Window News April 2021

Training Fund Unaffected

By Green Homes Cancellation 7

Step Up In Style 52

Epwin Window Systems Launches Connect 71

AVAILABLE NOW

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CONTENTS WINDOW NEWS

W INDOWNEWS THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS

TRADE NEWS 4

NEWS W INDOW INDUSTRY DIRECTORY

VIEWPOINT 30 PEOPLE 32

WINDOW

PRODUCT NEWS 38

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MACHINERY 58 THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS

ON SITE 62

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MARKETING 70 CHARITY 74

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Cover picture: PatioMaster, PVC-U inline sliding patio doors, read more on page 43

WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 3

TRADE NEWS

Scrapping The Green Homes

Listers Long-Term Strategy, Says FMB Grant Scheme Requires A

In The Vanguard

Of Sheerline

Launch Partners Listers, a specialist supplier of high-quality windows and doors to the trade, is one of the first Sheerline launch partners to supply Sheerline’s Classic aluminium window and door system.

Designed from the ground up, Sheerline Classic is an ultra-secure, ultra slim, beadless aluminium system that offers exceptional performance combined with beautiful aesthetics. At the heart of the new system is Sheerline’s patented corner jointing method, making it easy and quick to fabricate beautiful, easily repeatable corners, time and time again, says Sheerline. According to Listers, Sheerline is the ideal new system to help their customers sell more, with premium, installer-friendly features designed to appeal to homeowners.

Roy Frost, Group Managing Director of GJB and Listers, explains: “It’s great to be at the start of the Sheerline journey. Sheerline is aluminium delivered in a PVC-U system way: simple, clever design that’s easy to fabricate, with a host of product innovations. Aesthetically, the windows are exactly what today’s homeowners are looking for, with a choice of beautiful colours and the thermal performance to match”. www.sheerline.com 4 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

The Government’s decision to cancel the Green Homes Grant scheme will damage the country’s progress towards net zero targets, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: ‘The misguided scrapping of the Green Homes Grant scheme sends entirely the wrong message to consumers and builders, and will harm the UK’s desire to be seen as a global leader in tackling climate change.’

Berry continued: ‘Flaws with the scheme should have been addressed, in consultation with industry, with a commitment to training. Instead we have another example of a stop-go green initiative that undermines, rather than creates, certainly for both

the public and installers. The Government needs to be more ambitious in its thinking and set out a long-term plan to upgrade our existing homes to make them greener and more energy efficient. A national retrofit strategy would address this need and allow the Government to be taken seriously as well as regain the trust of industry.’

Berry concluded: ‘Small, local builders who have spent thousands of pounds becoming eligible for work under the scheme rightly feel let down and angry.

Without these workers on the Government’s side, we will fail to retrofit our 28 million existing homes, missing the opportunities for green growth, new jobs, and to level up.’ www.fmb.org.uk

TRADE NEWS Brandhub360, where they can order a wide range of professionally designed brochures, point of sale materials, advertising collateral and more.

Epwin Window

Systems’ Connect Brings

‘A Wealth Of Benefits’ To Installers Connect, the new digital resource centre for Epwin Window Systems’ customers, has already attracted much attention from installers looking to capitalise on the many benefits the digital platform has to offer.

Gerald Allen, Marketing Manager at Epwin Window Systems, says: “Connect brings a wealth of benefits to our installing customers, not to mention exclusive discounts and unique offers.”

access to exclusive discounted TOUCH Software rates too.

Through Connect, installers can get access to a range of exclusive benefits, including a discount fuel card in partnership with Discount Fuel Services as well as a 10% discount in partnership with TradePoint.

There is a host of marketing information available, including an extensive image library and downloadable brochures across trade, retail and commercial markets.

Installers also have access to

But that’s just the start. There are homeowner finance options, insurance-backed guarantees and installation management software from Onsite 7, the latest cloudbased software giving installers the perfect solution to optimise their workflows.

To help installers sell more easily in the modern world, Connect offers TOUCH Software from the Business Micros Group. TOUCH is a user-friendly software tool that simplifies quoting and ordering online to help win more business. And as a Connect partner, installers have

Alongside the many discounts and offers, Connect is a one-stop shop for all information. It brings together technical information, including the U-Comply N portal, technical bulletins, manuals, product guides, UKCA marking documentation, and operations and maintenance guides.

Connect works on desktop, laptop, tablet and mobile and is available 24/7/365, so customers can always access the information they need when they need it helping to streamline their businesses and operate more efficiently.

Having all the information at hand is a huge benefit as Profile 22 fabricator, Matthew Spooner, Director of World Group Property Improvements Ltd, explains: “Epwin have always had great technical, marketing and sales support but accessing them all in one place is a massive step forward. The installer benefits aren’t just token gestures, they actually will benefit installers.

I’m very excited about seeing Connect develop.”

Gerald concludes: “Epwin Window Systems installers already benefit from fitting our multi-award-winning PVC-U and aluminium window and door systems. They also benefit from working with a business that has the size and scale to be able to offer value-added services such as Connect giving them access to cutting-edge support and unique offers to help them grow their businesses.” www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

Fall In Construction Apprenticeships

Threatens Economic Recovery, Says FMB The year-on-year decline in construction apprenticeships threatens the UK’s economic recovery and the ability to build back better from the coronavirus pandemic, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the Department for Education’s apprenticeship and traineeship data released on the 25th March 2021 Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The Government must reverse the sharp fall in

construction apprenticeships by giving builders a greater voice in local skills plans and by supporting builders and colleges to work better together. That 3,000 fewer apprentices started in the first half of the 2020/21 academic year than did so the year before makes for difficult reading. This will exacerbate the skills shortage, and hamper construction’s ability to do its bit to build back better.” www.fmb.org.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 5

TRADE NEWS

early careers provision from next month, including help for employers and candidates interested in developing apprenticeships, graduate recruitment and work experience opportunities.

Construction Talent Retention Scheme Remains Free To Use

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has confirmed its continued commitment to supporting the Construction Talent Retention Scheme (CTRS) for the industry and is working with CITB and others to support its ongoing development, including a new ‘Talentview’ early careers offering to support the attraction of new talent into the construction industry.

The scheme will remain completely free to use for all construction businesses and candidates until at least April 2022.

So far, CTRS has promoted 8,675 vacancies directly from construction companies across a wide range of roles, both site and office-based, professional and trade, and including many jobs suitable for people with transferrable skills who could be attracted into construction from other sectors such as aviation, retail, hospitality and leisure. It has also supported many larger organisations with 6 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

internal redeployment programmes.

CTRS is estimated to have saved businesses more than £485,000 to date, based on typical recruitment costs, together with further savings achieved through internal redeployment placements facilitated through the system.

Currently there are more than 1,700 live vacancies being promoted on the CTRS site and more than 1,600 individual candidates registered. Almost three quarters of the employers registered on the scheme are SMEs, but the CTRS has also received strong backing from bigger firms such as MACE, Sir Robert McAlpine, Kier Group, Barratt Developments, AECOM and Costain.

As part of an ongoing investment to help tackle skills shortages and attract new talent into the industry, the CTRS will also broaden its support for

Linked to CTRS and other related platforms, Talentview Construction will make it easy for those searching for a career in construction to join, helping to address the predicted demand for additional roles to support the industry’s predicted growth and its drive towards net zero.

Mark Reynolds, the CLC lead on skills, said: “The CTRS was set up last year as a rapid response measure to mitigate any loss of people and skills from the industry caused

by Covid-19, having learned what happened in previous recessions. We thank the Department for Business, Energy and Industry Strategy, CITB, major employers and others for their support.

“While there have obviously been redundancies in our sector, we have also seen a high level of skills retention and redeployment work too, including the fantastic employer response to retaining apprentices.

“The level of support and collaboration from the breadth of the sector has given us the confidence to develop further an industry-wide portal for talent management. Talentview Construction, an addition to CTRS, will soon provide a shop window for all those wishing to enter the industry as new entrants and career changers – a real opportunity to attract the new skills we need and to improve the diversity of the industry.” https://bit.ly/3mHemVT

TRADE NEWS

Training Fund Unaffected By

Green Homes Cancellation

New Factory

Ramps Up Production For Leading

Hardware Supplier

John Ogilvie

Building Our Skills has had confirmation from the Midlands Energy Hub and BEIS that the funding provided for skills training is unaffected by the cancellation of the Green Homes Voucher Scheme.

Speaking about the announcement and the funding, Building Our Skills Ambassador John Ogilvie commented “I think there had been a feeling for some time that the Green Homes Scheme was not delivering as had been originally hoped, and it was a concern to hear it had been cancelled as a big part of it was a commitment from BEIS to upskill the nation’s trades people on the back of it”.

“We were therefore delighted to receive immediate confirmation that the funding element for skills training is unaffected, and in fact that there is the potential for further commitment to training and raising standards to follow”.

“Building Our Skills has been proactively promoting practical installer training since its appointment in January. All training is fully accredited by GQA Qualifications the Fenestration Industry’s leading awarding body, and they share our delight that opportunity to continue to provide funded training to help raise skills is going to continue”.

“The number of applicants already received, even against the background of the lockdown clearly demonstrates there is a desire in the industry for upskilling at installer level. The training is 100% fully funded and represents a great opportunity for younger installers, those newer to the industry, and those who are fitter’s mates to expand their practical knowledge”.

“We are delighted that we will be able to offer further places on the back of this announcement, and interested parties should visit www.buildingourskills.co.uk

AT Precision, supplier of bi-fold hardware, has opened a new 18,000 square foot factory at their premises in Durham, scaling up production of their Everglide hardware range.

The new factory houses state of the art hardware manufacturing machinery to produce the range, which includes PAS24:2016 accredited bi-folding door rollers, high-quality top guides, pull handles, hinges, cleats and shootbolt handles, all of which are made from cast aluminium and are compatible with major systems.

The company has also bought in a new flexible extrusion line, designed for the production of Everseal, their new and exclusive range of gaskets, which can accommodate any aluminium system on the market.

“Our Everseal gaskets can replicate any gasket line for any aluminium systems company, while offering outstanding performance and great value,” comments AT Precision Sales Director Michael Hewitt”.

The company also promises next day delivery on all orders made before 1pm, and free delivery on orders within the UK over £250. www.atprecision.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 7

TRADE NEWS

Smooth Colour Finishes Most Popular, Says Deceuninck ers, selected by only 8% of 25-34-year-olds.

They preferred smooth colour options cited by 28 and 31% of 35 to 44 and 45 to 54-year-old groupings respectively. This compares to only 19% of over 55s.

Smooth colours are the single most popular PVC-U foiled finish according to the findings of an independent survey of UK homeowners.

The study, conducted by leading pollster, YouGov, and commissioned by Deceuninck, found that smooth colours (26%), were more than twice as popular as natural woodgrain finishes (16%) and significantly more popular than woodgrain colours (12%).

While as a single finish option, 42% of homeowners selected standard white as their preferred option for replacement windows; combined, premium finishes (natural woodgrains, solid colours, and woodgrain colours) were overall more popular, cited by a total of 54% of respondents as their preferred option.

Rob McGlennon, Managing Director, Deceuninck, said: “What we’re seeing is fundamental growth in the popularity of solid colours. This is in part down to a general growth in appeal but also 8 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

in part and least to the installation of foiled PVC-U products alongside aluminium.

“This is something which is also reflected in our survey, which shows the popularity of greys with homeowners, particularly Anthracite Grey but also increasingly Agate Grey.”

Deceuninck offers 30 colourways in stock and 20 additional colours in just 15 working days, with on average Deceuninck fabricators selling twice as much colour as their competitors, claims the systems company.

This includes a dedicated Heritage Colour Range and Decoroc, a unique range of PVC-U finishes which deliver a matt textured finish, designed to offer an identical match to its aluminium offer.

The survey found that homeowner preferences were also influenced by age, with older homeowners aged 55+ more inclined to choose a natural woodgrain (18%) than younger homeown-

The findings follow figures released by Deceuninck last month, which found that white was cited by 43% of homeowners as their preferred colour choice. Greys, including Anthracite Grey, Agate Grey, and Grey, accounted for a combined 17%.

Irish Oak and Rosewood polled 7% and 6% respectively. Greens, including Chartwell and Sage Green, recorded 4% and 1%; Black and Cream each recorded 4%.

“We need to be thinking about colour preference but also finish.

Woodgrains make up a sizeable share of what we do, smooth finishes have gained ground and given their popularity with a younger demographic, are likely to become increasingly important overtime.

“That means we should be looking forward and adapting our offer to those forecast changes now, to future proof our offers, while also targeting different prospects with unique propositions”, Rob concluded.

Deceuninck will be releasing detail analysis of the survey results over the coming weeks to its customers in a series of remote presentations and workshops.

To book your slot please call 01249 816 969, email deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

idea, and looked at a few colour options including Misty Grey and Sage Green, but chose the Colonial Blue as it fitted in with the coastal location. They had originally planned to visit their daughter in Australia but the Covid 19 restrictions came in and they were unable to travel – so decided to spend the money on a home transformation!

How long did the work take?

The homeowners had already painted the lower half of the property with a cream colour before we started. Cladding the property took approximately two weeks to complete.

Another Winning

Transformation With Freefoam Cladding Freefoam Building Plastics are pleased to announce Penryn Plastics as the winner of its latest monthly transformation competition. Using Fortex Double Shiplap cladding in Colonial Blue, Penryn Plastics have transformed this three storey detached property in Falmouth, fitting cladding around the upper storey of the whole house.

We caught up with Alex Ottaway from Penryn Plastics to tell us about the transformation.

What was the house like originally?

Originally the house was covered with a grey pebble dash that over the years has become stained and dated. There are a lot of properties in the Cornwall area that have a pebble dash 10 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

exterior, and we find that many start to discolour changing from grey to a red tone.

What were the options available to the homeowner?

The homeowner had looked in to repainting the pebble dash but because the property is on a sloping site the back of the house is very high. The cost of scaffolding and repainting was expensive and the homeowners didn’t want an option that they had to spend time maintaining.

Why did the homeowners choose cladding?

We explained how we could install cladding to the top storey and showed the homeowners the colour range and choice of styles. They really liked the

Was it easy to fit over pebble dash render?

We’ve worked with the Fortex range on lot of properties. We find it easy to fit on most properties, but pebble dash can be trickier than smooth render as it is more uneven. We had to spend extra time adjusting the battens to make sure they ran flush with each other over the uneven surface. Once complete we simply fitted the cladding to the battens. It’s important to create an air gap behind the cladding to stop it over heating, especially here in Cornwall where we get more sun, but the Freefoam range comes with a starter trim with built-in ventilation which makes it very straightforward.

Is the homeowner pleased with the result?

Yes, they are delighted. They like the fact that it looks so much lighter, brighter and more modern. They will only have to wash down the cladding occasionally with soap and water to keep it looking good. But the best part is they can now spend more time travelling and visiting family and won’t have to spend time painting their house!

TRADE NEWS

TuffX Expands Factory To

Keep Up With Demand

The move, which has seen TuffX take possession of an adjoining unit to its existing Merseyside premises and recruit additional staff, comes hot on the heels of last year’s factory expansion to accommodate its third, stateof-the-art Glaston glass tempering furnace.

Specialist safety glass manufacturer, TuffX, has expanded its Knowsley-based factory by 10,000ft2, bringing the total factory footprint up to 80,000ft2, in order to ramp-up production of its increasingly popular Infinity range of rooflights and walk-on glass units.

Commenting on this latest expansion, Graham Price, Managing Director at TuffX, said: “Our Infinity range of walk-on glass units are thermally insulated to meet the required standards and tested to withstand forces up to 4kn/m2. We believe they are the only structurally-sound walk-on units on the market to currently meet these standards, and as a result, demand has been steadily increasing.

Our latest factory expansion was necessary to accommodate this, along with the growing popularity of our Infinity All Glass rooflight, which was launched in December last

year.”

The factory expansion will allow extra space for the in-house manufacture of Infinity range components, as well as assembly of the complete units to ensure smooth and swift installation ‘out of the box’.

Graham added: “This extra space to manufacture our components in-house will also mean that some of the component supply issues currently affecting the industry will not impact on our orders, which is another win for TuffX customers.

“It will also enable us to maintain the efficiency and focus on quality that we strive to deliver.

As the market demand for safe and high-performing glass products increases, we are making every effort to sustain the tight lead times and high standards of service our customers have come to expect. Our latest expansion is further demonstration of our ongoing commitment to this.” www.tuffxglass.co.uk

Endurance Reaffirms Its 3mm Bowing Guarantee Following on from the announcement in September 2020, Endurance Doors have reaffirmed their 3mm bowing guarantee for their range of solid core composite doors, despite recent weather.

This move was widely welcomed by Installer Partners at the time, as it represented complete confidence in the Endurance Doors product proposition, and it was also a pledge that reflected the fact that customer call-backs have been near on eliminated. The unique Moisture Barrier System (MBS), CoolSkin PVCu door skins and a wet seal glazing process has

done much to elevate the performance of every Endurance Door.

Typically, from October through to March, composite doors are subject to considerable wind, rain, snow and freezing temperatures and Installer Partners have not only enjoyed a considerable increase in sales enquiries recently, but also very few customer complaints as their 4.7 rating on Trustpilot echoes.

Referral sales are fundamentally important to the industry, but when other suppliers fail to deal with remedials from a cus- portant marketing channel fails to realise valuable enquiries. tomer care and product speciwww.endurancedoors.co.uk fication aspect, then this imWINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 11

TRADE NEWS

Home Worker Research Sheds Light On Fenestration Opportunities

REHAU is securing national headlines after a survey of 2,000 remote workers found that the average worker gets just 22 minutes of natural daylight per day.

REHAU commissioned the research to explore the issues that consumers face when working from home, and as part of a wider strategy to build brand awareness for its trade customers. The study found that three in ten grumble they have no natural light over their working area, with 36 per cent saying it definitely contributes to a lack of motivation. So far, the campaign has grabbed the attention of a number of national newspapers including The Sun and The Express.

When working from home, one fifth of respondents said they would move their working area 12 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

adjacent to a window, with 65 per cent convinced this affects their productivity. With trends over the past 12 months highlighting a significant rise in home renovations, the search for natural light creates opportunity for the window trade.

Stephen Beresford, Head of Marketing and Communications at REHAU Windows, said: “The research shows that natural light and windows are key considerations for homeowners when making changes to their homes.

Through commissioning this study, we are raising the profile of the REHAU brand with consumers to create new opportunities for trade. The pursuit of more natural light presents renewed prospects for the fenestration industry as it means more focus will inevitably be placed on their windows and doors.”

Despite having worked from home for 12 months, 61 per cent of those who completed the survey expressed that they still consider the environment to be temporary.

Stephen continues: “Remote working is expected to continue to some degree for the foreseeable future, and in many cases a new way of flexible working will be adopted by many businesses, so those temporary spaces will likely need to turn into permanent fixtures. We expect home investments to continue, with windows and doors playing a key role.”

“Working in the Dark” is the first campaign in a series, as REHAU looks to increase national consumer awareness. The campaign makes up part of a wider strategic programme which aims to make REHAU windows more desirable in people’s homes, as well as educate consumers that not all window materials and brands are the same.

For more information on REHAU’s window solutions, please visit https://bit.ly/3g7c7Km

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TRADE NEWS

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister, Scotland

GGF Urges Scottish Government To Re-Open

Home Improvement The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has issued an open letter to the Scottish Government urging an immediate easing of the restrictions that prevents tradespeople from working in people’s homes unless it is essential.

In the letter, John Agnew, GGF Managing Director states, “Currently GGF Members operating in Scotland are only allowed to enter people’s homes for essential repairs and are not granted the same trust and confidence as English and Welsh companies, to responsibly carry out home improvements in Scottish properties. The GGF requests that the Scottish government reviews as a matter of priority, their guidance on tradespeople working in 14 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

John Agnew, GGF Managing Director

people’s homes to allow all works to be undertaken in accordance with GGF Safe Working COVID Guidance and that from UK Government.”

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland unveiled the Scotland’s roadmap to the easing of the lockdown on 23 February stating there would be a “gradual easing” from 5th April. On the 16th March, the First Minister provided more details and firmer timelines stating that the earliest return for non-essential retail in Scotland would be 26th April. There was no mention of when tradespeople could return to working in people’s home to carry out non-essential work.

John Agnew outlined the critical matter, “From reports from various sources, the Scottish home improvement industry is now on the brink of complete collapse with potentially thousands of job losses and company closures. If companies can ensure, they are taking all reasonable precautions and operating to the physical distancing and following the Government’s health and safety guidance, they should be allowed to return to work.” www.ggf.org.uk

TRADE NEWS

Apeer Offers Composite

Standard Doorsets In 12-15 Days According to Apeer, as many UK doormakers quote lead times of 12 weeks and more due to delays in the supply of door slabs from Far Eastern factories, Apeer is quoting delivery from order in just 12 to 15 days, to anywhere in the UK and Ireland, including in-demand 44mm flush fit and double rebate styles.

With the delays caused by a number of factors and especially a global crisis in shipping, including well-publicised container shortages, Apeer manufactures its own high-quality GRP-faced, steel-strengthened, high-density

facturing as much of its product range as possible from British and Irish-sourced materials and components, is designed to reduce the company’s exposure to such shortages. Apeer also operates its own glass processing and decorative unit lines.

core slabs in its 120,000 feet2 local factories. The company’s longstanding policy of manu-

Apeer’s standard range includes a range of styles, colours and options together with what it describes as one of the door sector’s finest consumer-focused marketing packages, including lead generation, high quality colour brochures, an excellent website and professional videos. www.apeer.co.uk

The Window Company (Contracts)

Joins Fire Door Debate After a two-and-a-half-year waste management programme, Window Widgets has now achieved a zero-landfill mark, as the company looks to build further upon its impressive green credentials.

Driven by Andrew Taylor, QHSE Manager, the waste management programme ensures that only compliant waste carriers with an up-to-date licence are used across the recycling and re-processing of nineteen different types of waste. Investment has been made in waste bailers and compactors at their site in Quedgeley, Gloucestershire and there are additional plans to help process further materials for recycling, that are currently designated as general waste.

The general waste that can’t be recycled is transported directly

to the new £633m Javelin Park incineration plant near junction 12 of the M5, that is run by Urbaser Balfour Beatty on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council to treat the county’s residual waste. The aim of this new plant is to generate enough power for 25,000 local homes, make a significant reduction in carbon emissions and will save the taxpayer £100 million over 25 years.

Elsewhere in the business the first fully electric company car has been delivered, with others to follow, while several carbon offsetting schemes are also under consideration in a companywide strategy of making Window Widgets one of the most environmentally conscious companies in the glazing and fenestration sectors. The business is also looking to change their electricity

suppliers when this comes up for renewal in 2022 to one that is based on 100% renewables. www.windowwidgets.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 15

TRADE NEWS

CICV Forum Backs

Minister’s Call For VAT Cut,

Claiming It Would Boost

Economy And Green Recovery The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has welcomed a call by Housing Minister Kevin Stewart for the reduction of VAT on repairs and maintenance.

Gordon Nelson, Scotland Director of the Federation of Master Builders

benefits such as the protection of jobs and enabling the construction industry, and SMEs in particular, to help to play their part in delivering a green recovery.”

Gordon Nelson, Scotland Director of the Federation of Master Builders, a key member of the Forum, said: “This letter echoes both the findings of the CICV Forum report and the thoughts of many across the industry in Scotland, who believe it would play a vital role in aiding a green recovery.

In his letter to the Treasury, Mr Stewart said: “Reductions in VAT on household repairs would help incentivise the renovation of homes in Scotland, improving their quality, and helping to make Scotland’s housing more energy efficient and responsive to the challenges of climate change and the transition to net-zero.”

“Cutting VAT on repairs and maintenance would stimulate consumer demand for domestic energy efficiency improvements and generate a welcome pipeline of works to help SMEs in the construction industry recover from the impact of COVID-19.

John McKinney, Scotland Manager of the NFRC, another prominent CICV Forum member, said it reinforced the findings of the recent Forum report conducted by the Fraser of Allander Institute.

“It would also bring additional 16 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

“A removal of VAT from energy-saving measures will make such work more affordable for many and, in doing so, stimulate the market, which the Fraser of Allander Institute report demonstrates will have a significant positive impact on the Scottish economy.

“Addressing energy efficiency and stimulating the economy is the very definition of the green recovery, so this move would be an extremely welcome move that would benefit everyone.”

The industry collective has backed a letter which the Minister sent to the UK Secretary to the Treasury, pressing for a reduced rate on all renovations, as well as expanded eligibility criteria and the scrapping of VAT on energy-efficiency measures.

The Forum says the Minister’s call echoes the findings of its recent economic multiplier report, which said that if VAT was cut from 20% to 5% on the sector it could generate between £80m-£400m in Scottish GVA and support between 1,5007,500 full-time equivalent Scottish jobs.

tight. According to the Scottish Housing Condition Survey, 52% of Scotland’s homes are not wind and watertight with the cost often being sighted as an obstacle.

Mr McKinney said: “The first step to a home being energy efficient is for it to be wind and water-

The recent CICV Forum report was commissioned with funding

by Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) though an i-Con Challenge Innovation Grant aimed at helping the sector to recover from the pandemic.

As well as focusing on VAT and the green recovery, the report highlighted that the construction sector is an important contributor to the Scottish economy supporting almost £16bn in Scottish GVA and almost 300,000 fulltime equivalent jobs across the Scottish economy through both direct and indirect and induced economic activity.

It also revealed that every million pounds spent on specialised construction activities, which includes repairs and improvements, generates £1.09m GVA return to the Scottish economy and supports 21 full-time equivalent jobs.

The project also had input from Historic Environment Scotland, with a number of private and public organisations also providing insight to the study. www.cicvforum.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

Builders’ Merchants’

Sales Resilient In Third Lockdown

Mike Rigby, CEO of MRA Research, which produces the BMBI reports says: “Given the post-Brexit shipping delays, various supply problems related to the pandemic and a third lockdown being imposed in January, these figures actually paint a positive picture and show it’s been pretty much business as usual for merchants, despite the many challenges they have faced.

“As we approach the first anniversary of the initial lockdown, it is interesting to look at merchants’ sales over the 12 months to January 2021, which bear the full impact of Covid-19 closures in the Spring. While total sales are only 10.8% lower than in the previous 12 months, it is concerning that indoor trades have seen a much slower pace of recovery than other sectors.

The latest Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) report shows that value sales in January by Britain’s builders’ merchants were 3.7% lower than in January 2020, as the country went into lockdown for the third time. However, there was a two day difference in trading days, and on an adjusted basis, total sales were 5.9% higher.

Year-on-year growth was driven primarily by three product categories. The largest contribution was made by Timber & Joinery Products, for which sales were up 7.7% on January 2020, while Landscaping (+3.7%) and Workwear & Safetywear (+2.4%) sales were also above last January’s level.

In contrast, indoor trades appear to have been negatively affected by the return to lockdown. Both the Plumbing Heating & Electrical and Kitchens & Bathrooms categories saw double-digit falls, with Decorating the weakest category at 17.2% below last years’ level.

18 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

Compared with the previous month, total January 2021 sales were 20.6% higher, helped by three more trading days. Workwear & Safetywear (+39.1%) did best, with Timber & Joinery Products and Heavy Building Materials also performing well.

Sales in the three months to January 2021, for which there was no difference in trading days, were 4.4% higher than in the threemonth period to January 2020.

Once again, Timber & Joinery Products and Landscaping were the top performing categories

“The Kitchens & Bathrooms and Plumbing, Heating & Electrical categories are almost 20% below last year’s level, as showrooms have been closed and householders have been reluctant to undertake bigger projects such as replacing bathrooms, kitchens or boilers while being stuck at home.

“In the Landscaping category, on the other hand, sales have already recovered and are 5.7% higher over the 12 months. And with travel expected to be limited until the summer at least, the sector could be set for another record Spring.”

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

TRADE NEWS

Tap Into Modular Growth With Modplan Trade fabricator Modplan has reported a significant upturn in demand for their Leka Xi conservatory wall and base system during the past twelve months. The Leka Xi modular system allows installers to tap into the trend for thermally efficient home extensions or freestanding garden rooms whilst offing fast installation too.

Heidi Sachs, Managing Director at Modplan, said: “The LEKA Xi Conservatory Base System is a modular system that raises the bar in thermally efficient home extensions or garden rooms. We have witnessed a strong growth for the product over the past twelve months with the demand for home offices. And our customers appreciate the quick construction of just three to five days, allowing them to tap into this market efficiently with an extended product offer.”

The LEKA Xi is a modular system that’s tailored to homeowner and installer requirements and is constructed using a LEKA base, LEKA walls and the LEKA roof system.

There are three- or four-sided options, so it can be used for both home extensions and standalone garden rooms. There is a choice of finishes and options for dwarf walls, full walls or defined heights and internal partition options are available too if a subdivided space is needed.

Both the thermal efficiency and lifespan are exceptional thanks to the GRP construction of the base, walls and roof. It means it creates a flexible, multi-purpose space that gives homeowners valuable extra living space and adds value to installers’ portfolios.

The modular nature of the system

means it is ideal for sites with access restrictions because it arrives flat-packed. It is also exceptionally fast to install and there is minimal groundwork required.

Installation typically takes three to five days, including the fitting of the LEKA base, LEKA walls and LEKA roof system.

Like all Modplan’s products, the new LEKA Xi Conservatory Base will be manufactured in its dedicated multi-site state of the art facilities at its headquarters near Newport, Gwent. The company offers sales, marketing and service support to enable installers to make the most of the market opportunities.

Heidi concluded: “Modplan’s aim is to continually deliver the products our customers need to stand out in a competitive market. And in the LEKA Xi Conservatory Base System, our customers have the best in thermally efficient modular extensions that tap into current trends and open ups additional opportunities for them.” www.modplan.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 19

TRADE NEWS ply chain. Following its inception, the membership has increased to include the Structural Timber Association (STA), Wood Protection Association and the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA).

In recent years, the CTI has focused on increasing the profile of the timber sector as a solution to help solve the UK’s housing and climate crises, with a heavy lean towards structural timber solutions. While the BWF has fully supported the work of the CTI and will continue to do so, the BWF Board and Council now wish for the BWF to step away from the CTI as a member, to focus on the primary objectives of the woodworking, joinery and manufacturing sector.

British

Helen Hewitt, CEO, British Woodworking Federation

Woodworking Federation

Pulls Away From Membership

Of The Confederation

Of Timber Industries

The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) has today announced that it will start the process to withdraw its membership of the Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI).

20 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

The Confederation of Timber Industries was established in 2014 by the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) with the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) joining in 2016. It is an umbrella organisation representing the timber sup-

Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation said: “There are many challenges and opportunities for the woodworking, and joinery industry as we ease towards the Road Map to Recovery. We have seen the direction of the CTI change in the last few years and noticed there is a much heavier focus on structural timber solutions rather than the full timber supply chain and its products which has driven the decision to start the process to leave the CTI as a member association. We are fully confident that through our own PR strategy, intensive lobbying activities and our continued memberships of Trade Associations such as the Construction Products Association (CPA) and Build UK, we can continue to represent our members in the construction sector and with Government.

She added: “We would like to thank Roy Wakeman the Chairman of the CTI and the CTI Board for their support and dedication over the last few years and shall look forward to continuing to work with our fellow Trade Associations to increase the use of timber as a preferred material of choice.” www.bwf.org.uk

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Make the switch Mid 2021

TRADE NEWS

Quickslide Optimises Quality And Productivity With Rapierstar

Window and door manufacturer Quickslide has partnered with specialist fastener supplier Rapierstar to help enhance its reputation for delivering superior quality finished products and raise the bar on manufacturing efficiency.

The West Yorkshire based company is one of the country’s largest and most respected producers of PVCu vertically sliding sash windows, which it offers as part of a wide range of PVCu and aluminium products. This acclaimed range supports the growing demand for premium windows and doors, including PVCu and aluminium flush casement windows and aluminium bi-fold and sliding doors.

Rapierstar has become Quickslide’s exclusive supply partner 22 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

for window and door fasteners, meaning its products are now used in the assembly of its core PVCu product range. Following an initial fastener health check, which is a review conducted by Rapierstar’s technical consultants to assess the use and application of the many different fastener types across the factory, the company has supported Quickslide to implement changes that will rationalise fastener use and streamline assembly.

Ben Weber, Managing Director of Quickslide said: “Fasteners make such an important contribution to the overall quality of our finished products that we simply do not take any risks.

We believe that skimping on these smallest but most important of components risks catastrophic failures.

“Poor quality, cheap fasteners that are not necessarily fit for purpose could ultimately cost us dearly, including reputationally, when they inevitably fail or spoil through corrosion for example. That’s why we value the quality of Rapierstar’s products, of course, but their wider support has been important too. In particular, advice from Rapierstar’s specialists on selecting the optimum fixings for each and every element of assembly has also helped us reduce production time and improve the overall integrity of our finished frames.”

Rapierstar’s practical support has included putting procedures in place to ensure Quickslide’s fabricators can easily identify and use the right fasteners in every aspect of assembly. This has included the production of quick-reference application charts for the factory and clearer labelling.

Improvements have also been achieved through Rapierstar’s stock management support and the creation and use of bespoke order forms. All these steps help Quickslide to manage fastener stocks more accurately to prevent the risk of supply shortages or unwelcome product substitution.

Mark Calpin, Technical Consultant at Rapierstar added: “We’re delighted to be working with Quickslide who, in particular, are at the forefront of quality in PVCu vertically sliding sash windows because of dedication to manufacturing with skill and precision. By maintaining a reliable supply of consistently high quality fasteners and providing the team with the specialist product and application support they need, we hope our perspective will enhance their quality standards across their window and door range.” www.rapierstar.com

TRADE NEWS

Vista Secures Additional

8000 Sq Ft Unit To Manage

Supply Chain Pressures Vista Panels Ltd has secured an additional 8000 sq ft unit to assist with future proofing the businesses supply chain process, mitigating raw material sourcing issues, that have been observed during the Coronavirus pandemic and Brexit.

The award-winning composite door manufacturer moved quickly to lease the unit on the same site as its current state-of-the-art factory on the Wirral.

Composite door sales grew exponentially in the second half of 2020 and it quickly impacted the supply chain. But with the backing of Eurocell Group, Vista they find themselves in a strong position to be able to cope with market difficulties.

“Being able to quickly lease a unit, shortly after returning from Lockdown One, close to our current facility at short notice, provided

us with an opportunity to increase stock holding and support our customers’ requirements,” commented Ian Smith, Vista’s Business Development Manager.

“We already hold a large stock of door slabs, hardware and profile but with the problems our ports experienced, we knew we had to do something quickly.”

Having the resources to invest during such unstable times will hold Vista, who last year celebrated its 25th year in manufacturing, in good stead as the flow of goods into the UK now it’s not part of the EU is still in its early days.

closely with our suppliers, who we know are doing everything they can, to make sure we can keep our production line at its increased capacity.

“We don’t usually have to consider what happens at UK ports when we factor in our deliveries so last year was a real learning curve, so expanding our capacity for storage is, we feel, a prudent move.”

Despite the unprecedented nature of 2020, Vista, manufacturers of the high-spec XtremeDoor, saw a 30% up take on sales in the last two quarters and the company is now working hard to sustain workable lead times.

And Ian added: “While I think we might be a little way off getting doors out in five working days again, we have everything in place to provide our customers with the best lead times we can.”

“The unexpected surge in sales after lockdown took us all by surprise but we have now taken steps to mitigate anything 2021 might throw at us,” continued Ian.

“And with the whole market experiencing the same problems, only those in strong financial positions will be able to adapt quick enough to still be here to celebrate another 25 years of trading.”

“We have also been working

www.vistapanels.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 23

TRADE NEWS

24 New Staff As Victorian Sliders

Predict Big Things For 2021 Entering 2021 on the back of the most successful twelve months in its history, Victorian Sliders has taken on 24 more manufacturing staff to cope with continuing high demand for its popular ECOSlide sash window.

The new employees will help the fast-growing manufacturer build on the momentum of 2020, and ramp up production as it invests a further £4.2m on top of the more than £12m it’s spent over the last five years.

Coming out of the first national lockdown in the summer of 2020, the firm was greeted with enormous demand, as homeowners around the country diverted money that they probably would’ve spent on foreign holidays into home improvements.

24 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

As the year progressed, that demand remained extremely strong – so much so that Victorian Sliders broke its record for the number of frames produced in a week on several occasions.

By the end of the year, the company had registered sales 24.5% higher than 2019, even with the impact of multiple lockdowns, and is predicting another bumper twelve months ahead, as Group Managing Director Andy Jones explains.

“Despite the huge challenges we and all businesses faced, we saw incredible demand in 2020, and as our 24 new manufacturing staff demonstrate, we’re expecting demand to be similarly strong in 2021.

“The Bank of England has just

predicted that the UK economy will bounce back strongly in the Spring as we start to see the effects of the mass vaccination rollout – and with a question mark still hanging over international travel and foreign holidays, this could bring another very positive summer for fenestration.

“Thanks to the strategy of far-sighted investment and continuous improvement, Victorian Sliders is excellently positioned to thrive as the market consolidates and more and more fabricators choose to outsource their Vertical Sliding Windows from dedicated VS manufacturers who do not compete with them on other core products.”

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

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TRADE NEWS

aluplast’s foil range also includes the next generation woodec and aludec finishes, designed to accurately replicate the look and feel of timber and aluminium.

Ian Cocken, Director of Sales and Marketing, aluplast, said: “The appetite for foils and colour is on an upward trajectory but the pressure on fabricators and installers to deliver on that demand is also increasing.

Demand For Foils Driving Growth For aluplast aluplast is on target to double its year-on-year turnover, at Q1 2021, with demand for colour and finish identified as a main driver for growth.

This is despite widespread congestion at UK ports due to shipping container shortages and worsening 26 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

“Our supply of stock foiled profile is here in the UK, ready to go, but our lead times remain strong across our product range. This is thanks to our manufacturing capacity but also due to the measures we put in place ahead of the Brexit deadline, that have helped to mitigate against the delays we have seen in recent months on imports,” said Cocken.

Foiling over 90,000m of foiled product each day, aluplast processes more than 150,000 tonnes of PVC-U in Europe each year, an amount that is equivalent to 75 per cent of the combined UK and Irish markets.

Foils account for as much as 50% of total order volume for the PVC system house, which has invested significantly in foiling technology and production capacity at its state of the art 13-hectare manufacturing facility.

This investment, combined with extensive forward planning ahead of the January deadline for the UK leaving the European Union, has been central to aluplast’s ability to maintain a strong and consistent supply of product.

“Our investment in foiling lines and CNC foiling technology has afforded us a great deal of flexibility, even on our bespoke finishes. Traditional, manual foiling processes can take hours, but we’ve reduced that to just minutes, and that has a had positive impact on cost and efficiency that we can pass on to our customers,” he added.

delays on imports owing to Brexit.

With a range of 40 different foils, aluplast is offering competitive lead times of 20-days on its bespoke finishes. Its selection of popular stock options, including Anthracite Grey on white, Anthracite Grey both sides on a grey substrate and smooth options, are available ‘off the shelf’ in the UK.

“aluplast is a global business, we export to 28 countries around the world, and that scale and experience has paid dividends,” concluded Cocken.

“It means our customers have enjoyed a strong start to the year, but they are also going to be well placed to capitalise on the additional demand that’s anticipated from the home improvement sector for the remainder of the year as well.” www.aluplast.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

New Guide To Conformity

Marking And Third-Party Testing

Published By GAI and DHF Sternfenster

Delivers Six-Figure Investment In New

Transport Fleet

Sternfenster has extended the capacity of its nationwide delivery fleet with the addition of four, new DAF XF 450 FA boxed vehicles.

A new technical briefing has been launched to keep door hardware professionals at the forefront of changes to conformity marking.

The Guidance on conformity marking, third party testing, assessment and certification technical briefing, written by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) and the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF), gives a comprehensive overview of the changes door hardware professionals must prepare for in advance of 1 January 2022.

When the UK left the EU, the UKCA mark was introduced in Great Britain to replace the CE mark.

Wherever CE marking might have applied, UKCA marking is currently optional for products placed on the market in Great Britain until the end of 2021 but will be mandatory from the start of next year.

The technical briefing, originally launched in 2020, has been updated to include both UKCA and CE+UKNI marking. It is broken down into five sections covering: conformity marking; harmonised and designated standards; methodologies of testing and assessment; fire resistance assessment reports; and third-party product certification.

The guide also includes a helpful

graphic showing the product marking sales territories and which form of product marking can be used in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the EU. Douglas Masterson, technical manager of the GAI, said: “We have written this briefing to ensure that both GAI and DHF members were clear on the differences between conformity marking, third party testing, assessment and certification, as well as what their responsibilities are going forward. We will continue to make members aware of any developments and provide as much technical support as possible to help them navigate these changes.”

Michael Skelding, General Manager at the DHF, said: “With the current changes to conformity marking, we felt that it was important to clarify the situation to minimise any confusion. We hope that the new guide will achieve this aim, while preserving the user-friendly format of the previous edition. For those who need more detail, further advice is available from our website.”

To download the guide, visit the GAI or DHF website: www.gai.org.uk/GAI_DHF_UK Mark http://bit.ly/DHFGAI-CEMarking

Representing an outlay of more than £500,000, the new 18-tonne trucks have increased the Lincoln based fabricator’s delivery fleet to 10 vehicles in total.

Introduced to further improve customer service and to cater for increasing demand across its PVC and aluminium product range, the new DAF XF FA trucks comply to Euro 6 emissions standards and feature modern aerodynamics for improved fuel efficiency.

Nathan Court, Sales Director, Sternfenster, commented: “We experienced a significant uptake in order volume over the course of 2020, activity that was fuelled by lockdown restrictions and the subsequent focus on home improvements, and this has been carried through into the start of this year.

“The introduction of our new delivery trucks gives us a greater capacity to respond to that demand, which looks set to continue following additional lockdown measures in January and an extremely positive outlook for the retail sector in general throughout 2021.”

Equipped with demountable box bodies and tail lifts, the DAF XF 450 FA vehicles are also fully compliant to the Direct Vision Standard (DSV), a new law that has been introduced to prevent road injuries from HGVs with driver blind spots, through the use of specialist camera equipment. www.sternfenster.com WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 27

TRADE NEWS

in Europe. After the visit, Derren reduced Verplas’ recycled polymer suppliers from three to focus on VEKA as a single source.

“Verplas’ mission is to manufacture the finest products of their type and in doing so, create healthier homes for a cleaner future. We intend to achieve this by leading change in the Indoor Air Quality industry and an important part of this goal is the use of increasingly sustainable methods and materials,” said Derren. “My visit to the VEKA Compounds plant convinced me that we could take a big stride towards this by taking all of our extrusion compounds from VEKA; their quality is superb, produced by the most advanced processes available,” he said.

Verplas MD, Derren Gittins

VEKA Compounds And Verplas Agree Exclusive Supply Partnership VEKA Compounds, a division of VEKA Recycling Ltd and part of the worldwide VEKA AG Group, and Verplas, a market leading manufacturer of PVC ventilation ducting, have signed an exclusive partnership for the supply of high-quality recycled PVC-U pellet.

has now further enhanced its environmental credentials by using recycled post-consumer window and door frames and, after a successful transition to this key source of material has signed an exclusive supply agreement with VEKA Compounds.

Established in 1986, Verplas produces high quality ventilation ducting, predominantly for the domestic sector. The company manufactures its products using sophisticated extrusion and injection moulding technology and has pioneered the use of recycled virgin PVC-U in the production of its extruded ducting products. Verplas

The move comes following a visit by Verplas Managing Director Derren Gittins to VEKA’s state-of-the-art recycling plant at Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. The site has recently been fully commissioned after a two-year construction programme that has succeeded in creating what is said to be the most advanced plant of its type

28 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

“With the completion of its new plant VEKA is the leading exponent in the recycling of tonnes of PVC-U windows and doors, from which the company produces the highest quality PVC-U pellet. I am impressed by the commitment of the company to the UK market, with an apparent investment of more than £15 million in the plant,” added Derren. “These were all key factors in our decision,” he added.

For VEKA Compounds, Managing Director Simon Scholes said: “We are delighted to work even more closely with Derren and his team at Verplas and by their commitment to manufacturing the highest quality extrusions whilst driving the company towards sustainability, without compromise. Verplas is one of an increasing list of plastics manufacturers that are choosing our high-grade recycled PVC-U pellet over virgin material.” www.veka-recycling.co.uk

VIEWPOINT

Greg Kane

Conservatory Outlet

Chief Hits Out At Scottish Covid-19 Disparity As £Millions

Of Orders Put On Hold

The boss of one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of high-quality windows, doors, home extensions and conservatory products has hit out at the Scottish Government for continuing to enforce a Covid-19 lockdown that prevents work being completed in homes – unless it is essential maintenance.

This rule, which is not in place in England and Wales, means Conservatory Outlet’s five home improvement specialist companies north of the border are not able to take on new work, resulting in a £multi-mil30 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

lion loss of orders and over 250 direct or indirect staff currently furloughed.

Greg Kane is urging the powers that be at Holyrood to lift the regulations that are causing the sector so much unnecessary pain and allow them to trade under Covid-secure guidelines so they can start new projects and complete existing jobs.

This will help hundreds of firms, including the five in its current network – Balhousie, Bon Accord Glass, Crystal Clear Home Improvements, ERG Scotland and Mitchell Glass, the latter

being the longest established glazing business in the country.

“We find ourselves in a really frustrating position in that our online leads are 94% up on this time last year, but we can’t progress any of them due to the draconian nature of the Scottish law,” explained Greg, who is Chief Executive of Wakefieldbased Conservatory Outlet.

“Installers and surveyors aren’t allowed to work at the moment unless it is essential maintenance, so despite a massive demand for home improvements, we have had to furlough the majority of staff across the five companies, including young apprentices just starting out.”

He continued: “The restrictions need to be lifted immediately to allow Scottish home improvement businesses to fit existing jobs, collect outstanding monies and to capitalise on new sales to support our recovery.

VIEWPOINT

“No explanation has been given as to why the Scottish rules are different and, if things don’t change, we’ll be left in limbo until the end of April at the earliest. This, simply, is not good enough.”

BFRC And FENSA To Meet Government To Discuss

Building Regs Concerns ments for energy ratings.

Conservatory Outlet, which employs 174 people at its 60,000 sq ft factory in Wakefield, sells its products across a 26-strong retail network of installation companies.

It has been active in Scotland since 2011 when Mitchell Glass became its first Scottish retailer, joined by Crystal Clear Home Improvements in 2015 and Balhousie, Bon Accord Glass and ERG three years ago.

Greg continued: “It shouldn’t be allowed to be left to the whim of Ms Sturgeon, who is looking to push her own political ambitions.

“This is a hugely important decision for the recovery of our industry and many others.

Strong businesses are being straight-jacketed at a time when demand for their products has never been higher.

“Our Scottish dealers have innovated to use Zoom, Facetime and our new 3D design app to give customers an insight of how products will look in the home. It is a really popular approach, with potential online leads up 94% on this time in 2020.”

He concluded: “We’ll continue to work with the Glass & Glazing Federation to see if we can instigate change and would appreciate it if even more Scottish consumers write to their MPs complaining about the disparity in rules.” www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk

Anda Gregory

Survey highlights installer disquiet over trickle vents and U value drops As window installers express their broad disapproval at the Government’s proposals to amend performance requirements for windows and doors in the Building Regulations, FENSA, together with the British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) has been invited to attend Government meetings to discuss the issues.

BFRC, the organisation behind the Window Energy Ratings ‘rainbow’ energy performance scheme, has said that it is not surprised at the intensity of feelings amongst installers, which were highlighted in a recent survey by FENSA amongst its Approved Installers. In the survey, which has included the views of almost 700 respondents, installers are almost unanimously (94.8%) against the inclusion of trickle vents in all replacement windows, whilst more than 60% of respondents said they did not support ‘the lowering of U values and increase in DSER bandings for doors’. The changes, say BFRC, will mean that 46% of existing BFRC door licences and 26% of window licences would not meet building regulation require-

Both organisations have been invited, together with the GGF, by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the Government department responsible for the Regulations, to attend a meeting as part of the consultation process undertaken in preparation for the publication of the new Building Regulations, and specifically to discuss the various concerns.

“We are very pleased that we will have the opportunity to convey the disquiet expressed by the majority of Approved Installers through the recent FENSA survey, together with the findings expressed by BFRC that so many products will become non-compliant with energy ratings, to MHCLG,” commented Anda Gregory, Managing Director GGF Commercial Group, which includes BFRC and FENSA. “The effects that the changes to the Building Regulations will have on our market should not be underestimated: 85% of installers that responded to the FENSA survey believe that they will lose business as a result of an insistence upon trickle vents in all frames, fearing that customers will turn to an alternative installer operating in the ‘grey market’ who is happy to turn a blind eye to regulations to please the homeowner,” continued Anda. “We are in broad support of the proposed improvements in the performance of windows and doors, which have not changed for more than a decade. But we hope to encourage MHCLG to allow time for the industry’s views to be heard, and for the practical and logistical impact of the changes to be adjusted and implemented.” www.fensa.org.uk www.bfrc.org WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 31

PEOPLE

Stephen and Karen Byers of Ritec with John Agnew, GGF Managing Director.

GGF Tributes To

recognised, when they received the GGF award for “Outstanding Contribution to the Industry” at GGF Members’ Day 2019 at Hilton Kensington Olympia.

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Stephen Byers, co-developer of the ClearShield System® and co-founder and managing director of GGF Members, Ritec International Limited.

Stephen’s relentless work with the GGF began with his input into the development of several industry standards, and to make health & safety and ethics driving factors in the growth of his emerging sector.

Though a tenacious businessman, Stephen was also an extremely sociable person, attending many GGF and industry events in the UK and abroad.

Stephen Byers

Stephen passed away peacefully on 6 March 2021 aged 79, as a result of pneumonia and both he and his wife and business partner Karen are well-known figures in the glass industry and the GGF in the UK and internationally.

On hearing the sad news, John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented, “I have shared many meetings and enjoyable social events with Stephen and Karen over many years. It is a very sad loss for the industry and the GGF. My heartfelt sympathies go to Karen and the immediate family at this time.”

Ritec has been in the GGF Membership since 1987 and over the last 30 years, Stephen was very involved in the GGF, holding various positions including Chairman of the London Region from 2006-2010 as well as being a founder Chairman of the GGF Modified Glass Group in 2013. Stephen also served for 10 years on the GGF Marketing and Communications Committee and was on the GGF Glazing Executive for 7 years.

Stephen and Karen’s achievements were deservedly 32 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

Peter Stuttard, GGF Head of Membership said, “Stephen was a true gentleman and stalwart of the GGF Membership. He was a popular and productive Chairman of the GGF London Region. He will be sorely missed and my sincere condolences to Karen and her family and friends.”

James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs worked with Stephen on the GGF Marketing and Communications Committee and also at exhibitions and events. On receiving the news, James said, “I was very sad to hear of Stephen’s passing. We worked together on numerous marketing and PR projects and I will fondly remember the many social occasions when I enjoyed both Stephen and Karen’s company. Stephen was a unique and popular personality in our industry who will be sadly missed.

My thoughts are with Karen and her family at this difficult time.”

Ritec has set up a specific email address for those who wish to send a message of condolence, please email condolences@ritec.co.uk

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PEOPLE

Glazerite Appoints

New Production Manager For Its North West Division The Glazerite UK Group Ltd has appointed a new Production Manager for its North West Division in Bolton. Michael St Ledger, who joins the trade fabricator on 6th April 2021, will oversee the site’s 32-strong operations team and manufacturing processes, with a focus on improving efficiencies.

Glazerite’s Bolton site, which manufactures much of the fabricator’s VEKA portfolio, has undergone a major investment and expansion programme over the

last two years, and has recently welcomed the arrival of a new site lead in Managing Director, Darren Rhodes.

Darren says of Michael’s appointment: “Michael has extensive experience in manufacturing in the fenestration industry and brings with him new ideas, a passion for quality and a focus on customer service. We are looking to further strengthen the performance of the site and having Michael as part of the team will help us increase our

service levels and effectiveness.”

Michael adds: “I am excited to be joining Glazerite and I am looking forward to meeting and working with all the team. I come from a background in aluminium windows and bi-fold doors, so it will be good to transfer that knowledge and build on it for a successful career at Glazerite.”

Euramax Appointment To Spearhead Continuous Improvement the military equipment sector, he’s the perfect man for the job.

He brings with him a wealth of expertise, having previously worked as a Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer at Naylor Industries, and as a Production Engineering Manager at Niftylift, where he had complete responsibility for all production engineering staff.

Euramax Solutions, a manufacturer of fenestration products to the construction, modular and leisure markets, has appointed an expert to spearhead constant improvement processes within the business.

Tom Howard joins the company as the new Continuous Improvement and Process Engineering Manager, and with extensive experience in 34 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

But it’s the skills and knowledge he gained as a Senior Project Engineer at MTL Advanced, a manufacturing specialist in the metal sector, that really sets him up to push innovation at Euramax.

Here, Tom was the project lead for the manufacture of armoured vehicle cabins, responsible for the external supply chain management for projects.

“Since starting at Euramax, I’ve leaned on my experience in the military equipment sector, using

this methodology to implement constant improvement processes within the company and create a more automotive, military precision approach to production,” Tom comments.

“This allows us to offer better service and faster delivery times, enhancing our customers’ experience.”

Euramax Managing Director Nick Cowley comments: “Tom is a motivated manufacturing professional with a proven record of success in the sector, and comes with a wealth of transferable skills.

“He’s been working to streamline our manufacturing processes, enabling us to deliver better quality products, faster lead times, and an overall better service to our customers. He’s a welcome addition to the team, and we look forward to seeing what he can do for the company in the coming months.” www.euramaxuk.com

PEOPLE

New Business

Development Manager Joins

HOPPE (UK)

Clearview Home

Improvements Appoints New Operations Director A North West home improvement specialist has strengthened its senior leadership team as part of ambitious plans to grow 50% by 2024.

Clearview Home Improvements, which is part of the Conservatory Outlet Group, has appointed Phil O’Malley as Operations Director responsible for driving expansion and enhancing the company’s levels of customer service.

He will use more than 20 years of experience in the industry to recruit, retain and manage the existing team of project managers, surveyors and other professionals crucial to the firm’s day-to-day activities across its three showrooms in Nantwich, Preston and Warrington.

Phil joins the team at an exciting time, with the company achieving record-breaking sales levels of over £15m from June to December last year and securing the Conservatory or Orangery Installation (over £35K) title at the Glass &

Glazing Products Installer Awards.

“Clearview has forged a hugely impressive reputation over the past decade as one of the leading home improvement providers across the North West. To be given the opportunity to help guide the business to even loftier heights is incredibly exciting,” explained Phil.

Greg Kane, CEO at Conservatory Outlet Group, added his support: “To bring in someone of Phil’s calibre, with a proven track record of success within our industry, is only going to strengthen Clearview’s position going forward.

“We’ve set ourselves some really ambitious growth targets over the next few years to grow by 50% and we’re all delighted to have him on board. It’s shaping up to be a really exciting year for the business.”

HOPPE (UK) has appointed Darren Shufflebotham as its business development manager for the north of England.

Darren has more than 35 years’ experience working within construction, including 13 years within the door and window industry. He has previously worked for Mila Hardware, and joins HOPPE (UK) from Winlock Security where he was an area sales manager for the north.

Darren said: “Throughout my architectural ironmongery career I’ve worked directly with fabricators, so I’m familiar with the barriers they face, the complex issues they need to navigate, and the types of products needed to address these areas.

“I’ve known about the HOPPE brand ever since I joined the industry, and I’m looking forward to being part of such a well-respected name and helping to introduce more fabricators to its Phil’s appointment to the Clearview high-quality products that will help to make their processes senior leadership team follows the appointment of Phil Brown as Man- much more efficient.” aging Director in December 2020. www.hoppe.co.uk www.clearviewhome.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 35

PEOPLE

“I’m looking forward to putting my own stamp on the role. First though, I’ve got a lot to learn about aluminium systems to get up to speed on aluminium profiles, in terms of technical requirements & functionality.”

He explains, “My biggest driver is that I like to see the end result of what I’ve designed, being used in products that are on the market.”

And although he’s already settling in well, Dave commented, “I’ve only met a handful of people so far due to many still working for home and social distancing measures.”

Alutech Prioritises

Product Development Alutech Systems is fast growing into a renowned industry name through next level service and out of the box thinking, says the company.

hardware since 2007 and lived in China from 2013 to 2018, where he worked for a manufacturer and supplier to many European hardware companies.

According to Alutech, the business has experienced unprecedented growth, thanks to friendly, personalised customer service, internationally recognised products and an industry-leading delivery time of just 5 working days on stocked product, due to a huge UK-based stockholding capability.

In 2016 he began working with Brisant, developing and manufacturing products for them. In 2018, Dave returned to the UK with his young family and was employed by Brisant to develop all their hardware, such as the Sweet furniture range, to great success.

2021 so far has seen Alutech enhancing its infrastructure in terms of human resources, premises and delivery fleet, as well as creating a new role, which heralds an exciting new era for Alutech in the UK. Dave Duffield has joined Alutech as their first UK-based Product Development Manager. Dave has worked as an engineer in 36 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

More recently though, Dave, whose background was originally automotive design, began looking for a new challenge and came across a job advert on LinkedIn. He says, “It doesn’t often come about that you find such an opportunity so close to home. What appealed to me most about joining Alutech, was the challenge of jumping into a company with no onsite product design capability.

Similarly, the recruitment process was also quite different from what Dave has previously been used to. “It involved a lot of phone calls and a rather daunting Zoom presentation!

My presentation skills were a bit rusty,” he said, “But I must’ve impressed because I was offered the job.

“The Managing Director at Alutech, Steve Hudson, has a refreshing approach to business,” Dave observes. “He freely admits when something isn’t his forte and hires the specialists in their field to provide those skills and empowers those people in their roles to do what they do best.

This really appeals to me.”

Dave is no stranger to liaising with overseas partners and in his new role he’ll be working alongside the Alutech Group product development team in Belarus.

He already has a list of projects to get him started. One being the eagerly anticipated new slim window system from Alutech.

And another top-secret project that is set to give Alutech fabricators a whole new string to their bow! www.alutechsystems.co.uk

PEOPLE

ODL Europe Strengthens Management Team With

thank Steve for his superb contribution over the past twelve years with ODL, and we all wish him well for the future.”

ODL Europe has further strengthened its management team with the appointment of Davy Chada as Finance Manager. Davy joined the Bootle-based business in February 2021 as successor to Steve Ellison, who is leaving the company at the end of March 2021.

Speaking of the appointment, Nathan Barr, Managing Director at ODL Europe, said: “I am delighted to welcome Davy to ODL Europe. He brings with him a wealth of experience that will be invaluable to the business.

I would also like to personally

Having worked with various businesses ranging from owner-managed SMEs to large multi-nationals, Davy brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise that will help support the company’s ambitious growth strategy.

Davy said: “I am delighted to have joined ODL Europe at this exciting time. As an ambitious and focussed business with the backing of a large US parent company, ODL Europe is perfectly placed to grow its UK market share over the next few years and I am looking forward to working with the team to help deliver this objective.”

New Key Appointment

New Head Of Member Services For

Certass

Danelle Kaukau has been named Head of Member Services at Certass, in recognition of her impressive work to support installers and their businesses through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Since the launch of the Certass

Trade Association Members-only Forum, Danelle’s role has developed to give members easier access to the Certass team to get their queries answered quickly and accurately. Danelle has facilitated this by running the forum and working directly with members to support their businesses with advice, resources and information.

“Her close relationship with both members and the internal team means she is the vital link between our operations and our members, which is crucial for us to develop and improve our offering to installers and distribute the right information and resources to help keep their businesses operating safely and effectively.”

Jason Clemmit, Managing Director at Certass, says: “Danelle has become the go-to person for so many of our members as she makes sure that the right information is delivered to them when they need it most.

The announcement of Danelle’s new title coincides with International Women’s Day and the 2021 theme is #ChooseToChallenge.

“This has been most apparent during the pandemic, when the pace of information change has been so rapid. Danelle has taken the lead on processing this information to make sure members understand what is relevant and how it will affect their business.

Jason adds: “With women so underrepresented in our sector, it is so important for organisations like Certass to celebrate the achievements of our diverse workforce and create an inclusive culture, where everyone in our team can shine. Danelle’s achievements are a perfect example of this in practice.” www.certass.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 37

SupaSecure TS008 CERTIFIED LETTERPLATE ENHANCED SECURITY

Clever security features

D PREP STANDAR O FIT READY oTr in 1 piece do - box to MINS UNDER l2lation insta

combined with considered design, high performance stainless steel and simple installation.

PRODUCT NEWS

New High Performance Fire

Door From Endurance Endurance Doors has launched a new high performance FD30 fire door, after a two-year research and development programme which has realised a product solution that exceeds the latest standards.

The physical testing of the doors was carried out by Efectis, who are a global player in fire science, covering all aspects of fire safety through testing and modelling, certification, inspection, education and expertise. To support the launch, there’s a 39-page test report available to download from Endurance Doors at endurancedoors.co.uk/ composite-fire-doors The new FD 30 fire door is based

on the proven solid timber core composite door from Endurance with the McKinley design initially, with any current colour of slab and a dedicated white Rehau PVCu door frame. Hardware includes the AV2 autolock mechanism, lever / lever handle, high security cylinder with a £2,000 guarantee, with options of fire rated urn and slimline

Distinction Doors

urn knockers and letterplate.

Stephen Nadin, managing director of Endurance Doors commented: ‘Our new FD30 solid timber core fire door has been carefully developed to be an outstanding solution.

This is particularly important after the government’s investigation into GRP fire doors resulted in identifying issues with the performance of these doors, which has been well documented by the media.

He continued: ‘This new launch also satisfies the demands of our customers, making us the ultimate partner for solid timber composite doors and from a business that’s instilled a culture of exceptional customer care. These doors can be ordered with immediate effect and we’re already working on range of glazed designs to offer with this important door specification.’ www.endurancedoors.co.uk

Launches New Fire Door System Distinction Doors has introduced a totally new and fully compliant FD30 composite fire door system, through new brand, fds (fire door systems).

The new system, Neuma fds has consistently proven fire resistance with 44 individual test specimens subject to 22 bi-directional fire tests, achieving an average of 45 minutes integrity.

The fire door system was independently tested to EN1634-1: 2014 by EU notified body test houses. To address variables in test laboratories and prove consistent performance, Neuma fds experienced the same test methods across three countries and was installed in both rigid and flexible supporting wall construction. Every fire test was filmed.

All submitted doorsets featured the same letterplates, viewers, and auto-throw lock to underpin the need for consistency in testing. A variety of overhead door closers were also tested.

Neuma fds not only demonstrates integrity against fire but also delivers on ambient smoke control (EN16343:2004), security (PAS24:2016), weather (BS 6375), sound insulation (Approved Document E) and thermal performance (Approved Document L).

The FD30 composite fire door system is accredited by Secured by Design (SBD), the widely respected and long-established official police security initiative with the specific aim to reduce crime and help people live more safely. Neuma fds meets the SBD Police Preferred

Specification security requirements. fds insists that all stages of the supply chain up to and including doorset manufacture are third-party certified to the BM Trada Q-Mark Fire Door Manufacturer certification scheme.

The Neuma fds door blank meets the requirements of the Q-Mark Door Blank scheme to STD 047.

The fire entrance door range is stocked and distributed under Q-Mark STD 171. fwww.iredoorsystems.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 39

PRODUCT NEWS

Total Hardware Launches Two New High-Security Quad Locks Total Hardware has launched two new high-security Quad Locks. Designed for use on PVC-U windows, the new Quad locks feature bi-directional locking cams for improved security performance with a new flush sash option too.

Commenting on the introduction of the new Quad Locks, Gary Cox, Director at Total Hardware, said: “Quality and security is extremely important to us and we continually evaluate our hardware components to ensure we are offering our customers the best combination of quality and value. Our high-security Quad Locks offer a wealth of features and benefits that will enhance our hardware portfolio even further.”

Both new Quad Locks have been designed to be fast fitting with no cropping and offer quick and easy compression adjustments offering time-saving benefits to fabricators. The larger locks, 750mm – 1150mm sizes, feature eight cams for additional product security. Both Quad locks are available in 7.7mm and 9mm 40 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

cam heights with a choice of 20mm and 22mm backset variants. The locking cams maximise both engagement and frame clearance and together, these features offer fabricators superior product performance. The flush variant is available in both left-hand and right-have versions with additional cams for secure locking in the night vent position on popular flush window styles.

As you would expect from a Total Hardware product, the new Quad Locks meet the same high-performance standards for peace of mind. They have been tested to 50,000 cycles, corrosion resistance tested to EN 1670:2007 Grade 5 and achieved both PAS24:2016 and Secured by Design accreditations. The new Quad Locks come with a 10-year mechanical guarantee.

The new Quad Locks are now in stock and available to order. www.totalhardwareltd.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

Suited 316 Stainless Steel

Hardware For Bifold Doors

By Loren Jenner, Coastal Group Bi-fold door hardware typically has to withstand a lot from the elements. They’re often installed on coastal property, or on the side of the property facing the sun. And with bi-folds designed to be open a lot of the time even the internal hardware is exposed to the elements more than usual.

Following feedback from bi-fold door manufacturers and installers that their current bi-fold hardware offering was unfit for purpose – corroding and ‘whitening’, claims the company, Coastal Group have included bi-fold hardware options in their BLU range of 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel hardware.

This means you can now confidently offer a range of hardware which will not only last for the lifetime of the doors, but that can also be suited with the rest of the door and window hardware on the property.

For the traffic door our ‘family of handles’ includes either a lever handle on a rose with matching escutcheon, or a lever handle on a backplate. Plus, there’s a matching handle to operate the lock on the folding leaves.

The range is all manufactured from our high quality 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel and supplied with a Lifetime Guarantee – removing the issues of expensive site call-backs and providing customer peace of mind.

The range is proving extremely popular and we would like to offer you a set of these handles to trial on your doors. www.coastal-group.com WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2021 41

PRODUCT NEWS

undertaking home renovation projects and we’re not expecting this to slow down in the coming year, given that around 79% are looking to make further improvements on their home. One of the top focuses last year was on windows, with 15% of homeowners looking to install new windows.”

Home Improvement Drive Warrants More

Window Customisation As homeowners look for more ways to take pride in their homes, installers and fabricators should look to expand their window offering with new customisation options, says a leading polymer specialist.

Following further growth in the home improvement market during the pandemic – a trend that is not set to change any time soon, according to the recently-published Checkatrade Home Pride Index – REHAU is making significant investments across its window business into hardware and accessories. Malcolm Taylor, Commercial Product Manager at REHAU, is spearheading the rollout and advocates that offering more choice of the finer window details will help tradespeople stand out from competitors in a buoyant market.

The latest launch sees REHAU enhance its highly successful Rio flush fit window with a range of Monkey Tail and Tear Drop 42 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

“More recently, there’s been a renewed focus on system accessories which offer consumers more choice when it comes to style and colour. We are responding to this trend by developing additional products that match the quality of our profiles”.

The new REHAU Rio Hardware range features key-locking handles that are designed to fit REHAU’s TOTAL70C and TOTAL70S profiles. This aims to provide installers and fabricators with peace of mind that the hardware is quality-assured to the usual REHAU standard, and simplifies the hardware procurement process.

Malcolm adds: “All our products are designed to enhance modern life and not only has spending more time at home boosted the renovation market, more focus is being placed on fresh air supply via windows. The new Rio TOTAL70 Chamfered and Sculptured Pegs are just another feature that allow homeowners to open the windows at pre-defined distances, in style.”

Handles, along with complementary stays and pegs. These are particularly suited to homeowners seeking a traditional timber window aesthetic.

Available in black, chrome, satin silver and antique black, the handles can be designed in full zinc casting for high quality finish and longevity. The product also comes with a 10-year guarantee and is 240-hour salt spray-tested, exceeding BS EN 1670:2007.

Malcolm comments: “Through 2020 we’ve seen a remarkable rise in the number of people

For more information on REHAU’s Monkey Tails, visit https://bit.ly/327cn3Z

PRODUCT NEWS

Wide Appeal For PatioMaster PatioMaster, manufacturers of PVC-U inline sliding patio doors, has confirmed a widening appeal for their products as installers continue to capitalise on the domestic boom. Carmen Velilla, PatioMaster’s Brand Manager, explains: “Over the last twelve months, the market has witnessed a resurgence in popularity for inline sliding patio doors, especially from the domestic sector. Consumers continue to aspire to light-filled spaces which patio doors deliver. And with our Triple-track system, our inline sliding patios can easily compete with the wider aperture products that have gained market traction over the past few years giving fabricators and installers a competitive edge.”

PatioMaster’s inline sliding doors offer some of the best features and the company’s expertise is evident with the Triple-track system that takes patio appeal to a new level.

Carmen said: “Even before the

pandemic, we had witnessed a growing trend from consumers wanting wider aperture openings in their homes which is why we launched our Triple-track system. The Triple-track door system is a superb alternative to bi-folding doors for larger apertures and delivers on aesthetics too. With consumers having spent more time researching the best products for their homes during the past twelve-months of restrictions, PatioMaster’s products deliver what today’s homeowner is looking to achieve.”

sizes.

The Triple-track door system offers a wider clear opening over a conventional patio door with up to 25% more open space being achieved and can accommodate a maximum aperture wide of six metres, claim the company. Triple-track also gives the option of having two or four sliding sashes that stack neatly behind each other when opened, even on smaller frame

Carmen concludes: “Having a portfolio that attracts your target market is vital to the success of your business and this has never been more important with the boom in domestic demand. By partnering with PatioMaster, not only do you get products that meet market demand you also get competitive advantages for your business too.” www.patiomaster.co.uk

Like all PatioMaster doors, the system is simple to install and features such as edge-located rollers mean easy adjustment too. There is a choice of colours and finishes, including grained and flat textures plus dual colour options. There’s a choice of white, gold, brass, chrome, black and silver handle colours.

Available in 24 and 28mm glazing options, triple track door configurations exceed all current thermal efficiency requirements.

WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 43

PRODUCT NEWS

Deceuninck Launches French Door

Deceuninck Aluminium has brought increased manufacturing flexibility to its offer with the addition of a new French Door option.

Part of a highly modular approach designed to lower stock-holding, the Decalu88 French Door, is built around a common inner frame and mid-section, and integrated insulation used in its flagship Decalu88 Aluminium Bi-fold.

It also shares the same pre-inserted, flush to the bead, co-extruded gaskets, delivering significant installation efficiencies on site.

Nigel Headford, Business Development Director, Deceuninck Aluminium, said: “One of the many advantages of the Decalu system is modularity. It’s been designed to minimise stock-holding and max44 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

imise manufacturing efficiencies, delivering anywhere up to a 40% time saving.

“The Decalu88 French Door uses the same profile as the Decalu88 Bi-fold, delivering fabrication gains but also a consistent aesthetic to the end-user.”

The Decalu88 French Door will accommodate individual sash weights of up to 150kg, while U-values are as low as 1.1W/m2k.

In common with the wider Decalu range, it’s available in any RAL finish, including dual colour, textured and marine grade finishes – as standard.

In addition to the Decalu88 Bifold, this also includes the Decalu88 Aluminium Entrance door, which employs a unique and patented

thermal stress control system to all but eliminate bowing; and the Decalu163 Lift-and-Slide, which can accommodate sash weights of up to 400kg, and with single, twin and triple-track options.

The Deceuninck Aluminium range also includes Decalu 88 Steel and New Steel, designed to replicate steel commercial windows; plus a hidden sash and retro option.

There’s also a turn-and-tilt option and the ultra-energy efficient, Decalu101 Scand.

“It’s important to remind ourselves that we only launched at the start of this year, since when we’ve introduced four new products, with further announcements planned for this year and the start of next”, Nigel said.

“These share the same fundamental principles making manufacture simpler and more efficient but also delivering increased design flexibility while making installation simpler and faster.” www.deceuninck.co.uk

Julie Warner Product Manager Carl F Groupco

Experts in Hardware “ We’ve steadily increased the range of hardware we buy from Carl F Groupco over the last 16 years. Their product range, service level and support has proven them to be our preferred hardware supplier…”

Scott Dowling Cairngorm Group

Get in touch and speak to one of our experts today: t. Peterborough: 01733 393330

e. sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk

t. Cumbernauld: 01236 721557

w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

Kawneer Launches Slimline Window For Education And Home Improvement Sectors

The AA®720 SL casement window enhances Kawneer’s premium AA®720 range.

A unique slimline aluminium casement window that delivers superior form and function has been launched by UK manufacturer Kawneer.

The AA®720 SL (Slimline) casement window is the latest enhancement to Kawneer’s premium AA®720 range of windows and doors, and suites with the AA®100 and AA®110 curtain wall, 451PT framing and door systems.

A high-performance open-out window based on a BRE Green Guide A-rated frame, it is designed with ultra-slim 62mm sightlines which maximise the glazing vision area while also giving a modern aesthetic look, providing optimum weather and thermal performance. The AA®720 SL window is available with two vent style options.

The AA®720 SL Standard 46 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

casement with overlapped vent offers a more conventional window design, with slim and elegant frame sections, as a cost effective and robust solution ideally suited for the education sector.

The AA®720 SL Double Flush casement, with unique flush frames both externally and internally, carry the sleek contemporary aesthetic through to the inside of the building, making it ideal for the home improvement sector.

Both style options are independently weather performance tested to BS 6375-1: 2015 and achieve Class 4 (600 Pa) air permeability, Class 9A (600 Pa) watertightness and Class E2400 (2400 Pa) wind resistance.

The AA®720 SL features a mul-

ti-chamber polyamide thermal break, offering single and dual-colour options and ensuring superior thermal efficiency and full compliance with Document L. The casement is available as a top-hung or side-hung window with the side-hung option available with easy-clean egress hinges that enable simple and practical window maintenance from inside the building.

Internal glazing for both vents and fixed lights is more cost effectively achieved without the use of reverse glazing adaptors.

A range of various high-performance cill options and corner posts for bays and conservatories suit virtually any configuration.

Capable of accommodating glazing up to 42mm for both new-build and refurbishment residential and heritage applications, the AA®720 SL window has also been fully tested to PAS 24 enhanced security certification and is Secured by Design approved.

PRODUCT NEWS

Energy Efficient, Bright, Stylish Garden Rooms from Ultraframe Ultraframe has announced the April launch of a new range of contemporary Garden Rooms that are easy and fast to build, with components already familiar to Ultraframe customers. Not only this, but with a lead time of just 10-days, Ultraframe customers can offer a fast turnaround in a sector where lead times have been growing.

Available in two key styles, The Studio and The Pavilion, both styles feature super-insulated columns and can be personalised with full length windows, contemporary side panels, and unlike alternatives on the market, feature full-length glazed panels in the roof, says Ultraframe.

Commenting about the new Garden Room range, Ultraframe Marketing Director, Alex Hewitt, said: “Garden Rooms are becoming hugely popular, with many families needing more space that can be used as a home office or gym during the pandemic and beyond. Demand for these beautiful spaces is at an all-time high and so we have created a modular proposition which means that our customers can be up and running to sell and

supply our Garden Rooms within days. Not only that, but because the components are already familiar to Ultraframe customers, they are incredibly simple and fast to build – in fact our Garden Rooms can be watertight in less than a day! Everything is precision-engineered off site so that it all fits together perfectly during the build.

We’ve created a range of sizes and options based on two core styles – the Studio with a reverse lean-to Livinroof and the Pavilion, with a Georgian-style Livinroof. As with all Ultraframe products, light was a crucial consideration in the design, and so one of the key USP’s are the full-length glazing panels in the roof which fill our Garden Rooms with heaps of natural light and are sure to appeal to homeowners.”

According to the company, the new Ultraframe Garden Rooms are twice as energy efficient as other premium garden rooms on the market, with the walls and roof both energy efficient enough to meet Building Regulations requirements for a home extension. This is partly due to the Super-Insulated Columns that feature in both styles and are five times more thermally

efficient than brick piers of the same size, coupled with Livinroof that offers a U-Value as low as 0.16, and walls featuring the company’s patented insulated Ultrapanels. Ultraframe has carefully selected the range of sizes and shapes to ensure that some styles are also exempt from Planning Permission, and all components come with a 10-year guarantee – so homeowners can expect their new garden room to be every bit as durable as their home. In fact, incredibly, Ultraframe Garden Rooms are said have a life span beyond 30 years.

Finished in a premium contemporary anthracite grey cladding, Ultraframe says the new Garden Rooms are fade resistant, unlike alternatives which are clad in cedarwood. The cladding also means that Ultraframe Garden Rooms are virtually maintenance free and will look fresh and new for many years to come.

Ultraframe Garden Room customers will have access to a marketing toolkit which will enable them to begin promoting and selling Garden Rooms within a few days, with the aid of a specification guide, retail brochure, online designer/ quoter and digital ordering functionality.

Concluding, Alex said: “With restrictions on our normal way of living set to be in place for some time yet, Garden Rooms are a great way for a family to quickly adapt their garden into a highly useable and attractive space. Ultraframe customers will be able to build these impressive rooms without any additional training as they already have the skills required. This is a fantastic opportunity for our installers to quickly get involved in a highly lucrative market and offer a class-leading Garden Room to their customers.”

To find out more about Ultraframe Garden Rooms, visit https://bit.ly/3uKufOb WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 47

PRODUCT NEWS

WarmCore

Bi-Fold Doors In

Just A Few Clicks

From Abcell

Abcell has now made it even easier to order WarmCore bi-fold doors with a new state-of-the-art online ordering system.

The system makes ordering a super quick process, enabling installers to design and pay for their doors in a matter of clicks, with a range of features including colours, configurations, additional hardware and glazing options.

“We’ve been fabricating WarmCore for nearly four years now and it’s one of our most popular product ranges, so we’re happy that we can now offer this new, easy-touse service,” says Neville Gleed, Operations Director at Abcell.

“Our online ordering system makes the buying process easier and is an effective way for customers to place orders when it’s most convenient to them. The whole process, from design to payment, takes place on the website. We have lots of extra features meaning WarmCore bi-fold doors can be built exactly how you like.

“It’s mobile-friendly too, which means bi-fold doors can be ordered from anywhere, around the clock, helping save time and make life easier for customers.” Visit www.abcell.co.uk for more information.

48 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

Sheerline Classic Adds Versatility With New Intermediate Outer Frame

Sheerline has added a new outer frame to its Classic window system. This extended option adds even more versatility and design possibilities by enabling the ultra-slim system to be used with deeper plaster lines and larger apertures.

Classic’s extended outer frame is 12.5mm higher and can be joined to the existing small outer frame to give a deeper bottom rail or accommodate on-site requirements. Compatible with Business Micros, Logikal and First Degree software, all Classic outer frames come with insulating foam to ensure a good perimeter seal and boost thermal performance.

Garnalex CEO Roger Hartshorn says: “Classic is our ultra-slim, ultra-secure window system that’s an ideal replacement for heritage-style steel windows or for contemporary homes. Fabricators, installers and homeowners love its beautiful, sleek lines, and our new outer frame option extends the design possibilities

even further.”

Classic, Sheerline’s first aluminium window system, launched in 2020. This ultra-slim, beadless aluminium system offers exceptional performance and exceptional security combined with refined aesthetics. Classic’s patented corner jointing method also makes it quick and efficient to fabricate perfect corners time after time after time, say Garnalex.

Like all Sheerline systems, Classic is available in 12 colours (including three anodised finishes) and dual colour combinations in just five working days. Extruding at source and delivering from stock, Garnalex says the company makes it easy for fabricators to improve their service, so installers look sharp and don’t keep their homeowner customers waiting on long lead times.

Discover more about Sheerline Classic by visiting www.sheerline.com

Delivering Certainty Everything Aluminium Delivered Fast £1.5 Million Stockholding Direct to Site Right First Time

Call 01706 260700 for a quick quote

Bi-fold Doors | Sliding Doors | Windows Rooflights & Lanterns | Entrance Doors

www.alufolddirect.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

used today, to gives reassurance to homeowners that they have received a Classic Roof, and not one of the many imitators which are often passed off as Classic.

• 2006 – the Tie Bar Replacement Kit was offered for the first time.

Another landmark enhancement which meant that tie bars were no longer needed on some roof designs. Twin Bolts were the next system enhancement which ensure that every glazing bar is securely locked in place to eliminate glass slippage.

An Industry Classic

They say that time flies and it’s hard to believe that it’s over 30 years since the industry’s original conservatory roof system – the Classic Roof from Ultraframe – was first established. Unsurprisingly for a company known for innovation, there have been many milestones along the way.

Commenting about the long and momentous history of the Classic system, Ultraframe Marketing Director, Alex Hewitt, said: “Our Classic system was the first systemised conservatory roof, designed and launched by our founder John Lancaster not long after Ultraframe was established in 1983. The company hasn’t swayed from its original aims and ideals – Ultraframe has always, and will always, be about innovating, and pushing the boundaries of product design to ensure we deliver unique, high performing systems to our installers across the UK. In fact, we’ve recently launched the latest enhancements to the Classic Roof, and it set us thinking about all of the milestones in its history.

The team at Ultraframe enjoyed the trip down memory lane, and we thought that the many loyal Classic users across the UK would also enjoy a look back at how the system has developed over the 50 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

years.”

• 1988 – launch of the Classic Roof (or Victorian System as it was known at the time).

• 1996 – Classic was the first conservatory roof to gain third party accreditation from the British Board of Agrement – an accreditation we are extremely proud to still hold today!

• 2001 – the Conservaglass range of dedicated roof glass was launched.

• 2002 – our patented Speedlock was launched which reduced fitting time and ensured that bars at the ridge end were securely held in place.

• 2004 – the launch of the Ultra Installer Scheme –the first scheme of its type in our sector.

• 2006 – patented Chambered Top Cappings were added to the Classic Roof which help reduce torsional movement as well making the roof more thermally efficient and secure.

• 2006 – this year also saw the launch of the Certificate of Authenticity. A document, which is still

• 2009 – Ultraframe launched the first range of coloured foils for Classic as the market for colour was taking off. Other enhancements to the industry’s favourite conservatory roof over the next few years included Anchor Clips and Conservaflash.

• 2010 – the Livinroom internal pelmet became the latest addition to the system.

• 2011 – in a nod to the emerging trend for slimline aluminum aesthetics for modern home improvements, the Classic Aluminium system was launched.

• 2012 – the Loggia launch, incorporating Super-Insulated Columns into a Classic conservatory to enhance the warmth and give a more substantial, stylish look from the exterior.

• 2013 – the Livinroof solid roof was launched, based on the Classic chassis and using the same beam, bars and ridge.

• 2014 – the next enhancement to Classic was Livinlight – a new insulated electrical housing system for lighting.

• 2015 – a new roof based on Classic but with aluminium internals, a slimline thermally broken ridge, and no radius ends was previewed at The FIT Show – the Ultrasky Orangery.

PRODUCT NEWS

• 2018 – a new contemporary flat Cornice was added to the curved range already available for Classic.

• 2019 – slimline aluminium roof vent was launched for use with the contemporary Classic Aluminium system – offering ventilation and modern good looks.

• 2021 – a host of new enhancements were added to the Classic System – Chambered Box Gutter, Slimline Ridge, suite of Bolstered Eaves Profiles, 30% price reduction on Classic Aluminium, and a new Electronic Structural Design Guide.

Commenting about the many milestones in Classic’s history over the years, Alex said: “Of course, these are just a few of the milestones there have been along the way for Classic. It really is true at Ultraframe that we never stand still in terms of product development, and this is certainly true for our Classic Roof. Our most recent enhancements for Classic (which have been available since Janu-

ary 2021) include a Chambered Box Gutter, which means that that gallows brackets will no longer be needed for spans up to 4M, a Slimline Ridge, which is perfect for any contemporary conservatory, and a new suite of bolstered eaves profiles for use on large conservatories to increase the spanning capabilities of the system. The Bi-Fold Support Beam and Super-Bolster mean that Classic is now perfectly engineered to create the large spans demanded by modern conservatory designs and coupled with a 30% price reduction on the Classic Aluminium exterior option, mean that Classic is now an ideal choice for contemporary extensions. Finally, our trusty paper-based Structural Design

Guide which was created many those years ago has been replaced by our new Enhanced Structural Design Guide (eSDG). This valuable digital tool allows Classic Roof customers to determine how big openings for doors can be in order for the roof to be structurally sound and is situated within our existing Udesign conservatory software.”

There have also been many developments in the support available for Classic users over the years too, such as the first ever conservatory retail brochure overprints, and the tremendous training resource which has been used by thousands of Classic fabricators and installers over the years – The Training School of Excellence.

Concluding, Alex said: “Ultraframe is a fast-paced environment with many creative minds, and this is demonstrated perfectly when you look back at the history of the Classic System. For anyone wanting to find out more about the latest enhancements to the system, visit https://bit.ly/3vu3Cyf.”

We-Fit Windows, Doors And Conservatories Goes

From Strength To Strength

With Leka Systems

Worksop-based We-Fit Windows, Doors and Conservatories is capitalising on the trend for solid roof conversions. Gareth Matusevics, We-Fit’s Managing Director, says that Leka Systems is one of the reasons why. He said: “The market for solid conservatory roofs is growing rapidly and in the Leka Warm Roof and the Leka Orangery Roof, we have two products that are helping us make the most of the opportunities.”

Gareth says there two reasons he and his customers choose Leka. The first is how quick and easy the products are to fit. He says: “Leka roofs typically take two or three days to install. This is great for us because we can complete more jobs quickly. It’s also great for our customers because it means we can completely transform their conservatory with the minimum of downtime and spend less time at their homes.”

Gareth also appreciates the GRP construction of Leka roofs which is a major selling point. He said: “The thermal efficiency on Leka’s roofs is incredible.

But more importantly, because the system isn’t using aluminium or timber, there is no danger of cold bridging or rotting. It means happier customers in the long term.”

To make the most of the opportunities in the market, the company is keen to make it as easy as possible for customers to enquire about solid roofs. It’s why it’s just about to launch a new roofing portal that will allows customers to get an online quote straightaway.

Gareth says: “We know that getting a quote is a barrier to purchase for some people. Our new portal will remove that barrier and help our customers receive immediate quotes to help close the sale.” www.lekasystems.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 51

PRODUCT NEWS

Step Up In Style A stunning home renovation in Winchester was finished off with a dramatic entrance hall featuring a staircase with laminated toughed glass supplied by TuffX. In keeping with the overall style of the revamped property, the staircase, featuring open risers and 17.5mm toughened and laminated glass, ensured an uninterrupted flow of light from the double height glass-fronted property right through the entire hallway.

Beech timber treads were chosen to complement the flooring, 52 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

while the glass panels were bolted directly to the side of slim-line zig-zag steel stringers, which were powder-coated to match the property’s external doors and windows. The frameless glass panels were cut by TuffX to fit the stringer line, and then topped with a 50mm diameter beech handrail.

The staircase brings together a mixture of textures, and has all the benefits of glass – light, airy and minimalist – complemented with the stylish, modern touch of steel and finished off with warm, homely beech accents. The

result is a statement staircase in a dramatic entrance hall that is now flooded with light.

“When it comes to unique, individual projects, with discerning customers who have specific requirements, we’re on it,” said TuffX’s Managing Director Graham Price. “If you have a customer looking for the wow-factor like this, TuffX is here to help – from advising on the best glass products to suit your needs, and producing it to exacting specs, to delivering it fast directly to where you need it throughout the UK.” www.tuffxglass.co.uk

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PRODUCT NEWS

Heavy Hitter: Liftmaster

Quadro Mirror, Mirror

Stays On

The Wall Mirrored tiles, walls and glass panels are being used increasingly as decorative features, splash backs and in wet rooms and wash rooms.

Hodgson Sealants’ Mirror Adhesive is specifically formulated to make the fixing of mirrors, coated glass and metal panels easy, convenient and safe without the need for mechanical fixings to spoil the aesthetic.

Hodgson Mirror adhesive adheres well to most non-porous surfaces such as painted plaster or wood, ceramic tiles and glass and, because it is resistant to high levels of humidity, it is well-suited to use in bathrooms, kitchens, changing rooms and gyms for fixing mirrors, splashbacks, upstands, mirror tiles and glass panels. Hodgson Mirror Adhesive has been extensively tested for compatibility with all known mirror backing paints and boasts excellent mechanical grab on most types of mirror coatings – traditionally a difficult substrate to fix successfully.

This Mirror Adhesive has been formulated by Hodgson to make installing mirrors safe and simple.

Once cured to its flexible rubberised finish, the adhesive can accommodate small surface irregularities. It has a good working time for adjustment but cures quickly so that, in most cases, temporary support can often be removed within 24 hours. www.hodgsonsealants.com 54 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

This is represented in the Liftmaster Quadro’s design features. It offers a high degree of operational flexibility, comfortably coping with weights of up to 600kg with the standard unit or 800kg through the use of four extension arms.

The system can also be swivelled through 90° and rotated through 360° or locked in any one of 12 positions.

This is made easier through the use of a continuous handrail which runs the entire circumference of the lifter, and which means that the Liftmaster Quadro can be controlled from any side or angle, comfortably and safely.

Bohle has unveiled the new Liftmaster Quadro automatic vacuum lifting system, which has been developed to safely handle weights of up to 800kg.

The product of Bohle’s in-house research and development programme, the German-engineered automatic lifting system for glass, sets new standards for safety, with a patented operational system and digital displays. This is built around a dual-circuit vacuum system, which means the Liftmaster Quadro doubles up on safety. It is also fully tested to the European Standard for lifting systems EN13155.

“Bohle is recognised as a global leader in the manufacture and supply of safe manual lifting devices.

Liftmaster Quadro draws down on this expertise”, explained Dave Broxton, Managing Director, Bohle.

“The product of a major R&D programme, it brings the same focus on rigorous testing and leading-edge innovation to automatic vacuum lifting equipment, building in additional safeguards in every aspect of its design and operation.”

Cables and hoses are enclosed inside the housing of the lifter so there is nothing to catch, while it also features audio visual warnings and alarms, including digital temperature display. This also shows battery level. An easy-release mechanism means that batteries can also be changed quickly and without the use of specialist tools – even holding the vacuum while the battery is replaced.

Liftmaster Quadro is also highly mobile and can be packed down to fit on a dedicated transport frame, making handling and storage simple.

“You can see the thought that’s gone into this product. It’s been designed from the ground up as an evolution of lifting frame technology drawing on the expertise that Bohle has acquired in glass handling technologies and in particular, Veribor suction lifters.

“We’ve spent decades refining the design, the composition and the ergonomics of those products – and you can see it there for the first time in Liftmaster Quadro, as a next generation automatic vacuum lifter.” www.bohle.com

PRODUCT NEWS

Glass Visible To Birds

Developed To Help

Protect Wildlife

“That means birds see a really bright pattern disrupting the reflection, so they know something is there and don’t fly towards it. The pattern is aesthetically appealing to the human eye on the exterior surface, and barely visible from the inside, allowing uninterrupted views and high light transmittance.

“Pilkington AviSafe™ ultimately helps architects to create projects that have a minimal risk to local wildlife, without having to compromise on the amount of glass used as part of the building envelope.”

Pilkington AviSafe™ would be used on the exterior surface of an insulating glass unit (IGU), and can be combined with other NSG products for additional benefits, such as thermal insulation, solar control, safety and noise control.

The glass has been successfully trialled at Mere Sands Wood, a nature reserve near the company’s research and development hub in Lancashire, UK.

Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, has developed Pilkington AviSafe™ – a new glass with a special coating designed to help prevent birds from colliding with the windows and facades of buildings.

It’s used in the new visitor centre and café to help diminish the risk of the park’s 170 different species of birds from colliding with its windows.

The site, operated by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, is a former sand quarry used to harvest minerals for glass manufacturing.

Most birds collide with glass when they confuse what’s visible in its reflection for the real thing, such as trees or an open sky.

Pilkington AviSafe™ features a UV enhanced pattern that’s more visible to birds than it is to humans, which helps to prevent these collisions and ensures maximum transparency, while maintaining the aesthetical appeal of glass in architecture.

The glass will support building design professionals as legislators begin to enforce the use of bird-friendly materials in con-

struction. In the US for example, New York and San Francisco have adopted mandatory codes for commercial development that encourage the specification of glass that’s visible to birds.

Leo Pyrah, product manager at Pilkington UK, said: “This glass reflects at the wavelength where birds can see UV light at its sharpest.

Alice Singleton, marketing officer at Lancashire Wildlife Trust, said: “We wanted our visitor centre and café to take advantage of the lovely views of our nature reserve, where people could watch for wildlife comfortably. Pilkington AviSafe™ has allowed us to provide this without putting our many different species of bird at risk.”

For more information, visit: www.pilkington.com/en-gb/uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 55

PRODUCT NEWS sold solely in the EEA. Part of the reason for the difference in Northern Ireland is that whilst Northern Ireland sits within the EEA, from the 1st January 2021, it is now outside the EU Customs Union. It must be reiterated that for products manufactured and sold in Northern Ireland, they must always carry both the CE mark and the UK(NI).

The Move To UKCA Marking Of External Firedoors

Since Brexit the UK now sits outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and has a trade agreement which helps businesses trade without tariffs between the EEA and the UK. Despite the increased levels of paperwork required for such imports and exports, it is ‘almost business as usual’.

Over the last few years conformity with legislation and standards present in Europe have been a prerequisite for producing and selling any goods within the EEA. This included products produced here, in the EEA or from overseas. Known as ‘CE’ marking, it is applicable equally to the manufacture and sale of a paper clip to more complex fire doors and fire screens. The ‘CE mark’ is a certification mark that is widely used 56 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

throughout the EU.

Now the UK has launched its own conformity mark, the ‘UKCA mark’, this means that all products produced outside or inside the UK, for UK use, must carry the new UKCA mark. Fortunately, both conformity marks CE and UKCA, can be used this year, all products sold in the UK next year, 2022, must carry the UKCA mark.

In Northern Ireland, matters get a little more complicated as manufacturers have their own UK(NI) mark to comply with which must be used alongside the CE marking. Whilst Great Britain will accept the UK(NI)+CE marked products known as ‘unfettered access’, products manufactured in Northern Ireland only need to carry the CE mark if they are to be

The ‘product’ from the ‘end fabricator’ must be CE marked (accepted up to the end of 2021) and/or UKCA marked, this refers to all the parts that make up the final product from various suppliers such as the framing system, glazing and hardware. This must be declared in one document and on installation it is not possible to substitute any part. The product, such as supplied in a firescreen, including doors and glazing, is supplied to site complete in a fabricated form, glazing can be supplied separately on a stillage but must be supplied by the ‘end fabricator’.

The door and sidescreens, or top-lights, must fall within a single overall frame, it is not possible to declare and UKCA mark a coupled door frame to a side screen or toplight. The company installing the product on-site may be another company who has sourced the product from an ‘end fabricator’. It is the manufacture of the installed product that carries the responsibility for the UKCA marking by ensuring that the installer follows detailed installation instructions. The pressure is now on manufacturers to ensure that all their products are all reassessed through UK Approved Bodies before the end of this year if they are continuing to be sold in the UK and carry the UKCA mark.

From the 1st November 2019 ALL external fire rated doorsets MUST carry conformity marking, CE and/ or UKCA (from the being of 2021), to ensure conformity to both BS EN 14351-1:2006+A2:2016 – ‘Windows and doors. Product

PRODUCT NEWS standard, performance characteristics. Windows and external pedestrian doorsets’. and BS EN 16034:2014 – ‘Pedestrian doorsets, industrial, commercial, garage doors and openable windows. Product standard, performance characteristics. Fire resisting and/or smoke control characteristics.’

The Standard, BS EN 16034 Pedestrian doorsets, industrial, commercial, garage doors and openable windows — Product standard, performance characteristics — Fire resisting and/or smoke control characteristics, cannot be used on its own for CE and/or UKCA (from the being of 2021) marking purposes as it must be used in conjunction with BS EN 14351-1. External Pedestrian Doorsets can include sidescreens as long as they are not coupled.

The required characteristics are then raised on the DoP (Declaration of Performance) by the ‘end fabricator’ based on the ITT data supplied by the systems company and the fabricator’s own CoCoP (Certificate of Constancy of Performance). A UK approved body then have to assess the fabricator to AVCP System Level 1 and only then can the UKCA mark be attached to the product. As a result of these imposed regulations, BS 476: Parts 20 & 22 can no longer be used as fire test evidence to CE and/or UKCA mark an external fire rated doorset.

Whilst BS EN 16034 was first published in October 2014, it didn’t become a harmonised standard available for use as CE mark evidence until 1st November 2016.

As with all new standards, there is a co-existence period in which current standards run alongside the new standard which lasted for three years ending on the 1st November 2019.

As for internal fire rated doorsets and screens we still wait for the BS EN 14351-2 ‘Product standard, performance characteristics.

Internal pedestrian doorsets.’ To

be cited in the Official Journal of European Union (OJEU) which was expected to be published in November/December 2019.

This means that it is currently not possible to CE and/or UKCA mark internal fire rated doorsets and screens until the harmonisation of this standard occurs. Products can still be tested to achieve stated performance and covered by third party means such as Certifire.

MB-78EI DPA – Automatic Sliding Firedoors

As aluminium remains the most widely specified material for commercial windows, doors and curtain wall, it should come as no surprise that as a leading European systems company, Aluprof offer a comprehensive range of fire rated systems.

With an 86mm frame depth, the new glazed window and door system, MB-86EI can achieve class EI15, EW30, EI30, according to BS EN 13501-2:2016. Complete with polyamide thermal breaks, the door system is ideal for use in both external or internal applications. Doorsets can be manufactured with both fixed lights and opening, single or double doors, in a single outerframe to be UKCA marked, but it must be remembered that external coupled screen assemblies cannot be UKCA marked to BS EN 16034:2014.

Furthermore, in what is believed

to be a first for the UK industry, a cap-less, fire rated curtain wall system is available and has been installed on a refurbishment development in Manchester. The project, known as ‘The Core’, is located at 24-30 Brown Street in the city centre and uses the ‘MBSR50N EI EFEKT’ developed by Aluprof. A fire rating of EI60 was required on part of the new capless, curved glass facade on the top floor. Aluprof’s new system, MB-SR50N EI EFEKT, enabled the architect to have a cap-less fire rated system whilst at the same time seamlessly blending in with areas which did not require a fire rating.

The Aluprof brochure entitled, ‘Fire Rated and Smoke Exhaust Systems’, explains in detail each product and rating. Aluprof systems offer some of the highest fire protection ratings in Europe, some reaching EI120 – that’s two hours fire and smoke protection. Each system has been tested according to European industry standards with various specialist glasses and many are fully covered by the UK’s ‘Certifire’ certificate of approval.

With the emergence of the separate UKCA and UKNI marking it is advisable that you contact Aluprof for further technical advice when specifying for use in the UK and Northern Ireland.

Since setting up the Aluprof Office at the Business Design Centre in London, the company has rapidly grown their specification influence in the UK with their high performance architectural aluminium systems. Further expansion of the company’s headquarters in Altrincham now provides specifiers with meeting facilities and an extensive showroom of commercial systems to view. With overseas growth across Europe spreading into the Middle East and firm roots already in the East of the USA, the company is becoming a global player in facade supply. Further information is available on the company’s website. www.aluprof.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 57

MACHINERY

Stocked Machinery From Haffner Murat Machinery experts Haffner Murat Ltd has confirmed their popular SBA-2 and SBA-4 machining centres are now available from stock with rapid delivery into fabricators. Dave Thomas, Managing Director at Haffner Murat, explains: “Due to the completion of our new state-of-the-art purpose-built factory in Istanbul, Turkey, we have rapidly increased our manufacturing output. This has resulted in two of our most popular machining centres now being available from stock, which supports the growing demand from customers looking to bring high-quality automation into their businesses.”

The SBA-2 and SBA-4 machines are the stalwarts of Haffner Murat’s expanding machine portfolio with features and developments purposely designed to support fabricators’ businesses at every level. The machines are available with routing and sawing stations 58 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

that can be mixed and matched to meet precise individual requirements. Every element of the machines has been designed to improve production quality and accuracy and allows fabricators to scale up or down their output as demand dictates.

Dave said: “To put the demand for automated manufacturing into context, we have been consistently selling automated packages since our return to work following the first lockdown. This not only shows the demand for our machines but demonstrates how fabricators are investing in their businesses for the immediate and longer-term. Having two of our most popular machines available from stock, will certainly help support the growing demand for our products.”

Fabricators looking to invest in machine automation have also been boosted by the Govern-

ment’s new super-deduction initiative. From 1st April 2021 until 31st March 2023, companies investing in qualifying new plant and machinery will be able to claim a 130% super-deduction capital allowance, cutting tax bills by up to 25p for every £1.00 invested. Dave said: “With the launch of the new Government initiative, there has never been a better time to invest in machinery.

Since this proposal was announced, we have already witnessed a further surge of interest as fabricators look to invest.”

The SBA-2 and SBA-4 machining centres have been setting the standard in automation machinery for many years. With the machines now being available from stock and the incentive to invest from the Government, there has never been a better time for fabricators to capitalise on the benefits Haffner’s automation can bring.

SBA-2 & SBA-4 Machining Centres –

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Designed to support fabricators’ businesses at every level

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• Routing & Sawing station can be mixed and matched to precise individual requirements

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MACHINERY

First Emmegi R6I Machine Installed In UK Just a few months after the installation of the first Emmegi 4m Comet R4I 5 axis CNC machine in the UK, Emmegi (UK) has now also completed the installation of the first, larger Comet R6I version.

That machine has gone into Charles Henshaw & Sons, the Edinburgh-based façade specialists, who manufacture both aluminium and steel curtain walling and integrated façades.

Like so many fabricators, Henshaw is experiencing an increase in demand on commercial projects across the UK, so has made the investment in order to expand its manufacturing capabilities.

The Emmegi Comet R6I arrives in Edinburgh.

Three years ago, Henshaw had invested in a heavy duty 10.5m Emmegi Satellite XT 5-axis machining centre to cut and prep 60 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

oversized curtain walling profiles and bespoke elements; and has been impressed by the quality and durability of that machine.

The mobile gantry on the Satellite enables different workpieces to be machined at the same time in two separate work areas, or one end loaded and unloaded while the machine is operating at the other.

The Comet R6I offers many of the same opportunities for production efficiencies as the Satellite XT, with single or double zone modes which allow for machining either a single 6m bar length or multiple shorter lengths.

The I in the R6I model means that the machine offers ‘Independent’ positioning of the servo-controlled vices. That means when the electrospindle is operating, the machine can be automatically setting up the vices ready for machining in the next area and this obviously has the potential to save signifi-

Installation complete of the first Emmegi Comet R6I in the UK at Charles Henshaw & Sons in Edinburgh.

cant amounts of operator time.

The Comet R6I can machine bar lengths up to 6m, machining from -15° to 90° on the horizontal axis and a full 360° forwards and backwards on the vertical axis across all the profile faces. It has a 12-piece tool magazine on the gantry that can hold a blade with a maximum diameter of 250mm for cutting and notching large sections and a guaranteed fast changeover time. It also has a mobile worktable for easy loading and unloading which increases the machinable section on the vertical axis as well.

The R6I at Henshaw has also been installed with a fully soundproofed cabinet to minimise noise levels in the factory.

Graham Chung, Henshaw Managing Director, commented: “We chose the Emmegi Comet R6I as a natural upgrade on our current CNC machine and it is fully deliv-

MACHINERY

Roseview Levels Up

With Kombimatec Machining Centres

The Emmegi Comet R6I arrives in Edinburgh.

ering on our criteria to advance our manufacturing capabilities.

Although there are other CNC machines similar to the Comet R6I on the market, we decided to go with Emmegi as we have had a long and prosperous relationship with Emmegi UK. This further investment, only 3 years after the installation of the Emmegi Satellite CNC, is a reflection on our expanding order book and the increase in demand for our products and services on a UK nationwide basis.”

Ian Latimer, Emmegi UK’s Managing Director, said demand for machining centres has remained strong throughout the pandemic.

He commented: “There’s certainly no lack of confidence in the market. We’re seeing fabricators right across the UK making really significant investments in machinery – partly to keep pace with demand and cope with the limitations imposed by social distancing in their factories, but largely because they want to optimise their efficiency in the way that Henshaw has done ready for when the market returns to something like normal.”

More details at: https://bit.ly/3scx6ha

Roseview has bolstered the production of its Rose Collection of heritage, PVC-U sash windows with the addition of a second AMC602 machining centre from Kombimatec.

For Roseview, the addition of a second AMC602 machining centre has been essential in order to keep up with customer demand, and to maintain the exceptional production standards required for its flagship product.

Roseview’s production director, Tim Bygrave, explained: “Ultimate Rose is easily the most authentic, timber alternative sash window on the market, and our Kombimatec AMC602 machining centres form an integral part of its manufacture.

“We ordered a second machine in order to keep up with high levels of current and anticipated future demand. In fact, they’ve proved to be so popular with the production team here at Roseview, that we’ve named them Mario and Luigi after the Nintendo characters – they just get things done!”

The AMC602 machining centre is suitable for both PVC and aluminium profiles. Manufactured with a solid steel construction using high quality components, it incorporates ad-

vanced CNC control with CADCAM software which provides exceptional levels of precision and reliability during production.

As standard the AMC602 includes a wide range of features, such as 4 x controlled axes, adjustable pneumatic clamps, a 5.5Kw electro-spindle and an automatic tool change system. It also comes with a comprehensive options list, including a bar code reader, automatic clamp positioning, offline programming software, a larger tool cabinet, and a double workstation enabling manufacturers to tailor the machine to their exact requirements.

“Not only have our AMC602 centres proven to be very reliable, but we’ve also enjoyed first class support from David Parsons and his team at Kombimatec, from sales to installation, through to commissioning and operation,” continued Tim. “In the current climate, where the industry is experiencing exceptionally high levels of demand for premium and heritage style products, being able to rely on ‘Mario and Luigi’ for consistent, high quality output is invaluable. We really couldn’t be without them.” www.kombimatec.com WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 61

ON SITE

Spectus Vertical Sliding

Windows Fitted In Prestigious

New Build Development 77 Spectus Vertical Sliding windows have been manufactured and installed in the first phase of a new 900 home development in Holbeach, Lincolnshire. The prestigious Holbeach Meadow Development features a mixture of one-five-bedroomed homes and is designed and built by Ashwood Homes. The Spectus Vertical Sliding windows were specified for installation in the new executive five-bedroomed detached homes on this first-phase.

The new build project was awarded to Spectus’ fabricator Highseal Manufacturing Company based in Scunthorpe. The business operates under stringent CE Markings and BSi Kitemark standards ensuring their products meet Approved Document Q requirements.

The Spectus Vertical Sliding 62 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

windows were manufactured in anthracite grey on white with runthrough sash horns and chrome hardware for traditional styling.

Several sets of French doors were also manufactured in the Spectus Elite 70 system to complement the exacting specification of the new executive properties.

The popular Spectus Vertical Slider is a design-classic that sympathetically captures many of the key features of traditional window design combined with all the benefits of a modern-day window. This includes superb energy efficiency and smooth operating balance mechanisms that ensure ease of use for the homeowner.

Chloe King, Sales Manager at Ashwood Homes, said: “We specified sash windows on our five-bedroom executive homes to complement

the high-end traditional features of the properties. At the same time, we selected anthracite grey on white to provide a contemporary look and feel that is so popular with our customers.”

The experienced HighSeal team worked closely with the developers to ensure the windows and doors were installed to the exacting standards throughout the first phase. Chloe said: “The Highseal team were very professional and helpful. The attention to detail was superb, including undertaking any snagging that was needed.

We have been delighted with the quality of the windows and doors and feedback from our customers on the ease of operation has been excellent.”

Commenting on the new development, Holly Donaldson of Highseal Manufacturing Company, said: “We were pleased to have been involved in this first phase new build project. Holbeach Meadow is a superb development and we are looking forward to delivering on the remaining phases with them.” www.spectus.co.uk

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ON SITE

Blurred Lines The Renshaw family live in a beautiful arts & crafts-style house in Lymington, Hampshire. While their home was already large, the family wanted a new living space to blur the lines between their home and garden and add a contemporary twist to their home.

Their local Ultraframe Ultra Installer – Forest Edge Home Improvements – is located a stone’s throw from the property and they were able 64 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

to design a stunning Orangery-style extension using the newly-enhanced Classic Roof.

The Classic system benefited from a series of enhancements in January 2021, including the new Slimline Ridge which features on this project.

Explaining more about the project, homeowner Mrs Renshaw said: “We really wanted to enjoy the views of our garden by living on the back of our home and we decided that an Orang-

ery would be a beautiful way to do this. After meeting with James from Forest Edge Home Improvements, he showed us the new look Ultraframe Classic Roof, the Internal Pelmet system, and the external Cornice. Together, they allowed us to create the effect we wanted, but in a much more cost-efficient and contemporary way than a traditionally built Orangery.”

Forest Edge designed a con-

ON SITE temporary extension which is an impressive 8m wide.

Topped with a Classic Aluminium Roof in contemporary black, the extension also features a two-tier black Cornice.

The overall effect is that of a stunning, modern orangery that has become the hub of the home. Black aluminium bifolds span the full width of the extension, ensuring a seamless link to the garden and perfectly complementing the aluminium Classic Roof.

Commenting about the project, Ultraframe Marketing Director, Alex Hewitt, said: “This stunning installation by Forest Edge is the perfect example of how Classic – our original roof with a heritage of almost 40 years – can be the perfect choice for contemporary orangery extensions. The slimline ridge offers a completely different aesthetic to the usual large Classic radius end. Coupled with an aluminium finish to the roof and aluminium bifolds, it’s hard to believe that this ultra-modern roof is the industry’s longest established conservatory roof system. Of

course, we’ve been refining the system throughout the years, and the Slimline Ridge has brought it right up to date for today’s modern conservatory and extension requirements.”

As you’d expect, the Renshaw family is thrilled with their new living space, as Mrs Renshaw explained: “Not only have we gained a lot of extra square footage, but our new extension also has the wow factor due to the glass roof and bi-fold doors which let in lots of natural light, whatever the weather.

We love it and now spend all our time in the new room! The customer service from Forest Edge Home Improvements was excellent throughout and we would highly recommend them.”

Also launched for the Classic Roof in January 2021 in addition to the new Slimline Ridge are a Bi-Fold Support Beam, Super Bolster, Chambered Box Gutter and Enhanced Structural Design Guide. www.ultraframetrade.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 65

ON SITE

Successful © Jürgen Krall, Regensburg

Refurbishment Of Academy Of Fine Arts, Nuremberg Heritage conservation requirements often make the refurbishment of buildings that no longer meet contemporary standards a challenge. As they also did in the case of the Academy of Fine Arts in Nuremberg, considered to be an icon of modern postwar architecture. The appropriate renewal of its window façades was supported by using a warm edge spacer bar from SWISSPACER. The filigree look of the buildings was thus retained and the building’s energy balance significantly improved.

The roaring of lions or the screaming of monkeys can sometimes be heard in the distance. In close proximity to the zoo, set in woodland on the eastern edge of the city, is a 66 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

true gem for students of art: The Academy of Fine Arts, Nuremberg, is Germany’s oldest art university.

Sep Ruf, regarded as an important representative of modern post-war architecture in Germany, took part in a competition in 1950 to build the new academy and emerged the winner. On the basis of his design, a single-storey complex of pavilions, which are connected to each other via open arcades, was built on Bingstrasse. The pavilions accommodate studios, workshops and central facilities such as a library, canteen and administrative offices. They are arranged around greened courtyards and open spaces that can also be used for artistic work by the

students. Each of the buildings has a view of the surrounding forest and green spaces on the site, a view so generous that the transitions between indoors and outdoors blend into each other.

The visual lightness, minimal constructions, full-height glazed walls and slimline roofs are characteristic of the structures, which were listed as a cultural heritage site in 1988.

As the years went by, however, difficulties were presented by various aspects of the buildings, including the large windows.

During the winter months in particular, they created an unpleasant indoor climate and extremely high heating costs. The first step to counter this was successfully completed in 2020 with the necessary refurbishment of Pavilion 1.

The measures, which included the modernisation of the entire building technology, also involved the renovation of the steel and glass façades. The single glazing in the courtyard façades was also replaced with double-glazing units. “Our ob-

ON SITE

jective was to improve the energy performance of the building envelope, taking into account its heritage status,” explains Swantje Schröder, head of department at the State Building Authority for Erlangen-Nuremberg. “The new façades were also to match the existing windows in terms of their dimensions and profile sizes. This was the prerequisite for replacing the façades of the heritage listed building.”

Achieving the installation depth of the original elements of 80 mm required a large gap between the panes and thus an unusually sized warm edge spacer bar for the customised façade elements. It was to be 36 mm wide and white. The research for a suitable product ultimately led the planners to the Swiss manufacturer SWISSPACER: the company’s warm edge spacer bar SWISSPACER ULTIMATE is also available in the required width of 36 mm. It delivers a high degree of aesthetics and ensures excellent thermal insulation in the transitional area from glass to frame. An important advantage is its especially low thermal conductivity. The required uniform appearance can be obtained through the use of components certified by the Passive House Institute.

The company Saint-Gobain Glassolutions Objekt-Center in Radeburg manufactured the glass façade elements to fit perfectly by using the highly efficient warm edge spacer bar.

The appearance of the structures remains authentic and the building is assured of optimised thermal insulation and thus lower energy costs in the long term.

Glazerite

Installer Bahama Windows

Showcases Radiant R9 Install

Home Counties-based Bahama Windows and Conservatories has recently completed a Residence 9 installation using frames manufactured at fabricator Glazerite UK Group’s Specials Division.

The four-week job involved the replacement of over 30 wooden frames on a period property in Buckinghamshire, and also included the installation of French doors and a Solidor stable door.

The revision of other buildings on the site is planned to commence in 2021.

Bahama Windows and Conservatories’ owner, Paul Pixley says: “The new windows had to be in keeping with the area and like-forlike with the old wooden frames.

Because Residence 9 frames replicate the traditional look of timber, choosing this system meant the homeowner could get a close match to the original windows, coupled with the modern benefits and low maintenance nature of uPVC.”

More information at www.swisspacer.com

The homeowner chose Clotted Cream on both the exterior and

interior of the frame, and selected Monkey Tail handles for an authentic finish on the hardware.

Both they and Paul were delighted with the finished result.

The R9 install from Bahama Windows took place last autumn shortly after Glazerite introduced Timberweld® technology to the fabrication of its Residence 9 and Residence 7 products. Timberweld allows for greater efficiency in manufacturing and eases frame transportation for the customer as windows can be ordered unglazed, therefore removing the additional weight of bonded glass.

Bahama Windows, which has been established for 50 years, has worked with Glazerite for over a decade and regularly installs VEKA, Halo and Residence Collection windows. Now Paul is looking ahead to more R9 installs this year, having seen a recent increase in requests for flush sash windows across his patch. www.glazeritewindows.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 67

ON SITE

The Grange University Hospital features modular windows by Kawneer. Image courtesy of Michael Whitestone Photography

Kawneer Glazing Systems Help Hospital

Open Early For Covid Architectural glazing systems by UK manufacturer Kawneer that were installed off-site helped elements of a £350 million new hospital to finish almost a year ahead of schedule and help with the Covid crisis.

Kawneer’s AA®720 HI Reflex Plus windows were fabricated into precast sandwich panels at the main contractor’s off-site factory for installation at The Grange University Hospital at Llanfrechfa Grange in Gwent, South Wales.

The Kawneer windows were complemented by the manufacturer’s AA®100 zone-drained curtain walling with 50mm sightlines, and three types of entrance doors – AA®720s, AA®190 TBs and folding/sliding AA®3720s.

The windows featured both glazed and spandrel panels which were 68 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

thermally enhanced to comply with the thermal model, using a mineral wool core to comply with Building Regulations as well as providing bright colours for the façade in the form of orange face caps.

They also included feature pods designed by specialist sub-contractor and approved Kawneer installer/dealer Bennett Architectural Aluminium Solutions which were extruded by Kawneer at its factory in Runcorn, Cheshire.

Designed by architects BDP to BIM Level 4, the 560-bed Grange has already won two awards – Constructing Excellence Wales for Digital Construction and an Off-site Award. It comprises 11 operating theatres, one Cat 3 Laboratory, two MRI suites, two CT suites and an education block.

Previously known as the Specialist

and Critical Care Centre, it is the centre piece of a new model of healthcare delivery, serving more than 600,000 people, and will deal with all major emergencies, including the Covid pandemic, as well as 40 specialist services, with a helicopter pad for patients who need to arrive by air ambulance.

Careful modelling of staff and patient flows in the design phase allows early streaming to a point of care and access to timely and expert care. This is supported by dedicated circulation systems for front-of-house and back-of-house services, enhancing patient privacy.

Designed to be flexible, adaptable and expendable, the 55,000m2 hospital’s universal rooms allow operational flexibility and blurring of departmental boundaries to deal with changing demand.

Beds were released 30% earlier than the original programme through productivity efficiencies during the Covid crisis while the DfMA (MMC) approach saved 237,000 working hours – equivalent to a 23% overall planned programme saving.

ON SITE In addition, 821 precast columns and 1,200 precast wall modules were installed, representing 85% and 95% working hours savings respectively.

Victoria Head, project director of project and cost managers Gleeds, said: “With the best will in the world, fundamentally, had this been a traditional build with the same start date [2017] we would not have been in a position to offer support to this national pandemic and the NHS.

Taking Care Of

The Commercial

Sector With R7

“We’ve always been proud of the MMC involved at the Grange and the programme savings which it offered compared to a traditional build, but never have the benefits been more apparent than during this crisis.”

BDP lead designer Adrian Hitchcock said: “We have used Kawneer systems on multiple projects.

Familiarity with their products from previous successful use is a positive. Demonstrating compliance is important and Kawneer do this.”

Work on the build involved careful segregation fully endorsed by infection and building control and fire officers.

Rob Bennett, pre-construction director for Bennett Architectural Aluminium Solutions, said: “The hospital was a compelling case for the use of DfMA in large-scale healthcare construction projects, even opening far ahead of schedule to treat patients during the pandemic.

“Kawneer products were specified due to the company’s experience with Bennett’s in delivering extensive offsite construction projects in the healthcare sector.”

Judith Paget, chief executive of the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said: “It will help us to create a much improved care environment, timely access to emergency care, and ensure patients get the best outcomes from their care.”

R7 windows and doors from The Residence Collection were recently supplied by their manufacturing partner, Frametrade and installed

by The Nottingham Window Company at Graysford Hall, a new luxury care home in the suburbs of Leicester.

The project involved the installation of 130 R7 windows and 30 R7 doors with a Painswick exterior and a clean Chalk White internal finish. Both top and side hung windows with opening restrictors featured throughout, along with open in and open out doors, featuring a sash mullion for architectural detailing.

R7 was specified on the project for its premium finish, energy efficiency credentials and enhanced security. Glass specifications were double glazed units with 6.8mm laminated glass, warm edge spacer bar and argon gas, along with Kenrick hardware.

Ian Newcombe, sales and mar-

keting director of both Frametrade and The Nottingham Window Company commented: ‘The client was in firm agreement that R7 would be the perfect window and door solution for the Graysford Hall project with a flush finish inside and out. The overall window and door designs look premium as does the performance of these products and we’re thrilled with the end result.’

Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director of The Residence Collection added: ‘Most people think of The Residence Collection as a purely retail-orientated brand, when in fact our product specifications are perfectly suited to the commercial market. R7 is the perfect choice and with 7 chambers and 7 different substrates, it’s a product platform packed with unique features.’ www.frametrade.co.uk https://bit.ly/3d9SI9Q WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 69

MARKETING

Social Selling, All You Need To Know

From Freefoam Freefoam Building Products has released a new document of guidelines to help roofline and cladding installers promote their business and services on social media.

Spending even just a small amount on advertising through social media channels can make your content and posts go a long way. It’s a very powerful tool to showcase your business to local homeowners while they are browsing Facebook or Instagram.

But many installers find it daunting to run their own Facebook and Instagram adverts, so Freefoam have developed a step by step guide with all the information business owners will need to get started.

The document includes details of each stage of setting up adverts, from information about a free online Facebook course, ideas on how to target an audience to make 70 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

sure adverts reach the people who will be interested in a particular service, tips on adding tracking code so that Facebook shows adverts to the right people and advice on scheduling to ensure adverts are shown when the chosen audience are most likely to see them.

And that’s not all! Freefoam are also developing short snappy videos of each stage to show installers exactly what to do. Louise Sanderson UK Marketing Manager explained “ Using our experience we find that the combination of a document to follow and videos to illustrate different techniques are the best way of sharing this information with installers.”

Being able to promote and sell your business on social media is essential in today’s market. Homeowners look at Facebook and Instagram every day. Having adverts to showcase roofline and cladding

work, while they are browsing, is a really powerful tool. Freefoam are committed to giving help and support to it’s network of Registered Installers and want to make sure all installation companies have the tools to capitalise on this opportunity.

The document will be emailed directly to all installers, be included in newsletters and be available to download from freefoam.com. The series of videos will be posted on Freefoam social media platforms and available to refer to on YouTube.

The Registered Installer Scheme is part of Freefoam’s comprehensive support package for all home improvement companies. Support on offer goes beyond great products and guarantees to help installers grow, with a comprehensive range of high quality consumer focused marketing literature, samples and colour swatches to help the decision making process and free pre-qualified leads generated from Freefoam’s consumer-facing websites myfascia.co.uk and mycladding.com.

If you are interested in becoming a Freefoam Registered Installer please go to https://bit.ly/3sdAEjo

MARKETING

ISO Chemie’s New

Webshop Opens Window and door foam tape sealants specialist ISO-Chemie has opened its new online store to enable UK customers to order products 24/7.

Accessible via an office PC, laptop, tablet or mobile device, the easy-to-use and versatile webshop – available at ISO-Chemie’s web portal – provides comprehensive application information and specification detail on the company’s extensive range of foam tape sealants and associated products such as

BIM services.

Products can be viewed and ordered at the touch of a button via an interactive display to save time and ensure accuracy. Associated documents are also available for

downloading and viewing while orders can be tracked.

In addition, ISO-Chemie offers planning, calculation and installation tools via its ISO-PORTAL. Specification documents, training videos and BIM-ready object data for products are also available to support designers and architects.

The ISO-Chemie webshop is part of ISO-Chemie’s BAUFAGE 4.0 concept, making the company’s 40th anniversary year. Marketing manager, Inge Knorn, said: “With our digital service we offer our customers the best possible support in planning and implementing their construction Projects. For us, this requires an efficient customer-focused ordering process.” www.shop.iso-chemie.eu

Epwin Window Systems

Launches Connect

Epwin Window Systems has launched Connect, a new integrated digital resource centre designed to help its customers make the most of their partnership with the systems company.

Gerald Allen, Marketing Manager at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Our customers have access to a wealth of cutting-edge business, technical, commercial and marketing support and the new Connect digital platform brings all these elements and more together in one integrated resource centre.”

Recognising the importance of new technology to realign support services, Connect has purposely been designed to help fabricators and installers access the vast range of business support available and in doing so, help them drive sales, grow profit and simplify the access points.

The fully integrated resource platform connects all the various business support elements for a superior user experience. The level of detail within the platform is exemplary and offers the industry’s most comprehensive fabricator and installer support package to enhance, create and source a range of services across all business areas, claims the company.

This includes sections highlighting all the marketing support that is available, including everything from image libraries to bespoke creative services and brochure downloads. Technical documentation is available on all Epwin Window Systems’ products and a section on the support for commercial fabricators, including information on becoming an Approved Commercial Manufacturer to unlock further opportunities.

There are details on the various affiliate programs and exclusive discounts that customers can

tap into from the various Epwin Windows Systems’ approved industry partners.

Gerald said: “Epwin Window Systems’ scale means we can give our customers a great deal of added value over and above our industry-leading window and door systems. The Connect portal reveals just how comprehensive that support is and delivers exclusive opportunities to add real value to their businesses.”

Connect works across desktop, mobile and tablet so Epwin Window Systems customers can access all the information they need 24/7. www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 71

MARKETING

Brand It With

Deceuninck Purplex Sees Record Month

For Client

It also presents the option to contact Deceuninck’s supplier for an individual quote.

Vetted Leads Industry marketing agency Purplex says it had a record month in January for vetted leads for its clients.

Clients have seen an 89% YOY increase in vetted leads, which is an 11% increase on its previous record month last June, and this helped clients achieve a whopping 197% of their overall targets.

Purplex measures vetted completed contact forms on client’s websites and analyses results daily before reporting back to them on genuine leads.

Adi Day, Purplex’s Digital Director, said: “Where some marketing agencies will report on goal competitions, such as brochure downloads to page visits, we focus on genuine vetted leads.

“Our consultative approach working with clients marketing channels combined with our in-depth industry knowledge from managing almost 170 clients in the industry means we can generate the best results.”

Purplex MD Andrew Scott commented: “What a month we’ve had for our clients, and with the last two weeks of January being the busiest for leads there’s no sign of a slowdown. www.purplexmarketing.com 72 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

Deceuninck has launched Brand It, a dedicated online resource that allows its customers to create a comprehensive range of bespoke, professionally branded marketing materials.

With the Brand It website, Deceuninck’s customers can access templates for brochures, pull up banners, and A1 posters, plus a range of showroom and point of sale marketing material that includes flags, business cards and even van graphics.

Accessed via an individual login, users can either upload their own photography or they can take advantage of Deceuninck’s in-house, high quality library of product and installation images, which can then be personalised with individual company logos and contact information.

Once designs have been finalised, customers are able to pay directly through the Brand It website and receive the delivery straight to their doorstep.

For more complex orders, for example if businesses require custom showroom display graphics, colour boards or window display stands, then Brand

Carol Hearn, Deceuninck’s Marketing Manager, said: “In a competitive marketplace, it’s more important than ever for customers to have access to professionally produced, good looking brochures and impactful marketing material.

“Brand It is such a powerful tool because it gives companies full control over the design and delivery of that material,” she continued.

“For instance, if you want to create a brochure or A1 poster for your company, it’s simply a case of opening a template, then selecting and dropping in your images and company branding. It’s as easy as that.

There is also no requirement to liaise with a third party for design, proofs or payment, which can create delays and increase the chance of errors being made.

“In developing Brand It, we’ve ensured that the whole process of creating marketing materials, from layout to delivery, is as streamlined, efficient and intuitive as possible,” concluded Carol.

If you would like to access Brand It, or would like more information on how to take advantage of its range of features visit www.deceuninck.co.uk

MARKETING

sell.”

GGF Launches New Digital Marketing Toolkit For Members The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has launched its new Digital Marketing Toolkit which will help GGF Members promote their businesses using the latest digital technology.

The new Toolkit, devised by the GGF Marketing team and web development agency SLX Marketing, consists of 12 modules supported by video tutorials and downloadable presentations.

The Toolkit covers the full spectrum of digital marketing from planning to measurement, content and lead generation through to social media, audience growth, search engine marketing and customer service.

On the launch of the Digital Marketing Toolkit, James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs said, “I am delighted that this toolkit is now available for GGF Members to use to promote and grow their businesses.

The idea and impetus for this new Members’ benefit came

from the Members of the GGF’s Marketing and Communications Committee who have helped guide and refine the project over the last few months. My thanks go to those GGF Members and of course SLX Marketing for helping to deliver this exciting new innovation.”

SLX Marketing presented a preview webinar at GGF Members’ Day in October 2020 which demonstrated the necessity and effectiveness of digital marketing. On producing the project, Graham Hansell, SLX Managing Director said: “With the “re-opening” and re-building of the UK economy, there’s rarely been a better time to put digital marketing at the centre of your business. It has never been more essential to engage with customers using the digital tools, because businesses everywhere are operating in a new norm and a restricted environment. Digital has become the main communication channel, to reach, communicate, engage and

James Lee added, “In the current trading environment and with the challenges ahead, can companies afford not to use digital marketing to best effect? Companies need to reach their customers online like never before. The GGF Digital Marketing Toolkit will provide quick and easy solutions for those who have yet to really embrace digital marketing but will also be a useful reference point for companies who are using digital marketing technology to great effect but may be looking to improve their online presence even more.”

Going forward, the GGF is planning to hold digital marketing workshop webinars in May and August (dates to be confirmed) where Members can ask questions on the Toolkit and Digital Marketing generally.

In the meantime, if Members have any digital marketing queries then a feedback form has been added to the Toolkit homepage, to enable Members to share their views and queries of the Toolkit.

The Digital Marketing Toolkit is an exclusive benefit for GGF Members and though the content has been valued at over £1000 by the Digital Course Director of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, the benefit is included in GGF Members’ subscriptions.

The Toolkit can only be accessed via the Members Area of the GGF website ggf.org. uk, however for non-members, the GGF has produced a promotional video on YouTube to highlight the scope and features of this Members’ benefit.

You can see the promo video by clicking on this link: GGF Digital Marketing Toolkit WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021 73

CHARITY

Glazerite Chairman And Charity Founder Thanks Big-Hearted Industry For Overwhelming Support ship through to the well wishes and messages we received on our journey. It shows how big-hearted, caring and generous this industry is.”

When Glazerite UK Group’s Chairman John Hewitt and a group of friends and family set off on an epic 1,000-mile cycle ride last summer, the team – nicknamed Kelly’s Heroes – were hoping to raise £20,000 for the charity, We Mind & Kelly Matters. Seven months on however and the 12-strong team, who cycled from John O’Groats to Land’s End in just two weeks, have smashed the original target to raise a staggering £130,267.56.

We Mind & Kelly Matters seeks to raise awareness of mental illness and support those affected by suicide and bereavement in Northamptonshire. Generous donations and sponsorship flooded in from across the fenestration industry and beyond, including support from headline sponsor VEKA, as well as All Things Business, Anglo European Group, Benchmark Kitchens and Joinery, Business Micros, Blinds in Glass, Central RPL, Dufeu IT Solutions, Fountains Complimentary Therapies, Grosvenor Group, Glazerite, Haffner, Hevey Building Supplies, Independent Network, HiTech Blinds, Maypine Civils, Mews Windows, Snowdon Homes, Travis Perkins and Transformation for Life.

John has been overwhelmed with the huge support shown by the industry, and says: ”We are immensely grateful to everyone who supported us on the challenge, from the donations and sponsor74 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2021

Glazerite supplier DOORCO has also thrown its weight behind We Mind & Kelly Matters with a number of initiatives, including its Pink Door campaign. 20% of all door blanks sold from the four-door range, which have been created in Kelly’s favourite colour, are being donated to We Mind & Kelly Matters, with over £350 donated so far. In addition, DOORCO’s founders Jayne and Dan Sullivan’s 12-year-old son Raf has undertaken an incredible fundraising effort in the form of a 117km run and cycle challenge to raise money for We Mind & Kelly Matters. Raf, who has already raised over £10,000, can be sponsored here: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/RafsTriptoWales John adds: ”We’re so overwhelmed and delighted to have

been able to raise so much and to be able to put it all towards educating people on mental health issues and suicide prevention. The money raised means We Mind & Kelly Matters has been able to roll out a number of new services for 2021, including a live text chat service for people in mental health crisis, and community support in Northamptonshire’s schools and workplaces.

“2020 was a tough year for everyone. It’s our aim to help as many people as possible and do as much as we can and it’s thanks to the support we’ve received from the industry and the incredible fundraising efforts of people like Raf Sullivan that we are able to continue to do so.”

We Mind & Kelly Matters has a number of fundraising activities being planned for 2021 and 2022, with John adding: “We’ve got some amazing events coming up including a World Record attempt, so watch this space!”

GM Fundraising Moves

Peak, Paddle, Pedal To 2022

GM Fundraising has announced its 2021 Peak, Paddle, Pedal charity event to raise money for Hope House Children’s Hospices has been further postponed until 2022.

Gary Morton, the founder of GM Fundraising, said: “Having already postponed our scheduled 2020 event back to 2021 due to the pandemic, we are disappointed to reschedule again. With pandemic restrictions still in place, this has prohibited the ability to undertake the team’s extensive one:one

training programme that is needed for such an event. In light of this situation and the short timeframe to raise funds, we feel it was the sensible and responsible thing to do.”

The 12 members of the Peak, Paddle, Pedal team will now climb Snowdon, canoe 150 miles down the length of the River Severn and cycle 150 miles back to Hope House in Oswestry from 30th July, 2022. www.gmfundraising.co.uk

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