Windows Active - May 2025 Issue

MAY 2025

ALUMINIUM AESTHETICS. REINVENTED IN PVCu.

.

may 2025 | contents | 1

CONTENTS

MAY 2025

40

GETTING IN CONTACT EDITORIAL John Cowie Editor - Head of Online Content Tel: 07474 123287 E: john.cowie@windowsactive.co.uk

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Jennie Shoglen - Graphic Designer Emma McCormack - Sub-Editor ADVERTISING SALES Steve Gravestock Sales Director Tel: 07990 671901 E: steve.gravestock@windowsactive.co.uk Donna Crockatt Publishing & Sales Executive Tel: 07919 448809 E: donna@windowsactive.co.uk PRODUCTION AND CIRCULATION Tel: 07919 448809 E: production@windowsactive.co.uk WINDOWS ACTIVE is published by: Active Magazines Limited PO Box 627 Rickmansworth Herts, WD3 0BQ

89 GENERAL ITEMS 004 - NEWS Headlines this month include: Duration Windows celebrates 40 years of innovation and excellence; Window and door retail finds its footing amid spring slowdown; Rehau achieves UK’s top 100 Large Best Workplaces™ recognition; Whiteline launches exclusive Define sash in collaboration with Sheerline; Eden Windows expands with a second showroom opening in Kent; Gyde joins VBH as Managing Director.

040 - DIRECTOR FOCUS In this month’s director of the month feature, we talk to Nicola John, Managing Director of FDM

by UAP and Armadillo Metal Coatings.

Online at: www.windowactive.com X: @windowsactive Instagram: windowsactive ISSN No: 1746-6663

046 - BUSINESS FEATURE Altegra appoints new General Manager to steer growth across trade and commercial markets.

052 - WEEK IN THE LIFE A new feature looking at a week in the life of. Jon Foulds, Key Account Manager @ Stellar Aluminium.

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FEATURES 056 - FIT SHOW PAPERS Innovation, investment and a sector on the rise, John Cowie witnessed the fenestration sector’s confidence on full display at the 2025 FIT Show 068 - DOORS FEATURE From humble roots to market dominance, Asa McGillian drops thirty years of pearlescent wisdom behind Apeer’s composite success.

086 - SUSTAINABILITY Ryan Lennox of Veka Recycling argues a policy shift is essential to advance the PVC-U recycling conversation in industry.

089 - GLAZED EXTENSIONS John Cowie met Dave Grace of NewPlas Roofing System to find out how NewPlas is redefining roof lanterns and warm roofs for the trade.

100 - ALUMINIUM What will US tariffs do to the UK construction industry? Nigel Headford, Chief Executive, Council for Aluminium in Building reflects.

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REGULARS 048 - PRODUCT INNOVATION Customisation meets clarity: how Hyline’s minimalist window systems are reshaping architectural vision in the UK. 050 - GOOGLE TRENDS Latest Google trends data reveals that UK homeowners are prioritising energy efficiency and smart technology in 2025.

054 - HUMAN RESOURCES Hiring optimism fades as UK employers scale back recruitment plans amid rising costs and uncertainty, reports Emma McCormack.

116 - FIT SHOW PRODUCTS Cortizo drew visitors’ attention with the presentation of its high-performance systems and its wide range of patio door solutions at the FIT Show.

128 - PRODUCT INNOVATION A collaboration between Maco and Veka resulted in a smooth sailing development of the new Omnia window profile.

130 - MOVERS AND SHAKERS

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W 2 | editors comment | may 2025

EDITOR’S COMMENT LABOUR PRESSURES AND POLICY SHIFTS CLOUD OPTIMISM

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or a few days in May, the UK’s glazing and fenestration industry convened at the NEC in Birmingham for the FIT Show – a rare national moment of cohesion in a fragmented market.

More than just a showcase for new products, the exhibition provided a timely pulse check for a sector still adjusting to post-pandemic realities and grappling with a tightening labour market and shifting regulatory landscape.

Exhibitors and attendees alike reported the event as a valuable platform for reconnecting with suppliers, identifying new opportunities, and gauging broader market sentiment. For many, the show underscored cautious optimism: though inquiry volumes have dipped, conversion rates are up, suggesting that the speculative “tyre-kickers” of previous years have largely receded. Conversations at the event pointed to a market that is not in decline, but in correction – returning to a more sustainable rhythm following the volatility of the Covid period.

The premium end of the retail market, in particular, appears to be holding firm. High-end consumer demand continues to support innovation in product design and presentation.

One retailer noted a resurgence in showroom openings across the country, aided in part by the availability of high street premises at reduced rents. This trend signals a renewed investment in face-to-face retail and a belief in the continued value of physical spaces in driving sales.

Yet behind the product launches and polished displays, deeper structural challenges loom – foremost among them, labour shortages and the growing burden of employment costs.

Many firms are already feeling the strain of recent increases to National Insurance, which have forced a recalibration of workforce plans. These pressures are set to intensify under forthcoming changes to employment law. The proposed Employment Rights Bill, currently making its way through Parliament, will grant workers the right to statutory sick pay from the first day of illness, rather than the fourth. For employers operating with leaner teams, this change has raised fears of increased absenteeism and further strain on already stretched operations.

“We’ve cut numbers on the factory floor due to the NI rise,” said one trade fabricator. “With a thinner workforce, the last

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thing we need is staff calling in sick when they could be working – especially if they know they’ll get paid from day one.”

Further complicating the employment landscape is the government’s recently announced White Paper, ‘Restoring Control over the Immigration System’, which introduces a range of reforms to the Skilled Worker visa scheme. Among the most consequential is the elevation of the minimum qualification threshold from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to Level 6 (graduate level), effectively disqualifying many roles central to the construction and manufacturing sectors – including fitters, installers and factory operatives – from future eligibility.

While transitional provisions will allow current visa holders to extend their stay, the new rules shut the door on fresh overseas applicants in these roles. Employers also face a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge, further raising the cost of hiring foreign workers.

For an industry heavily reliant on migrant labour – particularly in delivering large-scale housing and retrofitting projects – the implications are stark. The government’s stated aim is to develop domestic talent and reduce longterm reliance on foreign workers. But in the near term, the reforms risk exacerbating existing workforce shortages and adding friction to critical construction timelines.

With the government targeting 1.5 million new homes over five years, the timing is difficult. Whether the domestic workforce can be mobilised at sufficient scale and pace remains uncertain – particularly in an industry that has historically struggled to attract younger entrants. As one attendee at the FIT Show put it: “The challenge is being handed back to us – we need to find a way to make this industry attractive to home-grown talent. But it’s hard to see how we do that quickly enough.”

The policy rationale may be clear, but the practical consequences are far from settled. What is increasingly evident is that businesses in the sector must now adapt to a labour market being reshaped by political decisions as much as by economic forces. In a sector where the willingness to work has always trumped where a worker comes from, the test ahead lies in whether ambition, training, and recruitment can align to fill the growing gap left behind.

John Cowie - Editor E: john.cowie@windowsactive.co.uk

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4 | news | may 2025

Duration Windows celebrates 40 years of innovation and excellence

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his year marks a major milestone for Duration Windows as the company proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary. Founded in 1985 by Brian Chelton and Dennis Mitchell, the business began with a single product—Secondary Glazing. Four decades later, that very product remains a customer favourite, reflecting the timeless quality and innovation at the heart of the company.

From these humble beginnings, Duration Windows has grown into one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of premium aluminium windows, doors, and roofs. A trusted, familyrun business, it has earned a stellar reputation for its commitment to quality, cutting-edge design, and exceptional service. Whether for trade professionals or homeowners, Duration offers a true one-stop shop: one supplier, one

delivery, one payment – a seamless customer experience from quote to delivery.

Today, the company operates from an expansive 60,000 ft² estate, comprising 18 factory units, a central head office, and a state-of-the-art showroom showcasing its latest innovations. Every product is custom-made in-house by skilled staff using advanced machinery. This in-house control ensures consistent quality, rapid lead times and all products come with a 10-year guarantee.

Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director Grant Chelton shared his pride in the company’s journey: “Reaching 40 years is a fantastic milestone.

It’s all down to our loyal customers and our brilliant, dedicated team who continue to deliver high-quality products year after year.” He added that the whole family is thrilled

and looks forward to marking this special occasion with those who made it possible at the launch of our brand new showroom.

As Duration Windows celebrates this remarkable anniversary, it stands as a testament to the power of family values, relentless innovation, and unwavering dedication to quality. Here’s to 40 years of excellence—and many more to come.

Tel: 01268 681612 www.duration.co.uk

Window and door retail finds its footing amid spring slowdown

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fter a buoyant March, the UK’s window and door retail sector returned to a steadier pace in April, according to the latest Business Pilot Barometer. While some performance indicators edged down, the overall picture remains one of cautious resilience, with installers advised to focus on value and service to sustain conversions.

The Barometer, which draws on realtime data from the Business Pilot CRM platform developed by installers for installers, revealed a 5.5% drop in average leads – down from 114.7 in March to 108.4 in April. Though the dip reflects typical seasonal patterns, particularly around Easter, lead volumes remain higher than those recorded in February, suggesting a longer-term upward trend.

Sales saw a marginal decline of 2.1%, falling from 52.5 in March to 51.4 in April.

Analysts suggest this softening indicates not a lack of demand, but more deliberate consumer decision-making. “Homeowners appear to be taking slightly longer to commit, or are scaling back the size of projects,” said Neil Cooper-Smith, Senior Analyst at Business Pilot.

This is underscored by a notable 33.3% drop in average order value—from £5,990 in March to £3,994 in April—interpreted

by Cooper-Smith as a correction following unusually large orders the previous month.

“It’s a rebalancing rather than a retreat,” he

noted, adding that April’s order value still exceeded February’s figure of £3,688.

Encouragingly, conversion rates ticked up from 39.6% to 39.9%, suggesting that despite fewer and smaller leads, consumer intent remains strong. This subtle shift points to a market where homeowners may be more cost-conscious but remain willing to invest when the proposition is clear and trusted.

Overall, April’s data points to a stabilising market rather than one in

decline. As spring gives way to summer—a typically active period for home improvements—installers are advised to stay agile, leveraging insights from tools like Business Pilot to maintain momentum and margin.

“Complete visibility into what’s working allows businesses to adapt quickly,” said Cooper-Smith. “In a cautious but active market, that’s where the edge lies.” www.businesspilot.co.uk

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6 | news | may 2025

Rehau achieves UK’s top 100 Large Best Workplaces™ recognition

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ehau has officially been named as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces™ 2025 by Great Place To Work®, placing it in the top 100 large employers in the country.

Great Place To Work® is a global certification standard that evaluates workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviours. Officially announced at the prestigious Best Workplaces™ Awards held at London’s Grosvenor House and hosted by Comedian Richard Ayoade, Rehau placed 97th in the Best Workplaces™ (Large) category.

Rehau had previously been awarded the prestigious Great Place To Work® certification in 2024 before advancing to this higher accreditation tier following a survey of all employees. The company’s ongoing investment in its employee experience can be seen in these survey results, with 80% of respondents saying Rehau is a great place to work compared to 54% of employees at a typical UK-based company.

Martin Hitchin, CEO at Rehau UK, said: “It really is brilliant news to be recognised

by Great Place To Work® a second time, and as one of the top large employers in the country. There are so many brilliant people within the business that work hard to further enhance our workplace, and this

latest award is testament to their efforts.

“I have been at Rehau for almost 40 years and witnessed just how much the employee experience has been emphasised throughout my time here. My huge heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who has helped us achieve this prestigious accreditation.

“This latest award clearly demonstrates

how committed we are as a business to our employees. It is imperative that we continue this upward momentum throughout this year and further elevate the high standards we are all so proud of.” https://www.rehau.com/uk-en https://www.greatplacetowork.co.uk/

Whiteline launches exclusive Define sash in collaboration with Sheerline

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hiteline Manufacturing recently held a successful event at Lingfield Racecourse for its retail customers. During the day, members of the Whiteline team expressed confidence in the company’s long-standing stability and highlighted the company’s strong customer-first approach to support and aftersales.

Aside from providing an opportunity to catch up with the brand’s key customers, it was the ideal platform to launch Define – an exclusive new chamfered sash that has been developed in partnership with Sheerline.

Through Whiteline, Define will now exclusively be offered as a primary aluminium sash style sitting alongside the flat Contemporary and Stepped styles.

Define is available across Classic windows and the Classic Heritage Door, as well as Prestige windows and doors, including bifolds.

As part of an exciting roadmap of future products, the development further differentiates Whiteline from other fabricators, offering something unique to the market. The company invested in both Sheerline and their own unique variation of

the standard range to turn their vision into a reality.

Not only does this launch highlight what can be achieved when research and development teams collaborate, but it also reflects Sheerline’s commitment to developing unique, innovative, aesthetically-pleasing solutions with its customers.

During the open day, customers had the opportunity to see the exclusive Define sash and also get to know the Sheerline range.

This included the Classic Heritage Door and the award-winning S1 Roof Lantern – the only lantern on the market to have Secured by Design status – both of which are set to be popular this summer’s renovation season.

Louise Evans, Whiteline’s Group Managing Director, said: “This latest product update demonstrates our relentless focus on continuous innovation, and that we’ve got an exciting year ahead. We’re proud of

our partnership with Sheerline and look forward to developing future exclusives with them.”

Sheerline’s National Sales Director, Tony Basile, attended the open day and commented: “It was a fantastic day and really important for Whiteline’s customers to hear about and see the latest aluminium developments.”

“From a Sheerline perspective, it was great for me to be there and explain how we provide an agile and responsive service and the benefits of this. For instance, we’ve been able to collaborate with Whiteline to develop an innovative, one-off solution tailored to their needs,” he added.

To find out more about Define, visit the website https://www. whiteline.co.uk or contact the Whiteline team direct on 01323 723 724.

To find out more about Sheerline’s innovative aluminium range, visit the website https://www.sheerline.com or call 01332 978 000 to speak to the team.

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8 | news | may 2025

Eden Windows expands with a second showroom opening in Kent

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eading South East home improvement company Eden Windows is celebrating a significant milestone in company history.

After a period of sustained growth, the Conservatory Outlet Premium Retailer has recently opened the doors of a brand-new showroom in Orpington.

The impressive facility, located next to the Springvale Retail Park, has been fully refurbished to showcase its extensive range of windows and doors, featuring products from its exclusive Extreme, Envisage, Eclipse and Forté collections.

Visitors also have the opportunity to browse a broad range of full-size living spaces, including modern extensions, conservatories and orangeries.

Stewart Kelly, Eden’s Director, commented: “The new showroom is an important step for the company as it continues to grow. We’re delighted with the space, and by working closely with both Conservatory Outlet and Joedan, we’ve created a space that provides visitors with everything they need.”

The new Orpingtom showroom is Eden’s second site and complements the firm’s existing hub in Gillingham.

A six-figure sum has been invested in the showroom, which is part of a wider strategy to help grow the business further in the coming years. In addition to featuring window, door, and living space displays, the showroom also houses a studio that puts the

customer front and centre of the design process.

Contrary to the wider market performance, Eden has increased its sales by an impressive 30% over the last three years. Key to that has been its product offering, which is unique in Kent and the southeast of England.

One of the showroom’s highlights is its marketleading collection of Forté composite doors, which is the largest of its kind in the area.

Stewart adds: “Forté doors are highly engineered and offer a better ‘U’ value than any other composite option on the market. There’s also a wide range of styles, colours and glazing options available, which have really captured the imagination of

homeowners in the area. No other range offers as much flexibility and customisation without sacrificing performance or quality.

“Our exclusive product range has really resonated with homeowners as orders and sales have increased year-on-year. Now with a great location inside the M25, we have a fantastic opportunity to grow further still and reach new customers in nearby towns such as Bromley, Bexleyheath, and Welling.

CEO of Conservatory Outlet, Greg Kane said: “This showroom features the most forward-thinking technology and products in the industry. The opening of this second site is a landmark moment for Eden, and I’d like to congratulate Stewart and the rest of the Eden team on this tremendous achievement.

“Showrooms play a crucial role in our sector, offering homeowners an experience and security they can’t find anywhere else.”

Gyde joins VBH as Managing Director

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he board of VBH Holding is delighted to announce that Richard Gyde joined VBH (GB) on 1st May in the position of Managing Director.

Richard will be no stranger to most within the industry, bringing over 40 years of dedicated fenestration sector experience, including over 23 years as Managing Director of Mila UK, where he successfully led and grew the business.

Richard’s customer-centric approach matches that of the VBH culture. His deep understanding of the market has resulted in prestigious customer portfolios, whilst his commitment to sustainability and innovation has driven the development of high quality products that meet changing market needs.

These strengths, together with Richard’s extensive experience in global sourcing, product portfolio development, quality protocols, and corporate governance will be invaluable to VBH (GB) as the company

builds on the success of its own greenteQ brand, alongside further development of sales of major brands in the VBH portfolio.

Richard is well respected by his peers, and is known for his intelligent and innovative thinking, both in product design and in building action-oriented teams that perform at the highest level.

Throughout his career, Richard has demonstrated a remarkable ability to deliver resilient long-term growth and manage business continuity, even in turbulent times.

Peter Rowlands, Acting Managing Director at VBH (GB) states: “We are confident that Richard Gyde’s leadership will bring new opportunities and continued growth to VBH (GB). I am absolutely confident that Richard and the existing VBH team will work together to achieve our mission to be an industry leader in the Hardware Sector and continue to develop our successful business in the UK and overseas.”

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12 | news | may 2025

Endurance adopts enhanced senior management structure

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o help it maintain an impressive track record of growth and product innovation, Endurance Doors® has adopted a new senior management structure.With immediate effect, Stephen Nadin, formerly Managing Director of the Rocal group and its constituent businesses, including Endurance® Doors, becomes Chief Executive Officer. Garry Brewin, meanwhile, who was Operations Director at Endurance® Doors, moves to the position of Group Managing Director. The restructuring follows the recent launch of Endurance® Aluminium, which will fabricate aluminium fenestration products, and the subsequent creation of a new Endurance group. Longer term, further Endurance brands will be added to the group as the business pursues additional opportunities for diversification.

In his new role, Stephen will have a strategic focus and will use his extensive industry knowledge and entrepreneurialism to drive further expansion and evolution.

As part of this, he will help to inform new product development and will also lead acquisitive growth activity. Garry - who has been instrumental in shaping Endurance® Doors into a world class business since his appointment in 2017 - will manage the day-to-day running and performance of the composite door manufacturer.

His leadership and direction will enable

Endurance® Doors to build on its impressive reputation for efficiency, consistently high levels of product quality and the delivery of exemplary service and support.

Commenting on the new management structure, Stephen Nadin said: “The changes within the senior management team at Endurance® Doors come at a strategically significant time. With the launch of Endurance® Aluminium and other major

developments taking place across the Endurance group, we are at the start of a new and exciting chapter. The new roles and responsibilities adopted by Garry and I will enable us to maximise the opportunities that this next stage in our evolution brings.

“It will also ensure we are better placed to drive further success and growth for Endurance® Doors, Endurance® Aluminium and other future brands.”

Cube Glass rebrands with bright new logo to signal new era of growth

I

n a signal of its anticipated new growth phase, Cube Glass the Cumbernauld-based precision manufacturer has rebranded its corporate identity and launched a new, upgraded website. Identifying itself as “Scotland’s Aluminium Glass Specialist”, Cube Glass, which undertakes both commercial and domestic projects, was established by founder and managing director, Gary Thorn in 2004 to provide glazing systems to a range of clients, architects, and main contractors.

Since then it has expanded into fabricating, supplying and installing aluminium windows - tilt turn, casement, pivot, sliding, aluminium doors - sliding, bifolding, automatic, emergency - and curtain walling. Cube Glass also provides fire rated and blast resistant versions where required.

The company sells principally to main contractors, including CCG, Morris & Spottiswood, CM Steel & Design and Morrison Construction, and numbers high-end French residential door specialist Bel’M, industry-recognised specialists such as SCHUCO, Senior Architectural Systems, Metal Technology, Swiss-owned and Portugal-based Panoramah, a manufacturer

of bespoke, minimalist window and screen systems, and Glazing Vision rooflights which designs and manufactures innovative architectural glass rooflights, amongst its suppliers.

Mr Thorn said: “As an established family business, we are now entering a new era, with the majority of our workforce also participating in the company’s equity shares. The rebrand and upgraded website is a marker that we have our eyes firmly fixed on a future which involves winning new, bigger contracts from major UK-based customers, increased capital investment in plant and equipment and an eventual, gradual move towards management ownership of the business. We are delighted

by our rebranded corporate identity and upgraded website, credit for which should go to Derek Bryce and Jonathan Thompson at 25 West Design.

“In domestic work, where we have a strong pipeline, assisted by our state-of-theart showroom in Cumbernauld, we have seen a significant move, partly the result of our relationships with smaller, high-end architectural practices, towards slimmer sightlines and doors with bigger panels and more glass – a trend which is being led by our international partners with which we now regularly interact.

“At Cube Glass we take care for the environment seriously and utilise 60 solar panels on our roof to generate most of our electricity needs. We take every opportunity to re-cycle and, whenever possible, re-use the materials we work with. Every offcut or end piece of the glass and aluminium we use in fabrication of our doors and windows is re-cycled locally. We make full use also of the cardboard packaging in which our base materials are delivered by re-using it to pack and ship our own products to customers.”

Cube Glass posted a record turnover of £4.6m in the year to October 2024.

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14 | news | may 2025

Decorio steals the spotlight at Affordable’s FIT Show debut

A

ffordable Windows Group (AWG) made an impressive debut at FIT Show 2025, showcasing both their new Decorio steel-look aluminium range and established Timberlook collection to enthusiastic trade installers.

AWG’s dramatic stand design at FIT Show 2025 mirrored the art-deco aesthetics of the Decorio range, with dedicated spaces for both the thermally-broken external collection and the single-glazed internal options. A striking gold Decorio door proved to be an irresistible attraction, drawing a steady stream of intrigued visitors.

Particularly popular with installers was the Decorio sliding internal door, offering a space-saving solution compared to traditional hinged designs. The stand featured examples of Decorio’s wide range of colours and finishes, and displayed the Decorio hardware collection, including both classic and contemporary handle designs.

Also available was an example price list for the range, giving installers an opportunity to see how the aluminium products compared with alternatives.

Alongside the debut of steel-look Decorio, AWG’s FIT Show stand also featured a dedicated zone to showcase the popular Timberlook flush uPVC range.

The stand highlighted the newly updated offset trickle vent routing system that allows for concealed ventilation without compromising internal plaster lines.

Visitors could also examine the authenticity of Timberlook’s wood-effect finish, and see an enlarged image of the Timberlook flush

French door featuring a new mechanical midrail section.

Speaking about the reception to AWG’s FIT Show debut, Amelia Gaughan, Head of Marketing commented: “The reception has been absolutely outstanding. Wednesday was non-stop for about five hours, with people queuing to speak to our team.

Visitors were particularly impressed with our internal collection and the gold Decorio door certainly achieved its aim of starting conversations.”

Gaughan also revealed exclusive news about the steel-look range: “Next year, Decorio will be available on Tommy Trinder’s Framepoint app, making it even easier for installers to quote and order products confidently. This follows the success we’ve seen with our Timberlook range on this platform. On Tuesday, we were joined by representatives from Tommy Trinder to provide live Timberlook pricing on our stand, which was invaluable to installers.

We look forward to offering this service for

Decorio installers as well.”

AWG also confirmed that Decorio installers will receive the same comprehensive marketing support that has helped drive Timberlook’s success, including free lead generation, marketing brochures, colour swatches, specification guides, and website resources. Gaughan added: “Offering these two complementary heritage-inspired ranges allows our installers to cater to virtually any restoration or period-inspired project.”

“We’re thrilled with how our first FIT Show has gone,” concluded Gaughan. “It’s been fantastic to speak to installers faceto-face about the recent product updates and innovations we’ve had up our sleeve.

Bringing our stand to life required a lot of planning behind the scenes, but we couldn’t be happier with the final result - it was the perfect way to debut Decorio.

“The reception from the visitors to our stand made all of the hard work from our amazing team worth it.”

OBITUARY: Steve Johnson, former Emplas Operations and decorated Royal Marine

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t is with a heavy heart that Emplas has announced the sad passing of Steve Johnson.Born, raised, and educated in Kettering, Steve left school in 1967, at the age of 15, to join Charles Wicksteed Engineers as an apprentice wood machinist.

In 1972, Steve joined the 40 Commando Brigade of the Royal Marines – a light infantry unit made up of some of the toughest marines, before moving on to the 45 Commando Unit.

Steve served for 17 distinguished years achieving a multitude of accolades, including many tours of duty, notably Northern Ireland, and the training of Elite Marines in Arctic Combat. He was also part of the Marines Equestrian Show Jumping team.

Steve joined Emplas in 1989, as Operations Director, working closely with the company’s founder and his brother, Kevin Johnson. Over 14 years, Steve led the business through key milestones, including our BS 5750 certification in 1991. In 1992,

Steve was instrumental in Emplas being one of the first in the UK to achieve the BS 7412 Kitemark alongside other national window companies (only 22 companies achieved this).

Steve also single-handedly planned and delivered our factory relocation from Brunel Close, which consisted of four separate factories, to Huxley Close in April 2001 — an incredible achievement that shaped the Emplas we know today.

Away from work, Steve was a much-loved family man. He married his wife, Marie, in November 1974, and they celebrated

their Golden Wedding Anniversary last November. He was a proud father to his son; Ben, and daughter; Lauren. He was also a proud Grampy to Zachary, Isabella and Harper.

Those of you who were fortunate to have known or worked with Steve will understand the meaningful legacy he leaves behind.

Emplas has lost one of its own.

Steve was a Royal Marine and an Emplas leader in every sense of the word, but above all, he was a proud, devoted, loving family man. Kevin Johnson describes Steve as “the best brother a man could ever have.”

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16 | news | may 2025

OUT OF OFFICE The rise of the sales nomad

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new breed of time-conscious sales reps are harnessing modern technology to get quotes done on the go without the need to return to the office between appointments.

For years the modus operandi in double-glazing sales has been to measure up, come away from the house, go back to the office, re-draw the information gathered on site and send an enquiry off to a supplier, or supplier(s) for pricing. But times are changing, according to latest findings from software pioneers Tommy Trinder.

“If you are ‘on the road’ you stay ‘on the road’,” says founder and CEO of Tommy Trinder, Chris Brunsdon. “Doing quotes in the car, or there and then Infront of a customer is fast becoming the new normal amongst time-pressed window salespeople.”

Mark Frost, MD of Devon based installer, Love Windows, is one such advocate; “My office is in my backpack,” says Mark.

“When I’m chatting with a customer I can bring my iPad out, show them the software, we design the windows together, and I can price it there and then. There’s no going back to the office to change stuff and check it. You can just do it straight away, which is great for business.”

But even installers that are unable to price on the spot are finding ways to keep on moving, says Chris: “Salespeople tell us that they use our technology to capture the information when they are with a client, then tap to send the details back to the office using the Tommy Trinder Pricing Request feature. This enables the team back at base to start working on the quote whilst they move on to their next appointment.

A mind-blowing 11,000 of these Pricing Requests have been generated on Tommy so far this year – some 30% up on 2024.”

For those that embrace ‘point-to-point’ selling, the efficiency-savings can be considerable. Paul Kelly, MD of Bill Butters Windows in Dorset, has calculated that keeping his salesforce nomadic is saving him two hours in a day: “Your guys out on the road don’t need to come into the office; they can do their quote from the coffee shop or when they’re sat in the van waiting till the next appointment. Over an eight-hour day it easily saves us two hours a day. It’s just a no-brainer.”

Installers interested in finding out more about how Tommy Trinder software can help streamline sales process should visit www.tommytrinder.com

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18 | news | may 2025

GB Joinery achieves outstanding U-Values of 1.2 for timber windows

G

B Joinery, a leading manufacturer of premium timber windows and doors, has achieved U-Values as low as 1.2W/(m2K) for its windows through ER Certification Ltd. With growing demand for energyefficient solutions, GB Joinery’s flush casement windows can now achieve a U-Value of 1.2, its Stormproof casement windows 1.3, and its sliding sash windows can deliver a U-Value of 1.4.

The certification further cements GB Joinery’s position as a market-leading choice for installers who want to offer their customers a compelling timber product that provides the very best in energy efficiency.

Lee Parrott, Managing Director of GB Joinery, said: “Achieving these U-values is a significant milestone for GB Joinery.

We’re proud to offer our trade customers exceptionally crafted timber windows that not only meet but exceed the energy efficiency demands of today’s market.

“For installers, this translates into a product that can meet contemporary expectations while retaining the traditional beauty of genuine timber that discerning homeowners want.

The improvements come as part of GB Joinery’s ongoing commitment to providing premium, energy-efficient products made from sustainable, high-performance Accoya timber, known for its superior strength and durability.

With lead times of just 4-6 weeks, GB

Joinery ensures installers can rely on fast delivery while offering expert support and training – making them perfect for installers already working with timber and those looking to add it to their product offering.

“With the industry’s heightened focus on energy performance, our timber windows provide installers with an excellent opportunity to offer homeowners excellent thermal insulation and lower energy bills and win new business,” added Lee. Tel: 01614 771818 www.gb-joinery.co.uk

Gerda doors are expanding into Wales

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erda doors UK distributor Pioneer Trading Company and Carmarthenshire based Sapphire Windows have joined forces to start installing the Gerda steel and aluminium door range into homes across south Wales.

This agreement is the result of a decision

by Sapphire to incorporate a premium aluminium door product into its range to target the growing number of customers looking to invest that little bit more in a quality product.

Sapphire Windows was established in 1989 with the premise of providing quality window and door installations at affordable prices – a premise that remains to this day. The Gerda door range was launched under this same foundation. It offers superb engineering, outstanding security and a reassuring ‘THUNK’ when closing, underlining that premium feel while maintaining accessible pricing options.

“The Gerda door range impressed us from the outset,” said Sapphire director Shaun Matthews. “In terms of features, it sells itself – the nine bolt security, the impressive U-values, its strength and solidity – anyone who comes into the showroom specifically

to take a look are immediately impressed by its performance and functionality. It’s a much needed addition to our existing range of front door offerings.”

Sapphire Windows currently has a Gerda

door installed in its Ammanford showroom and will be installing a second in its soon to be open showroom in Milford Haven.

The company is noticing a definite shift in interest from PVCu to aluminium and sees the addition of Gerda as a key element of its plans for future growth.

“While PVCu will always be a core element to the business, the awareness of the quality of aluminium in windows and doors is definitely growing,” added Shaun. “Taking on the Gerda range is key to positioning Sapphire ahead of our own local competition in being able to fulfil this expanding niche.”

“The importance of a showroom setting for the Gerda door cannot be understated,” added Pioneer Gerda’s managing director Danny Williams. “While the drive for online sales of cheaper doors can seem quicker and easier, it can end up costing more in remedial visits for the installer. Buying a Gerda becomes an experience for the homeowner, with a visit to the showroom, hands on appreciation of the smooth and sleek heaviness of the door, which feeds into the overall understanding of the door’s superiority to its composite competitors.”

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22 | news | may 2025

Senior pledges to ‘bee’ part of the solution with biodiversity initiative

T

here’s a buzz of activity at Senior Architectural Systems’ Rotherham manufacturing facility – and it’s not just from the factory floor.

The leading manufacturer of aluminium doors, windows and curtain walling has installed its first on-site beehive, marking another step forward in its commitment to sustainability and biodiversity.

The hive is the latest initiative to take flight as part of Senior’s comprehensive sustainability strategy, which has seen the company make significant investment in the use of low-carbon aluminium, operational efficiencies across its two

main UK manufacturing facilities, and the development of an extensive range of Part L compliant fenestration products. Located at Senior’s dedicated Thermal Improvement Facility in Rotherham, which has boosted the production capacity of Senior’s patented PURe® range of low U-value aluminium windows and doors, the beehive is also helping Senior support local biodiversity and national environmental goals set out under the Environment Act 2021.

Bees play a vital role in global food production and the maintenance of healthy ecosystems, with a significant number of UK crops relying on pollinators. By providing a protected, managed habitat on-site, Senior is taking a proactive step to help counter the rapid decline of bee populations and protect the local environment.

The initiative forms part of a wider Biodiversity Policy being rolled out across Senior’s UK sites under the guidance of the company’s newly appointed UK Sustainability Lead, Luke Osborne.

Commenting on the new beehive initiative, Luke said: “Helping nature thrive is essential for a more sustainable future,

and we’re proud to be playing our part. The new beehive at our Rotherham site may seem like a small step, but it reflects our wider ambition to support the recovery of nature and embed biodiversity into how we use and manage our land. Sustainability isn’t just about carbon – it’s about ecosystems, communities, and resilience.”

For more information, please visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk or search for Senior Architectural Systems on LinkedIn and Facebook.

WindowBASE launches new datasets to boost industry engagement

W

indowBASE has launched an easy-to-use, intuitive database platform for new prospects.

Through the new Prospect Manager portal and CRM system, users can access accurate, up-to-date contact details for Aluminium window and door fabricators and installers, PVCU fabricators and installers, and Timber manufacturers and installers, as well as new databases of Systems Companies (all materials), UK Builders’ Merchants, and a unique High-End Builders and Home Improvers database for targeting top-end builders and developers in the UK and Ireland.

“The new user-friendly interface has some powerful features that we’ve developed over the past few months, to help companies plan their expansion in an intuitive way, one that reflects how companies actually go about planning their growth, and select their target audiences quickly and precisely,” explains Scott Dodgson, WindowBASE Commercial Director. “The databases can be used for telemarketing, research, direct mail, as well as integrated email and text marketing, and planning their expansion of course.

“We’re particularly excited by our latest database: High-End Builders and Home Improvers in the UK and Ireland. High end companies – those who build homes

worth a few million or carry out extensive refurbishing and improvements of over half a million - need premium products and services for their premium properties, but it’s not easy to find them or the many premium suppliers they need.”

“Direct marketing is one of the most effective and precisely targeted forms of marketing,” comments Mike Rigby, Managing Director of WindowBASE, “but only if you’re using up-to-date data. A few big business casualties hit the headlines in the last two years, but thousands of changes to companies are happening all the time, keeping the market in constant churn. In 2024, a total of 884 installers (just under 8% of the total) left the industry, while 1,156

new installers (10%) set up in business, a net growth of 2.7% in the number of installers.

Three hundred and eight fabricators (-7.9%) also shut their doors, but almost as many (286) opened for business, a net drop of 0-0.6%. Thirty-five years ago, there were more than 80 PVCU systems companies.

Now there’s just a handful, and Aluminium systems companies have also started to come under pressure with several changing hands this year already. It’s a dynamic market that’s ever changing. With reliable, regularly updated contact details, and an in-depth understanding of the industry, WindowBASE is the perfect partner to help companies keep their finger on the pulse and target prospects effectively to enable them to grow their businesses.”

“Despite Trump’s onslaught on the world economy,” Mike concludes, “the tide is turning for the economy as inflation falls and interest rate reductions are expected. So, it’s time to make the most of these favourable conditions and get ahead of competitors by investing in effective marketing. Direct marketing is acknowledged as one of the most effective and precisely targeted ways to acquire new customers – but only if you’re using up-todate quality data.” www.windowbase.co.uk

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24 | news | may 2025

Conservatory Outlet reports sales surge amid Etihad marketing conference

L

eading installers from across the United Kingdom gathered at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester to attend Conservatory Outlet’s latest Sales & Marketing Conference. Held every year and run exclusively by Conservatory Outlet, retailers were given the opportunity learn from the manufacturer’s marketing team, partner agency and other speakers about the latest trends impacting marketing and sales within the fenestration sector.

The day-long conference covered a variety of topics including unique, productfirst lead generation campaigns, planned developments to the manufacturers Extreme and Envisage suite of windows and doors, and an insight into key market trends.

Reflecting on the event, Conservatory Outlet’s CEO, Greg Kane, commented: “This year’s event has been our highestattended yet, with over 50 Directors and senior Managers from high-performing retail businesses joining us at the home of Manchester City. We put a great deal of effort into delivering an engaging itinerary that covers a wide range of topics relating to sales and marketing. I truly believe that it’s events such as this that set us apart. Conservatory Outlet is more than a manufacturer; we’re there to help ambitious businesses grow, and this event is key to that.

“By providing seminars and data-driven presentations on everything from market trends to the continued importance of showrooms, we can give our customers the strategies they need to outperform the competition. Plus, bringing everyone together gives different businesses the

chance to learn from each other and engage in meaningful conversation.”

Mervyn Stanley, of ERG Scotland, added: “It was another fantastic event. The topics covered by Conservatory Outlet and its panel of speakers were all extremely informative.

We were all provided with some food for thought and plenty of ideas that I can take back to ERG and action straightaway.

“Partnering with Conservatory Outlet allows us to attend these events and work with some of the best marketers in the industry. By coming here, we get insights and analysis about products, services and the wider market that isn’t available anywhere else. It’s a real one-of-a-kind event.”

Importantly, the event comes at a time when Conservatory Outlet’s Premium Retail Network is posting strong growth figures for yet another year.

After bucking market trends throughout 2024 to increase both sales and leads by double-digit percentages, Conservatory Outlet’s associated retailers are up 17% yearon-year. And that’s against the backdrop of others in the industry openly talking about how the sector is continuing to ‘cool off’.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of the Conservatory Outlet Network,” adds Greg.

“Both leads and sales are up across the Network and we’re working hard to ensure that all our Premium Retailers are able to improve their market share year after year.”

Chigwell Window Centre expands manufacturing arm to facilitate growth

D

ouble glazing provider, Chigwell Window Centre has announced the opening of its new, state-of-the-art, manufacturing facilities in Colchester. Sitting alongside the company’s showrooms in Romford, Brentwood, Loughton and Epsom, the 45,000 ft² building will give a substantial increase in space, providing a huge boost to Chigwell Window Centre’s manufacturing capabilities and allowing for further growth.

The £4 million move to Centurion Business Park enables the company to bring its manufacturing and distribution facilities under one roof, doubling capacity, significantly speeding up production and reducing the company’s carbon footprint.

Part of the Chigwell Group, Chigwell Window Centre has served residential and commercial sectors in London and the South East for over 20 years, offering A-rated

double glazing products. Renowned for its professional approach, the bifold doors and windows specialist is excited to be able to expand its range of aluminium and PVC-U products thanks to the increased manufacturing capacity that the new site offers. Chigwell Window Centre CEO, Dean

Floyd says: “We’re proud of how much the company has grown in recent years and can’t wait to be up and running at Centurion Park and to see how far we can take the business in the next 10 years.

“Besides the investment in cutting edge equipment and extra space, we will also be adding to the team, to meet the increased manufacturing capacity and to help us provide the right home-improvement solutions that exceed all expectations.”

Chigwell Window Centre recently announced an official partnership with British heavyweight boxer, Moses Itauma.

Moses has been widely regarded as one of the most promising upcoming talents in the sport today, and a future champion, and promises to be a great ambassador for the brand. www.chigwellwindowcentre.co.uk

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26 | news | may 2025

Endurance sector firms align operations under newly formed group identity

E

ndurance® Doors, the manufacturer of solid, secure and stylish composite doors, and its sister business, Endurance® Aluminium, which fabricates a range of aluminium fenestration products, are aligning under a new banner.

Both businesses will continue to trade as normal under their existing brand names but will now also form part of a wider entity called the Endurance® group. The adoption of the new umbrella mantle follows the successful launch earlier this year of Endurance® Aluminium. It also serves as a precursor for further evolution and diversification. The new Endurance® group has its own vision and mission statement, as well as a new and dedicated logo.

Scott Foster, sales and marketing director at the Endurance® group, comments: “The launch of Endurance® Aluminium is just the start of a new phase in the success and development of the Endurance brand family.

We are committed to expanding our product portfolio and to exploring new markets.

This reflects our ethos of ‘Together, we grow’

which entails the creation of new growth opportunities both for us and our installer partners. Longer term, our vision is to shape a business that can supply premium quality products for every aspect of a property’s facade and where there is effectively an

‘Endurance for every home’.

“Adopting the new group title, the Endurance® group is better suited to this ultimate goal and also enables us to build on the considerable brand equity that we have developed for the Endurance name.”

Future-readiness means adaptability says 3E’s Arnaud Kropp INTERVIEW Arnaud Kropp, Sales Director, 3E Datentechnik 3E Datentechnik is an established IT company with over 30 years of experience and extensive expertise as a solution provider for the window manufacturing industry. This southern German IT company offers 3E-LOOK, an intelligent ERP solution for window and door manufacturers.

We talked with Arnaud Kropp, Sales Director at 3E. WA: To stay future-ready, what do you think a window manufacturing company needs to focus on today?

Arnaud Kropp: Future-readiness means being able to adapt quickly - to changing customer demands, to supply chain challenges, or to new regulations. This requires transparent processes, reliable data, and a high degree of automation. Companies that rely on a specialised software solution are better equipped to work efficiently, manage their production, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

WA: 3E-LOOK is described as an end-toend industry solution. How does it support window manufacturers in their daily operations?

Arnaud Kropp: 3E-LOOK goes beyond traditional ERP. It maps the entire workflow of window and door manufacturing

UK companies benefit from a proven, future-proof system that is scalable and can grow with their business.

– from quotations and technical design to production planning, installation, and post-calculation. Because it’s tailored specifically to the industry, the software addresses real-life challenges with smart, targeted tools – whether for custom-made or series production. It ensures that processes run smoothly, safely and reliably.

That means streamlined processes, fewer errors, and full transparency across the business.

WA: Why is an industry-specific ERP the right solution for UK window manufacturers?

Arnaud Kropp: UK window manufacturers face many of the challenges their European counterparts have to face – rising costs, labour shortages, and the need for digital transformation. A dedicated industry solution like 3E-LOOK brings clear advantages because it understands the specific needs of the sector and covers them out of the box. This reduces implementation time and customisation efforts.

WA: What role can 3E-LOOK play in the digital transformation of window manufacturing companies?

Arnaud Kropp: 3E-LOOK often acts as the foundation for digital transformation.

As a central platform, it connects people, machines, and data. It enables seamless digital processes – from the first customer enquiry to delivery of the finished product.

Additional systems like CAD, machine interfaces, or document management can be integrated effortlessly. The result is a digital ecosystem that simplifies operations, supports decision-making, and makes companies truly future-ready.

WA: The competition is tough. How can 3E-LOOK help increase efficiency and reduce costs?

Arnaud Kropp: 3E-LOOK helps standardise, accelerate, and automate processes – saving time and minimising errors. With consistent data flows, all departments work from the same source of truth. All this leads to a high level of process safety.

Especially in technical design and production control, there’s significant potential to boost efficiency. Purchasing can also be optimsed through better material planning. The result: less downtime, shorter lead times, and better cost control – all of which contribute directly to improved competitiveness. www.3e-it.com

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28 | news | may 2025

Morley Glass scheme on track to exceed steel drum reuse target

A

n innovative scheme developed to ensure more waste packaging can be reused, rather than recycled or sent to landfill, is on track to break its target of giving a second lease of life to more than 2,000 steel drums by the end of this year.

The initiative was launched by UniBlinds® manufacturer Morley Glass last year as part of its efforts to further reduce the carbon footprint of its products and operations. Up until that point, the company had already taken positive steps by sending the 210 litre steel drums used by its sealant supplier to be recycled when empty. This is a far preferable option to landfill, but one that still has a larger carbon footprint than reuse.

By forming a partnership with specialist waste management company WasteCare, Morley Glass was able to ensure the empty steel drums could be professionally cleaned to remove any contaminants and reconditioned for resale for a wide range of uses. The revenue generated by the sale of the drums to WasteCare goes into the Morley Glass’s GreenVision initiative, a fund that supports environmental and social improvement projects throughout Yorkshire and beyond.

Ian Short, Managing Director of Morley Glass commented: “It is incredible to think that we will have diverted more than 2,000 steel drums away from recycling by the end of 2025 – less than two years since we started the scheme.

“Setting up better recycling processes has been massively beneficial to the industry from a sustainability perspective, and it has now become second nature to many businesses in the window and door sector.

We know that from the ever increasing volumes of cullet we generate ourselves from the post-consumer IGUs we collect, a waste product that can be used as a raw material in the manufacture of new building glass.

“But reuse goes one step further. It is preferable to recycling because it means less energy is required to deal with the waste product, whatever it may be. That can only be a good thing for an industry that is looking to do as much as possible to cut the carbon emissions resulting from our activities.”

In addition to collecting empty steel drums for reuse, the Morley Glass team also ensures that thousands of high quality

plywood boxes do not go to waste every month. These are used by ScreenLine® integral blind systems manufacturer Pellini S.p.A. to transport products from its factories in Italy and the Czech Republic to the Morley Glass factory in Leeds, as these are ideally suited to protect the sensitive components during transit.

Morley Glass donates the wooden boxes and additional plywood to local schools, who use them in art, craft, design and technology projects. These are also donated as the main raw material used in the various ground-breaking programmes provided

by The PIECES Project, which help young people boost their entrepreneurial and creative skills.

Quickslide announces NO price rises

Q

uickslide’s taking a stand. The Brighouse-based sash window fabricator has officially announced: no price rises!

While the rest of the industry is buckling under the pressure of supply chains and government-imposed tax increases, and increasing prices as a result, Quickslide is taking a different approach – by keeping prices firmly where they are.

The fabricator of the Legacy VS window is bucking the industry trend by holding firm on its trade pricing. That means £250 for a sash window remains firmly on the table, without any compromise on quality or service, or level of marketing support.

This commitment includes the promise not to add any hidden fees or surcharges, remaining open and transparent in all respects.

In the meantime, Quickslide is doubling down on the support it gives to its trade partners, as well as improving its own efficiencies, creating a collaborative effort

to work together in overcoming potential pitfalls and potholes in the turbulence of the coming months.

“The only predictable thing about the current trading environment is that it is unpredictable. Understanding this we have worked hard to absorb costs and become as efficient as possible in terms of our own operations,” said sales director Tom Swallow.

“The focus has to be on getting sales over the line, and the more we can ease the pressure on our trade partners, the better!”

“Price increases are a real moot issue in the industry, and it is easy to jump in too quickly without taking a more long-term, strategic approach to pricing,” continued Tom. “While there needs to be a realistic and pragmatic understanding of the impact on an industry wide basis, sometimes you have to go off piste and make decisions for the wider good. We know our trade partner network will appreciate this stance and throw themselves into making the most of it while they can, enabling them to sharpen their competitiveness in a way that is commercially viable for them – and for us – in the long run.”

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30 | news | may 2025

Unique’s 20 year longevity is a testament to its focus and approach

U

nique Window Systems is marking a major milestone. On April 29th 2025 the multi-award-winning fabricator of aluminium and PVC-U windows, doors and curtain walling celebrated 20 years in business.

Sunil Patel, joint Managing Director at the company, comments: “Unique’s longevity is a testament to our focus and approach. The last two decades have seen times of boom and bust as well as wider societal and economic challenges such as the COVID 19 pandemic.

“Unique has continued to grow and prosper thanks to our entrepreneurialism, our commitment to quality, the calibre of our team and our belief in reinvesting back into our operations for the benefit of our staff and the customers we serve.”

Since Unique was formed in 2005, it has seen many notable highlights.

This includes being repeatedly named as one of the London Stock Exchange Group’s Top 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain as well as winning multiple accolades such as Business of the Year and Outstanding Growth awards.

More recently, the business has seen its

turnover surge from £20.8m to over £45m in a four year period.

During the last twelve months alone, Unique has also invested into opening a new and cutting edge 65,000 ft² factory for its PVC-U product lines and undergone a wholesale rebrand, adopting a fresh new

look for the next phase in its phenomenal growth.

Unique will mark its twentieth anniversary year with 12 months of commemorative activity. This will include customer-focused promotions, competitions and events.

Over the summer, the fabricator will also stage a party for its team and their families to thank them for their continued contribution.

Sunil adds: “Everyone at Unique is delighted and understandably proud that we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the company. On behalf of the senior management team, I would like to thank all our staff, customers and suppliers for their ongoing support over the years.”

He adds: “We’re now looking forward to building on our impressive achievements to date. Through an active programme of reinvestment and the continued development of both our business and our range, we’ve every intention of ensuring our success over the next twenty years and beyond is even more remarkable than that of the last two decades.”

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32 | news | may 2025

Keystone unveils Spring 2025 trends report with regional insights

K

eystone Market Research has announced the release of its Spring 2025 Consumer Fenestration Trends Report - an in-depth analysis of the evolving behaviour, preferences, and frustrations of UK homeowners in the windows and doors market. Building on the momentum of previous editions, this latest report reveals subtle shifts in consumer priorities and offers an expanded regional analysis across 12 UK areas.

This edition is once again made possible through the sponsorship of Endurance Doors, Epwin Window Systems, the GGF, Liniar, and Veka, whose support helps ensure this essential resource remains accessible throughout the fenestration industry. Customers of these companies gain free access to the series that delivers consumer-driven insights that can shape sales, marketing, and product development strategies.

Key findings from the Spring 2025 Report include: • Sliding Patio Doors Now Firmly Lead: Sliding doors have cemented their position as the UK’s most popular patio door style, overtaking bifold doors by a significant margin. This trend is consistent across all 12 UK regions, making sliding doors an essential offering nationwide.

• Tilt & Turn Windows Gaining Momentum: While casement windows

remain the dominant choice, tilt & turn styles continue to gain traction, with particularly strong interest in Northern Ireland where they ranked as the top preference. This suggests the UK market may be aligning more closely with European style trends.

• Homeowner Frustrations Are Growing: Satisfaction with current windows and doors has declined sharply—from 23% last year to just 11% today, signalling a ripe market for replacements. Find out which areas are impacting homeowners most in the report.

• Smart Home Technology Still Not a Priority: Despite the wider growth of connected tech, smart home compatibility continues to rank low among homeowner

considerations for windows and doors – we will explore further in next quarter’s report.

Charlotte Hawkes, Director of Keystone Market Research, commented: “This report is about more than preferences - it’s about understanding the motivations behind homeowner decisions and recognising the subtle changes that can impact the market to arm businesses throughout the supply chain with the knowledge to make informed decisions on everything from new product development through to marketing. Our regional breakdowns help businesses see the variations that exist across the UK and installers tailor their messaging more effectively for their unique area. I’m also delighted that access to the report continues to grow with the support of our sponsors, who share our commitment to equipping the industry with powerful, actionable data.”

Keystone invites industry professionals and companies across the supply chain to explore the findings and use the insights to strengthen their engagement with today’s homeowners.

Businesses interested in supporting their customers, and the wider fenestration industry, with Keystone’s trusted consumer insights are encouraged to reach out as a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain available. www.keystonemr.co.uk.

Freefoam brings superior product knowledge to your finger-tips!

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reefoam Building Products is excited to announce the launch of its newly updated Product Training Module, designed to provide essential knowledge on PVC building products for industry professionals, stockists and merchant suppliers.

Whether you’re looking to expand your expertise or need a refresher on key products, the updated module offers an engaging and user-friendly learning experience. With a fresh new look and additional product insights, the module covers a wide range of PVC home improvement products, including fascia, soffit, cladding, window trims, and skirting boards.

Key features of the training module include: • Product Overviews – A deep dive into Freefoam’s core product range.

• Colour Options Guide – Learn about the variety of finishes available.

• Fitting Information – Essential tips for correct installation and fixing distance.

• Product Guarantees – Understand the guarantees and benefits Freefoam offers.

• Self-Assessment Quiz – A short quiz

for merchants, installers, and sales teams looking to boost their product knowledge quickly and efficiently.

Freefoam UK Sales Director Richard Jackson recognises the value of the updated Freefoam Training Module to help suppliers stay ahead in the market. “We understand the importance of having the right knowledge when it comes to recommending and installing PVC building products.

This updated module makes it easier than ever for merchants and independent PVC Suppliers to build product knowledge for their whole trade counter team and offer the best solutions to their customers.”

The Freefoam Training Module is now available.

to test your knowledge.

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may 2025 | news | 33

Veka and Direct Trade mark decadelong partnership at FIT Show event

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eka has announced that long-standing partner, Direct Trade (Yorkshire), has reaffirmed its commitment by signing a new 10year supply agreement at the FIT Show 2025 – further cementing a partnership that has already spanned more than two decades.

Based in Doncaster, Direct Trade manufactures and supplies PVC-U products to the trade across the UK. A sole user of the Veka and Halo systems ranges for over 20 years, Direct Trade has built a reputation for quality, reliability, and trusted service, supplying an average of 375 products every day from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, which span over 100,000 ft².

The new agreement was officially signed during the FIT Show, where Direct Trade proudly showcased their growing Veka product offering, including the cuttingedge OMNIA system and the impressive new Feinstruktur foil finish – delivering a modern, finely textured aluminium-style aesthetic in highly durable PVC-U format.

Mark Powell, Sales Director at Direct Trade (Yorkshire), commented: “Our relationship with Veka has been built on more than just great products – although the quality of their profile is second to none.

It’s their constant drive for innovation, and the people behind the brand, that give us absolute confidence in the future. Signing a 10-year agreement is the right next step for us; Veka remains the ideal partner to

support our continued growth and service excellence.”

Tim Taylor, Commercial Director at Veka, added: “We are incredibly proud and grateful for the continued trust and loyalty that Direct Trade has shown to Veka.

Partnerships like this are the foundation of our business. Our commitment is unwavering – we are here to offer a true partnership, not just a supply relationship.

Together, we’ll continue to innovate, invest and drive new opportunities for the future.”

This renewed agreement marks a significant milestone for both businesses, underlining a shared vision for excellence, collaboration, and customer-centric growth.

With new additions like OMNIA and Feinstruktur enhancing the Direct Trade range, the future looks stronger than ever for this trusted partnership.

Garnalex wins 2025 King’s Award for Innovation for Sheerline range

G

arnalex can officially announce it has received a coveted King’s Award for Innovation 2025 for its groundbreaking Sheerline aluminium windows and door range. With only 46 businesses being recognised in the innovation category this year it is testament to how game changing the Sheerline system has been. This award reflects the significant contribution and advances the company has made within the fenestration industry. Although Sheerline was launched during the global pandemic, the challenging external landscape has not stopped it from achieving success.

Two innovative aspects in particular were highlighted by the awards process. Firstly, Sheerline’s patented construction method, which not only reduces waste and locks in quality, but also results in better looking windows with less misalignment in frames for improved aesthetic appeal. In addition, Thermlock®, Sheerline’s proven proprietary thermal technology was highlighted. Aside from offering greater thermal efficiency than legacy polyamide systems, easily

achieving Part L compliance with competitive U-values, it also allows installers to fix through the optimum area profiles as it’s less brittle than polyamide.

Thermlock® is also a key ingredient in Garnalex’s market leading agility and ability to deliver consistently on its 5-day lead-time promise, as it allows finished profiles to be assembled close to dispatch.

It has differentiated itself in a competitive industry by focusing on product innovation, its customers and first-class service, and delivering on its promises.

This approach has enabled it to blaze a trail where others have lost momentum.

Roger Hartshorn, Garnalex’s CEO, said: “It is a privilege and an honour to be able to share the news that Garnalex has won the prestigious King’s Award for Innovation.

The fenestration industry has always been a competitive industry, where accolades such as this make a real difference. Not only will it enable us to continue to stand out in an increasingly crowded space, but it highlights the far-reaching impact we’re having as a company. We look forward to celebrating and bringing even more industry-changing innovations to market,” he added.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s by recognising outstanding UK businesses.

The Award programme, now in its 59th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to use the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.

34 | general feature | may 2025

Landmark event for Winkhaus UK

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Winkhaus UK reflects on FIT Show 2025: Innovation launched, partnerships strengthened, future secured

s the doors close on FIT Show 2025, Winkhaus UK reflects on what has been a landmark event, filled with energy, innovation, and collaboration. Over the three-day exhibition, our stand became a central hub for fabricators, installers, and industry professionals to explore our newly launched added value products, services and solutions, and the overwhelmingly positive response exceeded expectations. FIT Show has once again proven itself as the go to platform for forward thinking innovation in the fenestration industry. For Winkhaus, it was a defining moment to introduce not only new technology but a new way of thinking about door security, aluminium fabrication efficiency, and regulatory support.

Crafted Synergy™: A New Standard in Integrated Door Security Taking centre stage at this year’s event was the official debut of the Crafted Synergy™ range, Winkhaus’ fully integrated smart security ecosystem. Built to deliver simple, secure, and reliable performance, the Crafted Synergy™ range struck a powerful chord with visitors navigating increasing demands in fabrication quality, regulation, and customer satisfaction. At the heart of Crafted Synergy™ is the philosophy that security components should not just work, they should work together. The suite includes seamlessly compatible products such as the autoLock AV4, Thunderbolt, XR6 cylinder, armorShield cylinder protection range and the showstopping Polaris™ Smart eTurner.

Polaris™: Smart, Stylish, and Simple Control: A major talking point among visitors, Polaris™ is a smart eTurner designed to provide next level door control with design led simplicity. Its seamless integration with Winkhaus’ XR6 cylinder and locking solutions was a standout feature. Attendees were particularly impressed with the Polaris™ Smart Sensor, which confirms the door’s position status, the Polaris Smart™ app offering clear navigation, automatic two step set-up, and ability to open the door from anywhere in the world. With support for both smartphone and key fob control, Polaris™ delivers a modern, intuitive experience for users while helping fabricators future-proof their door systems with tested, secure, and intelligent hardware.

The 3-Star Equation: Future-Ready Compliance Made Easy: Completing the Crafted Synergy™ range is our expanded 3-Star security equation, which allows customers to meet future security regulations with confidence and cost-efficiency. Visitors responded positively to the pairing of our proven 1-Star XR6 cylinder with a choice of new 2-Star armorShield protection options, including the 2-Star handle, escutcheon, and cylinder protector.

This versatile, modular offering makes it easier for fabricators and installers to deliver fully compliant, high-security solutions without excessive complexity or overengineering, ensuring peace of mind for both manufacturers and homeowners.

Aluminium Innovation: aluPilot and primePort Solutions In the aluminium space, Winkhaus used FIT Show 2025 to launch key enhancements to its widely adopted aluPilot modular window fitting system. Live demonstrations showed just how easily aluPilot increases fabrication efficiency, reduces waste, and improves workflow, all while streamlining ordering and inventory processes.

Visitors were introduced to two exciting new additions: a solution designed for lower operating positions and a new restriction system, both ideal for expanding usage in a wider range of aluminium window applications.

The primePort AS retract-slide system also attracted major interest. As part of our broader primePort range of patio and balcony door solutions, it drew praise for its precision engineered clean, concealed design, energy efficiency, and excellent weather

performance. Compatible with aluminium, timber, and PVC-U profiles, the primePort range supports elegant, modern living environments where wide openings and minimal disruption to interior layouts are key.

Leading Regulatory Change: PAS24, ADQ and Beyond: While innovation dominated discussions, regulatory preparedness emerged as a central theme. A key area of engagement on the Winkhaus stand was our comprehensive offering to help fabricators and installers navigate upcoming compliance changes, in particular the PAS24:2024 addendum and its eventual incorporation into Approved Document Q (ADQ) in 2027.

Winkhaus’ UKAS accredited test laboratory is among the first in the industry prepared to carry out testing under the new PAS24 protocols. This capability, backed by nearly 50 years of testing experience, offers our partners an invaluable resource for preparing their product ranges to meet the more rigorous testing standards and extended scope of the new ADQ requirements, which now include refurbishment projects as well as new builds.

Visitors welcomed the opportunity to engage in deeper conversations around compliance, with many recognising the long-term value of our technical consultancy, product development days, and bespoke testing programmes. These added value services allow our partners to evolve their designs effectively and confidently, without trial-and-error or disruption to production.

Service Enhancements That Support Real Progress: Throughout the show, visitors responded strongly to the broader service enhancements now available from Winkhaus. More than ever, fabricators and installers are seeking knowledgeable, proactive support partners who can guide them through technical challenges and help bring compliant, high-performing products to market more efficiently. The conversations we had at FIT Show made it clear that our emphasis on partnership, technical excellence, and industry foresight is what sets Winkhaus apart, and we are proud to continue delivering that to the market.

Looking Ahead: Building on Strong Momentum: For Winkhaus UK, FIT Show 2025 was a springboard. The ideas, relationships, and feedback gathered across the event are already being channelled into our next phase of development. We are committed to pushing boundaries, refining our solutions, and continuing to support the fabricators and installers who trust in our products every day.

To everyone who visited our stand, thank you for your time, your interest, and your feedback. To those unable to attend, we invite you to explore our latest innovations online or contact our team to arrange a conversation. The momentum we’ve gained at FIT Show is just the beginning, and we look forward to delivering even more value in the months ahead.

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38 | general feature | may 2025

MFT unveils multiple new product lines

Raising expectations and industry benchmarks, Made for Trade dazzled FIT Show 2025 with visionary innovation, bold presence, and undeniable impact

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ade for Trade (MFT), the trusted name behind the award-winning Korniche brand, has once again raised the bar for innovation and customer value in the UK fenestration industry with a high-impact, high-visibility presence at FIT Show 2025. With the unveiling of groundbreaking products and systems, MFT delivered on its promise to “See it First at FIT”, leaving visitors impressed, inspired, and eager to learn more.

The FIT Show 2025 was the perfect stage for Made for Trade to showcase its latest product innovations. Over the course of three packed days, the MFT stand became a magnet for installers, fabricators, specifiers, and industry professionals alike. With a continuous flow of visitors, the event was a resounding success in fostering new relationships while strengthening existing partnerships.

Re-Inventing the Industry Standard: The All-New Korniche Roof Lantern: The headline act of the show was undoubtedly the launch of the all-new Korniche Roof Lantern, a complete redesign of MFT’s flagship product that once revolutionised the lantern roof market. Staying true to its ethos of delivering installer-friendly solutions, the latest evolution of the Korniche Roof Lantern has once again redefined expectations.

Through a combination of clever engineering and meticulous design, the new Korniche Roof Lantern boasts an even quicker installation time, enhanced thermal performance with industry-leading U-values, which, when released, will mark impressively competitive price points. Visitors watched first-hand demonstrations that showcased how MFT has distilled years of expertise and customer feedback into an offering that genuinely sets a new benchmark in the market.

With a slimline aesthetic and structural refinement, the updated Korniche Roof Lantern meets the modern demand for minimal sightlines without compromising strength or ease of fitting.

The result is a product that is not only installer-friendly but also commercially astute, offering real value for both trade professionals and homeowners.

Introducing the SIPS Upstand, Designed to Complement FLAT Lite: In line with MFT’s reputation for practical innovation, FIT Show 2025 also marked the launch of the new SIPS Upstand, a carefully developed solution designed to perfectly complement the Korniche FLAT Lite bonded rooflight.

Recognising the growing demand for British-designed and manufactured products, offering peace of mind to both the trade and homeowner, this simplified, thermally efficient flat rooflight ticks all the boxes. The SIPS Upstand is engineered to streamline the installation process while enhancing performance. This factoryassembled upstand ensures a precise fit and consistent quality, eliminating on-site guesswork and reducing installation times even further. When paired with the FLAT Lite bonded glass rooflight, the all-new roof lantern or Flat Glass, installers benefit from a seamless, aesthetically superior solution that delivers exceptional thermal efficiency. This addition to the Korniche range further cements Made for Trade’s commitment to offering complete, end-to-end solutions that save time, reduce costs, and deliver outstanding results.

Korniche Internal Glass Partition System – First Look at FIT: Another exciting debut was the Korniche Internal Glass Partition system, which received its exclusive first unveiling at the FIT Show 2025. Scheduled for commercial release later this year, the partition system expands the Korniche product family into the interiors market, offering installers and designers a stylish, high-

quality solution for open-plan living and office spaces.

The Korniche Internal Glass Partition system is designed with the same principles that made the Korniche Roof Lantern a market leader: precision engineering, ease of installation, incorporating the Korniche SpeedBead, and a sleek, modern aesthetic. Visitors were treated to an early look at how the system effortlessly combines functionality and style, with options for various configurations and finishes that suit both residential and light commercial applications.

Supporting Stars: Korniche Bifold Doors, Cortizo 4700 Sliders & Existing Flat Glass Rooflight: Of course, no Made for Trade exhibition stand would be complete without its stalwart performers. The Korniche Bifold Doors, renowned for their classleading design and multiple industry awards, continued to draw attention from both new and returning visitors. Alongside, the robust and elegant Cortizo 4700 Sliding Doors and the ever-popular Korniche Flat Glass Rooflight showcased the comprehensive product range that MFT offers for modern glazing solutions. These established products, known for their unrivalled combination of aesthetics, performance, and installer-friendly design, served as a powerful reminder of Made for Trade’s ongoing dedication to innovation, quality, and value.

High-Profile Support from Industry Ambassadors: Adding further impact to the exhibition was the presence of brand ambassador Mark Millar, a familiar and trusted face in the trade sector. Mark’s hands-on involvement in live product demonstrations brought authenticity and expert insight, reinforcing MFT’s installerfirst approach.

Delivering Impact – Driving Forward: The energy and engagement seen at FIT Show 2025 demonstrated that Made for Trade continues to be a driving force in the UK fenestration sector.

From launching pioneering new products to strengthening its trusted range, MFT’s performance at the show has paved the way for exciting opportunities and growth throughout the year ahead.

Ian Bousfield, Marketing Manager, said: “Our presence at FIT Show 2025 was all about listening to our customers, responding with meaningful innovation, and showing the industry exactly how we make trade better. With every product developed, MFT focus on delivering genuine installer benefits – faster, easier, better value solutions that don’t compromise on quality. The incredible response we’ve had from FIT Show visitors tells us we’ve hit the mark once again.” www.madefortrade.co

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40 | director of the month | may 2025

DIRECTOR OF THE MONTH

In this month’s director of the month feature, we talk to Nicola John, Managing Director of FDM by UAP and Armadillo Metal Coatings

F

ire Door Maintenance Training and Development (FDM by UAP Ltd) officially launched in February 2024, and we’ve enjoyed a successful first year filled with collaboration and innovation. I couldn’t be prouder of the foundation we’ve built for the business. I established FDM to address the growing need for high-quality fire door training after the Grenfell tragedy, ensuring professionals across industries including construction, manufacturing, and fenestration have the skills and confidence they need to meet ever-evolving fire safety regulations. And we’re living and working by this creed as we raise competency standards in fire door awareness, inspection, installation, and maintenance — in these industries and beyond.

We launched our UK-first practical fire door training centre last year, based on the belief that those with practical jobs should be able to gain hands-on trade experience in a safe environment. Before FDM, there was nowhere for industry professionals to learn about fire door best practice. This was a huge market oversight that compromised building safety. After all, you’d never ask a midwife to learn their skills from a computer — why should we ask the people responsible for lifesaving products to do so?

Since launching, we’ve trained more than 600 industry professionals. More than 350 people have completed our fire door awareness and inspection training, while over 200 have gained hands-on expertise in installation, repair, and maintenance in our training centre. We’ve also partnered with over 50 industry leaders and top suppliers of door sets and components, including Falcon Timber, GGF, Mann McGowan, Lorient, PDS, IG Doors, Sentry, Strongdor, NorDan, and many more, who have been extremely supportive in our quest to provide fire door safety training to the entire sector. Every learner who steps into our training centre — from contractors to builders’ merchants — reinforces the importance of our work. We’ve had great feedback from learners about our course content and delivery that highlights this further. With each new course, I meet more and more people who believe in the same cause as me —wanting new knowledge and wider, systemic industry change.

What are the current general industry conditions? We’re especially proud of our successes in the current construction and fire door market, because conditions are economically tough. With budgets being squeezed constantly, we’re working in difficult conditions for selling courses and providing training opportunities. Unfortunately, when businesses need to divert more funding to salaries and increased NI contributions, training can fall by the wayside — despite best intentions. Getting people to

invest in staff development is a challenge, and everchanging regulations also make things very tricky.

The widespread industry struggle to adhere to the Building Safety Act 2022’s “golden thread” requirement encapsulates these industry challenges perfectly. Last year’s Phase 2 Grenfell report drew attention to failings by both the Tower’s materials and those responsible for its care. The primary recommendation of the 2018 “Building a Safer Future” report, commissioned by Dame Judith Hackitt, was moving towards digitising product information, known as the “golden thread” approach. The golden

thread encourages effective and accurate storage and management of information surrounding buildings’ designs, construction, and uses. This increased ease of access to product information prevents building knowledge only existing in siloes and is essential for a building’s stakeholders, who can use and update safety information when needed and alert necessary parties when building issues arise. But nearly seven years on from the report, product inspection and maintenance practices on sites haven’t improved enough.

A survey by the Construction Leadership Council found 92% of product manufacturers did not see digitisation as a major concern, and more than half “see no need to digitise”. Just over half of respondents felt they were digitised to some extent, but even when provided with the definition of digitisation, few fully grasped and understood what it meant in practice. And even those who considered themselves digitised equated digitisation with using computers, rather than understanding it as a comprehensive approach to maintaining and integrating critical safety information throughout a building’s lifecycle.

Clearly, industry professionals are still not meeting post-Grenfell regulatory requirements to digitise product information, and

FACTS & FIGURES

First job: I worked as a hotel reception manager in Carmarthen, which was great grounding for the rest of my career as it taught me a lot about customer service. I then went back to university to study business before working in management, and I attained my first directorship in my thirties.

When did you join Armadillo, and set up FDM? I was a consultant for Armadillo before joining the team as Managing Director in 2023. I set up FDM two years ago: we spent the first year planning, testing the market, and building the training centre before we launched properly in February 2024.

What’s your most useful/favourite gadget? It has to be my mobile phone.

What is your most useful website? gov.uk, the Government’s website. I need to stay up to date with legislative changes affecting fire safety, as they inform what we teach our learners.

So, this website is vital for ensuring that I’m sharing information directly from the source.

What businessperson you admire? I really admire Baroness Karren Brady for her guts and determination, and UAP CEO David Jennings, which is why I work for him: he’s taken the firm from selling doorknockers in his spare room to a multimillion-pound company. I’m Chair of the Institute of Directors’ South West Wales branch alongside my directorial roles, and I have a lot of admiration for the fantastic business leaders I work with, who are driving growth in a beautiful part of the UK. The common trait of all those I admire is that they’ve knuckled down and worked hard — often against adversity — to achieve great things.

What lesson have you learned about business over the last 12 months? Not everybody shares the same passion as you for your work, and not everybody wants to do the right thing. While many are safety-conscious, unfortunately for some people money comes before safety: people pay lip service to doing the right thing, but they ultimately don’t always invest in their workforce.

What are your other interests? I’m very lucky that my work is such an interest of mine: I get a big buzz seeing businesses get off the ground, and I spend a lot of my spare time working on ideas for FDM and Armadillo. But away from the office I love spending time with my grandchildren in the great outdoors, going to the beach, paddleboarding, and open-water swimming.

may 2025 | director of the month | 41 there is a cultural lack of understanding about digitisation and its benefits. We’re at a turning point where we need to embrace digitisation to improve our industries, and widespread training to understand the golden thread is needed before it can be used effectively. But because digitisation forms part of the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022, construction industry professionals urgently need to implement the golden thread approach to ensure they are complying with the new laws.

What are your expectations for the next 12 months of trading? With industry-wide challenges like these in mind, we have many plans in the pipeline this year to boost fire door safety competence. This includes the launch of our industry-first online training platform, which we’ve designed to support industry professionals’ lifelong learning and continuous professional development. It contains many tools that we’ve curated to help people do their job as effectively as possible, including streamlining course bookings and providing CPD-accredited training to further enhance industry skills. We also launched our innovative new app at the Fire Safety Event: another industry-first, this supports professionals in ensuring compliance when installing and maintaining fire doors. We hope both platforms will be fully established and used widely by many fire safety professionals over the next 12 months.

We’re also introducing several new courses to improve understandings of fire

WORKING DAY About 80% of my day is planned, and a typical day often includes meetings with clients, staff, other UAP directors, or industry professionals from organisations like GQA Qualifications, our awarding body. The contents of my to-do list vary widely, from writing course materials all the way through to strategic planning and review for FDM and Armadillo.

No two days are ever the same, but this variety is what I love about being a Managing Director: you have to be reactive. Things are always developing in a new business — especially in a landscape like ours, with new regulations that change constantly. door safety for people in many different roles. With training available for fire door inspectors, installers, and maintainers, as well as architects and those involved in specifying door designs, we’re reaching more of our target audiences and providing holistic tutoring throughout the sector. The new Inspector qualification is very comprehensive with 12 detailed units: we believe this is the level of detail needed in the industry, and we’d like to see this become the standard over the next 12 months. Through these course launches, we’re enabling industry professionals of all kinds to work cohesively and safely, achieving fire safety best practice together.

All our activity supports our mission of

bridging knowledge gaps in the industry, addressing the shortage of workers within construction, manufacturing, and fenestration trained to understand the entire lifecycle of safety products like fire doors.

We’re advocating for a central register of qualified operatives — engineers, inspectors, maintainers, and installers — so we can ensure fire doors consistently meet the highest safety standards and prevent future tragedies.

And in our practical fire door training centre (the UK’s first), every learner is taught about the trade preceding and following their own. This prevents the siloed activity that caused information blockages in the past, establishing a golden thread of best practice across the industry.

What advice do you have for fabricators/installers? Don’t assume you know the answers, and don’t be afraid to go into the wider environment and ask for training and guidance! Make sure you know your own competency and where your knowledge starts and ends, so you know where and how you can fill in the gaps. This, in my opinion, is the best way to improve your work and yourself. Admitting you don’t know something and committing yourself to expanding your knowledge is a sign of immense strength. If everyone working in construction, manufacturing, and fenestration adopted this attitude towards lifelong learning, we’d create a powerful industry where we’re all constantly striving to better ourselves and make our industries safer.

TIMELESS ELEGANCE IN DEEP BLACK CONTI® MATTEX PROVIDES EXCITING CONTRASTS Dark, darker, Conti® mattex jet black. The high-quality exterior film from Continental sets modern accents on windows and doors with its deep black tone.

The look is similar to powder-coated aluminum – a classic in the design of the building envelope.

Would you like to find out more about our diverse product range including the Conti® mattex Shine variant?

Then get in touch with our UK contact for Continental Exterior Films Mike Dean from LAMEXT Limited.

UK SALES PARTNER: MIKE DEAN, WWW.LAMEXTLTD.COM, INFO@LAMEXTLTD.COM

42 | news dashboard | may 2025

NorDan UK unveils new London showroom

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orDan UK has opened a new office and showroom in the heart of London’s Clerkenwell area. The site will also be the base for NorDan UK’s new dedicated team for London and the South-East as the company aims to grow its regional presence in newbuild, refurbishment and retrofit markets. NorDan UK has seen huge growth in demand in recent years from new developments in the affordable housing sector as housing associations realise the benefits of its windows for energy efficiency and longevity. In fact it already supplies ten of the twelve G15 social landlords in the South East of England.

Already well established in the social housing and public sector markets, NorDan is now strengthening its presence to support the growing demand for high-quality, sustainable solutions in refurbishment and retrofit projects. These jobs traditionally use lower cost PVC windows, which are far less energy efficient and typically only last 10 to 12 years, which NorDan UK says is a false economy. In contrast, NorDan UK’s StormGuard window, part of the NTech Range of aluminium-clad timber windows, offers a 30-year “fit and forget” warranty and a life expectancy of over 60 years. NorDan’s products reduce the need for frequent replacements, lower ongoing maintenance costs and support sustainability and compliance goals, making them a future-proof choice.

The new Clerkenwell space will feature a wide range of the company’s windows and doors, so architects, developers, landlords and private homeowners will be able to get expert advice and see tailored solutions.

Craig Greenwood, Managing Director of NorDan UK, said: “Our new Clerkenwell showroom is more than just a display, it’s a destination for inspiration, collaboration and innovation. We’re excited to offer our expertise to support the needs of landlords planning refurbishment and retrofit projects, as well as the ambitions of developers and homeowners across London and the South East. Clerkenwell is the perfect location for us. It’s a thriving hub of architects, housing experts and ideas, and we’re excited to be part of the community. We’ll be hosting regular exclusive events, open days, and networking opportunities at our new space and want to warmly welcome everyone along to experience the quality of our products first hand.”

Smart Solar Shading Advisor accreditation for Caribbean

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drive to improve product knowledge has led to all members of Caribbean Blinds’s staff training to become Smart Solar Shading Advisors. All the Sudbury-based firm’s employees went on a one-day training course curated by the European Solar Shading Organisation and run by the British Blind and Shutter Association in the UK, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of solar shading products, their impact on buildings and the people living and working in them.

This accreditation further strengthens Caribbean Blinds’ position as the leader in the solar shading industry, equipping the team with the expertise to offer detailed expert advice on topics ranging from energy efficiency to improving comfort, health and overall building performance. Stuart Dantzic, MD of Caribbean Blinds, said: “It’s essential that our whole team shares the

same in-depth knowledge of solar shading. By doing this training together, we ensure that we can confidently recommend the most effective solutions for any project.

“This accreditation helps understand how external shading solutions perform in real-world settings and how they contribute to the comfort and sustainability of a building.”

The course covered key areas such as the science of solar radiation, how shading affects energy use, and the economic and environmental benefits of dynamic shading systems. It also equipped the team with the skills to interpret performance data, ensuring that Caribbean Blinds can provide informed recommendations for residential and commercial projects. In addition to the accreditation, Caribbean Blinds can now use the official Smart Solar Shading Advisor logo, reflecting the team’s enhanced expertise.

Jeld-Wen switches to electric forklifts to cut carbon emissions

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imber door specialist Jeld-Wen has switched to an electric fleet of forklift trucks at its Penrith manufacturing site as it works towards achieving net zero carbon emissions.

The manufacturer has replaced all 16 of its forklift trucks at the site with electric-powered machines to reduce carbon emissions. The company has already switched its electricity provision for the site to renewable sources, which now come solely from wind, solar and hydro power. The introduction of the fully electric forklifts will eradicate any carbon emissions from the fleet on the site. The switch to a fully electric forklift fleet reinforces the steps that Jeld-Wen has already put in place to operate as sustainably as possible – and supports the Government’s pledge to achieve net zero by 2050. Jeld-Wen UK has already put in place several carbon reduction measures at its Penrith site, in order to progress in its ambition to achieve net zero carbon as a company within the same time frame.

Marcin Bacik, EHS Manager at Jeld-Wen, said: “Operating sustainably is a priority for Jeld-Wen and we are implementing a wide-ranging plan to ensure that our operations support a better future. We are aware of the important role that this plays in the buildings that our doorsets are used in, but also how important reducing carbon emissions in our operations is within the supply chain.

“Jeld-Wen has made huge strides in reducing carbon emissions within its operations, especially at the Penrith site, which has implemented many best practice solutions to support more sustainable operations. However, we remain committed to continually seeking out and implementing solutions that support ever more efficient production from an environmental point of view while maintaining the highest standards in product performance.”

may 2025 | news dashboard | 43

Mayor cuts ribbon on £750,000 investment

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iverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram visited Warwick North West to cut the ribbon on their £750,000 Schirmer Saw investment. The Liverpool-based manufacturer, which won Fabricator of the Year at the 2024 G-Awards, welcomed the mayor to their factory for the official opening of the machinery.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mayor Rotheram praised the company’s approach. “Warwick North West is a shining example of the ambition and innovation that make our region a great place to do business. By championing social value, embracing sustainability, and investing in cutting-edge technology, they are creating high-quality jobs, driving the transition to more energy-efficient homes, and helping to grow our economy. It’s brilliant to see a local manufacturer leading the way, proving that sustainable, well-made products can go hand in hand with economic success.”

As one of the UK’s largest Eurocell fabricators, Warwick North West uses the Schirmer Saw to precisely cut and prepare PVC-U profiles. The company manufactures Eurocell’s Logik range and the Modus system, which achieves impressive U-values as low as 0.7 W/m²K, far exceeding current building regulations. The cutting-edge machinery slashes window production time by an impressive 66%, to just 30 seconds per window. This improvement in efficiency positions the award-winning fabricator to meet growing demand while maintaining their commitment to quality.

“The Schirmer Saw will enable us to

George Barnsdale renew Secured by Design membership

L push for faster lead times and increase our production capacity. While this improves our fabrication, it also creates important employment opportunities,” explains Managing Director Greg Johnson. “With this investment, we’re creating eight new skilled manufacturing roles. In an era where many companies are automating jobs away, we’re using technology to create them.”

The Schirmer Saw is part of a comprehensive £1 million investment from Warwick North West that includes fleet upgrades and digital infrastructure improvements. These investments enable Warwick to produce high-quality, energy-efficient windows and doors that will help installers to fulfil the government’s ambitious targets on house building and Net Zero.

The investment comes as part of Warwick North West’s impressive growth under Greg’s leadership since 2021. The company has more than doubled its turnover from £5 million to approximately £12 million despite challenging economic conditions.

Partnership launched by Kolorseal and Sliders UK Kolorseal and Sliders UK are celebrating the creation of a new, powerful business partnership together. The idea is to give the industry greater access to the most comprehensive colour range of Sliders UK products.

The new venture by these two trailblazers is considered a pioneering move for the sector, as this will benefit installers and consumers alike. A dedicated unit will be based in Preston to provide complete window, door and bifold options to the construction and fenestration arenas. Having agreed terms to work together, Steve Mines, Sales Director from Sliders UK commented: “We consider this a force for good, which will be great for our customers and the wider industry. For consumers it will have a significant impact as they will be able to gain access to virtually any colour they choose for their renovation or new build products. With bespoke colour becoming more important in house design, we feel this joint venture will be a game changer for Sliders UK, at a time when demand for tailored solutions is quickly gaining ground.”

Debbie Hendry, MD, Kolorseal comments: “It will be a very positive move to provide Sliders UK customers with access to more quality services that are backed by our guarantees and Certificates of Authenticity. This is a win, win situation all round and it will be exciting to see how Sliders UK expands and develops its colour options using Kolorseal’s services. This is an exciting prospect for everyone as they will gain greater access to new business opportunities.

incolnshire-based timber windows and doors manufacturer, George Barnsdale, is pleased to announce it has renewed its membership with Secured by Design, the flagship UK police initiative that helps ‘design out’ crime with high-quality, innovative products and processes.

Since George Barnsdale’s founding in 1884, the family-run business has become a cornerstone of the Lincolnshire village of Donington, contributing to both the local community and the broader construction industry. The company prides itself on the reputation they have built with its products, designed to meet the highest weather-resistant, security, thermal, and acoustic insulation standards. Created over 30 years ago, Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative owned by the UK Police Service, with the specific aim of reducing crime and helping people live more safely by improving the physical security of buildings using products such as doors, windows, and locks. Secured

by Design is the only way for products to achieve police recognition in the UK, so to be recognised as a member alongside over 800 member companies whose products and services meet the required standards that aim to reduce crime, is something the timber window and door manufacturer is proud to maintain for another year.

Catherine Clarkson, Sales & Marketing Director at George Barnsdale, comments, “Our products are designed with security and durability in mind, which we achieve without compromising on style.

Being recognised by such a prestigious accreditation like SBD and to supply products that not only look good and perform well, but that make people feel safe, is something we’re pleased to say we can deliver.”

Doug Skins, Development Officer at Secured by Design, is pleased to have George Barnsdale as a member of Secured by Design, saying, “I’m pleased that George Barnsdale have renewed their Secured by Design membership.

Their timber windows and doors effectively meet the standards of the Police Preferred Specification, which aims to reduce crime and improve safety.

It has been a pleasure working with them so far, and I look forward to our continued relationship over the coming years.”

44 | active voices | may 2025

ACTIVE VOICES Alex Tremlett, Insight Data’s Commercial Director: Alex discusses how real-time financial insight is transforming customer relationships across the fenestration industry

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Financial due diligence For many sales and marketing professionals, financial vetting has traditionally been left to finance or carried out only once a deal is close to completion. But the earlier you understand a company’s financial position, the more strategically you can approach the conversation.

Identifying credit risk before your first call or knowing which prospects have a strong financial foundation and are more likely to convert will help your team spend time where it counts. When used correctly, credit data becomes part of your qualification process, shaping how you prioritise leads, tailor communications and manage expectations.

Expertise in financial profiling We’ve spent nearly two decades building one of the UK’s most trusted databases for the fenestration and wider construction industry. Our research team makes more than 20,000 calls a month to verify details, track changes and maintain record accuracy.

However, we go further than contact information. Through our Credit Manager feature within the Salestracker CRM platform, we provide a financial snapshot of every business in our database. This includes com-

credit data may “onceWhile have been the reserve of accountants and credit control, it is now a vital tool for everyone involved in growing your business.

brand reputation. If your business becomes associated with unstable companies that fail to deliver or fold shortly after a deal, it can erode trust and create additional workload.

pany registration, incorporation date, credit score and any recorded county court judgements (CCJs). These insights are presented clearly and updated daily, so you always have access to the latest financial picture.

Credit scores are colour coded – green for strong, amber for moderate and red for high risk – allowing your team to assess financial health at a glance. It removes guesswork and puts independently sourced data at your fingertips.

Financial intelligence that works While credit data may once have been the reserve of accountants and credit control, it is now a vital tool for everyone involved in growing your business. With the right insights, your sales team can qualify leads more effectively, your marketing team can target campaigns with greater precision, and your finance team can ensure safer trading terms from the start.

By integrating credit checking into Salestracker, we’ve simplified the process.

There’s no need to switch systems or request manual reports. Everything is within the platform you already use. And because the data comes from one of Europe’s most respected credit reference agencies, you can be confident the insights you receive are reliable, relevant and secure.

A practical approach to reducing risk CCJs are one of the most telling indicators of financial trouble. If a company has been unable or unwilling to settle debts through the courts, it raises valid concerns about their ability to meet obligations.

By highlighting these judgements, Credit Manager supports your team in deciding how to engage or whether to proceed. This is about giving your team full context so they can make decisions based on evidence, not assumptions.

Financial vetting also protects your

Informed sales start with insight Financial checks are not just about avoiding bad debt. They are about making smart choices, aligning your sales and marketing activity with market realities and building relationships that last.

With Salestracker and Credit Manager, Insight Data offers more than just information; we provide the tools to act on it.

When your team is informed, your business becomes more resilient, more focused and ultimately more successful. To learn how, speak to the team at Insight Data.

“

oday’s economic landscape is politely described as ‘uncertain’, and when such conditions prevail, it’s all businesses can do to keep their heads above water until the thunderclouds have passed.

When times are tough, it’s tempting for a firm to take any work that comes its way, even if the deal might be less than ideal. But this is when a red light should appear – one that flashes ‘financial health’ - because financial stability matters more than ever. For suppliers across the fenestration industry, extending credit or investing time into a new relationship without checking financial health can be a costly risk.

It is no longer enough to rely on gut feeling or a bit of Dr Google-led research.

From start-ups to established firms, any business can present a professional front while masking financial issues. That is why more companies are investing time into understanding the financial position of both prospects and existing customers.

At Insight Data, we believe better business decisions begin with the best information. As a company built on accurate, live data, we’ve seen how timely financial intelligence helps businesses avoid risk and focus on relationships more likely to deliver long-term value.

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Pics might be showing off with extras. VAT’s on top, and prices can wobble with the economy and vary by size and spec. Some post codes are a bit out of reach. Give us a bell for the latest.

46 | general feature | may 2025

Accelerating trade and commercial growth

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Altegra Window & Door Systems appoints new General Manager to steer growth across trade and commercial markets

omerset-based Altegra Window & Door Systems has announced the appointment of Billy Hawes as its new General Manager, marking a significant step in the company’s growth strategy across the trade and commercial sectors. The aluminium specialist, widely recognised in the South West for its high-quality window and door systems, is aiming to strengthen its operational capabilities and client service under Hawes’ leadership.

With a reputation built on technical expertise and long-standing supplier partnerships, Altegra has established itself as a key player in the aluminium fabrication industry. The company supplies premium aluminium window and door systems tailored for trade and commercial clients, combining deep industry knowledge with a consistent focus on customer satisfaction. As one of the foremost aluminium fabricators in the region, its success has been built on an ability to deliver bespoke, durable solutions that meet demanding project requirements.

Hawes arrives with a breadth of experience that spans the full construction lifecycle, from on-site installation to executive-level leadership. “I began my career on the tools,” he says, “gaining handson experience in installation and site coordination. That foundation has given me a deep understanding of the technical and logistical challenges involved in both residential and commercial projects.”

His early grounding in the practical side of the industry has informed his leadership approach, with a focus on realistic, deliverydriven solutions and a clear understanding of what constitutes quality at every stage of a build.

Senior roles across project and operations management As his career progressed, Hawes moved into increasingly senior roles across project and operations management. He has led multisite teams, optimised supply chain logistics, and overseen complex installations, all while ensuring that budgets, schedules, and client expectations were met. “From there, I transitioned into project and operations management,” he explains. “I successfully led teams across multiple sites and worked to streamline supply chains and deliver complex installations on time and within budget.” His background in estimating and tendering for large-scale contracts has further strengthened his commercial acumen, particularly in the areas of cost control, risk management and value engineering.

This combined expertise in operations, logistics and financial management will be instrumental in his new position. As General Manager, Hawes will take responsibility for a wide span of business functions, including leadership of the Estimating team, oversight of in-house manufacturing, and the development of client relationships. His role will encompass the full project lifecycle— from initial enquiry to delivery and aftercare—ensuring that all aspects of Altegra’s operations are aligned with the company’s standards for quality, reliability and customer service.

“In my role, I aim to ensure that every aspect of our operation is aligned with outstanding customer experience,” Hawes says. “By overseeing the full project lifecycle and driving efficiency across estimating, manufacturing and delivery, I can ensure we provide reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality solutions that meet or exceed client expectations.”

He also brings experience of working closely with manufacturing teams and suppliers—an important advantage in an industry where aligning production capabilities with project timelines and customer requirements can be a defining factor in a company’s success. “My background has helped me align production capabilities with client needs while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance,” he adds. “These experiences, combined

with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and team development, laid the groundwork for me to take on a strategic leadership role and drive business growth from both an operational and commercial standpoint.”

Hawes’s appointment reflects Altegra’s intent to consolidate and build on its existing strengths while adapting to new demands in the market. With a growing pipeline of commercial and trade projects, the business is looking to embed more streamlined systems and enhance its responsiveness to clients. The new General Manager’s focus on operational discipline, coupled with a clear commercial perspective, is expected to play a critical role in supporting this strategy.

Strong reputation for quality, innovation “What drew me to Altegra was the company’s strong reputation for quality, innovation, and its client-centric approach—values that closely align with my own,” says Hawes. “I was particularly impressed by Altegra’s ability to deliver tailored solutions across a diverse range of commercial and trade projects.”

Hawes also emphasises the importance of understanding the differing needs of clients across sectors. “My experience in both trade and commercial sectors means I understand the unique needs of each client type and can tailor our approach accordingly,” he notes. “Ultimately, my role is to create a streamlined, highperformance operation that delivers not just great products, but peace of mind—ensuring every customer feels confident they’ve chosen the right partner in Altegra.”

With Hawes now in place, Altegra Window & Door Systems is poised to sharpen its competitive edge while reinforcing the operational strengths that have earned it a leading reputation in the South West.

E: trade@altegra.co.uk

48 | general feature | may 2025

Minimalist window systems gain traction

Customisation meets clarity: how Hyline’s minimalist window systems are reshaping architectural vision in the UK

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s contemporary architecture leans ever further into clean lines and open spaces, the demand for window systems that blend seamlessly into the built environment has never been greater. At the heart of this quiet design revolution is Hyline, a company specialising in bespoke minimalist window solutions that combine visual restraint with technical sophistication. In the UK, General Manager Darren Long says the brand’s approach is not just about aesthetics — it’s about enabling architects to achieve clarity of form without compromising on performance, efficiency or security.

“In today’s built environment, details are everything,” Long explains. “Our solutions do far more than just look good — they’re engineered for performance, efficiency and security.” This philosophy underpins Hyline’s approach to customisation, allowing architects and designers to specify systems that meet both the visual and technical demands of their projects.

Minimalist windows, with their sleek lines and understated presence, offer architects a canvas that does not compete with the broader architectural vision but rather enhances it. Hyline’s offering extends beyond appearance, providing systems that can be tailored to suit everything from the spatial configuration of a building to its climatic performance.

From custom dimensions and shapes to a wide selection of finishes and colours — including lacquered, anodised and textured aluminium — the level of personalisation available ensures seamless integration into any design scheme. This extends further into technical components such as floor and ceiling treatments, with options including flush, integrated or low-frame floors and various ceiling integrations. Even the frame, lock and mosquito net can be discreetly incorporated, allowing the entire system to remain virtually invisible while meeting high-performance demands.

Function and form in harmony What sets Hyline apart is its commitment to combining visual elegance with advanced functionality. Its systems offer a range of opening mechanisms — from sliding and pivoting to sash windows — each customisable for accessibility, space efficiency and user preference. Automation and smart home integration add

another layer of convenience, reflecting the increasing demand for intelligent building design.

Long is particularly proud of the company’s strides in sustainability. “We remain committed to sustainability through the use of eco-conscious materials that reflect both innovation and environmental responsibility,” he says. Recycled aluminium and high-performance glazing contribute not only to thermal and acoustic insulation but also to energy efficiency, helping clients meet ever-tighter environmental standards.

While aesthetic appeal and environmental credentials are essential, security remains non-negotiable. Hyline systems integrate electromagnetic locks and alarm systems that can be configured for advanced detection and response — crucial for residential and commercial clients alike. These enhancements, while technically sophisticated, do not compromise the minimalist ethos, underscoring the brand’s ability to marry security with discretion.

A recent residential project in Belgium highlights the potential of Hyline’s approach. Here, customised window systems were used to maximise natural light and panoramic views, while motorised controls and integrated detailing reinforced both comfort and performance. The result was a home that maintained a strong visual connection with its surroundings without sacrificing functionality or security.

A partner in innovation “Our product range is designed to suit virtually any creative vision,” Long asserts, and it is clear that Hyline sees itself not merely as a supplier but as a collaborator — a partner to architects pushing the boundaries of contemporary design. By offering highly customisable, performance-driven solutions, the company enables design professionals to realise bold, forward-thinking concepts without compromise.

As modern architecture continues to evolve, the demand for systems that offer both simplicity and substance will only grow.

Hyline appears well-positioned to meet that challenge — and, in doing so, to redefine what windows can achieve in the built environment.

Tel: 01223 944 029 E: info@hyline-bsi.com

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50 | market data | may 2025

Energy-efficiency and smart tech search surge Latest Google trends data reveals that UK homeowners are prioritising energy efficiency and smart technology in 2025

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etween January and April 2025, UK homeowners have demonstrated a marked shift in their online search behaviours, reflecting evolving priorities in home improvement. Data from Google Trends indicates a significant increase in interest for energy-efficient solutions and smart technologies, while traditional home additions like conservatories are witnessing a decline.

Surge in Energy Efficiency and Smart Home Interest - The term “Energy Efficient windows and doors” experienced a notable rise in search interest, reaching a peak index of 95 in March. This trend underscores a growing consumer focus on sustainability and cost-saving measures in the face of rising energy prices. Doubleglazing searches also saw an uptick, peaking at an index of 90 in February, suggesting homeowners are seeking ways to enhance insulation and reduce energy consumption.

Simultaneously, searches for “Smart Homes” and “Home Security” have increased, with indices peaking at 90 and 88 respectively in March. This indicates a heightened awareness and adoption of smart technologies aimed at enhancing home security and convenience.

Decline in Traditional Extensions Conversely, searches for “Conservatories” have declined, dropping to an index of 50 in April. This decrease may reflect a shift towards more modern and energy-efficient home extensions. “Glazed Extensions,” while still less popular, maintained a steady interest with an index of 60 in March, indicating a gradual adoption of contemporary alternatives.

Material Preferences Evolve - In terms of materials, “PVC Windows” continue to dominate search interest, maintaining an average index of 80 throughout the period.

However, “Aluminium Windows” are gaining traction, with search interest rising to an index of 70 in April. This suggests a growing appreciation for the durability and modern aesthetic of aluminium frames.

Entrance Door Trends - “Composite Doors” have emerged as a preferred choice for entrance doors, with search interest peaking at an index of 85 in March. Their

reputation for combining security, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal makes them an attractive option for homeowners.

“Entrance Doors” as a general category maintained a steady interest, averaging an index of 75.

Sliding and Bi-Fold Doors Maintain Popularity - Searches for “Sliding Doors” and “Bi-fold doors” remained consistent, with indices hovering around 65 and 60 respectively. These door types continue to be popular choices for homeowners looking to create seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces.

The data from early 2025 highlights a clear trend among UK homeowners towards energy-efficient and smart home improvement solutions. As environmental concerns, energy costs, and security considerations continue to influence consumer behaviour, the demand for sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced windows and doors is expected to rise. Manufacturers and retailers

should take note of these trends to align their offerings with evolving consumer preferences.

John Cowie, Editor of Windows Active believes keeping an eye on consumer trends is more important than ever: “Adapting your product range to mirror the demands and interest areas of homeowners is so important when the market is under pressure. Homeowners are still spending on improving their homes but the key drivers are more aligned with ways to improve energy efficiency and increase security. Energy-efficiency is top of the list as householders find ways to tackle the increase in the cost of living. The price of energy is unlikely to reduce in the short to medium term, so ways to reduce heat loss are very important. Security is also a big driver, as crime rates in neighbourhoods are rising as a direct result of the increase in the cost of living and unemployment.”

John says windows and doors have a direct link to reducing heat loss and making homes more secure. “New windows and doors help make a house more secure and reduce heat loss - these are two important characteristics that tap into the requirements and desires for today’s homeowners. These should therefore be the focus for any promotion to homeowners.”

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52 | week in the life | may 2025

A week in the life:

Jon Foulds, Key Account Manager @ Stellar Aluminium

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rom new business presentations to hands-on customer support, no two days are ever the same for Jon Foulds, Key Account Manager at Stellar Aluminium. In this new behindthe-scenes feature, we follow him through a typical week to discover what it really takes to support fabricators and keep projects moving forward in today’s market.

Role Summary: Since its launch, Stellar Aluminium has set a new standard for the aluminium sector, and the brand is on an impressive growth journey. As Key Account Manager, my role is to drive sales and deliver exceptional customer service to continue that growth. From my conversations with customers, I see that fabricators need the support of their systems company more than ever in today’s tough and turbulent landscape. For this reason, a vital part of my role is helping every account to translate the benefits of Stellar to their own customer base so they can capitalise on every market opportunity.

A week in brief: As a salesperson, no two weeks ever look the same. My role demands that I stay both responsive and proactive, adapting to meet the unique needs of every account.

Much of my time is spent out on the road, visiting both new and existing customers. Whether I’m offering hands-on support, exploring fresh opportunities, or building new relationships, I’m always focused on delivering value where it’s needed most.

Right now, many of the conversations I’m having reflect the turbulence across the industry. The market is still feeling the impact of losing some major players, and the added pressure of rising Employer National Insurance contributions is weighing heavily on our customers. These challenges are real, and they’re shaping the way fabricators are doing business.

In response, we at Stellar Aluminium are staying close to our customers and focusing on what matters most: stability, support and flexibility. By listening, offering tailored solutions and maintaining reliable product availability, we’re helping fabricators navigate these uncertain times with greater confidence. It’s about being a steady and strategic aluminium partner—especially when things are tough.

The Stellar Strength: From all the conversations I have with fabricators, one thing is consistently clear: the biggest reason they choose to partner with us is the strength and reliability of the Stellar Aluminium system.

Thermal performance is a key driver. The system is Document L compliant as standard in both new build and retrofit applications, delivering trusted U-values with no need for upgrades or adjustments. Our easy-to-use thermal value calculator, accessible to all customers, further streamlines specification and planning— critical advantages in a fast-paced, price-sensitive market.

Fabrication and installation benefits are another major win.

Features including pre-gasketed frames and sashes, along with knock-in glazing beads, reduce production and fitting times significantly. That kind of efficiency doesn’t just save money, it helps fabricators stay on schedule, even when timelines are tight and margins are under pressure.

Hardware plays a crucial role in this equation too. Because Stellar uses high-quality, dependable components supplied via our in-house hardware partner, Safeware, we can guarantee consistent availability and performance. This means fewer delays, fewer callbacks and greater peace of mind for both fabricators and installers.

The quality of the system, reflected in factors such as the Yale lifetime security guarantee and the 25-year paint finish guarantee gives additional reassurances, while the Made in Britain label gives customers confidence in quality and origin.

My role is to help our Stellar customers leverage these benefits from day one – and continue to do so. That means working with them on back-end processes such as software compatibility as well

may 2025 | week in the life | 53 as at the front end, for example giving them all the marketing support they need to translate Stellar’s benefits to their customer base. I’m there for technical advice and product update advice too and supported by an inhouse team of aluminium experts.

Because I’m in contact with our customers every day, I stay closely connected to the pulse of the market.

This frontline insight is vital and feeds directly into product development decisions, helping us to respond to real market needs and invest in the right innovations.

Even broader range For example, we recently launched two new sash profiles that further enhances Stellar’s versatility, ensuring it appeals to an even broader range of projects. The Stellar Heritage Casement has been designed for projects needing the aesthetics of traditional steel windows, while the Stellar Casement is the answer for projects where a rebated contemporary aesthetic is needed.

At the FIT Show we showcased the market’s first smart locking solution for aluminium windows, the Yale SensCheck™. Yale SensCheck™ products can be fitted to Stellar profile in the same way as they’re fitted to a PVC-U profile, giving Stellar Aluminium fabricators and installers a huge upselling opportunity by tapping into consumer interest in smart products.

Our ability to continually invest in new product development is because we have the strength and stability of the Epwin Group behind us. In this uncertain market, the security this brings is more important than ever and gives our customers confidence in our

ability to deliver And the benefits of being part of Epwin go beyond innovation.

With our own in-house supply chain, including Safeware, we maintain tighter control over lead times, helping to keep projects moving and delivery schedules on track. In today’s climate, that level of reliability is essential.

Ultimately, fabricators know they’re partnering with a business that’s here for the long haul—investing, innovating and committed to their success.

The market may be facing challenges, but with Stellar Aluminium, there’s real momentum, real opportunity, and most importantly, real support.

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54 | business feature | may 2025

Employers scale back recruitment plans

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Hiring optimism fades as UK employers scale back recruitment plans amid rising costs and uncertainty, reports Emma McCormack

mployer confidence in the UK labour market has slipped to its lowest level since the pandemic, according to new research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), raising concerns over the resilience of workforce expansion plans in the face of intensifying cost pressures and economic uncertainty.

The CIPD’s latest ‘Labour Market Outlook’, based on a survey of over 2,000 employers, reveals that the proportion of businesses expecting to increase headcount over the next three months has fallen sharply. The net employment balance – the difference between those planning to hire and those planning to reduce staff – has dropped from +13 last quarter to +8, marking the weakest outlook outside of the pandemic since the measure was first recorded in 2014.

The deterioration is particularly stark among large private sector employers and within the retail sector, which has seen the net employment balance tumble from +23 in autumn 2024 to -19.

Just 11% of retail employers anticipate hiring in the next three months, while 30% expect staff numbers to decline. A similar pattern is emerging in education, with net balances of -13 in compulsory and -7 in non-compulsory education institutions.

This shift in sentiment arrives as employers begin to absorb the impact of higher National Insurance Contributions and the uplift to the National Living Wage announced in last year’s Budget. James Cockett, senior labour market economist at the CIPD, warned that these developments, coupled with uncertainty surrounding the Employment Rights Bill, are dampening employer confidence at a precarious time.

Reflected in their hiring plans “Employer confidence is low which is being reflected in their hiring plans,” said Cockett. “The Employment Rights Bill is landing in a fundamentally different landscape to the one expected when it formed part of the Labour manifesto in summer of last year… It’s vital the government works closely with employers to balance the very real risk of reductions in investment in people, training and technology with their desire to reduce poor employment practice.”

The public sector, traditionally more insulated from immediate market fluctuations, has also registered a fall into negative employment territory, from +3 to -4. Meanwhile, the overall proportion of employers planning to recruit in the coming quarter has slipped to 61%, down from 67% in autumn.

Redundancy intentions remain steady but elevated, with 24% of employers planning job cuts in the next three months – a figure consistent with last quarter but notably higher than the 21% reported in the autumn.

Beyond hiring intentions, the report sheds light on employers’ redundancy practices over the past year. More than a quarter (27%) of organisations implemented redundancy programmes, and half of these went beyond the statutory minimum in offering enhanced packages. Smaller businesses were more likely to stick to statutory levels, while larger employers displayed greater flexibility in supporting departing staff.

Despite legal provisions that exclude workers with less than two years of service from redundancy pay, the majority of employers surveyed (66%) provided some form of financial support to this group. A combined 48% offered either statutory or partial payments, suggesting a widespread recognition of the need to cushion the impact of job losses, even among more transient staff.

The outlook for pay remains static, with a median basic pay increase of 3% reported across all sectors. However, recruitment remains challenging, with hard-to-fill vacancies most prevalent in the public sector and particularly acute in education, where 45% of employers report difficulties.

Close consultation As policymakers weigh the implementation of the Employment Rights Bill, the CIPD is calling for close consultation with business leaders to ensure reforms do not exacerbate current labour market fragility. The call for a phased rollout, accompanied by targeted guidance and support – especially for SMEs – underscores the delicate balance the government must strike between protecting workers and maintaining employer confidence.

Key labour market facts • UK employers’ net employment balance has fallen to its lowest point outside the pandemic since 2014.

• Retail and education sectors are experiencing the sharpest contraction in hiring expectations.

• Redundancy levels remain elevated, with 24% of employers planning job cuts.

• Employers are increasingly concerned about rising employment costs and the potential impact of new legislation.

• The CIPD urges a collaborative, phased approach to implementing the Employment Rights Bill to avoid undermining workforce investment.

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56 | FIT Show 25 papers | may 2025

Sector confidence on full display

Innovation, investment and a sector on the rise, John Cowie witnessed the fenestration sector’s confidence on full display at the 2025 FIT Show

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he UK’s fenestration sector returned to the NEC in Birmingham with renewed energy and a strong sense of purpose for the 2025 FIT Show. Marked by impressive exhibitor stands, a wide range of new product launches, and a growing European presence, the event served as both a snapshot of the industry’s current health and a platform for the direction it’s heading. What was immediately clear was the strength of the machinery, aluminium, PVC-U, doors, glazing, lanterns, fabrication, hardware, and technology sectors – all of which arrived not only with presence but with substance.

A standout feature of this year’s show was the breadth and depth of innovation on display. System companies in particular showcased comprehensive product portfolios that reflected a strategic shift towards single-source offerings. By expanding their ranges to include items such as heritage-style doors, glazed extension products, and complete window suites, these firms are responding to a growing demand from fabricators for all-in-one solutions. This consolidation trend underscores a competitive race to be the most versatile supplier in the market.

Yet, innovation extended beyond breadth alone. Existing products also saw significant refinements. Doors were enhanced with new features that improved their resemblance to traditional timber – without sacrificing the performance of modern materials.

Smart locking systems and integrated hardware improvements, such as fully concealed door hinges, spoke to both aesthetic and functional demands. These developments highlighted the industry’s commitment to addressing consumer feedback while aligning with evolving design expectations.

Fertile ground for innovation The hardware segment emerged as a particularly fertile ground for innovation. Solutions that tackled long-standing aesthetic concerns, such as unsightly external hinges, demonstrated not only clever engineering but a deepening understanding of customer priorities. In an industry where the final visual impact can determine a product’s success in the home, such refinements carry weight.

Beyond the show floor, a notable feature of the FIT Show was the overall mood of purposeful engagement. Attendees came not only to network but to seek out new opportunities and knowledge. While some visitors remained tethered to familiar suppliers, the broader trend was one of exploration and curiosity. Importantly, this year’s seminar programme added further value, covering topics from market data insights to practical applications of AI in business. For a sector still in the early stages of tech adoption, these sessions provided both inspiration and a clear direction for modernisation.

Investment narratives also permeated the show. Several companies unveiled rebranded offerings backed by external funding, signalling fresh momentum and ambition. For fabricators, the move towards multi-sourcing – tailoring systems to different ends of the market – is becoming increasingly common. While

this challenges the integrated model preferred by system houses, it reflects a pragmatic approach to meeting the varied needs of today’s homeowner. A number of the sector’s trade associations made impactful appearances – signifying the growing importance for companies to align with these associations as legislation intensifies.

Among the product highlights, roof lanterns stood out for their continued evolution. One leading supplier introduced enhanced designs that pushed the limits of what was thought possible in this category. This exemplified the broader trend: even mature products can be reimagined through investment and thoughtful engineering.

Although visitor numbers started slowly, the Wednesday evening opening proved successful, drawing in a fresh wave of attendees and extending the window for business conversations. The final day offered further opportunities for deeper engagement and detailed product assessments. Feedback suggested that most visitors left with valuable insights – whether from supplier demonstrations or seminar content.

Logistical and reputational success For the organisers, the event was a logistical and reputational success. The high standard of presentation, the diversity of exhibitors, and the overall professional tone of the show all contributed to a positive industry showcase.

Crucially, there was a noticeable influx of younger professionals – a promising sign for the future of the sector. Alongside them, longstanding industry participants recognised the sector’s sustained innovation and adaptation, with many expressing renewed pride in their industry.

A key takeaway from data presented during the event by FENSA and Business Pilot was the strength of the high-end retail market, a segment that continues to perform well. The challenge ahead lies in translating this success to the mid-market, where tighter household budgets require a sharper value proposition. With the new-build market cooling, the focus is increasingly shifting to home improvement – a trend that positions the fenestration sector well, provided it continues to innovate and communicate value.

In summary, the 2025 FIT Show delivered a confident and forward-looking display from the fenestration industry. With innovation at its core, strategic investment driving product development, and a maturing approach to market segmentation, the sector appears well-placed to meet the challenges that lie ahead.

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58 | FIT Show 25 review | may 2025

Expansive, innovation driven showcase Industry leaders united, ideas ignited—FIT Show 2025 proved the fenestration sector’s pulse beats stronger with every connection made

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he FIT Show 2025 has reaffirmed its position as the UK’s premier event for the fenestration industry, drawing record-breaking attendance and delivering an expansive, innovation-driven showcase at Birmingham’s NEC. With thousands of professionals across the supply chain converging over three days, the event underscored its growing influence and relevance in a sector navigating both opportunity and challenge.

In a year marked by uncertainty across construction and supply markets, FIT Show organisers reported a 7.5% increase in overall attendance compared with 2023. Pre- and onsite registrations rose by 7%, with the opening day alone experiencing a 13% uplift in footfall. “It’s clear that one day simply isn’t enough to take in everything FIT Show has to offer,” said FIT Show director Nickie West, highlighting the rising trend in repeat visits over the event’s duration.

Scale, scope, and sector reach Expanding across four NEC halls and featuring close to 300 brands, the 2025 edition delivered an international platform for the industry’s latest advancements. Notably, this year’s show introduced a broader machinery footprint via the Haffner Machinery Village and increased participation from leading glass brands, including Pilkington Glass and Clayton Glass. In response to 2023 feedback, the number of systems houses on the floor grew from three to seven, incorporating major players such as ALUK, Smart Systems, and Selecta Systems.

A major new feature, the Timber Trail, curated by the Timber Joinery Network, showcased the expanding role of timber in modern fenestration portfolios. Its presence, alongside a stronger showing from systems houses and machinery specialists, helped position the 2025 event as the most diverse and comprehensive in the show’s history.

Product launches and live demonstrations remained core to FIT Show’s appeal. From state-of-the-art window and door systems to software and service solutions, brands aligned their go-tomarket strategies with the show’s timing. The Installer Demo Zone, sponsored by Smart Systems and featuring participants such as ALUK, Keylite Roof Windows and Bereco, proved a central attraction once again.

Complementing this was the debut of the Marketplace—a

practical new area where visitors could purchase tools and services on-site. With exhibitors such as Blakeley Construction and Xpert Tools providing ready-to-go solutions, the Marketplace transformed FIT Show into a space not just for discovery, but for immediate implementation.

Learning, legislation, and live feedback As the industry evolves to meet new building standards and regulatory expectations, FIT Show 2025 enhanced its educational offering. The CPD-accredited seminar programme, delivered in partnership with GGF and FENSA, drew substantial crowds. Covering a broad agenda—from AI and home security to sustainability and the Future Homes Standard—the sessions reflected the sector’s appetite for knowledge and compliance.

GGF Managing Director Ben Wallace noted the energy and engagement throughout the show. “The GGF stand was absolutely packed. We received strong feedback and had the opportunity to showcase the breadth of our ongoing work.”

FIT Show 2025 also leaned into its role as a social and networking hub. The return of Late Night Wednesday, with themed entertainment and informal networking, helped build deeper connections among attendees. Exhibitors across the board reported high-quality engagement and productive conversations.

From high-level deal-making to hands-on product trials, the event succeeded in creating a collaborative atmosphere. Elton Boocock, managing director of Business Pilot, praised the show’s value in launching new ventures: “The number of leads off the bat will ensure a solid foundation for both new companies. FIT Show 2025 is already proving to be the most successful yet.”

Mark Powell, sales director at Direct Trade, echoed the sentiment.

“The exhibition brought together several key players. Innovation and sustainability are clearly driving the sector forward.”

Looking to 2027 With FIT Show now operating on a biennial cycle, the 2025 edition served as a vital moment for the fenestration sector to align, adapt, and advance. As the industry looks to the future, the next FIT Show—set to return to the NEC in May 2027—will face the challenge of building on this year’s momentum.

If this year’s performance is any indication, it is a challenge the show is well placed to meet.

60 | FIT Show 25 papers | may 2025

Stability quietly reshapes installations

After pandemic chaos and sharp market swings, cautious optimism returns stability quietly reshapes the UK window installation sector’s future

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fter years of market turbulence shaped by pandemic-era volatility, the UK’s window and door installation sector appears to be entering a phase of cautious stability. Data shared by FENSA and the GGF and presented at the 2025 FIT Show reveals that while the sector has experienced significant highs and lows, the currently trajectory may reflect a return to longterm norms rather than ongoing decline.

The presentation opened with a retrospective analysis of installation volumes dating back to 2017. Domestic RMI (repair, maintenance and improvement) activity—used as a proxy for market health—peaked dramatically during the Covid boom before tapering off. A 13.4% drop in installations was recorded between 2019 and 2024, with the decline seemingly more dramatic due to the two-year surge during the pandemic. However, when viewed across a broader timeframe, market activity today aligns closely with pre-Covid trends, indicating a natural correction rather than a systemic downturn.

“We’ve essentially just normalised,” Tom Butler, Head of Sales & Marketing of the GGF noted. Installations have begun to stabilise, with Q1 2025 showing a 3.7% increase on the previous year, suggesting early signs of recovery.

Demand still evident, though buyers more selective The market’s lead and sales figures mirror the installation data. While inquiries and orders have dropped by 21% and 26% respectively from peak levels, year-on-year comparisons show declines are narrowing. Google Trends data for relevant consumer search terms also supports a narrative of latent demand, albeit translating into fewer actual inquiries.

This shift has brought about a more discerning consumer base. With less disposable income and more cautious spending patterns, today’s inquiries are more likely to convert into sales.

Conversion rates—one of the few metrics showing consistent improvement—reached 35% in Q4 2023, approaching their pre-pandemic high of 39%.

“The drop in leads means fewer tyre-kickers,” Elton Boocock of Business Pilot explained, suggesting a higher intent to buy among current prospects. This trend may benefit businesses able to efficiently capitalise on serious inquiries.

Despite an uptick in the volume of installations, the size of each job has begun to shrink. The average number of windows per installation fell from 3.67 in Q4 2024 to 3.58 in Q1 2025, a 3.7%

drop. Similarly, average job values have begun to decline after years of inflation. Having peaked at £4,578 in 2022, the average job value dipped to £4,405 in Q1 2025.

Though modest in isolation, these figures raise concerns about revenue per job. Smaller, lower-value installations may put additional pressure on installers, who now face a marketplace where both volume and margins require closer attention.

Fewer installers are now operating in the market—a factor that partially offsets declining demand. Yet this does not necessarily ease competitive pressures. “You’ve got to fight harder for every one of those [jobs],” speakers emphasised, urging businesses to sharpen their focus on conversion, marketing, and service delivery.

Digital tools, smart technologies, and AI-based solutions were cited as key enablers in driving efficiency and targeting high-intent customers more effectively.

While the post-Covid period has been marked by instability, the ability to forecast is returning. With seasonality reasserting itself—Q3 typically the busiest period for leads and installations—firms can plan with greater confidence. There is also some early optimism: Q1 2025 saw a 3.8% increase in installations, with both doors and windows registering modest growth.

That said, the strongest signs of demand remain at the higher end of the market. Budget-conscious segments continue to show signs of strain, and the average job size and value trends will require close monitoring.

Key takeaways for installers • Know your numbers: Understanding both sector-wide and internal business data is crucial in navigating the current landscape.

• Conversion is king: With fewer leads, improving conversion rates is now central to maintaining performance.

• Diversify product offering: A broader mix may provide insulation from volatility in specific segments.

• Leverage digital tools: AI, smart tech and quoting systems can streamline operations and boost competitiveness.

• Forecast with confidence: Market normalisation means more reliable trend analysis—critical for strategic planning.

In a market returning to predictability after years of disruption, adaptability and precision will define success. For now, the worst appears to be over—if firms can adjust to the new, quieter rhythm.

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62 | FIT Show 25 papers | may 2025

Urging sector to embrace AI tools

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Cut through the noise: Elton Boocock urges trades to ditch AI hype and embrace digital tools that drive results

n a presentation that sought to decode artificial intelligence for a traditionally hands-on industry, Elton Boocock, Managing Director of Business Pilot and Thinkivity AI, called on installers and fabricators at the FIT Show to move “beyond the hype” and adopt practical digital tools that can immediately improve business efficiency.

Setting the tone for the session, Boocock made a compelling case for normalising the use of AI in day-to-day operations. “Unless we all start using some of these tools, it will never become normal,” he said, highlighting that true transformation begins with habit and adoption, not technology alone.

While digital tools are not new, Boocock explained that what has changed is both the pace of innovation in the sector and, more importantly, customer expectations. “Especially when we start talking about AI, it’s going to be the customers driving this—not whether we like it.” He noted that in the short span between the last two FIT Shows, the glazing sector has experienced a significant uptick in the number of digital solutions and AI integrations.

Despite that, the uptake remains slow. Business Pilot’s own data shows that 81% of installers still do not use a CRM system, and 67% do not use design software. “That starts to tell you the size of the challenge we’ve got if we’re going to start using AI—we haven’t even got the basics yet.”

Reclaiming time and improving professionalism Framing digital tools as a means to unlock time and enhance professionalism, Boocock posed a practical question to the audience: “What could your team do with five hours extra every week?” The implication was clear—adopting AI is not about abstract gains, but about tangible hours saved.

To illustrate, Boocock introduced the “GLASS” framework for prompt engineering—a method used to effectively instruct AI systems such as ChatGPT. By breaking down prompts into Goal, Listener, Action format, Style, and Specifics, businesses can ensure consistent, professional outputs that align with their brand tone and operational needs.

A case study involving a customer complaint email demonstrated how this framework can help produce a high-quality, empathetic response in moments. “This is where we get the time back,” Boocock said. “I haven’t been writing it, deleting it, rewriting it—AI is building it for us.”

Risk assessments and visual merchandising Boocock also showcased the versatility of AI through other use cases, including legal documentation. Risk assessments—a routine but often neglected task in installation—can now be generated in seconds using a template-based approach. “It’s just a Word document, as though you’d done all of that work yourself,” he noted, reminding attendees that the responsibility still lies with the human to review and finalise output.On the creative side, a fictional product launch for “Biolock”, a biometric door handle, illustrated how AI can also support marketing functions such as visual merchandising and point-of-sale design. With the right prompt, ChatGPT can generate mock-ups, sales copy, and design briefs in a matter of minutes.

No technical skills required Boocock pre-empted common objections, particularly around time, cost, and technical expertise. “The biggest thing about AI is that it’s no-code. You don’t need to be technical. It’s designed to work for us—not for developers.”

He urged attendees to assess where they currently stand on the digital adoption curve: still manual, working with spreadsheets, using some software, or already incorFor illustration only porating AI. “Are you always thinking, how not the image used in the could this be smarter?” he asked. presetnation.

In closing, Boocock pointed to sector-specific tools like GlazingBot—a chatbot trained on industry-specific knowledge—as examples of how AI is being tailored to meet the unique demands of glazing professionals. “This stuff doesn’t take more time—it saves you a lot of time.”

Elton Boocock’s session was less about preaching about AI and more about grounding it in the real-world demands of glazing businesses. By focusing on time savings, professionalism, and ease of use, his message was clear: AI is not a future concern—it’s a current advantage. For an industry still catching up with CRM adoption, the path forward begins with practical steps—and the tools are already here.

64 | FIT Show 25 papers | may 2025

The engine of sustainable growth Making the connection: Why sales and marketing alignment is crucial for growth in a tough market

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ith effortless orders becoming a thing of the past and home improvement companies finding themselves grappling with rising costs, skill shortages and increasing pressure to deliver sustainable solutions, one truth stands firm: businesses can no longer afford for sales and marketing to operate in silos. As the fenestration sector and related trades navigate more competitive terrain, the call for joined-up thinking between sales and marketing has never been louder.

Speaking at a recent industry discussion at the FIT Show 2025, marketing and sales leaders returned to a central theme – consistency and communication. “It’s about being committed,” one panellist stated. “You can’t expect immediate returns. Marketing has to be constant. Just because you sent one email or one post doesn’t mean the job’s done.”

Reinforcing key values This consistency isn’t simply about maintaining frequency – it’s about reinforcing key values, brand messages and solutions that resonate with customers. Whether it’s the promise of a transformational space in the home or the simple emotional pull of a new orangery at Christmas, the best marketing efforts are those that not only showcase the product but solve a problem or fulfil an aspiration. The rise of user-friendly tools like QR codes and platforms such as Mailchimp only makes this easier – allowing businesses to reach audiences repeatedly, with trackable results.

However, visibility alone isn’t enough. The conversation repeatedly returned to the importance of process – especially where marketing ends and sales begins. A well-crafted campaign may generate interest, but unless there’s a structured and timely follow-up, much of that effort is wasted. “Sales won’t land in your lap,” one business owner remarked bluntly. “You’ve got to go out and knock on doors.”

This reflects a broader shift in mindset. Post-pandemic, many firms relied on passive demand. With consumers funnelling lockdown savings into home improvements, order books filled with little outbound effort. But with spending patterns now reverting – holidays taking precedence over bifolds – success once again depends on active pursuit, persistence and customer service.

Here, alignment between departments becomes essential. A disjointed approach – where marketing sends out messages and sales is unaware – risks missed opportunities. “Communicate all the time,” said one speaker. “Your sales team should know what your campaigns are. They’re the face of your business.”

For businesses with tighter budgets, it’s about deploying the right tools for the right audience. Tactics must be chosen with care. For some, this might mean local drop-flyers or sponsoring community events. For others, investing in a CRM system with lead tracking and follow-up functionality may yield better returns. What matters is understanding where your leads come from and what converts.

If something isn’t working, change it “Data is powerful,” another panellist noted. “Track every step – from lead to sales proposal to conversion. If something isn’t working, change it.” This approach doesn’t require complex systems – just discipline, clarity and a willingness to challenge assumptions. A well-maintained spreadsheet can be as powerful as any software tool if it’s used consistently. The value of face-to-face interaction was also underscored. While digital tools streamline workflows, they can’t replicate the trust and rapport built through personal engagement.

From business development managers offering to process customer orders onsite, to sales reps making unplanned drop-ins, it’s these “tiny noticeable things” – as one speaker dubbed them – that foster loyalty and drive word-of-mouth referrals.

Ultimately, successful integration between sales and marketing hinges on shared goals and mutual respect. “You need to gel,” one attendee concluded. “If your sales and marketing leads aren’t working together, you’ve got a problem.”

In a tightening market, it is this synergy – built on consistent messaging, clear processes, strong data, and human connection – that will separate those who grow from those who merely survive.

Sales and marketing must no longer be two separate functions.

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66 | FIT Show 2025 Review | may 2025

A perfect FIT for Selecta’s innovation

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Confidently future-facing, Selecta Systems commanded FIT Show 2025 with digital innovation and bold upgrades to trusted systems

irmingham based PVC-U window and door systems company, Selecta Systems, went to FIT Show 2025 ready to connect with visitors to the industries number one trade show. Equipped with groundbreaking new additions to their Connect customer portal and two new sections to their Advance 70 window and door system, Sales Director Andy Green and Marketing Manager Mark Walker, talk about Selecta’s presence and impact at FIT Show 2025.

Andy explains, “The FIT Show provided Selecta with the ideal platform to connect with a large, dedicated audience and demonstrate how Selecta and our range of products and services can help fabricators and installers businesses grow. It also enabled us to be able to showcase and demo our two new products and Connect portal additions directly to visitors to our stand.”

“Over the course of the three days, we had a good number of fabricators visit our stand to specifically look at changing from their existing PVCu systems company. The numbers and quality of these potential customers were extremely good and certainly justified our presence. It was also great to be visited by a large number of our valued and existing customers.”

“Our new Advance 70 flush sash window and flush door were well received by visitors to the stand. Feedback from existing and potential customers was excellent, with the two new sections sitting seamlessly within the existing Advance 70 suite of profiles. We’re confident that the new additions to our window and door range will not only enable fabricators and installers to grow their portfolio, but also increase their sales opportunities when it comes to offering a comprehensive range of window and door solutions.”

“Alongside the two new products and the Advance 70 System we also demonstrated the versatility of our window and door systems.

This included our upgraded MASTERslide Patio Door System and the innovative Vantage 70 System with our patented quick-fit compression interior trim for modular buildings, caravans and garden rooms. Both systems were well received as fabricators and installers looked at product alternatives, diversifying and adding to their range of window and door solutions.”

Also featuring on the stand at FIT Show 25 were the latest additions and developments to Connect, Selecta’s 24/7 customer support portal. In particular, a demo of the significantly upgraded Window & Door Designer was on show. Selecta are confident that it will be a real game changer for fabricators and installers and also a systems company first, as Mark describes.

“Over the last few years, we have been working closely with The Consultancy of the BM Group, in developing an all-in-one fully integrated lead generation, sales management and fabrication

software solution. All of the hard work and brainstorming has started to come to fruition, and we were able to have a demo on show on our stand.”

“The initial idea was to connect the window and door designer to a complete sales management and CRM system, allowing full control of quoting and pricing straight from the window and door designer. This has been achieved and given complete control over managing the initial enquiry and all the way through quoting and order acceptance.”

“The sales management and CRM section provides complete control over all quotes and orders that have been generated within the window and door designer or via the sales management module. What we have also done is take the whole process to the next level and connect the sales process with fabrication. Further developments have seen the system able to then create works orders, cutting sheets, glass orders etc. providing the fabricator with a software solution that connects and follows the initial lead all the way through to the fully fabricated window or door.”

“Selecta Systems will be the UK’s first fully cloud-based profile company that’s able to instantly onboard any customer utilising the TOUCH cloud-based technology for both software and master catalogue profile datasets. This provides an integrated, all-in-one lead generation, sales management and fabrication software set-up that will streamline the whole sales and fabrication process.”

“Taking it a step further, fabricators will be able to onboard their own customers, offering their own branded versions of the window and door designer. It’s a complete game changer in how leads, sales and the fabrication of windows and doors are currently processed, as we demonstrated at the FIT Show. Over the next couple of months, we plan to carry out the final developments and launch to our customer base and new fabricators that join Selecta.”

Andy concludes, “We see the launch of the comprehensive lead generation, sales and fabrication management package combined with our current and new product innovations as being key to building an effective and long-standing partnership with our customers. These developments and investments demonstrate our commitment to our existing and potential customers and also to the industry as a whole.”

“Finally, I would also like to say a big thank you to all involved in making FIT Show 2025 a success, both on and off our stand. FIT Show 2025 was certainly the perfect ‘fit’ for Selecta, which is why we have already booked up for FIT Show 2027.”

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68 | doors feature | may 2025

From humble roots to market dominance, Asa McGillian drops thirty years of pearlescent wisdom behind Apeer’s composite success

Three decades of pearlescent wisdom W ith pearl being the traditional anniversary gift for 30 years, we asked Asa McGillian to share his pearls of wisdom learned from three decades in an industry that has seen the Apeer brand grow from a modest PVC panel supplier to composite door market leader.

Asa McGillian began manufacturing PVC door panels as a young man in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, starting out on the factory floor of his father’s business – the original New World Developments - in 1995.

“I’ll be honest, I was 16, had just left school and was looking forward to playing golf for a year. So I wasn’t massively impressed. But then my dad wasn’t impressed with my plan to just play golf either, so that was that!”

Thirty years on and while there has still been plenty of golf, there has also been far more manufacturing, innovation and business success than Asa could have imagined back then.

“My dad’s business was selling door panels but a supply chain issue led to him taking a leap into manufacturing his own.

To be honest that ethos of self-sufficiency, of having total control over our supply chain, is something that hasn’t changed from that day to this. Today, other than hardware, sheet glass and profiling, we make everything ourselves.”

The company launched just as the market for PVC door panels was booming, scaling quickly from making 100 door panels a week to 400 and winning contracts in Ireland and Scotland, some of which they still hold.

As the business grew Asa moved into sales, travelling the east coast of Ireland in a Peugeot 306 crammed full of samples. “I wasn’t the best salesmen so mostly I learned how to handle rejection! Selling one PVC door over another is tough, it really makes you think about your USP. What do you offer that the customer actually needs?”

By 2000 the company had moved into composite doors, and the next two years were spent designing, developing and bringing to market the Apeer door.

“Back then the factory had a welder, a saw, a foam machine and 10,000ft2 of empty space. We partnered with experts to design our own range of door skins, and in 2004 we launched the first 70mm composite door – double rebate, triple glazed and with a U-value of 0.9W/m2K.” It was a fantastic piece of engineering, but a tough sell in a market where so many

businesses prioritised low-cost door sales.

“To be honest, many still do… but at least we’re not relying on my travelling sales skills any more! Once people understand the lifetime value of a 70mm triple-ply fibreglass composite door, its true thermal efficiency, security and durability, it’s a cliché but these doors really do speak for themselves.”

Today Apeer operates nine CNCs, two toughening furnaces, three fibreglass skin machines, three foam machines, two paintlines – and has a lot less empty space.

Their focus on quality and innovation had quickly earned them recognition and set them on the path to growth.

“In 2007 our stable door really turned

heads, especially once Everest took it on in England. As the business grew we launched curved and arched doors, any colour inside and out, with unlimited glass designs thanks to our in-house glass studio.”

Asa became Managing Director in 2010, and since then the range has grown to include three levels of door, a 44mm entry level door, a 70mm A++ door, and a quadruple glazed 120mm Passivhaus door, all available in in modern, contemporary and traditional styles. In 2015 Apeer launched Lumi windows, followed by Silka slim sash triple-glazed windows, bifolds and Lift-Slide doors, creating a full suite of solutions for the high-end, predominately new-build market.

“We offer a complete range of products so fitters can rely solely on us – backed by our full in-house manufacturing capabilities.

Along with this, we generate leads for our trade partners via social media campaigns and our online door builder, and guarantee exclusive sales territories too.”

So what has 30 successful years in the industry taught Asa? “The industry has changed so much and is seeing plenty of challenges right now – more competition, some big names going under, and not enough young blood coming through. On top of that we’ve dropped the ball on scrutinising quality when it comes to independent, third-party verification on standards.”

Apeer recently commissioned independent testing which proved some manufacturers use results from one tested door and apply them – dishonestly – to their whole range. Worse, one competitor’s door didn’t even meet the minimum required U-value of 1.4W/m2K. “We’re up against it enough as an industry as it is, and now some so-called professional manufacturers are also defrauding consumers? It’s got to stop.

We’ve all got to call these businesses out, as it brings the whole industry into disrepute and we all suffer.”

As Asa and his father celebrate their significant milestone this year, Apeer remains steadfastly committed to standards of excellence and innovation.

Asa concludes: “We look ahead to the next 30 years and beyond with a continued focus on growth, leadership and customer satisfaction. Our priority continues to be to deliver products that meet the needs of today’s homeowners while anticipating the demands of tomorrow.”

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70 | doors feature | may 2025

At ECDS, success isn’t just about doors – it’s about the people who install them. Managing Director Gregory Kelly explains…

Quality doors meet quality partnerships W hen I started at Entrance Composite Door Solutions (ECDS), I didn’t just want to manufacture doors; I wanted to create real partnerships with the professionals who install them.

The truth is, even the best composite door is only as good as the company fitting it. That’s why we’ve never seen our installers as mere customers – but rather as extensions of our own business, representing our products in homes across the UK. This perspective has helped us build a network of premium installers who share our commitment to excellence.

Too often in this industry, the manufacturer-installer relationship is purely transactional – we supply, you fit, end of story. At ECDS, we’ve deliberately broken that mould.

By investing in genuine relationships with our installers, we’ve created something more valuable – a community that drives standards and helps everyone involved grow their business.

Real support when it matters What’s the difference between a supplier and a partner? It comes down to the support provided when challenges arise.

For us, everything starts with our product range – we manufacture composite doors that combine craftsmanship with contemporary design.

From traditional to modern, with customisable glass designs, hardware options and our extensive colour palette, we

give installers the products they need to impress their customers.

But here’s where we differ from other manufacturers: we back those products with comprehensive support. We provide our installers with highquality marketing materials – brochures, technical information professional photography and digital assets – all designed to help them present our doors in the best possible light to their customers.

We also understand the practical challenges installers face daily. That’s why we focus on reliable deliveries and responsive customer service.

When you’re managing multiple installations and customer expectations, the last thing you need is uncertainty from your suppliers. We get that, and we’ve structured our operation to ensure consistency.

Growing together, not apart I firmly believe the best business relationships benefit both parties equally. It’s not about what we can get from each other – it’s about what we can achieve together.

By maintaining high manufacturing standards and focusing exclusively on premium composite doors, we help our installers differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace.

Our partners can confidently sell products that stand out for their quality, security features and visual appeal, positioning their businesses at the premium end of the market.

We’re constantly investing in product development to ensure our installers have access to the latest innovations. Our door designs blend modern technology with traditional craftsmanship, creating products that meet current demands while maintaining lasting appeal.

The community we’ve built isn’t just about the relationship between ECDS and individual installers – it’s about creating connections throughout our network. This approach creates an environment where knowledge, best practices and market insights can be shared, lifting standards across the board.

Meeting evolving customer expectations together Today’s homeowners are increasingly knowledgeable about what they want – composite doors that offer security, energy efficiency and striking design.

By building a community of premium installers and supporting them with superior products and business resources, we’re collectively raising the bar in the composite door sector.

Looking ahead, our vision remains focused on growing alongside our installers.

We’re constantly exploring new ways to strengthen these partnerships because we understand that success isn’t just measured by sales figures – it’s measured by the strength of the relationships we build.

For installers looking to advance their composite door offering and join a network that’s genuinely focused on mutual success, ECDS offers more than just products – we offer true partnership. www.entranceway.co.uk

Only SensCheck covers every angle. ™

Yale Expands Smart Security with SensCheck™ Compatible Door and Window Locks.

Introducing the next generation of Yale SensCheck™. We’ve expanded our smart security solutions to cover multiple entry points around the home. Whether it’s a front door, bifold doors, PVCu windows, or an aluminium window our sensors ensure that homes stay connected, updated, and protected.

Yale now offers SensCheck™ sensors that work with our compatible range of Yale AutoEngage, Lockmaster, and Mantis door locks, and Yale Shootbolt, Rapide, and Mustang window locks - keeping every corner of the home secure. Monitoring the status of doors and windows from anywhere at any time via the Yale Smart Living Alarm app.

Stay Connected, Stay Updated, Stay Protected.

For more information contact us at marketing@yaledws.co.uk

72 | doors feature | may 2025

DAWS launches the game-changing Smarts Signature Aluminium Door: Premium performance at GRP prices

The next evolution in entrance doors D AWS is proud to unveil the Smarts Signature Door – a thirdgeneration aluminium door developed by systems leader Smarts and engineered to disrupt the GRP composite market, marking the next evolution in entrance door innovation.

Offering premium aluminium performance, including the groundbreaking no bow guarantee, at the same price point as an equivalent premium GRP door, it’s already turning heads among UK installers. Its recent showcase at this year’s FIT Show in Birmingham - where Smarts’ own door guru, Scott Garner, delivered a standout presentation to an excited audience of potential installers - the Signature Door proved it’s more than just talk.

Backed by DAWS’ award-winning marketing support, dedicated trade team, and UK-first distribution model led by industry veteran Steve Williams, this is a door – and an opportunity – not to be missed. If you’re ready to sell smarter and more profitably, the Smarts Signature Door from DAWS is your next big move.

Q: Why do installers choose the Smarts Signature Door collection from DAWS? Installers choose the Signature Door collection from DAWS for its exceptional quality, ease of installation, and reliability.

The collection boasts a diverse range of eleven styles, with a further five styles due for release soon, allowing installers to meet the unique aesthetic preferences of their clients. Moreover, the precisionengineered construction ensures a perfect fit and reduces installation time, making it a preferred choice for professionals.

At 63mm, it is 30% thicker than standard GRP composite doors and provides installers with a clear sales benefit compared to other PVC/Composite doors on the market, but finally at a comparable price point.

Q: What can the Signature Door collection from DAWS offer to homeowners?

Homeowners can enjoy a blend of elegance, durability, and functionality with the Signature Door collection from DAWS. Each door is carefully crafted to enhance the kerb appeal of a home, while offering superior insulation and security. The choice of designs and finishes means that there is a perfect door to complement any architectural style, adding both beauty and value to the property.

excellent value for money. The superior quality, performance, durability, and energy efficiency result in cost savings over time. Additionally, the added security and aesthetic appeal can increase the resale value of a home, making these doors a worthwhile investment.

Q: What are the benefits of the Signature Door collection from DAWS? •Durability: Made from high-quality materials, these doors are built to withstand harsh weather conditions and daily wear and tear, ensuring longevity and no colour fading.

• Energy efficiency: The doors are designed to provide excellent insulation, helping to reduce energy bills by maintaining consistent indoor temperatures; U values from 1.2 to 1.4.

• Security: Enhanced security features such as multi-point locking systems offer homeowners peace of mind. As an assurance of quality, all our Signature Doors are BSI Kitemarked, and comply with PAS24.

Tests show our doors exceed all industry standards • Variety: With a broad range of styles, finishes, and customisation options, homeowners can find the perfect match for their homes.

• Low maintenance: The doors require minimal upkeep, retaining their appearance and functionality for years to come; a simple wipe down will retain its pristine looks.

• “No Bow Guarantee”.

• 25-year Qualicoat powder coating guarantee on the paint finish.

• Superior weather performance – double rebated weather seals give you double the protection.

• Long life and great value - your door won’t bow or fade. It will keep looking as good as the day it was installed.

Q: Are the Signature Doors from DAWS good value for money?

The Signature Doors from DAWS offer

Q: What colour options are available in the Signature Door collection from DAWS? The Signature Door collection from DAWS offers a very wide of RAL colours to suit any taste or home exterior. From classic shades like white, black, and grey to more vibrant hues such as red, blue, and green, there is a colour to match every homeowner’s style, available in textured, matt and gloss finishes.

Q: What security features are included in the Signature Doors from DAWS? The Signature Doors from DAWS offer a varied range of advanced multi point locking systems to ensure the safety of your home. The high security locking systems include our Diamond rated 3 Star cylinder for complete peace of mind for homeowners.

Q: How is the quality control managed for the Signature Door collection from DAWS? Quality control is a top priority. Each door undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest standards of performance and durability. The manufacturing process includes multiple inspections at various stages, from raw materials to the final product. This meticulous attention to detail guarantees that every door delivered to customers is of exceptional quality and reliability. To ensure that every Signature Door is delivered in pristine condition, there’s a small electronic device called a ‘Shock Dot’ attached to the protective box the door arrives in. This clever alarm records whether the product has been inadvertently dropped or knocked during handling which means the product can be delivered nationwide with confidence.

To summarise – the Signature door is a 3rd Generation door, a fit and forget product, No Bow guarantee, 25-year Qualicoat paint guarantee, £4,000 Security Guarantee, made in the UK and available from Daws at an incredible price!

E: sales@daws.co.uk

20 YEARS OF SOLIDOR

A NEW ERA BEGINS. For over 20 years, Solidor has been the final touch that transforms houses into homes across the UK. Now, we’re taking things even further.

Introducing our bold new look.

The benchmark in composite doors is being redefined. And we’re just getting started.

Discover the new Solidor at:

Solidor. Proudly made in Britain

Solidor.co.uk

74 | doors feature | may 2025

PVC-U panel doors are experiencing a revival with new designs, and Hurst is redefining the market with a unique PAS24 security option

New panel sets PVC-U security standard I f you thought PVC-U panels were a legacy product, think again. Hurst has launched its new Securicore™ PVC-U panel, which offers enhanced security as standard, plus the option to manufacture and supply a fully PAS24 accredited door.

Still offered at a highly competitive price point, highly energy efficient - and still available as a ‘standard’ 28mm door panel, Securicore™ gives fabricators the option of manufacturing a PAS24 accredited PVC-U panel door - delivering a step change in performance.

Also available in alternative door thicknesses, combined with new panel styles and finish options, Securicore™ by Hurst re-writes the rulebook on PVC-U panel manufacture, supply – and market reach.

Kevin Wheatman, Director and General Manager, explains: “It’s not unreasonable to expect that the requirement for PAS24 in new build is likely to be extended into home improvement and replacement sectors - and given that PVC-U panels still account for more than 3,500 sales each week we wanted to ensure we were able to retain this business.

“Identifying and developing a core that you can’t cut through, while retaining a high level of thermal performance and keeping the cost point below a composite door, is very difficult to achieve - but we did and what we’ve got completely revolutionises the market for PVC-U panel doors, positioning them as a direct and credible alternative to other doors, across all markets.”

Hurst began manufacturing PVC-U panels in 1996, establishing a reputation as a market leader. Over 25 years, the business has grown to produce in excess of 3,500 panels per week.

Making composite doors alongside PVC-U Panels since the mid-Noughties, Hurst still offers almost 40-different styles of PVC-U panel doors with an OTIF pushing above 99% for both PVC-U panel and composite door supply.

Securicore™ is the product of a two-year research and development programme.

Hurst started its R&D journey with the development of a pilot 36mm panel with a 12mm MDF and aluminium insert, which while passing the cut through test added weight in handling, complexity and cost as Kevin explains.

“It did what it needed to do but we weren’t happy because of the compromise

on cost, weight and the size of the panel, so we did further research trialling different combinations of plastics - we didn’t get the results we wanted.

“That was until we identified a PVC-U compound in a 4mm option which delivered on the cut-through, didn’t impact thermal efficiency and also meant that we could stay at a 28mm thicknesses and not have to step up to 36mm.

“That combination also performed exceptionally well on hard and soft impact tests. This includes on a glazed door option which uses a specially designed clip to locate the glazing panel.

“It means that tested as a complete doorset, it fully complies to PAS24 – that’s unique to Hurst.”

Its new Securicore™ option is available in the majority of Hurst’s panel door range including fully glazed options. This includes seven newly launched PVC-U door panel styles, which offer a contemporary composite style aesthetic.

These are featured in Hurst’s ‘You’re Home With Hurst’ PVC-U panel door brochure, which also showcase’s the company’s Harmony Glass Collection.

U-values are as low as 1.3W/m2K in large glazed panels and even lower as solid panels,

falling comfortably within targets for new build as well as home improvement.

“The PVC-U panel is an easy-fit product.

It’s available in a choice of traditional and now, also highly contemporary designs.

Aesthetically it’s a completely different product”, Kevin continues.

“We’re seeing growing volumes of colour going through our factory with a big uptake in more contemporary finishes, for example Pebble Grey, Agate Grey, Anthracite Grey Smooth, and others, mirroring demand for colour and foiled product.

“The market demand from the end user - but also the appeal to the installer - has always been there. What we haven’t been able to do as an industry is to offer a PAS24 accredited PVC-U panel door. Now through Securicore™, we can.

“Securicore™ is exclusive to Hurst and unique to our customers. Fabricators can make a PAS24 PVC-U panel doorset, and installers can fit them, regardless of the enduse application.

“That takes the story of PVC-U panels and flips it on its head by opening up opportunities to upsell on security and to enter new markets.”

Tel 01482 790790 E: info@hurstdoors.co.uk

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76 | doors feature | may 2025

Flush finesse meets timeless tradition - the Residence Collection lets doors echo heritage window style with seamless, elevated charm

Full flush consistency inside and out T he demand for heritage-style detailing in modern window and door systems continues to grow, and until now, delivering a truly consistent flush aesthetic across both windows and entrance doors has posed a challenge.

With the launch of The Residence Collection’s new open-in entrance door, that problem has been answered. For the first time, fabricators and installers can offer a complete, unified flush appearance across an entire property — thanks to a door solution that aligns perfectly with the clean lines and traditional styling of flush casement windows.

This new timber-alternative door has been purpose-built to work across The Residence Collection’s three established systems: R9, R7, and R2. Each system offers a heritage aesthetic tailored to different project needs, but it’s Residence 7 in particular that delivers a true flush finish both internally and externally — making it the ideal choice for customers seeking that flush timber-look continuity without compromise.

The door itself features a dedicated door sash with a chamfered profile that replicates the styling of the existing window systems, meaning the overall look remains cohesive whether viewed from the outside or inside.

A deep bottom rail (stackable for added authenticity), a substantial 130mm mid-rail that accommodates a full-size letterplate, and an exclusive patented decorative panel

trim all contribute to the traditional feel.

The panel surround trim is a standout innovation: designed to conceal the gasket line while delivering a moulded, timberlike appearance, it sets this product apart in a competitive market where authentic replication is critical.

The new door is not just visually aligned with the window systems—it’s built with both fabricators and installers in mind.

Designed for easy manufacture, the sash offers positive click engagement at the bottom rail for quicker and more secure assembly. Sash sizes are available up to 900mm wide and 2300mm high, PAS 24 tested, with the mid-rail and deep bottom rail also able to be used with the existing French door option. When paired with the R7 frame, homeowners can achieve a consistent flush look inside and out, delivering on the rising demand for minimalist but heritage-accurate installations. The door is available with a low threshold, making it suitable for projects requiring accessibility.

To support specification and streamline the supply chain, The Residence Collection has introduced a powerful new door designer. This digital tool enables users to build a complete door package, selecting frame style, colours, glazing, bead options, and hardware. Once configured, a full component summary is generated, simplifying quotation, pricing, and ordering.

It includes a ‘find an installer’ feature and

allows direct enquiries to be submitted to the installer.

Performance has been fully considered in this range. The door is PAS 24 and Secured

by Design compliant, meeting BS6375 1, 2 & 3 standards for weather resistance and strength. Glazing options include 28mm double or 44mm triple glazing, and hardware options include traditional monkey tail and pear drop handles, as well as the new contemporary Knurled handle from the Regal range.

Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at The Residence Collection, summarises: “With this new entrance door, we’ve created a solution that allows customers to achieve full flush heritage styling across all elements of a property. R7 is flush inside and out, and now, so is the entrance. This door reflects the same values of craftsmanship, authenticity, and modern performance that define our window systems, and for fabricators and installers, it brings clarity, ease, and opportunity.”

This latest addition makes it possible to deliver a complete flush system with timberstyle detailing, unified across both windows and doors. For fabricators and installers working in the heritage, conservation, and premium property sectors, The Residence Collection’s new entrance door represents the missing piece in the heritage flush jigsaw. www.residencedoors.co.uk

Prepped your way Fast, reliable service!

ODL Europe’s in-house Door Prep Service delivers precision-prepared composite doors with a 7-day turnaround on standard colours and 10 days on any RAL colour.

• Fast turnaround.

• Consistent reliability.

• Precision prepped to your requirements.

For more information call 0151 399 0299 or visit www.odleurope.com

78 | doors feature | may 2025

Bradley Scott Windows appointed as approved Gerda doors installer

G

erda doors UK distributor Pioneer Trading Company has recently taken on Tamworth based home improvement company Bradley Scott Windows as one of its approved Gerda doors installers. Founder and director Andy Farrington felt that there was a significant gap in the range of doors they were offering their local customer base, and the Gerda steel and aluminium door range sat neatly into that gap in terms of performance and affordability.

Bradley Scott Windows have since installed a Gerda Optima 60 in anthracite grey with a 1500mm long bar handle in black anoda. The company’s showroom remains a focal part of its business, drawing in customers from around the region who feel more comfortable getting as much tangible experience of window and door products as possible. In fact, the showroom has become something of a local attraction due to its walls being decorated with inspirational figures such as Captain Tom Moore and the late Queen Elizabeth II. “We always like to do something a bit

different, and while our mural of Captain Tom and the queen made people smile during difficult times, we fully expect the Gerda door to do the same in terms of providing an entrance door solution which is robust, beautifully engineered, and looks the business,” said Andy Farrington.

Bradley Scott’s office manager Ashley Kitchen added: “There is a definite growing interest in steel and aluminium doors not just for their thermal efficiencies and sleek good looks – the level of security is superior and there is a solidity to thier construction that impresses every time it is opened and closed in the showroom. This is why it is so important for us to have the Gerda door in the showroom, so that customers can get hands on and understand the tangible difference in terms of quality and workmanship.”

Established in 1999, Bradley Scott Windows made a global impact during covid when its mural of Captain Tom Moore, the British army officer and fundraiser who raised millions for the NHS, hit news channels across the world.

Carl F Groupco welcomes Kenrick AK Touch Secure™ to its product range

I

ndependent hardware supplier Carl F Groupco has further expanded its smart technology offer with the addition of the new Kenrick AK Touch Secure™ smart locking solution.

Owen Coop, CEO of Carl F Groupco, said: “We’ve worked with Kenrick for many years and know the quality of the solutions on offer. The AK TouchSecure™ is the latest example of this – it’s an intelligently designed product with valuable benefits for our customers, and we are pleased to be adding it to our growing smart locking portfolio.”

Andy Meakin, National Sales and Marketing Manager at Kenricks, said: “We are delighted to have Carl F Groupco on board with the AK TouchSecure™ and even more pleased that the team can see the market advantages it brings.”

Owen highlights the benefits of the AK TouchSecure™ saying: “The fact the lock can be retrofitted and installed without any hardware modifications is appealing and we know will be of benefit to our customers.The app is also very straightforward to use.”

The AK TouchSecure™ is compatible

with any door handle fitted with a Kenrick 3 Star Locking Cylinder and can be fitted in minutes without any major hardware modifications, making it a practical choice for retrofit projects as well as new installations.

It works using touch-sensitive

technology, a secure keypad, a key fob, or voice commands via Google Home or Alexa. There’s also a manual override option, meaning the door can always be opened with a key. All operations are exceptionally quiet, bringing a high-end feel to every installation.

The AK Touch Secure™ app offers further features such as remote locking and unlocking, a status check and access logs. It can also grant temporary, timed access to a property, making it ideal for Airbnb properties or where contractors need access to a building.

To ensure data security, all data and access methods, including the key fob and the app, are encrypted end-to-end, bringing users peace of mind.

With a longstanding legacy built on innovation, Kenrick continues to lead the way in adding value to hardware solutions. The AK Touch Secure™ is a prime example of this forward-thinking approach, and its rapid uptake across the industry highlights its strong market appeal.”

Tel: 0121 500 3266 E: sales@kenricks.co.uk

Don’t Compromise Choose The next generation composite doors in terms of performance, style and quality, Signature Doors are quite simply the best value doors on the market.

See all the new designs from FIT Show 2025 online now.

No Bow Guarantee No failures due to bowing or we’ll fit a new door, free!

Fit & Forget A hassle-free solution built for durability.

Superior Strength & Security Door sashes 36% thicker than GRP equivalents.

25-Year Finish Warranty Confidence in every detail.

All-Aluminium Construction Sash, frame, and skins– no mixed materials.

Proudly Made in Britain Manufactured with quality and precision.

Not all composite doors are created equal… some are For more information contact, marketing@smartsystems.co.uk

Scan to view Signature Doors online

80 | doors feature | may 2025

Keep your cool this summer with the smart design of Apeer stable doors

R

esponding to the growing needs for lifestyle doors in busy homes where children and pets need to be contained even on the most glorious of summer days, installers may want to offer a stable door. Apeer’s stable door range is the perfect solution for busy homes looking to combine practicality with security and good looks. As summer approaches, the doors allow homeowners to open up for fresh air, while keeping pets and children safe on the inside.

Crucially, the stable door’s unique design guarantees that there are no leaks when closed, and no compromise to its overall security. All the stable doors in the Apeer range are fitted with high security, multi point locking system featuring two rollers, two hooks, two deadbolts and a latch, securing both the top and bottom sections.

“There’s an emotion around stable doors that feeds into that love of the country, when

you can open up the door and let the fresh air in safe in the knowledge that no little feet (animal or human) are going to be escaping down the front or back path,” said Apeer’s managing director Asa McGillian. “Although considered a ‘lifestyle’ product, they are proving to be extremely popular, particularly in more rural areas, and are the perfect addition to the range of front and back door options an installer can offer when selling to a homeowner.”

Other than being manufactured in two separate sections, Apeer’s stable door range offers the same market leading features than its standard composite door range. A double sealed rebate and 70mm polyurethane core guarantees its thermal efficiency when the door is fully closed.

Green Doors founder wins King’s Award for green enterprise success

J

oseph Holman, the Luton-based entrepreneur who launched a business with a set of discarded doors, has been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development — one of the highest honours available to UK businesses.

Holman, 34, founded Green Doors a decade ago after salvaging a handful of unwanted doors from a skip. Today, the upcycling firm generates close to £2 million in annual revenues, employs 12 staff — affectionately dubbed “door doctors” — and operates from two warehouses totalling 25,000 ft².

“Winning the King’s Award is huge for our business,” said Holman. “I started ten years ago with a set of doors I found in a skip. Soon, I’ll be shaking hands with the King. This is a huge boost for the team and our mission.”

Green Doors specialises in rescuing preloved, surplus, and mis-measured doors and windows that would otherwise end up in landfill. In the past year alone, the company saved more than 3,000 items, giving them a second life by selling them to builders, renovators, and environmentally-conscious homeowners.

The business is part of a broader shift in the construction sector, which faces growing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint. According to recent estimates, construction and demolition waste accounts for over a third of all UK waste. Holman believes businesses like his can play a key role in reducing that burden.

“Perfectly usable doors and windows are being dumped every day,” he said. “There’s a better way — and we’ve shown it can work commercially.”

The King’s Award for Enterprise recognises outstanding achievements in innovation, international trade, sustainable development, and promoting opportunity.

Green Doors joins a small cohort of

companies selected this year for driving positive environmental impact.

Holman says the accolade marks a new chapter. “We’re ready to scale, and this award is a springboard,” he added. “We’re calling on partners, customers and investors who want to be part of the solution and build something that genuinely makes a difference.”

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82 | doors feature | may 2025

DHF issues warning about external panic and emergency exit doorsets

D

oor & Hardware Federation (DHF) and GAI (the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers) have recently been informed by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) that they are aware of cases where external panic or emergency exit doorsets have been supplied, conformity marked against EN 14351-1:2006+A2:2016, but without the necessary third-party certification.

“There is concern that some economic operators may not be fully aware of the conformity marking requirements for these products, and we believe it is appropriate to issue a general reminder to the market,” explains Michael Skelding, DHF’s General Manager & Secretary. “There is no suggestion of course, that the suppliers concerned were members of either DHF or GAI.” The testing and certification required for conformity marking (CE or UKCA) is specified in the Annex Z of EN 143511:2006+A2:2016. To conformity mark an external doorset that is neither fire-resisting nor an emergency/panic exit, no third-party certification is required. Other performance characteristics, such as watertightness and resistance to wind load, will typically require third-party testing from a notified or approved test body, but not third-party certification.

“The requirement for third-party

certification arises when an external doorset being placed on the market has either or both of the following special characteristics,” concludes Michael, “that it is a panic or emergency exit (fitted with appropriate hardware), and/or that it is fire-resisting.

Third-party certification must be obtained from an EU notified certification body (for CE marking) or a UK approved certification body (for UKCA marking). The certification

body will issue a Certificate of Constancy of Performance, which the manufacturer (or person responsible for placing the product on the market) must retain in their technical file for the product.”

For further information on this, please contact the DHF technical team on technical@dhfonline.org.uk; DHF is also grateful for any help given in ‘spreading this message’ through the supply chain.

Endurance® Aluminium introduces online bifold door configurator

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losely following the launch of its comprehensive website to support installer customers, aluminium fabricator Endurance® Aluminium, announces an online bifold door designer to generate more leads: http:// endurancealuminium.co.uk/bifolddoor-configurator/ “Bifold door configurators are a useful tool for homeowners to explore different options and for installers to support the sale,” says Scott Foster, Sales and Marketing Director of the Endurance® group, “but in true Endurance® group style we have gone one step further and optimised the designer for consumer lead generation on behalf of our installer customers.

“Bifold doors remain hugely popular for homeowners wanting to achieve their dream property by merging home and garden into one stylish living space, but it’s still a significant investment they want to get right. The Endurance® Aluminium bifold configurator is reassuringly simple and less

technical than some designers on the market, keeping the decision-making process straight forward.

“There is, however, plenty of choice on offer,” continues Scott. “There are over 20 different door configurations presented with different variations of left and right folding sashes, all available to view in an open or closed position.

“Homeowners can virtually trial 15

separate colours and can select both external and internal colours for the complete picture. Different styles of hardware can also be placed on the doors to help consumers choose their preferred permutation.

“The configurator has impressive functionality to make sure it is easy for consumers to experiment with different combinations and get excited about their potential purchase.

“In line with our customer-centric approach the bifold door designer can also be updated to include the logo of an installer partner and added to their own website.”

Scott concludes: “Bifolds remain such a popular product that it’s not surprising that competition in the sector is particularly rife. That’s why we want to do everything we can to generate valuable leads for our installer partners. Our inspiring website and easy to use bifold door configurator, are just two of the tools in a much wider marketing campaign, that our installers can enjoy.”

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84 | doors feature | may 2025

ERA adds all-new stylish finish to revolutionary TouchKey range

E

RA, one of the UK’s leading home security and fenestration component providers, is launching its popular smart door security solution, TouchKey, in an all-new Architectural Black finish.

Already available in stylish Chrome and Graphite, TouchKey combines a smarter security door handle, an autofiring multi-point lock, and an anti-bump security cylinder for maximum customer convenience and peace of mind.

While the Architectural Black finish is new to the TouchKey range, the solution boasts all the same benefits of the original and remains the only system of its kind to combine five different entry methods into a single door handle.

Providing multi-factor authentication for residential door access, TouchKey, which is suitable for fabrication with composite and timber entrance doors, offers access via fingerprint, the ERA Smart Home app, geolocation technology, voice command, and manual key override.

Featuring advanced biometric fingerprint technology, up to 50 different fingerprints can be stored directly within the handle to provide users with instant access to a property.

When used with the ERA Smart Home app, TouchKey can be unlocked with a single touch locally, or remotely using

the TouchKey Communications Module and the addition of an ERA Smart Hub. Digital e-keys with timed access can also be assigned to individuals, such as family, friends, and service providers, via the app.

Voice command can also be used via the ERA Smart Home app to unlock the door on approach, without having to physically reach for a smartphone.

Geolocation technology allows the system to unlock remotely via Bluetooth for trusted users, once in range of the property, again without needing to physically use a smartphone.

For ultimate peace of mind, TouchKey also contains a hidden manual key override, with three keys supplied as standard.

TouchKey combines dynamic smart technology with industry-leading mechanical hardware, delivering both convenience and security. Its two hook multi-point lock has a central deadbolt that fires six locking points when engaged, automatically securing the door upon closing.

The anti-bump cylinder works in conjunction with the smarter handle and multi-point lock for ease of application and resistance against forced entry. Additionally, for extra endurance, the handle’s forged steel backplate and hardened plates prevent potential intruders from removing it to manipulate the lock.

For easy operation, an ergonomically designed extended thumbturn with light torque ensures that all locking points are simultaneously retracted. With this, upon leaving the property, the door closes automatically and locks behind the user.

TouchKey has been independently tested to BSI’s Smart Residential Locking Device standard. Developed in conjunction with ERA, the standard combines the BSI Internet of Things (IoT) Kitemark with TS 621 for mechanical security with smart locking.

Delivering on aesthetics, TouchKey, complements a wide range of door hardware including hinges, letterplates and knockers. www.eraeverywhere.com

Kenrick announces partnership with Window Ware for AK Touch Secure™

K

enricks has announced that Window Ware has become a national distributer of AK Touch Secure™, the new high-security Smart door locking system.

Window Ware’s decision to stock AK Touch Secure™ reinforces its commitment to staying at the forefront of smart product innovation. This strategic move opens up significant opportunities for the new and retrofit door market, offering fabricators and installers a smart, secure locking upgrade.

Rob Vaughan, Product Manager at Window Ware, said: “AK Touch Secure™ fits seamlessly into our business providing our customers with a competitive advantage in the smart home space. We were impressed by how easy the product is to install, and we see massive potential in the retrofit door sector.”

AK Touch Secure™ is compatible with any door handle fitted with a Kenrick 3-Star locking cylinder. It offers multiple access options, including intuitive touchsensitive technology, an encrypted key fob, a secure keypad, a traditional key and voice commands via Google Home or Alexa.

Via the AK Touch Secure™ app, users can control their doors remotely—lock or unlock them from anywhere, check realtime status updates and view detailed access logs to track who has entered or exited the property. The app also enables temporary, time-restricted access for guests or service providers.

Security is impressive with AK Touch Secure™ and features end-to-end encryption to ensure that all data and access methods are fully protected.

Andy Meakin, Sales and Marketing Manager at Kenricks, said: “We are delighted to partner with Window Ware. Their proactive customer-centric approach makes them the ideal distributor to bring AK Touch Secure™ to market nationwide.”

Since 1987, Window Ware has been a trusted supply partner for fabricators and installers across the UK, offering a vast range of window and door hardware, tools and consumables backed by expert service. This partnership with Kenricks builds on their reputation for delivering industry-leading solutions that are both reliable and futureproof.

Pioneer Trading Company Essex Ltd is the official distributor of Gerda steel and aluminium entrance doors, licensed to sell them through installers, property developers and construction companies, or direct, throughout the UK. The Gerda steel and aluminium entrance door range has no connection to Gerda Security or Gerda Security Products.

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86 | sustainability feature | may 2025

Ryan Lennox of Veka Recycling argues a policy shift is essential to advance the PVC-U recycling conversation in industry

Shifting the narrative on PVC-U recycling P VC-U recycling in the UK has seen encouraging progress over recent years, with manufacturers and industry bodies stepping up to deliver greener solutions. Despite this momentum, inconsistencies in uptake and execution continue to undermine the potential of PVC-U as a circular material.

The conversation around PVC-U recycling must evolve.

What’s needed now is a broader framework that connects individual efforts with national strategy.

Durable, resilient and easily recyclable, PVC-U has a valuable role to play in reducing environmental impact within construction and home improvement. Yet, across the country, too many replaced frames still end up in landfill - not due to lack of recycling capability, but a fragmented approach to PVC-U disposal and recycling.

The issue isn’t that the technology or infrastructure doesn’t exist. In fact, many parts of the sector have already demonstrated how effective a circular model can be.

At Veka Recycling’s facility in Wellingborough, for instance, we collect end-of-life frames from partners, reprocess them into high-quality material and feed them directly back into the manufacturing cycle. This keeps materials in use longer, slashes the need for virgin plastic, and minimises environmental disruption.

Approximately 95% of the PVC-U waste collected by Veka is recycled, with 60% re-entering the market as new window products.

Industry-wide programmes have made steps to address the challenge at scale.

The FENSA Recycling Scheme, available in regions across the UK, offers installers a free service for disposing of old PVC-U products responsibly. Similarly, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has broadened its recycling services to cover a range of construction materials, reinforcing the sector’s commitment to sustainable practices.

But these actions, while commendable, still rely on voluntary participation. With many installers under pressure to cut time and costs, convenient but unsustainable choices often win out. Once old frames enter mixed waste streams, recycling of the materials becomes far less likely. Education gaps at general waste facilities only add to the problem.

The path forward requires a stronger

intervention – a legislative framework is needed to drive change.

In Germany and other EU nations, waste policy now mandates the recovery and reuse of construction materials.

Adopting this approach in the UK, with structured legislative support could harmonise efforts across the supply chain, providing both accountability and incentive.

A potential model lies in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks.

Already successful in sectors like packaging and electronics, EPR shifts end-of-life responsibility onto producers - driving smarter design decisions and bolstering the infrastructure needed for material recovery and reuse.

Veka is actively advancing this model through its closed-loop recycling operations, transforming end-of-life PVC-U frames into high-performance new products. As part of this commitment, Veka is targeting 35% recycled content within its window and door profiles by the end of 2025 - reinforcing its role as a frontrunner in circular innovation

for fenestration.

However, rigid mandates may not suit the fenestration industry, which is heavily reliant on agility and innovation. Given that the industry is already making strides in recycling, a blended approach could be more effective: one that rewards best practice, sets achievable recycling targets and supports organisations to meet them.

Certification schemes, for example, could reward those prioritising sustainability with an accreditation that gives them a competitive edge. This would create an incentive for companies to adopt recycling practices without imposing heavy regulatory burdens. Engaging all value chain components is necessary to ensure a future where circularity is the rule rather than the exception.

Veka Recycling remains determined to lead the industry in creating a circular economy, but sector-wide transformation will hinge on policy that aligns with the industry’s ambition and accelerates systemic change.

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88 | sustainability feature | may 2025

Heritage intact, heat contained—Ledston Hall proves elegant conservation and thermal efficiency can coexist through refined glazing

Balancing heritage and heat efficiency L edston Hall, a Grade I listed former country house in West Yorkshire, has undergone a thoughtful transformation that showcases how historic properties can be adapted for modern living while preserving their architectural significance. Once largely vacant and on the Heritage at Risk Register, the building’s revival into ten residential units with function rooms has also offered valuable lessons in managing thermal performance through pragmatic, conservation-led interventions— particularly in relation to its windows.

With origins dating back to the 13th century, and layers of development through seven major building phases up to the 20th century, Ledston Hall is an intricate palimpsest of English architectural history. By 2015, the architects behind its redevelopment had secured listed building consent and planning permission to restore the structure and reintroduce it to use. Their conservation-first approach involved retaining and refurbishing original windows, supplementing them with new single-glazed units to match where needed.

However, by 2020, amid growing concerns about the climate emergency and surging energy costs, the client and design team initiated a thorough review of the building’s thermal efficiency. Windows— central both to the building’s heritage and its energy performance—became a focal point.

The window inventory at Ledston Hall was complex and diverse. It ranged from timber sashes and casements to Yorkshire sliding sashes and metal-framed leaded lights. The condition varied widely, with particularly poor or missing elements on the building’s northern and western elevations.

Recognising the significance of these elements, the architects engaged with Historic

England and the local authority at an early stage, installing a sample window to assess the visual and heritage impact of potential double glazing solutions.

A critical part of the project’s success lay in the architects’ collaboration with their in-house heritage consultants and specialist glaziers. Each window was evaluated for age, significance, and condition. Drawing on a pre-existing condition survey, they developed a tailored strategy—a ‘cocktail’ approach—allowing for nuanced decisions aligned with the historical evolution of the building.

This strategy distinguished between historic and more recent elements. Highly significant windows were retained, carefully repaired, and draught-proofed, with original historic glass conserved. In contrast, deteriorated or modern interventions, especially metal-framed leaded units, were replaced with slimline double-glazed equivalents.

These new windows featured heat-treated glass designed to replicate the visual distortions characteristic of antique glazing.

Pre-application discussions with planning authorities and Historic England laid essential groundwork, ensuring alignment on the sensitive approach. Listed building consent was granted for the nuanced replacement and upgrading scheme, which saw 63 windows replaced with 16mm double-glazed units, 30 single-glazed units retained, and five windows fitted with mono-laminated glass. Where possible, salvaged historic glass was reused in the refurbished single-glazed windows, while all timber frames were repaired, sealed against draughts, and redecorated.

The impact of the window strategy has

been multifaceted. By improving insulation and reducing condensation, the upgrades have enhanced internal comfort for residents and contributed to lowering the carbon footprint of the building—achievements that would not have been possible without an in-depth understanding of the building’s layered history. Moreover, by retaining and restoring the most historically significant elements, the intervention maintained the architectural integrity of the Hall, with minimal harm to its heritage value.

Ledston Hall serves as a compelling example of how early engagement with statutory consultees, informed assessment of historical fabric, and bespoke, sensitive design can allow historic buildings to meet contemporary environmental standards.

It demonstrates that improving thermal performance and preserving heritage are not mutually exclusive goals, but can be thoughtfully integrated through rigorous, collaborative planning.

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may 2025 | glazed extensions | 89

John Cowie met Dave Grace of NewPlas Roofing System to find out how NewPlas is redefining roof lanterns and warm roofs for the trade

NewPlas redrawing roofing expectations A t a glance, the pitched roof lantern market may appear saturated, with longstanding systems jostling for marginal aesthetic distinctions.

But beneath the surface, one supplier is redrawing expectations—starting with a fitter-first approach rooted in decades of building experience.

Speaking from his stand at the recent FIT Show, Dave Grace of NewPlas Roofing Systems — once a builder himself—lays out a compelling case for why his roofing systems, especially a uniquely designed roof lantern, are finding traction among installers, builders and fitters alike. “I’ve stood in the shoes of the guys fitting these,” he says. “That’s why this works.”

Solving a known problem Dave says many traditional lantern systems leave behind what the industry dubs an “internal shelf”, a ledge inside the roof space that not only demands additional sealing, trims and labour but also gathers dust, cobwebs, and frustration. The firm’s system is the only one, they claim, that eliminates this shelf entirely by running flush down to the internal upstand. Plasterboard finishes directly to the edge, streamlining installation and sidestepping common homeowner complaints.

It’s not just tidier—it’s faster. A patented “click system” enables the roof to come together more rapidly than any comparable product, reducing both time on site and labour costs. “It’s every builder’s dream,” he says. “No extra trims, no extra mess.”

NewPlas offers aluminium-framed kits in three standard colours—grey, white, and black—with the option of bespoke finishes.

Structural stability means sizes can scale up to three metres by 2.5 metres with just four panes of glass. Yet equally, they’ve delivered lanterns as small as 500mm square, tapping into demand for porch-sized installations as homeowners opt for subtle upgrades over full extensions.

Builders and fitters alike are drawn to the system’s flexibility—and its turnaround time. With orders fulfilled in as little as a week, the company positions itself not just as a product supplier, but as an agile partner for tradespeople under pressure.

Targeting two markets The business serves two distinct customer profiles. Lanterns are largely the domain of builders and joiners engaged in flat-roof extensions—tradespeople who often subcontract specialist fitters for final installations. Meanwhile, warm roofs—a growing category in their own right—are almost entirely handled by window companies and dedicated installers.

“The warm roof is more PVC world,” he explains. “Builders won’t touch it. But for window companies upgrading conservatories, it’s perfect.”

While not a cheaper route for groundup extensions, warm roofs offer a shortcut to value. Designed to retrofit onto existing conservatory frames, they deliver the thermal performance and solid feel of a traditional extension—without the need for new foundations. As such, they appeal directly to homeowners looking to upgrade outdated, uncomfortable conservatories.

Moreover, certification ensures that the transformation is recognised on paper. “It turns the conservatory into an extension in the eyes of valuers,” he notes, which has not gone unnoticed by clients keen to boost resale value.

The builder’s perspective Dave sees his personal history as key to NewPlas’s success. With 25 years of building experience, including hands-on fitting, he brings a practical lens to product development. That credibility resonates with trade customers. “I’ve had Mrs Smith pointing up asking how we’re going to finish it. I’ve been there,” he says. “That’s why we built this system with Guardian.”

Unlike many competitors who supply only part of the package, this firm offers full kits tailored to a customer’s measurements.

While they don’t sell windows and doors, they can recommend partners in areas where they have established networks.

Looking ahead As legacy systems stagnate, interest in this firm’s roofing solutions is growing— particularly among tradespeople seeking to differentiate themselves or simplify workflows. “Every time we get someone on board, they stick with us,” he says. “Because it’s that different.”

The market for flat-roof extensions and conservatory upgrades is evolving, and this builder-turned-supplier is carving out a clear niche. In a sector where minor details often define competition, solving a longstanding installation problem has proved a decisive edge.

Mob: 07973 529 499 E: dave@newplasroofingsystems.co.uk www.newplasroofingsystems.co.uk

90 | glazed extensions | may 2025

Frustrating delays, rising costs, and compliance chaos—hup! slices through it all with revolutionary speed, style, and substance

Raising the bar for home extensions W ith installers of glazed extension becoming all too familiar with delays, spiralling costs and complex compliance hurdles, hup! is positioning itself as a gamechanger.

Developed by Ultraframe, the advanced hup! building system is raising the bar for domestic construction, offering a faster, greener and more streamlined alternative that integrates structural performance with regulatory simplicity.

Composed of patented Ultrapanel technology, the hup! system replaces traditional brickwork with precision-engineered panels that are five times more energy efficient than the average UK home. This enables projects to be completed up to five times faster than conventional builds, with one case study showing watertight completion in as little as five days—even during torrential winter rain in Lancashire.

These advances are more than engineering triumphs. For installers, hup! offers a chance to complete up to 30% more projects annually, driven by a system designed for single-team assembly without the need for bricklayers. For homeowners, it means less disruption, cleaner sites, and greater design flexibility.

Tailored to exact specifications The system’s compatibility with a range of Ultraframe roofs, wall finish (brick slips, brick mesh, cladding, or render) and window or door configuration means each project can be tailored to exact specifications.

Ultraframe have also just announced the launch of their new brick slip rail solution to make brick slips easier and faster, giving homeowners the ability to brick match.

This level of personalisation, coupled with regulatory simplicity, positions hup! as a highly versatile solution for contemporary housing needs. hup! extensions are ideal for both new builds and the transformation of outdated conservatories into modern, usable spaces.

Sustainability is another cornerstone of the hup! proposition. The system is 60% more carbon efficient to manufacture than brick, generates zero waste during production and installation, and uses minimal water on-site. Its BBA-approved status and full compliance with Building Regulations, including pre-approval from networks such as Stroma, MFA, and Assent, streamline the regulatory process—an often painful hurdle in traditional construction. hup! projects exceed Part L requirements with walls offering

U-values of 0.17 W/m²K and roofs as low as 0.12 W/m²K. Installers also benefit from the hup! Base, a pre-fabricated steel foundation compatible with both concrete pads and ground screws.

This further brings speed and simplicity, eliminates the need for heavy excavation or heavy machinery and is suitable for most site conditions. Featuring 100mm PIR, the hup! Base is highly energy efficient as you would expect from hup!, with a U-Value of just 0.18 w/m2K, and is fully Building Regulation compliant. Red tape is made easier as the system has been pre-approved for speedy approval by Stroma. The new hup!

Base brings predictability to the base element of a hup! build and further speeds up the completion time for the overall project.

With its simplified construction method, hup! can be deployed on existing dwarf walls, further reducing time, cost and environmental impact. The lightweight panels minimise site disruption, preserving garden landscapes and eliminating the need for skips or heavy groundwork.

As traditional construction faces increasing scrutiny over environmental impact, cost overruns and timelines, hup! presents a compelling alternative. By uniting off-site manufacturing with on-site simplicity, Ultraframe may have achieved what many in the industry have long sought: a smarter, faster, and greener way to build.

Predictable pricing is another advantage to hup!. All components are prefabricated to exact specifications, hup! materials come with fixed costs, shielding contractors and

homeowners from fluctuating material prices—a growing concern in a volatile market.

Windows and doors can be ordered alongside walls and roofing elements, streamlining procurement and planning.

Ultraframe have recently launched its new and improvements hup! Partner Network which has features which further support customers with access to leads, their own websites, appointment booking services, training, referral schemes, and sales incentives. hup! provides marketing and technical support to help customers promote showcase the product’s benefits in showrooms and online via a suite of digital tools, from 360-degree, online configurator, ready-made marketing materials, personalised brochures, and a sales kiosk interface.

Dedicated technical support Technical support is comprehensive.

Ultraframe offers detailed installation videos, on-site guidance for first-time hup! builders, and a responsive helpdesk. For complex projects, structural calculations are automatically integrated within the hup! software, ensuring compliance and simplifying project management. The implications could be profound. If adopted at scale, hup! could redefine expectations for home extensions in the UK, reshaping how homeowners think about adding space—and how installers deliver it. Its combination of technical precision, design flexibility, and operational efficiency suggests that hup! is not just a product, but a platform for the future of domestic construction.

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92 | glazed extensions | may 2025

Mark Osborne, MD of Country Hardwood, discusses the increasing popularity of hybrid roof lanterns that combine aluminium with timber

The rising popularity of hybrid roof lanterns I n an architectural landscape dominated by aluminium roof lanterns, a sophisticated alternative is gaining momentum among specifiers and installers. Hybrid timber roof lanterns, which combine the weathering properties of aluminium with the timeless appeal of natural hardwood, offer a premium solution that’s transforming both heritage properties and contemporary developments across the UK. At Country Hardwood, we’re specialists in bespoke timber joinery, so you can expect us to be singing the praises of hardwood and the beauty it brings to any build. However, the growing demand for hybrid roof lanterns suggests that professionals nationwide are increasingly recognising that hybrid systems offer the best of both worlds – the external durability of aluminium with the internal warmth and character that only genuine timber can provide.

Efficiency by design: timber & aluminium There’s no denying that roof lanterns create a truly stunning visual impact.

Traditional windows can only do so much to illuminate internal spaces, but roof lanterns transform rooms, flooding them with natural light.

While aluminium roof lanterns have their place, at Country Hardwood we’re seeing growing demand for products that deliver both performance and aesthetics.

Hybrid timber lanterns represent a perfect marriage of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering – and that’s exactly what we do best at Country Hardwood.

What sets our hybrid lanterns apart is the attention to detail. We work with only the finest grade Sapele or Oak, and every timber component is precision-engineered to ensure lasting beauty.

There’s often an assumption that timber products can’t match the thermal

performance of aluminium. But our hybrid designs dispel this misconception.

The combination of highly engineered timber components with modern glazing technology delivers exceptional thermal efficiency in a time where heating costs are at the forefront of homeowners’ minds.

Our aluminium capping system ensures superior weatherproofing, and our lanterns reach U-values as low as 1.6 W/m2K, thanks to high-performance glazing (including options for solar control or toughened glass). The result is a roof lantern that looks exceptional and performs year-round.

Architects and developers have found that these hybrid roof lanterns solutions are particularly effective in larger spaces, where timber’s natural appearance can help maintain a sense of warmth even when used as a grand architectural focal point. Whether installed in orangeries, conservatories or garden rooms, they create an immediate impression while providing practical benefits like improved natural lighting and thermal efficiency.

The versatility of these designs makes them suitable for both period properties and contemporary homes. The internal timber framework can be finished in virtually any colour or stain, allowing perfect coordination with existing interior schemes, while the external aluminium components provide reliable protection against the elements.

But Country Hardwood’s lanterns aren’t

just designed for beauty and performance – they’re designed for practicality as well.

Roof lanterns reimagined At Country Hardwood, we take pride in making the lives of our customers as easy as possible.

While we offer a 4-6 week lead time as standard for our lanterns, we always do our best to accommodate more time-critical orders where possible to keep projects running smoothly.

Additionally, our roof lanterns have been designed for stress-free installation. The installation process has been streamlined with a simple clip-together design and fewer screws. This means installers spend less time on site and achieve a cleaner finish while maintaining the high-end look customers expect. It’s a practical example of how traditional timber products can be adapted to meet modern installation needs.

As architects and trade professionals increasingly seek solutions that offer both style and substance, hybrid timber roof lanterns prove that traditional materials still have an essential role in modern architecture.

At Country Hardwood we’re predicting that, if the last few years are anything to go by, the popularity of hybrid timberaluminium roof lanterns will go from strength to strength.

E: sales@countryhardwood.co.uk

94 | glazed extensions | may 2025

Smart innovation, timeless appeal – SupaLite’s roofing system redefines comfort, style, and functionality for modern conservatories

Turning conservatories into year-round havens A s a leader in the conservatory and roofing market, SupaLite has consistently delivered high-quality, innovative solutions for their trade partners. Renowned for their SupaLite Tiled Roof System, introduced to the UK market in 2012, SupaLite has helped thousands of homeowners transform their conservatories into comfortable, all-year-round living spaces. It’s the perfect solution for replacement conservatory roofs, extensions or new build applications.

One of the best on the market This remarkable system provides installers with a lightweight, easy-toinstall and desirable solid roof which fits onto the existing conservatory window frame, eliminating the dramatic changes in temperature seen in traditional conservatories.

Offering exceptional thermal performance, the SupaLite Tiled Roof achieves a u-value of 0.15 as standard, which can be improved to 0.12 with a slight upgrade – to achieve building regulations in Scotland and Wales.

The system’s design simplifies the installation process, allowing for quicker completion times and potentially higher profit margins. The SupaLite system is available with Tapco Slate or with ExtraLight tiles, making it seven times lighter than traditional roofing materials and five times faster to install!

The system is also fully tested and accredited for building regulations approval and can be delivered across the UK within 7 days. It is an ideal solution for homeowners looking for a quality roof upgrade that is built to last.

S1 Roof Lantern – the UK’s most secure lantern; the S2 Conservatory Roof – expertly designed to maximise natural light and thermal efficiency; the ILite Flat Roof Orangery System - one of the strongest, most durable and thermally efficient systems on the market; and SkyEdge – a market-leading rooflight ideal for both domestic and commercial applications.

Innovative solutions For customers looking to bring in natural light without compromising insulation, SupaLite offers the innovative SkyVista Glass Panel – perfect for combining with the SupaLite Tiled Roof. This glass unit, fixed in an aluminium frame, enhances natural light while maintaining structural and thermal performance. The Double SkyVista option seamlessly combines two panels into one unit - making it even easier to install.

SupaLite also offers the SkyVista Glow - a specialist glazing unit with a conductive coating that generates heat when powered by an electrical current.

In addition to the SupaLite Tiled Roof System, the product range features the

SupaLite training tailored to you SupaLite’s training centre, located in the heart of Preston, features a showroom, alongside a classroom for sales and surveyor training, and a demonstration area which will allow installers, old and new, to assemble a range of SupaLite products.

Designed to enhance your skills and expertise, their experts provide handson, comprehensive training on the latest SupaLite products and installation techniques, giving installers an opportunity to build and break down a SupaLite roof.

This ensures their trade partners remain leaders in the industry, dedicated to quality installations and delivering exceptional customer experiences every step of the way.

One of SupaLite’s installers recently attended a training session hosted by SupaLite’s Technical Manager, Sean Blakesley; ‘’It was a great opportunity to gain valuable insight into the scale of SupaLite’s operation and to meet some of the key figures behind the scenes. We were able to talk through some of the new products SupaLite are offering with the knowledgeable Sean and were made to feel at home from the outset.

Billy, one of our fitters who’s been installing SupaLite roofs for over five years, walked away from the training with a newfound confidence in both his ability and the product, having seen and discussed some of the nuances of the SupaLite System at the training facility with Sean.

We would thoroughly recommend the training for any company or individual who are considering or starting to install SupaLite products.’’

Why choose SupaLite What sets SupaLite apart is their installerfirst approach. Installers work directly with the manufacturer, streamlining the process and ensuring faster, smoother installations from start to finish.

With SupaLite, you’re not only investing in products that are reliable, and deliver outstanding results, you’re also partnering with a team who are passionate about supporting your business.

Contact their team today on 01772 828060 to learn more about how SupaLite can elevate your projects and help drive your success.

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96 | glazed extensions | may 2025

Bold debut, sharp design, and big ambition - UK Rooflights commands attention at FIT Show 2025 with effortless confidence

UK Rooflights makes bold FIT Show debut U K Rooflights has made a bold entrance into the UK glazing sector, using the high-profile stage of the FIT Show 2025 to mark its official launch. The company unveiled a new collection of high-performance rooflight solutions, showcasing a commitment to energy efficiency, architectural minimalism and end-user functionality.

Held at Birmingham’s NEC from 29 April to 1 May, the exhibition provided a timely opportunity for the newcomer to introduce itself as part of the wider UKO Group.

For UK Rooflights, it offered a platform not only to unveil a fully developed product range but also to signal its intention to compete at the top tier of rooflight innovation.

Strategic introduction to a competitive market As a first-time exhibitor, UK Rooflights’ presence stood out. Sharing floor space with familiar brands under the UKO Group umbrella, the company used the exhibition to demonstrate its technical capabilities, manufacturing strengths and customerfocused approach. Speaking at the event, UK Rooflights Co-Owner Ella Glover reflected on the launch as a culmination of careful planning and a clear strategic vision.

“It’s been a great experience to share our new brand and see our products come together as a full collection at the FIT Show,” Ella said. “Even though we are still new to the scene, we were able to showcase our vast industry knowledge and get our name out there.”

Ella, who previously attended the event with another UKO Group business, UK Doors Online, described this year’s appearance as the company’s most successful yet.

The unified exhibition stand allowed UK Rooflights to position its offering alongside complementary group brands, reinforcing both product diversity and operational strength.

Product innovation meets market demand The central focus of UK Rooflights’ debut was its new range of rooflight solutions, developed in response to growing demand for energy-efficient, design-led glazing systems suitable for both residential and commercial applications. The product launch included three primary offerings: Flat Rooflights, Frameless Rooflights, and Roof Lanterns.

Flat Rooflights, available in both fixed and opening formats, feature slim aluminium frames, clean lines, and high-performance glazing. Designed to bring natural light into flat roof spaces, the rooflights prioritise aesthetics without compromising insulation or weather resistance. Visitors to the exhibition praised the range as “sleek” and “contemporary”, noting its suitability for kitchen extensions, office spaces and light wells.

The Frameless Rooflights were widely regarded as a standout element of the launch. With an ultra-slim profile and flush kerb installation, these units offer an uninterrupted view of the sky while maintaining thermal efficiency. Constructed to appear virtually frameless from the interior, they align with the growing trend toward minimalism in architectural design.

UK Rooflights also announced plans to introduce its own stepped timber kerb, enhancing installation efficiency and precision.

Completing the trio are Roof Lanterns, which bring height, natural light, and architectural interest to flat-roofed spaces.

These pitched structures combine slimline aluminium framing paired with advanced glazing technology, offering both visual impact and robust weatherproofing. Their marine-grade powder coating ensures long-term durability, while their clean geometry complements both classic and

contemporary aesthetics.

Built for performance, designed for simplicity Beyond the product aesthetics, UK Rooflights emphasised the performance and practicality of its designs. All rooflights are manufactured in the UK using premiumgrade materials and are equipped with features such as toughened safety glass, watertight seals, and security-rated options.

The full range includes a variety of standard sizes, with bespoke solutions available to meet project-specific requirements.

Installation considerations were also central to the product design, with several innovations aimed at simplifying the fitting process for professionals. According to the company, these details reflect a broader ethos: combining beauty and practicality to create products that serve both the installer and the end-user.

The positive reception at FIT Show 2025 has confirmed UK Rooflights’ readiness to operate at scale. While still new to the sector, the company has already positioned itself as a credible and competitive presence.

With a growing product roadmap and continued alignment with the wider UKO Group, UK Rooflights is expected to expand its influence across the market in the months ahead.

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98 | glazed extensions | may 2025

Brighten up living spaces with Brett Martin’s new pyramid roof lantern

S

pecialist daylight solutions manufacturer Brett Martin has introduced a new addition to its glass rooflight range, the Pyramid Roof Lantern. This square, four-pane solution is available in both standard and bespoke sizes, providing additional design options for projects where maximising natural light is a priority.

With an attractive slimline profile, the new Pyramid Roof Lantern allows focused even light to penetrate buildings, creating a striking focal point in any desired space.

The Pyramid Roof Lantern’s four standard sizes range from 1000mm x 1000mm, up to 2500mm x 2500mm, with a lead time of just three to five days.

The new addition adds to the existing range of four and six-pane rectangular roof lanterns as well as square, rectangular and circular flat glass rooflights, all of which are available with combinations of white, black or grey frames, inside and out. The glass can also be specified, with the options for clear or solar-control blue glass available for reduced solar gain and decreased internal temperature spikes.

As with the other products in the Brett Martin range, the Pyramid Roof Lantern is double glazed and complies with the guidance from the Rooflight Association

which recommends that a laminated inner pane should be the first choice for safety when specifying overhead glazing.

Tony Isaac, Sales Director at Brett Martin commented, “The launch of the new Pyramid Roof Lantern better enables us to help specifiers and installers to select the ideal roof lantern for their projects. Easy

to install, it can be fitted from the roof and requires minimal silicon use – only at the kerb. As such it provides a fast and stressfree daylighting solution to transform living areas.” www.brettmartin.com/daylight-systems/ our-products/glass-rooflights

Sheerline Bespoke shines at FIT Show with the innovative S3 roof system

S

heerline Bespoke had a debut to remember at this year’s FIT Show, with the aluminium manufacturer officially unveiling Sheerline’s innovative S3 Modern Single Pitch Lean To Roof System to widespread acclaim at the event.

Visitors were particularly drawn to the system’s fully suited design, exceptional thermal performance, and architectural looks.

The S3 showcases Sheerline’s commitment to engineering excellence with its Thermlock® technology delivering 230% better thermal insulation than a traditional conservatory roof.

Visitors were also impressed by the system’s modern look, featuring clean architectural lines with shallow external rafter caps and deep internal structural bars.

“The guttering has been a real point of interest,” noted Commercial Director Chris Cooke. “The fact it’s a fully suited design, with the frame matching the windows and doors, also really resonated with visitors.

“These are now referred to as glazed extensions rather than conservatories in the market, and the beauty of our S3 roof system

is that it will allow Sheerline fabricators to offer complete aluminium glazed extension kits that perfectly match so installers can remove an old conservatory, and the complete extension fits perfectly on the existing base.”

Operations Director Chris Baron added: “The modern look of the S3, coupled with

the fact there’s nothing like it currently available on the market, has really impressed people here.

“It was also fantastic to reconnect with familiar faces and meet potential new partners who recognise the value our installation-ready kits could bring to their businesses.”

Beyond the S3, the stand also featured the award-winning S1 Roof Lantern, recognised as one of the UK’s most secure lantern roofs, and showcased the company’s industry leading SheerVent® roof vent technology, available on all our S Series roofs, and arched frame capabilities.

As a new division of Sheerline, Sheerline Bespoke is positioned as a supplier of ready to install products that are quick and easy to fit for installers and a forward-thinking partner for fabricators who want to expand their product offerings without disrupting their core window and door production.

And the strong reception at FIT confirms suggests Sheerline Bespoke, like it’s new S3 roof, has been pitched just right.

T: 01332 978 070 E: sales@sheerlinebespoke.com

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100 | aluminium feature | may 2025

What will US tariffs do to the UK construction industry? Nigel Headford, Chief Executive, Council for Aluminium in Building reflects

‘

Tariffs mean certainty is in short supply U nprecedented’, ‘the end of globalisation’, ‘an economic nuclear winter’ – the language used to describe the introduction of sweeping tariffs by the Trump administration at the start of this month, are emotive. They aren’t, however, a surprise.

Donald Trump was elected on a mandate to drive economic change.

A shake-up of trading agreements, particularly with China and those countries seen to be aligned to or under its economic influence, was always on the cards.

The introduction of ‘reciprocal’ tariffs has nonetheless delivered a shock to the global economy and while the UK has escaped the brunt of Trump’s frustrations, the escalating trade war between the US, China and Europe, will have clear ramifications for the UK construction industry.

Certainty in short supply Construction thrives on certainty. It is clear, that against the wider economic backdrop, that that is in short supply.

At a headline level in the short-term project costs may increase, where products are being sourced globally. The flip side is that reduced demand in the US, particularly for Chinese products, may lead to an easing of material inflation in the medium term.

The bigger issue is confidence. Against the backdrop of an economic slowdown, investors may delay new projects, putting contractors and their supply chain under pressure.

It is also worth remembering that the latest round of US tariffs follow the 25% tariffs on aluminium imports into the US at the beginning of March.

This has prompted warnings from the Aluminium Federation (ALFED), that while on the one hand tariffs have slowed demand for aluminium into the US in general, they have also increased demand for aluminium scrap, which are exempt.

ALFED has warned that this could lead to a risk of domestic ‘leakage’ of scrap from the UK, something which could threaten the circular economy and the UK’s sustainability objectives.

It makes schemes like the CAB Closed-Loop Recycling Scheme, even more important. It supports industry sustainability by isolating waste streams so

the majority of building materials used in UK construction are sourced domestically (75%). Alongside the Government’s target of delivering 1.5million new homes by the end of the parliamentary term, there will be opportunities, as well as challenges.

We’re working with the aluminium building products and construction sectors to support CAB Members through what have been a challenging few months and to take advantage of market growth as it accelerates the second half of this year.

that higher value aluminium alloys used in construction are ring-fenced. This also means that manufacturers can command a higher price, from recycling specialists.

Putting concerns about the prospects for the global economy to one side, a glimmer of hope may be that the swirling economic headwinds created by US increase pressure on the Bank of England to lower interest rates. This is something which could deliver a little more energy to a still challenging home improvement market.

It’s also important to remember that

Technical conference This includes our Technical Conference which was held at the University of Loughborough on 15th May. It includesd technical updates on regulatory change, sustainability and the application of software innovations including the use of virtual reality tools and AI in the built environment.

We’ll continue to do what we do best as an industry. That is to continue to show resilience, continue to innovate and to deliver sustainable building products as partners to the construction industry.

For more information visit www.c-a-b. org.uk. email enquiries@c-a-b.org.uk or call the team on 01453 828851.

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104 | aluminium feature | may 2025

Second hand machinery can still deliver top performance according to Emmegi UK’s Operations Manager Wayne Hunter

Used machinery still delivers performance W hen it comes to investing in a new CNC or saw, second hand really doesn’t have to mean second best. Our in-house machine refurbishment programme offers fabricators a practical and cost-effective route to Emmegi machinery ownership and has the advantage that it is a sustainable option as well.

When we take a machine in for refurbishment, it undergoes a complete overhaul by our engineering team that takes anything from 4 to 6 weeks. We start with a thorough clean and a full visual and mechanical inspection, before we even connect the power and check the working condition.

Then, any spare parts required are ordered, and we carry out a deep clean before the machine is repainted and the spare parts refitted. Our engineers test and calibrate the machine before despatch, and it is the technician carrying out the installation who will usually carry out the final test in our factory.

There are lots of elements to our service that I think set machines refurbished by Emmegi (UK) apart from the rest – not least the fact that we almost invariably offer a warranty because we have such confidence in the quality of the work we do.

For instance, our specialist engineers are

BEFORE

dedicated to Emmegi machines, and have all received training at Emmegi HQ in Italy, so they know all our models inside out. They also have access to machine diagnostics and updates direct from HQ, which more generalist suppliers don’t have, and we can obviously guarantee that all the spare parts we supply are original and genuine.

AFTER And crucially, our team also have direct access to the very latest the sustainability commitments made by Emmegi software, so they can Emmegi (UK) as part of the Voilap group. update and upgrade older machines so that Together, we are on a journey towards net when they are sold, they are arguably even zero carbon, and, alongside things like 100% better than they were when they are new. renewable energy at our European plants To give a couple of examples. We recently and sustainable packaging, reducing waste supplied a refurbished Phantomatic T3A is central to that. machine to PAS (Premier Aluminium The good news is that by refurbishing Solutions) in Wallasey to replace a trusty rather than scrapping machines, Emmegi Phantomatic T4 that had given them many (UK) saved more than 8 tonnes of material years of reliable service. We upgraded the waste last year – and gave all those saws and original software on the T3A so that it can CNCs a new lease of life. now accommodate an external software link Because Emmegi products are built to and a bar code scanner for the first time. last, and fabricators with space often keep And for Kyrus in Telford we supplied a their existing machines for additional fully refurbished Radial double mitre capacity when they buy a new one, we saw to give them the additional don’t have a huge supply of previously used cutting capability they needed, machines, but our sales team always have up and saved them from to date information on incoming stock and having to buy a brand can advise on pricing and availability. new machine.

This type of machine Tel: 02476 676192 refurbishment is very www.emmegi.com/en/home much in line with

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106 | aluminium feature | may 2025

Boldly engineered and precisely tailored, Metal Technology reshapes modern architecture with sleek, sustainable trusted glazing solutions

Solutions to reshape modern architecture S ince 1985, Metal Technology has been defining spaces through its architectural glazing solutions and has grown to become one of the UK and Ireland’s leading designers and suppliers of bespoke aluminium window, door, curtain wall and solar shading systems for commercial and residential applications. Committed to excellence in all aspects of sustainable product design, customer service and technical support, the company has become a trusted partner of fabricators, developers, contractors and architects.

Building a sustainable future Metal Technology is committed to making a positive impact on the environment through its responsible business practices and achieved Platinum status in the 2024 Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey and was placed in the list of Top 40 performers.

Metal Technology recently added to its suite of Passive House products, with the launch of its Passive House Door; the company invested in its third solar installation; purchased three new electric forklifts; installed full LED lighting upgrades to all offices and signed a new contract for purchased energy from renewable sources, bringing Metal Technology’s overall sustainable investment to circa £400,000. Dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint, Metal Technology is committed to reducing its scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, as well as measuring and reducing its scope 3 GHG emissions. Metal Technology is also certified to BES6001 for responsible sourcing of construction products and through its ISO14001 environmental quality accreditation, the company has been able to reduce the impact of its operations on the RVC Student Learning Centre

environment year on year.

Product range: Metal Technology’s product portfolio encompasses over 30 window, door, curtain walling, brise soleil and louvre systems. Its Thermally Enhanced (Hi+) portfolio offers the designer a wide and diverse choice of profiles that provide structural integrity, weather performance, thermal enhancement and security.

The introduction of its new Passive House range is further testament of Metal Technology’s commitment to the built environment. System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling, System 5-45 Hi+ Window and System 5-35D Hi+ Door have been certified by the Passive House Institute (PHI). Further Passive House products are under development as Metal Technology continues its drive to reduce its carbon footprint on the road to Net Zero.

Projects: Metal Technology has vast experience of providing fenestration solutions throughout the UK for the commercial, education, healthcare, leisure, retail and residential sectors.

Contracted for many commercial and residential schemes throughout the UK, Metal Technology has supplied its architectural glazing systems for impressive developments such as CABI’s stunning low energy headquarters in Wallingford; the award-winning CDE Global Headquarters in Cookstown; the Halo Enterprise and Innovation Centre (HEIC), part of the £63m brownfield urban regeneration project by HALO Urban

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Regeneration Company; Moda Holland Park, the striking Build to Rent (BtR) development in Glasgow; The Interchange residential development at the new, state-of-the-art Stockport Interchange; The Keep in Belfast city centre, a major refurbishment scheme of an existing 70,000 ft² premium commercial site, which now accommodates high value brand retail suppliers such as Apple, H&M and Deichmann.

Metal Technology has applied its expertise in close collaboration with designers to deliver financially economic yet technically robust solutions for the healthcare sector.

The company supplied its high performance glazing systems for the National Treatment Centre for NHS Highland - an ‘exemplar’ healthcare facility for ophthalmology and orthopaedic surgery in Inverness, and for the prestigious, £233m Baird Family Hospital and The ANCHOR Centre in Aberdeen for NHS Grampian.

Metal Technology has vast experience within the education sector, providing fenestration solutions for universities, colleges, schools and student accommodation developments throughout the UK. Recent education facilities include the striking new Student Learning Centre at the Royal Veterinary College’s Hawkshead Campus, the innovative new East Calder Primary in Scotland and the new £40m Causeway Campus at Northern Regional College in Northern Ireland. Metal Technology’s high-performance

may 2025 | aluminium feature | 107 glazing systems have been installed in a number of recently completed, impressive student accommodation projects, including Tribeka Leeds, the former technology campus of Leeds University and Bottleworks in Co. Cork, Ireland, bringing fantastic student living to these cities. In Belfast, Northern Ireland, two major student accommodation schemes opened for the new term in September 2024 - The Edge located on York Street and the prestigious Nelson Place - the city’s largest, purpose built student accommodation scheme to date.

Passive House solutions Metal Technology is leading the way in Passive House education, with its Passive House certified systems being specified to assist in providing the overall requirement of Passive House criteria for a significant number of innovative and sustainable new education projects.

Metal Technology supplied its high performance glazing systems, including its Passive House systems, for St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School which caters for 2,700 pupils. Designed

by AHR Architects and delivered by BAM Construction for Fife Council, the £122m high school development is part of the impressive, super-sized Dunfermline Learning Campus, believed to be one of the world’s largest ever Passive House education projects at 26,666m2.

Designed by Hamilton Architects LLP and built by Tracey Brothers Ltd, Erne Campus at South West College in Enniskillen,

N. Ireland was the world’s first educational Passivhaus Premium building and the first non-domestic Passivhaus Premium in the UK. Metal Technology played an intrinsic role in the design process and Mullarkey Pedersen Architects were the lead Passivhaus design team on the project - the result is a world class, award-winning environmental building that is pushing the boundaries of sustainable design and energy efficient buildings. Metal Technology’s Passive House systems have also been installed in Scotland’s first Passivhaus Primary School, Riverside Primary School in North Perth which opened in June 2023 and in Montgomerie Park Primary School in Irvine, Scotland which opened August 2024.

Metal Technology’s Passive House products are currently being installed in further

education projects across Scotland which are due to open their doors this year: Currie Community High School in Edinburgh, East End Campus in Dundee, Monifieth Learning Campus in Angus and Perth High School.

These will be followed by recently secured projects at Paisley Community Campus, Wester Hailes High School and South and West Fife High School with installation values of over £10m.

Extending beyond the education sector, Metal Technology’s Passive House aluminium glazing systems are also being installed at the new, state-of-the-art Blairgowrie Recreation Centre, Scotland’s first Passive House leisure facility. www.metaltechnology.com/passive-house/

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108 | aluminium feature | may 2025

Sleek, resilient, and architecturally refined—Stellar Aluminium delivers elevated performance and style in this standout refurbishment

Stellar shines bright in Hertfordshire S tellar Aluminium has been selected for an impressive domestic refurbishment project in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, where its advanced system design and superior aesthetics delivered on both performance and visual expectations.

The windows were fabricated by longstanding Stellar Aluminium fabricator Capital Windows based in Uxbridge, and installed by Broadview Windows.

The project presented several aperture requirements including varied window configurations and a strict specification for premium visual finish. Trevor Logan, owner of Broadview Windows, collaborated closely with Capital Windows to meet these demands and ensure they successfully delivered the homeowner’s high-end vision.

Peter Adams, General Manager at Capital Windows, said: “The intelligent design of Stellar allows us to support our customers with a wide range of projects, from commercial and new build applications to luxury refurbishment modelling. This property is typical of the type of high-end domestic projects that Stellar can help our customers secure.”

Product assortment Capital Windows manufactured several Stellar Aluminium Flush Casement Windows, two Stellar Aluminium circular porthole style windows, a large set of Stellar Aluminium Tilt and Turn Windows, several large fixed panes and a large Stellar shaped window.

For visual distinction and enhanced kerb appeal, two different finishes were applied.

The front elevation was specified in Agate Grey to complement its crisp white render, while the rear utilised Anthracite Grey for a modern, understated look.

Peter commented: “The choice of colours from Stellar is exceptional and the fact they have an in-house paint plant and use QUALICOAT Seaside specification as standard means we know the products will have an exceptional surface finish and longevity.”

The project was completed to schedule and installer Trevor Logan is delighted with the results. He said: “Using different colours on each elevation has given the property a truly distinctive character. The contrast enhances both the modern and traditional elements of the design, and the result is superb. Stellar Aluminium has more than delivered the premium finish we set out to achieve.”

Established in 1979, Capital Windows

works across both domestic and commercial sectors, and is a reliable, flexible and highly experienced trade manufacturer of aluminium windows and doors.

Broadview Windows Ltd was established in 1997 and supplies and installs windows, doors and conservatories in and around Hertfordshire. The company is renowned for its superior workmanship and high level of care.

Stellar Aluminium is the award-winning aluminium system that is setting new standards for the sector. It features intelligent

innovations that make it easier to fabricate and install, while its aesthetic appeal is second to none. The system is Part L compliant as standard for both new builds and existing buildings, giving it huge appeal across both domestic and commercial sectors.

Peter concluded: “Stellar’s ease of manufacture and impressive thermal efficiency gives us a whole house window and door solution that adds value to our offer.”

Tel: 0845 300 9356 E: talk@stellaraluminium.co.uk

110 | product testing | may 2025

BFRC has maintained its 20-year leadership in energy certification by evolving its services to meet industry demands

How BFRC is evolving with the market F or over 20 years, BFRC has been the leading provider of window and door energy rating certificates in the UK. Here, Richard Sellman, BFRC Manging Director, discusses how their evolution of services has helped them maintain that position.

Tougher standards and legislation have continued to challenge fabricators to continually evolve and improve their products at point of manufacture. But increasingly, there is the need for those products to not only meet these standards straight off the production line, but to also to maintain them for their expected service life.

For the past 18 months, we’ve embarked on a strategic investment programme to extend the scope of our services. As well as continuing to promote best practice to our existing members, our extended offering, underpinned by The BFRC Difference, means we can support the wider industry, collaborating with those manufacturers striving to do the right thing and help them in any way we can.

Certification services BFRC now offers an extended range of certification services, which includes the following: • U-value Scheme • BS EN 12150 – Toughened Glass • BS EN 1279 – Insulating Glass Units (IGU) • BS EN 14351 – Panic Doors • PAS 24 – Enhanced Security

about buildings: Code of Practice. Many tenders now require proof of barrier testing to confirm their safety and suitability. BFRC offers a comprehensive testing regime, which includes the following: • Pre-installation Testing (in our laboratory) • Site Testing • Site Safety Checks • Full Independent Reports

Testing services On-site testing BFRC is now able to offer on-site testing to determine the current performance of IGUs in a building and likely remaining life span in order to support planned maintenance and replacement programmes for building management and FMs. CWCT testing The Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT) standards for systemised building envelopes, TN41, BS EN 13051:2001, and the NHBC Chapter 6.9, S17 and S18, provide vital guidelines for modern buildings, particularly those with complex cladding and glazing systems.

CWCT testing (hose and spray bar) is an effective method to check that the building envelope performs as expected. And are widely recognised as a regular requirement for warranties.

On-site CWCT testing evaluates the ability of cladding, curtain walls and window systems to resist water penetration under simulated weather conditions. This testing helps identify any construction or design issues early in the build process. It is also crucial for identifying and addressing water ingress issues in live buildings.

Barrier testing services Barriers are designed to protect people from accidental falls from height in both domestic and commercial settings.

We test barriers to BS 6180:2011 – Barriers in and

These services are available for both domestic and commercial barriers.

All monitoring of deflections and loads is carried out using calibrated equipment, ensuring high accuracy. This guarantees that no data is overlooked and that reports can be provided to the client promptly.

Laboratory testing At our Telford laboratory, we offer the following testing services: • EN 1279-6 – Periodic test - Gas concentration before and after the periodic test - UV fogging • PAS 24 R&D • Analytical Services – Identifying unknown contaminants within IGUs • U-values of windows and doors The BFRC difference Supporting the drive to raise industry standards is at the heart of everything the BFRC does, and all of our new testing and certification offerings are underpinned by The BFRC Difference. It’s a tough market with constantly changing legislation that is only set to get stronger and more onerous.

Our highly experienced BFRC team is prepared to go the extra mile. We aim to be helpful and accommodate our customers’ needs, while at the same time delivering a professional, timely and reliable service.

We’re committed to exceeding the high standards our clients have come to expect and want to grow our reputation as a collaborative partner, on hand when needed to make testing and certification easier.

The expectations on product performance is shifting and is no longer just at point of manufacture. If you’re looking to do the right thing to ensure your customers are buying products that perform for their expected life cycle, then now is the time to contact BFRC. Tel: 0207 403 9200 E: enquiries@bfrc.org

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112 | product testing | may 2025

Security redefined: heritage style meets modern standards as ERA cracks the code on PAS 24 for sash windows

PAS 24 breakthrough for heritage sliding sash P

AS 24 accreditation has long been recognised as the benchmark for security excellence, but it has traditionally been challenging to achieve for heritage sliding sash windows. Thanks to a unique industry collaboration involving ERA and its UKAS accredited test house, that’s no longer the case. Cheryl Varley, Key Account Manager from ERA tells us more.

In the years since its introduction in 1999, there have been regular changes to the PAS 24 standard to ensure it encompasses developments in modern technology and new methods of attack used by criminals to gain unauthorised access to properties.

PAS 24 accreditation is awarded on the performance of the overall window or doorset, with specific elements undergoing testing as part of the assessment process, such as hardware and glass.

Why is PAS 24 accreditation important?

As of 2015, Approved Document Q of England and Wales’ Building Regulations, which is concerned with security in new dwellings, states that all new build properties should be able to “resist unauthorised access to any dwelling; and any part of a building from which access can be gained to a flat within the building”.

Therefore, doorsets and windows used in new builds must adhere to PAS 24:2022 or an equivalent standard.

It is also important when aiming to achieve other respected industry accreditations, such as Secured by Design (SBD); the official police security scheme that aims to improve building security through its Police Preferred Specification accreditation, which recognises products that can deter and reduce criminal activity.

To achieve an SBD accreditation, it is essential that doors and windows have been certified to the PAS 24:2022 standard.

How is a window tested to PAS 24?

Specific tests are carried out as part of PAS 24. For windows, this includes a glazing test, mechanical load test, manual attack test and a weather resistance test. The PAS 24 test for doorsets includes all of these tests aside from the glazing test, with the addition of a solid impact test and a hard impact test.

ERA and PAS 24:2022 testing Based at its West Midlands head office, ERA’s independent UKAS accredited test house is fully equipped to test windows and doors to a range of latest industry standards.

Its team of experienced engineers can test a variety of casement and sash windows, and single and double doors to British Standards, providing window and door manufacturers with an indicative or full UKAS accredited report, depending on their requirements.

As part of this, the test house is approved to test windows and doorsets to PAS 24:2022, and many customers have utilised the test house to demonstrate their windows or doorsets security and weather resistance, in line with the standard.

A case in point: Accoya® heritage sliding sash window The ERA test house was home to an industry-first test success in November 2024, when, as part of a consortium of stakeholders including Midland Joinery and SD Hardware, it supported Accsys in the testing of its Accoya® heritage sliding sash window to the PAS 24:2022 standard.

The window, featuring slimline glazing bars and a 44mm thick sash, is the first of its kind to meet the requirements of the standard. Developed in partnership with Midland Joinery and SD Hardware, the window withstands the newest methods of attack used by criminals including barging, kicking, prising and manipulation with common hand tools, which are replicated during the PAS 24:2022 test.

An industry-first The certification of the Accoya® heritage sliding sash window is the result of a unique partnership and the shared expertise of each specialist involved in the making of an ultrareliable and secure window.

This includes the timber supplier Accsys, the hardware manufacturer ERA, the hardware supplier SD Hardware, and the joiner, Midland Joinery.

The innovative window design is made with Accoya ® which is a famously high quality, rot-resistant timber. Tested in many different environments all over the world, with many of those conducted in real life conditions over multiple years, this type of timber offers unprecedented reliability. It is trusted to not visibly swell, shrink, or distort, and is highly durable in any climate.

The window also features high performance hardware, engineered by

ERA, including a High Security Classic Cam Lock, which was designed to offer premium security for vertical sliding windows. Its combination of six fixing points, a stainless steel keep faceplate and a forged cam provide increased resistance to physical attack.

In addition, the window uses ERA’s trusted and durable Sash Lifts and Constant Force Balances, all supplied by SD Hardware, a sash and door hardware specialist, based in Cornwall.

Mike Lewis, Technical Sales Manager at Accoya UK and Ireland, comments: “We’re thrilled that our Accoya sliding sash window has successfully passed this rigorous security test. Thanks to Accsys, Midland Joinery, SD Hardware and ERA, homeowners will know that their homes are equipped with some of the most secure timber windows available on the market.”

As standards and certifications like PAS 24 continue to evolve and become more stringent, it’s more important than ever for window and door manufacturers to collaborate with experienced supply chain partners which can support and add value in this area.

This groundbreaking heritage window test success is a strong example of how the right supply chain partners with industry-leading technical expertise and facilities can help window and door manufacturers to achieve compliance, meet customer expectations and maximise sales opportunities.

To learn more: https://www.accoya.com/uk/accoyasash-window-pas242022/ www.eraeverywhere.com

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114 | product testing | may 2025

Doors can’t defy physics, yet some manufacturers make impossible thermal efficiency claims - and it’s putting your business at risk

Exposing the door industry’s dirty secret I t doesn’t take a physicist to understand that a door with a 44mm slab cannot have the same thermal performance as a door that is 60% thicker. Yet this is exactly what some manufacturers are alleging, says Apeer’s CEO Asa McGillian: “Let’s cut to the chase, some fabricators are fabricating the truth. They’re lumping all their products under a single compliance certificate that applies to just one tested door and selling subpar doors as ‘compliant’ to unsuspecting installers and homeowners.

It’s like claiming a Ford Fiesta has the same performance as a Ferrari because ‘it’s also a car.’

“It’s lazy, it’s disingenuous and quite frankly they’re taking the professionals in this industry for mugs. And if these unscrupulous manufacturers think those of us who have invested so much time, money and expertise in our craft are going to turn a blind eye they are very sorely mistaken.”

What is being incorrectly claimed?

With rising energy bills and stricter building regulations, homeowners care more than ever about thermal efficiency and U-values have become a key selling point. Yet when some manufacturers take one door from their range, get it tested, and then use that single test result to cover their entire product line, it’s a deliberate move to mislead customers.

“Some manufacturers claim their thinner, poorly insulated doors perform just as well as thicker, better insulated ones,” says Asa. “They have the audacity to claim that a hollow slab with zero insulation outperforms a high-density foam core door.

That’s not just misleading, it’s physically impossible. It’s like saying a single-pane window keeps heat in as well as triple glazing. It’s complete nonsense.”

Where is the proof?

Apeer decided to put its money where its mouth is. Rather than just shouting about the issue, they commissioned independent testing from two of the world’s most respected certification bodies – TUV Institute Rheinland and IFT Rosenheim.

And the results confirmed what many in the trade have long suspected. Not only were some manufacturers deliberately misleading customers, others had doors which weren’t even compliant at all.

“A competitor’s 70mm hollow monocoque door didn’t even meet the minimum required U-value of 1.4 W/m2K,”

says Asa. “That’s not just an exaggeration.

That’s a total failure.

“The TUV report gave us the thermal resistance data for 44mm foam filled, 48mm timber core, 70mm high density foam filled, 70mm hollow monocoque and 100mm high density foam filled slab. The results clearly showed a direct correlation between the thickness of the material, the type of material and the density of the material, of course, and proved that a 70mm high-density foam core is 3.5 times more thermally resistant than the timber core slab we had tested. Yet those false claims persist.

Why? Because without proper scrutiny, dishonest manufacturers get away with it.”

Why does it matter?

“If you’re fitting doors based on a bogus U-value claim then you’re putting your business at risk and, make no bones about it, you’ll be the one left dealing with the fallout,” Asa clarifies. “Manufacturers who bend the truth aren’t thinking about your business, your customers or your reputation. They’re thinking about their bottom line.

“When a homeowner realises their ‘energy-efficient’ door is anything but, your name will be the one dragged through the mud in online reviews. If trading standards or building control get involved, you could be forced to replace non-compliant doors out of your own pocket.

Fines, legal disputes and lost business opportunities aren’t just possibilities, they’re very real risks. If the door also fails to meet building regulations, who’s on the hook? Not the manufacturer. Not the smooth-talking sales rep. It’s you, the installer, who will be held responsible.”

What can you do to protect yourself and your business?

First off, if you’ve already been misled by false efficiency claims from a manufacturer, don’t stay quiet – report dishonest suppliers to trading standards, industry watchdogs and regulatory authorities.

“Never get sucked in by a slick sales pitch,” Asa advises.

“Instead demand real proof.

If a manufacturer claims a

door meets a specific U-value, insist on independent test reports for that exact model, not just a generic certificate.

“Verify any third-party certification too.

Only trust results from well-respected, independent bodies. If the data doesn’t come from a credible source, it’s worthless.

Be prepared to walk away if these proofs are not forthcoming, as that’s the only way to protect your business. Don’t risk your business on someone else’s lies.

“At Apeer we have the independently verified paperwork and rock-solid proof that our doors perform exactly as we say they do.

Can our competitors say the same? I doubt it. Because if they could, they would have done it by now.”

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116 | FIT Show review | may 2025

New releases for the British market

Cortizo drew visitors’ attention with the presentation of its high-performance systems and its wide range of patio door solutions at the FIT Show

C

ortizo left a distinctive mark at FIT Show 2025. Over the three days of the event, the stand of the Spanish multinational— with offices in Croydon and Leeds—received thousands of visitors who had the opportunity to see first-hand the quality of its products tailored to the British market.

The Bi-fold was one of the stand-out systems, of which the company presented a sleeker and more competitive version featuring a 100 mm interlock that maximises the glazed surface and improves the transmittance value.

Cortizo also showcased the Bi-fold Plus, an evolution of the traditional Bi-fold system, that stands for high performance (Uw ≥ 0.78 W/m²K), thanks to its 45 mm thermal break and a glazing of up to 48 mm. To ensure smooth sash movement, the system is equipped with a double bearing with a stabiliser, which helps distribute the weight, thus facilitating the opening and closing operations. In terms of manufacturing, it offers the possibility of inserted gaskets, reducing production time by 25%.

These high-performance patio door solutions were joined by the new 4600 Plus Lift & Slide system, ideal for harsh climates, with a Uw transmittance value from 0.65 W/m²K enhanced by its 80 mm deep sashes and the special insulating foams integrated into both the frame and the sash. “This system attracts attention because manufacturers often associate lift-and-slide doors with bulky profiles, and this time they have found a system with a slim 50 mm interlock and 120 mm perimeter sightlines, which maximises the glazed surface”, explains Manuel Mayo, sales representative for Scotland.

Straight lines and sleek profiles The exhibition also featured the 4700 sliding system, a competitive solution with straight lines and sleek profiles, notable for its sash dimensions of up to 3 metres high and 2.5 metres wide.

The multinational’s sliding door offering also included the Cor Vision and Cor Vision Plus, two sliding systems with modern aesthetics that remain on-trend within the British market. “The Cor Vision was our calling card when we entered the British market seven years ago. Later, it was joined by its younger sister, the Cor Vision Plus, and their minimalism continues to draw attention today thanks to their interlocks of just 20 and 25 mm”, says Martín Sanjurjo, sales representative for Northern UK. In addition to the evolution of established systems, the brand took advantage of its presence at Fit Show to present some of its latest launches aimed at the British market, such as the Millennium Wall, a modular fixed light and door solution designed for heavy foot traffic areas such as commercial premises, offices or education centres. This system, equipped with anti-finger trap solutions which ensure user safety, offers a Uw transmittance value from 1.1 W/m²K, thanks to its 38 mm thermal break in the fixed lights (35 mm for sashes) and a glazing capacity of up to 45 mm. In terms of aesthetics, the system stood out at FIT Show thanks to its Art Infinity pull handle, a

minimalist solution designed for high-traffic doors.

Likewise, visitors were also able to see Cortizo’s new Design 35 Screen & Internal Door, an industrial-style solution ideal for separating spaces while prioritising the entry of natural light. The system features fixed lights and single and French door possibilities, and offers the possibility of inserted gaskets in the profiles, streamlining manufacturing and installation times.

Rounded out with its hinged series The multinational’s product range was rounded out with its hinged series, among which the COR 70 Hidden Sash stood out, a 70 mm system that blends seamlessly into contemporary architectural designs, offering a clean and understated design. “Its hidden hinges and drainages, along with the Arch Invisible handle, make it look like a fixed system when, in fact, it’s an opening. It’s a window where everything is there, but nothing is visible”, explains Brais Lorenzo, Cortizo’s sales representative for Southern UK. The multinational also showcased the Casement system at FIT Show, a high-performance window available in both side hung and top hung opening options.

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118 | FIT Show 2025 review | may 2025

Ab Initio showcases market leading integrations at FIT Show 2025

M

arket leading CRM supplier Ab Initio celebrates its 30th anniversary by showcasing market leading integrations with at FIT Show – WhatsApp, Tommy Trinder, Windowlink and PricePoint – highlighting the collaborative flexibility which give AdminBase CRM users even greater competitive advantage.

The first of these integrations was an industry first – incorporating WhatsApp into its AdminBase system – a move that is already proving to be a game changer for installation businesses. Just like the SMS messaging facility the company has offered for several years, using WhatsApp in AdminBase centralises all messages sent and received via the messaging service.

With full connectivity, customer service personnel have access to the most up to date information on a customer or project at any one time, allowing them to respond to calls efficiently, and offer a more personal service.

“There’s a familiarity to WhatsApp that made visitors to our stand feel immediately comfortable and at ease during demonstrations,” said Ab Initio’s director Rhonda Ridge. “Effective communication is key in the sales process, and the WhatsApp integration brings all the different elements together in a way that everyone already uses every single day”.

Not content with one industry first integration, visitors to the stand were

also given insight into the benefits of Ab Initio’s second integration with the popular industry quotation software, Tommy Trinder. This integration enables users of the AdminBase CRM system to collate supplier information from different sources to produce one, simple professional quote.

“The Tommy Trinder addition makes it easy to tweak design choices to help close the sale sooner”, said Ab Initio’s founder and director Rhonda Ridge. “With a similar ethos of ease of use and helping customers to get ahead of the competition, Tommy Trinder is a great fit for AdminBase, and its popularity among visitors to the show was a real bonus when clarifying the overall commercial benefits of using the AdminBase CRM system.”

Integrations have clearly been the theme for Ab Initio, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary at the show. The company

announced yet another hook up with the established industry software expert, Windowlink.

“In 2022 we linked up with PricePoint, and the success of that set a precedent for collaborating with fenestration software providers who complement our drive for quality customer service and outstanding performance,” added Rhonda. “Our own customer base loves our different features – whether that is the ground breaking Taskboard card tool which helps them track sales, or our electronic signing features.

Whatever their preferences, the flexibility of AdminBase has grown exponentially to accommodate a wide range of preferences.”

Rhonda and her team are particularly excited to celebrate Ab Initio’s 30th anniversary in 2025.

“Considering how much technology has evolved, maintaining a marketleading position for 30 years is no small feat,” Rhonda said. “Our success is driven by the commitment and passion of our team, constantly improving AdminBase’s functionality and customer experience This has helped us stay ahead of the competition and continue to deliver an exceptional product that helps our customer’s run their own businesses.

This year’s FIT Show was an excellent opportunity to reconnect with our customers, old and new, through that more old fashioned of media – face to face.”

Safeware celebrates debut at FIT Show with industry-first products

H

ardware supplier Safeware celebrated its innovative solutions – and unique consultative approach – at its debut appearance at FIT Show 2025.

Commercial Director Rob Hartill said: “Our goal at FIT Show was to showcase the ‘Safeware experience’. We pride ourselves on taking a consultative approach to door and window hardware. We weren’t just there to sell products; we were there to understand attendees’ needs and recommend the hardware that would provide successful and cost-effective solutions. The positive feedback we received was a testament to our approach. Many visitors appreciated our genuine interest in their needs and the solutions we offered.”

Safeware took the opportunity to showcase a truly unique new combination at the show: the cutting-edge Yale SensCheck smart security system integrated into a Stellar Heritage aluminium window. This industry ‘first’ offers the seamless fusion of traditional aesthetics with contemporary smart technology. Rob commented:

“Showcasing the Yale SensCheck smart security system integrated into a Stellar Heritage aluminium window was a proud moment for me. It was exciting to see attendees interact with SensCheck and experience its discreet and effective security features after being so heavily involved in the development of the product.”

Also on display was the brand new Safeware 3* cylinder, which offers marketleading, ahead-of-its-time security.

Rob noted: “This high-quality door cylinder meets all the latest industry standards and features the revolutionary

ALPS (Always Locked Protection System) technology. ALPS technology provides unparalleled security by protecting against drilling, picking, bumping and snapping, as well as newer threats like twisting and thermal attacks. Seeing attendees’ reactions as they examined the cylinder and took home free samples was incredibly satisfying.”

Also showcased was the new premium bifold door handle, praised for its smooth operation, ergonomic design and durable finish. The handle’s sleek look adds a touch of elegance to any bifold door, and many attendees took the opportunity to feel the quality firsthand.

Rob said: “The positive feedback confirmed that this handle is set to become a favourite for fabricators and installers.”

Rob concluded: “FIT Show 2025 was a fantastic event, and we’re excited to build on the connections made. Thank you to everyone who visited us at stand F22 – it was great discussing how we can support your hardware needs. If you missed us, feel free to reach out for a product demo!”

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120 | FIT Show 2025 review | may 2025

Roseview brings colour, innovation and more to FIT show 2025

R

oseview Windows made a major impact at this year’s FIT Show, showcasing not only their market-leading sash windows but also the growing range of services that position them as more than just a window fabricator.

Headlining the stand was the new Emperor sash horn, a fully milled, seamless horn design exclusive to Ultimate Rose— Roseview’s most authentic heritage-style sash window. It’s the latest addition to their unique collection of traditional horn designs, all designed to replicate the fine detailing of original timber windows.

Also on display was Foilit, the foil lamination company Roseview acquired in 2023. Visitors saw four bespoke foiled sash windows, including three in bold decorative finishes and a fourth in Claystone, a subtle tone that Roseview is tipping as the next trending colour for sash windows.

But the surprise of the show was Roseview’s new range of matching foiled trims.

“Customers kept telling us how difficult it is to find trims to match our popular chalk white finish,” said Roseview director Mike Bygrave. “Some even said that it had stopped

them offering chalk white altogether. Thanks to Foilit, we’ve fixed that—now we can offer colour-matched trims in bar length with window orders, all delivered together.”

The new trim range includes chalk white, crystal white and white woodgrain options, in nine popular styles, all designed to complement Roseview’s window colours and streamline installation.

Mike continued: “We’ve been to every FIT Show, and this year’s was probably our best yet. Over the three days we spoke to hundreds of customers and companies looking to switch to a new sash window supplier. We also spoke to companies that used Roseview in the past, moved away and now want to move back, which is great to see.”

“We constantly innovate and improve

our product line, as demonstrated by our new Emperor sash horn. Our Incarnation secondary double glazing raised plenty of interest, as did our new brochure, range of marketing support and digital quoting options.“ “Visitors to our stand could see that we’re more than just the leading sash window fabricator; we offer the complete package.”

Morley Glass shines at FIT Show 2025 with high footfall and award win

T

he Morley Glass team is celebrating another successful presence at the FIT Show with strong footfall on its stand throughout the three-day

event.

The event provided the company with the opportunity to engage with an increasing number of installers seeking to unlock the benefits of partnering with a company which is uniquely positioned to provide the widest possible range of premium quality ScreenLine® integral blinds, including many exclusive systems.

Repeating its success exhibiting at previous shows, the company’s stand attracted thousands of visitors this year thanks to a variety of eye-catching displays, including a large gable end window featuring Uni-Blinds® MB System brushlessmotorised integral blinds programmed to move elegantly in sequence. Such was the impact of Morley Glass’s marketing campaign ahead of the show that the company also won the FIT Show organisers’ award for driving and converting the most visitors to the event, including through offering free VIP tickets.

The bright, spacious stand was carefully designed to showcase the complete Morley Glass range, providing inspiration for anyone considering adding integral blinds and switchable smart glass to their portfolio

for the first time, or installers looking to expand their offering.

The company displayed several of its latest innovations, including the ScreenLine® Wave integral blind. This is a brand new type of integral blind which uses an ultra-thin polyester film created in a horizontal wave pattern, rather than fabric as used in pleated integral blinds. It is motorised to offer total convenience and there is the option of a blackout blind too.

Another newcomer which sparked interest from a number of visitors was one of the new colours developed for the slimline SL16 Venetian integral blind, which is now exclusively available in the UK from Morley Glass. The new Agate Grey (S120) option demonstrated why it can offer homeowners

the perfect contemporary integral blind solution where their windows or doors will only accommodate a 24mm IGU – common in many retrofit projects.

Also catching the eye of FIT Show visitors once again was the Uni-Switch® switchable smart glass system, an alternative to integral blinds which is ideal for high-end residential or commercial projects. This uses electricity to switch from its opaque state when ‘off’ to clear when switched on, with an excellent level of clarity provided.

Ian Short, Managing Director of Morley Glass said: “It was fantastic to be back at the FIT Show and have the opportunity to meet so many people from across the industry.

We met with a number of new installers who were keen to explore how our Uni-Blinds® and Uni-Switch® systems could provide new sales opportunities for their businesses, and it was great to catch up with our existing customers, supply chain partners and industry associates.

“There is no other event in the window industry that showcases product innovations like the FIT Show, and we were once again delighted to have been part of this, including with the debut of ScreenLine® Wave and contemporary new colours.” www.morleyglass.co.uk

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122 | FIT Show 2025 review | may 2025

Aluplast showcases cutting-edge innovations at FIT Show 25

W

ith one of the largest stands at this year’s expo, aluplast has showcased its next generation product ranges including the Ideal neo casement window neo smart-slide inline sliding door - plus its new aluminium window and door system.

The aluplast stand brought together the system leader’s rapidly expanding product offer, which also includes its new engineered door and a comprehensive range of foiled ancillaries, including its popular woodec and aludec options. aluplast spokesman, Ian Cocken said: “We had one of the largest presences at the FIT Show, with a host of new products.

“This included a sneak preview of our new aluminium system, which we will launch shortly, as well as our ultra-energy efficient Ideal Neo casement and neo smart-slide inline sliding doors, plus our new engineered door.

“What each does is to combine exceptional levels of performance including the delivery of a real step change in thermal performance, with new flexibility in finish and design.

“We believe it’s a very compelling proposition and that seems to have been borne out by the number of leads that we picked up. It’s been an exceptionally

successful show.”

Ideal neo delivers next generation levels of performance using established window fabrication methods. Part of aluplast’s energeto family, it achieves u-values of as low as 1.2W/m2K, using standard double-glazed units and 0.9W/m2K using triple glazing. neo smart-slide is built around hardware from either Maco, Siegenia and Roto, and has been engineered to deliver market leading performance, achieving BS6375 for weather tightness and PAS24 for security.

It achieves heights of up to 2.5m and a span of 6m with just two panels, alongside Passive House levels of thermal efficiency, with U-values as low as 0.67W/m2K.

“We’ll be carrying that focus on advanced thermal performance through to our new aluminium window and door system when it’s launched later this year”, Ian said.

In addition to two new systems energeto/ Ideal neo and neo smart-slide includes Ideal 70, Ideal 4000, flush casement options, a flush sash door with mid-rail option, composite door solutions plus a new range of foiled ancillaries and trims.

The complete aluplast range is available in the systems’ leader’s premium aludec and woodec foil finish options. woodec recreates a natural woodgrain, almost indistinguishable from natural timber in a low maintenance PVC-U product. aludec applies the same principles to recreates a premium aluminium aesthetic including textured and powder-coated finishes.

“For aluplast it’s about the combined offer”, Ian continued. “We’re able to offer fabricators and installers a complete systems offer, including our highly popular flush casement option, as well as a new generation of products, which reset the benchmark for window and door performance.

“With a new aluminium system launch scheduled for later this year, it’s a great time to form your partnership with aluplast.” www.aluplast.co.uk

Kenrick makes outstanding debut at FIT Show with smart lock launch

K

enrick made a strong first impression at FIT Show 2025, celebrating an incredibly successful debut. The response to the company’s latest innovation, the AK Touch Secure™ smart locking solution attracted a huge amount of interest and generated a high volume of new business orders and high-quality leads.

Andy Meakin, Sales and Marketing Manager at Kenrick, said: “The show was superb. The quality of footfall was excellent, and it’s clear that fabricators and installers are actively looking for easy-toinstall, intuitive smart technology. The level of interest and the number of new opportunities and exciting new partnerships we’ve secured for the AK Touch Secure™ has been beyond anything we anticipated from the show.”

Kenrick officially launched the AK Touch Secure™ at the event. Andy added: “The AK Touch Secure™ attracted exactly the level of attention we expected - and more.

Its combination of high-level security and cutting-edge connectivity brings huge

advantages to fabricators and installers and is a real gamechanger for the industry.”

The AK TouchSecure™ is compatible with any door handle or escutcheon fitted with a Kenrick 3 Star Locking Cylinder and can be installed in minutes without any major hardware modifications, making it a practical choice for retrofit projects as well as new installations.

It works using touch-sensitive technology, a secure keypad, a key fob, or voice commands via Google Home or Alexa.

There’s also a manual override option, meaning the door can always be opened with a key.

The AK Touch Secure™ app brings further functionality, including remote locking and unlocking, a status check and access logs. It can also grant temporary, timed access to a property, making it ideal for Airbnb properties or where contractors need access to a building.

To ensure data security, all data and access methods, including the key fob and the app, are encrypted end-to-end, bringing users peace of mind.

The company’s experts were also on hand for advice and information.

“As the oldest hardware company in the business, we have a wealth of expertise and experience customers can tap into.

We enjoyed speaking to so many people and discussing the value our solutions and approach can bring.”

Kenrick is a trusted hardware partner to fabricators and supply partners throughout the industry, which made it a valuable addition to the FIT Show line-up. Andy concluded: “We were delighted to take our place at our first FIT and I am sure it won’t be our last!”

Contact us now info@dufeu-it.co.uk 01933 426162

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124 | FIT Show 2025 review | may 2025

UKO Group’s FIT Show 2025 debut highlights complete product range

U

KO Group marked a major milestone at FIT Show 2025, showcasing its complete in-house product offering across windows, doors, rooflights, and glass – all under one roof for the first time. From 29th April to 1st May at the NEC Birmingham, the Group brought together its core brands – UK Doors Online, Trade Window Centre, UKO Glass, and the newly launched UK Rooflights – in a dynamic stand that highlighted its installer-first approach and growing market presence.

The FIT Show debut solidified UKO Group’s position as a one-stop shop for the trade, giving fabricators and installers the opportunity to explore the full scope of high-performance, UK-manufactured products designed with ease, quality, and speed in mind.

From aluminium bifolds and sliding doors, vast uPVC offerings to specialist IGUs and rooflight solutions, the stand offered visitors a hands-on look at the Group’s expanding portfolio – all built in-house using reliable supply chains and modern production techniques. Installers were particularly drawn to the Group’s Trade Partner Programmes, which offer: • Exclusive pricing and account benefits • Nationwide delivery, including direct-tosite options • Easy quoting and online ordering portals • Access to brandable marketing tools, showroom support, and website design services By consolidating multiple product categories within one group, UKO makes it easier for trade customers to streamline

procurement, improve margins, and serve their customers more efficiently.

Sam Weber, UKO Group Sales Director, reflected on the impact of the show: “FIT Show 2025 has been a fantastic experience for everyone involved at UKO. It was our first time bringing all our brands together on one stand – and the response was brilliant. It’s been great to reconnect with familiar faces and meet so many new ones who are excited about what UKO Group can offer. We’re proud to support installers with high-quality products, fast lead times, and all the tools they need to succeed.

We’re just getting started, and we’re looking forward to growing with the industry.”

One group, endless possibilities Whether it’s sourcing windows and doors, ordering custom glass units, or adding contemporary rooflights to your

next project, UKO Group gives installers and fabricators a centralised, trade-focused supplier with nationwide reach and unrivalled product variety.

The Group’s brands include: • UK Doors Online – Aluminium bifold and sliding doors manufactured for fast lead times and high performance • Trade Window Centre – uPVC and Aluminium Window specialist manufacturers • UKO Glass – Custom IGUs, including oversized and high specification units delivered direct to site • UK Rooflights – A brand-new addition offering flat rooflights, frameless rooflights and roof lantern solutions E: enquiries@ukogroup.co.uk www.ukogroup.co.uk

Modplan celebrates FIT Show debut

L

eading trade fabricator Modplan is busy following up leads from its debut appearance at FIT Show 2025. Liam Isaac, Head of Sales and Marketing at Modplan, said: “Our stand was consistently busy across all three days, and the quality of the footfall was excellent. We spoke to many installers looking for a trade partner to support their business, and we’re looking forward to following up with them over the coming days.”

Liam noted that installers were keen to discuss Modplan’s wide range of products.

He commented: “We manufacture a comprehensive range of PVC-U windows, doors and conservatory roofs so we can be a one-stop-shop for our customers. It was clear that visitors appreciated the value this would add to their business.”

Modplan showcased its range of Profile 22 and VEKA products at the FIT Show, with two new products attracting particular interest.

The first was the new VEKA Omnia, a pioneering new suite of double flush

windows and doors that satisfies the growing demand for flush windows. Liam said: “Omnia is described as a quantum leap in PVC-U fabrication, and the interest from visitors reflected this.”

The second product was the all-new VEKA FEINSTRUKTUR foil range, which brings a finish that mirrors powdercoated aluminium. Liam said: “VEKA FEINSTRUKTUR sets a new benchmark in

surface technology and installers could see how it will give them a huge competitive advantage.”

Alongside interest in the product range, Liam reported that visitors were particularly interested in the stability that Modplan offers. He commented: “The industry has been particularly turbulent in recent years.

But as a fabricator that’s been around for over 50 years, we’ve weathered a lot of storms, so we bring a level of reassurance that’s incredibly valuable right now.”

The show also provided an opportunity to connect with existing customers, many of whom visited the stand and offered very positive feedback. Liam added: “It was great to speak with existing customers and their comments reinforced our commitment of delivering excellence.”

He concluded: “The FIT Show is the leading trade show for the window, door, flat glass, hardware and roofing industry. We were delighted to make our debut and to see so many familiar faces and make valuable new connections.”

may 2025 | FIT Show 2025 review | 125

Haffner celebrates best-ever FIT Show with its Machinery Village

F

IT Show 2025 has gone down as the most successful exhibition in Haffner’s history, with its Machinery Village proving a major draw throughout the three-day event. Matt Thomas, Managing Director at Haffner, said: “The response to the Haffner Machinery Village exceeded all our expectations. It was fantastic to connect with so many new and existing customers, showcase the latest advancements in fabrication technology and reinforce why Haffner continues to lead the way in machinery innovation.”

As in previous years, Haffner had the biggest presence at the show with the Machinery Village spanning three interconnected stands, each dedicated to one of Haffner’s machinery groups: Haffner, Graf Synergy and Fom Industrie. Together, they demonstrated their collaborative strength and the comprehensive solutions on offer from the UK’s leading machinery supplier.

Matt Thomas, Managing Director at Haffner, said: “All three machinery zones were busy throughout the show but the reaction to our Graf seamless technology stood out. Visitors were blown away by the finish quality of the V Perfect welds and the competitive advantage it delivers. It was undoubtedly one of the show’s highlights, and we secured multiple orders as a direct result.”

He continued: “From the many conversations we had with fabricators, automation was the word on everyone’s lips.

It’s clear that economic pressures mean every fabricator is looking for ways to boost productivity — and automation is now at the top of the agenda.”

The Haffner Machinery Village attracted strong footfall from high-quality customers, many of whom arrived with clear machinery plans in mind. Matt said: “Sales were taken across our range of machines and numerous confirmed appointments were secured for post-show follow-up. The calibre of enquiries this year was second to none.”

Additional highlights included the newly launched Haffner SBA-3 Machining Centre with its enhanced tooling speed and compact design, optimising automated efficiency and workspace utilisation. Also featured was the powerful SMR-5 Welder, recognised as the fastest and most accurate welder on the market today.

Matt commented: “Haffner has been a trusted machinery supplier to the fenestration industry since 1990. Alongside our market-leading machinery, we offer a deep understanding of the fabrication industry and its unique challenges.”

Since its launch, Haffner has been an exhibitor at every FIT Show. Matt concluded: “FIT Show is always a superb opportunity to meet existing customers and connect with new ones. It gives us a fantastic platform to showcase the quality and efficiency that our machines deliver. The value of the show is clearly reflected in our bottom line, which is why I’m delighted to confirm we’ve already signed up for FIT Show 2027.”

Regal Hardware makes a stylish mark

W

indow Ware’s premium heritage hardware range, Regal Hardware, shone brightly at this year’s FIT Show, taking pride of place within the displays of several key partners and customers, most notably The Residence Collection.

Window Ware’s Product Manager, Rob Vaughan, and Commercial Director, Richard Bryant, joined the Residence team to engage with visitors and providing expert insights into the Regal Hardware range.

Richard Bryant commented, “It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces. The Fit Show remains a crucial platform for the industry to come together, catch up, and collaborate.”

Reflecting on the three days, Rob Vaughan noted the resounding positive response to Regal Hardware. “It’s always good to talk to people who are using our products,” he said. “The consistent feedback was that they really like the design

and appreciate the quality, with many commending the reliable performance they’ve experienced and have now come to expect from Regal Hardware.”

Regal’s latest addition, the Knurled range, garnered particular enthusiasm from visitors and was prominently featured on The Residence Collection’s stand. Notably, one set of double doors showcasing the knurled handles proved to be a big draw, with many pausing to operate them and admire their stunning aesthetic and tactile quality.

“People were really impressed,” explained Rob, “You could tell from what they were saying. We heard comments like: ‘They look great,’ ‘Yeah, we could definitely use those handles,’ and ‘We need some of these in our showroom!’”

FIT Show 2025 underscored the growing trend towards elevated PVC-U systems that use modern welding technics or mechanical joints, flush sash designs, more realistic woodgrain foils and heritage-inspired hardware to perfectly emulate the look and feel of authentic timber windows.

Significantly, on The Residence Collection stand, some visitors were surprised to discover that the elegant heritage doors on display were indeed crafted from PVC not timber, highlighting the success of this design approach. In fact, heritage-style doors were a prominent theme throughout the show, featuring a diverse range of handle styles on display, with the Knurled design proving particularly popular.

126 | FIT Show 2025 review | may 2025

FIT Show proves perfect platform for Glazpart to reveal new products

T

he FIT Show proved to be an exciting showcase event for Glazpart with new product launches, promotion of its expanding Glazpartners initiative and celebration of a special year as the company marks its 40th anniversary.

Glazpart launched three new products including the MSBP (Multi-System Bridge Packer), the Bi-fold Vent and the Modular Vent. The MSBP is new bridge packer designed for multiple systems and profiles including: Aluplast / Eurocell / Deceunick / Kommerling / Liniar / REHAU / Veka and Veka Halo.The MSBP will benefit fabricators working with several systems and its easy clip mechanism helps secure the packer into position and remain fixed without the need for silicone on for example mullions. The MSBP also ensures any water ingress into the glazing channel will run below the MSBP and out via the window or door drainage system. The MSBP prevents water from contact with the Insulating Glazing Unit (IGU) maintaining a distance between the water and IGU edges and makes for easier and cleaner installation.

The Bi-Fold Vent is manufactured

specifically for aluminium Bi-Fold doors this shallow height vent is designed to work within the low hinge stack heights as the doors are in the open position.The product is designed to fit onto the door leaf profile above the IGU, which removes the need for expensive knock on profiles above the door frame and interference with the plaster line.

Initially available in White, Black and Anthracite Grey in standard sets, bespoke and matching colours will also be manufactured.

With an equivalent area of 2700 EA, on a 16 mm rout with a standard 3 door Bi-Fold installation the cumulative equivalent area in the room is 8100EA and will meet the building regulation requirements.

The Modular Vent is a new trickle ventilator that is the best in the market for

watertightness (at 1000 Pa). The Spring Clip fitting (No Screws) saves on installation time and the vent though one of the shortest width trickle vents available it achieves a 2000 EQA performance for each module fitted. Available in 100s of colour options, this vent is ideal for heritage style windows.

In addition to Glazpart’s new products, visitors to their stand at FIT Show were also given a sneak preview of Glazpart’s Aluminium Vent manufactured specifically for aluminium window and door systems. The product is due to be launched later this year.

Dean Bradley, Glazpart Sales Director summed up his thoughts after the FIT Show, “It’s been another superb show and has proved to be a great platform to showcase our new products and our award winning products and initiatives. It has also been great to celebrate our 40th anniversary and network with existing and new customers.

The planning, build up and the show itself has once again been truly worthwhile. My thanks go to the FIT Show organisers and my team who have put in a lot of hard work to make this year’s show particularly memorable.”

GGF a vibrant central hub for all aspects of the industry

W

ith so much going on, it is no wonder that the GGF and FENSA’s stand was a vibrant and buzzing central hub of the show. As well as the activities of the GGF and FENSA themselves (including the launch of marketing reports and publications), and an introduction to ACDM members, representatives from the organisation’s other companies – BFRC, RISA and Installsure - were bringing visitors up to date with the latest changes and developments.

Key to FENSA’s focus this year was the opportunity to demonstrate how companies could complete compliancy with MTC requirements, quickly, easily and cost effectively. With CSCS ending Grandfather Rights and a tightening of MTC requirements, there has been a lot of confusion, and indeed fear, about how installation teams were going to be affected. FENSA and the GGF wanted to ensure that the industry left the show knowing exactly what was needed and how easily it could be resolved. This was achieved in two key ways. Firstly, through on stand demonstrations of the GGF’s comprehensive training platform and the specific courses available online to members which can be accessed by employees needing to update their competency accreditations.

Secondly, as sponsors of the FIT Show seminar programme, the GGF and FEN-

SA led a couple of workshops specifically around training and competency. Sam Davies, FENSA technical manager, brought visitors up to date about MTC and Grandfather Rights, and John Mannell, technical officer and training manager, spoke about the Future of Training and Competency in the Glass & Glazing Sector as a whole.

“We were keen to highlight the importance of competency, but at the same time demonstrate that achieving it is quicker and simpler than maybe initially thought.

Once visitors to our stand had seen the user friendliness of our training platform it was simple to envisage how online learning can help not just those new to the sector but to help keep experienced workers up to date with current regulatory requirements,” said

GGF technical and training manager John Mannell.

RISA’s new Expert Determination service proved of particular interest, particularly when visitors heard about the eye watering costs that a dispute could incur if it ever ended up in court. “RISA recently provided expert evidence in a case where homeowners were refusing to pay the final balance to an installer due to claimed technical defects”, said RISA’s director of inspection and assessment, Dave Mechem. “The installer chose to issue legal proceedings.

The case took two years to come to court and the homeowners presented a counter claim many times the value of the original dispute.

The Court ruled in favour of the homeowners and also awarded their costs. ADR in the form of Expert Determination could have settled this case in a matter of weeks, the counter claim would have been unlikely to arise, and the five figure legal costs would not have accrued.”

“The FIT Show played a crucial part to our 2025 marketing activities, giving us the opportunity to showcase the many changes we have already made during the first quarter of 2025,” said GGF managing director Ben Wallace. “Our role in the industry is central to ensuring high standards in terms of quality and workmanship, and we are focused on driving those standards up even more.”

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128 | product innovation | may 2025

A smooth sailing product development

I

A collaboration between Maco and Veka resulted in a smooth sailing development of the new Omnia window profile

n the competitive world of window profiles, innovation and performance are key to standing out and bringing a new window profile to market is a complex and time-consuming process. The timeline includes concept development, design, testing, and validation, all of which are crucial to ensuring the product meets the highest standards of performance and aesthetics. The Veka Omnia window profile, developed by Veka in collaboration with Maco, is a testament to this principle. For this case study, Maco spoke to Lucy Kitchen, Product Marketing Manager, and Jack Scullion, Product & Innovation Manager at Veka to find out more about how collaboration between the two resulted in a fairly smooth sailing development.

The Omnia window profile was born out of a desire to create a true flush system that was not only the highest performing but also the best looking on the market. Previous flush systems were merely additions to existing ranges, but Omnia was designed from the ground up to be a standout product. As Jack mentioned, “The brief from the start was to create a true flush system that was the highest performing, best looking flush system on the market.”

Omnia boasts several features that set it apart from other window profiles: • Highest thermal and weather performance: Ensuring energy efficiency and durability.

• Double Flush: Providing a sleek and modern appearance.

• Double Rebate: Enhancing security and insulation.

• 70mm Profile: Maintaining compatibility with existing systems.

• Comprehensive suite of products: Including casement windows, tilt & turn windows, and doors.

The collaboration with Maco was crucial to the development of Omnia . Veka’s team took their designs, as they always do, to various hardware companies for feedback, and Maco was quick to respond with help and support. This early and effective communication allowed the project to progress rapidly and smoothly. Jack highlighted this by saying, “Maco were quick to respond and offer help and support which meant that we could progress quickly.”

To ensure the quality and performance of Omnia , extensive testing was conducted. Initial indicative testing in Veka’s workshop included wind, water, and security tests. Indicative testing such as that available at Veka and Maco enabled changes to be made in the hopes that the final test at UKAS would be smooth sailing. Once the windows were perfected, they underwent official testing at UKAS

facilities, providing the necessary test reports for market release.

The development process was remarkably smooth, thanks to early communication and collaboration. By addressing potential challenges early on, Veka and Maco were able to avoid significant obstacles and ensure a seamless development journey. Jack noted, “The benefit of having that early communication is we got rid of some of the challenges that we might have faced further on because we pre-empted them.”

Jack recalls that one of the most memorable moments in the development of Omnia was when Craig Bryant, Product, Services and Innovation Manager at Maco travelled up to assist in the initial testing process and became the first external partner to see the product. This milestone marked the transition from concept to reality and was a pivotal moment in the project’s success. Jack recalled, “Maco were the first people to see the Omnia product outside of a Veka employee. They were the first business, first company, first development partner to see it and all of a sudden it became very real.”

The market response to Omnia has been overwhelmingly positive. Customers appreciate the full flush suite and its versatility across different products. The product has won several awards, including New Product of the Year at the NFAs and Promotional Campaign at the G Awards. Feedback from fabricators and end users has been enthusiastic, highlighting the beautiful installations and overall satisfaction with the product. Jack shared, “The only feedback we’re getting is, ‘This is a beautiful installation. Our customer loves it. The end user absolutely loves it.’”

The Omnia window profile represents a significant achievement in the window profile industry. Through innovative design, rigorous testing, and effective collaboration, Veka and Maco have created a product that meets the highest standards of performance and aesthetics. The positive market response and industry recognition further underscore the success of this development journey.

”

r e e ri en in i ee i Tommy Trinder Chris Nelson West Cornwall Plastics

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130 | movers and shakers | may 2025

With almost 30 years’ experience in the glazing sector, Carly Graham has done it all, from sales, to customer service, estimating, to technical and manufacturing.

Now, Carly has joined thinkivity and she is turning her hand to the newest essential tool for glazing companies – AI. thinkivity AI founder, Elton Boocock says: “Carly’s experience gives her such unique insight, not only into the entire glazing supply chain, but into individual functions and departments within those businesses. Her breadth of industry knowledge perfectly complements thinkivity’s goal - to be the AI partner for glazing companies.”

The industry will know Carly from her days at CWG Group, The Glazerite UK Group, or Swish Building Products. “In every one of my industry roles, implementing technology and new digital systems has played a huge part,” says Carly. “It has been great to watch Elton, and the Business Pilot team create such an accessible platform for installers to embrace digitalisation in their companies.

So, when there was an opportunity to join thinkivity, I jumped at the chance!”

AluK customers can now get even more support on commercial projects, with the appointment of Tom Green as a Senior Project Estimator. Tom has more than 13 years’ experience in the UK façade industry – gained with both fabricators and systems companies, so brings really useful insight into what fabricators need and value most from their supplier - and how best to deliver that. At AluK, Tom is already supporting customers in putting together pricing offers for project enquiries and ensuring technical and performance compliance for all the products quoted. He has in-depth understanding of commercial glazing products and applications, so will be working closely with the AluK sales team to share that with customers and help them leverage all the benefits that are inherent in the AluK product range in their quotes.

Tom will also be involved in onboarding new commercial fabricators. In the future he will be liaising closely with the technical and R&D teams to ensure that the commercial product offering continues to meet the demands of the market.

ERA has appointed Chris Ecclestone as its new Smart Security Product Manager.

With a wide-ranging background rooted in advancing technological innovation across industries including defence, automotive and engineering, Chris’s role at ERA is to push the firm’s Smart Security offering forward. Speaking on the growth of smart tech adoption by consumers across the UK and ERA’s role in that, Chris said: “The demand for smart security tech in the home is rapidly growing and there is still a lot of room for growth in the market. Our focus is on how the end user interacts with our technology – it’s about adapting to their growing requirements with regards to compatibility and integration with other smart products in the home. We’re making smart security products that work, and we don’t want to over complicate that, so we’re going to develop our offering at the right pace Rather than adding extra tech for the sake of it, we’ll bring through the right technology at the right time, with the end user always in mind.”

Window Widgets has the promoted Adrian Clare to National Sales Manager, marking the latest step in his impressive career progression within the company.

Adrian joined Window Widgets in January 2018 as an Internal Sales Executive, later transitioning to Internal Technical Sales Executive. In January 2023, he was promoted to Technical Sales Executive, a hybrid role that combined office-based responsibilities with on-the-road visits to customers and new prospects across the South of England.

Now, with over 10 years of experience in the fenestration industry, Adrian steps into his new role as National Sales Manager.

Here he will take on an expanded remit, supporting and managing Window Widgets’ customer base across the entire UK. While his core responsibilities remain rooted in technical sales and customer support, his new role brings increased travel and wider responsibilities, ensuring Window Widgets continues to provide outstanding service and expertise nationwide. “I’m thrilled to step into this new role as National Sales Manager.” Adrian commented.

Sheerline has announced Martin Hepburn has been promoted to Area Sales Director, reflecting the success Martin has achieved and his commitment to the company and its vision. Having joined the company in the summer of 2023 when he moved from a Commercial Sales Manager role at another aluminium systems company, Martin has become an integral part of the Sheerline team. In line with Sheerline’s customer-centric approach, Martin provides ongoing sales support, alongside information on the latest product innovations, how best to integrate them into a customer’s business, and advice on new showrooms including the layout and the best products to display. Martin commented: “This promotion is fantastic! It means a lot to me because I’m proud of what we’re all doing and what we’re achieving. I’ll keep banging the Sheerline drum because it’s important aluminium fabricators know there is another way – you can have innovative, truly compliant products and receive a first-class service – it really does exist at Sheerline.”

AluK continues to invest in the team at its Chepstow HQ, with the appointment of Sophie Bragg as Health, Safety and Environmental Manager. Sophie is responsible for looking after the safety and wellbeing of everyone who visits AluK – including staff, contractors and customers, and also for ensuring that AluK’s processes do not have any negative impact on the local environment. One of Sophie’s key objectives in the new role is to build on what AluK describes as ‘a positive and interactive HSE culture’ where everyone feels empowered to raise queries and make suggestions. She said: “I’m impressed by how high profile health and safety already is at AluK and the widespread appreciation across the business of the positive impact it can have on overall effectiveness. I’m particularly excited by the environmental aspects of the role and continuing the huge strides that have been made in recent years in terms of our environmental stewardship.” Sophie has extensive experience in the private sector, having worked in sectors including food, automative,metals forging and the Police.

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