longer the norm, clarity, alignment, and strategy are what separate consistent growth from ongoing frustration.

That’s when marketing stops feeling unpredictable…and starts becoming a consistent, measurable driver of growth.

For more information, please visit: https://www.accessmarketing.uk/

AluFold Windows backs hometown darts talent Bradley Brooks

Supply-only aluminium fabricator AluFold Windows has partnered with professional darts player Bradley Brooks, backing Blackburn-born talent in a move that reflects the performance-led approach behind the business.

Bradley first rose to prominence after winning the PDC World Youth Championship in 2020, and has since established himself on the professional stage, securing his first senior ProTour title last year. Now 26, he continues to compete against leading names in the game.

The partnership brings together two Blackburn names. AluFold Windows operates from its 70,000 sq/ft manufacturing facility at Whitebirk Industrial Estate, where it is backed by Unique Window Systems and is focused on delivering consistent, repeatable aluminium fabrication for installers operating at scale.

“Bradley’s progression speaks for itself,” says managing

Bradley Brooks

director Neal Addison. “He’s come through the youth game, stepped onto the professional stage and is now competing with some of the best players in the sport. That level of consistency and focus is something we value, and we’re really enjoying watching him develop even further.”

For commercial director Rhodri John, the collaboration reflects a mindset the whole team is collectively committed to.

“We’re building AluFold Windows around reliability, responsiveness and longterm partnerships,” he says. “Bradley’s local, he’s proven himself, and he’s still pushing on. That’s the kind of approach we respect, and it’s how we work with customers day to day.”

https://alufoldwindows.co.uk/

Unique Window Systems has reaffirmed its commitment to excellence across the built environment sector with its continued corporate sponsorship of the ProCon Leicestershire Awards 2026.

Recognised as one of the region’s most prestigious industry events, the ProCon Awards celebrate outstanding achievement across property, construction and the wider built environment, bringing together leading developers, contractors and consultants from across Leicestershire and beyond.

As a rapidly growing fabricator of aluminium and UPVC windows, doors and curtain walling, Unique has become an established partner for main contractors and developers delivering major new build, Build to Rent (BTR)

Unique supports excellence with ProCon

Leicestershire Awards sponsorship

and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) schemes nationwide. Its involvement in the awards reflects both its strong regional roots and its ongoing commitment to supporting best practice across the sector.

Still family owned, Unique has built its reputation on a focus on quality, service and long-term partnerships — values that closely align with the ethos of the ProCon Awards, which recognise projects, teams and businesses that demonstrate excellence in delivery, innovation and impact.

The sponsorship also comes during a milestone year for the business, as Unique celebrates its 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, the company has grown significantly, maintaining its commitment to high standards at every stage.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Sunil Patel, joint managing director at Unique, said:

“Unique is currently celebrating our 20th anniversary and a belief in

maintaining the highest standards in everything we do has been instrumental in our continued success.

“Our appreciation of the very real difference a commitment to excellence can make means we are only too happy to advocate this quality in others and our ongoing sponsorship of the ProCon Leicestershire Awards reflects that. Good luck to all those entering this year and thank you for making our region such a beacon of best practice for the built environment sector across the wider UK.”

The 2026 awards are expected to attract a wide range of high-quality entries, showcasing the strength, diversity and innovation of the region’s property and construction sector.

https://www.uws.co.uk/

Endurance Doors showcases installer excellence

Endurance Doors is continuing to champion excellence across its installer network with its ‘Installer of the Month’ initiative. Outstanding partners are recognised and celebrated for their focus on exceptional installation standards, a strong showroom presence, and proactive marketing.

Running over the past six months, the initiative has showcased standout businesses from Endurance Doors’ network of more than 250 installers. Each month, the ‘Installer of the Month’ is selected based on a combination of criteria, including proven installation credentials, quality workmanship, a professional showroom and a clear commitment to marketing, including a strong online presence, and positive and credible reviews.

The initiative has generated strong engagement across social media, email campaigns and digital platforms, helping to significantly

increase brand exposure for featured installers while reinforcing best practice across the wider network, claims the company.

Commenting, Russell Hensman, Brand Engagement Manager at Endurance Doors, said: “Our Installer of the Month initiative is about more than just recognition, it’s about celebrating the behaviours that drive success in today’s market. We’re seeing firsthand that installers who invest in their showroom experience and take a proactive approach to marketing are the ones generating consistent high quality leads and building stronger businesses.

“Installer of the Month allows us to showcase that best practice and has also played a key role in strengthening collaboration between installers and our business development team, helping to unlock further opportunities for growth.”

This includes access to a range of support tools, such as branded door designer functionality, showroom enhancements, and even 3D virtual tours to further elevate their customer experience and enhance SEO rankings.

Each winner benefits from a coordinated marketing drive delivered in partnership with Endurance Doors, including social media promotion, dedicated email campaigns and the creation of tailored content and video assets.

The latest Installer of the Month is Surrey-based Dorwyn Doors & Windows. The team was selected for their work on a recent project alongside property expert and ‘A Place in the Sun’ presenter, Laura Hamilton. Demonstrating a strong eye for detail and technical expertise, Dorwyn ensured that Laura’s new Endurance door was installed to the highest standard, delivering a result that perfectly complemented the overall design of the property, says the company.

The installation also formed part of a wider content opportunity, with the team featuring in a video on Laura’s YouTube channel, ‘Property with Laura Hamilton’. In the video, a member of the installation team from Endurance Doors’ partner, Dorwyn Doors & Windows, confidently discusses the design choices behind the project, as well as the installation process, showcasing expertise and professionalism to a wide audience.

Ultimately, the Endurance Doors Installer of the Month campaign reinforces a clear message that installers who focus on installation quality and invest in their marketing are more likely to succeed. By celebrating these successes and sharing best practice across its network and wider industry, Endurance Doors continues to support its installer partners in building stronger, more visible and more successful businesses, according to the company.

CO Manufacturing reports increase in leads generated with National Forte Campaign

CO Manufacturing has reported a 34% year-on-year increase in leads generated for its Forte composite door range. This high reflects the ongoing success of the Wakefieldbased fabricator’s approach to sales and marketing in support of its wider Retail Network. The uplift in leads represents consistent month-on-month growth since its launch one year ago, and forms part of the company’s wider digital marketing strategy, according to the company.

The Forté campaign, delivered primarily through paid social activity, is fully funded by CO Manufacturing and provided exclusively to Premium Retailers within the CO Retail Network. Enquiries are geographically targeted and routed directly to the relevant retail partner, ensuring high-intent, appointment-ready opportunities are delivered into defined trading areas.

Importantly, these campaigns are not made available outside the

Network, reinforcing the value of the closed retail structure.

The rise in enquiries aligns with a 61% increase in Forté composite door sales to Network retailers over the same twelve-month period, indicating that increased demand is translating into tangible commercial results.

CO Manufacturing attributes the performance to a systemised growth model built around four pillars: continued development of the Forté product range, sustained investment in national brand visibility, precision-targeted digital marketing and the rollout of its Ultimate Sales Pitch training programme. The training equips retail sales teams with structured, consultative selling techniques designed to maximise conversion from the growing volume of enquiries.

Greg Kane, CEO of CO Manufacturing, said: “A 34% year-on-year uplift in lead

generation reflects consistent investment rather than short-term activity. Our focus is on delivering sustainable demand for our retail partners through a combination of product strength, intelligent targeting and structured sales support.

“These are high-intent enquiries delivered directly to Premium Retailers at no cost to them. When that demand is supported by strong in-home sales processes and a well-positioned product, it creates predictable and scalable growth.”

Retailers are already reporting the operational impact of the campaign. Richard Manser, Owner of 5 Star Windows & Conservatories, said: “The difference is the consistency. We’re seeing a steady flow of targeted enquiries coming into the business, which has led to a clear increase in booked appointments and confirmed sales.

“Having that level of centrally generated demand removes a significant amount of pressure from our own marketing activity and allows us to focus on converting opportunities and delivering for customers.”

Caribbean brings trade together for high-impact Business Growth Day

Solar shading specialist Caribbean has successfully hosted a Business Growth Day at its Suffolk headquarters, bringing together more than 60 delegates for a full day of insight, training and collaboration.

The event, designed to help staff from 40 installation businesses strengthen their offering and capitalise on growing demand for external shading, combined practical workshops, one-to-one support and access to Caribbean’s manufacturing processes.

A central feature was a programme of six group workshops focused on two key areas shaping the sector: the science of solar shading and the role of automation in increasing project value and improving sales outcomes.

In addition, more than a dozen attendees benefited from oneto-one digital marketing audits delivered by specialists from Purplex Marketing, offering tailored advice on lead generation, online visibility and conversion strategies.

Every delegate also took part in a factory tour, providing a detailed look at the craftsmanship and processes behind Caribbean’s product range. The tours highlighted the company’s commitment to quality and gave installers valuable insight

to support their own sales conversations with customers.

The event also delivered real commercial outcomes. Twelve companies invested in new or enhanced sample kits during the event, equipping them with improved tools to present and sell external shading solutions more effectively.

Attendees were introduced to Caribbean’s new brand identity, showcased throughout the day and supported by a curated goody box. Alongside the business focus, the event maintained a relaxed and sociable atmosphere, with 70 burgers and 25 pizzas enjoyed as delegates networked and exchanged ideas.

Caribbean’s MD Stuart Dantzic said: “We created this day to give our trade partners practical, usable insight they can take straight back into their businesses. The response has been incredibly positive. It’s clear that installers are looking for more than just a supplier – they want knowledge, support and a clear route to growth.”

The Business Growth Day is the first in a series of events that Caribbean will be hosting. For more information about Caribbean’s products, visit www.cbsolarshading.co.uk

Latest Purplex webinar innovative thinking brand and digital

Purplex Marketing’s latest business growth webinar, led by CEO Andrew Scott, brought together innovative thinking on how glazing businesses can drive growth in a rapidly changing market.

The 60-minute session, held on 22 April, attracted strong engagement from across the sector and combined proven strategy with forward-looking perspectives on brand, marketing performance and the evolving digital landscape.

webinar showcases thinking on growth, digital change

Drawing on more than 35 years’ experience across manufacturing, installation and commercial glazing, Andrew Scott outlined the strategic foundations required for sustainable growth, revisiting Purplex’s Purpose, Plan, Execute framework and the importance of long-term clarity and disciplined execution.

The webinar explored four routes to growth: increasing value from existing customers, introducing new products to current

audiences, expanding proven offers into new markets and entering new sectors. Case studies from Apple, Porsche and Huel illustrated how these strategies are applied in practice, with particular emphasis on the role of brand in driving demand, loyalty and longterm value.

Cutting-edge advice included a look at the shift from traditional search engine optimisation to AIdriven search and Large Language Model-based discovery, the growing role of social platforms as search engines, the importance of Apple Business in local visibility and the rising impact of personal branding alongside corporate identity in B2B markets. The session also highlighted customer experience as a defining factor in competitive advantage.

Andrew also highlighted an ‘analogue shift’, where trust, reputation and consistency are becoming more influential as digital channels become more saturated and automated.

He said: “There is no shortage of demand, but there is a clear shift in how businesses need to compete for it. Each session in this series is designed to bring fresh thinking alongside proven strategy, so businesses can adapt to what’s changing while staying focused on what works.”

The Purplex webinar series will continue with further sessions for businesses across the built environment. The next event will be held on Tuesday May 19th, at 11am. To register for this FREE session, click here.

Schüco UK expands partner academy with new Curtain

Wall

Installation training

Schüco UK is expanding the Schüco Partner Academy with the introduction of a new Curtain Wall Installation training programme, which is GQA accredited and the first course will be delivered on 29th April 2026.

This course is a practical training course to develop competence in safely carrying out the full installation sequence of the Schüco FWS 50 curtain wall system, which includes site safety practices, correct handling techniques, installation accuracy and defect identification in line with Schüco standards and safety requirements. The initiative reinforces the company’s commitment of supporting partners in meeting the enhanced competence and compliance requirements introduced by the Building Safety Act 2022., says the company.

As regulatory expectations continue to evolve the need for skilled and accountable façade installation has never been greater. The new programme provides practical, system specific training designed to help fabricators and installers improve installation quality, reduce onsite risk and support duty holder responsibilities, claims the company.

Delivered at Schüco UK training facilities in Milton Keynes, the course forms part of the Academy’s comprehensive development offering, which includes systems knowledge, fabrication, installation and wider industry requirements.

Key areas covered in addition to ensuring PPE and workplace safety requirements are understood the course includes:

Set out of mullions accurately

Assemble and align mullions

Install transoms in correct numerical sequence

Fit deflector blocks, expansion pieces and rebate gaskets

Apply EPDM boundary, attachment and balancing profiles

Carry out glazing installation safely

Fit pressure plates and cover caps

Conduct quality checks and identify common faults

The course is GQA certified and every attendee will be assessed at every step of the training to ensure competence is achieved. Upon successful completion of the course the attendees will receive a skills card to evidence their competence.

As the Building Safety Act continues to reshape the way all buildings are designed, constructed and delivered, the competence of those involved in façade installation has become increasingly critical. Schüco UK’s new curtain wall installation training has been developed to support fabricators and installers in meeting these heightened expectations, with a strong focus

on quality, accountability and regulatory compliance, says the company.

Commenting on the launch, Benedikt Herweg, managing director Schüco UK & Ireland, said: “The Building Safety Act has sharpened the industry’s focus on competence and accountability. With the introduction of curtain wall installation training, we are helping our partners meet these requirements confidently and deliver safer, higher performing facades”.

The Schüco Partner Academy offers a structured programme of training covering aluminium and steel systems knowledge, fabrication, installation and digital products. The addition of curtain wall installation training reflects Schüco UK’s proactive approach to supporting its partners in a more regulated and accountable building environment.

The Curtain Wall Installation Training will be available to Schüco partners from April 2026, with places bookable via the Partner Academy | Fabricators | Schüco UK

New and updated training on ADSA academy

Three new and updated training courses are being launched on the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) online Academy, reinforcing its commitment to competence, compliance and continuous professional development across the powered pedestrian door sector.

The Academy has been redeveloped using Totara, offering improved flexibility, learner experience and enhanced tracking, testing and certification. It is available to employees of all ADSA members.

Among the new additions is the EN 17352 Safety in Use Renewal Course. With the standard now three years old, more than 100 learners will require renewal between March and December 2026. While the standard itself remains unchanged, the renewal point allows individuals to refresh knowledge and stay aligned with regulatory and safety requirements. The course takes around 2.5 hours, followed by an online exam, and revisits key areas including legal responsibilities, health and safety requirements, and hazard identification such as impact, shearing, drawing-in and crushing. Delivered across six mandatory sections, it combines video, interactive content and

assessment, all of which must be completed before the renewal deadline.

ADSA has also updated its Foundation Course, first introduced in 2017 as a prerequisite to standards training. Designed for office, sales and support teams, as well as new engineers, the revised version includes updated references to sensor and drive technologies, improved structure and enhanced knowledge testing. It aligns with current ADSA branding and includes references to BS EN 16005:2023. The course is free, takes around one hour to complete, and while not mandatory to renew, ADSA recommends it is retaken to maintain awareness.

A new CSCS Health & Safety course has also been introduced, replacing the 2017 version with greater focus on constructionspecific content. Required for ADSA CSCS card applicants, it covers current legislation, accident data and industry risks, with an emphasis on practical scenarios. The course runs for around three hours across 12 sections.

Ken Price, managing director of ADSA, said the updates ensure training remains “current and relevant”, supporting standards across the industry at every level.

Sioned Yates of Access Marketing is going to jail and urging the fenestration industry to help raise her bail for charity

On 16 May 2026, Sioned Yates of Access Marketing is going to jail and she’s calling on the fenestration industry to help secure her release.

Sioned will be taking part in the Charity Jailbreak event at the historic Shepton Mallet Prison, the world’s oldest working jail and former home of the notorious Kray twins. All to raise vital funds for Reminiscence Learning.

This isn’t your typical fundraiser. Sioned will experience life “behind bars,” including an immersive escape room challenge and the full prisoner experience, complete with the unmistakable orange

jumpsuit! But while the setting may be dramatic, the cause is deeply important.

To earn her freedom, Sioned must raise £250 in “bail” and she is urging colleagues, clients and partners across the fenestration industry to step up and support.

A Call to the Industry

Known for its strong sense of community, the fenestration sector has a proud history of backing meaningful causes. Now, Sioned is asking the industry to come together once again.

“I’m urging the fenestration industry to get behind this and

help raise my bail,” said Sioned. “This challenge is about more than just getting out of jail. It’s about supporting people living with dementia and the families who need it most. Let’s show what an incredible industry we are when we come together.”

Why It Matters

Every pound raised will go directly to Reminiscence Learning, helping fund essential dementia care, education, and support services. Their work makes a real difference to the lives of individuals and families affected by dementia.

How to Help

Donate now and help raise Sioned’s bail: https:// www.justgiving.com/page/ sionedjailbreak2026?utm_ medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Find out more about Reminiscence Learning: www.reminiscencelearning.co.uk/

No donation is too small as every contribution helps bring Sioned one step closer to freedom while supporting a truly worthy cause.

Help support a unique fundraising challenge for Reminiscence Learning

Shepton Mallet prison

Insight Data provides the UK’s largest live database for glazing and construction. 50,000+ verified listings, real decision-maker contacts, credit data, and more – all in one industry-specific sales & marketing platform we call Salestracker ™ .

Stop getting lost in the maze of out-of-date directories, poor data, and cobbled-together lists that waste time.

Get instant access to true market intelligence and start targeting real customers today.