Window News March 2017

GGF Appoints New Chief Executive 6

Females To The Fore At Universal Arches 26

Double R Invests 54

WINDOWNEWS

CONTENTS WINDOW NEWS

W INDOWNEWS THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS

TRADE NEWS 4 DEAR GERALD 22

NEWS W INDOW INDUSTRY DIRECTORY

PEOPLE 24

COMPOSITE DOORS 32

WINDOW

SECURITY & HARDWARE

36

INTERNET & SOFTWARE

44

W INDOWNEWS

PRODUCT NEWS 46

THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS MACHINERY 54

FIT SHOW NEWS

56

W INDOWNEWS THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS

W INDOWNEW W INDOWNEW W INDOWNEW

THE LATEST INDUSTRY N

THE LATEST INDUSTRY N

THE LATEST INDUSTRY N

ON-SITE 58 MARKETING 64 CHARITY 66

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WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 3

TRADE NEWS

Polyframe Announces

The Acquisition Of Customade Group, With Further Investment From Cairngorm Capital Partners

Polyframe Group Limited (Polyframe) announced yesterday that it has successfully acquired and merged with Customade Group Limited (Customade), supported by further investment from Cairngorm Capital Partners LLP (Cairngorm Capital). With revenues in excess of £100 million, the enlarged group will trade as Customade and now has a complete and comprehensive product range across aluminium windows, composite entry doors and PVCu products.

Established in 1980, Customade is a specialist manufacturer of high-quality aluminium and PVCu windows, doors and conservatory roof products. Best known for its proprietary and market-leading REAL, Atlas and Fineline aluminium brands, the company operates from 100,000 square foot, stateof-the-art facilities near Gloucester, employing 320 people. In 2016 it achieved turnover in excess of £35 million.

During 2016, Polyframe acquired the WB Group composite entry door business in Birtley and a 50,000 square foot window manufacturing facility in Livingston from Stevenswood. Accordingly, this merger with Customade continues the firm’s strategy to develop the UK’s leading trade fabricator of PVCu, aluminium and composite windows and doors, addressing all trade customers’ fenestration needs. Customade’s market-leading and proprietary products complement, expand and differentiate Polyframe’s product offering, particularly in the rapidly growing aluminium sector. The group now operates nationwide, with almost 4 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

900 employees across 10 manufacturing facilities extending from Scotland to the South-West.

PrintThe combined industry expertise of the newly enlarged management team, together with support from specialist investment firm Cairngorm Capital, increases the scope for further innovation, growth and service improvements; optimises manufacturing capability and broadens Polyframe’s product range.

John Lightowlers, Customade’s Managing Director becomes Group Managing Director of the enlarged firm and continues to hold a significant ownership stake.

With over twenty years’ leadership experience in the windows and doors market and having led Customade for the past 12 years, John and his fellow Customade shareholders, Nick Gibbons, Gareth Thomas and John Adams, have been instrumental in Customade’s growth and success.

John will be supported initially by Jon Gatfield, Polyframe’s interim Managing Director, who will transition to other Cairngorm Capital operational roles in the near future, and Lance Gillett, Polyframe’s Group Finance Director, who joined Polyframe from Masco UK Window Group in 2016. David Moore, Non-Executive Director of Polyframe and former CEO of Ultraframe plc, will become Chairman of the enlarged group.

Jon Gatfield, Polyframe’s interim Managing Director, said, “Both Polyframe and Customade pride themselves on offering customers extensive product ranges, along

with extremely high levels of reliability, flexibility and customer service. Since July 2016, we at Polyframe have invested heavily to develop a best-in-class offering for our trade customers, strengthen our manufacturing operations and extend our geographic presence. The merger with Customade will accelerate these initiatives and secure our position as the largest trade fabricator of windows and doors to the UK installer market” John Naylor-Leyland of Cairngorm Capital commented, “We are delighted to invest further in Polyframe to facilitate this proprietary, off-market merger between Polyframe and Customade and to support the combined group’s growth plans. Customade has an outstanding reputation in the industry for supplying high-quality branded aluminium products, which together with the excellence of its operational capabilities and the calibre of its staff, make it the natural partner to enhance Polyframe’s leading PVCu window and composite door range.“ John Lightowlers, Group Managing Director of the enlarged group added, “This is the perfect partnership for two businesses with shared values, a market-leading suite of products and a commitment to the highest standards of customer service. There are great opportunities across the sector and as an enlarged group we look forward to meeting all trade customers’ product needs.”

Polyframe and Cairngorm Capital were advised on this transaction by PwC (financial and tax), Livingstone (debt advisory) and Bond Dickinson (legal). MidCap Financial, alongside Polyframe’s existing lender, Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank Group, provided senior debt to support the transaction as well as the enlarged group’s continued investment in its manufacturing sites.

TRADE NEWS

ERA

To Relocate To World-Class i54

Development Strong Start For Construction On The Year As Housebuilding Flourishes The construction industry has started 2017 strongly, with an increase in activity levels as the value of new building contracts awarded in January reached £6 billion, spearheaded by strong figures from the housebuilding sector.

According to the latest edition of the Economic & Construction Market Review from industry analysts Barbour ABI, housing figures increased sharply across January (see figure 1.1), with construction contract value reaching £2.7 billion, a massive 83 per cent increase compared with January 2016.

Of all the type of projects across housebuilding, it was private housing that dominated in January with 91 per cent of the total construction contract value in January, compared to just 66 per cent a year ago. Market conditions for private housing were also favourable for housebuilders in 2016, with Crest Nicholson recently reporting a 27 per cent increase in full year profits.

There are also currently £5.8 billion worth of housebuilding contracts that are nearing award status, suggesting this month’s growth is likely to continue over

the next few months and beyond.

London unsurprisingly led all regions based on total construction contract value in January, accounting for 26 per cent. This was helped greatly by the £900 million One Nine Elms Twin Towers development, the largest project recorded on the month.

Commenting on the figures, Michael Dall, lead economist at Barbour ABI, said: “Whilst the housebuilding sector is performing admirably, we expect to see its growth continue to flourish across 2017. However, other sectors now need to start producing more auspicious figures, such as the commercial & retail sector, which saw a year-on-year decrease of 40 per cent last month.

Infrastructure, another traditionally big performing sector, is also in a slump with January figures being the lowest for 12 months.”

“On the positive side, the number of projects awarded in January jumped by 50 per cent compared with December and 25 per cent when looking at January last year. These figures are encouraging and would suggest that work is most certainly on the way.” www.barbour-abi.com

(L to R) Stuart Jones, ERA technical services engineer, Wendy Eccleston, ERA marketing co-ordinator and Darren Waters, ERA CEO. Combined Stuart and Wendy have 73.5 years service at ERA.

ERA, a leading hardware and home security electronics business has announced it will be relocating its offices in Willenhall, Wolverhampton and Coventry to a purpose-built 25,000 sq ft manufacturing and distribution facility at the i54 business park in Wolverhampton.

The move to i54, which is set to happen by the end of 2017 will see ERA join other world-class businesses including Jaguar Land Rover, Moog and Eurofins.

Commenting on the move, ERA CEO Darren Waters says: “i54 is an outstanding business location with excellent transport links. It’s a great fit with our long term strategy and will help to differentiate our brand, both as a supplier and leading employer.”

WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 5

TRADE NEWS skills and leadership experience.”

Phil will officially start at the GGF on 2nd May 2017, taking over from Brian Baker who is currently interim Chief Executive. On the news of Phil’s appointment, Brian commented:

Phil Pluck, the GGF’s new Chief Executive

GGF Appoints New Chief Executive The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has announced that Phil Pluck has been appointed as its new Chief Executive.

Phil brings with him a wealth of experience in leading professional membership bodies and is currently the Managing Director and Commercial Director for the Royal Town Planning Institute which has a membership base of 23,000. He has also worked with and advised on operational and commercial strategy for a number of other membership bodies as well as holding commercial directorships in the charity, private and government sectors.

Bringing with him a reputation for focusing on membership value and influence, Phil has previously worked on putting membership and their services at the very heart of his organisations.

6 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

On accepting the GGF Chief Executive role Phil commented: “It is a very real privilege to be joining the GGF as their next CEO. It is clear from my discussions with the Board that they wish to see the Federation grow its influence across the sector and with government.

Being part of the GGF at this time to both support its current success and to take it to the next stage of its growth is very exciting. It is clear that GGF has a great team and Board supporting its Members and I look forward to working with all to achieve the GGF’s ambitions.”

On the appointment, Alan Burgess, GGF President said: “We are delighted that Phil has accepted the role of Chief Executive and the GGF will undoubtedly benefit from his broad senior management

“I am pleased the GGF has found an outstanding Chief Executive to take the Federation into a new era. Being interim Chief Executive for the first few months of the GGF’s 40th Anniversary has been varied and exciting. I have enjoyed being part of the GGF team and would like to extend my thanks to all the GGF staff and Members who have helped me during this time. I wish all connected to the GGF, the very best for the future.”

On Brian Baker’s interim role, Alan Burgess commented: “The GGF is celebrating a successful 40 years leading the industry and it has only been successful because of Members such as Brian. His contribution has been immense for almost ten years.

His knowledge and input at technical meetings through to his successful Presidency and most recently taking on the role as interim Chief Executive, to ensure a seamless transition between Chief Executives, has been truly invaluable. On behalf of all the GGF staff and Members, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Brian for his outstanding service to the GGF.” Following the President’s Reception on 2nd February, and Alan Burgess’ announcement of the GGF’s 40th anniversary celebrations, the Federation is now preparing for a memorable year ahead having fully settled into new offices, with a new President and now a new Chief Executive.

TRADE NEWS

Anglo European Group And Joe Martoccia Acquire Corby-Based, Aluminium Shapes Ltd Anglo European Group and Joe Martoccia have lead a consortium in forming Aluminium Developments Group Ltd and acquiring Corby-based aluminium extrusion and component manufacturing business, Aluminium Shapes Limited.

Employing over 60 people, Aluminium Shapes serves a wide range of industries and offers its customers a complete end-to-end service, from design and prototyping right through to component production.

Leading the acquisition, Joe Martoccia has been appointed Group CEO and will be based at Aluminium Shapes’ head office and production facility in Corby, Joe comments: “Investment from Anglo European Group, existing shareholders and the management team, together with funding from AIB (GB) delivers a well structured, robust platform for growth in what is an exciting and dynamic sector. Collaboration with Anglo European in the fenestration and road transport markets will provide additional opportunities for growth, building on what is an already diverse customer base.

“This is an amazing business with a successful history and strong pedigree. From the moment I set foot in place, I was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm, support and expertise of the team. There is a genuine “can do”

Paul Sullivan MD Anglo European and director of Aluminium Shapes Ltd, Peter Toland Chairman of Anglo European and Aluminium Shapes Ltd, Joe Martoccia CEO, Aluminium Shapes Ltd

attitude which underpins the company’s superb customer service and quality ethos. Aluminium Shapes is a solid company, with the additional investment and combined expertise of the management team we can significantly accelerate the growth of the business.”

Hike In Insurance Tax Will Hit Home Owners The latest hike to Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) will undermine good builders who play by the rules, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has warned ahead of the Spring Budget.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The doubling of IPT over the past two years has troubling implications for construction SMEs and homeowners alike. This stealth tax, which is set to rise for the third time in 18 months, effectively provides an additional competitive advantage to unscrupulous and uninsured builders. By driving up the costs of insurance it punishes those businesses that play by the rules and make sure

that they are always covered.

This is increasing the danger that homeowners could be tempted to opt for uninsured builders who are able to offer a more competitive quote. The stealth tax may also discourage clients taking out a warranty on building work, which is never advisable practice on a significant building project and could lead to plenty of heartache for consumers further down the line. It’s vital that we get a commitment from Government that this third rise of IPT will be the last for this parliament.”

James Dalton, Director of General Insurance Policy at the Association of British Insurers, said:“ Insurance Premium Tax

is a tax on businesses, especially SMEs that often operate on very tight margins, that do the right thing by purchasing insurance to help manage their risks. At a time of continued economic uncertainty, with many firms facing increasing costs, the last thing they need is a further hike in IPT. Unlike VAT, no element of IPT can be reclaimed by businesses meaning they will have to absorb these extra costs – this could cost jobs, drive up prices or companies may decide to reduce their insurance cover, putting them at risk if something goes wrong. Enough is enough, give firms a break and freeze IPT.” www.fmb.org.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 7

TRADE NEWS

CORGI Fenestration Launched is the bedrock for long term success”.

“We have formed CORGI Fenestration as a fully licensed business with exclusive use of the CORGI brand in the fenestration industry”.

Caitriona Deakin CEO of CORGI Services welcomed CORGI Fenestration with the words “CORGI has continued to look at other industries where delivering a service to the homeowner in a trusted and reliable way is a key element of the route to market”.

CORGI Fenestration Scheme Limited has been launched into the multi-billion pound Fenestration sector.

CORGI Fenestration is a fully licenced business working with CORGI Services, and will bring all the known and associated attributes of the CORGI brand to the industry.

Chris Mayne will be Chief Executive Officer and Jacqueline Crawford will be Chief Operating Officer.

In 2016 CORGI Services released the results of their latest independently conducted consumer survey. It showed that as a brand with attributes that consumers understood and respected, CORGI was by a considerable distance the most recognised, with 74% of consumers putting it first on their list.

Speaking about the launch Chris commented, 8 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

“This is a hugely exciting time for our new venture, and we hope for the industry. CORGI Fenestration is suited to all levels of the supply chain – systems houses, fabricators, and installers”.

“Our aim is to support them to win more home improvement business for our industry based on a customer perception that as an industry we will deliver improvements reliably, safely, with the latest knowledge at our fingertips coupled to experience and expertise”.

Jacqueline added “We are delighted that CORGI share our vision for a new approach to the fenestration industry. We are equally delighted as a part of bringing this opportunity to fruition to have formed a collaborative working relationship with GQA Qualifications the industry’s only qualification and awarding body to underpin our approach that qualification of operatives

“We have had many approaches over the years, and turned down many potential opportunities, but when we met with Chris Mayne and Jacqueline Crawford it became clear that through their knowledge of the Fenestration industry and their approach to business that we had a meeting of minds about how service should be delivered”.

“Their ethos is clearly the same as our own, wanting all tradespeople involved in the supply chain to be suitably and formally trained and qualified to do the jobs they are required to do in order to deliver a truly reliable service to the consumer”.

“CORGI Fenestration is entirely complementary to other CORGI licences which are active in the Building Services sector such as Heating and Plumbing and we are delighted to be working with such experienced and well qualified people in a truly dynamic industry”. www.corgifenestration.co.uk

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WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 9

TRADE NEWS

Soltherm Moves Into

Roofline Market

With Kestrel

Soltherm EWI has become the latest distributor of Kestrel UPVC building products after months of market research by the South Wales company.

The Barry-based distributor has extended its range to include Kestrel’s roofline, window-line and rainwater products as part of its latest expansion plans.

Paul Williams, partnership development director for Soltherm EWI, explained that the company chose Kestrel after months of market research and product testing.

“Adding new product lines to our range requires thorough market research and technical assessment, to ensure our customers have access to the best materials available,” he said.

“As part of our product selection process we asked customers about their knowledge of a particular brand and product, and the feedback (about Kestrel) has been very positive.”

The company, which recently moved to larger premises in Barry, stocks Kestrel’s UPVC building products in addition to Soltherm EWI core business of external wall insulation systems.

Kestrel sales and marketing director Owen Thorogood said: “We are delighted that Soltherm EWI has become a Kestrel stockist.

10 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

Morley Glass & Glazing managing director, Ian Short

Morley Glass & Glazing Celebrates 12 Months Of Growth Morley Glass & Glazing is celebrating a successful start to 2017 following an exciting 12 months at the company that included relocating to a new site, enabling the business to start work on a new showroom and increase production volumes in its best-selling products.

The £1m move to the new 50,000sq ft premises in July last year enabled the business to effectively double its production capacity and, just six months later, Morley Glass and Glazing is already reporting a 30% increase in order volume for its popular Uni Blinds® sealed units with ScreenLine® integral blinds inside.

Currently, the business is adding the finishing touches to a state-ofthe-art showroom, located on-site, which will offer Morley’s clients a unique opportunity to get hands on with a number of the company’s products, and find out more about the benefits they offer.

Ian Short, managing director at Morley Glass, said: “Our hope when we moved to the new premises was that it would allow us to

work more efficiently, as well as invest in new machinery and take on more staff. There has been a lot of upheaval and change at the business over the last year but seeing the kind of results we are now achieving makes it all worthwhile.

“We are now looking forward to what the next 12 months will hold for the business, including the introduction of exclusive new ScreenLine® products, and I feel confident that we are on track to easily achieve the same kind of growth throughout 2017.”

The only UK supplier of integral blinds to have dedicated customer support engineers on the road, Morley Glass & Glazing has recently added four vehicles to its fleet, as well as welcoming five new members of staff.

The business has achieved all this and more while ensuring it is still able to provide the widest choice of integral blinds in double and triple glazed units, with all manual, solar and motorised versions available in the industry’s shortest leadtime of 10 days from any Friday.

TRADE NEWS

Government Must Engage With

Small Business On Digital Strategy Culture Secretary Karen Bradley has launched the Governments Digital Strategy, which includes a focus on skills and infrastructure to support the digital economy. Mike Cherry, National Chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “As the Government takes forward its digital plan announced today, it should now focus on the small business community, who will be key to driving digital transformation and productivity.

“The ‘digital gap’ for small businesses hinders productivity and growth. For the UK to be the best place in the world to do business, we need fit for purpose digital infrastructure and help for small businesses to develop their businesses online.70 per cent of small businesses report that their mobile phone is critical to their business, so while delivering 5G is important, too many FSB members tell us that basic mobile coverage is lacking. Action is needed to tackle these ‘not-spots’ and to achieve the Government’s promised broadband Universal Service Obligation for all businesses across the country.

FSB will play its part, as part of a business-led ‘Do

It Digital’ campaign to get more small businesses confident when operating online, and we will shortly roll out basic cyber insurance for all our members.

“The commitment within the Digital Strategy to boost digital skills and confidence to go online is vital, with two in five small businesses believing digital skills are crucial to their future growth. Tackling the skills gap across all of those in the workforce needs to begin early, and we welcome the pledge to teach new skills such as coding, to more young people.

This however cannot be a one-off; free basic digital skills training throughout everyone’s working lives will be just as important for UK business to remain competitive in the global economy.” www.fsb.org.uk

Winning With Anglo European Dave Toulson, managing director of DEM Window Solutions is the lucky winner of the Anglo F1 Grand Prix competition. He will be jetting off on an all expenses paid trip to Monaco later this year to experience the thrill of one of the greatest road races in the world. The competition was based on the percentage of the increase in order value for Anglo’s Reinforcement between October 1st 2016 and January 31st 2017.

The top 20 performing companies went into a prize draw, and CEO of the Anglo Group, Paul Sullivan made the draw on the 14th February.

DEM Window Solutions increased their order value by 64% to make it into the top 20.

“I was surprised when I got the

‘no-nonsense’ honest approach to business.

Chris Sullivan director of Anglo came up with the idea after he and his brother Paul Sullivan, CEO of Anglo, took part in the MADI Ball Rally in aid of the Antony Nolan Trust which finished in Monaco.

Paul Sullivan CEO of Anglo

phone call to tell me that we had won, we were just very busy during that period”, comments Dave Toulson. DEM Window Solutions operate from their busy 21,000 square ft factory with a team of over 40 people. The company has the capacity to produce 800 quality frames per week and are well known for their

Anglo European offers a unique service and is one of the few steel reinforcement suppliers who operate a cut to size service with a minimal lead time. The company also claims to offer a reinforcement solution for every major window system.

For further information contact Anglo European on 0161 231 2354 or log onto www.angloeuropean.net To find further information on DEM Window Solutions log onto: www.demwindowsolutions.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 11

TRADE NEWS

Mercury Glazing Reveals The Temperature Of The

colour, over half of orders are for coloured profiles.

And of those, one of the biggest sellers is Anthracite Grey, indicating that the market is mixing the traditional looks of a VS window with a modern colour.”

Specialist fabricator Mercury Glazing has just revealed that sales of its Spectus Vertical Slider are up 15% year on year. Chris Reeks, Mercury’s Sales and Marketing Director, commented: “Double digit growth in a year is impressive and reflects the market’s increasing interest in specialist windows as well as our ability to deliver a quality product.”

Chris says that the most popular choice of glazing detail remains the Astragal bar, which Mercury colour codes to foils where required. He has also noticed an increased demand for curved verticals and commented: “The interest in what is a very specialised area indicates two things. First that the market is making bolder decisions in modern window design and second that PVCu Vertical Sliders have gained complete acceptance in heritage properties.”

Vertical Slider Market

But Chris says that what is interesting about the growth is how it breaks down. “We tend to think of Vertical Sliders as being products for heritage projects. But our sales breakdown reveals something very interesting. While white foil is the most popular

Mercury Glazing is one of the UK’s largest Spectus Vertical Slider manufacturers and says its sales figures are an excellent guide to wider trends in the market. www.mercuryglazing.co.uk

Liniar And Brett Martin Team

Up To Hit New Heights Innovative PVCu systems house Liniar and drainage giant Brett Martin yesterday announced a partnership arrangement that will see each company supplying the other’s range to its own customer base.

The joint venture brings together two companies with a similar philosophy, as Liniar’s Business Development Director Tony Basile explains: “We’re delighted to be working with Brett Martin, who will be supplying Liniar with high quality rainwater systems to run alongside our own building product ranges. This means any Liniar fabricator or trade counter stocking fascias, soffits and foam trims will also be able to supply Brett Martin gutter and downpipe systems as part of their range.

“In addition, all Liniar conservatory roof kits will be supplied with Brett Martin guttering included and cut to length.”

Tony continues: “We chose Brett 12 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

Tony Basile (left, Liniar) and Chris Dawson (right, Brett Martin) shake on the deal.

Martin as an independent rainwater system house with a fantastic pedigree within the plumbing and drainage industry – very similar to Liniar’s own reputation in the fenestration marketplace. Its manufacturing facility and primary distribution centre is also Derbyshire-based, which helps to keep our carbon footprint low.

“And having no roofline range of its own, Brett Martin is ideally placed to be able to offer Liniar fascias and soffits to its customers nationwide

through its existing channels.”

Chris Dawson, Brett Martin’s Sales Director comments: ”This partnership is an extremely exciting development for both companies. Brett Martin’s rainwater systems and Liniar fascias and soffits perfectly complement each other and provide each business with a quality rainwater and roofline offering for our respective markets.”

Chris adds “Our wide selection of gutter and downpipe profiles in a choice colours are now available to Liniar’s customers and we are particularly excited that our new Anthracite Grey colour option, which is proving a very popular choice, is also part of the package.”

“And we are delighted to now be in a position to also offer our merchant stockists the Liniar range of fascia and soffit, a welcome addition to our range.”

For more information about the Liniar range of building products, visit www.liniar.co.uk/supplies.

For more information about the Brett Martin rainwater range, visit www.brettmartin.com

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WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 13

TRADE NEWS

Wood Windows To Receive World-First

Environmental Assessment Results At Ecobuild 2017

cally timber’s superior environmental sustainability credentials. The simple approach and science behind this environmental tool unravels many of the complexity excuses made by competing materials about why embodied carbon cannot be taken into consideration. It revolutionises the way EPDs can be produced and takes us one step closer to these declarations hitting the mainstream.”

Beatrix Richards, head of corporate stewardship (sustainable commodities) at WWF-UK is speaking at the launch at Ecobuild. She says:

The world’s first life cycle assessments calculated through the new BRE LINA tool will be unveiled at Ecobuild next week (Tuesday 7 March 2017, 2pm at Stand E109).

The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) is the first customer worldwide for BRE LINA. This allows the BWF to produce life cycle assessment results for its members’ products which are then uploaded into the BRE Hub so that a third party verified BRE Global Environmental Performance Declaration (EPD) can be produced.

The results can also inform assessments for ISO 14001, EN 15804 (the European standard for the sustainability of construction products) and other environmental management systems, and can feed into BIM (Building Information Modelling).

Consequently, two timber windows made by BWF member companies – the Stormsure Timber Casement Window by JELD-WEN and the Conservation Casement Window by Mumford and Wood – will become the first products to receive LINA assessments.

Iain McIlwee, chief executive of the BWF, said: “This is timber leading the debate once again. LINA is proving to be a powerful calculator which now allows us at the BWF to build on the early work of Wood for Good and the Wood Window Alliance to produce bespoke life cycle assessments for our members’ products.

“This is a major breakthrough in proving categori14 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

“Government figures suggest we may need to build a million new houses by 2020. As we seek to ensure that this construction, and indeed the on-going repair and restoration of the existing housing stock, has the lowest possible environmental impact, it is critical that we understand the full life time costs of all the products we use. This applies to everything – cement, bricks, doors, windows etc.

“Tools exist to help architects, builders, suppliers and consumers to understand the true, full costs, from sourcing, manufacturing, transportation, life time use and disposal, so that decisions can be made on the best possible information. Life cycle assessments are one such way of capturing this information and WWF welcomes the British Woodworking Federation’s lead in adopting this approach.”

Dr Shamir Ghumra, director at the BRE Centre for Sustainable Products, will also be involved in the launch, and says: “The BWF has shown tremendous leadership and vision by becoming the first organisation in the world to adopt LINA. There is a growing need for better product data through verified EPDs. LINA makes the verification process quicker for BWF members.”

The launch will take place on the joint Confederation of Timber Industries and Wood for Good stand (E109) at 2-3pm on Tuesday 7 March. Tickets are available free of charge. Presentations will last no more than 10 minutes and attendees will be welcome to continue discussions with coffee and refreshments on the stand.

Further information can be found at: www.bwf.org. uk/toolkit/environmental-waste-management/whatis-a-life-cycle-assessment

TRADE NEWS Anglo can deliver a reliable first class product, 10 million metres of Pvcu reinforcement it to be exact”.

25 Reasons To Use Anglo European Reinforcement Anglo European has been supplying reinforcement to the window and door industry for over 25 years, which in itself shows their commitment to the market. In that time no customer has had to use the Anglo warranty, which means that in over 25 years not one window has failed because of the reinforcement, says Anglo.

“Our reinforcement is used in

every major window system, that’s not because of its specification, quality, price, or that we can supply it cut to size with no waste, its simply because it’s the most effective and efficient out there”, comments James Lister Operations Director. “With 25 years worth of steel reinforcements out in the market and not one single reported failure in all that time, surely proves beyond doubt that

AGB Celebrates 70 Years Italian hardware company, AGB, celebrates 70 years of manufacturing high-quality window, door and curtain hardware systems this year. During its impressive 70 years, AGB has continued to invest in research, innovation and technology to make it a leading provider of window and door hardware.

Set up in 1947, AGB manufactures all its products across northern Italy in three factories, making each and every product 100 percent

Italian made. The range includes locks, bolts, sliding door hardware and pivot window hinges, which are all widely used in the UK. “70 years is a great milestone and reward for all the hard work everyone involved has put in to AGB,” says Marco Zen, UK and Ireland Sales Manager for AGB Hardware.

“It reflects the success the business has had and shows how we have grown over the years to be-

During the 25 years period the market has changed dramatically with new products and a host of new regulations, certifications and tests. Anglo has adapted and developed to stay one step ahead of the changes; mainly due to their in-depth knowledge of the market, their commitment to rigorous checks of the product supplied and their customer knowledge.

“Anglo has put together a fantastic team who have developed and refined our reinforcement, plus a customer care package which is second to none. Any query that may arise is dealt with immediately and efficiently. This means that our present customers can rely on us and our reinforcement one hundred percent”, comments James.

The recent investment in new tooling to further expand their product offering to the market, as well as the acquisition of MaryBern steel limited in North Wales, means that Anglo has the capacity and skill to handle any size of order from large to small and is set for the next 25 years. For further details contact Anglo European on 0161 231 2354 or visit www.angloeuropean.net come an innovative and leading hardware company.”

AGB manufactures some of the most advanced hardware systems for windows and doors including the stylish Imago Lift & Slide door. With a slim frame of just 2cm, Imago is engineered to provide the perfect frame for the view. It has a large glazed area with super slim sightlines, bringing the outside in. The system is versatile and can be used for pocket doors, cornerless glazing and panoramic glazing. www.chooseimago.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 15

TRADE NEWS

Three Things Theresa May’s Industrial Strategy

Was Missing

the UK economy.

She comments: “It’s clear our decision to leave the European Union has injected a new urgency into the debate about what kind of country we want the UK to be; and the Prime Minister’s new industrial strategy looks great on paper but as history show us, many strategies have come and gone over the year with few making a major impact.”

Michelle continues: “What I would have liked to have seen alongside the big-ticket items is a plan to tackle the UK’s housebuilding crisis, as the country fell well below its 2016 target of 240,000 homes.

Secondly, I would have expected more focus on the need to equip students with business skills and thinking at an earlier age. There was an emphasis on vocational skills for non-graduates but I believe it needs to go further.”

The third issue that Michele would have liked to have seen mentioned was a plan to upgrade infrastructure and digital communications across the UK.

Government’s latest attempt at an ‘industrial strategy’ looks good on paper but still lacks some fundamentals needed to turn the UK into Singapore without the sunshine.

This is the view of Michele Wietscher, Director of Newview Windows and Conservatories – a home improvement company based in Worthing.

Theresa May’s announcement is designed to boost the UK economy post-Brexit and comes at a 16 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

time when regional leaders across the UK are mapping out their own regional strategies.

The strategy includes a commitment to invest in science, research and innovation; a new emphasis on vocational skills for non-graduates and investment in the poorer regions of the country.

But Michele says that although it included sensible ideas, it lacked three key fundamentals that are necessary to boost productivity in

She comments: “With base interest rates so low, the last few years would have been ideal for big infrastructure spending. We’re getting there but the planning system is still too clunky and in some parts of the UK we have worse mobile coverage than the third world. You would have expected this to have been made central to the plan.”

Michelle also says that she would have liked to have seen action taken to re-balance the tax-system to a flatter rate system, that encourages entrepreneurship and risk-taking.

Newview operate across the retail, commercial and trade markets and counts companies such as Network Rail and Heathrow as clients. www.newview-homes.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

Gintreda Joinery Delighted With Certification

From CENSolutions

Although relatively new to the market place, Harefield based joinery company Gintreda, has already made a name for itself as a manufacturer of high quality timber windows and doors. In need of a certification provider, they decided CENSolutions, one of the largest suppliers of quality certification in the window, door and glass industries, was the right supplier

for them – and are delighted with that decision.

Sandra Gudziunaite, the Manager at Gintreda Joinery explains: “The service we have received from CENSolutions has been outstanding. From our initial chat with them we felt immediately at ease and that feeling has remained constant throughout the process.

FSB Welcomes Prime Minister’s Intervention On Business Rates The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) welcomed Theresa May’s confirmation at Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday that that she has asked the Chancellor, Philip Hammond and Communities Secretary, Sajid Javid, to provide additional help for those firms worst affected by the upcoming changes to business rates.

there was “appropriate relief” for them.

Speaking in the Commons, the Prime Minister acknowledged that some businesses would be “particularly adversely affected” by the changes and said that the Chancellor and Business Secretary had been tasked by her to make sure

FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry, said: “I am reassured to hear that the Prime Minister has personally intervened in this extremely worrying situation for many small businesses.

18 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

FSB is urging the Government to act in next month’s Budget on precisely these lines, following last year’s commitment to provide £6.7bn of assistance for smaller businesses, taking many out of the system altogether.

If you don’t deal with it on a day to day basis, certification can be rather daunting and deemed a hassle, but they have helped us through the entire process working in close cooperation with ER Certification, ERC Testing and TÜV Rheinland and it’s been hassle-free – we are delighted with the result.

“We are a family run business and in many ways, we see a lot of similarities in their approach, which is one of the things we like about them. We are extremely proud of how much we have achieved since setting up the business in February 2016 and appreciate the speed in which the guys at CENSolutions satisfied all of our certification needs. If you want a friendly, knowledgeable, hassle free certification provider, then you should call CENSolutions. We look forward to a long working partnership in the years ahead.”

Gintreda Joinery holds the CENSolutions Bronze, Silver and Gold CMS Marks for their windows and doors. For more information visit www.gintredajoinery.co.uk or call 01895 639871. www.censolutions.com “Many of our members have contacted us to say that they are facing completely unfair and disproportionate increases in their tax bills, with some considering whether to close or scale back their business. That would clearly be in no one’s interest.

“Previous interventions by the Government, backed by FSB, have resulted in 600,000 small businesses receiving 100% relief and therefore protected from the current business rate changes.

But the extent of loss faced by some small businesses who are still in scope has created an unacceptable situation and I look forward to hearing the Chancellor’s proposals at the Spring Budget in two weeks’ time.”

TRADE NEWS

clear. We want to challenge the idea that all roof light products are the same – that a roof window is essentially just a roof window. Over years of intensive investment and product development, we’ve built a portfolio of best-in-class natural light solutions with minimalistic design, energy efficiency and allround performance that stand them out from the crowd.

With thousands of aspirational consumers looking for bespoke, stylish home improvement solutions, our products are perfectly positioned to help installers capitalise at the high end of the market. That’s why we’re now looking for experienced, established, conscientious installation firms who share our commitment to excellence, and our belief that premium roofline products should be prized just as highly as high end windows and doors.”

Roof Maker CEO Paul Mildenstein.

Roof Maker Wants You:

UK’s Leading Roof Window

Manufacturer Seeks

Trade-Side Expansion Building a UK-wide reputation over more than 15, Leicester-based Roof Maker has firmly established itself as a supplier of high quality roof lights. After its £30m acquisition by private finance group Next Wave Partners LLP, the fast-growing firm plans to significantly ramp up its activities – and now, the traditionally consumer-facing business is seeking to expand the trade side of its operation.

Roof Maker’s extensive product offering boasts exceptional thermal performance, robust-

ness, user-friendliness and style, consisting of bespoke roof lights engineered to be best-in-class.

As consumer tastes have shifted, and demand for premium, high-performance glazing products has grown, the fast-growing firm has successfully positioned itself as the leading roof light supplier to the booming higher end of the market – which, as CEO Paul Mildenstein explains, presents huge opportunities for experienced, conscientious installers.

“At Roof Maker, our ethos is

Roof Maker supply a selection of high-performance rooflight products. The LuxLite roof window is a sleek, stylishly contemporary aluminium roof light.

The company’s fixed flat roof lights offer minimalist elegance and fantastic thermal performance. Roof Maker also offer chain-actuated, electric hinged opening flat roof lights, and pyramid-shaped roof lights featuring ultra-thin glazing connectors that maximise the intake of natural light.

Paul concluded: “If you’re an ambitious installation firm with an uncompromising commitment to quality, we’d love to hear from you. Don’t hesitate to get in touch to learn more about who we are, what we do, and how our best-in-class products can help you grow your business.”

For more information visit www.roof-maker.co.uk or call 0116 214 7112 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 19

TRADE NEWS

Mercury Glazing Supplies Ltd Sizes Up The Jack Door

independent testing of its system for security and thermal efficiency. It gives specifiers real peace of mind knowing that the door is PAS24 as well as offering excellent U-values.”

Stephen Nadin

Endurance

Bolstered

By Record Trade Enquiries Endurance® Doors rapid growth over the last few years is set to continue, as the composite door manufacturer has received a record number of trade enquiries over the last five months.

In these last five months, Endurance® has enjoyed an influx of over 200 firm trade enquiries, from companies looking for a better performing entrance door. Several of these enquiries have been for the flagship Endurance® PLUS product which boasts a 75mm triple seal door frame, Secured by Design as standard and premium hardware features.

As the composite door market continues to evolve, Endurance® will be looking to invest in all aspects of the business during the course of the year, which will also include several new product developments and a further extension to their marketing programme for lead generation. www.endurancedoors.co.uk 20 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

Architects and specifiers love the design flexibility, security and thermal efficiency of the TD68 Jack Door from commercial aluminium systems supplier Jack Aluminium, according to fabricator Mercury Glazing Supplies Ltd, a specialist in niche window and door products.

Commercial glazing is a big part of the Gloucester-based fabricator’s offering and the company has found that the Jack Door meets the demands of commercial installations.

“We use the Jack Door because architects want free rein when designing large buildings. The flexibility of the system in terms of the sizes, designs and hardware options available means we can help customers to achieve exactly what they are looking for,” says Chris Reeks, Sales and Marketing Director at Mercury Glazing Supplies Ltd. “It’s also really important that Jack Aluminium is committed to

Design specification is easy due to the intrinsic strength of the product. To date, the system has been fabricated to some impressive sizes. In relation to PAS24, the Jack Door is available up to 1300mm wide by 2480mm high, making it the largest PAS24-approved, thermally efficient commercial door on the market, claim the company. “Having a door that has been tested to this width is really important, as it meets Disability Discrimination Act requirements on wheelchair access.”

Colour options are equally broad.

Jack Aluminium delivers powder coated aluminium profiles in any RAL colour within seven days, delivered in halves and quarters to support fabricators like Mercury Glazing Supplies Ltd in reducing wasted aluminium.

“The result is an aluminium commercial door that looks great, is a pleasure to fabricate and performs brilliantly across a range of security conscious environments.

All of this is backed by the quality of technical advice and reliable delivery we receive from Jack Aluminium.”

As well as the TD68 Jack Door, Mercury Glazing Supplies Ltd fabricates Jack Aluminium’s non-thermal shopfront and Curtain Walling systems. www.jackaluminium.co.uk 02476 467449 www.mercuryglazing.co.uk 01452 383344

TRADE NEWS

A Big ‘Weld Done’ To The VEKA UK Group

On Further Investment PVC-U systems supplier The VEKA UK Group has invested £35,000 in new machinery for the company’s workshop. The Burnley-based firm has upgraded to a newer, more efficient Urban three-head welder to replace an older model.

The workshop is an area of the plant dedicated to development work, ensuring that The VEKA UK Group can work alongside customers and hardware suppliers to partner on various exciting projects, as well as continually testing and improving product ranges.

It includes a host of test rigs and facilities to fabricate and assess all variants of VEKA and Halo products and there are three full time members of staff working in this department.

The Burnley-based company is well known for investing heavily in plant, people and technology – with capital investment well in excess of £20m in recent years. This latest investment of £35,000 takes the collective value of workshop machinery to around £500k.

MD of The VEKA UK Group Dave Jones said: “The VEKA UK Group is always proud to invest in technology for our plant, as it represents an investment in UK manufacturing and the ongoing partnerships we share with our customers.

We’re committed to improving facilities wherever possible, including the workshop, and the new welder will make this department run even more efficiently; further improving the high levels of service we offer.” www.vekauk.com WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 21

TRADE NEWS

Dear

Gerald

Dear Gerald Many home-improvements programmes like Grand Designs have introduced thousands of homeowners to the opportunity to welcome in vast amounts of natural light into their home and seamlessly blend inside and out, through excellent bifolding doors.

However, programmes like this always feature new build projects with large budgets, which allow homeowners to choose luxury bifold doors made from aluminium. Whilst they are an excellent solution, their price means they can be out of reach for the average homeowner. To meet this demand, installers need to offer an alternative that can match the versatility and performance of aluminium bifolds at a more accessible price, and uPVC is the answer.

Dear Gerald The trade press are part of the lifeblood of this industry. I know that an awful lot of news is published on social media these days but fundamentally most of us still rely on the trade magazines to keep us up to date with what’s new.

Obviously much of what is published is generated from within the industry itself either direct or via PR agencies and, with very small editorial teams, the magazines have to trust the accuracy of what they receive.

Sadly, I’ve seen a couple of examples recently of exaggerated PR stories which have stretched the definition of accurate somewhat and I just hope that it’s not the start of a worrying trend.

I know we all want to present our businesses in the best possible light, but surely there can be no excuse for issuing PR which is anything less than 100% true. In these days of ‘post truth’ when even the government is launching an inquiry into the impact of ‘fake news’, I think it’s more important than ever not to undermine the credibility of our trade press.

Ian Latimer Managing Director Emmegi (UK) 22 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

Whilst uPVC bifolds of old weren’t the best quality and therefore not offered by installers, modern uPVC bifolds can provide a cost-effective yet functional and practical way for any homeowner to enjoy expansive views and transform their property.

At Warwick North West, we offer our Innolux uPVC bifolding doors. It is our unique stamp on Eurocell’s Aspect profile, offering the same, slim sightlines that draws many to aluminium and maximises natural light. With a more rounder appearance compared to aluminium, the bifold perfectly complements existing uPVC windows providing a clean, consistent design across the home.

Much like aluminium solutions, installers can offer uPVC bifolds in a range of colours and wood effect finishes so homeowners can further the premium look. With two to six panel configurations and openings up to 2.3 metres high and 6 metres across, uPVC bifolds are a viable option for any property. What’s more, thanks to unique D handles, the concertina-style doors can fold back flat to produce a 90% opening, making uPVC bifolds just as functional and effective as aluminium or timber.

There is no compromise on security or efficiency either. The Aspect profile from Eurocell boasts a six-chambered design meaning better thermal insulation reducing heat loss and air tight seals, which keep out draughts. It is also made from the highest quality uPVC, a robust and durable solution that can provide homeowners with a consist-

TRADE NEWS

ent and reliable service for many years to come.

whilst welcoming new customers to DOORCO.

In conclusion, uPVC bifolds provide the perfect solution to allow installers to offer a premium, practical and effective bifold door at both ends of the market. Advancements in the market have meant uPVC has been able to close the gap to aluminium meaning homeowners can take advantage of many of the same benefits of aluminium including style, security and design for the price of more accessible uPVC.

DOORCO’s strategy has never been a case of big ‘for the sake of it’. We’ve grown strategically to continue to meet the needs of all our customers – small, medium and large. It’s a journey that started over 4 years ago, and part of a well thought out, considered – and even cautious – overall strategy. To enable customers to continue to grow and for us to accept new customers (from prepped to container) has always been our aim.

Yours sincerely,

The shape of the composite door market has shifted significantly in recent years. Gone are the days of one large supplier with complete control over the sector. Markets with multiple suppliers mean choice and a far healthier market for everyone. It’s a great endorsement to see Palmer’s report underpinning DOORCO’s strategy to support customers through investment, something that will benefit all of us if we get it right.

Greg Johnson, Director – Warwick North West Dear Gerald I read with interest the latest findings from Palmer and his forecasts for the continued growth of composite doors through to 2020 when he says they’ll represent two thirds of the market. It’s obviously great news for the industry – remember just a few years ago at the height of recession when our sector was staring down the barrel of a gun?

Growth markets present their own challenges and suppliers have the responsibility to ensure that they’ve invested strategically and in advance of market demand to ensure that downstream customers get the service, products, quality and innovation they need to meet the growth. This is precisely what DOORCO has been doing over the last 3 years, achieving a total investment close on to £5million in the UK and Korea. Indeed, the original decision to establish our own production facility in Korea – which has capacity for >900 doors per day – is now bearing fruit thanks to the fact it’s completely independent. The brand has no controlling suppliers/investors dictating UK policy, meaning that all elements of the business are decided by DOORCO only.

Thanks to this tight supply chain integration, DOORCO’s focus on prepped door business for the next 12 months is to raise bar on our customer service and delivery on robust operational targets, whilst staying at the forefront of product quality and new innovation. Our recent investment made into a second new paint line and other machinery removes any bottle necks experienced in 2016, and allows us to provide a better level of service

Dan Sullivan. DOORCO MD

Window News If you would like to see your company featured in Window News, either on the website, twice weekly e-mail Newscasts or in our online magazine, please send your press releases and news to: edit@windownews.co.uk We consider all press items sent to us. However, all stories are subject to the editor’s discretion so we cannot guarantee that your news item will be published.

If you wish to advertise in any of the above, please call: Gerald Batt on 01255 850 245, or to view the media information, click here: http://www.windownews.co.uk/media-info/ WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 23

PEOPLE

two.

Mark comments: “I was absolutely delighted to be elected Chairman of the Windows and Doors Group. It’s a huge honour, and a fantastic platform to help further the interests of a sector I’m extremely passionate about.

There’s been a revolution in fenestration over the last ten years. It constantly amazes me how much technology goes into manufacturing modern windows, doors, conservatories and curtain walling, and how exceptionally the final products are. It’s a massively exciting time to be involved in glass and glazing – and I can’t wait to see how the sector will develop in the years ahead.”

Mark Austin, Marketing Director, Hazlemere Window Company Ltd.

Hazlemere Commercial’s

Mark Austin Named Chair Of GGF Windows

And Doors Group Over decades of expert installation work, Hazlemere Commercial has established itself as one of the UK’s leading architectural glazing specialists – but now the thriving firm’s profile has been raised even further, as Marketing Director Mark Austin becomes Chairman of the GGF’s Windows and Doors Group.

Providing a voice for the fenestration industry at the highest levels, the GGF exists to advise policy makers, protect consumers, and represent the interests of the glass and glazing sector 24 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

on a national scale.

Members of the body’s Window and Door Group have met regularly since 1977 – and today, representatives from 225 of the UK’s most respected manufacturers and installers gather four times a year to discuss mutual interests, concerns and the state of the industry more broadly.

Mark’s new role will see him chair two of these annual meets, while Phil Goult, Chair of the GGF’s Conservatories Association, will oversee the remaining

Mark joined Hazlemere Commercial in 2008, following senior roles at an office design firm and Queens Park Rangers and Wycombe Wanderers Football Clubs. He was appointed to the firm’s Board of Directors in February 2015.

Mark continued: “We’ve completed hundreds of developments in the time I’ve been at Hazlemere, involving work on dozens of different types of properties – but its local authority premises, and schools, colleges and universities that we know the best.

We’ve built our business by taking on challenging, specialist projects that require a thorough understanding of the buildings and institutions we work with – their cultures, routines, and the unique challenges they present.

It’s that level of commitment and the depth of that understanding that sets us apart from our competitors.”

For more information call 01494 897600 or visit hazlemerecommercial.co.uk

PEOPLE

Mila Makes Further Investments

In Digital Marketing

from left to right: Caitlin Whalley and Kayleigh Pritchard

Charly Venn has joined Mila’s award winning marketing team to head up its digital activity.

A creative advertising graduate with several years’ commercial experience, Charly is using her skills in both online marketing and social media to help Mila engage directly with customers, suppliers, colleagues and market influencers. She is also offering support to Mila customers who want expert advice on using digital marketing for themselves.

Having won the last two G-Awards for trade marketing, along with the 2016 FIT Show award for best use of digital and social media, Mila already has a successful online marketing presence. However, Charly’s appointment is an indication of just how quickly the industry is changing and the urgent need to embrace the new opportunities and new 24/7 demands which digital marketing presents.

She is already having an impact at Mila, with a significant rise not just in the number of followers Mila has across the various social media platforms but also in the number of valuable customer engagements.

Mila is on both Twitter and Instagram @milahardware_uk 26 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

Females To The Fore At

Universal Arches Shaped frame and arching specialist, Universal Arches, is putting its females to the fore when it comes to customer service, sales support and FIT Show planning.

Over the last few years there have been an increasing number of women involved in major roles within the glazing and fenestration industries and now Universal Arches are involving Kayleigh Pritchard and Caitlin Whalley in more wide-ranging responsibilities. Both of them came straight from college with Kayleigh now in her ninth year and Caitlin in her third with the specialist frame manufacturer.

There’s been an underlying shift in dynamics in the labour market as a whole, with around 67% of women, aged 16-64 now in work, an increase from 53% in 1971, according to the Office for National Statistics. Seasonally adjusted statistics also showed that that around 13.4million women were in work vs 15.3 million men, though the proportion of those in

part time work between genders varies significantly. The fact is we should be experiencing more women taking on forward facing roles in our industry.

Leon Day, managing director of Universal Arches commented: ‘Both Kayleigh and Caitlin now have more proactive roles in the business and their experience and skillsets fully justify this. I would expect that more women will come to the fore in this industry given the statistics and opportunities.

He continued: ‘We are starting to see more women such as Clair O’Hara at the Epwin Group now also taking major roles in what has been a male dominated environment for so many years and it is a welcome change in dynamics for modern society, as it is at Universal Arches.’

For further information on Universal Arches visit www.universalarches.com call the sales office on 01744 612844

PEOPLE

Liniar Welcomes New Managing Director

Roger Hartshorn, CEO of PVCu systems house Liniar, has announced the appointment of Martin Thurley to the newly created role of Managing Director.

Roger welcomed Martin on his first day at HL Plastics, the innovative company behind the Liniar brand, explaining: “Due to Liniar’s significant growth over the last six years, I felt it was time to strengthen the senior management structure to enable me to focus exclusively on the strategic direction of the company.

“The decision-making process at HL Plastics has always been swift, thanks to our flat structure – and as we grow I’m keen to maintain that so Liniar customers receive the same excellent levels of service they’ve come to expect.

“Martin’s appointment as Managing Director will ensure we continue to fulfil and exceed expectations, as well as bringing another level of experience to the senior team.”

Martin, who is moving to Liniar from Door-Stop, is MBA qualified and has extensive Operational and

Roger Hartshorn welcomes Martin Thurley to Liniar.

Commercial experience in both construction and manufacturing environments, bringing a wealth of expertise across a number of disciplines including Customer Service, Lean Manufacturing, ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems and Health & Safety Management.

Martin comments: “I’m excited to be joining the Liniar team at an important time in the company’s development; Roger has built a great business with a fantastic reputation. This year will see us take things to the next level with our new 178,000 sq ft ware-

house and showrooms, both due to open in June.

“I’m keen to work alongside Roger to take over the day to day management at HL Plastics – as well as working with the existing senior team to support the company’s ambitious growth plans over the coming years – our customers and employees will remain central to our strategic direction and all business decisions.”

For more information about Liniar, visit www.liniar.co.uk.

Phoenix Doors Strengthens Its Customer Services Team Phoenix Doors, part of MASCO UK Window Group, has strengthened its customer services team with two key appointments reflecting changes that are needed in the way the fast-growing composite door and PVC-U door panel manufacturer looks after its customers.

Jason Donnelly has been appointed Customer Service Office Manager, while Will Reader has rejoined the company in a new proactive client-facing role as Customer Experience Manager.

In his new position, Jason brings

extensive Network Rail management experience to leading a small team responsible for both internal and external customer relationships. He comments: “I’m enjoying a fresh challenge in a new industry and looking forward to helping deliver an excellent service throughout to all our customers.”

A major part of Will’s new role will involve discussing issues and meeting with customers, many of whom he knows already from his previous sales office experience at Phoenix.

Commenting on the appointments,

Haydon Statham, Sales Director says: “As Phoenix Doors continues to grow, we are changing the way we care for our customers and respond to their needs in line with the Group’s philosophy. Both Jason and Will bring considerable knowledge, experience and skills to drive and implement change and improvements in customer service.”

For more information, please call Phoenix Doors on 01487 740469, email info@phoenixdoorpanels. co.uk or visit the website at www.phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk.

WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 27

PEOPLE to be joining the team and look forward to adding value to it.”

Distinction Doors Appoints

David Amos As Non-Executive Director Distinction Doors has just announced it has appointed David Amos as a Non-Executive Director.

Andrew Fowlds, Distinction’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted David has chosen to join us. His manufacturing background and wealth of industry knowledge will be invaluable to us.”

David commented: “I was delighted to accept the position of Non-Executive Director. Distinction is an efficient, well-run and dynamic company. Everyone knows it has the leading products in the composite door sector but what’s less well-known is the quality, talent and commitment of the people involved in the business. I’m proud

David’s appointment is a prestigious one for Distinction Doors. He is a familiar face in the industry as co-founder of D&G Consulting, a leading provider of market and industry reports and consulting services. He set up the firm with his business partner, Godfrey Arnold, who sadly passed away in 2015 after a short illness. His background is in manufacturing and he started his career in the motor industry.

David said: “D&G was a key part of my working life but by accepting the role of Non-Executive Director I have the opportunity to use my experience to play a strategic yet practical role in one of the industry’s most dynamic companies. Distinction Doors has exciting plans for the year ahead so all I can say is ‘Watch this space!’” distinctiondoors.co.uk

Darren Cunliffe joins Ultraframe as head of customer services on a mission to “put the customer at the heart of every decision we make”.

Strong words, but with an impressive track record of working in businesses both in the home improvement industry and in the roadside assistance industry, Darren feels his expertise of working in high-pressured environments and offering immediate solutions will bring real benefit to Ultraframe customers.

Darren explains: “a vast amount of my experience has been in businesses where the customer service team has been relied upon to deliver immediate solutions to issues, it’s that fast-acting approach that I want to finesse at Ultraframe. You hear a lot about “customer excellence” in most businesses and I am really impressed by what I’ve already seen at Ultraframe, but like any function there is always room for improvement, particularly around upskilling and empowering the team to take immediate and decisive action. I’m 28 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

Darren Cunliffe Joins Ultraframe As Head Of Customer Services

also keen to ensure that our fabricator customers get the service they need, fabricators have a unique set of requirements compared to our retail customers and it’s vital that we continually recognise that and deliver on it.”

Commenting on Darren’s appointment, operations director Andy

Crowe says: “Darren has previously worked in some really challenging environments where delivering an immediate and credible solution to an issue has been critical. His expertise at process management together with the customer service team’s knowledge will deliver a fantastic resource for our customers.”

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PEOPLE

Yale Appoints New Technical Director For Door Hardware

Kingfisher

Appoint New Production Manager

Profile 22 manufacturer, Kingfisher uPVC Windows and Doors Ltd of Drighlington, Leeds, has appointed Glenn Trevelyan, as its new Production Manager.

Glenn, 49, has more than 30 years in the window industry having joined his previous company back in 1986 straight from school. Over the years he has taken on a multitude of very different roles, including that of Trade Sales Representative, Order Processing Manager and Production Planning Manager; eventually achieving Operations Director status in 2005 where he stayed for four years. Following the crash of 2009 he was one of the few directors to be retained by that Company, taking on the role of Systems Manager.

Kingfisher Windows’ Managing Director, Neil Webster said: “Filling this role of Production Manager with Kingfisher has been very difficult as we were looking for someone who could not only drive change within the Operations side of the business, but could help develop the team at senior management level. To do this, they needed a solid understanding of the Trade, Commercial and Domestic customer and how their demands impact directly on production at operational level.

30 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

Paul Atkinson, Sales Director, Yale Door and Window Solutions

Yale Door and Window Solutions has welcomed, Brett Evans to the business as its new Technical Director for Door Hardware, strengthening the senior team.

In his new position, Brett will be responsible for overseeing and researching new door hardware developments in both the UK and international markets, as well as looking after the day-to-day application work. A key element of the role will be liaising with customers to develop bespoke product packages based on their requirements.

Brett has an in-depth knowledge of the security industry having previously worked at ERA for the past 21 years. After graduating from the University of Wolverhampton with a degree in Business Studies, Brett started in a marketing position at the company and it was there he realised he wanted to become more involved with the product development side of the business. As a result, he moved over to a product management role, eventually working his way up to Business

Development Director for both European and American product profiles.

Paul Atkinson, Sales Director for Yale Door and Window Solutions, said: “Brett is a fantastic addition to the business, bringing a wealth of experience to the role.

2017 looks set to be another positive year and I’m looking forward to seeing how his expertise in the industry translates to our business.”

Discussing his new position, Brett commented: “Yale has always been seen as an inspirational name within the industry thanks to its strong product offering, brand identity and heritage.

“I’m looking forward to shaping developments within door hardware and really pleased to be part of the future of the business.”

For further information about Yale Door and Window Solutions, please visit www.yaledws.co.uk or follow @YaleDWS on Twitter.

PEOPLE

Newly Appointed Business Manager

Strengthens Growing Made For Trade Team future. “ Chris Wann.

Made For Trade has recently welcomed Chris Wann to their Teesside factory as he joins the leading fabricator as Business Manager.

A Mechanical Engineer by trade, Chris started off in industrial design and has spent the last 5 years working in senior commercial roles within the subsea energy and process equipment sectors.

Chris will be involved in all aspects of the rapidly expanding business, sharing some of the management responsibilities with Managing Director Bradley Gaunt and helping to develop business strategy and support the growth of the bi-folding door, lantern roof and conservatory roof manufacturer.

“Since my first introduction to Made For Trade I could see that the ethos of the business and the drive to move forward is present across all departments,” said Chris. “It’s clear that they have really concentrated on development over recent years to keep at the forefront of manufacturing and I am very much looking forward to becoming part of the team and helping shape the company’s

Bradley explained: “We are continuing to invest strongly in our facilities, equipment and staff during 2017 and the appointment of Chris as Business Manager ensures that the management team is reinforced to support the continued growth.“ He continued: “Chris’s experience across the engineering and manufacturing industry fits in well with the company’s future plans and complements the development work we have been putting into our new in-house design and engineered Korniche aluminium lantern roof.”

The Korniche features parts that click or fix together seamlessly, with no trimming or cutting of any profile required on site, allowing for a super-fast installation. Made For Trade recently built a 3m x 1.5m Korniche lantern in under 30 minutes with very few tools required.

In addition, all fixings are hidden and the slim unbroken sightlines allow for sleek, contemporary aesthetics. The lantern is fully thermally broken to give the lowest U-values and also features an innovative secure all-inone glazing lock and retainer.

Chris said: “I am really very impressed with what has been achieved by Bradley and his

team with the design of their lantern roof and even more so by the time frame in which they have achieved a production-ready system.”

He added: “The sheer amount of work required in a new product design, analysis, development, and testing is not to be underestimated. When you add to that the process engineering of the factory, set up of a supporting supply chain capable of the required levels of precision, branding, ironing out the initial snags and all those unseen little touches which make a product complete – all in less than 24 months is nothing short of astonishing.”

Made For Trade, who supply the Visofold 1000 aluminium bi-folding door and Global conservatory roof as well as their Korniche lantern roof, have seen a huge increase in demand in recent years.

The business is now spread over three sites in Teesside and employ over 80 staff. Last year also saw more CNC machines and delivery vehicles being added to improve efficiency and keep up with demand.

For more information on Made For Trade, visit www.madefortrade.co and for further information on the Korniche lantern roof, go to www.korniche.co.uk .

WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 31

COMPOSITE DOORS

Hurst Fires Up With

Composite Fire Door Solution

Latest figures from the Home Office reveal that the number of fire-related fatalities in England during 2015/16 had grown by 15% to 303. The number of fire incidents attended by the Fire and rescue services also rose by 5% to a total of 162,000 incidents.

This growing number of fires has prompted Hurst Plastics to bolster its composite fire door offer and help customers to take advantage of increasing demand for composite fire doors in both commercial and retail markets.

Howard Wilson, Hurst Plastics’ Composite Manager, explains: “It is worrying that the number of fire incidents and deaths from fire has risen. Most fatalities from fire occur in the home or in social and affordable housing schemes, so it’s vital to ensure that appropriate 32 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

passive fire protection systems are in place there to help to prevent the spread of fire. Fire doors are an important element.

“At Hurst, we’ve seen a marked rise in demand for composite fire doors and they now account for a large percentage of our business.

We were however aware that some customers were nervous about composite fire doors because they were put off by complicated price guides, poor marketing and technical support, long lead times and unreliable deliveries. We developed a package to overcome all of these hurdles and to help customers to buy high quality composite fire doors with ease.

“Technical knowledge is at the heart of what we provide. We want to reduce the number and impact of fires in the UK and that starts

with compliant products and an understanding of the legal requirements. The specifier has a legal responsibility to get their specification right and we are there to guide them through every stage of their composite door specification. Our aim is to steer customers through the red tape, including current European legislation and building regulations, to give them complete confidence in their specification.”

In addition to comprehensive technical support, Hurst has created a full marketing support package, which includes a re-vamped composite fire door brochure, individual retail price guides, personalised leaflets and tenants choice forms. Hurst also supplies pilot doors, samples Continued on page 34

A LANTERN REVOLUTION

SLIMMER, WARMER, STRONGER... structural

elegance

The fully aluminium Korniche has been elegantly designed to retain traditional features in a contempory setting. By featuring slim sections and marrying them almost seemlessly together with hidden fixings, the beautiful sight-lines flow unbroken and gracefully from the ridge down through the spas.

Tel: 01642 610799 Fax: 01642 615854

www.korniche.co.uk

STAND L60

COMPOSITE DOORS

and swatches for customers to demonstrate to tenants, specifiers, contractors and householders.

The new composite fire door brochure features a wide range of door styles and a number of frame, colour and glass options, including Pyrodur Plus glazing.

The 44mm thick Hurst composite fire door leaf consists of a solid high performance core, which incorporates fire retardant phenolic foam and a high-density hardwood perimeter to provide a full half hour fire rating. The core is faced in a GRP colour finished skin, which is outwardly indistinguishable from Hurst’s standard composite doors. The skin is available in a four standard colours and any RAL Premium shade.

The new retail price guide makes pricing a composite fire door easier than ever before. A ‘one-stop’ price list, it features four simple price groups and prices for optional extras for colours, glass and ancillaries. The Hurst commercial team is also on hand to provide estimates and quotes and answer any technical queries.

Hurst Plastics’ range of composite fire doors includes FD30, FD30S, FDSBD and FD60 which have been audited and certified by Warrington Exova BM Trada to guarantee quality and performance.

The fire doors have also been fire and smoke tested for up to 30 minutes by Warrington Exova to ensure they conform to BS476: Part 22: 1987 The doors offer the highest levels of security and satisfy the requirements of the Q-Mark enhanced security scheme. They also comply with PAS023/PAS024 security accreditation and the requirements of Secured by Design. Unlike some composite fire door suppliers, Hurst Plastics supplies every composite fire door with controlled door closers as standard to meet BS EN 1154. www.hurst-plastics.co.uk 34 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

Solidor Passes

All The Tests

Timber-core composite door manufacturer Solidor sells quality doors with a service, support and marketing package that makes them an easy sell for installers, claim the company.

The laminated-hardwood timber core in every Solidor passes all the tests required by Building Regulations. With a minimum U Value of 1.5, Solidor is CE Marked and also has PAS24:2016 certification. Solidor is said to be thermally efficient, strong, and secure.

Solidor CEO Gareth Mobley says: “We spent a long time choosing the timber we use in our core, and our unique laminated-hardwood is the perfect balance between energy efficiency and security.

“We do everything to help customers sell more doors,” says Gareth. “That starts with offering a premium quality product they

and their customers can trust, a door that has all the necessary standards, and certifications from CE Marking, Door Energy Ratings, PAS24:2016, Approved Document Q and Secured By Design. No exceptions. People tend to assume that all doors are fully certified, but some don’t have a CE mark, which is a legal requirement. If they don’t it’s usually because the type of construction or wood they use can’t achieve 1.8 U Value.

Solidor does!

“We invested in people, operations, processes and facilities so we can give customers consistently world-class service, the highest quality products delivered at a rate of 99.8% on time and in full. That’s truly world class. And we continue to invest in product development, dedicated account managers, and marketing support to help customers sell more doors. www.solidor.co.uk

COMPOSITE DOORS Composite door fabricator Vista’s door brand – XtremeDoor – has got even better.

The GRP skin on XtremeDoor is now 100% thicker, increasing from 2mm to 4mm. As Building Regulations grow increasingly strict, XtremeDoor is PAS 24: 2016 approved, fully compliant with Document Q, and passes the stringent cut-through test.

The revised and more demanding PAS 24: 2016 test gives composite doors three minutes to survive an attack using two chisels (a 6mm and a 25mm) and a Stanley Knife. Using just these tools, if the tester can cut a 50mm hole – large enough to get an arm through and open the door, in less than three minutes, the door fails.

Introduced in October 2015, the changes to UK Building Regulations mean all composite doors installed in new build properties are required to meet PAS 24: 2016 standards under Approved Document Q. “We designed the XtremeDoor to be the toughest, most secure composite door product on the market,” commented Managing Director Keith Sadler. “But we haven’t been complacent. We’re constantly striving for ways to

XtremeDoor Gets Even More Xtreme

make XtremeDoor even more exceptional – and that’s exactly what we’ve managed to achieve here. Not only coming with a 100% thicker GRP skin, the XtremeDoor now boasts an upgraded five-hook lock, which pulls tighter to the frame and offers an even better weather seal.” The new lock has increased the weatherability of the door from 800 Pascals to 1200 – in other words improving the door’s weather performance by 50%.

Founded in 1995, Wirral-based Vista specialises in composite and

uPVC panels and doors, supplying to fabricators across the UK and Europe. Last year, Vista was acquired by Eurocell, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers, distributors and recyclers of window, door, conservatory and roofline products. Vista was also named ‘Panel and Composite Door Supplier of the Year’ at the prestigious National Fenestration Awards 2016.

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

Distinction Doors Increases Range Of Standard Colours Distinction Doors has just announced it has increased its standard range of pre-pigmented colours across all of its door ranges which includes perennial favourites Anthracite Grey and Distinction Chartwell Green.

For consistency, the doors are complemented by pre-pigmented through-colour cassettes to match too. Chantel Roach, Distinction’s Sales and Marketing Director, said: “Anthracite Grey and Chartwell Green are both very on-trend shades and two of our most popular colours. By making them a pre-pigmented

colour product rather than a special paint order we can cut lead times and make the colours even easier for customers to choose because they’re an off-the-shelf stock item.”

Chantel commented: “Homeowners care about the practicalities such as thermal efficiency and security but we know that what really excites them is the elements of their door that they can personalise – the colour, the glass, the design. By increasing our range of pre-pigmented colours we’re normalising the idea

of choosing what are usually regarded as non-standard colours.

In other words, we’re helping Distinction Doors’ installers to make the sales process even more inspirational for homeowners.”

Distinction Doors has its finger on the pulse when it comes to trends in the sector. In extending its range of pre-pigmented colours it is recognising the importance that homeowners place on the aesthetics of their choice. www.distinctiondoors.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 35

HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY

Mila Launches Fire Rated Stainless Steel Letterbox Mila is launching a fire rated version of its SupaStyle stainless steel letterbox making it an ideal choice for customers fabricating and installing fire doors.

The new letterbox has a high performance intumescent liner around the sleeve which reacts to heat and expands to seal the opening in the event of a fire. It has been successfully fire tested at Exova Warringtonfire Ltd to FD30 rating when fitted in the door core and to FD60 rating when fitted in the timber top rail. The test was carried out to the methodology given in BS476 part 22 (1987).

From the outside, it looks exactly the same as a standard SupaStyle letterbox and has all the smart design features which customers already love, such as a patented concealed flap operating mechanism, an anti-leak weather channel in the frame, and full 36 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

180° internal and external opening.

There are two size options in the fire rated version, with telescopic sleeves allowing it to be adjusted from 20/40mm or 40/80mm to fit into any thickness of fire door.

Both these sizes are available in three finishes – polished stainless, polished PVD gold stainless and brushed stainless. These suite perfectly with the rest of Mila’s Supa stainless steel door furniture ranges, and come complete with the same reassuring 25 and 10 year no quibble guarantees on finishes and mechanical performance.

With some manufacturers of fire doors reporting sales up by as much as 25% in 2016, Mila says it is responding to real demand in the market from customers who want a proven and durable stainless steel letterbox solution which they can fit and forget. Further details are available at www.mila.co.uk

HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY Hardware manufacturer, the Trojan Group, has just extended its heavy duty Athena Door Hinge range to include a version suitable for composite doors. Tony Chadwick, Group Managing Director, said: “The Athena Hinge has proven very popular since we introduced it last year. Now fabricators and installers can take advantage of its unique, patented design when working with composite doors too.”

The Athena Door Hinge significantly exceeds the requirements for PAS 24:2016 as a result of its inherent design. Three Athena Door Hinges have a combined carrying weight of 100kg, making them perfect for heavy duty applications such as large doors and triple glazed doors. The Athena is PAS 24:2016, as part of a door assembly, so complies with all the latest security legislation for total peace of mind.

The Athena Door Hinge is exceptionally easy to fit and adjust without the need to align doors and insert pins as with similar designs.

Trojan Introduces Heavy Duty Hinge For Composite Doors completed, giving a sleek finish.

The Athena Door Hinge has a slim, aesthetically pleasing design and is available in White, Black, Brown Oak (UV stabilised), Polished Chrome, PVD Gold, Satin Silver and any RAL colour.

Athena uses full float technology which allows easy, accurate and independent 2D adjustment with the door in the closed position.

It has also been designed so the door can simply be lifted on and off when the hinge is being fitted, simplifying the process even further.

What’s more, there are no unsightly gaps when adjustment has been

It has some impressive test results too. It has been corrosion tested to the requirements of BS EN 1670 and the painted finishes achieve Grade 5 and the plated finishes Grade 4, the two highest grades. It also conforms to BS EN 1191 for window and door repeated opening and has been tested to 100,000 cycles. And, like all Trojan products, it comes with a ten year mechanical guarantee.

Trojan Manufacturing Group Ltd is an ASSA ABLOY Group company. www.trojangroup.com

New Ultion Padlock – The Ultimate Security Add-On rages, and outbuildings so homeowners know all their property is secure.

Homeowners with Ultion in their front door can have their padlock keyed alike so one key opens both locks.

Brisant Secure has launched Ultion Padlock. Named because it contains Ultion, Brisant’s high security cylinder door lock, Ultion Padlock gives homeowners the same security. Installers selling doors with Ultion can sell this additional product for sheds, ga-

Ultion Padlock is a high security padlock that has achieved the ultimate security accolade, the Master Locksmiths Association’s Sold Secure Gold standard, the highest possible for padlocks. It’s the standard insurance companies request.

Ultion Padlock’s strong shackle is made from Molybdenum, the same material used in Ultion’s Lock Down Mode which keeps homes secure even when put

through the most aggressive attacks.

Brisant CEO Nick Dutton says: “Ultion Padlock is part of our ‘Sold Secure’ range, and contains an Ultion cylinder, that’s why we’ve given it the Ultion name. Homeowners want to keep their homes secure, but they also have sheds, garages, or even bike storage that holds expensive equipment outside their homes too. Why shouldn’t they be able to lock them with Ultion security?

“Installers selling real-life Ultion security know it sells doors.

Now they can sell Ultion Padlock as an add-on for homeowners wanting protection for all their stuff.” www.ultion-lock.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 37

HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY

viding flexibility, the Conexis® L1 Smart Door Lock also provides peace-of-mind, carrying Yale’s Security Guarantee.

Specifically engineered for easy installation, the lock is ideal for fabricators and busy installers requiring only a single screwdriver and tape measure to fit.

David Pridmore, Key Account Manager for Yale Door and Window Solutions, commented: “We have been working with Anglian for over two years and thanks to a shared vision for providing homeowners with innovative and secure products, have developed a great working relationship.

“The introduction of the Conexis® L1 Smart Door Lock into Anglian’s product portfolio only helps to further reinforce our successful partnership.

Yale Fit The Future

With Anglian Partnership Yale Door and Window Solutions has partnered with Anglian Home Improvements to offer UK homeowners the new Conexis® L1 Smart Door Lock – a revolutionary keyless door entry device that gives homeowners full control over the way they unlock their door.

Featuring a sleek, chrome aesthetic, the Conexis® L1 Smart Door Lock can be unlocked using a smartphone, key tag, key card or phone tag, depending on preference and can be fitted onto any of Anglian’s PVC-u or composite doors with a thickness of 44-70mm.

Anglian is one of the first home improvements company to introduce the smart lock into its product portfolio. This is a direct response to an increase in consumer demand for connected home security products and signals the start of an industry-wide trend investing in the future of door furniture.

The lock has been designed to provide a high level of security giving consumers added reassurance that their home is secure. In addition to a tamper alarm, the Conexis® L1 is PAS24 accredited and features a secure Push & Turn Thumbturn for additional convenience and added security. As well as pro-

38 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

More people are beginning to understand the real value that smart home technology can provide in their everyday lives and the Conexis® L1 will help Anglian to make smart living a reality for UK homeowners.”

Mark Farmer-Wright, Product Development Manager at Anglian Home Improvements, said: “The Yale Conexis® L1 Smart Door Lock undoubtedly represents the future of front door furniture, and it is set to be a game changer for many of our customers. There is no longer any need to leave a door key under a mat, to worry about missing keys or the expense of replacing them, or to spend time trying to find keys when you have got your hands full.

To find out more about Yale Smart Living and Anglian Home Improvements, visit www.yale.co.uk/smart-living or www.anglianhome.co.uk/doors/ faq/yale-smart-living

SMART HARDWARE ON RESIS SI

NCE TA

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7

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CORRO

SIMPLE GUARANTEES N 16

OPENING DOORS NATIONWIDE FOR YEARS

HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY Coventry-based Aztec Windows has announced that it can offer the innovative autoLock AV3 from Winkhaus across its range of highend designer composite doors.

The AV3 lock is now available as standard on all its Solidor Italia doors, while the AV3 Heritage version can be specified as an upgrade on the Traditional range.

Aztec Windows (Coventry) Ltd

Adds Winkhaus Autolock AV3 To Composite Doors instant access is needed over a short period of time, for example when carrying in shopping bags.

Michael added: “Homeowners have the additional reassurance of pulling the door behind them knowing their property is fully locked, safe and secure when they leave. Or at the flick of a small switch, the Daytime Mode offers extra convenience for tasks just outside of the home.”

Michael Hagan, Aztec Windows Director commented: “The AV3 fits perfectly with our range of top-quality designer composite doors and it’s already proving popular with our customers. As soon as they see it, they say ‘we’ll have that’. They think it’s fantastic!

“Homeowners are invariably looking for the best for their home and with the AV3 that is what they get; smooth operation, Daytime Mode and the ability to add home automation. It’s the perfect 21st century solution for a smart composite entrance door and helps us to differentiate our business, setting us apart from the rest,” he continued.

Aztec Windows - Winkhaus imageLaunched last year, the AV3 multipoint autoLock features a ‘daytime latch’ function that delivers added practicality for the end-user by allowing the door to be opened from the outside without a key when activated. This facility is useful when

Mike Rushen, Winkhaus National Sales Manager commented: “Since the launch of our stateof-the-art AV3 autoLock, our customers are discovering how it can increase the versatility of their door ranges, in turn further enhancing their product portfolios and their offer to homeowners.” www.winkhaus.co.uk

Sealco Puts Tailored Packages at Heart of Hardware Offer Window and door fabricators can get tailored hardware packages to suit their needs, carefully chosen by UK independent window and door hardware distributor Sealco.

Getting the right hardware for the job often means mixing and matching from different manufacturers to find a combination that ticks every box – ease of installation, performance and budget. For busy fabricators who don’t have the time to research every available option, there’s a real benefit to working with a reliable, well-stocked distributor who has built strong relationships with all major manufacturers.

40 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

With massive stock levels on more than 4,000 product lines from the best hardware brands, Sealco’s comprehensive packages are backed by specialist advice, reliable service and consistent next day delivery.

“Because we work with the best names in hardware, we can save time and money for fabricators by bundling everything they need for the job into a single package – regardless of who has manufactured each item,” says Alan Malcolm, Sales Director at Sealco.

“We’ll look at each customer’s budget, product type and installation process. Then one of our experts will create the perfect combination of hardware for

what they need.

“We’ll find effective answers to any issue, whether customers want to save time on installation, meet a particular specification or improve long-term performance of windows and doors.

“And by investing in big stocks, we’re competitive on price and can guarantee next day delivery anywhere in mainland UK.” Sealco is a main distributor brands, including Yale, UAP, Trojan, GU, AGB and Endurance, giving it a comprehensive range of high-quality products to suit the needs of all fabricators and installers. www.sealco-scotland.co.uk

HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY

The XL Exodus Emergency Exit System: The Only

Panic Hardware

for the Fullex Lock

Honest And Straightforward Guarantees From Mila cator and the installer.

Mila has made it even easier for customers to choose the right product for any application with a brand new set of design icons to show exactly what is included in every guarantee.

These will be used from now on across all of Mila’s packaging, website and brand new catalogue, so that buyers can see instantly whether they are choosing a 5, 10, 20 or even 25-year guarantee on performance or finish, or both.

Underpinning the icons of course are the simple and transparent terms of Mila’s guarantees which mean there are no hidden catches or small print clauses – just peace of mind for both the fabri-

Unlike some of its competitors, Mila does not require installations to be registered online. As long as the product has been fitted in accordance with Mila’s guidelines, if either the product or the finish fails within the time limit of the guarantee, customers simply need to provide photographic evidence or return the product to Mila to receive a replacement.

Richard Gyde said: “We believe in treating customers fairly and honestly and this is a key part of that. Obviously, the reason we can offer such a straightforward and simple guarantee scheme is that failures on Mila products are so rare. Our quality assurance processes are so advanced now that by the time a product reaches the customer, it has already been through a testing regime much more arduous than anything it’s likely to face out in the real world.”

Details of Mila’s guarantees and all the new icons are available to view at www.mila.co.uk

XL Exodus Panic Hardware is the only emergency exit structure that can be used with Fullex multi-point locks.

Panic hardware is a necessity in most buildings, from offices and corporate premises to public buildings including hospitals, residential buildings and supermarkets. Even multi storey car parks need to have emergency exits. Anywhere that requires quick, easy and hazard free exit in the event of an emergency must have doors with panic hardware installed.

Mike Hill, Fullex Sales Director said: “You see panic hardware absolutely everywhere these days; on all kinds of emergency exits and in all kinds of premises. But what the XL Exodus provides is more than just an effective emergency exit system. It provides a rapid way out from the inside, whilst still retaining maximum security on the outside.”

The XL Exodus comes with a full width crash bar which can quickly be pushed to release the lock and open the door; allowing anyone inside a building to exit swiftly and safely. But as the system can only be used with Fullex XL Lock and the Fullex XL Crimebeater, it also offers maximum security – being PAS24 compliant, Secured by Design licensed and CE Marked.

These locks come packed full of security features, and all the deadbolts and hooks are made with strong, hardened cast steel, making them exceptional difficult to defeat. www.uapcorporate.com WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 41

HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY

New HS Portal From Coastal Group

Creates Adaptable Lift And Slide System

even on large doors. This action prevents flat spots being created on the wheels, a typical flaw with bottom rolling straight sliding door systems.

A complete Lift and Slide system – the HS Portal - designed for a range of sliding door configurations has been launched by window and door hardware specialists Coastal Group.

The HS Portal from Coastal provides multiple features and benefits including: New concealed hook lock system which is easier and safer to use, and includes an additional Night Vent feature Improved weather sealing with two points of sealing on the closing styles and head Soft close and open option providing controlled opening and closing which prevents injury from the doors and damage to the doors and frame Further options from the new system include the opportunity to upgrade it to Coastal’s Hollodeen Threshold – the highly innovative, 42 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

unbreakable and lifelong threshold enabling the trade to say goodbye to the traditional problems of rotting timber cills.

With components from the world leaders in lift and slide doors, the new HS Portal from Coastal is available in seven different scheme configurations – from 1 sliding door and fixed outer door through to a 4 sliding doors and 2 fixed outer door system.

The new HS system is designed to reduce the machining process for weather sealing meaning it is much quicker to install. It is also simple to specify, simple to order and according to Coastal Group MD Loren Jenner, a great success with those that have specified the system.

The lift and slide action is activated by the door handle lowering the sliding leaf a few millimetres into the closed position, compressing the weather seals, and engaging the hook locks for high security and draught-proofing. An internal cylinder lock provides additional security.

“We first unveiled the HS Portal at W16 and there was a great deal of interest surrounding it. We’ve designed the HS Portal to offer a seamless, simple system for a wide range of sliding door configurations. With high quality components, innovative options such as our soft close/open, Hollodeen thresholds and a range of handle finishes, it’s got everything needed to fit a quality sliding door system,” said Loren.

The door can be lowered at any point along its track to prevent it from moving whilst open. When the sash is lifted, the seals disengage from the frame allowing a smooth friction-free operation,

As an added bonus full timber section information and an instruction manual on how to install components is available, plus full technical back-up is only a phone call away. coastal-group.com

HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY

VBH Launches New ‘Coastline’ Stainless Steel Range

of all materials, including PVCu, composite, timber and aluminium.

Hardware specialist VBH has added a new range of stainless steel door hardware to its greenteQrange.

The suite will be branded ‘Coastline’ greenteQ Coastline comprises 92PZ door handles, letterboxes, butt hinges and door knockers and has been developed in direct response to feedback from customers who required a stainless steel furniture suite for installations in aggressive coastal and/or industrial regions both in the UK and overseas.

All Coastline furniture is produced from corrosion resistant and hard-wearing austenitic stainless steel and is subjected to in excess of 1000 hours neutral salt spray testing to BS EN ISO 9227:2012.

VBH advise that Coastlineproducts are already proving popular with manufacturers and installers of doors

VBH Technical Manager Melvin Hutton says ‘Customers were telling us that they wanted stainless steel versions of our standard furniture. The existing greenteQ Alpha 25 stainless steel door handles have become very popular over the last 12 months, but we also needed suited letterboxes and knockers which meet the same anti corrosion standards. We’ve now introduced these new products and a brand new butt hinge and have grouped them with the door handle to form the new and exciting greenteQ Coastline range.’

Coastline furniture is currently available in brushed or polished stainless steel and polished PVD gold and chrome, with satin and polished stainless steel hinges.

Melvin concludes ‘We have real confidence in the performance of the Coastline range and back it up with a reassuringly long 25 year guarantee. Many of our customers have been able to achieve higher sales prices as a result of fitting Coastline products and have found that the guarantee will often help to close a deal.’ www.vbhgb.com

Carl F Groupco Extends Kenrick Door Lock Family

Carl F Groupco has expanded its range of door locks with the addition of the Excalibur split spindle door lock from Kenrick.

Kenrick and Carl F Groupco have collaborated for more than a decade. During this time, Kenrick has supplied several million window and door locks to the hardware distributor.

To complete the range of Kenrick locking systems it offered, Carl F Groupco decided to add the Kenrick Excalibur split spindle door lock to its family of locking solutions.

John Crittenden, managing director at Carl F Groupco, explains: “As a leading distributor of window and door hardware solutions, it’s important for us to develop strong partnerships with our suppliers so that we can offer a wide portfolio of high quality products. We’ve worked with Kenrick for many years and there is a great syner-

gy between the two companies.

Kenrick supplies a solid range of products, which are backed by great technical support so we had great confidence in adding the Excalibur split spindle door lock to our range. It delivers speed, simplicity and versatility to fabricators, enabling them to quickly and cost effectively fabricate either a lever/ lever or a lever/pad system from just one lock.”

Kenrick developed the Excalibur split spindle door lock as an alternative to traditional twin spindle locks which need a longer back plate for all types of operation. The door lock incorporates a standard 92mm centre, which accommodates both long and short back plate handles and either a solid spindle to create a lever/lever lock or a split spindle to create a lever/ pad lock. www.kenricks.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 43

INTERNET & SOFTWARE

allows it to comfortably achieve a WERs A++ rating. aluplast has added to this the Ideal 4000, which will be officially launched at the FIT Show in May this year. The leading-edge 70mm PVC-U casement system is defined by a contemporary ‘square-line’ profile, plus a highly innovative ‘clip-and-fix’ aluskin aluminium external skin finishing option.

aluplast Launches Retail Window And Door Configurator

aluplast has launched its new retail window and door configurator, which allows homeowners to model the effect of frame, finish and design against their property type.

The new online tool is available at: http://konfigurator.aluplast. net/ and features an easy-to-use dashboard, which allows visitors to select the style of their property and then switch between different aluplast systems and finishes to build their perfect specification.

Ian Cocken, Director of Sales and Marketing, aluplast, said that the new aluplast configurator offered aluplast installers and access to a powerful retail sales tool.

He said: “Showing homeowners how their frame and finish choice can define the character of their property gives you a platform to communicate all 44 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

of the other technical benefits delivered by new windows and doors.

“Energy efficiency and security are critical elements in window specification but aesthetics drive engagement and tap into buyer aspiration for their homes, particularly colour finish and choice.

“Instantly switching between different aluplast systems and finish choices, the configurator offers a great way of capturing attention and lends itself to promotion across social media channels.” aluplast’s established offer in the UK is built around the Ideal 70 system. With a choice of 24mm to 44mm glazing options, the slim line ovolo profile, easily accommodates triple-glazed systems, with triple-glazed options achieving a low U-Value with standard components. This

The German systems house, also offers 27 foils ex-stock across both the Ideal 70 and Ideal 4000. This includes three smooth or ‘sanded’ finish options, Basalt Grey; Anthracite Grey; and Brushed Aluminium.

D&G Consulting suggests that colour, will be a “key battleground” through to 2018. aluplast foils are offered on next available deliveries, with lead times of 15 days or less on special orders and no minimum order, no surcharge and no setup costs.

The Ideal 70 and Ideal 4000, are optionally available in aluplast’s global leading green recycled PVC-U technology ecotech.

This locks recycled material away inside the profile, co-extruding it with virgin material to guarantee a pristine surface finish.

“The configurator offers installers a very neat solution”, continued Cocken. “If you’re trying to get an understanding of how your new windows and doors are going to impact and define the character of your property, a picture speaks a thousand words.

“The configurator provides homeowners with a practical illustration of how new windows and doors are going to look but far more valuable, installers with a platform for engagement.” www.aluplast.co.uk

INTERNET & SOFTWARE

Phishing, Whaling And Baiting –

How To Avoid Getting Caught Recognising the very real threat which cybercrime now presents to the window and door sector, Business Micros has produced a cybersecurity bulletin to help businesses protect themselves.

The IT specialist makes the point that it’s no longer a question of ‘if’ businesses will become targets of cybercrime but rather ‘when’, so is trying to increase awareness of the latest threats and explain to businesses what they can do to combat them.

Covering everything from Ransomware and Spear Phishing to Spoofing, Whaling and Baiting, the new bulletin explains the dangers to look out for. Just as importantly, it gives straightforward advice on

rector Graeme Bailey said: “The figures on cybercrime are truly frightening. In the bulletin we quote a survey from a security company called Malwarebytes which shows that 54% of companies questioned had been hit by ransomware, and 58% of those had paid a ransom fee to get their data back. 28% had lost business critical data and 63% had experienced severe business downtime.

“Everyone is at risk, regardless of the size of the business, so we’ve produced this really useful bulletin for our customers to do our bit to try to help.”

Business Micros’ managing director Graeme Bailey

the practical security steps which everyone within a business can take to avoid being caught out.

Business Micros’ Managing Di-

The Business Micros cybersecurity bulletin will be distributed direct to Business Micros customers shortly and copies will be available on the company’s stand at the FIT Show (G30). It is also available now in the support section of the website at www.businessmicros.co.uk

New Website Will Showcase Manufacturers

Expanding Product Range has been the group’s main online shop window. But in the last year the firm has diversified into other product areas, prompting the build of the new website.

An experienced aluminium and PVC-u manufacturer has launched a brand-new group website. The TWR Group has rolled out its new website www.twrgroup.co.uk to showcase its full-range of products.

Part of the group is TWR bifolds, which is a successful stand-alone brand that showcases its aluminium bi-folding doors division and

Amongst the new products the group began manufacturing in 2016 were the REHAU Calibre and Total 70 PVC-u systems, Warmcore and Stratus aluminium lantern roofs.

The family run business has been trading for fifteen years and in 2016 opened a second factory in Peterlee – which is 25,000 sq ft – in addition to its headquarters in Sunderland.

Terry Richardson, Managing Director of TWR, comments: “In 2014 we launched the TWR Bifolds website and it has proved a great

success. But with lots of new products being launched we were keen to shift the focus onto these; so, we have decided to re-launch a new group website.”

Visitors to the site can find information on the features and benefits of TWR’s complete range of aluminium and PVC-u products, get a quick quote, and find out more about the TWR team.

There is also a regularly updated news section, which includes expert advice from Terry’s popular Bifold Doctor articles.

Terry says: “We wanted a website that reflected the TWR brand and made it easy for our customers and installers to find and order quality aluminium and PVCu products. The new website achieves this and is the perfect platform to promote our new products to the trade.”

WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 45

PRODUCT NEWS

Andy Glass Expands Into Aluminium With A Little Help From The Window Outlet

When Oxfordshire double-glazing specialists Andy Glass wanted to expand into aluminium, they were afraid it could be a headache, and one they feared would prove stressful, expensive and time-consuming to master.

They contacted the Window Outlet – the aluminium fabricator that’s grown from Bristol start-up to one of the industry’s most respected suppliers off the back of its signature short lead times, quick quote turnarounds.

The firm has extensive experience helping installers expand into aluminium – and an in-depth understanding of the common issues uPVC companies face as they make the change, as Managing Director Ben Warren explains: “For the first ten years of my career, I worked in uPVC fabrication and would spend hours talking to uPVC installers every week. I know how daunting switching materials or expanding your range to include another one can be – and that’s why we offer comprehensive support to customers in that position, including a training day that covers 46 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

both the products we provide, and how to properly order them.

A pen and paper sketch might feel like the quickest and easiest way of submitting an order, but in the long run that’s often not the case. They can be vague and unclear, and, in the worst cases, require a lot of back and forth between us and the customer to get it right – and the longer that process takes, the longer it is before the customer gets the product. By taking the time to sit down with our clients and show them the most efficient way to order at the very start, we make everyone’s lives easier.”

The firm also familiarises customers with its online bifold builder – an intuitive application that allows users to quickly and easily enter their size and hardware requirements, then send them through to the Window Outlet for a quote.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be working with Andy Glass,” Ben continued. “They’re an incredibly experienced, respected installer, and it’s been a pleasure helping them establish themselves in the aluminium market. We’d encourage any other uPVC installers looking to enhance their offering with stylish, high-quality aluminium products to get in touch, and we’ll do our utmost to help them make the transition.”

For more information visit www.the-window-outlet.co.uk or call 0117 405 8488

PRODUCT NEWS

Hueck UK Launches New Architectural Products

aesthetics.

Hueck has also expanded its popular Lambda series with Lambda WS 075 FC and Lambda SA (silent air).

Lambda WS 075 FC combines the advantages of window construction with the appearance of a slender façade design; and is a cost-effective alternative to traditional curtain walling.

Lambda SA is a revolutionary soundproofing system. Thanks to an ingenious design, Lambda SA can reduce noise pollution by up to 39 dB even when the window sash is open in the tilted position.

Hueck UK has expanded its portfolio with the addition of four new premium products (Volato SLS 075, Lambda WS 075 FC, Lambda SA (silent air) and Trigon GSP).

Hueck is one of Europe’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of aluminium window, door and façade solutions, specialising in both standard systems as well as bespoke applications.

The company offers a wide choice of profiles, all of which are designed to integrate with each other.

Adding to its existing suite of sliding systems, Hueck has launched Volato SLS 075 – aimed at the premium entrance door market.

The system is available in a range of designs to offer creative freedom in architectural projects and has a slim profile for enhanced

AluK Join Qualicoat Leading UK systems company AluK (UK) Limited are the latest systems company to join Qualicoat UK & Ireland. Currently based in Newport but relocating to much larger premises in Chepstow, the company is set to become one of the largest systems companies in the UK supplying both commercial and residential window, door and curtain wall systems.

Granted UK & Ireland applicator licence number 1021 in December 2016, AluK join a further thirty members in the UK & Ireland who are made up of the major suppliers of powders and pretreatment systems. Members meet on a

regular basis to discuss technical issues and agree ways of improving both quality and performance of architectural aluminium finishes with the ultimate aim of providing the best quality of architectural finish possible.

Russell Yates, MD of AluK, explains their reasons for joining Qualicoat UK & Ireland, “As an aluminium systems supply company, we have long recognised the importance of using Qualicoat licensed applicators for the provision of finished profiles to our customers. When we installed our own pretreatment and powder coating plant it was always our aim to become Qualicoat

Completing its new range is Trigon GSP, a glass-sandwich façade system. Opaque glass-sandwich panels and concealed mounting offers seamless glass looks without visible structural elements.

The glass can then be printed with colours, images and lettering, making complex office and store facades easily achieved. approved as soon as possible.

We are delighted to be awarded with an applicators licence and I would like to thank our dedicated management and staff in achieving this.

A further large UK systems company is close to being approved early in 2017. As a systems company, AluK currently join AMS Systems and Smart Systems in the UK & Ireland and it is expected that further systems companies will apply to the association for membership and support the Qualicoat standard.

Copies of the Qualicoat standard, now in its fourteenth edition, are available through the UK association website, www.qualicoatuki.org WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 47

PRODUCT NEWS

Exlabesa Launches New Aluminium Bifolding Door

National Plastics Stores To Supply Aluminium Bifold Doors

National Plastics has just expanded its product portfolio to include aluminium bifold doors. Geoff Foster, National Plastics’ Managing Director, said: “Aluminium solutions are increasingly popular in the residential sector so it makes good sense to supply a selection of high quality, good value products to satisfy this demand.”

National Plastics has a policy of offering an extensive product range at the right price points, something that’s demonstrated by adding aluminium bifold doors to the portfolio. They have been designed with performance, looks and efficiency in mind, with each frame incorporating a thermal break that effectively insulates its doors against heat loss, raising a home’s internal temperature and helping to reduce the risk of condensation.

National Plastics’ product range is backed up with significant expertise and staff will be receiving full training in the aluminium bifold doors in the coming weeks to ensure they can offer value-added advice to customers. soffits, cladding, drainage products, roofing products, PVC-u windows, doors and conservatories, garden products, accessories and wall panels. nationalplastics.co.uk 48 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

Aluminium bifolding doors are said to be the standard by which all other bifolding solutions are measured and with the launch of the Xlafold bifolding door, aluminium systems company Exlabesa looks set to reinforce the standard.

Derek Hodgson, General Manager of Exlabesa, says: “The Xlafold will become a classic solution because it offers everything homeowners, architects, specifiers, fabricators and installers want from a bifolding door.”

In terms of aesthetics, the Xlafold has the classic slim sightlines of an aluminium bifolding door. It is available in sculptured or square sash options, so it’s suitable for the commercial, new build and domestic markets. It is available in all RAL colour options so it sits well in any design scheme.

The Xlafold ticks all the boxes when it comes to the practicalities too. It has a typical U value of 1.5 W/m2K and features an interlocking gasket system for improved weatherfastness, which means it offers excellent thermal efficiency and will effectively keep cold and wet weather at bay. It has PAS 24 accreditation, so it offers reassuring security as well as meeting the

requirements of Document Q of Building Regulations.

While these benefits will attract and reassure homeowners, architects and specifiers, the Xlafold has been designed to appeal to fabricators and installers too. The company claims it is considerably quicker to fabricate than other bifolding doors on the market. Its component parts suite with other Exlabesa systems so fabricators can reduce their stock holding and product inventory. Installers will find it straightforward to adjust the hinges, making it easier to install.

Doncaster’s Exlabesa has two extruders, two ageing ovens, a vertical powder coating plant and is one of the few companies in the UK to have an in-house anodising plant, meaning it has complete control over the manufacture and quality of its products as well as being able to offer competitive turnaround times. Mill finish items typically take four working days and paint finish items typically take seven working days. All orders are delivered using its own transport for further reliability and peace of mind. www.exlabesa.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

Three Years Of Fresh Aïr Three is a magic number and aïr, the impressive range of bi-fold and lift & slide doors, has been bringing fresh ideas to retail-focussed installers across the South East, for the last three years.

“Since the launch of aïr, an exclusive network of Accredited Retailers has been created from a shared vision with some of the most progressive home improvement companies,” explains Jay Patel, Brand Ambassador for aïr.

“We are hearing that more and more consumers are asking for stand-out products to create modern, dynamic living spaces. aïr fits the bill perfectly for retail-focussed companies looking to cater for this market.” aïr offers boundless possibilities for style-conscious and design-savvy consumers, combining high-end design with proven performance.

Wider panes of glass and slimmer frames make the most of captivating views. aïr lift & slide doors offer an impressive 2.5m maximum sash width and aïr bifold doors can create a 3-metre-high floor to ceiling opening.

Designs can be personalised with aïrcoat, a dirt resistant, textured paint available in a range of colours, which adds a stunning finish to aïr doors, and a range of premium hardware options. aïr’s superior performance includes: U-values as low as 1.0, aïrtight interlocking weather seals to keep bad weather at bay, a Secured by Design standard locking system and anti-finger trap technology. aïr is looking to expand its Accredited Retailer network. If you think aïr would fit in with your product offering, get in touch. www.discoverair.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 49

BI-FOLD

BY ALUMEN The Bi-fold by Alumen sets the benchmark for high quality aluminium folding doors at an industry beating price.

• Slimline 120mm sight line

• Max sash width = 1200mm

• Generous size limitations

• Max sash height = 3000mm

• Flush and standard threshold options • Outstanding thermal performance • Optional adjustable jambs for ease of fitting

• Available in a range of popular colours • Choice of hardware • After sales support • Supply only or with installation service

• Ultra smooth running

OM PRICES FR +VAT PER LEAF

£360

HIGH QUALI T Y DOORS, COMP ET I T IVELY PRICED!

www.alumen.co.uk

Tel: 01536 737377

Fax: 01536 410800 Email: info@alumen.co.uk Unit 13 Henson Way, Telford Way Industrial Estate, Kettering, Northants NN16 8PX

PRODUCT NEWS

Family Matters For Brian Waterfield And Glazerite When an experienced builder sets out to make a home for members of his own family, you can be sure he will want everything to be just right. And when he chooses a combination of PVC-U windows alongside solid oak, it goes without saying that the PVC-U had to be the very best in both looks and performance.

“I’ve been in the business for 40 years but this was the first time I have actually built a house from scratch,” said Bridgenorth-based Brian Waterfield, who built the detached home for his grandson and family.

“I’d never come across Residence 9 before, but once we 50 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

found it we knew it was exactly what we needed. It has just the looks and features we had in mind, enabling us to complete the build to a really high specification.”

Brian and family chose R9 casements in Clotted Cream for most of the windows, including French style for upstairs. A Solidor Stable door and VEKA frame in Chartwell Green were chosen for the back door, all from Glazerite. In complete contrast a front bay, the front door, porch and roofline were all made in solid oak.

He concluded: “Glazerite were always on hand with advice throughout the project and it made it all the simpler that we

could get our first choice of PVC-U windows and composite door and frame all from the same source.”

Jason Thompson, Director of The Glazerite UK Group Ltd, added: “Residence, VEKA and Solidor are just a part of the wide range of products we offer, and a project such as this shows very clearly how installers can benefit from such a variety of choices.

“These are all highly acclaimed systems in their own right. At Glazerite, we are very proud to be among very few fabricators that can offer seven systems – one trusted source, one delivery, one payment point, it couldn’t be easier.”

PRODUCT NEWS

It’s A Colourful World Thanks To Deceuninck According to the latest sales figures from Deceuninck almost half of the company’s products are now foiled, due largely to the fact it holds 26 colourways in stock at all times.

“Colour is such a massive opportunity for fabricators and installers,” says Deceuninck’s Rob McGlennon, “but they’re often held back by systems companies at the top of the chain who are still struggling to get the supply of coloured products right. In 2016, 44% of the profile we sold – including matching foiled trims, ancillaries and cills – was foiled. We could deliver this because we’ve been supplying colour on a big scale for a long time and have invested heavily to ensure we continue to meet the increasing demand.

“We keep 26 colourways in stock to go on our fabricators’ next delivery. We understand that storage is an issue for a lot of fabricators which is why our products are available off the shelf as bar length.

To ensure we can deliver on our colour-from-stock promise, we’ve recently invested more into our dedicated fully automated Foiling Hall. This gives us the extra capacity that we’re forecasting will be required over 2017 and allows us to keep feeding into our 140,000 ft2 purpose built warehouse, stocking over 2,500 colour units plus ancillaries, cills and trims.

TruFrame’s Getting Flushed

With Sales Demand Since the launch of their 70mm flush sash window, TruFrame has experienced strong sales growth, now in excess 200 frames per week, as more installers embrace the traditional timber look and unique hardware options for this new window type.

Flush sash windows are the ‘invogue’ product of the moment, as is the increased demand for dummy sashes and equal sightlines and this is something that is being increasingly adopted in the replacement window and new build sectors. TruFrame utilise Liniar’s multi-chambered Energy Plus profile systems to make these highly energy efficient windows, which can be further enhanced with the

“To offer further peace of mind to fabricators who may have been let down with the supply of colour in the past, we also have a dedicated online ordering system, Deceuninck-Online, which allows fabricators remote, real time access to the Calne warehouse.

This means our fabricators can put their name on products we have in stock and know all these products will arrive in full on their next delivery. Once the online system has allocated the products to a customer, our fabricators know they can trust us to do the rest and deliver on time. This means our fabricators and their installer customers have the confidence to sell colour in a market that is crying out for just that.

“We see it as our responsibility as a systems supplier to give our fabricators everything they need to run a successful and profitable business. That means delivering on market demands, no matter what.” adoption of the glazing flipper and thermal dam sections.

The welded flush sash window is fully hand finished utilising TruFrame’s unique four step hand finishing process, while the fully mechanical Refine™ option, is fully hand assembled and offers incredible levels of finishing detail in the corners. There is also a dedicated marketing package for the product brand.

Hardware options include contemporary handles, whilst period inspiration comes from the optional key-locking monkey tail handles and peg-stays. There are 14 in stock colour options from the contemporary look of anthracite grey to the period inspired chartwell green, ensuring that the flush sash window can be installed sympathetically on different types of brick/stone and on various types of property.

WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 51

PRODUCT NEWS

LB Roof Windows Launches Campaign To Save Britain’s Attics LB Roof Windows are spearheading a campaign to reclaim the Great British attic, aiming to show homeowners the huge potential that lies in an alltoo-often neglected part of the home.

With UK properties being on average the smallest in Europe, many homeowners reach a stage where they want to expand their living space – whether that’s by building brick-and-mortar additions to their home, or moving house entirely. But LB Roof Windows argues there’s an extremely viable third option, far easier and cheaper than the other two – reclaiming the attic.

“Across the UK, there are literally hundreds of thousands of attics sitting dormant, underutilised and filled with nothing more than dusty boxes and clutter – and we want to put an end to that,” commented LB Roof Windows Sales Director, Adrian Cooper.

“There are also hundreds of thousands of people who want more space in their homes – and it’s our aim to show them that repurposing their attic can be a fantastic, cost-effective way to achieve that.”

“Spreading awareness of the huge range of attic conversion options available isn’t just great for consumers – it’s fantastic for installers too. Whatever they turn their attic into, almost every homeowner’s 52 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

attic conversion project will involve the installation of roof windows – a fantastic way to capitalise on the area that usually has the potential to become the brightest and airiest room in the home. They can help to transform the space, welcoming in high-levels of fresh air and natural light, creating elevated, panoramic views – and provide installers with an excellent additional source of revenue.”

LB Roof Windows are a major distributor of roof windows and related accessories from the VKR Group, including leading brands Velux and Dakea. They are also the UK exclusive distributor of the Liteleader and Aurora range of contemporary roof windows.

“At LB Roof Windows we have a roof window solution for any gradient or type of roof - made from the highest-quality materials, in a number of styles, from the leading manufacturers in our industry. More and more consumers are waking up to the benefits of natural light in their home – and whatever the project, we can provide the perfect solution to suit.”

With over 30 years of experience, Mansfield based LB Roof Windows offer an extensive range of roof windows, skylights, roof domes, conservatory roof accessories and glazing products. As well as roof window solutions from Dakea, Velux, Aurora and Liteleader, LB Roof Windows also offer flat roof windows and roof lanterns. www.lbroofwindows.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

Crystal Clear Chooses

in order for us to meet our customers’ expectations every time.

Launched at the end of 2015, Rooflights by Alumen have become a popular choice amongst installers thanks to their simplicity, ease of install and aftersales service provided.

“We have now taken delivery of, and installed a number of aluminium rooflights including walkovers.

We particularly like the simplicity of the product and have found them easy to install. The service from Alumen has also been good.

Their communication is clear and delivery well controlled, and the personal touch from Alan, Alumen’s MD, means I feel my business is valued and in safe hands.

We would definitely recommend the rooflights as an all-round nice product, and Alumen as a reliable manufacturer.” www.alumen.co.uk

Alumen Rooflights

Crystal Clear has been installing windows, doors and high end conservatories in the Bristol area for nearly two decades and have re-

cently added Alumen’s own brand of aluminium rooflights to their product portfolio. James Mizen, MD of Crystal Clear explains why: “Our reputation is extremely important to us. We install everything ourselves so as well as selecting good quality products, it is key that we are able to rely on our fabricators to provide us with a reliable service and clear communication,

“Initially we chose Alumen to supply us with a bespoke rooflight for a unique project we were undertaking in Trowbridge. The price was good and the lead times they promised were fast for bespoke aluminium. They delivered on time and even helped us with the installation on-site as the rooflight was so large that the glass had to be split with a transom. Once installed the product looked very contemporary and the customer was delighted with the result.

LuxLite Pitched Roof Light From FastMoving Roof Maker

Supplier of high-grade rooflights and other natural light products, ROOF Maker is expanding their product portfolio with the introduction of LuxLite, a pitched roof light solution.

LuxLite is a sleek, stylishly contemporary aluminium roof light. Equally suited to tiled and slate roofing, the innovative frameless window has been specifically designed to maximise views and the intake of natural light, while offering outstanding performance across the board. LuxLite offers superb energy efficiency, capable of achieving U-values as low as 0.6W/m2k (a triple-glazed window usually achieves 0.7), and is built to last – not only incorporating toughened glass, but coming with a 20-year seal warranty. The glazed unit, spacer bar and fixings are all also concealed and protected from UV light within a neat black resin border.

“LuxLite epitomises the approach we’ve had to

product design since the very beginning,” said Chief Design Officer and company founder Scott Nicholas.

“It excels on all fronts – from style, to robustness, to energy efficiency. We’re delighted and proud to be able to say that, in LuxLite, we’ve produced yet another best-in-class offering, perfectly positioned to help installers capitalise on the massive opportunities that exist at the higher end of the market.” www.roof-maker.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 53

MACHINERY

pertise has made the installation and commissioning as painless as possible.

Double R Invests in

the Quickest Vertical Super Spacer, Automatic Hot Melt IGU line in the World With a 16 year heritage and a reputation as one of the industry’s pioneering fabricators, Double R Glass & Roofing Systems has once again raised the bar with the announcement of its investment in the world’s fastest vertical Super Spacer Automatic Hot Melt IGU line. This significant deal with the Promac Group will give extra capacity to support Double R’s future strategic growth, as well as providing the manufacturer with previously unavailable productivity gains and efficiency benefits.

Ian Sims, Managing Director of Double R, comments: “Double R celebrated 16 years in business last October and in that time we have grown because of our complete focus on offering the very best solutions to our customers. The latest investment in our IGU manufacturing facility is testament to this approach and means we can guarantee not only consistent quality, but can also maintain our value for money promise.

54 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

“We approached Promac about this unique machine because we felt that Forel/Promac had the right mix of skills, experience and resources to produce a truly fast sealed unit line. From the first contact with Joe (Hague – Group Managing Director of Promac) and through visits to Forel, we have come to realise that our original belief in the two companies as the right partners for us was absolutely the right one.

Forel’s facility in Roncade Nr Venice is testament to the quality of products they produce and it is clear to see how important they view the relationship with Joe and his team. Promac has supported us throughout the entire process, from the initial contact and the first meeting with Forel, through advice and support during the manufacturing process, further visits in Italy and, last but definitely not least, through the installation. Promac’s Engineers, led by Paz DiLello, are incredibly knowledgeable about Forel equipment and, whilst this is the first of its kind, their ex-

“This line consists of some of the best engineering I’ve ever seen.

It’s superbly built and its emphasis on proactive fault diagnosis is impressive. Its speed is driven by the mass of IT technology built in, with computers talking to one another to maximise the space on the line to ensure that the next unit is always ready to progress. The IT informs you what and where the problem is and displays images of faulty parts to assist Engineers in making the necessary repairs. Whilst we all hope that we don’t have issues with machines, we know that things can go wrong and the work that Forel have put into the diagnostic areas is impressive.

“Collectively, we have been able to improve the line’s performance by optimising each component part. Putting each process and element under the microscope, we’ve been able to drive in even more efficiencies and productivity gains throughout the entire process from the vertical washing machine, Super Spacer applicator, tape applicator, automatic argon gas coupling press and sealing robot, and of course, the shape recognition and quality scanner.

The line does everything it used to do, but it does it much faster now. So much so, that a double glazed unit can be processed in 20 seconds, and a triple every 33 seconds.

“Double R has always tried to be leaders, whether in conservatory roofs as the first Fabricator of Guardian roofs, or in glass as the first installer of TruShield. Throughout our history there have been ‘firsts’ and I am proud that the future of automatic sealed unit lines has been shaped by Double R.” www.glassandroofs.com

MACHINERY

Emmegi (UK) Offers Low Cost Access To Sealant Machine And Consumables The integration of Tekna into the Emmegi group means that the company’s range of specialist machinery is now available via Emmegi (UK).

required on each surface and so eliminates wastage and minimises messy overspill. It is already being used by some of the UK’s biggest names in aluminium fabrication, all of whom can now buy consumables direct from Emmegi (UK) at a much reduced rate than previously.

For aluminium fabricators, this gives them direct, low cost access to machines such as the popular TKE259 sealant applicator and all of its accompanying consumables.

This includes one leading sliding door specialist which has already calculated that it is saving around 50% on sealant costs since it switched to buying direct.

The Tekna TKE259 sealant machine is now available from Emmegi (UK)The pneumatic TKE259 is an easy to use, low maintenance option for applying specialist sealant which protects against joint corrosion. It is recommended by some of the UK’s leading systems companies as a simple and effective way to seal joints and

to improve the thermal, acoustic and weather protection barrier on aluminium windows and doors.

Ian Latimer, Emmegi (UK)’s Managing Director, said: “This is a very simple money saving option for fabricators. We have the consumables in stock for delivery the next day and can supply the machines on a one week lead time.”

The machine automatically optimises the amount of sealant

Further details are available at www.emmegi.com

Investing in a new Kombimatec automatic routing machine de-skills the fabrication of doors and windows and improves efficiency.

Finding new skilled staff can prove difficult and installing a Kombimatec machine to assist the existing workforce could be the best solution to increasing output and profits.

The new AMC308 (Left) and AMC602 (Above) can take care of all the routing, drilling, milling and slotting of extruded aluminium and PVC profiles completely automatically without the constant operator supervision. The profile can be machined on all 4 sides using various tools automatically changed via the in-built magazine. You can start with a base model and add features like connection to the office computer and bar code ID reading.

There are several sites where these cost effective machines can be seen in action or visit our website to watch video clips.

Call David today on 01582-562218 or email sales@kombimatec.com for more information WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 55

FIT SHOW NEWS

QKS Continues Their Winning Streak

With January’s FIT Show IOTY

Scoring a hat trick of awards all within the space of a couple of months, Atlas Roof Solutions Approved Installer QKS Home Improvement is on a bit of a winning streak at the moment. Adding to their National Installation of the Year award and National Houzz Service award the Lincolnshire-based company has now come out on top in January’s FIT Show Installation of the Year competition.

Following up Nordic Installations’ win in December for their bespoke new build in Dunsford, Devon, QKS were up against some tough competition with excellent installations submitted by companies such as The Window Company, DWL Windows, McDermott Windows and even Atlas Roof Solutions – a company they work very closely with.

“It was the well exposed images with the product shown clearly that caught my attention,” said CAB’s Adrian Toon, the competition’s judge.

“They also supplied a great range of pictures.

With the vertical elements of the installation being vertical within the image, this also helps with 56 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

the appeal in the eyes of the viewer.”

Earning themselves the title of January’s FIT Show Installation of the Year winners, QKS has also won a FIT Show goodie bag and a pair of tickets to the show’s much talked about gala dinner taking place on 24th May. They’ve also been added to the shortlist of monthly winners who have the opportunity to be crowned overall Installation of the Year winner, which will be announced at the FIT Show gala dinner.

Winning installations to date can be seen on the FIT Show website: http://www.fitshow.co.uk/installation-of-the-year.

Think you’ve got what it takes to enter and win?

Photographic entries can be submitted via Twitter for the Installation of the Year competition using the hashtag #FITInstallation including a short description of the installation and product used.

Taking place 23-25th May 2017, to book a stand at FIT Show 2017 please contact Freya Humphries on: 07572 623457, or email: freya@fitshow.co.uk.

FIT SHOW NEWS

do this, we need to provide homeowners with a better experience for buying windows.

“We know from our research that homeowners want the industry to be more open when it comes to window prices and information. We need to provide them with more knowledge about the windows they are buying so they have more trust in the company they’re buying from.

Change The Way You Sell

Windows At FIT Show Installers looking for a different approach to getting high quality sales leads, can find exactly what they’re looking for at this year’s FIT Show at the NEC. Visitors to Comparemywindows. com’s stand A41 in Hall 6, can see its revolutionary new comparison website for windows and doors.

Demos of the website on the stand will show installers how they can

change the way they sell windows, and attract more customers in their local area. Installers can pre-register their products, services and prices on the site now. The new site will be live before FIT Show.

“Comparemywindows.com is all about giving installers hot qualified leads by changing the way we sell windows,” explains Chris Dickman of Comparemywindows.com. “To

“We have developed Comparemywindows.com because we want to make the way people buy windows the same as other products. Comparison websites already work so well for holidays and insurance, and we believe it will work exactly the same way for windows.”

Comparemywindows.com takes its lead from other successful comparison websites. It gives people looking for windows and doors information about installers in their area and it allows installers to promote themselves directly to serious buyers. www.comparemywindows.com

Yale To Give Smart Seminar At FIT Show 2017!

Yale will be taking centre stage at this year’s FIT Show to discuss upcoming trends and opportunities affecting the door and window industry. This is part of the show’s seminar programme, which calls on a variety of industry experts to talk to attendees and provide information and advice about a range of relevant topics.

Tabitha Morton, Head of Integration for Yale, will be hosting a seminar session on ‘Future Trends in Home Automation’, taking place on the second day of the show, (24th May) at 14:30pm. This session will be exploring how the trend for smart homes is increasing consumer demands for smart security products, and the ways in which fabricators and installers can benefit from this.

With over 15 years experience in the security industry, Tabitha has a wealth of expertise and previously launched APERIO, part of the ASSA ABLOY Group.

Having specialised in integration for the commercial sector, Tabitha has successfully transferred her expe-

rience and technical skill set to the residential market, working for Yale for the past eight years.

Most recently her work has focused on the development of the Yale Smart Living range, integrating Yale’s product offering with leading smart home partners including Samsung SmartThings, O2 and Control4.

Tabitha Morton commented: “I’m very much looking forward to presenting at the FIT Show this spring. The show give us the opportunity to discuss the changing security landscape with our fabricator and installer customers, informing them of the important role smart security will play in the future and how they can maximise opportunities for their business.”

Yale Door and Window Solutions will be exhibiting on stand C8 at this year’s FIT Show (NEC, Birmingham from 23rd – 25th May 2017). www.yale.co.uk/smart-living.

WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 57

ON SITE

GLASSOLUTIONS Reaches New Heights In Greenwich

Peninsula’s Latest Development

UK curtain walling, window and door fabricator and installer GLASSOLUTIONS has completed an extensive project for Kier Construction as part of the latest transformational development on east London’s Greenwich Peninsula.

Called The Fulmar and Teal, the project is a residential-led mixed

58 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

ON SITE use development on the Lower Riverside district of Greenwich Peninsula, a major redevelopment area close to the iconic Millennium Dome – now the O2 Arena – and Canary Wharf. It includes 139 homes in a mix of private, intermediate and social rent tenures across the three buildings, plus 218m2 of retail/commercial space, a car park and bicycle storage area.

Working to a design by architects DSDHA, GLASSOLUTIONS was appointed by main contractor Kier Construction to deliver all curtain walling, windows and doors for the external envelope of The Fulmar’s three blocks, the tallest of which is ten storeys. The Fulmar is part of a collection of buildings within an extensive project by property developer Knight Dragon who are seeking to create a new and vibrant district on the peninsula.

GLASSOLUTIONS played an important role is developing the fenestration specification after a revised approach was sought by the architect. In proposing a combination of Wicona aluminium systems integrating with high performance insulating glass units (IGUs), spandrels and sandwich panels, GLASSOLUTIONS was able to meet the brief to provide superb aesthetics whilst meeting a number of key design factors. These included a maximum pressure in ‘general wind zone’ of 1,200 kN/m2 and air permeability of 3m3/hr/m2 at a test pressure of 600 Pa. The ‘stick’ curtain walling was fabricated using the range of Wicona Wintec 50 systems, which provide a slim 50mm face width and ensure excellent thermal insulation through the incorporation of a uPVC thermal break. Integrated with the curtain wall structure are windows created using the Wicline 75 Evo concealed sash system. This slim profile helped to maximise natural light transmission into individual properties and outward views, without compromising thermal performance thanks to a polyurethane insulator and an innovative glazing

bead design.

A variety of door types were required, with Wictec 50 and Wicstyle 75 evo systems applied to manufacture hinged doors and swing doors accordingly. Ground floor doors were designed to comply with the RC2 European security standard. Lifting sliding doors feature throughout the development which GLASSOLUTIONS manufactured using the Wicslide 160 system. All the doors are fully complementary in terms of aesthetics and performance.

GLASSOLUTIONS’ IGU specification accommodates the requirements for safety, security, thermal insulation and solar control. It also addresses sound reduction to help keep homes quieter, with enhanced acoustic insulation delivering a maximum Rw rating of 36dB (weighted noise reduction).

The outer pane is 6mm SGG Securit, a thermally toughened safety glass, with the inner pane being an 8.8mm combination of SGG Stadip Protect and Planitherm One. The units feature a 90% argon fill 16mm cavity with a black warm edge spacer bar and polysulphide seals. This delivers a U-value of 1.0 W/m2K and a g-value of 0.49 or 0.51 for those units featuring a satin finish.

Spandrels are configured in a 6-166 unit, with 6mm SGG Security glass again used on the outer pane and the same cavity, fill and spacer bar and the vision units. The inner pane is a 6mm SGG Emalit glass with 60mm foil backed insulation, a configuration that delivers a U-value 0.45 W/m2K. The building’s design also required sandwich panels with a bronze anodised finish and punched mesh in matching colour for specific elements – all of which were installed by GLASSOLUTIONS too.

GLASSOLUTIONS’ external envelope project took 11 months to complete with The Fulmar handed over on 21.10.16.

Flush Sash Wins The Day For MG

And Glazerite

Today’s customers know what they want – and the winners will be the installers who can provide it. So says The Glazerite UK Group Ltd in response to the latest installer partner to benefit from the addition of the Halo Flush Sash system.

Mark Russell of Northampton-based MG Window Systems explained: “The customers were looking specifically for a flush sash to replace the existing timber ones in the home. They began by looking online, found our site, we quoted and we got the job. Until taking the Halo Flush Sash from Glazerite, we had been able to imitate a flush window by putting dummy sashes between the real ones but that would not have been enough to win us this job.

“The customers had first looked at another, much more expensive flush system. They were perfectly happy to go with our Halo product because of the cost saving it gave them but we know they would not even have looked at a dummy system.”

Glazerite already offered one of the most extensive ranges of window and door systems but added the Halo systems, including the acclaimed flush sash, when it acquired Peterborough-based City Beads Ltd early last year.

WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 59

ON SITE

Outstanding Service From

Hazlemere Commercial On Hyde Park Towers Renovation Supplying premium quality architectural aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling for decades, High Wycombe-based Hazlemere Commercial has won respect throughout the industry for its impressive track record of successfully completed projects for schools, colleges, universities and local authorities – but it also excels at renovating residential buildings too.

Late last year, in line with the requirements of CDM 2015, the firm carried out a thorough-going £925,000 + VAT rejuvenation of the Hyde Park Towers property development – a 1970s-built medium-rise residential block on London’s busy Bayswater Road overlooking Hyde Park, now home to 60 high-end apartments and a luxurious penthouse in what has now become one of 60 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

the capital’s most desirable areas.

The extensive renovation project involved the removal of the building’s existing steel windows, and replacing them with Sapa Dualframe 75 Si white polyester-coated aluminium alternatives. The firm also replaced several external doors with Sapa Crown aluminium double glazed residential doors, and fitted two sets of new Sapa Crown aluminium sliding patio doors to the penthouse. In addition, Hazlemere Commercial carried out associated works including scaffolding, redecoration, and the installation of a new fire detection system, all in accordance with the latest building regulations.

Hazlemere’s Commercial Divi-

sion won praise from Levy, the property management firm who hired it for the project: “We have found that Hazlemere were refreshingly co-operative and attentive to our needs and to our residents,” commented Gary Barlow, Associate with Levy’s Building Consultancy team.

“The firm was conscientious and thorough in their work with excellent attention to detail.

Hazlemere’s methodology of phasing work into four stages worked very well, ensuring that scaffolding wasn’t in place for the whole duration of the project. Their handling of the whole process was exemplary and the service at each stage was outstanding.”

Hazlemere Sales Director Tony Beale commented: “It was fantastic collaborating with Levy on this project, and both they and the residents of Hyde Park Towers were a joy to work with. We look forward to doing so again in the future.” hazlemerecommercial.co.uk

ON SITE

Residence Pleases Planners

For Scenic Seaside Installation

Planning was not a problem when a resident of one of Yorkshire’s best-known seaside conservation areas chose to replace timber windows with PVC-U. In fact, once the planners had seen frame samples, it was put through on the nod without even needing a formal planning application.

new windows and French doors were not timber.

It comes as no surprise also that neighbours of the house, beside Scarborough’s Victorian Esplanade, had not realised that the

“It was the first R9 installation in this area” he said. “It’s also generated a lot of interest from neighbouring properties, especially in

The frames were in the Residence9 system fabricated by The Glazerite UK Group Ltd and the result, in white foil finish was ‘a dream job’ according to Sales Manager, Barry Smith.

and around the Conservation Area.

“When the owner first came to us, he was looking at vertical sliders in another system but immediately changed his mind when he saw the Residence9. It was easily the closest thing to the timber he was replacing and the result speaks for itself, a dream job.

Glazerite added Residence9 to its already extensive portfolio in 2014 and, according to Group Director Jason Thompson, the Scarborough installer’s reaction was far from unusual. “This system is quite unlike anything else on the market. There are certain locations where nothing else will do, so only an installer who can supply it will get the job.

He continued: “This is a typical example of why we strive to offer one of widest choices of systems and materials, so that the installer has something to answer every customer’s needs, with the ease of a single source for everything.” www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

Senior’s PURe® Acoustic Performance

The new PURe® range of aluminium windows and doors from Senior Architectural Systems offers some of the lowest U-values available on the UK market.

The company has also seen an increase in demand for its PURe® aluminium windows from specifiers choosing the system for its exceptional acoustic properties.

This trend has been reflected in Senior’s order book, with the PURe® system specified for use on a number of hotel contracts, including several new schemes from leading hotel chain Premier Inn. One recent contract where the PURe® aluminium system’s acoustic performance was key to its specification is the Feethams Leisure development in Darlington, which features a cinema, various restaurant units and a new Premier Inn hotel. Senior’s PURe® windows were specified throughout the scheme and as Simon Niven, director of Niven Architects explains, the acoustic performance of the glazing system was paramount.

Simon said: “The scheme is positioned next to the inner ring road of Darlington so getting the acoustic

properties right was crucial to the success of the scheme Our senior architects looked at many options as part of the design and technical delivery process and Senior’s system was deemed to be the best of what was out there.”

Senior’s PURe® windows were also chosen to complete the sympathetic refurbishment of a Grade II Art Deco building in the heart of Newcastle to create a new Premier Inn hotel. With the comfort of the hotel guests a prime consideration, the exceptional acoustic and thermal properties of Senior’s patented PURe® aluminium casement windows were key to its specification. www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/pure/ WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 61

ON SITE

going for 2 panes in Irish Oak for the exterior and white on the interior. Matching bright chrome hardware completed the doors, and the results were definitely worth it – the property wouldn’t look out of place on Grand Designs!

Patiomaster Doors Specified For

Major Cumbrian

Cottage Renovation Four sliding PatioMaster doors have been specified as part of a large-scale renovation project on a Brethdale property. The complete project was supplied and installed by Carlisle-based World Group, and as DirectorMatthew Spooner says, took around 12 months to complete.

“The project was completed in early 2016 and due to the scale of the job it was done across various phases. Compromising a total of four patio doors, three stable doors and 15 casement windows, along with a Juliet balcony to the master bedroom and some external PVC cladding, it was not without its challenges. Cumbria may be an area of picturesque villages and attractive lakes, but it offers 62 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

many challenges in terms of wind exposure due to our geographical location, so getting the right product to meet the environmental needs was crucial.

“While the property is relatively new in its build, it required a complete refurb and the doors and windows replacing, as certain parts of the property were completely exposed, providing no protection against the elements. The homeowners used quite an unusual stone as part of the refurb on the property exterior and they wanted the new PatioMaster doors to stand out against this, and create a striking focal point. We spent many hours going over samples and colour swatches until we got the balance right, in the ending

“The PatioMaster range perfectly suited what the homeowners were looking for not only in terms of its design choice, but also the attention to detail – the property is now much warmer and secure thanks to the system’s advanced security features and energy efficiency accreditations, including being SBD Accredited.” The property’s owners were very happy with the result from the renovation and commented: “We are thrilled with the work World Group have completed.

The colour of the doors is lovely and we were impressed with the way all the staff were considerate, knowledgeable and took pride in their work. We would not hesitate to recommend World Group for a wide range of property improvements – they offered a great product at a great price!”

PatioMaster says the precision made-to-measure and easy to install doors are a popular choice for many installer companies and homeowners thanks to low profile frames, quality construction and security features as well as being available in a range of 19 colours and finishes to suit every style of home.

Having worked with Epwin Group before on a number of projects, World Group has been offering quality home improvements in in Cumbria, South West Scotland and the North East of England for more than 30 years and also offers dedicated support and services for trade customers.

ON SITE

Senior’s Glazing

is ideally situated close to the city’s transport links.

Reigns Supreme On

Owing to the scheme’s prominent city centre location, the exterior of the building has been given a stylish and sympathetic makeover with Senior’s dark coloured slim framed SPW 300 aluminium windows and SF52 aluminium curtain walling paying homage to the former warehouse’s industrial heritage.

Aluminium doors, windows and curtain walling from fenestration designer and manufacturer Senior Architectural Systems have been specified for use on a new commercial development in the heart of Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Senior’s thermally efficient SF52 curtain walling has been used to create the feature glazed arches to the entrance level, with the design continuing with the window arches that have been installed to the floors above. Completing the fenestration package are Senior’s SPW 500 doors which are ideally suited for use in high-traffic commercial applications.

Sovereign Street

The new Concordia Works scheme on Sovereign Street has been created through the innovative refurbishment of an old 5-storey yarn and cord warehouse dating back to the early twentieth century. Designed by architects Gpad London, the building combines an attractive mix of original features and modern elements to create a high-specification office space that

The Concordia Works scheme was delivered by main contractor Firecrest Construction for client Boultbee Brooks Real Estate. www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 63

MARKETING

Ultion’s 90

second sales

pitch to help installers sell A new Ultion webpage tells visitors the benefits of an Ultion secured door in just 90 seconds.

The page is designed to tell the trade and homeowners why they should sell, or buy Ultion, the high security cylinder door lock from Brisant Secure.

The webpage (Ultion.co.uk) shows a video of Ultion keeping a home secure and another cylinder that lets the burglar in after just 9 seconds, Ultion’s security credentials, and its security add-ons in the form of Keycap and Keyring for Ultion keys. Ultion Padlock serves as the perfect add-on for homes with Ultion security. Now the bike and mower can be secure too!

A second powerful one minute video summarises why the company claims installers sell more doors with Ultion. Watch it here.

Unrivalled Marketing

Support With Deceuninck When it comes to products from Deceuninck, quality is a given.

The new Heritage Window Collection not only offers a range of elegant, technologically advanced timber-alternative windows and doors, it also comes with a fully comprehensive marketing support package to ignite any homeowner’s imagination.

“We all know when it comes to retail it’s about creating desire and being able to match an aspiration,” comments Deceuninck’s Rob McGlennon. “Timber holds emotional attachment, especially in an older property, and that’s before you even think about planning and conservation restraints. However, the performance of PVC-U as a material can’t be matched and with ‘timber-alternative’ the current industry buzzword, the Heritage Window Collection is set to realign those aspirations.

Brisant CEO Nick Dutton says: “There’s a lot of information to take in when you sell doors, and security is critical. They want it, and they want to know how to get it, but they don’t want to know the details. That’s why we’ve developed this webpage. In 90 seconds anyone visiting gets the key points about Ultion. They can see it working in real life, the accreditations it has, and the fun extras “The new Heritage Window Collection comprises of heritage flush, homeowners can get for their sculptured and chamfered sash Ultion keys too.” windows and doors, that fit perFor more information call 01924 fectly in any property from modern townhouse to country cottage.

410 200, visit www.ultion-lock.co.uk or follow And to help you sell them? We’ve invested heavily in an unrivalled @UltionLock on Twitter.

64 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

marketing support package that will support pull through sales along the supply chain, especially for installers.

“For tech-savvy retailers, we have a dedicated website www.heritagewindowcollection.co.uk which includes the facility to download a PDF of our luxury 44-page brochure and contains some stunning imagery. To enhance showrooms, we’ve invested in a bespoke POS stand that can showcase up to 4 Heritage windows in any colour.

This is in addition to a beautifully designed pull up banner for smaller showrooms that sits perfectly next to colour swatches and the luxury brochure. For consumer lead generation campaigns, we have designed mailers and postcards which can be overprinted and personally branded.

“If you’re keen to find out more or to see for yourself just how good The Heritage Window Collection and its associated marketing support is, we’d be delighted to arrange a visit for you to our Calne head-quarters. Contact Carol Hearn on 01249 816969 to find out more.”

MARKETING

Clayton Produce SMART-EST

Product Guide Yet

Clayton Glass have just produced a new 20-page Product Guide that’s packed with their expanded range of SMARTGLASS® products for the conservatory, bi-folding and patio door sectors, including the latest ground breaking, self-tinting Dynamic glass.

the flagship Ultra 86 solution, which is they believe, the best performing glass of its type in the UK market at present. It boats a G-value of 14% and like all products in the SMARTGLASS® roof range, comes with warm edge technology and true self cleaning properties as standard.

The new Product Guide includes technical performance characteristics of their conservatory roof glass range, that now includes

SMARTGLASS®-W is the industry’s first dedicated range of glass for conservatory frames which is also detailed in the new guide

Max6mum Security Show They Are Good Sports UAP’s very own consumer focused home security brand has scored a sponsorship deal with Leeds United Football Club – sponsoring their scoreboard for the second year in a row.

The Max6mum Security and Leeds United partnership is one that goes back quite far. In 2012 when the brand first launched they became the official sponsors of the clubs south stand; they had adverts in their home day programme and on their website.

Now the Max6mum Security logo can be seen not only on the scoreboard, but on the team sheets, the Leeds United official calendar and Max6 adverts are

and it’s also designed for the bi-folding and patio door market.

The key property of this product is the fact that it is designed to vastly reduce the impact of solar heat gain, a characteristic certainly not welcomed in any conservatory environment.

The recently launched SMARTGLASS® Dynamic product, is the industry’s first automatically self-tinting, glass technology for conservatories, Orangeries and other glazing elements and is also detailed in the Product Guide. With availability in any shape and a 10-14 day turnaround on orders, along with a clever interactive market tool, it’s a new development that’s already generating considerable interest.

Jason McCabe, commercial and site director for Clayton Glass commented: ‘The Product Guide is very much the bible for conservatory, bi-folding and patio door glass with our unrivalled SMARTGLASS® range. There are technical tables and charts, along with flagship products that really help set us apart and make us the glass partner of choice in the sector.’ www.smart-glass.co.uk.

featured in the match day programme.

Leeds is one of the biggest sports clubs in Yorkshire with over 25,000 Leeds fans at every Elland Road home game, which creates massive exposure for the brand. Leeds united games are featured in national and regional press more than any other club in the division and games are often broadcast on TV. Leeds isn’t the only sports club Max6 is sponsoring either. The brand is an official sponsor of Manchester Thunder – a professional netball team.

UAP are taking a different approach to marketing, hitting mass audiences in the North of England; Manchester Thunder and Leeds United fans attending matches amounts to well over 32,000 people each game, and Thunder had over 600,000 viewers of their games on Sky Sports last year. www.max6mum-security.com WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017 65

CHARITY

Atlas Springs Into Action For Special-Needs Charity Donations for a Gloucestershire-based special-needs charity have been flooding in after a fundraising auction at the recent Atlas Installation of the Year awards.

The awards, which were held on 20 January to honour the industry’s finest orangery, conservatory or rooflight installations, spurred guests to dig deep in to their pockets to raise £3,500 for the Spring Centre in Gloucester.

The funds will be used to buy much-needed specialised toys which will boost the toy library at the Centre.

The Spring Centre needs to raise £10,000 a month to support the families of more than 100 youngsters with disabilities and special needs throughout Gloucestershire. This donation from Atlas rounds off two years of fundraising by Atlas’ parent company the Customade Group which has

families.

raised a total of £48,000.

Nick Gibbons, Customade Group Operations Director, explains: “This fantastic charity is very close to our hearts. My 13-year old daughter Niamh, who suffers from a genetic condition and needs 24 hour care, regularly visits The Spring Centre for essential respite care.

We are delighted to have raised such a terrific amount of money for the Centre over the last two years and to give something back to show our appreciation of everything they do for local

“The Atlas Installation of the Year awards was a brilliant evening of celebration, topped off with a mighty fundraising result from some big-hearted guests as well as people who couldn’t attend on the night.

Thanks to everyone who donated.”

Jayne Fisher, Centre Manager at the Spring Centre, added: “We are thrilled to receive such a generous donation and to have the continued support of a local company. Niamh has been coming to the Centre for many years and donations like this are vital to provide essential care and equipment for her and her family and other families with children with complex needs.” www.atlasroofsolutions. co.uk/installation/installation-of-the-year-winners

The VEKA UK Group Supports Local Hospice With More Than £12,000!

The VEKA UK Group has raised an astounding £12,191.78 over the past year for Lancashire children’s hospice, Derian House.

Staff across every department of the company threw themselves into fundraising for this fantastic local cause.

Head of Human Resources Gabriela Hammond explains: “We usually choose two charities to support per year, dedicating six months of activities to each. In 2016, we focussed solely on Derian House and I, for one, am amazed at what has been achieved. It was a pleasure to present such a significant contribution to a charity which does invaluable work in Lancashire.

“It’s part of our company’s ethic to give back to the community that we’re a part of, whether that is by engaging in youth enterprise initiatives; careers events; sponsorship for sports teams or events, or by supporting local charities such as Derian House.

66 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2017

“The fundraising activities this year were varied to say the least! We had everything from marathons and merchandise sales, to collection tubs, Christmas card donations and baby sweepstakes. We even sold the furniture from our FIT Show exhibition stand and donated the proceeds.” www.vekauk.com

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