New Dates For The FIT Show 4
High Praise For Stellar 43
Senior’s Supply Chain Success 65
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Cover picture: THE SolarFrame and SOL Conservatory LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS Roofs have seen no setbacks from the Coronavirus pandemic, read more on page 24
WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 3
TRADE NEWS
New Dates For
The FIT Show
FIT Show organisers have announced new dates for its 2021 event, postponing the fenestration industry’s flagship UK event from May until September 2021. FIT Show will return to the NEC from Sunday 26th - Tuesday 28th September 2021 with organisers having secured a new, safer timeline in the Birmingham venue’s heavily disrupted schedule. The announcement follows a period of unprecedented uncertainty due to the ongoing global impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. Organisers have taken proactive steps to move FIT Show into a safer timeline in the Autumn of 2021. Speaking about the decision to postpone FIT Show until later in the industry calendar, event director Nickie West said: “It will come as little surprise to many that we have been in constant communication with the NEC to ensure a safe event which delivers the best possible ROI for our exhibitors, 4 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
and the best experience for our visitors.
“The decision to postpone FIT Show 2021 from May until September is a proactive step that we have made in order to create a more realistic timeline for the industry to work towards. We know that there is an insatiable appetite to get back to face-to-face business. “We have taken many factors into consideration as part of this process, including the likely surge in demand for summer holidays and the 2022 Fensterbau timeline. We believe that FIT Show in the Autumn of 2021 will come at just the right time for the industry, steering the ship to reflect the industry’s V-shaped recovery. “The new dateline will see us open the show on a Sunday for the first time. This will create an ideal opportunity for busy installers to visit over the weekend if they are unable to attend during the week. This is something we have been asked
to consider by our stakeholders in the past and an initiative we believe to be right for 2021.” Organisers have confirmed that FIT Show will revert to its usual May slot in 2023, following a biennial pattern thereafter. Nickie concluded: “The additional time that we now have before the show provides an opportunity to explore new content and feature ideas to enhance our proposition. We are already exploring new product focuses, such as our outdoor living feature, and will be implementing new hybrid event features that will extend the value of the show above and beyond the three physical days of the event. We are excited to announce these plans over the coming months. “I cannot wait to get back to FIT, reconnect with the industry, faceto-face, and see all of the latest products up close and in the flesh. FIT Show really is the main event where people come to see the best in the industry, to allow them to be the best in the business.” FIT Show is the UK’s number one, award-winning showcase for the glass, glazing, window, door, hardware and components industry. FIT Show will return to the NEC 26 - 28 September 2021, Halls 17, 18 & 19.
TRADE NEWS
Victorian Sliders Remains Open For Business
Throughout Lockdown 3 New Quickslide
Vehicles Victorian Sliders will be continuing to operate as normal throughout the UK’s third national coronavirus lockdown unless government guidance changes. Over the last twelve months, the Ammanford firm has adapted well to the COVID crisis, and for its 200+ staff, social distancing and other COVID-safe practises have become second nature. The company continued to work through the November lockdown without incident, after implementing some of the most stringent COVID-prevention measures in UK fenestration. Before coming on site and at each breaktime, all staff have to be screened with heat sensor cameras, facial recognition cameras, and have to answer a questionnaire about their health and any symptoms which they access by scanning a QR code with their phone. Group Managing Director Andy Jones comments: “Lockdown is far from ideal for any business, but thanks to the professionalism of our team, we’ve not just coped with them before, but managed to work through two to achieve the most successful year in our history. “By the end of 2020, we’d man-
aged to make a staggering 83,000 windows, 24.5% more pro rata than in 2019, even with the restrictions. “Crucially, the government’s guidelines allow installers to continue to operate in people’s homes throughout the current lockdown in England, Wales and Northern Ireland – although the Scottish government has banned everything except essential maintenance to utilities. “Ultimately, I expect some consumers will continue to make purchases and have installations, while others will postpone until the most vulnerable people have been vaccinated. “Trade counters are also allowed to stay open throughout the UK, and I’m confident that business will remain steady despite the greater restrictions. “We look forward to continuing to serve our thousands of loyal customers across Britain throughout this difficult period.” All information correct at the time of publishing. For more information visit www.victoriansliders.co.uk or call 01269 846200.
Deliver
Quickslide has bolstered the capacity of its nationwide fleet with the addition of four, brand new DAF 290CF 18-ton boxed vehicles, the latest in a series of investments by the West Yorkshire fabricator as it looks to continually improve the quality of its service and infrastructure. The new vehicles, which are linked to Quickslide’s EvoNET business management system, will introduce an even greater level of customer service to the fabricator’s nationwide customer base. EvoNET communicates directly with the vehicles’ TomTom satellite navigation system to provide the most efficient delivery route for the day and allows customers to keep track of their orders through automatic text message and email alerts, allowing them to plan their daily workloads more effectively. Representing a combined outlay of almost half a million pounds, the vehicles feature built in glass racks, 6-way cameras – including cameras located internally to monitor cargo – upgraded lighting and sign writing and the latest tail lifts that are designed to be tucked neatly away when not in use. www.quickslide.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 5
TRADE NEWS
Certass Trade Association chair, Jon Vanstone
Remote Selling
Only For Installers Installers can only sell remotely during the National lockdown, Certass Trade Association has confirmed. Certass Trade Association has been working with Government to get clarity on as many questions from members as possible regarding what is and isn’t allowed during lockdown. After confirmation that installations can still be carried out in homes, most questions from installers were about sales visits. Jon Vanstone, Chair at Certass Trade Association, says: “We have done our research and now have clarity on the information for installers when they are selling. “Over the Christmas break, updates 6 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
were made to the tier system with the information specifying that: ‘Door-to-door sales should not be taking place, and sales activities should be conducted remotely (such as by phone, online, or mail)’. It should be noted that Government’s definition of door-to-door sales includes ‘the sale of goods and services to customers at: their home, their workplace or another individual’s home,’ so this applies to organised sales visits and not just ‘door canvassing’. “The rules of the National lockdown have built upon the tier system, and we have had confirmation that this guidance is now in place for the lockdown period.
“However, as replacement windows and doors are a bespoke product which requires a survey of the property prior to definitive quoting, surveys can still take place in the home. Strict COVID-19 Secure Procedures should be followed during surveys to protect teams and homeowners.” Certass Trade Association members can access a complete COVID-19 Secure Procedures Guide from their members area. Where, for example, colour samples are required for the decision-making process, these must be left with consumers and returned by COVID Secure methods, with special consideration given to contamination procedures on delivery and return. Jon adds: “We have also produced a Remote Selling Guide in partnership with Balls2 Marketing, with advice, tips and information to help with the remote selling process. This is available to download from our website.” www.certass.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
Don’t Miss This
January Sale
Rapierstar’s Technical Consultant Mark Calpin (left) at IFI with Jason Hutchings, IFI National Sales Manager.
10-Year IFI-Rapierstar
Partnership There’s one very special bargain on offer in this year’s January sales, in the form of a onemonth free trial of the brandnew TOUCH Vendor remote sales and ordering software from the Business Micros Group. Installers simply need to head over to the TOUCH store at https://bm-touch.co.uk/installer, add the software to their basket and they can try it out for a whole month without being charged. Paul Callaghan, Managing Director of group company The Consultancy, which has been responsible for all the front-end design of TOUCH Vendor, says it’s exactly what installers need to set themselves up perfectly for 2021. He explains: “TOUCH Vendor is the first product to be released built on our new TOUCH software platform, which is set to transform the trade and retail markets over the course of this
year. Installers can get on board with us now, with no cost and no risk, and see for themselves just what a fantastic addition this could be to their business.” TOUCH Vendor gives installers their very own lead-generation window designer to add to their website, a tool for managing and pricing up quotes and the facility for both remote and face to face selling. Created by the biggest names in fenestration software, it uses industry standard data throughout and doesn’t tie users to any single supplier. The new TOUCH store is packed with information about all the clever features which make TOUCH Vendor truly installer-friendly, and there are downloadable guides on there and ‘live’ demos to show exactly how it works. The free trial runs for a month from the date that the installer signs up for the software. More details are at: https://bm-touch.co.uk/installer
Drives Service,
Quality And
Choice UK hardware distributor IFI is celebrating a decade as a supply partner for Rapierstar fasteners, which are used for window and door manufacturing and installation, as well as in timber and general construction.
The Cambridgeshire based company, which is the longest established trading division of Rapidrop Global, has been supplying products to window professionals for over 25 years. From its 30,000 sq. ft national distribution centre in Peterborough, IFI delivers UK-wide on a next day delivery service, utilising its own delivery fleet and a network of national freight carriers, and supplies the complete range of Rapierstar products. www.rapierstar.com WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 7
TRADE NEWS one anticipated. The time at home seemed to make people re-evaluate how and where they lived, which meant installers and suppliers were quickly busy. Like most manufacturers, and in fact all businesses, we have had to adapt how we work. We’ve put Covid compliance at the heart of everything to keep staff and customers safe. For the staff who didn’t have to come into work, like customer services and business development, we have put in place systems for them to work from home. Our manufacturing side adapted quickly to keep staff as safe as possible while trying to ensure there was minimal disruption to manufacturing once lockdown restrictions were eased
Raising The Roof: Can High Levels Of
Demand Continue Into 2021? Owen Thorogood, sales and marketing director for Kestrel, looks back the turbulent months of 2020 and asks whether 2021 will see continued growth for construction. Looking back to the start of 2020, feels like a lifetime ago, up until 24 March who had even heard the word furlough let alone knew what it meant? As the country plunged into lockdown, there was a real sense of fear because none 8 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
of us have been through anything like this before. It was an incredibly difficult time for us all as we watched the public health crisis unfold, wreaking havoc on people’s lives and livelihoods. When the time came for Kestrel to start to reopen, we couldn’t have predicted how busy we would be after the lockdown. The pent-up demand for houses and home improvements was far greater than any-
As we look to 2021, the vaccination programme is obviously a game changer but there are many challenges ahead which makes it hard to predict if high levels of demand will continue beyond the first quarter of 2021. We know that the Stamp Duty holiday is set to end along with the current Help to Buy scheme in March 2021. However, with a new Help to Buy scheme starting in April 2021, and the latest lockdown restrictions adding to the argument for an extension to the Stamp Duty holiday, we wouldn’t expect demand to fall off a cliff. That said, if there’s one thing that 2020 has taught us it’s to expect the unexpected and there will no doubt be a few twists and turns as the year unfolds. Whatever 2021 brings, we can reassure our customers and installers that Kestrel has processes and procedures in place to ensure that we can maintain supply to stockists across the UK.
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Carl F Groupco
Boosts Buffer Stocks For Brexit Worst case Brexit scenario preparations have been made at Carl F Groupco to protect hardware supply, including a 25% increase in stock levels. The company has liaised with its major EU manufacturer partners including FUHR and Roto to ensure buffer stock to support sales. An additional 600,000 Euros of FUHR and Roto stock has been sourced and delivered before Christmas to avoid issues at the ports in January. Carl F Groupco observes that all hardware supply chains are under pressure globally, not just EU based manufacturers, due to a post lockdown boom, shipping
challenges and delays at ports for products from the Far East. Commenting on the rigorous pre Brexit plans made by Carl F Groupco, Managing Director, John Crittenden said: “Unfortunately, we are not immune to what you hear on the news, but supporting our customers’ production requirements through Brexit has 100% of our focus. We have all the necessary licences in place with our transport partners and HMRC to ensure we can clear customs without delay and our logistics providers are confident they are prepared. For UK supplied products including ASSA/Yale, MACO, Hoppe and Siegenia, we plan to add additional stock of high
volume products. If for any reason we do not have stock of requested hardware, we will look to offer a suitable alternative. “ Additional racking was installed ahead of the first Brexit deadline in anticipation of increased stock holding and lorries arrived almost daily during December at Carl F Groupco’s distribution centres in Peterborough and Cumbernauld to ensure shelves were stacked and prepared for 2021. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk Twitter: @Carl_F_Groupco
Second Luna R Investment For Epwin Window Systems Epwin Window Systems has taken delivery of its second Luna R automatic profile lamination machine, which further increases the company’s foiling capacity. Clare O’Hara, Managing Director at Epwin Window Systems, said: “This latest investment will support the continuing growth for our coloured products by reducing set up times, increasing product output and delivering superb product accuracy.” The innovative Luna R machine offers the best in lamination technology with an automatic set-up allowing Epwin Window Systems to efficiently scale-up their foiling capacity in line with demand. The machine’s flexibility and intelligent 10 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
technology can wrap even the most complex of profiles whilst delivering exceptional product quality, claims the company. The six-figure investment in the Luna R machine is part of Epwin Window Systems’ long-term strategic plan and continuing investment in colour technology. Clare said: “With colour being a key driver in architecture, we introduced our new Colour Collection earlier in
2020. This Collection reflected the latest trends in colours across our PVC-U systems with a range of traditional, contemporary, metallics and designer-influenced hues.” “The demand for our coloured products has risen exponentially and has resulted in this latest investment to ensure we can offer a competitive, high-quality offer to our customers throughout 2021.” www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
Anglo European
Confirms Strong Reinforcement Stocks As Global Steel Shortage Reaches Crisis Point Anglo European Group, supplier of galvanised frame reinforcement for window and door fabricators, has responded to mounting reports of a global crisis in the supply of steel, by assuring its customers that the company has taken significant steps to guarantee stocks for at least 6 months, with negotiations continuing for the third quarter of 2021. Global shortages and consequent price increases have been caused by what has been called a ‘perfect storm’ in market conditions that include fluctuations caused by Covid-19 as well as international politics, a return to pre-pandemic automotive production volumes; and China becoming a nett importer of steel for the first time in a decade. Further, iron ore costs are at a nine-year high with both planned and emergency steel mill outages also contributing. Against this backdrop, the World Steel Association (www. worldsteel.org) whose members represent 85% of global steel production, predicts demand for finished steel to increase by 4.1% in 2021. Underlining these issues are increases in the global price of raw steel that will amount to almost 80% between September 2020 and April 2021. Anglo European Group CEO Paul Sullivan says that he and his team have been extremely concerned about the volatility in the steel sector for some time and have put plans in
CDW Systems
Adds The
Smart Alitherm Heritage Range
To Its Product Line
Paul Sullivan, Anglo European Group CEO
place to protect the company’s fabricator customers: “We have been supplying steel reinforcement to the UK window and door industry for more than 30 years and the current market conditions are without doubt the most volatile that we have experienced in that time,” explained Sullivan. “Core material price increases are substantial and changing daily, and these will have to be passed on as they take place,” he continued. “However, the key issue is continuity of supply. To ensure that our customers do not experience potentially severe disruption to their production output caused by shortages of steel reinforcement, we have secured supplies at least until July 31st 2021, with negotiations at an advanced stage for the second half of the year.” For more information about Anglo European visit www.angloeuropeangroup.co.uk
While many companies struggled through lockdown, for CDW Systems, the renowned Gloucester based aluminium fabricator, 2020 was a busy year. In response to increasing demand from customers, they’ve added flat roof lights and Designer Doors to their range. Now, they’ve added a third product from Smart Systems to their portfolio – the Smart Alitherm Heritage Range, providing the ideal solution for heritage projects. The modern thermal aluminium range has been specifically developed to meet the requirements of refurbishment renewal projects, particularly in sensitive planning areas, and is ideal for Victorian and Art Deco projects. CDW has already had success with this range in their local Gloucestershire area where there are many of these older properties in need of refurbishment. The wide range of commercial residential windows and balcony doors have also been proven in many renovation, refurbishment and heritage projects across the UK. www.cdwsystems.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 11
TRADE NEWS
Charlotte Geesin (middle) of Howarths with Chris Smith (left) and Steve Bromberg (right) of Express Bi-Folding Doors
Express Bi-folding Doors Appoints Business Immigration Specialists For Jan 1st Rule Change Leeds headquartered specialist sliding and folding door manufacturer Express Bi-Folding Doors has appointed HR and employment law consultancy Howarths to provide specialist business immigration law support ahead of the introduction of the government’s new points-based immigration system on January 1st 2021.
numbers of employees who may require support or can no longer work remotely in the EU without immigration permission.
The £28m turnover firm, which employs 230 people across its four UK showrooms and Leeds head office, has appointed Howarths to support with its strategic workforce planning in line with the introduction of the new system at the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31st 2020.
Ms Geesin explained: “Following the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31st, the UK will be subject to a new points-based immigration system that will see the most significant changes to the UK’s immigration system in almost five decades.
This will include conducting a workforce risk analysis to identify any key personnel or material 12 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
Charlotte Geesin, head of employment law and business immigration at Howarths, is leading the project alongside Express Bi-Folding Doors operations director, Chris Smith.
“It is therefore imperative that employers of all sizes employing workers from overseas consider their talent and mobility plans to make sure they are fully prepared
for restricted rights to work and changes to rules on business travel and social security.” She continued: “Workers from overseas contribute a wealth of skills and experience to the UK economy, but if a business is not approved to employ foreign workers or fails to follow the new rules around immigration compliance and rights to work, they could be at risk of legal action. “This can be a particularly tricky area to navigate for SMEs and start-ups who will need to consider requirements such as having a sponsor license in place if they wish to employ non-UK workers.” Chris Smith, operations manager at Express Bi-Folding Doors, said: “Twenty five percent of our skilled workforce is made up of people from overseas, and we have engaged Howarths to ensure there is a smooth transition around Brexit while protecting the business and our valuable employees.”
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TRADE NEWS
More Space, Less Waste: How Exlabesa Building Systems’ Multipurpose
Components Can Help You Improve Factory Efficiency Are aluminium windows and doors difficult to fabricate? Many in our industry think so, and shy away from a hugely lucrative market as a result. But Kevin Warner, Sales Director at exlabesa Building Systems UK, thinks differently – and can point to his company’s components range, 75% of which is compatible with multiple products, to prove it. In glass and glazing, aluminium has the unfair reputation of being a tricky material for fabricators to work with. Where PVCu products are exceptionally quick and easy to assemble, the story goes, their aluminium equivalents are much more time-consuming, involving many different components – especially on much sought-after aluminium bi-folds and sliding patio doors. But while that might’ve been the 14 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
case at one stage, today it’s a very outdated view. The best aluminium systems companies have invested an enormous amount of time, energy and ingenuity into creating products that buck that trend – products that deliver the same high-end aesthetics, minimalistic sightlines and performance people have come to expect, without the long and difficult fabrication process. Cutting down on components One of the most common bugbears for fabricators who’ve considered supplying aluminium products but don’t, or offer some but don’t feel comfortable making it a more major part of their range, is the sheer number of components required. Ali products, particularly bi-folds and patio doors, tend to be made
of more parts than PVCu ones – and traditionally, each different model of window or door has required its own specialist components. If, like most fabricators, you offer a wide variety of different systems, that means your life quickly becomes very complicated, and your storage area fills up fast. At exlabesa Building Systems, we know this – and that’s why we’ve worked hard to ensure our products are different. Today, we have ten core product lines – the Xlafold bi-fold, the Xlaslide patio door, the KLS sliding door, the KC51 casement window, the KC75 casement window, the KD51 residential door, the KT51 tilt and turn window, the KS59 steel replacement window system, and the KTF and KSF shopfront systems.
TRADE NEWS Naturally, you’d assume that assembling those ten products would require a vast array of different components. However, in this case, you’d be wrong. Because 75% of the components exlabesa Building Systems supply are compatible with multiple products. One model of chevron, for instance, can be used on nine of those products. One type of transom can be used on six products, as can one sort of midrail and a selection of glazing beads.
Bigger Brisant Adds
Years Of Capacity
For Continuing
Fast Growth
The same cleats and punch tools can be used across eight different systems – and our gaskets and cills are universal, compatible with all ten. Getting lean What difference does that make to you as a fabricator? Today, all kinds of different manufacturers are striving to be as lean and efficient as possible. By minimising complexity, they can make themselves much more productive and profitable. Multipurpose or even universal components make fabricating products faster – you don’t have to go hunting for that specific coupler or gasket to complete assembly, you can use the same ones that you use to make several different systems. It also lets you cut down the area you have to allocate for storage. Storage is obviously extremely important – but in a factory, it’s dead space. It’s much better to be able to use as much of the site as possible for productive activity – and the fewer boxes of components you have to store, the more room you have to make windows and doors. www.exlabesa.co.uk
Brisant Secure, the hardware house behind Ultion has moved to a new unit which enables it to expand capacity by two-thirds above 2020 operations. The move will secure Brisant’s longterm growth and make room for what the company says are more exciting new products that will change the market.
installers selling the benefits of ultra-secure, long-lasting attractive hardware: “Break-ins are a sad reality of life and security is top of most homeowners’ wish lists, but they also want great-looking products that enhance their homes. One of Ultion’s unique selling points for installers is that Ultion doesn’t just add security to their doors: Brisant saw strong growth in Ultion actually sells doors. Our 2020, which more than compen- installer customers are doing sated for two missing months very well by giving homeowndue to lockdown. Homeowner ers the extreme security and traffic to the Ultion website grew long-lasting beautiful hardware 30% in 2020 – the equivalent of they’ve always wanted with 50,000 visitors each month and Ultion and Sweet. They’re doing rising, and the company finished a fantastic job of raising awarethe year ahead of 2019, deness of the brands.” spite extremely difficult trading conditions. CEO Nick Dutton www.ultion-lock.co.uk attributes Brisant’s success to WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 15
TRADE NEWS
Their latest innovation, Ezifold bi-fold doors, are claimed to deliver on all the important aspects you’ve come to expect from an aluminium bi-fold door, such as stunning looks and state-of-the-art design features, but without any of the headaches associated with installing them. Ezifold comes with a wide range of configurations, slim sightlines for high-end aluminium aesthetics, and with a 25year colour guarantee. Following on from the success of Ezifold, 6 Day Doors has launched a second innovative product – the Cortizo Cor Vision Plus slimline patio door.
New factory To Triple
Production At 6 Day Doors Chigwell Window Centre, the Essex based trade supplier of uPVC and aluminium windows and doors, have invested in a new 36,000 square foot factory in Basildon, tripling their production capacity. Chigwell Window Centre includes 6 Day Doors, the specialist supplier of aluminium bifolds and patios, who will also be operating from the same location. Until the new factory officially opens in March, the company is manufacturing its products 24 hours a day to keep up with demand. They also plan to buy in new machinery and new vehicles, and to hire more staff. Chigwell Window Centre supplies Aluminium, uPVC, case16 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
ment, flush sash, and sliding sash windows, bi-fold, composite, patio and French doors, as well as conservatories and extensions. They also offer a range of trade double glazing products at competitive prices, responsibly sourcing from industry leaders – Aluplast for their uPVC products, Quickslide for their uPVC sliding sash windows, and Smart Architectural Aluminium. With a manufacturing capacity of 200 quality products a week, Chigwell Window Centre says it is able to remain competitive whilst retaining the highest standards possible. Meanwhile, while 6 Day Doors might have only been founded at the start of the year, they’ve already launched two outstanding aluminium products.
With sashes up to 4m in width or height, this minimalist sliding system is especially suitable for large dimensions, covering openings with a glass surface of 94% and a visible section of just 25mm. Not only does this patio door come with outstanding thermal and acoustic performance, it also comes with the possibility of a motorised opening for weights up to 700kg, and manual opening for up to 400kg. Chigwell Window Centre Managing Director Sunny Singh comments: “We’re delighted that 6 Day Doors is already doing so well considering the current economic climate, and with a new factory on the cards, we’re certain that both 6 Day Doors and Chigwell Window Centre will be able to continue to deliver high quality products that our customers expect.” For more information, contact Chigwell Window Centre visit https://bit.ly/2XYweQw Alternatively, visit www.6daydoors.co.uk
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Homeowner Survey Demonstrates
Demand For Sustainable And Efficient Windows Following a recent survey stating homeowners consider double glazing the most important internal sustainable feature when moving home, installers and fabricators should prioritise sustainability and thermal efficiency when considering their product offering. The research, conducted by UK housebuilder Redrow, surveyed 2,000 people on the single most important internal sustainable feature they would have in their next home. With 26 percent of respondents selecting it as their number-one priority, double glazing was the most popular selection. According to REHAU, these 18 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
findings demonstrate that sustainability and thermal efficiency are now key priorities for consumers when selecting their next frames. The polymer solutions provider is therefore encouraging companies within the fenestration industry to adapt their available ranges to fit this increasing demand. “In order to thrive in today’s challenging business landscape, it is vital that installers and fabricators stay ahead of the curve when it comes to consumer behaviour,” says Russell Hand, Head of Marketing & Technical at REHAU Windows. “These findings demonstrate that sustainability remains a key priority for home-
owners, so companies need to adapt accordingly and offer eco-friendly window solutions. “It is with this in mind that solutions providers must ensure they are offering the most eco-friendly frames possible. Insofar as uPVC windows are concerned, installers and fabricators should therefore ensure they source window solutions from socially responsible providers with extensive operations dedicated to recycling older material back into the supply chain, and reducing landfill.” REHAU has worked long-term to boost its uPVC recycling capacity. Having recently opened
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its new PVC recycling plant in Runcorn, PVCR Ltd is one of the largest uPVC recyclers in the UK, capable of processing over 13,000 tonnes of postconsumer polymer windows and doors every year.
New BFRC Video Explains Why Noise Reduction Is Something To Shout About
The survey also highlighted well-sealed windows and doors as the third most popular choice for householders when considering internal sustainable features for their new home, with 17 percent of the vote overall. Consequently, Russell is encouraging installers and fabricators to consider sustainable materials with excellent thermal efficiency credentials when choosing their window range. Russell concludes: “The fact such a pronounced portion of Redrow’s survey respondents prioritised well-sealed windows and doors is unsurprising, as these are key areas through which heat can escape. As such, it is crucial key stakeholders in the fenestration industry look at best possible thermal efficiency, as well as sustainability, when selecting solutions to offer their customers. “Polymer windows, such as those from REHAU, enjoy Window Energy Ratings (WER) of an A and above, and because of the thermoplastic nature of uPVC, they can be recycled several times without significant performance loss. The fact polymer meets these growing customer needs therefore means installers looking to appeal to an evolving market should retain uPVC frames within their portfolio as an appealing option for homeowners.” For more information on REHAU’s window solutions, https://bit.ly/2KqSnUE
air traffic can greatly increase our sense of wellbeing and the correct specification of windows and doors can reduce the impact of noise significantly. As a result, acoustic performance is front of mind for homeowners, specifiers and installers and as the video states: ‘If you’re not proving the acoustic performance of your products, you could be missing out’.” Best-known as a trusted provider of the energy ratings labelling system for windows and doors, BFRC unveiled the independently verified Noise Reduction Rating Scheme in August 2020. The British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) has launched a new video, aimed at the trade, to highlight the benefits of its recently launched window and door Noise Reduction Rating Scheme. With the acoustic performance of fenestration a rising priority for homeowners and specifiers, the video, which can be found at www.bfrc.org/noise-reduction, explains how the new BFRC labelling scheme can help systems houses, manufacturers and installers illustrate the proven noise-reducing credentials of their products, ensuring that they stand out from the competition. Lis Clarke, BFRC Operations Director, said: “The new video highlights how verifying acoustic product performance with the BFRC Noise Reduction Rating Scheme can benefit those in the trade. “Reducing noise pollution created by roads, railways and
Launched in response to homeowner-demand for higher levels of quality assurance, the scheme provides evidence, via the simple and highly recognised ‘rainbow’ scale, that windows and doors not only ‘look the part’ but can also offer proven noise reduction performance. With systems supplier, Deceuninck, the first major industry brand to sign-up and other companies currently undergoing the certification process, BFRC believes the Noise Reduction Rating Scheme can significantly boost sales for product manufacturers and installers. Lis Clarke added: “The ability to prove the acoustic performance of windows and doors, as well as their energy performance with BFRC ratings, is an invaluable selling tool for the industry. We hope the new video makes it clear that this is really something to shout about.” www.bfrc.org WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 19
TRADE NEWS
New Iso Chemie Factory Investment
Boost For UK Operations
Foam sealant tape specialist ISO-Chemie is investing in its international infrastructure to accommodate expansion and growth plans this year. In a new move, which boosts customer service, the company is constructing an additional warehouse at its factory headquarters in Aalen, Germany, as part of a multi-million pound project to double current capacity and enhance green production processes. New investment will allow UK customers, who include door and window installers, designers, architects and housebuilders, to continue to benefit from rapid deliveries of new foam sealant tape products from the European facility. Customers will also continue to be able to collect UK stock as well as receive next day deliveries while architects and window and doors product 20 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
specifiers, can tap into expertise around the benefits of using specialist technology to secure energy efficient solutions. Andy Swift, sales and operations manager – UK & ROI, said expansion provides the platform for further growth, in terms of both quantity and quality. He said: “We are seeing strong demand for our products from all sectors of the market. By making these investments now to support operations, we will remain well placed to provide customers with a fast, efficient and cost-effective service. “Indeed, the additional warehouse at our German factory ensures production keeps up with expected demand. With innovative products and construction increasing, we look forward to the next 12 months,
particularly as building houses to higher air and thermal standards remains a priority. “This is an important message that will continued to be pushed throughout 2021 to architects and other property specifiers. There are effective products out there to ensure that airtightness and thermal efficiency within buildings should never be overlooked or ignored – it’s a matter of designing in these products.” ISO-Chemie is one of Europe’s main producers of impregnated foam sealants, specialising in the manufacture of foam products from polyethylene (EPE), polypropylene (EPP) and polyurethane (PUR) using the latest production techniques. With hundreds of pallets in UK stock for next day delivery, the company says it can service the whole industry. More at https://bit.ly/3ivWonl
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Fireside Chat No. 5: The Importance Of Working Together And Growing Together Bringing this Autumn’s informative ‘Fireside Chat’ series of videos to a close Freefoam have now released the final short film about how vertical integration has changed the building products market. Colin St John, Commercial Director, explains how Freefoam operate a traditional supply model, with manufacturer providing products to an independent local stockist or merchant and subsequent sales to a local installer customer base. He also illustrates the newer integrated supply model and discusses the challenges and control this can bring to stockists. 22 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
Colin explains: “At Freefoam we’ve always believed in a free market place and the ability to grow our customers is our main aim. We want customers who are partners in our business and we’ve always strived to develop and manufacture products to help our customers win more business.” Freefoam developed this series of informal videos so installers, stockists and the wider market can learn more, and agree or disagree, about important issues and trends that affect them. Freefoam Commercial Director, Colin St John, has worked in roofline for around 20 years and he gives great
insight into changes in the industry and their implications for the future. Aidan Harte, CEO summarises “This final video highlights an important issue – how a vertical integrated model can have significant detrimental implications for independent building product suppliers. Freefoam has taken a different approach to other roofline manufacturers who sought to take control of the supply chain. Instead, we focus on developing customer relationships and adapting our product range and service offering to help our customers sell more.”
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FENSA Introduces Exclusive Homeowner Discounts Thanks To Partnership With Hillarys
Homeowners can now reap the rewards of having their windows and doors fitted by a FENSA Approved Installer, thanks to a 10% discount on all made-tomeasure blinds, curtains and shutters from the UK’s leading made-to-measure window furnishings company, Hillarys The discount on thousands of products from Hillarys is exclusive to FENSA installations in 2021 and is yet another valuable USP that Approved Installers can now deploy to help them win more work. Established in 1971, Hillarys has built an enviable reputation over the last 50 years or so, not just for the quality of its products but also offering expert guidance from its network of knowledgeable local advisors. The company’s in-home measuring and fitting service gives customers confidence that they’ll get the product that’s right for
their style and budget, fitted to perfection. As such, the partnership with FENSA represents a perfect synergy of brand and product offering, as Chris Beedel, FENSA’s Director of Membership, explained: “The link between the brands is clear to see and we’re delighted to be partnering with such a reputable and forward-thinking organisation as Hillarys. “We’re always looking at ways we can improve homeowner’s experience of using a FENSA Approved Installer and now they have a further incentive thanks to the discounts available to them on Hillarys outstanding range of products.” Chris McKay, Hillarys Head of Brand Engagement, added: “In 2021, we’ll have been delivering our made-to-measure window furnishings service to local
communities for 50 years and we’re delighted to celebrate that milestone by teaming up with FENSA. “Like FENSA, we pride ourselves on providing quality, in-home service to customers and helping them transform their home. Working with such a recognised brand will give us a great opportunity to engage with customers who are looking to add the finishing touches to their replacement windows.” The new partnership with Hillarys marks the latest in a raft of initiatives from FENSA over the last 12 months, including the introduction of lead generation and marketing support, the launch of the Glazing Hub app that allows Approved Installers to manage their orders more efficiently as well as discounts on branded Mascot workwear to help raise standards of professionalism. WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 23
TRADE NEWS
Avoid Brexit Price Hikes,
Says Alutech Systems
As the industry adapts to the changes imposed by Brexit from 1st January 2021, Alutech Systems is reassuring customers that their prices will be unaffected by the changes because they import from outside the EU, therefore the costs are already covered. At the end of last year, the aluminium systems supplier confirmed that there would be no price increase implemented in January. European System Suppliers have
previously pay zero customs duty when importing into the UK, however this has all changed with Brexit and their customers could see a price increase of around 5-8% depending on product, claims the company. Here’s some key points to be aware of: • Imports will need to be declared through an agent. • VAT will need to be paid prior to
delivery, unless you apply for a overnment guarantee. • Duty will need to be paid prior to elivery, which will be around 6% on Aluminium Profiles. • Agents will charge you a min mum fee per invoice/delivery. • Deliveries may be delayed through customs, either for checks or lack of capacity in ports due to an increase in demand. Alutech Systems’ Managing Director, Steve Hudson, said, “All of the above could potentially add a massive cost to your business. In these unprecedented times, we appreciate that all businesses are stretched thinly for time and resources. The last thing you need is more hassle and reduced margins. “Luckily, here at Alutech Systems, we import directly from our partner in Belarus and already have all of the processes and associated costs in place. This gives our customers peace of mind that buying from Alutech Systems will be business as usual!” www.alutechsystems.co.uk
Testing Positive For Team Morale SolarFrame and SOL Conservatory Roofs have seen no setbacks from the Coronavirus pandemic, with 2020 being the year for continued investment and team growth for the Yorkshire based fabricator. The company has gone from strength to strength and witnessed a rapid rise in sales within the trade fabrication and dedicated roof division, all exceeding 2019 sales despite 3 months of closed doors. With all components sourced in the UK, SolarFrame and Sol Conservatory Roofs have maintained a solid supply chain, ensuring no delay to product manufacture, and a slick factory operation equipped 24 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
them to deal with the upturn in demand following the post-lockdown home improvement boom. 2021 also sees an additional 50% capacity become available at SOL Conservatory Roofs for the production of Solid and Glazed roofs.
Managing Director Steve Taylor said: “The team performed a sterling job throughout the year, pulling out all the stops to keep quality products going out on time, every time, despite the increased demand.
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are constantly looking at ways of improving our operations, systems and standards and with EvoNET at the heart of the business we now have much greater control and visibility of our processes. “For Quickslide, the ability to automatically send and archive digital invoices, sales orders and delivery notes has clear advantages in terms of reducing the amount of paper and ink we use, as well as the time saved on office administration, but there are direct benefits for our customers too.
Quickslide Upgrades Service And Efficiency With EvoNET
Business Management System Quickslide has once again highlighted its commitment to improving standards and service with a comprehensive overhaul of its business management and IT infrastructure.
specialist, Business Micros, the new system means that every order that arrives at Quickslide can now be tracked from the factory floor, right up to point of delivery.
The latest investment will allow the West Yorkshire based fabricator to drastically reduce its reliance on old fashioned paperwork, introduce digital, automated documents for invoicing and order notes, and allow for much greater efficiency in the processing, manufacture, transport and delivery of its product range.
As well as being able to automatically generate orders into delivery runs, the new system integrates with satellite navigation to work out the most efficient delivery route – arranging drops into order for drivers – and introduces a host of other commercial benefits for Quickslide that include automatic email and text messaging delivery updates for customers.
Developed using the latest EvoNET management tool from fenestration industry software 26 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
Quickslide’s managing director, Ben Weber, commented: “We
“Bar code scanning enables us to keep track of orders, as well as introduce another level of quality control, but will also soon allow our customers to access the status of their order online, which in turn will help them to manage their workload more efficiently,” he continued. “The EvoNET system links with TomTom, so it can work out the best route for our drivers prior to departure and enables EvoNET to alert them if anything has been missed before they head off, or if an order is left on the wagon by mistake between stops. It virtually eliminates the risk of errors and means that our customers have even greater confidence that their orders will arrive on time, which in turn, delivers a better level of service to their homeowner customers.” To complement the addition of the new EvoNET system, Quickslide has also appointed a Software Engineer, a new role that has been introduced to help facilitate further developments to the company’s business management strategy and one that underlines its commitment to ongoing digital improvements. www.quickslide.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
Ultion Delivers
Weekend Orders On
Mondays
GQA Influence Reaches Policy Makers
The influence of one of the fenestration industry’s awarding body was widened substantially recently when its CEO was quoted in the highly prestigious ‘Parliamentary Review’ talking about the importance of qualifications. This guide to political and industry best practice in management is sent to over 500,000 leading business executives, policy makers and other relevant individuals. In recent years, it has featured forewords by Theresa May, David Cameron, Caroline Lucas, Lucy Powell and many other political figures. GQA’s Mick Clayton said in the Review: “Qualifications are very much the currency of competence for those operating in the fenestration, glass, glazing and construction industries, with many employers and employees understanding achievement and what is required.” The words of Mr Clayton formed part of the Review’s series of leadership quotations, and featured alongside those of Marie van der Zyl, Peter Mandleson, Jeremy Corbyn, Amber Blout, Heather Kilby and Alyssia Jones. The series of quo-
tations is part of the Review’s reporting from the Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a network of the most influential figures from across the country. The Leaders Council utilises detailed case studies, news coverage, podcasts and leadership events in order to unearth what it calls ‘the authentic voice of British industry’. Chaired by former Home Secretary and Education Secretary, Lord Blunkett, The Leaders Council brings together the most influential figures from across the country. On learning of his inclusion in the Review, Mr Clayton said: “Combining as it does political commentary from leading journalists with sector-specific insight from Secretaries of State, Ministers and MPs, I was honoured that GQA Qualifications, with its clear direction for learning, personal and professional development and industry relevant qualifications was selected to feature in The Parliamentary Review. The fact that the Review is considered to be a guide to industry best practice resonates perfectly with our goal here at GQA of raising standards in the industries we are associated with.”
Ultion orders placed over a weekend will now be delivered to customers on Monday. All telephone and on-line orders placed up until 1pm on a Sunday will be with locksmiths and installers ready for the working week. This also includes bespoke orders for keyed alike requirements. Brisant Secure, the hardware house behind Ultion, has a reputation in the industry for smashing standards and a series of firsts, claims the company. Providing homeowners with extreme security needs to be 24/7, but until now locksmiths can wait days for a bespoke requirement, ordering on a Friday afternoon and not receiving product until Tuesday for example. Nick Dutton, Brisant Secure CEO, comments: “One of the things we learned from 2020 was that even though businesses may be closed, burglars still burgle so locksmiths still need locks, and they need them quickly. We’re delighted to offer this new service to customers. If homeowners don’t have it, security becomes extremely important to them. That’s why we’ve created an extreme service to deliver extreme Ultion security. With many locksmiths featuring the term 24/7 in their business title, current service standards can make this impossible to achieve. We’re changing that.” www.ultion-lock.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 27
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Glass & Glazing Business Report Boost In Business Growth Despite Pandemic Darren Waters, Divisional CEO for Tyman UK and Ireland
ERA’S Parent Company
To Pay Back
Money From Job
Retention Scheme Tyman plc, the parent company of ERA, Zoo, Schlegel-Giesse and Access360, has announced that it intends to pay back £2.3m received in 2020 under the UK Government’s Job Retention Scheme*. The payment will be made in full before year end. Darren Waters, Divisional CEO for Tyman UK and Ireland, explains the rationale behind this decision: “During the second half, our businesses have benefited from the strong recovery in the residential and commercial markets and we are in the fortunate position where we are able to return this money. The Job Retention Scheme served its purpose in supporting us to preserve jobs through the uncertainty. Other sectors, including hospitality, leisure and retail, have been hit hard and need further Government support to get through this crisis. For Tyman, paying back the money is the right thing to do.” 28 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
Phill Brown, Managing Director, Salop Glass & Glazing
Shropshire based Salop Glass & Glazing have announced 20% year on year growth from the start of May to the end of 2020. Dedicated to providing reliable, professional glass and glazing services for over 65 years, the Shrewsbury business has also reported a 77% year on year increase in enquiries since they reopened in May, 2020. From the beginning of the first UK lockdown in March 2020, the business closed and the firms Managing Director, Phill Brown became the primary point of contact for all customers. Phill commented; “Ensuring that we were still available and in contact with our customers was so important for us. We quickly adapted the business at the start of lockdown and began managing all quotes via email which I think greatly helped us continue trading. Phill added, The Salop brand
name has been around in the industry since 1954, so despite what is currently going on in the world we wanted to be here for customers old and new, more than ever”. Due to the evident and positive increase in demand, the business quickly recognised that their team needed to expand. Salop Glass & Glazing have created 4 new appointments including an Administrative Assistant responsible for customer service and quote management, two Trainee Fitters and an Assistant Glazing Manager who is set to join them imminently. Managing Director of Salop Glass & Glazing finalised; “This is an extremely exciting time for the business. It’s wonderful to be able to welcome new talent to the team and we can’t wait to see the business continuing to grow from strength to strength”. salopglass.co.uk
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Installsure Expands
Into Roofing Sector With New Competentroofer Partnership
Purplex
Invests £1m In Second Site
Full-service marketing agency Purplex has invested around £1m in a new office on the same South West site as its current headquarters.
The move follows a sustained period of growth for the agency, which specialises in the fenestration and construction industries. The brand-new office facility will aid Purplex’s rapid expansion plans and can accommodate 150 plus additional employees. It will also feature a TV/recording studio and dedicated training centre – and it will become the first net-zero carbon office in the South West, claims the company. “Purplex has grown in recent years, producing fantastic results for customers, and this investment is testament to the demand for our services,” said Andrew Scott, Purplex’s MD. “The new office will give us the space to continue our upward trajectory and grow each area of our operation – from PR and digital marketing to web design and video production. “But we also want to secure the future of the business too, which is why we will provide the next generation with training and are committed to climate change, sustainability and bio-diversity.” www.purplexmarketing.com 30 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
Installsure, the division of the GGF Group dedicated to IBGs and commercial insurance schemes, has announced a new partnership with CompetentRoofer, the government-licenced Competent Person Scheme for roofing contractors. The announcement brings together two of the most prominent organisations in the construction industry, and means that the 570 contractors operating under the CompetentRoofer banner now have access to Installsure’s portfolio of insurance products. The roofing sector’s equivalent to FENSA, CompetentRoofer is the only competent person scheme in the roofing industry. It allows contractors to self-certify work, saving time and money on jobs that would otherwise incur the delay and cost of a Building Control sign-off – for example, when more than 50% of a roof is refurbished, and local authorities are notified. Through Installsure, CompetentRoofer contractors can now benefit from all the expertise afforded to FENSA members, and provide homeowner customers even greater peace of mind on the quality of their workmanship in the process. Anda Gregory, Managing Director, Installsure, said: “Installsure is an
established and highly respected IBG provider to the glazing industry and we’re delighted to expand into the roofing sector and partner with a like-minded, ambitious scheme in CompetentRoofer. The partnership is a natural fit for us both and we can’t wait to start working with CompetentRoofer and their contractors. Tracie Hunter, General Manager, CompetentRoofer, commented: “Our Competent Person Scheme is going from strength-to-strength and we are happy to announce that for the first time, contractors now have a choice over who they use as their IBG provider. We encourage all contractors to choose their new IBG provider before the launch on our new system in December.” Irene Akpojaro, Operations Manager, Installsure, added: “Installsure has a huge amount of experience in working with CP schemes such as FENSA, and has enjoyed a record number of applications in 2020. “We can bring that expertise to our partnership with CompetentRoofer. We’re really excited about how we can work together and provide CompetentRoofer contractors with a raft of industry leading insurance products.”
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The concern was understandable – but in hindsight, we needn’t have worried. When the first national lockdown ended, UK fenestration returned to massive interest in windows, doors and conservatories – so much so that many businesses, Window Ware included, went on to enjoy several record-breaking months in a row. So where did that huge demand come from?
Despite The Challenges,
2021 Looks Bright
For Fenestration It’s safe to say that 2020 has been an extremely challenging year, but despite the huge upheavals that tackling a global pandemic has brought about, Window Ware Managing Director Sam Nuckey argues that 2021 is likely to be a strong year for UK glass and glazing. 2020 has probably been the strangest, most difficult year in a generation – but back in March, when the coronavirus lockdown was announced, I don’t think anyone expected that it would also turn out to be a hugely successful one for many UK glazing businesses. When restrictions were first eased in the summer, firms throughout the sector cautiously started to reopen under COVID secure guidelines including stringent social distancing measures, and gradually bringing employees back from furlough. But the big challenge was that
Changing behaviour In the beginning, many suspected that the rush of orders and enquiries fenestration businesses were receiving were just the result of pent-up demand from the threemonth lockdown. When that backlog was cleared, they expected business to slow significantly. In actual fact, the demand didn’t disappear – and the summer and autumn months went on to be some of the busiest and most successful in the industry’s recent history. Lockdown forced millions of people to spend more time indoors than ever before – and it seems that made home improvements jump up their list of priorities.
Sam Nuckey
no-one could accurately predict business volumes. Would demand have disappeared over the long three months of lockdown? Would homeowners really be thinking of home improvements in a time of national crisis?
Combined with travel restrictions that took the possibility of foreign holidays off the table, thousands of homeowners have clearly decided to divert their disposable income into windows, doors, conservatories, extensions and more. What lies ahead? Now, as 2020 comes to a close, the question many in our industry are asking is ‘how long will this last?’ Is it a temporary phenomenon that will start to tail off in the early WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 31
TRADE NEWS part of 2021? Or does it reflect a permanent shift in consumer behaviour? Personally, I think the best way of understanding it is as an acceleration of a trend that had already been picking up pace for years now. Once, people looked at windows, doors and other home improvement products in mostly practical terms – they wanted something that was affordable, and that worked. Since the turn of the millennium, driven in part by the rise of aspirational TV shows like Channel 4’s Grand Designs, that’s changed – and now people are much more discerning. They want quality products that reflect their own sense of style, and the look and feel of their homes and the surrounding areas. In my view, coronavirus is only going to reinforce that trend. Even when the pandemic is over, I suspect that many more of us will be working from home than ever before – which is only going to increase demand for garden offices, loft conversions, rear extensions, and, more generally, home environments that are just pleasant to spend time in. Window Ware – here to help At Window Ware, we’ve worked extremely hard to serve our customers throughout this challenging year – and we’ve been delighted to see so many enjoying success after what we know has been an extremely stressful period. We’re confident that 2021 will be a positive one for them and the rest of our industry – but regardless how it turns out, we’ll be here doing our utmost to support the brilliant businesses we work with. www.windowware.co.uk 32 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
Emplas Introduces New ‘Real Time’ Customer
Lead Generation Emplas has launched a new ‘real time’ lead generation service with consumer leads generated through its SEO campaigns instantly downloaded to installers. Accessible through a new easyto-use dashboard, homeowner enquiries are automatically assigned to members of the Emplas Authorised Installer Network based on postcode, as soon as they are generated. A push notification automatically alerts installers, who can then respond directly to the prospect to schedule an appointment or assign follow-up by a member of their team. “The lead dashboard is fully automated but also fully responsive”, explained Jody Vincent, Sales Director, Emplas. “Everything happens automatically, so there’s no delay. As soon as we generate the lead through our SEO and consumer marketing campaigns, it’s auto-
matically issued to our customers.
“They can pick it up, respond or assign it from wherever they are. There’s no delay.” It also gives Emplas customers access to their own CRM, allowing them to not only assign leads for follow-up but track lead progression, creating an ‘out-of-the-box’ solution for lead management. Jody continued: “You can create and assign different roles with different levels of access, so for example a member of the sales team will only see the leads assigned to them, through to full administrator access. “Leads are listed according to status so you can see instantly where you are or set future actions. It automates and simplifies lead management making it far less likely that things slip through the net.” www.emplas.co.uk
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Made for Trade Driving forward in to 2021 Made for Trade complete investment in enhanced safety delivery fleet Made for Trade have announced a significant long-term investment in the expansion of their fleet of delivery vehicles. Each of the 10 new vehicles also comes equipped with another MFT design innovation, changing the way their products are handled both at the factory and also at delivery sites, the new design significantly decreases risk and puts safety of their employees first. MFT’s announcement, along with other news of their product expansion is a strong indication of their industry position and growth plans throughout 2020-2021 and beyond. “For some time, we have been looking at the handling challenges presented by the loading and unloading of large heavy products from our wagons and we had some good design ideas of what we wanted to achieve. With sales dictating a need for more wagons to satisfy increasing delivery requirements we took the opportunity to kill 2 birds with one stone and had a custom fleet developed with local vehicle suppliers. We think this is a first in fenestration and is a significant step forward in transport safety.” Chris Wann. Business Manager. 2020 has been a tough year for many businesses within the fenestration industry and some of the industry heavy hitters are either gone or have been significantly reshaped. Thankfully, it has not all been doom and gloom and there are many winners as a market driven by home improvements went stratospheric. With ongoing investment in new vehicles, additional staff and the expansion of their delivery coverage, Made for Trade really do mean business as they enter 2021 in a strong position with some exciting new developments on the brink of release into the market. FLEET IMPROVEMENTS The new 12-tonne Rollaflex vehicles have been commissioned from a local vehicle supplier with the functional design concept provided by the engineering team at MFT. The brief was to come up with a cost-effective loading and unloading solution which minimised the risks associated with manual lifting and provided a safe means of working at a height. Health and safety is one of MFT’s top priorities when it comes to the welfare of their staff and the safe delivery of their products. The logistics cycle starts off with the doors being moved from coded dispatch racks and loaded onto specially made stillages at floor level. As each door is placed onto the stillage a set of soft slings are fitted to predetermined safe positions
34 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
depending on the style of door. Once all stillages are full, the wagons move into the loading positions, the retractable curtain is drawn back, and the stillage is moved by forklift onto the wagon bed and locked into place. Once at the customers site, the driver conducts a risk assessment, cordons off the area and uses an articulated crane mounted to the vehicle bed for the safe and secure unloading of the door from the wagon to the ground in readiness for the customer to collect. The new design ensures that manual lifting of the doors is eliminated and that the operator is always safe, even when working from the unprotected wagon sides to attach the crane hook to the slings via a retractable barrier. DELIVERY COVERAGE EXPANSION The addition of more vehicles to the fleet also allows MFT to increase their delivery coverage area to include several new postcodes in Scotland. This move, the implementation of the first phase of a larger growth plan, cements the company’s intention to provide their top class service to customers that had previously struggled to obtain MFT door products alongside the Korniche lantern roof which is delivered nationwide. For more updates on this news, new product releases and to see how MFT provide the BEST PRODUCTS, at the BEST PRICES with the BEST SERVICE, head over to www. madefortrade.co and register online to receive regular emails. We would also like to take this opportunity to say a big thanks to all our customers in what has been a turbulent 2020. Your loyalty has contributed entirely to our great sales volume, which in turn allows us to maintain the level of investment needed to improve service and expand our trade product range available to you, our customers. With these improvements to our service and 2 new products ready for launch in the new year, here’s hoping for a smoother journey in 2021 www.madefortrade.co
TRADE NEWS
Morley Glass & Glazing
Increases Volume
By 50 Percent
Integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass & Glazing has started the New Year with a 50% increase in volume compared with last year. Increased demand from existing customers and an influx of new customers has seen manufacturing capacity rise from an average of 2,500 to 3,500 integral blinds a week.
Managing director Ian Short said: “We moved to new 50,000 sq ft premises in 2016 with a view to increasing the number of our Uni-Blind sealed units we could manufacture with ScreenLine integral blinds inside. Our five-year plan was to reach 3,500 blinds a week and it’s amazing that we’ve reached that figure despite the Government lockdowns and a
six-week shutdown last year.
“2020 has been a strange and challenging year for many individuals and businesses. The increased demand from homeowners looking to invest in home improvements post-lockdown surprised us all, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to slow down any time soon. Integral blinds are proving to be an excellent profit generator for our customers as they upsell to those people who now recognise the true value of a home that provides privacy, sun shading and a comfortable living and working environment.” “We have taken on five new members of staff and added three more vans to our delivery fleet. We have a close work-
ing relationship with Pelini in Italy and offer the full range of ScreenLine blinds to UK customers both for residential and commercial projects. “We are committed to investing in our high-quality manufacturing processes, our marketing efforts, customer service and technical support to ensure our customers can rely on us for the best quality products and the best service.” Morley Glass & Glazing’s UniBlinds® range provides the widest choice of integral blinds in double and triple glazed units, with all manual, solar and motorised versions available. The business says it provides unrivalled technical support for Uni-Blinds® customers, being the only UK supplier of integral blinds to have dedicated customer support engineers on the road. It also stocks the largest range of ScreenLine® system spare parts in Europe with £1 million of ScreenLine® components available within 24 hours. www.morleyglass.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 35
TRADE NEWS
GGF Statement: Follow The Guidance, Protect The NHS
And Save Lives The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is urging all companies in the glass, glazing, fenestration and home improvement sectors, to follow the GGF and Government COVID Safe Guidance, to not only protect themselves and their customers, but also to protect the NHS and help save lives.
In a statement to GGF Members and the media, John Agnew, Managing Director said: “In the light of continuing high numbers of cases, fatalities and hospitalisations due to COVID-19, it is vital that not only GGF Members, but all companies in the industry adhere to the GGF and Government Safe Guidance. From the recent Government updates and statistics, the COVID-19 situation has been deteriorating. It’s therefore imperative that all companies continuing to operate in our industry, follow the GGF and Government Safe Guidance to protect the NHS and save lives. Our advice is based not only on the latest Government information in relation to the new more virulent variant of the coronavirus, but also on the many consultations we have held with GGF Members, political advisors and government departments as well as legal and health and safety experts. The GGF Guidance urges home improvement companies to cease until further notice, activities such as door to door selling, canvassing and in-house pre-booked selling. All sales activity should be done remotely, i.e. by phone, email or video call. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, surveys and installations in people’s homes can continue as 36 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
long as the safe Guidance is being followed. Similarly, manufacturing, processing, fabrication, supply, on-site construction (new build) and inspections can continue if the Safe Guidance is followed. In Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, only essential (such as emergency repairs and maintenance) should be carried out following the Safe Guidance. This is the broad GGF advice but for more detailed information we urge all companies in the UK and Republic of Ireland, that if in any doubt regarding any of their operations, to check with local authorities or if applicable their devolved Government. The GGF has issued to our Members all the relevant web links to each respective Government webpage to ensure that the Safe Guidance for each country and area is easily accessed. These links are also available on the dedicated COVID news page on the GGF website,
In the last few days, we have issued the very latest Safe Guidance to GGF Members via direct emails and when we receive further information on any changes to the situation we will inform our Members and the industry. In the meantime, the GGF message is loud and clear, if you are working, follow the GGF and Government Safe Guidance, protect the NHS and save lives.” In the last week, the GGF has issued the latest guidance via the GGF Member’s e-newsletter “Members First” and updated the news section on the GGF website. In addition, the GGF has created a new reader-friendly COVID Guidance Table covering all sectors in the industry and all geographic areas in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The GGF has also launched a new COVID Safe Guide for Manufacturers and the Supply Chain to increase its suite of COVID Safe Guides that now provides Safe Guidance for homeowners, installers and the entire supply chain. In conjunction with its subsidiary company FENSA, the GGF has also published joint advice for consumers on the latest lockdown restrictions with advice to help them deal with companies remotely during the sales process. This guidance is available on the FENSA website and MyGlazing.com, the GGF’s consumer advice site. To access the very latest GGF and Government guidance please click on the links below: GGF COVID Web news page (with GGF COVID Guidance Table covering all sectors and geographic areas) GGF COVID Guide for Manufacturers and the Supply Chain GGF COVID Guide for Installers GGF COVID Guide for Homeowners
PRODUCT NEWS
Record Number Of Old
Windows Recycled CNC Recycling, a nationwide UPVC window recycling company based in the North East of England, has announced a landmark year having recycled in excess of 500,000 old UPVC windows during 2020 to achieve continued business growth and resulting in the recycling and processing of a record number of old windows every week. Despite huge setbacks during the first lockdown due to Covid-19, CNC Recycling has successfully adapted to change through operational efficiencies and introducing new initiatives. The company has acquired new customers and new suppliers and there has also been further investment into new vehicles, plant and machinery, which in turn has created new jobs. Managing Director, Melanie Reid, said “2020 has been the most challenging of years but thanks to the hard work of our incredibly committed team and the support of our customers, the business has come through this pandemic stronger than ever. We have continued to be a reliable company giving a consistent service. We are really excited for 2021” The company is a UPVC Recycling specialist committed to offering a sustainable alternative to landfill for old windows for the Fenestration Industry. It says it has successfully collected thousands of tonnes across the UK every year saving fabricators and installers the cost of having to dispose as waste. This enables recycled materials to be fed back into the supply chain as a valuable secondary raw material to produce new, recycled windows and doors. PVCU due to its thermoplastic nature can be recycled several times before any loss of performance. CNC Recycling says it is heavily committed to recycling every piece of UPVC waste created as the company looks to continue to be a trusted and reliable recycling partner to the fenestration industry. www.upvc-recycling.com WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 37
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PEOPLE been on the GGF Board since 2012, representing the Flat Glass Manufacturers Council and more recently the GGF Glazing Executive. In addition, Tony’s knowledge and acumen of the political arena saw him join the GGF Political Strategy Committee in 2017, then in December 2019, Tony was elected GGF Vice-President by his fellow Board Directors. On becoming GGF President, Tony Smith said:
New President For
The GGF The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is pleased to announce that GGF Group Vice-President, Tony Smith of Pilkington United Kingdom Ltd (part of the NSG Group), has been elected as the Federation’s new President. The news was confirmed by the GGF Board who unanimously backed the appointment following former President Mark Austin’s decision to step down from the role on 31st December 2020. Mark will remain on the GGF Board as immediate Past President. On leaving the Presidency, 38 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
Mark Austin commented: “It has been an honour to serve this organisation in this capacity, but due to work pressures and personal health concerns, I feel the time is right to stand down for the benefit of all concerned. I am grateful for the great support that I have received from the Directors and all the GGF Group Staff and I will be happy to support the new President in my role as Immediate Past President.” New President Tony Smith brings great experience from his considerable background in glass manufacturing and has
“I am delighted to accept the GGF Presidency and to continue the great progress the Federation has made over the last few years as the industry’s main trade body. There are of course huge challenges ahead as the trading environment continues to be adversely affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. In addition, now that the Brexit Transition Period has ended and the UK is no longer part of the EU, there will be changes but also exciting opportunities for the industry and the GGF. I look forward to ensuring that GGF Members get the best value and representation during my tenure as President.” John Agnew, GGF Managing Director added: “I would like to thank Mark for all his support for the GGF and for me personally in my first year as GGF Managing Director. I wish him well for the future. I also welcome the appointment of Tony Smith as President and I am sure together with our Members and Staff, the GGF under Tony’s leadership will continue to progress in the face of the many challenges ahead.” The GGF has set up a new Meet the Board webpage on www.ggf.org.uk with profiles of all the GGF’s Board Directors. To access simply follow the link below. https://bit.ly/3sJjXgW
PEOPLE
Glazerite Appoints Managing Director For North West Division The Glazerite UK Group Ltd has appointed Darren Rhodes as Managing Director of its North West Division in Bolton. Darren joins the trade fabricator on Monday 11th January 2021. Glazerite Group Managing Director, Robert Brearley says of his appointment: “Darren has extensive senior leadership experience in manufacturing and a passion for operational excellence and customer service. “His appointment follows the significant investment we’ve made at the site this year in order to strengthen its performance and capabilities; however we want to go further in terms of our operational capacity and level of service. To achieve this, we want to put in place a Managing Director who will lead an improvement programme at Bolton to make the site more efficient and more customer focused.” This is the latest in a series of appointments Glazerite has made to further strengthen its Board of
Directors, as it steps up ambitious growth plans for 2021 and beyond. Darren says of his new role: “I’m delighted to be joining such a well-respected and strong business and I’m really looking forward to working with the team in Bolton and the wider group. Following recent investment and with a good team already in place, the North West Division is in a great position to better its output and improve service levels. I can’t wait to play my role in helping mould the future of the business.” glazeritewindows.co.uk
New QHSE Manager For ODL Europe
Manager. John joined the Bootle-based business back in November with a remit to improve the safety of all employees and site operations whilst overseeing the exacting quality standards of the company’s various product groups.
ODL Europe has appointed John Brady as Quality, Health, Safety & Environment (QHSE)
John, who was previously with Total Glass for thirty years, is ideally placed to head up the QHSE management operation to ensure compliance with all relevant standards is met and cultivating a workplace with purpose. www.odleurope.com
Qualicoat Chairman Angus Mackie Re-Elected For
Second Term Angus Mackie has been re-elected chair of QUALICOAT (UK & Ireland) for a second term, effective from 1 January 2021.
The group managing director of Allumette Limited which includes powder coating specialist, Vertik-Al within its portfolio, will stay at the head of the national association for QUALICOAT approved companies for the next 12 months, having started the role in January 2020. His primary task will be to lead the Association through the COVID-19 crisis. Mackie said “It is an honour to be re-elected chair of QUALICOAT (UK & Ireland). My first year was impacted by the pandemic but we have maintained a ‘business as usual’ approach via video conferencing. Online Laboratory Technician training was completed in September and a major research programme into the effects of recycled aluminium, referred to as QUALICOAT 3.0, has continued at pace.” www.vertik-al.com WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 39
PEOPLE
Emmegi
Announcement
Ultraroof Site Support
Team Expands
Emmegi (UK) has announced the very sad death of Kully Hunter, the company’s Service Manager. She died suddenly on Friday 8 January 2021. Ian Latimer, Emmegi (UK)’s Managing Director, commented: “The whole team here is devastated by the news. Kully was a friend as well as a colleague, and we will all miss her terribly. “Kully had worked in this industry for many years and was really popular and well liked, so I know her death will be felt by many. “All our thoughts are obviously with her husband Wayne, daughter Jess, and her family and wide circle of friends.”
Obituary – Clive Smith It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our former colleague and dear friend Clive Smith who died suddenly on Tuesday 29th December, 2020. Clive had worked in the glazing industry for many years and prior to his retirement in 2017 was Technical Sales Manager at Trojan Manufacturing Group. 40 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
The Ultraroof Site Support Team has expanded with the addition of a familiar industry face. Miles Fallon has returned to Ultraframe to further bolster the award-winning support package for the consumer tiled conservatory roofing system.
Miles joins the existing two-man team who already carry out site assists across the UK for installers and builders when fitting their first Ultraroof. Miles focus will be on helping Ultraframe’s trade intermediary network and its customers. In addition to this very personal support service, Ultraroof users benefit from a host of other ways to access advice and support including technical support by email, phone and WhatsApp, how-to videos accessed via the Ultraframe website and apps, high quality litClive was a popular industry figure and respected by both his colleagues and customers. He will be greatly missed. Clive is survived by his wife Lyn and children Matt and Hayley. Our thoughts are with Clive’s family and friends at this very sad and difficult time. Tony Chadwick Former Group Managing Director Trojan Manufacturing Group
erature to assist with surveying and installation, and detailed hands-on training courses covering Ultraroof sales, surveying, and installation. Commenting about the latest addition to the Ultraroof Site Support Team, Ultraroof Product Manager, Mark Bowler, said: “We’re thrilled to further strengthen the Ultraroof Support Team with the addition of Miles. He brings with him a wealth of conservatory installation and technical experience and is a familiar face to many in the industry.” The outstanding support package available to Ultraroof users was recognised at the most recent G Awards with the coveted award for Customer Care Initiative. Ultraframetrade.co.uk
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PRODUCT NEWS the engineering and investment behind it, we are offering a 10 Year Warranty on all GRiPCORE doors, with a further guarantee that the door will not move more than 3mm in its lifetime. Both will give you & your customers confidence for years to come.
Engineered With
GRiPCORE Technology DOORCO, the UK’s leading composite door manufacturer, is launching an exciting new addition to their composite door range with a new hybrid door slab engineered using GRiPCORE Technology. This new door has the same GRP skin but with a solid timber core, offering unrivalled results when it comes to tolerance and security. It is also backed up by DOORCO’s promises on service, quality and delivery, and will be available to the market in the coming months.
42 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
Dan Sullivan, DOORCO MD explains more about the new product: “GRiPCORE Technology is a unique matrix of cross laminated engineered timber and hardwood stiles and rails with pressed GRP skins, resulting in a door that will not crack, move or de-laminate. Safety and security have been built into GRiPCORE’s DNA, delivering a stronger, heavier and more robust door. It is truly the most engineered door I have ever seen. In fact, we are so confident in the product and
“For existing DOORCO customers, incorporating GRiPCORE into their portfolio will be easy as manufacturing requirements do not vary from DOORCO’s standard door product. It will be available as a one size fits all 914mm blank. This means from one slab you can make all required door sizes which makes stocking GRiPCORE simple. There are both traditional and contemporary options like a woodgrain panelled door, Farmhouse, Flush, Monza II and LINKS. The GRiPCORE range will also include some bespoke glass and colour options. “GRiPCORE is a truly exciting addition to the DOORCO range. The composite door market is a competitive place and for us, it’s all about innovating products which help our customers stand out from the crowd. Creating a solid core DOORCO door was the next logical step for us and I was intrigued by the initial idea of using DOORCO’s collective experience to engineer out all the issues consumers face with the current market offering. DOORCO is pushing the boundaries to create a hybrid of modern and traditional materials, resulting in a composite door slab that is stronger, more rigid and more stable than anything on the market. So far, our customers are delighted with the new product and we anticipate it being a real game-changer for DOORCO and the composite door market as a whole.” For more information, visit: www.gripcore.com
PRODUCT NEWS
First Fire Doors Off Production
Line For Shelforce Birmingham window and door manufacturer Shelforce has received its first major fire door order – with 210 fire doors set to be supplied and installed to three blocks of flats.
All Fireshel fire doors have been fire and smoke tested from both the inside and outside and PAS 024 Security tested. The door set complete with fanlight glazing panel achieved 49 minutes fire resistance when EN1634-1 tested allowing piece of mind when specifying a Fire Door solution for any local authority or housing association replacement project, says Shelforce.
The flats – Home Meadow House, Hollypiece House and Coppice House – are located on Pemberley Road in Acocks Green, Birmingham and support retirement and sheltered housing. The project is being headed by construction giant Wates, one of the UK’s leading providers of planned and responsive maintenance services in the social housing sector.
new Fireshel 30-minute fire-resistant door as the perfect solution for local authorities who need fully EN tested 3rd Party Accredited, replacement Fire Door sets, that are compliant with the latest 2020 MHCLG Annex A recommendations.
When they needed fire doors, they knew who to turn to, having partnered with Shelforce for the last five years. Shelforce recently launched its
Howard Trotter, Shelforce’s Business Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Wates on the project on Pemberley Road. Not only are we supplying the doors but also installing them. www.shelforce.com
High Praise For Stellar
their first Stellar installation at a large domestic property in Surrey. Owner, Roy Bell said: “We’ve installed aluminium windows and doors for many years but Stellar is the first aluminium system we have fitted with knock-in beads. The products were so easy to fit and the level of finish was excellent.” He adds: “On other aluminium windows and doors, fitting the gasket and seal can be both cumbersome and fiddly to get an effective, tight seal. But with Stellar the knock-in pre-gasketed beads make the job quick, easy and accurate. It eliminates gaskets getting overstretched too, which can often happen on other products. After fitting Stellar, it’s fair to say I won’t be fitting anything else.”
Stellar, the triple award-winning aluminium window and door system from Epwin Window Systems continues to prove a hit with installers due to its fastfit properties. The ease of installation is down to its unique pre-gasketed, knock-in beads that make fitting rapid and provides a high-level finish. The benefits of quick-fitting Stellar were reiterated by installer R Bell Construction who recently completed
R Bell Construction purchased their Stellar windows and bifold doors through The Window Store in Swansea. The Window Store is a national trade counter network which offers an extensive range of window and door products direct to the trade and public. Richard Payne, Regional Manager at The Window Store, said: “We are delighted to have received another positive review on Stellar. Our customers appreciate how quick and easy Stellar is to fit, and it offers a unique proposition for installing aluminium windows and doors.” www.stellaraluminium.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 43
PRODUCT NEWS with bespoke keeps designed specifically for the profile. Flexibility of the hardware supplied enables special extensions and add-ons for full multipoint locking for doors up to 3m high. Commenting on the choice of FUHR locking solutions supplied by Carl F Groupco, Mark Wheatley, Senior’s Technical Director said:
Bespoke Lock
Package Produced By Carl F Groupco Working with established manufacturer partner FUHR, Carl F Groupco has created a bespoke stainless-steel locking package for Senior Architectural Systems PURe® aluminium door range. Carl F Groupco’s hardware met the fenestration system company’s requirements for quality and innovation for its high-performance door profile, which features an expanded polyurethane thermal barrier for advanced thermal
44 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
“Our relationship with Carl F Groupco dates back to January 2016 when the hardware distributor first worked with us with the supply of FUHR multisafe lever operated door locks for the PURe®FOLD door range. The FUHR brand was a natural choice as they are one of the most trusted names in the locking market with a product range and ability to fulfil our requirements that couldn’t be matched by any other supplier. “As a leading fenestration system company, we offer an extensive range of aluminium and composite timber architectural façade systems. We are constantly looking for products, processes and service enhancements to make us stand out from the crowd: this ethos of innovation is supported by Carl F Groupco.”
Supporting Senior’s commitment to supplying products that deliver performance and durability, all hardware provided by Carl F Groupco for PURe® products has been tested to performance. PAS 24 to the most extreme tolerances and maximum door Carl F Groupco’s brief was to heights to ensure complete source stainless steel multipoint range compliancy. locking solutions to address every door type in the PURe® www.carlfgroupco.co.uk range including lever, key wind up and SmartSecure electronFollow Carl F Groupco on Twitic operated single commercial ter using the handles doors, panic/emergency escape @Carl_F_Groupco and and French doors. Working with @_SmartSecure FUHR, a tailored package of door locks was created to Sen- Product Link: ior’s exacting specification, all https://bit.ly/35Wzb8B
PRODUCT NEWS
Keep The Past
Present With
Yale Vertex
NEW
H E R I TA G E H A R D WA R E R A N G E
Elegant styling & intelligent design
The Yale Vertex range of decorative hardware for vertical sliding windows has been designed specifically for sash windows incorporating classical ironmongery. The range has been developed to complement and maintain the traditional aesthetics seen on sash windows, a framework that is most commonly found in British period style homes. Using product designs as classical as the windows themselves, the range includes pole rings, sash lifts, tilt finials, travel restrictors, sash locks and keeps – suitable for both timber and PVCu applications. Available in a variety of traditional colour options such as champagne gold and chrome, as well as contemporary variations such as satin black and silver; colours can be mixed and matched with other Yale decorative door and window hardware to suite a whole property. The Vertex range is designed, developed and tested in the UK. While the Vertex sash lock is PAS24 compliant as standard, the whole range has been beta tested with a number of fabricators to assure homeowners of the enhanced quality. As a suite of Yale window hardware, the Vertex range is covered under the well-established Yale Lifetime Security Guarantee. This includes up to £3,250 towards repairs or replacements, insurance excess and securing the property, all in the event of a break-in – as well as discounts on the Yale store. www.yaledws.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 45
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PRODUCT NEWS
SupaLite Improves
Popular SkyVista Roof Conservatory roof manufacturer SupaLite has made its popular SkyVista roof even better. The high-performance solid tiled roof with full-length glazed feature panels now comes as a glazing cassette which means the glass units can be lifted and dropped into place, making it as easy for installers as possible. Steve Hacking, SupaLite’s Managing Director, explained: “Our kit-based roof systems have been hugely popular with our installers, but we wanted to make things even easier for them. “Fitting the glass is where 46 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
installers can lose time and money. Now the glass units can be dropped into place whole, the installer will be able to spend less time on site and improve their profit margins. It should also mean less mess on site too.” Combining SupaLite’s renowned lightweight tiled roof with high-performance glazed panels, SkyVista was launched at the beginning of 2019, and the hybrid roof system has proved popular with SupaLite’s approved fabricators and installers since. “At SupaLite, we’re always looking for ways to improve our products for the benefit of our
customers,” added Steve. “SkyVista offers a fantastic opportunity for ambitious installers, giving them a high-performance and highly desirable system that provides homeowners with unrivalled thermal performance and higher levels of natural light and is now even easier to install.” SupaLite tiled roof systems are fully accredited for Building Regulations approval and offer a cost-effective solution that converts traditional conservatories into useable living spaces all-year-round. www.supaliteroof.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
New Look For The New Year: Tuffx Launches
‘Frameless’ Infinity All Glass Rooflights
TuffX is starting 2021 with a bang – with the launch of a new All Glass rooflight in its popular Infinity range. Offering a sleek, contemporary take on the traditional rooflight, the new frameless-look All Glass Infinity rooflight is designed to give the appearance of a simple pane of glass resting on the roof’s upstand. The outer pane has a black screen-printed ‘frame’ as standard, although any RAL colour can be requested on bespoke orders. This pane sits 20mm wider than the upstand it rests on, giving an elegant impression of the glass ‘floating’ in place. The new All Glass rooflights can be ordered in both standard and bespoke sizes, manufactured using 6mm clear toughened safety glass and with a high-class polished
edge finish as standard. Blue-tinted toughened safety glass can also be requested for bespoke orders. All units are available in either double or triple-glazed options, are argon gas filled and benefit from thermal super spacer technology. Best of all for installers, as with all the rooflights in TuffX’s Infinity range, installation is fast and straightforward. The unit is ready out-of-the-box and is simply slotted on to the upstand, sealed and then finished off internally. TuffX customers will be able to order the All Glass Infinity rooflight from January, with standard stock size rooflights available for dispatch within three to four working days. “We’re always looking for innovative ways to bring customers the newest, most elegant glass solu-
tions for their homes,” said TuffX’s Managing Director Graham Price. “And we’re really proud to be adding frameless-look, All Glass rooflights to our popular, hassle-free Infinity range.” “Our Infinity rooflights range includes everything from framed fixed rooflights and walk-on glass floors to – now – a frameless ‘floating’ glass rooflight. All delivered quickly and ready to drop into place easily.” “We’re constantly thinking up new and exciting ways to offer our customers the best in modern aesthetic design and quality. We can’t wait to see the first All Glass Infinity rooflights in place, changing the way rooflights look and bringing them bang up to date with a new look for the New Year.” www.tuffxglass.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 47
PRODUCT NEWS
‘F’ Is For ‘Flush’ Bohle has unveiled its new ‘F’ profile for its easy-to-install balustrade system, Vetromount, which offers a flush fit to the edge of the platform. VetroMount has been developed by Bohle specifically for the growing residential market, simplifying installation, eliminating the requirement for specialist tools and reducing fixing costs. It does this using a highly innovative mounting kit. This sits inside the profile, fixing the glass into place using a knock-in clamping system and patented ‘zip-lock’ mechanism to lock it into place. Dave Broxton, Managing Director Bohle, said: “VetroMoun F, is designed to allow you to deliver a flush-to-the-face fit, aligning with the edge of the platform, while still delivering all of the installation efficiencies that the top-mounted and side-mounted options deliver. “This includes the use of fewer 48 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
fixings, lowering cost and also time on site as there’s less drilling to do; and easy adjustment, alignment and installation of glass using the innovative click-and-lock mechanism.”
Available in standard 2.5m and 5m lengths in top and side-mounted options, VetroMount F accommodates glass thickness of up to 21.5mm. and is tested to a rail load of 0.74kN. It’s also counterbored, which means its suitable for use with standard, rather than more expensive counter-fix fixings. The design of the system means that drill holes can also be set further apart at distances of up to 400mm (top-mounted). The easy-adjust system can also be aligned to plus or minus 20mm in either direction by hand – and without the use of specialist tooling. The glass is then locked in place using an intuitive and patent-
ed push and pull mechanism. Dave continued: “It’s a product that has been developed by Bohle specifically for the residential balustrading market so it’s far less complex than commercial systems. It’s easier to fit, and because of that there’s more margin in it.” The modular system also features a highly innovative click-and-fix stainless steel finishing option, which is supplied as an add-on to the standard anodised finish, giving installers the flexibility to upsell, without tying-up capital in additional stock holding. “Fitted flush to the edge of the platform, the F profile delivers very clean sightlines, with the option to upsell to a stainless steel finishing option, delivering the opportunity to build in more margin”, Dave said. “It’s a sales platform for anyone with installation experience. Not only those already fitting balustrading”, he concluded. www.bohle.com
PRODUCT NEWS
SWISSPACER Adds La Defender Pico Balustrade
To Its Range Of Premium Solutions For Glass Warm edge spacer bar supplier SWISSPACER has extended its range of innovative solutions for glass in the UK with the launch of La Defender Pico, a slimline balustrade system designed for residential applications. La Defender Pico combines stylish looks with easy, one-sided installation. Measuring just 62x75mm, it is an extremely strong balustrade system, tested to a 300kg/metre linear load and accredited to BS6180 for glass barriers inside and outside buildings. The system’s continuous gaskets maximise performance through the glass and its anodised aluminium cover offers enhanced durability. John Cooper, Commercial Director of SWISSPACER UK & Ireland, says: “La Defender Pico is the latest product in our new range of premium glass solutions. This slimline balustrade system adds a sophisticated touch to properties and it’s also incredibly strong and durable. La Defender offers easy, one-sided installation so it’s a popular choice with installers too.” La Defender Pico joins La Pensilina, a cantilever, load-bearing glass canopy system. Designed for outdoor use and installed above entrance doors or sliding and folding patio doors, this stylish, minimalist design is ideal for residential and light commercial applications. These innovative new products are made by Logli Massimo, part of the Saint-Gobain group, which specialises in high performing systems and accessories for the fixing and assembly of glass panels.
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PRODUCT NEWS
Edgetech’s Super Spacer
Triseal SG To Enable Spectacular New Buildings Edgetech have released the latest in a series of outstanding next-generation spacer bars. Super Spacer® TriSeal™ SG brings the exceptional strength of the firm’s recently launched T-Spacer™ SG to a product designed for manual application. Ravensbourne College, North Greenwich Peninsula, London SG stands for ‘structural glazing’ – and like T-Spacer SG, TriSeal SG has been developed for use on the most demanding architectural projects. TriSeal SG incorporates a larger area for PIB application than average spacers, allowing for a much stronger seal. “Whether the project at hand 50 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
calls for manual or automated application, IGU manufacturers now have an excellent option when making extra-large and curved or shaped glazing for complex and ambitious buildings,” comments Edgetech Managing Director Chris Alderson. “All around the world, there are iconic buildings that have only been made possible by Edgetech’s innovative products. “We’re extremely proud of that fact, and we’re always at work on new products that will give architects even more freedom and choice. “We’re eager to see what they can achieve with Super Spacer TriSeal SG.”
latest in a series of new products from Edgetech and the business is also working on a number of further innovations that will continue to push the boundaries of spacer bar technology
TriSeal SG comes as just the
www.edgetechig.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
New Google Maps Feature
For Adminbase Allows At-A-Glance Job Planning
AdminBase is now available with the mapping application Google Maps, in the latest development of the industry installer management system. Available as an automatic upgrade at no additional charge, the Google Maps facility will now allow users to check details of the geographical locations for scheduled site functions at-a-glance, to give immediate visual information on the locations for sales, survey,
installation and service personnel. To learn where and when sales people will be at any one time for example, administrators can easily view appointments by each salesperson or for the whole company, especially useful when planning additional sales calls or checking the activities of any salesperson, or for the company overall. The location and identity of each representative is shown in clear detail on the map includ-
ing the time of their appointment. When new prospects call asking to see a representative, the administrator can summon up the sales map and immediately determine when a rep is in the area to call upon the prospect. Another sales function is to extend a novel and unique existing feature that already exists within AdminBase, that records the types and location of products installed. Whenever a prospect expresses an interest in viewing a specific type of product and installation, demonstration calls can easily be planned for the prospect to visit the site closest and most convenient for them. Similarly, Survey, Fitting and Service calls can be planned easily by entering the address and, at the click of a mouse button, all other existing scheduled calls in the area, at a specific time and day, can be viewed. The new address can then be entered into the schedule when agreed, with the appointment automatically confirmed to the customer and added to the relevant AdminBase diary. .
Smart Activations Are 98% Unassisted,
Says Kubu
Kubu, the smart-sensor technology from Avantis International, is enjoying considerable consumer uptake, with unassisted first-time activations in excess of 98%. The move into the smart-sensor market has been one in which Avantis International has invested ÂŁ1.0m to date, harnessing their international and wholly owned subsidiaries for the development of the software and firmware, with fully integrated manufacturing from their plant in South East Asia. Yet, Avantis International are not new into
the sensor market, supplying of over one million sensors per month to specialist consumer brands across Europe. With an experienced project team in place, Kubu is set for further enhancements and a product launch in the middle of 2021, as they set the development pace of the smart-sensor market for windows and doors. They already boast high profile customers including Abacus, CWG Choices, Dekko, Emplas, GJB, Glazerite, Listers and new build specialists, Nationwide Windows, along with composite door specialist Hurst Doors kubu-home.com WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 51
MACHINERY
D&I Window Solutions Scales Up Production With
Haffner Murat Machinery Established domestic fabricator D&I Window Solutions is scaling up its operation with investment in numerous aluminium fabrication machines from industry specialists Haffner Murat. The large-scale investment is a result of D&I Window Solutions’ strategic expansion into trade manufacture. David Saxon, Director of D&I Window Solutions, said: “We’ve seen a considerable increase in demand for aluminium bifolds in recent months and we spotted an opportunity to capitalise on the growth by expanding into the trade market. When it came to investing in the machinery we needed, Haffner Murat was the only choice for us.” 52 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
David was already in discussions with Matt Thomas, Area Sales Manager at Haffner Murat about replacing some of D&I Window Solutions’ current PVC-U machinery when the decision was made to move into trade aluminium. David explains: “Matt prepared a full machinery package that would enable us to get up to volume quickly and easily. The advice and attention to detail from Matt and his team was invaluable and we appreciated his knowledge, honesty and integrity throughout the buying process.” D&I Window Solutions will be investing in six new machines in total to set up their new trade production: an Adir C
Fom Industrie CNC Machining Centre, a Panda Echo 300 Fom Industrie Pneumatic Saw, a Quota Base Fom Industrie 3m Discharge Roller Table, a Porter Fom Industrie 3m Infeed Roller Table, a Crab XL Fom Industrie Corner Crimper & Roller Table and a TT 405 Haffner Murat Double Mitre Saw. All machines deliver superior automation, high quality production and exceptional efficiencies. They will be installed in February 2021, following Covid-19 guidelines throughout. D&I Window Solutions is based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Since it was founded in 2010, the company has grown in size and reputation to become one of the go-to fabricators when it comes to windows and doors in the region. Haffner Murat was recently crowned joint winners of the Machinery Supplier of the Year at the National Fenestration Awards 2020.
AL-220/70 Aluminium Machining Centre –
AUTOMATION AT ITS BEST
Undertakes all sawing, milling, drilling and marking operation
Key Features: • Stacking of 10 profiles (max 6.5m length) • Automatic cutting in all angles between 30° and 150° • High speed precision thanks to 7 axis controlled by servo motors
• Operates with data from various window production software ensuring minimum wastage • Safe production facility via three-dimensional collision and error control system • Finance options available*
• Ability to open drain slot routing, drilling and milling at variable angles
Computer controlled technology
Tel 01785 222421 www.haffnermurat.com The Accolade Building, Common Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 3EQ
* Subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.
ON SITE
On Trend Colour Choice
For Aluk Windows And Doors he owners of a stunning refurbishment in Whitstable Kent were right on trend when they chose the colours for the AluK windows and doors which have been installed throughout. Ultimate Grey and Illuminating Yellow have been declared as the Pantone Colours of the Year for 2021and that grey and yellow combination was used to create a striking contrast with the contemporary cladding and render. The owners had installed AluK products in their previous property and had been impressed with the quality, style and durability, particularly for a coastal location. They had no hesita54 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
tion in choosing them again this time around; and worked with AluK fabricator Rhino Aluminium and installer SG Installa-
tions to complete the design and installation. The house had been standing
ON SITE
empty for two years before work started and had been water damaged during that time, so all but a couple of walls were demolished as part of a complete, nine-month refurbishment. The aim was to make the most of the sizeable plot without having too much impact on the surrounding properties.
A Beautiful Black Tudor Residence
Using the architect’s drawings, Rhino Aluminium recommended windows in AluK’s slim sightline 58BW system throughout, four tested, tried and trusted BSF70 bi-folding doors and a structurally bonded aluminium panel front door in a suited AluK 58BD frame. This specification enabled the owners to optimise the light coming into the house and garden room and open up the rear as much as possible to make the most of the garden. The large expanses of glass meant the thermal efficiency of the AluK windows and doors was paramount to ensure that the house could comply with Part L1A of the Building Regs. Double glazed, the BRE Green Guide A rated 58BW windows and BSF70 bi-folds achieved U-Values of 1.4W/m2K. Andrew McCann from Rhino Aluminium commented: “We worked with the owners from a very early stage in the project so that they could manage the project and the budget as effectively as possible. One key recommendation we made was to upgrade the entrance door powder coating to a textured finish. The entrance to any property is the focal point of the exterior and particularly in this stunning yellow, so a textured finish Rhino door added a touch of distinctive elegance.” More details are at: https://uk.aluk.com/ and https://rhinoaluminium.co.uk/
Sussex-based Nuglaze Home Services recently completed a replacement window and door project with Residence 9, in a period home with true Tudor detailing, including leaded top lights, structural corner posts and two oriel bay windows, all in the No.10 Black finish.
upstairs balcony and door and other unique glazing features, which had to be completely sympathetic to the fabric of the building. Authentic butt joints, the use of black monkey tail handles and peg stays, also added to the period nature of this unique property.
In years gone by such installations were the domain of timber only and it is only with the introduction of R9, part of The Residence Collection, that this traditional material has been challenged. R9 remains the only true timber casement alternative window as this project shows, claims the company, and all the windows, doors and ancillaries were supplied by locally based manufacturer, Tradesmith.
Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director of The Residence Collection commented: ‘This unique Tudor type property is the perfect showcase for R9, with the dual colour option of No.10 Black and Grained White featured throughout. It also proves that we are more than a credible alternative to timber, yet with the longevity, green credentials, and energy efficiency properties of PVCu.
The unique corner property featured two oriel bay windows, an
www.residencecollection.co.uk www.residencecollectiontrade.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 55
ON SITE
Senior Architectural Systems’ slimline aluminium curtain walling and its strongest aluminium commercial door systems to date have helped create a fenestration package that is more than fit for purpose at a new leisure centre in Bristol. Fabricated and installed by supply chain partner Elite Aluminium Systems, Senior supplied both its SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and high-performance PURe® Commercial Door for use at the David Lloyd Leisure Centre in Emmerson Green, Bristol. The new centre, which has been designed by Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson and constructed by main contractor Pellikaan, also holds the accolade of being the 100th David Lloyd club to open in the UK and as a flagship facility, boasts a stylish and high-performance fenestration design. Senior’s slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system was 56 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
Senior
Makes A Grand Entrance the ideal choice for creating the centre’s attractive façade and to help maximise the use of natural light in the interior design. Offering enhanced thermal-efficiency and high weather performance, the flexibility of the system also enables larger spans of glazing to be created.
ium window system, the PURe® Commercial Door can achieve U-Values as low as 0.94 W/m2 K when calculated as a CEN Standard door and provides a secure and efficient solution for medium and high traffic areas.
Other internal and external access points have been created Another feature of the main enusing complementary commertrance is Senior’s PURe® Comcial doors options from Senior, mercial Door, which is the manu- with the automatic SD aluminifacturer’s largest and strongest um doors and versatile SPW501 aluminium door system to systems completing the packdate. Benefitting from the same age. patented PUR thermal break as Senior’s popular PURe® alumin- https://bit.ly/3ilrjmg
ON SITE
Student Halls – But Not As You Know Them: Edgetech Excels On Stunning Danish Project
From a bird’s eye view, it looks like a meandering path through a leafy city park. But get a bit closer, and you realise it’s actually a building – one of the most ambitious, spectacular and sustainable buildings Scandinavia has ever produced. BaseCamp Lyngby is a 415,000 square-foot student accommodation block in Copenhagen, Denmark. It’s a winding, undulating structure with an 800-metre running and walking track, grass, plants and trees covering the entirety of its roof. Made of glass and facades in three different shades of oak, the building itself contains a total of 786 apartments, 639 of them for students, 48 for retired residents. Completed to serve Copenhagen’s Lyngby University of Technology, the project took just two and a half years. The structure is made out of trapezoidal modules stacked to different heights, allowing for the sloping walkway on its roof.
But it’s not just impressive to look at it – it’s also been designed to put cost-effectiveness and sustainability at the forefront. The building’s ventilated curtain wall was insulated with rock wool and clad with slabs made of pressed volcanic basalt rock from Rockpanel, while its green roof is covered in solar panels to generate electricity. Any rain that falls on the structure is disposed of via evaporation, reducing the ambient temperature and strain on the sewer system. It required more than 4,000 IGUs, which had to conform to the irregular shape of the building – and that, combined with the need for outstanding thermal performance, made Super Spacer® T-Spacer™ Premium Plus the obvious choice. Danish IGU manufacturer Glaseksperten, who were contracted to work on the project, operate a fully-automated, stateof-the-art Super Spacer line.
“Super Spacer is of key importance to Glaseksperten in supplying quality products which also ensure we are a leading company in economical and ecological terms”, comments Sales Manager Jesper Hønning. “The fully automated continuous application of spacer from the reel saves time and money, while guaranteeing top-class product quality.” Chris Alderson, Edgetech Managing Director, comments: “We’re absolutely delighted to see Edgetech products used in such a stunning building. “Scandinavia is a global pioneer in sustainable construction, and a major growth market for warmedge technology. “We’re confident that Super Spacer® T-Spacer™ Premium Plus will offer the building’s residents outstanding performance for many decades to come.” www.edgetechig.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 57
ON SITE
MB-77HS Lift and Slide Door CGI
High rise apartment living is on the increase in our cities and one of the fastest growing cities to live in is Manchester where the population has increased to 2.9 million. The city is widely recognised as being the capital of the northern powerhouse. Always at the forefront of innovation, Manchester was the world’s first industrial city and more recently where the BBC now calls home, located at Media City. With lower costs of living compared to London, it is no wonder that recent developments in Manchester offer a very good investment value. Designed by 5 Plus Architects and built by Russell Construction, the £85m Oxygen Tower comprises three individual towers of 32, 16 and 10 storeys offering a ‘neighbourhood’ or ‘vertical village’ which houses a wide range of amenities for residents. Located in Manchester’s popular ‘New Islington’ district 58 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
High Rise, High Performance Door from Aluprof and just a short walk from the Northern Quarter, the city’s main rail station at Manchester Piccadilly and city centre employment zones. The project epitomises affordable quality with 372 apartments coupled with 12 street level luxury townhouses. As you would expect with high rise projects, 5 Plus Architects have chosen to use aluminium framed fenestration on the project and have specified Aluprof UK as the system provider.
The sliding door specified is a ‘lift and slide’ arrangement which offers a low threshold with high
levels of air and watertightness due to that fact that the sliding door lowers down onto, and compresses weather seals once in the closed position. The MB-77HS system offers an impressive maximum Class 4 air tightness when tested to BS EN 12207 and a Class 9A (600Pa) for watertightness when tested to BS EN 12208. Possibly just important today is the importance of thermal insulation and the MB-77HS system can offer a very high insulation capability of up to 0.84 W/(m2K). Whilst these standards are well
ON SITE testing a curtain wall facade to the CWCT sequence, it is normal to tape off any opening products such as doors windows and vents, however,, for the MB77HS test the sliding door was left untaped to test the product in a real world scenario.
Current view of project
accepted performance levels for doors and windows in normal use, balcony doors at 32 storeys high could be subject to much harsher weather conditions common to the North West. It was decided that the specific door configuration on the project should be tested to meet the much more onerous testing that curtain walling is often tested to by testing to CWCT standards. The main difference is that the normal window and door tests take place within a cabinet, whereas weather testing to CWCT is applied externally. Tested at Wintech in the Midlands, now UL, testing was independently overseen by Fenestration Consultants, Cladtech Associates. The CWCT Sequence B test is far more intrusive than the traditional cabinet testing and is summarised as follows: Air permeability in a cabinet test will have an overall figure of 3m³/(h:m²) and an opening joint would be 0.75m³/(h:m²), for the CWCT sequence this is reduced 1.5m³/(h:m²) for overall area and 0.5m³/(h:m²) for a fixed joint which is a significant tighter specification. Typically, when
For a standard water resistance cabinet test you would have 2l/m per nozzle at the head and 1l/m per nozzle for the second row for a sample up to 2500mm in height. Spray nozzles would be set at 400mm centres and 250mm from the face of the sample. With the CWCT the sequence requires that nozzles no more than 700mm apart horizontally and vertically and then 400mm from the face, the rate of flow is increased to 3.4l/m per nozzle. This is a significant increase in the level of water, over three times the normal amount in a cabinet test and it is unlikely that many opening products would achieve a rating, but the MB-77HS system passed the CWCT Sequence B.
Staying Safe,
Looking Great
With TuffX
An elegant building requires an equally elegant safety glass solution – which is exactly what toughened glass specialists TuffX recently supplied to a residential complex in Scotland. The client required fifteen Juliet balconies to provide both unobstructed views and unrivalled safety from multiple storeys of windows. TuffX supplied 17.5mm toughened clear glass in varying sizes, with a perfectly aligned finish and brilliant polished edge, to fulfil the brief. The result are stunningly unobtrusive balconies, providing not only great views from the inside looking out, but also a barely-there high-end addition to the outside of the building. The finished balconies complement the stonework façade in a minimalist, modern manner, without imposing on the building’s original beauty.
MB-77HS Lift and Slide Door system
Aluprof systems have been installed on the scheme by Leeds based specialists Casu Consulto and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2021 following a nine month fit out. Further information is available on the company’s website at aluprof.co.uk
Great views are coupled with maximum safety – with the glass providing high-fall protection for the large windows, which can be opened up completely to bring the outside in on good days. When the weather turns, the view from the closed windows is equally unimpeded, with the toughened glass ready to stand up to whatever the elements can throw at it. www.tuffxglass.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 59
ON SITE
Spurring innovation and collaboration between scientists to enhance the student experience was front of mind when American University in Washington DC planned to build a new faculty to house its science programmes. And as the building will be aiding research into topics including climate change, ensuring that the new facility was environmentally friendly was a key part of the brief. In fact, the university wanted its new Hall of Science to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold, a certification that demands that operational carbon emissions for the finished building are kept below a certain level. The three-storey, 95,000 Gross Floor Area (GFA) building relocates the university’s biology, environmental sciences, chemistry, and neuroscience departments into a modern, central location within the institution’s campus. In order to provide the academics and students using the 60 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
US University Picks Innovative Products
From UK Glass Manufacturer
For New Hall Of Science building with natural light, the architect, Ballinger, designed a full-height glass wall along its campus-facing edge.
However, the area of glazing created a challenge – the potential for excess heating as a result of the large amount of energy streaming into the building as sunlight. If this effect was too great, the increased dependence on air conditioning during the summer months would have enlarged the building’s carbon footprint, threatening the LEED certification, and made controlling the climate in the building more expensive.
The appliance of science
In keeping with the building brief of innovation, to combat excessive solar gain, the architect turned to Pilkington United Kingdom Ltd, part of the NSG Group, and specified Pilkington Suncool™ 50/25 T glass within the insulated glass units across the whole façade, supplied by Pilkington UK partner CareyGlass. Using an advanced off-line coating technology the high performance solar control coating helps to reduce the amount of solar energy that passes into the building by up to 75 per cent. At the same time, the glass maintains natural colour balance
ON SITE and still allows natural light to flood the building. Stephen Bartlett, AIA, LEED AP, principal at Ballinger said: “American University wanted a highly transparent building that would visibly showcase science laboratories to the surrounding campus. We wanted a neutral colour glass that would be neither green nor visibly reflective. Providing transparency along with solar heat gain control was key to meeting our energy use targets and achieving LEED Gold. “The resultant laboratories are bathed in natural light without harsh glare and provide abundant views onto the surrounding natural landscape. This creates a calm and pleasing research environment that fosters focus and concentration. We are impressed by both the performance and aesthetics of the Pilkington Suncool 50/25 T product.” William Carey, CEO at CareyGlass, said: “Collaboration has been key to many aspects of this project. While creating a collaborative space was important in the American University’s design brief, it’s also been essential for all suppliers, consultants and contractors involved to work closely together and find solutions to meet the requirements of this stunning new building.”
Fentrade Aluminium Delivers For School Renovation Project
Fentrade Aluminium has recently manufactured and supplied a range of commercial products for a renovation project at Ysgol Pontrhydfendigaid School in Ystrad Meurig, near Aberystwyth. The project involved creating new entrance screens into the main building and various classrooms to improve the school environment for the children.
Jason Eggerton, specification sales manager Pilkington UK, said: “The American University is one of many exciting international projects that we’re supporting from our advanced coating and manufacturing facilities in the UK.
The various screens were manufactured using a mixture of low-rise Kestrel Aluminium curtain walling, thermally broken commercial entrance doors and incorporating ALUK 58BW casement windows inset within the curtain wall. Working closely with main contractor LEB Construction, Fentrade Aluminium were able to meet the required specification and exacting standards the project demanded.
“Supplying projects in the UK, and globally, the major investment in manufacturing facilities and product development within St Helens is helping bolster the town’s presence and status as the true home of glass.” www.pilkington.co.uk
Attention to detail and overall product safety was critical for the safety of the children. As such, the entrance doors featured large pole handles for ease of use and the casement windows were fitted with restrictor hinges to minimise the opening and there-
by lessen the chances of anyone accidently running into the open vent. Suncool Pro-T solar control glass featuring manifestation further added to the children’s comfort and safety. The project ran smoothly and the attention to detail was evident throughout the project. Chris Reeks, Director at Fentrade, said: “By incorporating the ALUK AW625 dedicated curtain wall outerframe into the casement design, the windows were glazed easily and effectively into the curtain wall structure to ensure a watertight seal and reduce installation time on site.” Award-winning Fentrade liaised closely with the contractor throughout the design process to ensure the high standards the project demanded were met at every stage. Chris concluded “We are delighted to have played such a central role in improving the school facilities for the next generation of children.” www.fentradealuminium.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 61
MARKETING
New Freefoam Video Featuring UK Marketing
Manager, Louise Sanderson Freefoam has launched another short video in a series to mark its 30 year anniversary. This film features Louise Sanderson, UK Marketing Manager.
Louise has worked at Freefoam for 10 years and explains how her role has changed and developed over that time. Working with both direct customers to help them promote and sell Freefoam products and also working with installers to give 62 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
them the support they need to develop sales.
Louise explains “I’m still amazed how many products we manufacture and deliver every single day. Our success has been down to our products, which installers genuinely love fitting.“ Colin St John, Commercial Director, summarized “Part of being a business that is 30 years
old is being able to change and adapt and that’s what our marketing team have done. They’ve done some brilliant work over the last few years, particularly with social media, and Louise has been a big part of that – getting out there generating interest in our products, interest in our customers and our customers customer’s “ www.freefoam.com
MARKETING
FENSA Approved Installers Offered Exclusive Deal With Glazing Hub Office App
Personalised
Covid-19 Installation Policies Are A FENSA Approved Installers can now take advantage of Glazing Hub Office, a new app that presents window, door and conservatory installers with an easy to use, mobile solution for creating branded, professional quotes and invoices. The Glazing Hub app incorporates individual company brand information, logos and literature, can be set up to automatically chase invoices and can even collect reviews and recommendations, giving users a competitive advantage to win more work, but also helping them to improve efficiency and raise standards. Produced by Expert Trades, a specialist in providing trades people with digital tools to help support and grow their business, the Glazing Hub Office app was built and designed specifically with glazing industry installers in mind. It is particularly suited to smaller companies, for instance ones that don’t have the resources of a dedicated, office-based admin or accounts team, and is available exclusively to FENSA Approved Installers with a 20% discount. Joe Meftah, co-founder of the Glazing Hub, commented: “The
team here at Glazing Hub are extremely excited to be launching the Glazing Hub Office in partnership with FENSA. Glazing Hub Office has been created to help installers in the fenestration sector save time and money on every install by giving them everything they need in one place to run a professional business. This shared vision of creating innovative solutions to continue to support and increase standards across the industry is what makes us so excited to be working with FENSA and we are confident all FENSA Approved installers will feel the benefits of this partnership over the next 12 months.” Chris Beedel, Director of Membership at FENSA, added: “We’re always looking to work with forward thinking partners who can help our FENSA Approved Installers win more work and Glazing Hub are just that. We’re excited to see how our community use the app and how it will help them to save time and money for their business. With it being available at exclusive rates to FENSA Approved Installers this is just another way for them to stand out from the crowd.” FENSA glazinghub.co.uk
Success, Says
Endurance Over 100 personalised COVID-19 installation policies have been produced by Endurance Doors for their nationwide network of Installer Partners, while the remainder have benefitted from the generic version that was distributed back in April last year.
Much was done last year to support Installer Partners through the unprecedented pandemic and both effective communication and the provision of dedicated marketing tools, did much to support and to re-assure their customers. There has also been a templated risk assessment produced, highlighting the risks and remedial actions that each installation business should consider when carrying out a door installation in the current climate. This important document not only provides guidelines at the point of fitting, but is a handy publication that can be given to consumers for complete reassurance and peace of mind, that all precautions and best practice will be adhered to throughout the installation process. Installer Partners have reported that it has helped cement more sales and ensured that there are no last-minute cancellations by concerned homeowners. www.endurancedoors.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 63
MARKETING
Love Is In The Air Stephanie Tague, Head of BOS comments, ‘More is needed to spread the word of how great a sector Fenestration is to work in and to attract new people, in particular young people. #lovefenestration will be launched by some of the great marketing people of our industry during February and we want the whole industry to get behind it.’
If you love your job role, career, or the industry you work in, why wouldn’t you shout about it? Well, that is exactly what Building Our Skills is asking you to do by taking part in a Month of Love for the Fenestration industry. Building Our Skills (BOS) has joined forces with some of the industry’s top marketing agencies and trade publications to spread the Love of Fenestration right through the sector and help shine a light on some of the fantastic career opportunities available to young and new people. Throughout the whole of February, some of the industry’s better known marketers, editors and publishers will be sharing through social media the reasons why they love fenestration. The aim behind the campaign is to help gain further recognition of the industry’s fantastic career opportunities and profile to more people why they should choose Fenestration when looking for a job.
#lovefenestration will be the first-of-its-kind marketing initiative devised for the whole industry to take part. The campaign sets to create positive good vibes from people who love their jobs and have enjoyed a career in Fenestration, proving that it is a sector worth considering. Paul Godwin, Managing Director of VAST PR said, ‘Most of my career has been spent in the Fenestration industry, and I have had some fantastic experiences and been able to create some great opportunities during that time. Amongst my clients and friends in the industry I know there is an immediate need to fix the industry’s growing skills gap. I am therefore delighted to support BOS’ efforts and help to promote optimism and enthusiasm to attract new talent.’ The #lovefenestration campaign will run throughout February and will feature some of the industry’s more recognisable characters each day. For those wishing to take part contact Stephanie direct on stephanie@ buildingourskills.co.uk and for other please share the daily posts on your own social media sites using #lovefenestration.
One Town One Team! Quickslide Extends Its Support For Brighouse Town For Two More Years Northern Premier League side Brighouse Town AFC’s bold motto ‘One Town One Team’ confirms its commitment to the town whose name it bears. Similarly, Quickslide Windows believes that the sentiment also communicates its relationship with both the club and the town that is home to its head office and factory. 64 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
Which is why the firm has renewed its support as official partner and kit sponsor for the club for a further two years. After agreeing the deal, Quickslide Chairman Adrian Barraclough spoke of the close relationship that the firm and its employees have with the club: “Brighouse is only a small place and supporting Brighouse Town has really
helped us connect with the wider community,” says Adrian. “And that relationship manifests itself in very direct ways: When we were looking for fabricators to join us we made an announcement at one of the games and had applications coming through right after the full time whistle had blown.” www.quickslide.co.uk
AWARDS
Senior’s Supply Chain Success Aluminium fenestration solutions provider Senior Architectural Systems has received a supply chain award from main contractor Morgan Sindall in recognition of the manufacturer’s commitment to offering a consistently high and reliable level of service and support. Senior was named as the overall winner of the Morgan Sindall’s national ‘Supply Chain Family Member Award’ after enjoying success in the regional heats and beating off strong competition from several other companies that also supply construction materials to the main contractor. The prestigious accolade recognises and rewards Senior’s positive work ethic, from early tender support to help with design and estimating, and offer-
ing practical assistance during the fabrication and installation stages. As a result of the two companies’ positive approach to partnering, Senior has gone on to supply its aluminium doors, windows and curtain wall systems to a number of Morgan Sindall contracts across the country, including Slough Ice Arena, Solent University Sports Complex in Southampton, Robert Mays School in Odiham, Hampshire, and the Manchester Co-Operative Academy. Commenting on the award, Senior’s national specification manager Andrew Cooper said: “It is a real honour to have been recognised with a national award from one of our key clients and we are extremely proud of our positive
working relationship with Morgan Sindall and the fantastic projects we have been involved with. Our mutual commitment to supply chain collaboration has brought numerous benefits to the contracts we have delivered and will hopefully continue to shape and strengthen our partnership for many more years to come.” Following on from what has been an unsettling year and with more challenges ahead, nurturing relationships across its supply chain through early engagement and close collaboration is set to continue to remain a key focus for Senior. As a UK based manufacturer and with a number of in-house services, such as a state-of-the-art powder coating facility, which help to strengthen the company’s already comprehensive range of aluminium fenestration products, Senior’s regionally based team of architectural advisors and technical sales managers are on hand to provide detailed support to main contractors and architects as well as its established network of fabricators and installers, https://bit.ly/3oXMSf0 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021 65
CHARITY
Kestrel Swoops in
to the rescue.
Kestrel is teaming up with Norwich-based Plastic Building Supplies (PBS) to provide the finishing touches to a sensory room for a very special two-year-old.
Managing Director Stephen Gibling said: ““For many years the firm has supported East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices so we knew first-hand how much a sensory room improves the quality of life of children like Ava.
to Help Special Ava Ava Jermy suffers from complex conditions and disabilities caused by a gene mutation which includes epilepsy, hearing loss, muscle spasms and brain damage. One of the few things that can bring light into her life – and that of her parents and siblings – is her own sensory room. But for parents Tina and Andrew and their three other children, who all live together in a small house in Norwich, the only answer was to build a separate space just for Ava. 66 WINDOW NEWS JANUARY 2021
“Ava needs continual care and has a lot of large equipment to help with her everyday life and needs,” Ava’s mother Tina explained. “But we have very limited room and can’t adequately give Ava the space she needs. “During lockdown, the physiotherapy sessions, which are essential for Ava, had to stop and realised we need a space on our own property to be sure she gets the therapy session she needs.” With the help of family and friends, they built a sensory room in their garden complete with physio mats, boards and electric lights. To keep it wind and watertight they needed a variety of different boards which is when PBS came
Ava’s uncle Mark and cousin Luke both work for PBS and so asked their company for support.
“We donated materials and I mentioned to Kestrel that they were in need of 15 lengths of Rosewood boards, which they donated straight away, bringing the total support to around £1,000.” Kestrel sales and marketing director Owen Thorogood said: “When we were contacted by PBS, we didn’t hesitate to make the donation and support them with this project. Ava is clearly a very special young person and we hope that she will enjoy and benefit from the sensory room for many years to come.”
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