Glass News April 2020

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GGF LOBBIES GOVERNMENT ON COVID-19 ISSUES

GOVERNMENT LOBBYING The GGF is now in direct communication with Government Ministers and Departments to campaign for change on the following issues: 1. More financial support for the glass, glazing and renewables sectors, at least equal to that given to the retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors.

2. A reduction in the rate of VAT from 20% to 5% on all energy efficient glass and glazing products and on the installation of windows and doors.

3. In view of the potential lockdown and isolation, that installers and glaziers are included in the “essential workers” category, to access homes where energy efficient measures are paramount to making their homes healthy, safe and secure.

Issue 109 | April 2020

4. For the Government to open up more channels to ECO funding to ensure homes are made healthier.

5. To grant GGF Emergency Glaziers the same status as all emergency services during any lockdown, curfew and/or isolation periods.

SEE PAGE 18

The GGF will be using its political advisers and political communication channels to create greater awareness of these issues and to urge the Government to make these changes with immediate effect as businesses UK-wide struggle to cope with the dramatically changing trading environment.

WINDOWS

John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented, “These are extremely testing times for our Members and the industry. We have already set up a Business Continuity Support System for our Members and will be communicating daily with Government to try and ensure the trading environment continues for the benefit of all. It would be irresponsible for the Government to insist on people staying at home, if those homes are unhealthy, unsafe or insecure due to inefficient, damaged or broken glass and glazing.”

As part of its Business Continuity Support, the GGF has set up a special daily e-alert for all Members to receive the latest information and is also receiving feedback direct from Members on the operating issues they are facing daily. In addition the GGF has also created a new platform on its web site www.ggf.org.uk to house all the latest government guidance on financial and business support.

IS !!

TH NTH MO

In the last week, the GGF has communicated with Government departments on five key issues and will step up the engagement campaign even further with Government to get the required confirmation and clarification, to support GGF Members and the industry in these unprecedented times.

THE RIGHT PEOPLE READ GLASS NEWS IS !!

TH NTH MO

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is lobbying the Government on behalf of its Members, on several issues around the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on the industry.

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APRIL 2020

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GOOD AND BAD NEWS BUT ALCOHOL HELPS. SO I’M TOLD. Covid 19 or Coronavirus. Not names we’re likely to forget in a hurry and, indeed, something that may well affect us all in some way, shape or form, for some time to come. My first direct experience was to be on thoroughly looking forward to visiting Asa McGillian and his colleagues on a Press Visit to Apeer in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, only to find the carrier who was to fly a few of us northern based journos from Leeds Bradford Airport, inconveniently went into administration the night before we were due to fly the next morning. I’m guessing that the troubled airline finally went pop under the threat of dwindling passenger numbers as a result of the pandemic. Whatever the reason, those flying from regional airports missed out on what would have been a very interesting visit and Asa’s legendary and generous hospitality. Not happy!

As one might expect from seasoned professionals like Asa and his team, they swiftly captured the key parts of the day on video, complete with a question and answer session, for those who missed out, to download. The result is a report on the event, conducted from the comfort of my own home, which appears in this edition of Glass News. A slightly unusual way of reporting an event made worse by having to supply my own gin and tonic!

This was just the first of a number of visits and events that have had to be postponed or cancelled and I feel for those companies who have planned and invested time and money only to find it is all in vain. PIGS however, went ahead as planned. Manchester is always a popular venue and, in anticipation of big numbers, a new bar had been chosen. In fact, numbers were down but, nevertheless, with around 120 attendees it wasn’t a bad turnout. Certainly, the money behind the bar from the generous sponsors lasted longer than normal!

Of course, these events are all small beer compared with what is happening in the world of business. The value of the £ sterling, shares in freefall, issues over supply chains and more and more staff either in isolation, working from home or genuinely ill, will all affect companies, and that’s not even considering whether the buying public will have the confidence to invest in home improvements. Funnily enough, I’m not hearing of business falling off a cliff, yet. That’s not to say that won’t be the result further down the line although we may be surprised at the resilience of

March 2020 crossword solution:

CONTENTS 4

the homeowner. I had the opportunity to be in a car main dealer this weekend and I was amazed that they are selling cars like they are going out of style. They are selling around 40 new cars per week. OK, it’s March and the new 20 registration so this is probably a peak month but they were saying there was no sign of the buying public pulling in their horns. I think we will all watch the market with considerable interest but we must hope and trust it will be business as usual for the foreseeable future.

There is still plenty of good news still coming out of our industry with January being an eye-wateringly good month for system company Deceuninck, showing a 22% increase in sales for the month.

Software companies also seem to be doing well with Business Micros’ Graeme Bailey, while at the Manchester PIGS, telling me that business is thriving. This also applies to Tommy Trinder and their new Framepoint Technology® that is going down a storm with installers. More about Tommy Trinder in this edition of Glass News.

Supply chain issues were talked about at PIGS and particularly in regard to hardware and glass, much of which comes from China. Interestingly, I hear Mila’s Richard Gyde has indicated that much of China is back to work and supply of hardware is not a problem at the moment. If we look at the time scales of China getting back to work, perhaps we can hope that the worst could be over in the UK within the next 3 to 4 months.

However, reasonable or good news seems tempered with bad, too. The announcement that administrators have been appointed to Aperture Trading Limited is sad news and particularly for the 121 staff who have been made redundant. The search for buyers of various elements of the business will continue and we can only wait and see if this is successful. Was there ever enough cash available to produce the new products that Aperture so desperately needed? One must suspect that the bankers and lawyers will have done OK but what about those in the supply chain and the staff? They’re the ones who will really suffer from the company’s demise.

While visits may be off for the foreseeable future, there is no reason why we can’t communicate using technology to still make virtual visits and conduct interviews.

Feel free to contact me so we can keep the industry informed even though travel is curtailed at the present time.

Trade News

6 Doors 12

14 Aluminium 16

18 Windows 23

Installer Network

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Industry Announcement

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Sudoku: Mrs J Smythe, Nottingham

Glass News Interview: Sign Windows

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Energy Efficiency

Eye Spy: Charles Hopkins, Stockport

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Trade News

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Software & IT

‘TIME OUT’ WINNERS – MARCH!

Spot the Difference: Jane Idle, Oxfordshire

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Crossword: Mr P Donnelly, Hull, East Yorkshire Congratulations to all our winners! Good luck in this months Time Out pages!

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Machinery Focus

54 Hardware 58

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59 Conservatories 60 Letters 60

Cold Calling

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Time Out!

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Chris Champion Editor / Editorial Enquiries M: 07850 267223 E: chris@glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GLOBAL WINDOWS COMMITS TO DRIVE NEW STANDARDS IN RETAIL Retail specialist, Global Windows, has said it is committed to setting new standards of customer service after announcing a new supply partnership with Emplas. Set up in 1995 by Russell Hulme and today headed by son Liam and joint-Managing Director, Billy Hawes, Global Windows, specialises in home improvement in Sheffield and throughout Yorkshire.

After approaching three-decades in manufacture, it took the decision to come out of fabrication at the end of last year and buy-in its casement and door product ranges from trade specialist, Emplas. Liam said the decision had been driven by a commitment to bring increased focus to its retail operation, offering improved levels of service to homeowners, while also increasing its product offer.

He said: “Fabrication wasn't working for us anymore. We were buying in bi-folds, we were buying in VS’, but we were holding on to own-manufacture of casements when it didn’t make sense to. We didn't get the service we needed to meet the demands our own customers were placing on us, we weren’t getting the reliability in supply. We were a small player without real influence on our supply chain.

“Retail is changing and we need to respond to that change and to make sure that we are setting the standards for service to the

end-user throughout Yorkshire. We want to reset the bar.”

According to figures from Insight Data, the number of PVC-U fabricators has dropped by 46.5% since 2008. Painting a ‘worsecase scenario’ it says that this decline could continue so that by 2024 there could be as fewer than 800 fabricators left in business.

As a large fabricator but one, which remains family-owned and investment-led, Emplas has developed an extensive programme of support for fabricators considering moving out of manufacture. This includes not only a highly flexible product and service offer but also a dedicated lead generation service, delivered through its installer network.

The Emplas Approved Installer Network offers provides its members with a dedicated network listing, appearing in homeowner searches based on geographical location.

They also get real-time lead distribution; automated customer response and real time reporting. These are leads directly generated

by Emplas through its Approved Installer Network, generated through digital lead generation, SEO campaigns and inbound consumer hits.

“There are a number of big fabricators and they have impressive set ups but Emplas had more”, Liam said. “It had online ordering, it had EVA, the support, the 3D factory tour, videos, marketing material but there was also a cultural fit as a family owned business.”

Stopping fabrication has meant that Global Windows has been able to re-purpose its 336m2 former factory floor as warehousing and a new showroom. Its former shopfloor workforce, reallocated to its seven installation teams.

Tel: 01933 674880 – www.emplas.co.uk READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0005

DECEUNINCK 22% UP IN JANUARY

Following a recordbreaking 2019, Deceuninck’s January 2020 sales are up 22% yearon-year.

The company says this exceptional start is down to a surge in sales of colour and Deceuninck’s Heritage Flush windows and doors.

According to Managing Director Rob McGlennon, these products helps Deceuninck fabricators sell more in the growing premium sector: “The top end of the market is focused on ‘aspirational’ products like heritage flush windows and doors, patio sliders and colour.

We give our customers the products and service to grow in this sector and our top 20 customers’ sales are now comfortably over 50% colour.

“We’ve had a storming start to January with sales 22% up on the year before, and we’re confident we’ll have another successful year. Post-Brexit we’re seeing some much-needed

Deceuninck year-on-year sales were up 22% in January 2020

political and economic stability which seems to be boosting consumer and business confidence.

"There are promising signs in commercial and newbuild too, where Deceuninck fabricators are also very strong.

“My advice to fabricators who are worried about

their 2020 outlook? Give Deceuninck a call to see how we can give you the products, service and support to sell more!”

For Deceuninck visit www.deceuninck.co.uk, call 01249 816 969 and follow @DeceuninckUK. READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0006

GLAZERITE EMPLOYEES CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY IN STYLE The Glazerite UK Group kicked off its 20th year in business in style last month, with a big party for the fabricator’s 270 employees.

The event, held at the Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire, was attended by staff members and their partners from each of the fabricator’s five sites, with food, live music, a DJ, and a casino laid on as part of the evening’s entertainment. During the night, Wellingboroughbased employee Shane Hawkes also had his hair shaved off by his

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colleagues, raising over £2000 for Glazerite’s nominated charity, We Mind and Kelly Matters.

Glazerite Supervisor, Lyndon Wright, who has worked at the fabricator’s Northwest plant for over 10 years, travelled down from Bolton for the party. He says: “We had a fantastic time. It was such as lovely atmosphere and a good chance to catch up with people from the other Glazerite sites.”

The birthday party follows a year of investment for the fabricator, with over

£1millon poured into its manufacturing sites in Bolton, Wellingborough and Peterborough, enabling the company to grow capacity to 4000 frames per week.

Group Managing Director, Jason Thompson, says: “We wanted to hold a party to celebrate the commitment and dedication put into Glazerite by all of our employees. It was a fantastic way to come together and celebrate everything we’ve achieved so far; everyone had a great time. Some of our

employees travelled a long way on a Saturday to join us and this speaks volumes in itself.”

Group Marketing Manager, Michelle Wright, adds: “The event took

some serious planning, as we wanted to make it really special for everyone and celebrate 20 years in business. We made a video to show at the party, which captures everything Glazerite is about. It also

celebrates our people, and the love our employees have for the company comes across very strongly in it.

“What we’ve achieved as a fabricator over the last 20 years is very much driven by our founders, Jason Thompson and John Hewitt, who are still very much part of the business today, and who were able to thank everyone personally on the night for the part they’ve played in creating Glazerite.”

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www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2020

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DOORS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Our doors really sell themselves says Alan Rees, inventor of the Panoramic Door

And so they do. However, how the doors are opened is quite different, as each panel actually slides independently along a fixed track. When the user wants them fully opened each panel is slid to the end and, using a slick catch to release the door, it may then be hinged outwards and stacked against each other panel.

Panoramic Doors slide and then fold offering the best of all worlds

SLIDING AND FOLDING OFFERS

A REAL ALTERNATIVE

For anyone wanting to open up their home into the garden there’s masses of traditional sliding ‘patio’ doors and now more brands of bi-folding than you can shake a stick at….lots of choice out there.

but even there – and as a Yorkshireman – sometimes you just don’t want the doors wide open. For me it could be too hot and I’d like the aircon on to cool down! But bifolds are either open or shut and sliders are limited as to how far they can be opened, so I thought about how sliding doors could

“By using unique profiles that are tongue and grooved and equipped with appropriate seals and weatherstrips, each door panel fits snugly into the next and when locked into place using the hardware system we developed, a door set is as secure as if it was a single large panel fixed into the frame.”

A showroom is the real closer though, insists Alan: “Our doors really sell themselves,” he says. “Once people see and try them, they buy them.” More than 250,000 sold so far suggest Alan Rees is right to be confident.

There is an alternative - and one that is well proven - that combines the virtues of both types of door and actually, offers some of its own. Panoramic Doors, which have recently become widely available in all frame types to retail installers in the UK, offer the best of all worlds, says the company.

6

At first glance Alan’s design offers the same sort of wide, unrestricted opening that homeowners enjoy with bi-folds, by stacking the panels at one end of the track.

The secret of Panoramic Doors is in the clever hardware mechanism that Alan and his team developed around 10 years ago in the United States. Alan explained the process: “We had to find a way that allowed each panel to be closed and secured to maintain weatherproofing and security, and which could also be operated easily by fingertips.

Panoramic is now offering all versions through retail installers, with the belief that local, specialist locals are the most effective way of reaching British homeowners: “Retail installers know their local market better,” says Alan “and we will back them with great marketing support, lead generation and training for example, but they can put the feet and local expertise on the ground.”

The problem is that each of these carries a compromise: Sliders are the evergreen, default purchase, easy to open and close though they can’t be opened to the full width of the aperture; and bi-folds allow the summer in with no restrictions but of course, are pretty much an open or shut case.

Well they would day that wouldn’t they? “It’s true,” says the inventor of Panoramic Doors Alan Rees. “I was living in California where the weather is superb for most of the year

be made more flexible, to offer greater versatility.”

The difference is that each panel may also be opened along the track as widely as the owner requires and, in any position, for access or just cracked a little for ventilation on cooler evenings for example. And as the panels slide linearly along a track, they are compact in their operation, without the concertina effect of bi-folds. In practice this means that furniture or items such as pot plants, may be placed close to the doors without hindering them.

Further information at www.panoramicdoors.co.uk; by calling 0114 322 1500; or by emailing sales@panoramicgroup.co.uk.

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DOORS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

VIRTUOSO DOORS BRINGS 50 NEW CUSTOMERS ON BOARD

Virtuoso Doors is looking towards another successful year as it announces that it has welcomed 50 new customers to the business in the first two months of the year alone, with many installers now benefiting from its enviable support package. After achieving growth of more than 35% last year, the north east-based manufacturer has also revealed that it is set for more doubledigit growth this year.

Virtuoso has seen growth across both the domestic and commercial sectors with a number of commercial installation firms reporting an upturn in business. The new build sector, where demand has risen to tackle the national housing shortage, has seen particularly rapid expansion.

Tony Craggs, managing director at Virtuoso Doors, says: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome so many new customers on board at a time when several manufacturers are reporting relatively flat trading conditions. In a challenging and fiercely competitive market, we’re really proud to have achieved these impressive

results and we’re looking forward to sharing a great year ahead with even more new customers.”

tablets and mobiles, the software enables users to design, quote and order composite doors 24 hours a day.

The news follows a significant recent investment into new machinery, people and processes at Virtuoso and the introduction of a second shift at the firm’s 80,000-square foot site in Birtley.

One business that’s reaping the rewards of the support package from Virtuoso Doors is commercial installer The Window Company (Contracts). The Chelmsfordbased firm became a Virtuoso customer after being impressed with the quality of Virtuoso’s composite doors and now installs around 1.000 of them a year.

“The rationale behind our future strategy and investment programme is simple,” adds Tony “We invest in our equipment and resources to prepare us for growth, whilst also maintaining the superior standards of quality and service that our customers expect. Our promise to them is to deliver outstanding quality products on time and in full and to back this with an unrivalled support package that will help them maximise efficiency and achieve profitable growth.”

Virtuoso’s industry-leading support package includes a wealth of marketing resources, from personalised sales brochures, advertising and digital marketing support, to direct mail, retail leaflets and showroom display graphics.

Virtuoso also offers its user-friendly door designer software, Gateway, to customers free of charge. Compatible with PCs,

David Thornton, chairman of The Window Company (Contracts), says: “Demand for composite doors is rising in the commercial sector, so it’s important for us to have a long-term partnership with a supplier that can keep pace and not let us down.

“The quality of Virtuoso’s doors is consistently high and the focus on service and support meets our exacting requirements. Lead times are good and we know that orders will arrive on time, which is vital when you’re operating in the demanding commercial arena.

“We do choose our partners carefully and we only work with suppliers that we have a great deal of confidence in. The whole team at Virtuoso shares a passion for quality

“We do choose our partners carefully and we only work with suppliers that we have a great deal of confidence in. The whole team at Virtuoso shares a passion for quality and service we have a superb working relationship with them. And on the rare occasion that issues arise, they are always handled quickly and efficiently.”

and service we have a superb working relationship with them. And on the rare occasion that issues arise, they are always handled quickly and efficiently.”

The Window Company (Contracts) supplies both PVC-u and aluminium frames to many of the south east’s largest contractors, social housing providers, local authorities, schools, private developers and homeowners. As well as buying composite doors from Virtuoso Doors, the company also sources PVC-u from Polyframe.

Virtuoso Doors is part of Customade Group, which operates nationwide and employs 1100 people in multiple manufacturing sites across the UK. The group also includes REAL Aluminium (aluminium), (Polyframe (PVC-u), Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions (glazed roofs), Hourglass Seal (sealed glass units), Stevenswood Trade Centre (trade counters) and Fineline Aluminium (specialist glazing).

To find out more about the full Virtuoso range and support package available, including Gateway, call 01453 707272, visit www.virtuoso-doors.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0012

ADAMSON ASTOUNDS NEW CUSTOMERS WITH APEER’S SINGLE REBATE DOOR Composite door manufacturer Apeer is enjoying success in the north of the United Kingdom as both new and existing installer partners across Scotland broaden their product ranges.

Following an introduction at the FIT Show in May 2019, Adamson Doors took on Apeer as their newest supplier, a decision which enabled the Fife based showroom to offer an alternative, higher quality range of composite doors to their customers.

Showroom Assistant Gillian Winiarski joined Adamson in November and has already noticed a heightened interest in the products, compared to other options: “Of all the benefits that the Apeer doors bring, their all-round versatility definitely stands out the most. We recently had a

8

customer who had purchased a derelict property situated within the grounds of a manor house. Keen to restore his project in keeping with the rest of the site, he wanted a cottage-style door that was high quality and durable against the elements. Unable to find a perfect match anywhere else, he approached us and found exactly that.”

Gillian continued, “The Silka collection in particular has had a lot of interest, and while the price point is higher than other products we offer, customers are taken with the quality, and see their purchases as longterm investments for their homes.”

Apeer Regional Sales Manager Mark Neville is Adamson’s main contact and has supported Adamson Doors through the entire process; his support is equally as

impressive as the doors themselves. Short lead times and prompt deliveries are of paramount importance to Adamson and Mark’s personalised service has been central to the excellent communication Gillian says they have received.

Gillian finished, “I spoke with one of the joiners recently and, having installed hundreds of doors, his initial opinion of Apeer’s single rebate products is that they are far superior to many competitors’ double rebate options. This is especially important for us to understand, as in the showroom we can be certain that customers on a smaller budget will receive a door whose spec isn’t compromised by price.” www.apeer.co.uk

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0013

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DOORS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

HURST LAUNCHES ‘YOUR HURST’ – A SUITE OF NEW INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT TRADE PARTNERS

AZTEC’S NEW MECHANICALLY JOINTED DOOR ACES TEN-YEAR TEST! Long-standing Halo fabricator Aztec Windows (Coventry) Ltd has created a fully mechanically jointed door, and has been putting it through its paces at VEKA’s Burnley test centre.

Always keen to move with the market, Aztec has been working on this door for more than 18 months, in response to a rise in customer enquiries for ‘timber-look’ PVCu doors.

DISTINCTION DOORS LAUNCHES NEW GLAZED CASSETTE

Director Michael Hagan explains, “despite repeated enquiries for a mechanically jointed door, we haven’t rushed in producing this system. We wanted to make sure we got it absolutely right for our customers. It’s not a ‘novelty’ or show piece item. We’ve created an exceptional quality door that will withstand the hard knocks of real-life, regular use.

Leading composite door supplier, Distinction Doors is pleased to introduce its new 9D Quarter Glazed cassette.

Launched in response to customer demand, the new snap-fit projected cassette will be a popular choice for the company’s Stable Door and will offer increased design flexibility for five other door styles.

“We created an oversized prototype of the door (1100mm x 2200mm) complete with laminated glass, in order to test it at its most extreme and challenging dimensions. We then sent it up to VEKA HQ, and the everhelpful technical team put it through its paces in the lab.

The 9D Quarter Glazed launches with an obscure glazing range – Clear, DD-Cots and DD-Stipp. The Mini Blind and two decorative glass options will follow.

“VEKA’s mechanical testing rig put the door through 63,000 cycles, which is the equivalent of it being opened and closed for just over 10 years, and it kept going!

Nothing moved, nothing shifted, no joints parted. It performed absolutely perfectly.

This means our customers can be confident in the immense strength of the joints, especially if they want to glaze on site which is necessary for a door, due to the weights involved.

“Along with the mechanical joints, we have also developed a deep midrail at 174mm and a deep bottom rail at 164mm. Both of these features are geared towards making the doors look as traditional as possible.

“We know that it’s now ready to bring to market for prestigious projects that require the look of timber, with the many performance benefits of PVCu, with no ‘telltale’ mitred corners!

“These specialist high quality doors will be made to order for our discerning customers, but I think we’ll have to create one for our showroom too, to show off the attention-todetail that can be expected!

Tel: 01282 716611 – www.vekauk.com READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0016

10

The new cassette provides customers with consistency in colour and design, while consumers will benefit from its superior aesthetics.

Colour options include Black, Blue, Green, Red, White, Distinction Anthracite Grey and Distinction Chartwell, alongside stains, Rosewood and Gold Oak. Bespoke colours are also available upon request. Distinction Doors coats its cassettes using paint with the same batch number as its associated door blank to ensure a perfect colour match, where applicable.

The 9D Quarter Cassette will be available for 44mm doors only.

Design options for the cassette measuring 606.4mm wide x 623.5mm high, include Stable RES05; New England ES10; Rustic Renown RR17; and three contemporary options - ESC39, ESC40, REC39.

“Demand for this design has been driven by our customers, who are confident that this will become the most popular cut-out style for stable doors,” comments Distinction Doors’ national sales manager, Andy Grogan. “As a business we are proud of our proactive response to market demands; we continually monitor emerging trends and we are now extremely pleased to fulfil a requirement for a large glazed cut-out.”

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0017

Hull, UK – Leading door manufacturer, Hurst Doors, has launched Your Hurst, a suite of new initiatives and resources that further enhances the support available to Hurst’s national network of trade partners.

The launch of Your Hurst includes brand new features and exciting updates to the existing trade-only portal, Hurst Live.

These key additions have been designed to improve the user experience by making it easier than ever before for trade customers to quote, place and track their orders online, as well as find useful information that will assist them with Hurst products.

Your Hurst includes the following features and updates: • Hurst Pay – a new, secure way to pay for composite doors online • Hurst Live Chat – a responsive chat function to connect customers with the Hurst team in real time to resolve queries • How to… with Hurst – a new video and blog series comprising product installation and maintenance advice videos • New updates to Hurst Live that streamline the ordering process and keep customers notified of product updates and company news • New and improved marketing materials and brochures to support installer knowledge, build new leads and drive door sales.

Hayley Barker, Marketing Manager at Hurst Doors said: “We’re always looking for new ways to enhance the support we offer to Hurst trade customers by ensuring they have as much choice as possible when it comes to placing and paying for their orders online. Our commitment to investing in the latest digital and technological innovations like Hurst Pay and the Hurst Door Store not only lowers our environmental footprint but provides us with the tools we need to build the best possible end-to-end experience for our customers.”

The addition of Hurst Pay allows customers with a Hurst trade account to pay for their orders using their debit or credit card, rather than paying on account. The Hurst Door Store has also been updated and relaunched, allowing trade customers to integrate the Hurst door designer onto their website, where they can then brand it and set their own prices.

Hayley Barker continues: “The Hurst Door Store is an engaging and efficient gateway that enables customers to generate leads via their own website. It syncs directly with Hurst Live, meaning any quotes generated on their website will appear in their Hurst Live account, giving them all of the information they need to follow up on orders. Feedback from installers and homeowners who have used the platform so far has been really positive, so we can’t wait for more customers to try it.”

Other elements of Hurst Live have been enhanced, including news updates and product notifications as well as a comprehensive marketing assets and technical downloads library. This library contains a wealth of information, from brochures and images to technical guides, all of which have been designed to support installers and grow their sales.

How to… with Hurst is a new suite of videos, blogs and facts sheets amongst these materials. These resources have been created to provide Hurst customers with easy to follow, useful information about different key areas such as composite door installation, hinge adjustment and general maintenance. These resources can be accessed through the Hurst Live portal and Hurst customers are encouraged to share these resources with their own customers to provide them with added value.

Hurst Doors manufactures over 3000 panels and 500 composite doors per week from its manufacturing facilities in Hull and has a national network of over 1300 installers.

Anyone interested in submitting future topics to be covered in future How to… with Hurst videos can email marketing@ hurstdoors.co.uk.

For more information on Hurst, please visit www.hurstdoors.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0018

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

0420/0019

BI-FOLDING & SLIDING DOOR EXPERT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Co So min on g

NEW SLIMLINE ALUMINIUM SLIDING DOOR FROM SENIOR

one cassette, six door styles

0345 2000 816 distinctiondoors.co.uk 0420/0020

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Senior Architectural Systems is set to open up new opportunities for customers working in the residential market with the launch of Ali SLIDE, a stylish new mid-range slimline aluminium sliding door.

The new Ali SLIDE door is the latest product to be added to Senior’s popular Ali range of aluminium windows and patio doors, and follows on from the successful development of its Ali FOLD aluminium bifolding doors and slimline Ali VU aluminium window.

Designed to offer exceptional design flexibility, the new Ali SLIDE inline sliding door is available as both a Standard

version with a 79mm interlock and as a Slimline version with an interlock of just 50mm, which alongside a maximum door height of 2700mm achieves maximum daylight and uninterrupted views. As both the Standard and Slimline versions use the same locking hardware, both options offer excellent security performance and have been fully tested to meet the requirements of PAS 24.

As well as being fully weather and security tested, the new Ali SLIDE inline sliding doors also benefits from a polymide thermal break which gives impressive thermal efficiency and U values as low as 1.64 W/m2K when calculated as a CEN Standard door. Helping to reduce energy costs, the new door is also highly durable and comes with an expected life cycle of 40 years.

Available in an unlimited choice of colours and finishes via Senior’s inhouse powder coating facility, Senior can also

offer quick delivery and short lead times on prepainted stock of the most popular configurations of the Ali SLIDE door in 7016 Anthracite Grey and 9910 Hipca White.

Commenting, Steve Kendrick, Senior’s national sales manager said: “Since the launch of our Ali range of doors and window, we have extended our market reach and now work closely with many more customers working in the domestic market than ever before.

The introduction of our Ali SLIDE inline sliding door adds further strength and flexibility to our product offering and as we can now offer a solution to meet any style or budget, we can also help our customers secure more business.”

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

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0021

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TRADE NEWS

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0420/0022

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13

ALUMINIUM

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

COMAR 7P.I FSDX COMAR LAUNCH THE ECO LT – BRITISH BY DESIGN WINDOW & DOOR SYSTEMS The next generation of aluminium bi-fold, folding sliding door has arrived from Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems.

Designed with demanding specifications in mind including industry leading door leaf weights and widths, slim sightlines, high security ratings and contemporary styling.

COMAR FSDX EXTRA - GLAZING The view out of the FSDX door offers the homeowner that little bit eXtra. With the slimmest sightlines available of 60mm, the doors maximise daylighting into the home. The maximum width of the doors has been increased allowing door sets over 4m with only 3 doors while achieving uncompromised performance.

misalignment the smooth rolling action is ensured. The weight bearing capacity is a substantial 120Kg which with FSDX’s 62mm glazing pocket allows triple glazed or acoustic glass to be easily incorporated.

COMAR FSDX EXTRA THRESHOLD Superior thermal performance with the integrated stainless-steel track means that low U-values and performance are guaranteed. The efficient profile design offers threshold, jambs and head all in one.

In service the profile is simple for occupants to maintain, reassuring for designers and installers alike by minimising call backs.

Comar profiles have thicker walls providing extra strength and durability for the British market, ensuring that Comar performs. Designed specifically for the British Market and offering a truly British engineered solution.

Comar ECO LT is a newly launched aluminium window and door system designed for the trade and installer market, where a competitive price yet the highest installed performance is required.

Sightlines have been minimised whilst not sacrificing product performance.

Large sizes come as standard from the same range of profiles.

COMAR FSDX EXTRA - HINGES

With low U-values, energy ratings of A++ and Document Q compliance with Secured by Design status this is a feature rich system which guarantees a quality installation. BS6375 Weather performance is unquestioned with the high ratings.

The new hinge design, duplicated in the roller hinged pillars, thoughtfully includes pre-applied foam pads to give a draught free seal when the doors are closed, increasing home-owner satisfaction and no call backs for the installer. Gasket detailing between the sliding doors ensures that a long-term weather resistant solution is guaranteed.

Comar ECO LT is a lightweight version of the ECO range, but the aluminium profiles wall thickness has not been sacrificed, ensuring guaranteed longterm performance. Due to Comar’s robust British design the size and weight limitations surpass the competition on a size by size basis.

COMAR FSDX EXTRA ROLLER

COMAR FSDX EXTRA – SECURITY

The stainless-steel dual roller always keeps perfect contact with the stainless-steel track due to stabilisers, meaning that even if building tolerances cause slight track

Security performance of PAS 24 is assured due to a single piece stainless steel multipoint hook lock with adjustable keeps that provide optimal airtightness.

5P.I ECO LT - ALUMINIUM WINDOW SYSTEM

Comar FSDX: Superior, stabilised rolling action with the quietest roller in the industry and improved weight bearing capacity means fit once and easy maintenance. The new outer-frame is a single profile all round, used for the track, jambs and threshold, reducing fabricators’ stock holding. The frame construction is mitred with 2 crimping options: pinned cleats for creating preassembled outer frames that can be shipped to site or mechanical cleats allowing outerframes to be shipped for on-site assembly – a key consideration when larger door sets are to be installed.

Comar 5P.i ECO LT Aluminium Casement Window System has both internally and externally glazed options.

With the resurgence of slim aluminium

high security externally beaded with sloped beads minimises the sight lines and maximises daylight. The square chamfered profiles are a distinctive feature of this system, keeping the square look of a truly aluminium solution.

For Ovolo feature the ECO range seamlessly suites in: No matter the situation Comar 5P.i ECO LT delivers.

7P.I ECO LT - ALUMINIUM DOOR SYSTEM Comar 7P.i ECO LT Aluminium Door System has both inward and outward opening options in single or double door combinations. There are two thresholds available high weather performance and low-rise for seamless balcony terrace integration. Comar 7P.i ECO LT door has been designed to provide high performance solutions for today’s specification demands. Utilising Comar’s trademark P.i. (Polyamide Insulation) thermal break technology, it delivers superior thermal performance with an aesthetic edge.

Aesthetics come from its slim 55mm profiles, seamlessly integrating with the Comar 5P.i ECO LT casement window system. Comar 7P.i ECO LT has been tested to BS 6375 which ensures the door performs well against the rigours of the British weather, reducing draughts and providing excellent weather proofing.

Security concerns are alleviated with the Comar 7P.i ECO LT door exceeding the requirements of PAS 24:2016.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0023

For further information about Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems, please visit www.comar-alu.co.uk, call 020 8685 9685 or email projects@parksidegroup.co.uk.

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April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: TOMMY TRINDER

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TOMMY TRINDER.

PROVIDING THE TECHNOLOGY YOU NEED TO SIMPLIFY QUOTING, WOW HOMEOWNERS AND WIN ORDERS. Meeting with Tommy Trinder owner, Chris Brunsdon, Glass News’ Editor Chris Champion has the Framepoint Technology® software demonstrated to him and learns about its development and its importance to our industry.

It’s Framepoint Technology® software from a company called Tommy Trinder. The first question has to be: why Tommy Trinder?

Chris Brunsdon: Tommy Trinder – window, or for the correct cockney rhyming slang if you were born within the sound of London’s Bow Bells: ‘winder’. You’ve got to admit that it’s memorable!

Absolutely, and fun! Being a bit of an anorak and Googling the rhyming slang for Window I can see why you went for ‘Tommy Trinder’.

The alternatives are ‘Burnt Cinder’ or ‘Kevin and Linda’!

Chris Brunsdon:It gets worse - our window software works for doors and bifolds, too!

Your background is windows rather than software so why the change of discipline?

Chris Brunsdon:It’s more of a development than a change. The experience I gained from being in the industry is what drove me towards developing Framepoint Technology® as I wanted software that was simple to use and made the job easier. I was going down the route of designing a software suite for system companies, fabricators and installers and had spent a lot of time and money pursuing that aim. I then had my ‘Eureka’ moment, realising that it was the installer who really needed the software to make selling to the homeowner that much easier. That meant a change of course altogether.

16

How long has the gestation period been for Framepoint Technology®?

Chris Brunsdon:It’s actually over 6 years.

A long time, I know, but I don’t regret changing tack as I believe Framepoint Technology® and its aim at the installer is absolutely correct.

Can we talk a bit about your background because it is that experience that has got you to this point?

Chris Brunsdon:I started out with Oxford Double Glazing and it was from those roots that the idea for Tommy Trinder and the Framepoint Technology® developed, although the original family firm of Brunsdon Double Glazing had been going since 1964. I ended being there in the family retail business for 10 years and becoming the MD.

But it’s very different from your further education…

Chris Brunsdon:Yes and no. My BA in English Literature and Drama probably had little bearing on my future but studying for an MBA in Business Administration and General Management was very worthwhile.

That allowed me to found TimberWindows. com and that proved to be very successful and I sold it after 6 years.

But you immediately started up another venture…

Chris Brunsdon:I set up Jack Brunsdon and Son and that developed into a business with a chain of 10 branches which I sold to Inwido after two years.

You’re a serial entrepreneur! After a few months you then started Tommy Trinder, working on the Framepoint Technology® software.

Chris Brunsdon:I did, but the idea had been there for a long time. I think that working in the retail sector of the window industry made me value the idea of creating tools to make sales easier. To do that actually means making it easier for

the home owning customer to make their decision to buy. Buying windows should be enjoyable, like kitchens, but usually it’s anything but because the industry has made it hard for the installer to sell – and hard for homeowners to buy.

Chris Brunsdon, Founder and owner of Tommy Trinder and Framepoint Technology®

Maybe some of that indecision is down to having such a vast number of products to choose from…

Chris Brunsdon: The number of products installers sell has mushroomed as they try to offer what customers demand. But every product has different sales aids and software. It’s virtually impossible for installers to juggle them all. So, installers use a hotchpotch of brochures, websites, desktop software and apps, and their own portfolio - or a brochure and little else because it’s so difficult to manage them all in the home! You’d have to be a brilliant salesperson to cope, and most of us aren’t brilliant. So, installers’ sales are not what they could be.

This is a problem because the whole industry relies completely on how well installers sell: systems companies, hardware, software, glass, the media, and fabricators!

If installers aren’t selling well, the market suffers, and everyone along the chain is held back.

And is Framepoint Technology® the answer to that problem?

Chris Brunsdon:We certainly believe so. Most configurators, for example, are designed from the perspective of manufacturers to help installers order ‘correctly’ and lock them in. However, with my installer background and the help of a very talented technical team, we designed Tommy Trinder’s Framepoint Technology® with a sole focus on helping installers sell and homeowners buy. It’s ‘probably’ the only technology that both installers and homeowners love. Think Apple versus Microsoft. It also makes it extra-easy for installers to order what they sell, whoever supplies them. And it’s got a touch of magic, the wow that everyone loves!

I have to agree that the software really does have a wow! For me, it’s the simplicity of drawing a window and changing its look on the fly,

Steel window makeover

and then being able to show how it looks on the owner’s house but then keep changing it, even at that stage.

Chris Brunsdon:The ability to keep changing the look of a window is very important. People are not good at visualizing and being able to show them changes - tapping, touching and seeing - is very powerful.

It is also a matter of allowing the installer to set up their information both quickly and easily that is proving invaluable. We have a mantra in the business that setup must take ‘minutes not months’ and I think we deliver on that; even a non-techy can set up their entire PVCu, aluminium and timber product range in under an hour.

So the app is very slick at allowing installers to fine tune quotes to meet their aesthetic requirements, but what about their budgetary requirements? Can the installer set the margin they want to achieve in the sale?

Chris Brunsdon:Yes. They can set up a variety of different ways to create their margin. And, for obvious reasons, this is dear to installer’s hearts! We spent about eight months developing this part of the platform alone, listening and understanding the many ways installers arrive at their selling price.

It may be a straightforward percentage or, for instance, a flat fee. Installers may want to vary these markups depending on the type

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: TOMMY TRINDER

and/or size of the product and also how it’s being fitted – fitting into a ‘prepared opening’, for instance, will typically carry less of an uplift than a ‘sash box removal’. There’s a lot of complexity there but, again, we’ve tried to make sure the interface is not bamboozling; so even the money part is super quick to setup.

There are, presumably, additional benefits in the form of the need to carry samples?

Chris Brunsdon:The quality of the graphics and depth of options – it's definitely like having a showroom in your pocket. So, yes, this means the installer no longer has to lug multiple sample windows and doors around to show their clients. As they create designs within the app, the windows and doors come alive on screen, to scale, in colour and to their client’s exact specification.

They can quickly show comparisons between different products in different materials and react spontaneously to a homeowner’s particular design foibles!

Switching colours of frames, glass types or hardware is quick and easy and the homeowner loves sharing in the design experience. It also ensures complete accuracy and clarity when quoting.

Presumably, it may also reduce the need for return visits to a customer?

Chris Brunsdon:That’s a very powerful argument for the software. Being able to visually communicate all the options so readily means a specification can be agreed in one visit rather than making a number of visits to a customer, which saves considerable time and expense. Also, having the ability to email or print out presentation documents with full specifications, photorealistic internal and external visuals and the technical breakdowns for each product is both helpful and professional.

To be honest, just referring our readers and your potential customers to www.tommytrinder. com is all that is really needed…

Chris Brunsdon:I hope that’s the case.

The website has been designed to be clean, easy to navigate and very informative. We wanted people to see how easy it was to use Framepoint Technology® and we have tried to show how easy it is to demonstrate products to a customer and how detailed and impressive a printed out quotation can be.

I certainly found the whole site fascinating. I noticed you can

All done on your tablet

input information on whatever system you use but also use the information available from partners such as Bereco for timber windows and Roseview for PVCu Sash Windows.

Chris Brunsdon:One of the first questions we get is: “How difficult is it to upload all the information on systems, hardware, glass, prices and so on?” And the answer is “Very easy indeed!” The number of manufacturers who are sharing their product information with us is also growing, as you say; we call this real-time hook up Framepoint LIVE. Indeed, there are some system companies who would like to use the Framepoint Technology® too, as it gives then contact with installers.

Using the software is very easy but we have a blue bubble system so customers can live chat with one of our technical advisers at any time. We can also go online, share screens, send videos etc. to help people. This is hugely popular as it means users can train on the job, without reading a manual or setting aside chunks of valuable time.

Money. I was prepared to have problems finding out just how much I would have to pay as an installer and what the contract involved but was amazed to see both the price and the lack of a contract!

Chris Brunsdon:It is not expensive and there is no contract. Literally, people can use the software and decide for themselves whether they want to continue. They are not tied in at all.

An installer can start at £95 + VAT per month and pay monthly. Our team plan for up to 5 users is just £195 + VAT per month

and our Pro plan for unlimited users is £295 + VAT per month. Pay as you go and cancel anytime. It’s as simple as that.

And do you pay for training?

Chris Brunsdon:Framepoint® is really easy to use. But, yes, we offer free, unlimited remote training sessions where we share screens and step installers through the app.

But just in case there’s always that blue chat bubble which you can click on from anywhere within our platform for live chat with our knowledgeable team. This is a free to use service.

If I’m selling aluminium, PVCu and timber products, can they be combined in one quote?

Great for your client - the visualiser

Chris Brunsdon:Yes. A powerful feature of Framepoint® is that it can provide one consistent way of presenting your entire product range.

I have to say, I would recommend anyone to look at www. tommytrinder.com in the first instance. It’s a very good site.

Chris Brunsdon:We’ve tried to keep it simple and we use film clips to demonstrate the ease of use. We have been selling the software for four months and had budgeted for 70 companies by the end of March but that number looks like being around 100 companies; about 400 users. The pleasing thing for us is the conversion rate of virtually 100% of those we see but, more importantly, we are getting some amazing feedback from satisfied customers.

Many thanks, Chris, both for your time and for demonstrating the software in the busy reception area of a motorway hotel!

>>>> NEXT MONTH LOOK OUT FOR... “The essential kit for selling without a home visit” <<<< www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2020

Aluminium windows

Sketching timber and PVC windows

The initial sketch - with your finger READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0025

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WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PROFILE 22’S OPTIMA FLUSH CASEMENT WINDOW DELIVERS WHAT THE MARKET NEEDS FROM A FEATURE-RICH PRODUCT As the trend towards feature-rich windows continues, Profile 22 reports that demand for its Optima Flush Casement Window has never been higher. Gerald Allen, Marketing Manager at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Consumers are expecting more from their windows these days. The Optima Flush Casement Window more than delivers on their expectations, which is why we’re seeing such strong growth.”

Like all Optima products, the Optima Flush Casement Window has been designed to look better and perform better than rival products.

The stand out feature is the product’s outstanding aesthetics. The Optima Flush Casement Window’s design is based on a British timber cottage window. It has features including a traditional putty line sash, a traditional wide bottom sash rail and slim depth sashes, which all mean it looks perfectly at home in UK properties.

But despite the classic appearance, it’s very much a 21st century window. It can achieve a U-value as low as 1.2W/m2K, which means its thermal efficiency is better than any of its rivals.

It also features a wealth of innovations that mean it’s an exceptionally versatile solution.

For example, there is a night vent lock and a flipper gasket system with 90-degree moulded corners. It means the Optima Flush Casement Window has effective but secure ventilation and is suitable for use in new builds as a fire egress window.

The window can be tailored to suit both heritage and modern properties. It can be partially or fully mechanically jointed and uses mechanical joint end caps for a seamless finish. There is a range of cill and glazing bars to create the perfect look. There is also a French Flush Casement option. A heritage appearance can be recreated with period hardware and by choosing from the range of ‘heritage’ colours available in Epwin Window Systems’ new colour offering. To create a modern twist, there are contemporary hardware and contemporary colour options too.

ALUK ALUMINIUM WINDOWS CHOSEN TO REPLICATE CRITTALL ORIGINALS AluK’s 58BW ST aluminium windows replicate the look of steel frames so successfully that they were approved to replace the original Crittall windows in a landmark redevelopment project which has just been completed in central Birmingham.

Herbert House, a 115-year old 52,000 sq ft commercial building in the Colmore business district, has been converted into one of the city’s newest and most prestigious apartment blocks.

Now christened ‘The Lightwell’, it features 316 windows in the 58BW ST system and 3 suited doors

in the GT55 system, all in a standard AluK Anthracite grey finish. They were fabricated and installed

by AluK’s Luminia Select Partner EYG Commercial, based in Hull.

With traditional square sections and sightlines of just 43mm in a fixed light, the 58BW ST windows are specifically designed for this type of steel replacement application and come with the benefit of impressive thermal and acoustic performance and high level security.

They form part of AluK’s versatile 58BW window range which allows fabricators to manufacture a huge range of traditional

and contemporary window designs and configurations using a core range of profiles and ancillaries.

Floor to ceiling windows are an integral part of the design scheme in many of The Lightwell’s 77 one and two-bedroom apartments, penthouses and duplexes which surround a central courtyard, so the slim sightlines of the 58BW ST are crucial in maximising the natural light coming in.

EYG also had to ensure that the exterior aesthetic of the original five storey Herbert House remained as unchanged possible so fabricated bespoke fanlights and round windows in the same AluK 58BW ST profile to replace the steel ones being removed.

The architects on this project were Glancy Nicholls, the main contractors were The Torsion Group and the client was Adapt Real Estate.

Feature-rich products are now an essential part of every fabricator and installer portfolios. And when it comes to flush casement windows, there no reason to look any further than Optima from Profile 22.

Tel: 0808 101 4143 www.profile22.co.uk

More details at: www.aluk.co.uk

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0026

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0027

SHEERLINE PASSES PAS24:2016 AND ACHIEVES ‘INCREDIBLE’ RESULTS IN DESTRUCTIVE TESTING Sheerline Classic, the new residential aluminium window system from Garnalex has passed the PAS24:2016 security test with flying colours, defeating two test rigs on the way!

PAS24:2016 is designed to test the strength of windows and doors and their resistance to opportunistic break-in attempts. Testing requires each loading and locking point of a window to withstand a perpendicular applied load of 3kN (a kN or kilonewton is the equivalent of 300kg) and a parallel to plane load of 1kN. A maximum sized double side hung Sheerline window successfully passed both mechanical and manipulation tests with no issues at all.

Having passed the tests successfully, Garnalex asked BSI’s technicians to carry

18

out destructive testing to see just how strong the window system was. The results were described as ‘incredible’. Sheerline’s hinge side withstood the full loading capability of BSI’s hydraulic mechanical test rig of just over 10kN (over a metric tonne), holding the load for a minute without failure! The lock side of the window also achieved extraordinary results, withstanding 5kN of force before the lock failed. This was all the more impressive as the window had already been subjected to full mechanical and manipulation tests.

In previous testing carried out at Archibald Kenrick & Sons test facility, Steve Williams, Kenrick’s Sales and Marketing Director was equally as impressed.

“Having witnessed the new Sheerline window easily passing the required 3 kN standard, Garnalex asked us to test their new window to destruction to see what it could take. However we had to stop the test at 10 kN as we were concerned we would damage our test rig! Really

impressive performance, and testimony to what the correct system and hardware combinations can achieve.”

Phil Parry, Sheerline Testing and Standards Director, adds: “These results prove Sheerline’s Classic aluminium windows will set the new benchmark for strength and security for mainstream residential windows. Sheerline exceeded the required loads for PAS24:2016 by more than three times, to the amazement of the technical staff carrying out the testing.

“Both window hinge and lock sides withstood loads in excess of the much more onerous PAS24:2016 door test where the perpendicular loads are 4.5kN, and even went beyond that required in EN1627-30.

“We’ve designed Sheerline from the ground up to make it easy to fabricate, install and sell, and to perform at a much higher level than fabricators and installers are used to.

So, we’re pleased, but not surprised by these security test results.”

Sheerline achieves ‘incredible’ PAS24 security test results

Visit www.sheerline.com to find out more. Follow @SheerlineSystem and @GarnalexSystems for the latest news and updates.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0028

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

CHOICE SERVICE SUPPORT QUALITY RESPONSE FLEXIBLE 0420/0029

When you partner with Roseview you’re not just buying industry-leading sash windows, you’re getting a lot more. You’re getting what 40 years experience has taught us—that installers want products, service and support they can rely on.

That’s why partnering with Roseview for sash windows is the smart choice.

R

oseview

windows

#TraditionRedefined

01234 712657 www.roseview.co.uk

WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PROFILE 22’S OPTIMA FLUSH CASEMENT WINDOWS FITTED IN NEW HOMES IN A CONSERVATION AREA Over 100 Optima Flush Casement windows, by Profile 22, have been fitted in the first phase of a new residential development consisting of 14 new build red-brick town houses in the historical Houldsworth Conservation Area in Reddish, Greater Manchester. The new homes, which are situated in a newly designed cul-de-sac off the Harrogate Road, were sympathetically designed to complement the nearby 19th century Victoria and Elisabeth mills.

The Optima Flush Casement windows were manufactured by Profile 22 fabricator Total Glass and installed by Rochdale-based New Look Windows. Due to the historic importance of the conversation area, the windows needed to be sympathetic to the character of the local architecture.

The Profile 22 Optima Flush Casement Window more than met the demanding

requirements of the development. Jon Tudor, Contracts Manager at New Look Windows said: “The Optima Flush Casement Window offers the perfect solution for developments in areas protected by conservation orders that need a window that replicates the 19th-century timber window design, whilst offering modern features and benefits.”

Like all Profile 22 products the Optima Flush Casement Window System is produced to BS EN 12608 and manufactured to BS EN ISO 9001. It adheres to the requirements of the Environmental Management System BS EN ISO 14001 and the Responsible Sourcing standard BES 6001. The manufacturing facility operates a health and safety programme in line with OHSAS 18001 to ensure a safe environment for employees, supply chain partners and residents.

The windows for the Harrogate Road development were fabricated in cream on white to deliver an architecturally sensitive appearance. The red-brick townhouses offer a mix of three and four-bedroom properties arranged in two terraced rows which have been designed to reflect the nearby mills and other neighbouring homes.

Construction on the development began in June 2019 and is due to be completed in December 2020.

Tel: 0808 101 4143 www.profile22.co.uk READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0030

WHAT A CONVERSION!

VICTORIAN SLIDERS SCORES CELEBRITY CUSTOMER Stunning Victorian Sliders sash windows are gracing the home of none other than ex-Wales rugby coach Warren Gatland.

Warren led the Welsh national team to a string of high-profile victories during his 12 years in

charge, including four Six Nations titles, three Grand Slams, and two World Cup semi-final appearances, most recently in Japan in 2019.

While his next appointment is taking him back to his native New Zealand, Warren is still keeping his Welsh home – he’ll be returning in 2021 to coach the British and Irish Lions – and it’s that property that now boasts some high-performance ECOSlide windows.

“We were absolutely delighted to work with Warren,” comments Victorian Sliders Group Managing Director Andy Jones. “We’re a proud Welsh business – and over the last twelve years, he’s become a real hero to thousands of rugby fans throughout the region.

“He contacted us because he wanted windows that offered convincing vintage aesthetics without the laborious maintenance required by traditional timber products – and that were made in Wales!

We were more than happy to oblige!”

ECOSlide is the awardwinning vertical-sliding sash window from Victorian Sliders, offering a balance of traditional aesthetics, first-class thermal performance, and exceptional value for money.

ECOSlide is extremely secure – unlike many competitor products, it uses top and bottom toughened glass as standard, and features an anti-jemmy bar.

It’s versatile – available in a vast array of foils and any RAL colour, and offering the option for plant-on or run-through sash horns. It comes with ‘A’ Window Energy Ratings as standard, and A+-rated with an Argonfilled unit.

It’s available with just a 7-day turnaround, and a 10-year guarantee.

And best of all, installers can benefit from all this, at any size up to 1300mm by 2400mm, for just £199.

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

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0031

SEE THE WHOLE PICTURE WITH LAUNCH OF NEW VELUX STUDIO WINDOW

THREE-IN-ONE ROOF WINDOW MAKES ITS WAY TO MARKET

Leading roof window manufacturer VELUX® has launched its new STUDIO window, which is the first roof window to boast three sashes in one frame.

The innovative, one-frame design features two VELUX centre-pivot roof windows on either side of a fixed unit to bring in even more daylight and offer a wider, more impressive view.

By utilising a solar conversion kit, VELUX STUDIO can be remotely operated via VELUX INTEGRA® technology, offering greater flexibility to homeowners who want better control of their indoor environment.

The VELUX STUDIO window offers a number of unique benefits to the trade, including:

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• It’s easy to order as only one product code and one flashing package are required to order

• The innovative one-frame module follows a standard installation process so you can save time and get the job done in one day • Having three glazing units in one integrated solution makes installing multiple windows a whole lot easier Grant Sneddon, product manager for VELUX, said: “We are ecstatic to be launching our new VELUX STUDIO window, a revolutionary product in the roof window market.

“We are constantly looking for new ways to innovate our offering to installers, merchants and homeowners so we can continue to be market leaders in providing roof window solutions that offer the best in daylight and ventilation capabilities

and create healthier home environments.

VELUX STUDIO does exactly that.

“In comparison to a similar triple combination VELUX roof window installation, VELUX STUDIO’s all-in-one mechanism provides a more cost effective solution and brings in 23% more daylight.”

VELUX STUDIO is currently available in size FK06 (1837 x 1178mm), white painted finish, double and triple glazed variants with slate or tile flashing kits that include all installation products (usually sold separately). Prices start from £1,017 excl.

VAT. For more information, visit: www.velux.co.uk/studio READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0032

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

• Steel reinforcement is used where needed, to add additional structural strength.

Introducing the revolutionary PREMIFOLD WINDOW & DOOR SYSTEMS PremiFold

The revolutionary PremiFold window and door systems. The result is a PAS 24 certified and Document Q compliant slide and swing door system and separate window solution for the modern home.

• PAS 24 certified and Document Q compliant • No visible hinges and hardware. door solution.

• PremiFold harness existing C70 and O70 Gold® profiles.

• Incorporates both double and triple glazing.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE A LIVE DEMO

• Capable of achieving large spans.

• Single leg glazing bead is highly secure and easy to install on site.

• Steel reinforcement is used where needed, to add additional structural strength.

• PAS 24 certified and Document Q compliant door solution.

INNOVATION & ENERGY EFFICIENCY PremiFold is the latest in a long line of product innovations from Kömmerling. It’s quite simply a revelation in the way in which you can open windows and doors, helping to maximise ventilation, without compromising on security. It’s a slide and swing window and door system that is simple and easy to operate for consumers. Kömmerling and parent company, profine Group, also lead the way across Europe with their lead-free Greenline compound that was developed over 12 years ago. In the UK some Systems Companies still use lead as a stabiliser in their PVCu compound. At profine, we understand the importance of the environment in terms of harmful materials, recycling and energy efficiency.

A trading name of Thermal Window & Conservatory Roof Systems Ltd.

01226 294555 or email: paul@therm AVAILABLE IN A RANGE OF COLOURS!

A trading name of Thermal Window & Conservatory Roof Systems Ltd.

0420/0033

Please call: 01226 294555 or email: paul@thermaltradeframes.co.uk T C www.thermaltra 94777 E R I D L A DE

HE T T H T I W Fax: 01226 294777 EC DEAL DIRS R O T T H DIREC DWIRITECTOHRE!S!

www.thermaltradeframes.co.uk Unit 17 Redbrook Business Park, W Unit 17 Redbrook Business Park, Wilthorpe Road, Barnsley S75 1JN

WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ABANDONED BUILDING GETS NEW LEASE OF LIFE WITH EP90 As new homes are urgently needed all over the country, the redevelopment of existing buildings can offer a solution – but in urban areas, noise pollution can often be a problem. As one developer discovered, however, Liniar’s EnergyPlus90 windows can provide the ideal answer!

Located in the heart of Eastleigh, Hampshire, in a prime location for both shopping and tourism, the 5-storey Mitchell House was an office block originally erected in the 1970s. After a long period of being abandoned, a health club showed interest in renovating the space - but ultimately, the plans fell through, so the building continued to remain empty.

In 2019, a developer had a vision and put a planning application in to remodel the decrepit behemoth into 67 luxury one- and two-bedroomed flats. With an idea that would bring additional living space to the city centre and life back to the community, the Mitchell House Project began.

THE PROJECT When the tender went out for the project's windows, recently established window installation specialist Mega Glaze Ltd put in its quote for the contract. Founded 18 months ago, London based Mega Glaze was started by partners Simon Benesh & Yehuda Bude, who have a background in development projects. Their new company specialises in the commercial and development sectors, so with this background Simon was familiar with projects such as Mitchell House.

When the planning permission for Mitchell House was approved by Eastleigh Borough Council, it came with a caveat - any windows that were replaced in the building had to be replaced with acoustic rated windows which would prevent noise up to 42 decibels. Simon explains how he prepared for this: "Mitchell House is located across the street from a train station. We knew going into this that the building's age meant that there would need to be significant upgrades to modernise it - including providing some soundproofing from the noise pollution.”

"We did our research on the available options in the market for PVCu windows which would meet this standard but also offer security and excellent thermal performance. We found that the market is

lacking in options for this type of product, and there are very few to choose from.”

Simon continues, "After investigation, we chose to go with Liniar's EnergyPlus90 due to its slim frames and patented design features”. One of the only windows with the required acoustic-42 rating, Liniar's EP90 system also boasts PassivHaus accreditation, providing unrivalled thermal performance – as well as exceptional security.

With the Liniar EP90 system ticking all the boxes, Mega Glaze ultimately won the contract for the windows, so we placed our order with a Liniar fabricator for EP90 windows foiled in 7016 Grey on white."

THE CHALLENGES Liniar's EnergyPlus90 system is 90mm wide but looks like a standard 70mm system from the inside and outside - the biggest difference is the weight of the finished product. To achieve an acoustic-42 rating you need acoustic-rated glass - and Simon explains, "We used triple glazed units which are exceptionally heavy. We didn't factor in the challenges in manoeuvring around the building with them. The weight of this on the installed windows proved to be troublesome and because of this a few frames indeed dropped and some subsequently were damaged."

“We used triple glazed units which are exceptionally heavy. We didn’t factor in the challenges in manoeuvring around the building with them. The weight of this on the installed windows proved to be troublesome and because of this a few frames indeed dropped and some subsequently were damaged.”

PHOTO FINISH Simon continues, "Sure, there were some bumps along the way. The frames that were damaged had to be replaced. I contacted Charlotte Curtis at Liniar to see if she could help us to get the job completed by the deadline. She made sure we got the replacement windows in record time, and the finished job is stunning - without the sound of a train in earshot!"

Mega Glaze may only have recently celebrated its first year in business but has already attracted well-known developers and worked on many high calibre projects with exceptional results. For more information about this up and coming double glazing company, visit https:// megaglaze.co.uk/.

As regulations from both the World Health Organisation for noise pollution and the Climate Change Agency for zerocarbon properties come into force, the use of products like Liniar's EnergyPlus90 system will be a must. Discover Liniar's revolutionary, PassivHaus accredited EP90 system on its website at https://www. liniar.co.uk/upvc-windows/passivhaus/.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0034

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April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

WINDOWS

INSTALLER NETWORK

LINIAR MAKES A SPLASH WITH COLOUR

FENSA TO NOW REACH EVEN MORE HOMEOWNERS THROUGH THE POWER OF RADIO

Homeowners are clamouring for more – more choice, more colour and the ability to personalise more of their homes.

Liniar’s heard those demands - and its answer? An ever-increasing colour range with stunning shades and finishes for every property owner’s taste.

of metallic finishes, Liniar’s colour range delivers on all these customer favourites.

From 1 March, the system house’s stocked colour range grows to a whopping 35 colours, with a staggering 3,330 total colour combinations available on just a 7 day lead time.

No stranger to colour, Liniar has offered choices in both substrate colour and foil finishes since the creation of its flagship profile in 2008. Since then, its product range and subsequently, its foiled colour range, have grown exponentially.

That’s no typo! With substrate colours, foils and finishes held on-site, and the latest foiling machinery available to produce ‘special’ orders at speed, Liniar’s in-house lamination facility can supply endless colour combinations within 7 working days, with thousands of additional made-to-order colours also available subject to minimum order quantities.

As FENSA continues in its campaign to help homeowners understand the importance of using FENSA to make sure windows and doors are replaced correctly using FENSA Approved Installers, the organisation is now adding radio to boost the reach of its messages.

Upon returning from the Christmas break, the Liniar team began the task of increasing its colour range again – and is now proud to announce it’s packed with shades and finishes that property owners are going to love.

Following the popularity of ‘painted shades of grey’, the ‘industrial look’ and the love

The new colours coincide with the launch of the company’s online Colour page. Fresh and modern, the new page showcases the stocked foils available from Liniar, making personalisation easy for customers. They’ve also made it easier for fabricators since the colour function on the Liniar website can easily be implemented into customers’ websites.

For more information on Liniar’s full range of colours and combinations, please visit www.liniar.co.uk/colours/.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0035

Building on the impact created by TV commercials launched a year ago, FENSA’s radio ad campaign, another first for the organisation, will run two brand new 30 second commercials that stress the importance of the FENSA Certificate, still the most widely recognised and available official compliance document in the replacement window and door industry.

The new radio ads are part of a wider campaign being undertaken by FENSA to reach homeowners choosing new windows and doors and to drive them to the FENSA website. There

they will be able to find a local supplier and arrange for them to quote for the work with the confidence it will be compliant and signed off with a FENSA Certificate.

The radio campaign will run from March until December and will be heard nationwide on major stations including Heart, Talk Radio, Capital, Magic and many others.

Homeowners senses will continue to be bombarded by the TV advertising, which has been extended into 2020 following its extraordinary success throughout last year.

FENSA Director of Membership Chris Beedel says the timing is perfect for the new campaign: “Our first ever radio ad campaign breaks on the eve of the 18th anniversary of the formation of FENSA, marking a terrific milestone. Our TV campaign last year was hugely successful in

increasing homeowner awareness around the importance of the FENSA certificate and this will build on that even further.

“With a poll that shows 73% of homeowners would only consider using a FENSA Approved Installers and the launch of our new lead generation website early in April, FENSA is now one of the most powerful installer support programmes in the industry as well as the most widely issued installation compliance certificates. It’s a very exciting time to be a FENSA Approved Installer.”

Further information about FENSA and all of the points being discussed in this news release can be found at www.fensa.org.uk.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0036

0420/0037

LINK VENT 5000

2 vents in 1

Link vent 5000 same performance as two 4000 vents

For more information or to find your local stockist visit: glazpart.com/products/trickle-ventilation to see our range of BBA and LABC certified vents or call 01295 264533 to speak with one of the team.

GN_255x151.indd 1 www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2020

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INSTALLER NETWORK

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

FENSA LAUNCHES NEW TRAINING ACADEMY FOR INSTALLERS

FENSA PARTNERS WITH BUSINESS PILOT TO OFFER FURTHER INSTALLER BENEFITS

FENSA has partnered with accredited training company Total Support to provide courses tailored specifically to the glazing industry, available exclusively to FENSA Approved Installers.

Competent person scheme FENSA has announced its new partnership with Business Pilot, designers of one of the leading CRM systems tailored for the fenestration industry.

The courses are designed to cover all skill sets and jobs within the glazing sector, and all levels of experience.

They range from short two-hour courses on safety, building regulations and basic fenestration installation to full NVQ Diplomas in glazing through to construction management.

Entry level courses will introduce those that are new to the industry to everything from health and safety to complete window and door installation with practical experience, giving new staff a great grounding for a successful career and offering companies the competitive edge when it comes to attracting, developing and retaining the best people for their

business. The duration of the shorter courses – starting at just two to four hours – means staff can be inducted to the industry or expand their skills with the minimum of cost, time and inconvenience to businesses and their employees.

“The FENSA Training Academy is a big moment for us, our Approved Installers and the industry,” said Chris Beedel, FENSA’s Director of Membership.

“To be able to provide accredited training courses across a variety of roles and skill sets that will improve standards across the sector is fantastic for our businesses.”

“Our members now have affordable access to training that minimises the impact on their daily business.

It’s yet another exclusive, added value benefit to FENSA Approved Installers that helps them stand out from the competition.”

Run in partnership with Total Support Training,

expert training providers in the glazing industry for over a decade, the courses are available onsite and in the classroom throughout the country.

Bespoke training can also be provided for individual companies based on their specific requirements. ““We are extremely excited about our new partnership with FENSA and are looking forward to working alongside such a great organisation to deliver quality training to their membership and helping to meet the needs of the industry,” said Sharon Alderton, Managing Director of Total Support Training.

To find out more about the courses on offer, and how FENSA’s new training academy can benefit your business, visit www.fensa.org.uk.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0038

Created by installers, for installers, the Business Pilot software package was formed to help companies streamline the process of logging, tracking and fulfilling their customer leads, whilst also managing business finances.

“Business Pilot are delighted to partner with FENSA; it has long been a market leader respected by installers. This fits perfectly with our stated objectives to help installers improve and manage quality within their organisations, whilst generating further profits in the process,” says Business Pilot Managing Director, Elton Boocock.

“Business Pilot is all about streamlining your installation business and with this partnership with FENSA, we are

excited about the future prospects of how our joint commitments to installers can make a massive positive impact on the industry.”

Thanks to this partnership, FENSA Approved installers will now enjoy preferential rates when subscribing to Business Pilot services - receiving 50% off of the first three months of membership - alongside the numerous other benefits already available through FENSA membership.

Chris Beedel, Director of Membership at FENSA, added: “This agreement with Business Pilot gives our FENSA Approved Installers yet another fantastic, exclusive benefit with their FENSA

membership. A CRM system made by installers, for installers is perfect for their daily needs and will help them grow their business. As a market leader, FENSA picks its partners very carefully and we believe that with Business Pilot we have found another like-minded company that will help our installers.

“The number of benefits available for FENSA Approved Installers is unrivalled, can help them save money every day and will help them to win more business. This is yet another reason why FENSA Approved Installers have an advantage to winning more work every day.”

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0039

ATLAS ANNOUNCES FIRST INSTALLATION OF THE MONTH WINNER OF 2020 Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions has named North West Bifolds as 2020’s first winner of the Atlas Installation of the Month competition.

The Merseyside-based firm was January’s unanimous winner for a stunning Atlas lantern installation on a large period property in Keston, Kent. The homeowner was keen to create a large, yet light-filled space to enjoy the three-acre garden all year round and turned to North West Bifolds for advice on the best products.

Having installed several Atlas lanterns already, North West Bifolds had no hesitation in recommending an 11x2 metre super-slim framed Atlas lantern in Pebble

Grey (RAL 7032) to complement the red brick exterior of the property.

With no unsightly tie bars to detract from the views, the new lantern has maximised the flow of light into the new extension.

North West Bifolds incorporated eight remote controlled openers in the roof to provide additional ventilation and installed aluminium bi-fold doors to seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Steve Sharples, director of North West Bifolds, said: “The homeowner had a clear idea of what they wanted to achieve, so it was vital to get the design and choice of materials absolutely right. Everything we specified needed to live up to the high expectations of this homeowner who wanted a space that blended into the garden, whilst drawing as much light in as possible. The Atlas roof was the only lantern we recommended and the end result is an absolute triumph. This is the first time we’ve entered this competition and we’re very proud to win an award for it.

Despite the size of the Atlas lantern, it took just one day for the four-man team, which included Steve’s son Connor, to install it.

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“The roof is very quick and easy to fit and the client was really impressed with how fast their extension was completed, Steve adds. “Being able to rapidly make a build warm and watertight is a huge advantage and one of the reasons why we like the Atlas lantern so much. The roof is the focal point of the space – it looks amazing and the client is absolutely thrilled with this finished result.”

Entries have been pouring in from installers for the 2020 Atlas Installation of the Month competition. Now in its sixth year, the competition continues to reward the best Atlas orangery, conservatory and rooflight installations.

Gareth Thomas, Sales and Marketing Director at Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions, added: “It’s been an absolutely fantastic start to the year for this competition.

We’ve been overwhelmed with the number of entries and the very high standard of lantern, lean-to, orangery and Skyroom installations. It’s clear to see the creative flair and quality of workmanship that’s gone into these installations and we’re delighted to continue to reward the very best in our industry for their talent.”

Each month, the winning installer will scoop a £200 John Lewis voucher and a £50 Majestic Wine. There’s also trade industry PR and promotion through the Atlas website, as well as entry into the Atlas Installer of the Year award finals.

Entries can be submitted via Twitter to @Atlasroofjohn using the hashtag #AtlasShowOff or on email to marketing@ atlasroofsolutions.co.uk.

For further information, please contact Atlas on sales@atlasroofsolutions.co.uk or phone 02838 327741.

Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions is part of Customade Group, which operates nationwide and employs 1100 people in multiple manufacturing sites across the UK. The group also includes Polyframe (PVC-u), REAL Aluminium (aluminium), Virtuoso Doors (composite and PVCu door panels), Hourglass Seal (sealed glass units), Stevenswood Trade Centre (trade counters) and Fineline Aluminium (specialist glazing).

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0040

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

2020

Enhanced marketing support offering, to support installer partners.

Sales in excess of £250m.

2019

£1m investment across plants, machinery and fleet; major expansion at Glazerite Northwest.

Capacity to manufacture 4000fpw.

2018

Portfolio now includes over 7000 products.

G18 Award finalist.

2017

New Specials Division created to manufacture VS, R9, R7, Warmcore and Imagine Bi-Fold and Patio doors. G17 Award winner.

2016

Glazerite East opens following acquisition of City Beads Ltd, increasing capacity and adding Halo to the range.

0 - 4000 in less than 2 decades

2015

2014

Portfolio expanded to include R9, Solidor, and Imagine Bi-Fold & Patio doors.

Secured by Design accreditation on Composite and French doors.

2013

2012

We become VEKA’s largest UK trade fabricator, manufacturing 2200fpw.

2011

VEKA Infinity added to our portfolio.

2010

Glazerite Northwest in Bolton opens; we move to new HQ in Wellingborough.

2009

New composite door range launches; Glazerite Southwest opens.

2008

Accredited with ISO9002 & BS7412; achieve BFRC ‘A’ Rated window.

2007

2006

10 year guarantee on all products and bespoke online ordering system launched.

2005

2004

£700k investment increases capacity to 375fpw.

2003

2002

Joined Network VEKA; expanded premises.

0420/0041

Quality, choice, service and support for customers…that’s what we founded Glazerite on 20 years ago, and they’re still at the heart of our business today.

Our rapid growth is testament to the success of our installer partners. It’s been shaped with support from our range of leading suppliers, and delivered thanks to the commitment of our dedicated team.

Today we are a leading fabricator with a comprehensive product portfolio of trusted brands. Our manufacturing expertise combined with a customerfocused ethos and investment programme gives our installer partners everything they need to thrive now and in the future.

2001

2000

Glazerite founded by Jason Thompson and John Hewitt from 1000 sq ft factory in Wellingborough, Northants.

Tel: 01933 443222 Email: sales@glazerite.net

glass news - fabricator0120.indd 1

UK Group Limited

www.glazerite.co.uk

27/01/2020 00:28

INSTALLER NETWORK

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GLAZERITE TAKES

THE PARTNERSHIP APPROACH Jeff Dunn, Group Sales & Marketing Director for the Glazerite UK Group, explains what makes Glazerite’s approach unique in the industry.

It’s Glazerite’s mission to be a best-in-class supplier. To achieve that mantle, we see our 500+ customers as more than just a number, preferring to build collaborative relationships with them and treating them as partners.

To meet the needs of each and every one of our customers, we encourage feedback, and we listen. It’s one of the reasons why we recently poured over £1million into our business, in order to improve the speed, efficiency and capability of our operations.

Now in our 21st year, we’ve demonstrated our commitment to the industry and our customers by creating a sustainable business model, backed up by continued investment, giving confidence to our suppliers and our installer partners.

One of the building blocks of our success as a fabricator has been how we work with our customers; tailoring our approach to meet the needs of installer partners and their own customers. For commercial installers that could mean meeting largescale orders, making flexible deliveries and providing technical support and guidance on wind load calculations for example.

The breadth of our product offering also helps our commercial installers meet the requirements of the builders and architects they work with.

Our comprehensive product portfolio is important for our customers working in

the domestic sector, especially given the combination of colours and styles we have available, like the increasingly popular flush sash for example. The rise in smart technology is also key for many of today’s homeowners, and to be able to integrate such technology into a door can really help to close a sale. Probably more importantly, especially for our smaller domestic installers, are the support elements offered through Glazerite such as marketing, where we can help support installers who might not otherwise have the budget or in-house resource.

Whatever their end market, what is paramount to all of our installer partners is their reputation, and to maintain it, they need a reliable fabricator who can offer high quality products, the versatility to be able to meet trends, and good lead times. Added value benefits and attractive guarantees can also help out our customers, particularly those in the domestic arena, as it can enable them to stand out from their competitors and potentially close a sale.

Being a forward-thinking supplier who can adopt products - or adapt them - to meet the latest trends is also important to our customers. This includes additions to our portfolio like the smart tech products we’ve added recently, including the Ultion Smart, and the Kubu lock, which is available as a simple upgrade on all of our doors. In the coming months, we will also be adapting the offering on our flush sash range, thanks to the integration of Timberweld within our manufacturing process, meaning we can produce an authentic timber-like joint for all budget ranges on this high growth range.

Innovative product developments like VEKA’s SPECTRAL have been greatly received by installers and in particular

for commercial installations where a contemporary look can be achieved with the smooth, ultra-matt finish.

Something else our installers can take advantage of is the raft of enhanced benefits available from our suppliers, ranging from the £1000 break-in guarantee, which is standard on our Ultion locks, to the 20-year surface finish guarantee available on Sweet hardware. Coupled with Brisant Secure’s excellent marketing materials, Ultion and Sweet are further examples of how our installers can win over customers.

Similarly, the ERA 5 star guarantee, which applies to our Vertical Sliders and Imagine doors, is a key part of what we offer as a fabricator. These benefits can really help our installer partners, allowing them the opportunity to differentiate themselves from competitors who may not have access to them through their own suppliers.

Working with Glazerite gives installers access to a host of programmes, which offer tools to help promote and improve their business. This includes digital and printed marketing collateral, access to showroom materials, and online installer directories thanks to the likes of the Solidor Network

Jeff Dunn, Group Sales & Marketing Director for the Glazerite UK Group

Development Programme, the Residence Collection Installer Programme, Planitherm Installer Network and the Superspacer Dealership Programme.

Glazerite also leverages its membership of industry bodies to suit installers. We are an active ambassador of the Independent Network (IN), which many of our installers already belong to, and which can allow installers access to leads, insurance-backed guarantees and marketing support. We are also active members of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF).

On a day-to-day level, we strive to make access to our systems as easy as possible for our customers, and all jobs can be priced through our online ordering system, removing unnecessary paperwork and the risk of manual errors. Linked directly to our order book, installers can mark-up their prices and even tailor the look and layout of the documents with their own logo and details.

At the crux of everything we do though is our people. Our partnership approach can only be fully achieved through our employees, and we pride ourselves in rewarding and developing our 270 staff so that this customer focus permeates throughout Glazerite. All of our installer partners are supported by our sales team and day-to-day customer service contacts, backed up by our dedicated operations team, who are absolutely focused on producing the highest quality products for each and every one of our customers.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0042

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April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

INDUSTRY ANNOUNCEMENT

The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

COVID-19: ANNOUNCEMENT OF VEKA PLC CLOSURE

A MESSAGE FROM DAVE JONES, MANAGING DIRECTOR, VEKA UK As a result of yesterdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s announcement by the Prime Minister, we must stand with other manufacturers to preserve the lives and futures of our people, customers, suppliers and community. Therefore, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily close our operations in the UK from Sunday 29th March 2020 and will cease to make deliveries after Weds 25th March 2020.

Almost all our customers are also preparing to close their doors this week as the country is urged to stay at home and we no longer have a significant number of orders to fulfil.

"We thank you for your support and wish you health, wellness and safety during this challenging time. We cannot wait to work together in rebuilding our futures."

We are proud to have continued to support our customers as we could, following Public Health England guidelines and setting up a home working network.

Due the to dynamic nature of the Pandemic, we do not know when we will be able to open our business once more, but we will review this in 3 weeks in-line with

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2020

Government advice. When we do reopen, we will work hard to resume our normal level of service, but please be patient with us while we and you adjust.

As soon as we have any new information, we will share this with you via our website and social media channels in the first instance.

We thank you for your support and wish you health, wellness and safety during this challenging time. We cannot wait to work together in rebuilding our futures.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0043

27

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: SIGN WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CHANGING TO DECEUNINCK

– A BIG DECISION BUT THE RIGHT DECISION reverberates through a company from finance to logistics and from the workbench to IT. We can take a case in point and look at Sign Windows, a trade and retail fabricator based in Leicester.

Jake, can you tell me a bit about the history of Sign Windows?

Jake Dickman: It’s a family-run company in Leicester and we have been serving Leicestershire and the wider East Midlands for over 30 years. In fact, we will be celebrating our business’ 40 year anniversary next year.

Jake Dickman, Production Manager, Sign Windows

You are an unusual fabricator in that you also install…

Sign Windows’ Jake Dickman talks to Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, about moving to a new systems company and how it has changed their business and their ambitions for the future.

Jake Dickman: We are happy to work with both retail and trade customers and can supply and fit products, as necessary. We have our production facility on Saffron Lane in Leicester and also have a showroom adjoined to it that is open to both trade and the public. It may be an unusual mix but it has worked well for us. We offer the opportunity for customers to come to the showroom or be visited at home – whatever suits them is fine with us.

Changing suppliers, whatever your business, is not something you do without careful thought. Of course, if poor delivery or quality of product is the issue, then it makes the decision that much easier. However, the change of supplier and, in this case let’s look at the window and door fabricator, is something that effects everyone in the company. Whether it’s hardware, IGUs or profile the changeover to something new

You supply PVCu windows, composite doors and conservatories.

Has the product line been similar over the past 39 years?

Jake Dickman: Pretty much, although things changed fairly radically just over a

year ago. Our original owner retired from the business last year and his partner, Shirley Ballard, and the Sales Director, Chris Dickman, bought the company.

This gave us the opportunity to review the business and its operation.

Do you mean from a product point of view or the manufacturing side?

Jake Dickman: We reviewed the whole business and particularly where we wanted to go from a product point of view. We paid particular attention to the changes within the industry and the demands of the homeowner. It was obvious that colour was a big issue when it comes to PVCu frames and that needed to be addressed.

We also needed to look at our trade offering because, to be honest, this had dropped off mainly because of poor service from our systems company. It was recognised that we had to move into more premium products and rejuvenate our trade sales and the change of ownership gave us the opportunity to look at how Sign Windows wanted to present itself in the years to come. Naturally enough, this

meant that fairly radical changes were needed.

And this meant finding a new system house?

Jake Dickman: We have ambitious plans for the business and if we were going to change profiles, we had to make the right decision.

We were well aware that taking on a new system house was going to be disruptive and there would be a learning curve for everyone but, with the change of ownership, if we were going to take the plunge, this was the time to do it.

I’m guessing that, as Production Manager, many of the decisions were going to be laid at your door!

Jake Dickman: I certainly had a part to play but it was important that the management and the workforce were all on board. We looked at the various systems available but in the end the decision was pretty easy.

Deceuninck appeared to recognise the same opportunities for the industry as we did.

Colour: premium products: large range of products in stock: good delivery and service and technical help, too. People are important, too, and we already knew Andy Smith.

Really, everything added up perfectly and we made the decision to go with Deceuninck.

And how was the changeover?

A Deceuninck foiled window

Jake Dickman: It was relatively simple and problem free. Deceuninck’s philosophy of focusing on quality of manufacture, product and service over quantity is exactly like our own.

In the Sign Windows showroom

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April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: SIGN WINDOWS

Deceuninck’s Heritage Flush Door

The technical support has been brilliant – Tony Bethell and Andy Smith are always available if we have any issues. They’re both really responsive too. For example, we’ve just started making the Flush Door and Tony sent us everything we needed to get started. It sounds a bit corny but Deceuninck make you feel that you are part of the family!

And has Deceuninck lived up to its promises of stock availability?

Jake Dickman: Deliveries and service are both great. Deliveries are always on time, and on the very, very rare occasion something doesn’t meet our delivery, it’s sent on overnight delivery. The beauty is you can talk to people at Deceuninck. No one hides away or won’t take your call.

Customer service is really good. Lou is our usual contact and she’s great. Anything that can be done, is done. They always help us out and it works both ways.

You mentioned the flush door earlier. Are you finding the product range and colour options are everything you were hoping for?

In the Sign Windows showroom

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2020

Deceuninck now offers 30 colourways from stock

Jake Dickman: Colour is brilliant! It doesn’t matter which colour you pick, you know it’s going to be there on the next delivery. Even with special colours we only have to wait 3-4 weeks, which as you know, compared to the rest of the industry, is incredible!

The new colours look great and we’re already selling a lot of the new Aluminium Grey – customers love it. Since starting with Deceuninck 12 months ago, we have gone from selling 10-15% of our frames in colour to 30-40%. We’re selling Deceuninck’s 2500, 2800, Flush Sash and Flush Door and the products are easy to manufacture, good quality and we never have any problems with fitting. It’s also great that we very rarely get rejects.

And what about sales? That is, presumably, the real test of successfully moving to Deceuninck?

Jake Dickman: Moving to Deceuninck has really revolutionized Sign’s business! We were struggling to meet £1,500 minimum orders for our weekly profile whereas now we’re regularly around £5K to £6K per week.

Our sales have increased by 65% to 70% in just over a year and we’ve doubled our sales force.

The move to Deceuninck has given us the confidence to be pretty ambitious and we’re confident that 2020 will be another successful year. We think the Heritage Flush Sash will play a big part and, of course, the vast colour choice. We really like the colours and have had a great response from customers.

It hasn’t been a great start to the year for many companies in our industry…

Jake Dickman: To be honest, it’s been great for Sign Windows.

We smashed our January target and reached our February target by mid-month. Colour has been very important in securing sales.

You’ve said that you have had excellent technical support, but does that follow through to marketing, too?

Jake Dickman: Deceuninck are really strong on marketing support with brochures, POS, samples and so on. They’re also good at social media and great at

amplifying our messages. We’re actually getting 1-2 leads a week from Instagram and also some leads from Twitter for trade sales.

And where do Sign Windows go from here?

Jake Dickman: We’re aiming to capitalise on the help we’ve already received from Deceuninck and have gutted our present showroom and we will now showcase the colours and foils. While white windows are still an important part of our manufacturing output, we want our showroom to be exactly that – showing off!

As such we’ve made the decision to have exclusively foiled and coloured frames in the showroom.

The new showroom will highlight the 2500 and 2800 windows, the Invisifold window, bifolds and a big unit for composite doors.

All of the windows will be colour or foiled and we’ll make the showroom interesting to view with false walls and artificial grass in abundance.

You can probably tell that we’re excited about Sign Windows future and we are more than happy that we took the plunge and chose Deceuninck as our system company.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0044

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TRADE NEWS

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April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

KÖMMERLING’S SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS EXTENDS BUILDING REGULATIONS PART L CHANGES TO BE A KEY LOOKING FORWARD SOLAR CONTROL RANGE TOPIC AS BFRC FABRICATORS TO THE SUMMER OF 76 FORUM RETURNS Following the widescale launch of KÖMMERLING 76 in 2019, the company is now looking forward to satisfying the increased demand for this new profile platform from the German PVCu systems giant.

KÖMMERLING 76 represents a new profile platform for casement, flush casement and fully reversible windows, with outstanding energy efficiency credentials, typically with a U-value of 1.1 W/(m2K) using a standard double glazed unit. Flush inside and out, the new profile design also boasts a number of new foiled options from stock including Agate Grey, Quartz Grey, smooth Anthracite Grey, English Oak and Silvered Oak.

Birmingham City Football Club will be the venue for the second outing of the BFRC Fabricators Forum when it takes place this year on June 16th, with a second event, the BFRC’s Annual Simulators Meeting, taking place the next day, June 17th, at the same venue.

A wide-reaching programme led by some of the window and door industry’s leading experts will include a series of panel debates, Q&A sessions and networking opportunities, with new BFRC product launches and initiatives also to be announced. Revisions to Part L of the Building Regulations expected this year are likely to be a key topic and discussions will be directed towards clarifying the impact these will have on the UK window and door sector. Attendance to the BFRC Fabricators Forum will be limited with free places allocated on a first come, first serve basis. With the interest in Part L, demand is expected to be high.

The BFRC is the UK’s most trusted and widely used independent ratings system for verifying the energy performance of windows and doors, using the wellknown rainbow system to raise standards across the glazing industry. The first-ever Fabricators Forum in Reading last year proved a constructive and valuable meeting for professionals across the window and door supply chain, and the

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strong emphasis on audience participation during the discussions on key issues vital to the industry will be repeated at this year’s event.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting our second Fabricators Forum,” said Lis Clarke, BFRC Operations Director. “Following the feedback received off the back of last year’s event we have organised the Birmingham programme, which will focus on intensive discussions with the goal of reaching conclusions and bringing them to reality through BFRC and other GGF organisations on a range of issues.

“To achieve this, we are assembling a panel of some of the UK’s foremost experts and respected panellists to lead discussions about key industry topics and bring valuable insights into what the next year has in store for our industry.”

The event is followed by a second day organised for Certified Simulators, who carry out fenestration ratings calculations on behalf of BFRC and its registered members.

Further details of the programme will be announced over the next few weeks.

Already a number of manufacturing partners have enjoyed strong sales of this new system including Flair Plastic Products, Frame Trade, Secure Trade and Thermal Windows. Other companies, including new customer U70, are already gearing up for additional sales.

The window can be either mechanically jointed, mitre welded or even manufactured using the latest Timberweld type production methodologies. From a hardware perspective, the partnership with Window Ware will also mean that manufacturing partners can specify the Regal range of period inspired hardware in nine premium finishes.

Gareth Jones, managing director of profine UK and the KÖMMERLING brand commented: ‘KÖMMERLING 76 is a profile platform for now and for the future.

Inevitably Building Regulations will change and so our customers can benefit from an unrivalled and proven 70mm system and also 76, which offers class leading levels of energy efficiency.

He continued: ‘The investment in our product range and in our marketing has never looked so strong and later this year we’ll also be looking to launch our installer campaign with genuine points of differentiation.’

Saint-Gobain Glass has announced the launch of its most recent product innovation for the commercial glazing market with a new addition to its popular COOLLITE solar control range.

m2K for excellent thermal insulation means heating and air conditioning usage can be significantly reduced.

COOL-LITE SKN 183 & SKN 183 II, annealed and to-betempered respectively, offers the highest light transmission in the COOL-LITE range of 75% in double glazed units, allowing large amounts of sunlight to flood into a building without overheating, while maintaining a neutral appearance.

Lauren Whittaker, Market Manager for the commercial sector at Saint-Gobain Glass said: “COOL-LITE SKN 183 & SKN 183 II is easy to process, handle and assemble into IGUs and is a high-performance addition to the already successful COOL-LITE range of coated solar control glass products, designed to give our customers a competitive advantage.”

This highly selective solar control glass is an ideal product for facades in buildings where a high level of natural light is desired such as schools, hospitals, mixed-use and commercial premises. A high light transmission of 75 per cent provides a comfortable interior environment, while a very low external reflection of 13 per cent and neutral and low internal reflection of 16 per cent (in double glazed units) afford the best possible aesthetics.

Meanwhile, excellent solar control (40 per cent in double glazed units) combined with a Ug value of 1.0 W/

In the UK, building operations accounts for around 30 per cent of CO2 emissions, mainly from heating, cooling and electricity use. In the drive to achieve net-zero carbon buildings, the consistent use of high performance, using high performance coated glass such as COOL-LITE SKN 183 & SKN 183 II as part of a building façade is necessary.

Constructing a robust and energy efficient glazed façade creates a healthy environment for building occupants whilst helping to minimise the effects of building operations on climate change.

Lauren added: “This really is the ultimate solar control glass providing the best in daylight, thermal comfort and aesthetics.

It allows for high levels of daylight to enter a building but prevents the heat and glare from making the room uncomfortable for occupiers.

This ensures the minimum amount of heating, lighting and air-conditioning are required, which reduces a building’s carbon footprint.

COOL-LITE range already pushes the limits for the highest light transmission combined with the best solar control – and this latest innovation provides the additional dimension of neutral aesthetics, ensuring the views through the glass are as natural as possible.”

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0048

Look out for the KÖMMERLING #ComeAlong and #KommerlingBetterWorld campaigns on social media, including Twitter @kommerling_uk. For all other information visit www.kommerling.co.uk, e-mail enquiries@profine-group.com or call 01543 444900.

Tickets are free but numbers are limited: please register to attend at https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/bfrc-fabricators-forumtickets-93948978925.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0046

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0047

COOL-LITE SKN 183 & SKN 183 II offers the highest light transmission in the COOL-LITE range, allowing large amounts of sunlight to flood into a building without overheating

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

UP TO £70 BOOST WITH VELUX® REWARDS SCHEME THIS SPRING

- INSTALLERS AND BUILDERS URGED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EXTRA REWARDS WITH TOP RETAIL AND HIGH STREET BRANDS WITH PURCHASES OF SELECTED ROOF WINDOWS – Installers, builders and homeowners across the UK and Ireland can now benefit from an extra rewards boost this spring, a traditionally busy time for home renovation projects, thanks to VELUX®.

The roof window manufacturers introduced VELUX Rewards in 2015. The scheme provides customers with an opportunity to earn rewards each time they buy a VELUX roof window, flat roof window, sun tunnel, blind or selected combination flashings throughout the year.

However, for this March and April only, VELUX is giving away an extra rewards boost by offering £35 of rewards for every white painted roof window and £70 for

every VELUX INTEGRA® electric or solar roof window purchased.

Express, and did our entire Christmas food shop at M&S!”

If you purchase 10 VELUX INTEGRA roof windows, you will be entitled to £700 worth of rewards that can be redeemed at a range of retailers and restaurants including M&S, Argos, John Lewis, Halfords and Tesco.

Richard McArthur, marketing manager from VELUX said: “With spring renovations keeping installers busy, we have decided to give our reward scheme an extra boost to ensure installers, builders and homeowners get even more out of their projects. There’s a host of rewards to take advantage of, which means you can eat out, go to a gig, buy the latest tech, or furnish your home. Sign up now and you could earn literally hundreds of pounds worth of rewards for purchasing VELUX products.”

The last day customers can submit a claim is 15 May 2020.

VELUX Certified Installer Bruce Poll and his family have received hundreds of pounds from the reward scheme. He said: “We’ve got a John Lewis nearby, so that’s where we tend to spoil ourselves, it’s a little treat that’s come from VELUX. We’ve also taken the staff out for a meal at Pizza

To receive rewards from VELUX, upload your invoice at www.velux.co.uk/rewards READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0050

PROFILE 22 LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE Leading systems company Profile 22, an Epwin Window Systems brand, has just launched its new website https:// www.profile22.co.uk/. Marketing Manager Gerald Allen said: “The new Profile 22 website has been designed to support our customers and will be a valuable source of information.”

The new user-friendly website is aimed at fabricators and installers, commercial specifiers, and homeowners. It is visually appealing, with interactive and engaging content signposting visitors to important sections and information.

The new site offers improved navigation with all product information now available in one place including a useful Product Overview on all the main pages. This feature gives visitors to the site, whether trade, retail, commercial or domestic, all the information they need on the Profile 22 award-winning product portfolio in one place.

There is also detailed product and technical information for fabricators and installers, as well as information on the

wealth of support services available to Profile 22 customers.

A new client area allows customers to access marketing and technical portals quickly and easily too by clicking onto https://www.profile22.co.uk/client-area/ A dedicated commercial section provides information for commercial fabricators and specifiers and outlines the benefits of working with Profile 22 and Optima, the most considered commercial system on the market today.

The homeowner’s section focuses on the lifestyle benefits of Optima as well as the reassurance that comes with choosing a distinctively British brand. Gerald said: “We know that homeowners do their research when investing in new windows and doors and our new website showcases the excellence of Optima and links them to their nearest Profile 22 installer so they can continue the buying journey.”

The website has been designed to be intuitive to use. It works across desktop, tablet and mobile, delivering an exceptional user experience. Gerald commented: “People

will get the high-quality experience they expect from Profile 22 no matter where or how they access our website.”

Profile 22 continues to support its customers’ sales and marketing activity so they can grow their businesses. This new website is the perfect example of this support in action.

Tel: 01952 290910 - www.profile22.co.uk READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0051

HODGSON’S EXPANSIVE SEALANT RANGE FOR PROFESSIONALS Hodgson Sealants have spent much of the last 18 months expanding their range of sealants and solutions for professional window and door installers, along with sealant applicators. The family owned business is the UK’s largest independent manufacturer of sealants and related products, based in Beverly near Hull.

The popular Silfix range of premium silicone sealants has been expanded with the introduction of U7 which is a sanitary, high modulus, acetoxy cure silicone sealant and adhesive which possesses exceptional tooling properties. In addition Silfix U8 has been launched and it is a low modulus, neutral cure, solvent free, alkoxy silicone sealant. It provides excellent application characteristics and outstanding adhesion to a wide range of substrates used in the building envelope.

In addition to the development of new silicone sealants, Hodgson have also

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developed a range of next generation hybrid sealants in the form of HY-SPEC® 25, which among other impressive features is paintable. The recently released HY-SPEC® Ag brings anti-pick properties and an antimicrobial formulation in hybrid form.

Not a sealant as such, Foamfix, which is a PU expanding gun grade foam, along with a cleaner, was also launched at the back end of last year, as Hodgson Sealants’ thirst for product innovation continues.

It also something that remains high on the agenda for the sealant specialist as commercial director, Gary Thomas points out: ‘Our product launches have been carefully planned so that both professional installers and sealant applicators can buy into our UK manufactured products with the reassurance of having a complete range of products to hand. 2020 will also see us develop further new products as we look to become the sealant partner of choice for many different businesses and in different markets.’

For further information or to use the secure online shop please visit www.hodgsonsealants.com, call 01482 868321 or follow them on Twitter @HodgsonSealants.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0052

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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“ 0420/0053

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GOLDEN HOUR FOR JFPL - 50 YEARS OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT The traditional gift for a 50th anniversary is usually gold, but Halo fabricator John Fredericks Plastics Ltd (JFPL) has broken the mould, treating itself to two HGVs and a new machining centre for the half-century celebration.

2020 marks 50 years of business for the Huddersfield PVCu door, window and conservatory manufacturer and a lot has changed since 1970 when the company was founded. Just last year, Mark Dicconson resumed his position as MD and JFPL returned to exclusive supply of Halo PVCu systems, which saw the company’s existing customer base expand significantly.

as we enter our 50th year, we have seen the need to increase the rate of production and add extra vehicles to the fleet to support our ever-growing customer base.

“By Autumn 2019, the relaunch of JFPL’s ‘Ultimate Collection’ (our industry-leading system featuring installers’ own branding), the return to 100% Halo, and the subsequent investment in signage and vehicle livery, to name a few changes, had already resulted in 30 customers coming back to JFPL, a fantastic achievement in itself.

MD Mark Dicconson says: “For a business to celebrate its 50th birthday is always a special occasion, and to be back here with the team for the event is a proud moment for me.

I spent more than 13 years with JFPL starting in the early 1990s, and after a stint out of the industry, I returned in 2019 as MD.

“Since then, to support an ever-growing customer base we have added two new vehicles to our fleet of 11 HGVs and 12 trailers and invested in an innovative Schirmer machine/ cutting centre. These are both ‘gifts’ to ourselves but also to our loyal customers, who we believe deserve nothing but the best when it comes to product quality, service and support.

We like to think, in our 50th year, we have the golden touch when it comes to all three.”

“At the time I commented that I felt JFPL needed to focus more on its core products and hoped to return the brand back to its ‘former glory’. I’ve been back at JFPL for a little more than 12 months now, and since then the steps we’ve taken to try and achieve this have all combined to mean that

VEKA UK Sales Director Neil Evans said: “Huge congratulations to Mark and the team on their 50th anniversary this year. The fact that JFPL has stood the test of time in such a competitive market is testament to their hard work and commitment to continuous business improvement.

“Halo and JFPL have enjoyed a close relationship over the years, and we look forward to this partnership continuing to go from strength to strength throughout the rest of 2020 and beyond.”

Tel: 01282 716611 - www.vekauk.com READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0054

BUILDERS MERCHANT BUILDING INDEX

SUBDUED START TO 2020 YEAR-ON-YEAR Total Builders’ Merchant sales in January were down 2.6% compared with January 2019. Seven categories sold less, with Timber & Joinery Products (-7.0%) weakest, followed by Tools (-6.1%) which had its lowest average sales a day since BMBI data was first recorded in July 2014.

Heavy Building Materials (the largest category) was down 2.7%. Five categories sold more this year, including Workwear & Safetywear (+7.3%) and Landscaping (+3.9%).

difference in the number of trading days (22 in January 2020 and 15 in December 2019). As a result, total January sales were 34.4% higher.

However average sales a day provides a more meaningful comparison, with January 8.4% weaker than December. Kitchens & Bathrooms (-14.0%) and Decorating (-12.4%) were particularly low. Although still selling less each day, six categories did better than merchants overall - including Timber & Joinery Products (-5.5%) and Workwear & Safetywear (-1.8%).

MONTH-ON-MONTH

OTHER PERIODS

Comparing sales between January and December is always affected by a significant

Sales in the 12 months February 2019 to January 2020 were down 0.5% on the same period a year earlier, with one less trading day. Four categories sold less: Tools (-6.7%); Timber & Joinery Products (-2.0%); Plumbing Heating & Electrical (-0.8%) and Heavy Building Materials (-0.7%). The eight categories selling more included Landscaping (+2.9%), Workwear & Safetywear (+2.5%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (+1.8%). Average sales a day in the last 12 months were down 0.1% overall.

Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (128.9) doing best. Workwear & Safetywear (119.9) and Ironmongery (118.4) also performed well. Landscaping (90.5) was one of only three categories below 100. The average sales a day index for January was 99.3.

For the full report, including comments from the BMBI’s panel of leading industry Experts, please visit www.bmbi.co.uk.

INDEX January’s BMBI index was 105.3, with one additional trading day. Nine categories exceeded 100, with seasonal category GfK’s Builders Merchant Panel GfK’s Merchant Panel includes national, multi-regional and regional merchants such as Buildbase, Jewson, Travis Perkins, EH Smith, Gibbs & Dandy, MKM, Bradfords, Covers and Ridgeons. GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data represents more than 80% of the value of the builders’ merchant market. GfK insights can trace product group performance and track relevant features. GfK can also produce robust like-for-like market comparability, tailored to the requirements of an individual business.

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The Builders Merchant Building Index The Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) appears every month in BMN, in print and online. A full quarterly report is published every three months. The BMBI is a brand of the Builders Merchant Federation. Launched and managed by MRA Marketing, it uses salesout data from GfK’s Builders Merchant Panel. BMBI includes a panel of leading industry Experts, who speak exclusively for their markets.

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TRADE NEWS

0420/0055

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2020

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

UK GLAZING GROUP SAVES £350,000 WITH CUSTOMADE GROUP Celebrations have been taking place at UK Glazing Group Ltd as it marks a very successful year of trading as a PVCu and aluminium supplier for the commercial market. Since ceasing manufacturing and choosing Customade Group as its fabricator 12 months ago, the firm has made incredible savings of £350,000 and boosted output by 25%.

As well as toasting to its success, the company, which has installed windows and doors on some of the north west’s most prestigious buildings, has now invested £100,000 to convert its former 3,500 square foot factory in North Manchester into a showroom.

The Customade Group team worked closely with UK Glazing Group’s director Chris Barton to perfect the design of the showroom. Designed to inspire visitors as they walk through the space, the showroom also features a series of giant branded TV screens, showroom graphics and product brochures.

Chris Barton explains: “This has been a phenomenal year for the business and we couldn’t be happier with our decision to stop fabricating and buy in our products from Customade Group. We’ve made huge savings by not having to buy and store stock and our output has dramatically increased.

The showroom features a host of Customade Group products, including aluminium windows and doors from REAL Aluminium, glazed roof lanterns from Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions, PVCu windows from Polyframe and composite doors from Virtuoso Doors.

“We’re very excited to open our new showroom, which looks just like the stand that Customade Group created for the FIT Show. It’s very clean and modern and the feedback from visitors has been really positive. We now have a stylish, purposebuilt space to showcase our range of products and win new business.

The showroom, which opened at the end of February, is modelled on the stand that drew thousands of visitors to Customade Group at the FIT Show in 2019.

“The Customade team has been terrific – they really helped us to get every detail of this new showroom right. And, with a buoyant commercial property market here

FREEFOAM ANNOUNCE 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY 2020 is a significant year for Freefoam Building Products, with the company marking 30 years of trading.

In 1990 founding Managing Director Tony Walsh set up an extrusion plant in Cork, Ireland, with one co-extrusion line. With a vision to provide the growing home improvement market with high quality, long lasting, low maintenance PVC fascia and soffit, to replace traditional timber products, the business grew into a leading manufacturer in Ireland. Since those humble beginnings Freefoam has become a broad pan-European business, with manufacturing operations in Ireland and the UK together with distribution in continental Europe.

Tony Walsh, now Chairman, remarked: "This is an incredible milestone for any company. Freefoam has achieved this success through a combination of factors.

First and foremost the hard work, passion, and exemplary commitment by our team members whose cooperative spirit throughout the company is at the heart of our business. The development and continued improvements to our product range and our innovation to create best in class building products that are guaranteed to provide value and longevity to homeowners has also proved to be a winning formula. We have dedicated ourselves to 30 years of product innovation, manufacturing and business process

38

improvements and efficiencies to provide our customers with the highest quality building product solutions and services.

Throughout 2020, we will be looking back at where we started, what we have achieved, and what our plans are for the future" Today Freefoam Building Products employs over 300 team members across three locations. Manufacturing facilities consist of 30 extrusion lines in Ireland and the UK, producing PVC-U and PVC-UE fascia, soffit, gutter and cladding. Aidan Harte, Managing Director, explained “Our strategy of continued investment into plant and facilities has created robust and sustainable processing and manufacturing operations that are equipped to produce volume and quality on a consistent basis.

We are looking forward to the future, with further expansion planned for our site in Northampton this year, ongoing investment in training and development for our team members and growth strategies in place for our European markets” www.freefoam.com READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0057

in the north west and the right products and support from Customade, we’re certain that we will achieve even greater success this year.”

Congratulating UK Glazing Group Ltd on its success, Customade Group’s area sales manager Steve Roberts said: “Congratulations to Chris and the team on such impressive success, we’re delighted that they are doing so well after making the decision to go supply only. The new showroom looks amazing and, judging by the response we had to our identical stand at the FIT Show, we know that it’s a winning formula! We wish them every success for the future.”

Based in Heywood, Lancashire, UK Glazing Group is an established commercial supplier of PVCu and aluminium products for newbuild residential and commercial projects.

The firm supplies up to 200 frames a week and employs five fitting teams to install on commercial contracts.

Customade Group operates nationwide and employs 1100 people in multiple manufacturing sites across the UK. The group includes REAL Aluminium

MORLEY LAUNCHES NEW AND IMPROVED APP Uni-blinds® integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass & Glazing has developed a new and improved app with home integration company Loxone, allowing users to open and close their motorised integral blinds from a tablet or smartphone.

By integrating Morley Glass & Glazing’s fully electronic MB System Uni-Blinds® into the Loxone app, blinds can now be operated using WiFi connected devices from anywhere in the world. The app is available for immediate installation into MB Systems, including retrofitting into previous projects.

Ian Short, Morley Glass & Glazing managing director, said: “We were inundated with requests from customers for a way to operate their integral blinds remotely using an app. We worked closely with DV Smarthomes in association with Loxone to make sure the final product not only offers all the features we have been

(aluminium), Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions (glazed roofs), Virtuoso Doors (composite and PVCu door panels), Polyframe (PVC-u), Hourglass Seal (sealed glass units), Stevenswood Trade Centre (trade counters) and Fineline Aluminium (specialist glazing).

To find out more about Customade Group, its range of products and showroom support, call 01453 707272 or visit www.customade.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0056

The new and improved app from Morley Glass & Glazing, allowing users to open and close their motorised integral blinds from a tablet or smartphone

asked for, but a lot more besides.”

Using the app, blinds can be programmed to open and close at set times of the day, especially useful when homeowners are on holiday, and they can even be linked via a subscription service to temperature controls, allowing them to close automatically before rooms get too hot.

Finally, the app can be integrated into home automation systems via the Loxone Miniserver, offering flexibility and expandability with up to 30 extensions to integrate various domestic applications such as lighting, heating, safety and security, energy management and entertainment systems.

For more information, visit www.morleyglass.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0058

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

SELECTA RAISE £1,550 FOR ACORNS CHILDREN’S HOSPICE During December of last year, Selecta Systems held a couple of fundraising events and raised a fantastic £1,550 for local charity, Acorns Children’s Hospice.

A Christmas raffle culminating in a Christmas jumper day, were organised by the Selecta marketing department for this worthy cause.

Selecta Systems Marketing & Customer Support Assistant, Donna O’Reilly, spoke about the fundraising events and why Selecta chose to support Acorns Children’s Hospice.

“We’ve supported Acorns as our local charity over the last few years and we’ve always been amazed at what they do for babies, children, young people and the families of those with life limiting or lifethreatening conditions. Acorns has been threatened with closure over the last year or so and is heavily reliant on the community to fund the majority of its activities.”

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides babies, children and young people, who have life limiting or life-threatening conditions and associated complex needs with a network of specialist palliative nursing care and support. They also provide a holistic service which meets the needs of both the children and their families, including the bereaved.

This includes short break provision; emergency and end of life care; therapeutic and psychosocial support; sibling services and family support. In the past year, Acorns have supported 787 children and 1,223 family members across the organisation, including those who have been bereaved.

Donna concludes, “It only seems right to continue that support and we’d like to thank everyone who got involved and donated.

We were thrilled at being able to raise over £1,500!”

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0060

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MORE INFLUENTIAL COLOURS OF CORSE As the most influential PVCu systems company in the UK, The Residence Collection continue to innovate when it comes to foiled finishes, being on trend and the increased adoption of the Corse Lawn finish further supports this claim.

Corse Lawn is available for R9 with a Grained White internal finish, that’s also carried through with a foiled rebate, while R7 is presented with a Chalk White internal finish and through the rebate. Corse Lawn was inspired by a Gloucestershire village of the same name and with undertones of green, brown and grey, it offers true, classic heritage appeal.

True to form, the colours and finishes of R9 have all been carefully assessed so that they fully reflect heritage and 19th Century appeal, while R7 as its younger sibling is a boutique window for the middle market.

Not only have the dimensions of each of these windows been carefully designed, but

colour, hardware and the use of dedicated ancillaries make each a standout choice.

In a market where consumers no longer want the ‘me too’ approach, The Residence Collection are satisfying thousands of homeowners every month with carefully crafted windows and doors.

Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director of The Residence Collection, takes this thought further and said: 'Even the large retail companies such as John Lewis are now offering other boutique brands such as Swoon for furniture and Tom Dixon for lighting.

'The fact is that consumers want stand out products that have an element of exclusivity about them and when it comes to replacement windows, The Residence Collection fully satisfies this desire and importantly, also allows installers to stand out from the masses.'

For further information please visit www.residencecollection.co.uk and www.residencecollectiontrade.co.uk. You can request a free brochure pack including the My Residence Magazine via e-mail at journey@residencecollection.co.uk or by calling 01452 348650. You can also add to their following on Twitter @residence9 and engage with them on other social media platforms including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest and Houzz.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0061

THERMOSEAL GROUP ACHIEVES THE 6TH GENERATION INVESTORS IN PEOPLE STANDARD Investors in People (IIP) accreditation is an outstanding achievement which leading UK warm edge spacer manufacturer, Thermoseal Group, announces is delighted to have been awarded.

IIP, the standard for people management, has evolved over the years to the current 6th Generation Standard. It is a tried and tested framework with a rigorous process of assessment that defines excellence in leading, supporting and managing people.

The current standard involves a framework of 9 indicators organised under the three headings of Leading, Supporting and Improving. Within each of these 9 indicators are 3 criteria, so a total of 27 criteria to demonstrate that the business is a true investor in people. In order to achieve accreditation, a company must meet the standard required within all criteria. The assessment process involves a complete

review of the business including a staff survey and face-to-face interviews with selected members of all teams. All surveys and interviews are conducted, analysed and reviewed by Investors in People assessors.

Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate Thermoseal Group. Being accredited with We invest in people is a remarkable effort for any organisation, and places Thermoseal Group in fine company with a host of organisations that understand the value of people.”

Commenting on the accreditation, Gwain Paterson, Managing Director at Thermoseal Group, said: “A business is only as strong as its people, which is why I’d like to thank every member of the Thermoseal Group Team, or as we like to refer to ourselves internally, to all Thermosealians. At the crux of it, accreditation means that every single person is involved in supporting each other and is doing their best to make our workplace better.

“Over recent years, in line with our business growth, we have invested significant funds into developing our recruitment, training and the overall development of our team.

Our HR Officer, Karen Croke has been

working with all teams across the business to ensure that all the HR processes and procedures are in place and is there to support our teams when needed. As far as training is concerned, every member of staff has a training and development plan in place. We have also worked with local colleges on Apprenticeship Schemes and have taken a number of apprentices on in various roles.

“Effective internal communication is also a big part of the IIP standard and is key to ensuring that all staff are engaged and involved in achieving business goals. We recognise that this is vital in our continual strive to enhance the experience that our stakeholders have with Thermoseal Group. Therefore, with the comprehensive 6thgeneration IIP framework now an integral part of our management review process and truly at the heart of the business, we hope our customers really can see how hard we are striving to achieve excellence at every level.”

For further information about the IIP Standard, visit www.investorsinpeople.com.

Thermoseal Group supplies over 2,500 IG Components and a wide range of IG manufacturing machinery. Contact 0845 331 3950 or Intl: +44 (0) 121 331 3950.

Alternatively, visit www.thermosealgroup.com or e-mail sales@thermosealgroup.com.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0062

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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BIG INVESTMENT

AND BEAUTIFUL PRODUCTS AT APEER Apeer hosted a press day at Ballymena, Northern Ireland, to view both new products, premises and plant that have all been added over the past three years. Glass News Editor, Chris Champion, reports on the visit from the comfort of his own home!

Apeer Ltd, the Ballymena-based manufacturer of Apeer composite entrance doors and Lumi windows and doors seem to have been investing and expanding forever but, in fact, they are only into Year 3 of their investment plan.

They have now opened a 20,000 sq ft factory extension with further upgrades to their manufacturing facilities. If there is one thing they do in Northern Ireland, apart from really knowing how to throw a party, is getting on with building works. Whereas everything seems to take forever over here on the mainland, over there they just get on with it!

I had been really looking forward to the press visit that had been arranged and was

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all packed and ready to go only to hear, just the night before, that Flybe had shut up shop. In fact, ‘planes were flying their last legs that evening and everyone was advised not to go to the airport if they were due to fly next morning. But within a couple of days and with resourcefulness typical of this impressive company, I received a ‘virtual tour’ of the factory by way of a video, together with a personal greeting from Apeer’s managing director Asa McGillian. Under the circumstances that have prevailed since, I wonder if this is what the future holds for such visits?

With the new extension to their Ballymena premises, Apeer now has the company’s head office and production facilities contained in a total of 140,000 ft2 with all services now fully self-contained, including the production of door blanks through to completed door sets for Apeer residential doors; fabrication of all Lumi windows, sliding and entrance doors; and all of the company’s glass requirements. This is all in a 7.2 acre site so it would be no surprise to find Managing Director, Asa McGillian and his team extending even further in the not too distant future.

The factory extension has allowed replanning of production in more efficient flowlines with all services under

one roof, including advanced glass processing that now allows for complex shapes to be cut and the exceptional sheet sizes increasingly required for Lumi doors and windows, to be sourced in-house. A new CNC precision waterjet cutting machine has been installed to make the unusually complex cuts required for Lumi windows and doors, whilst the Northglass AGseries Forced Convection furnace installed 18 months ago, allows toughened glass production in sheet sizes up to 5m x 2.8m.

The second paint line installed for Apeer composite doors is now supplemented by a second insulating core press used for the production of the company’s GRP-faced composite door panels, which combined will allow more than 1000 two colour doors to be manufactured each week, entirely in house.

It has been a testing time for Northern Ireland but despite challenges imposed by Britain’s exit from the EU and political upheaval nationally and locally within Northern Ireland, sales of Apeer products have continued to grow in line with the company’s plans. The new facilities further increase output capacity and provide greater flexibility to suit market conditions and demand.

Asa McGillian takes up the story, saying: “The additional space does far more than

Asa McGillian Managing Director

simply allow new machines to be installed.

We have now been able to re-plan our whole facility to create more logical production flowlines and logical sequences, all of which will give us significant increases in output as well as flexibility, something that remains crucial especially until Brexit is finally settled.”

“Our glass processing facility is now highly capable and flexible and allows us to cope in-house with the increasingly large Lumi doors being ordered, as well as the demands for Apeer composite doors, for which we also produce decorative glass units in our own studio. In fact, I believe that Apeer doors have a greater UK sourced content than the majority of composite door brands sold in Britain and Ireland. We are proud of that, of course, and also that our video-based quality control system is now more intensive than ever and showing an exceptionally low rejection rate. Our rightfirst-time rate of 98% is excellent.”

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Lumi Lift and Slide

Apeer has become very self-sufficient and is a true manufacturer with both the problems that brings and the very real benefits. The benefits are all around control over the manufacturing process and being able to oversee every stage to maintain high quality. This is key in everything they do and the vigilance shown in inspecting and QA-ing at every stage of production is something in which the company is justly proud. They have had a system of cameras that monitor processes right through to the packing and despatch stage, for some years, and is something that impressed me when I first saw it in operation. This attention to detail is especially important with high end products such as Lumi but all their product range is treated with the same care.

The composite door range is a case in point. This range comprises traditional and contemporary doors, Modo range and Silka, the smooth skin range that was launched last year. The Silka door is impressive with its ultra-modern look enhanced with contemporary hardware and the unique allglass trim option. This range has really taken off and still has police approved, ‘secured by design’ anti-bump, anti-drill, anti-pick and anti-snap Kite-marked cylinder lock barrels, as fitted as standard to every Apeer door.

Lumi is, of course, stunning to look at but is also world class for security and energy efficiency, too. It’s as well to remember that this was thought of, invented, designed and manufactured by Asa McGillian. “My

The new Lumi factory

problem, he said, “was that windows look the same wherever you go. They’re all little boxes that in our weather, degrade over time and let heat escape. Lumi is my solution. I quite literally turned the idea of a window inside out.”

Now the range includes windows, composite entrance doors, French doors, glazed entrance doors and lift-slide doors.

Although ultra-modern, it is well worth looking at the gallery on the Lumi website. I have to admit I wondered how the windows would look on different houses – brick, stone, pebble dashed, rendered and so on. The gallery shows them all from quite humble looking semis through to stonebuilt barn conversions. And they all look fantastic and the range keeps developing!

Although Lumi is a triple glazed product, Lumi2 now offers double glazing. This double glazed version of the Lumi award winning glazing system is perfect for the replacement market. With its wall-to-wall glass it looks exactly the same as the Lumi triple glazed version, but is designed to fit perfectly into 70mm PVC replacement projects and is available in the full range of external and internal colours.

It's now some 17 years since the Apeer door first came to market and, maybe surprisingly, they are still producing PVC panels, albeit way down around the 300 per week from the highs of 1,000 per week, and those numbers are still diminishing.

The composite door has replaced the PVC panel well and truly but another important

door is the Fire Door. Post Grenfell, Apeer re-engineered their fire door by exceeding specifications by around 50% and they underwent testing in both Germany and the UK and were the first company to re-market the fire door. Importantly, they point out that training of installers is key to any market but particularly when it comes to fire doors and Apeer make a point of inspecting numbers of installations to ensure it is done correctly. Whereas the fire doors feature self-locking when closed, little, regrettably, can be done about householders releasing door closers. There was some discussion around this at the press day and whether smart technology could be utilised to spot when closers are released.

Since my last visit three years ago, there has been much development in the factory and new plant and I was, with the benefit of the video clip, shown the new second paint line that has doubled the capacity, the new foam press machine, new CNCs, the brand new furnace, the new CNC water jet and, of course, the new Lumi factory.

Now with this phase of the investment complete, marketing is back to the top of the agenda and although Apeer is represented in almost every county in both Ireland and the UK, there are still one or two holes still to fill.

Adds Asa: “Our focus is now very much on marketing, with some exceptional support programmes being developed to provide high quality leads for Apeer and Lumi retail partners. Our composite doors - especially the Silka range - and new Lumi replacement window which were launched last year at the FIT Show, are enjoying excellent sales growth and we will work hard to ensure this continues.”

“We are delighted to be able to show you our new Lumi advert and our brand new brochures that are about to be launched. It is our aim to assist the trade in any way we can and stimulate leads and sales by talking with the buying public through this new material.”

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0064

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2020

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PIGS

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

AT MANCHESTER Elbow bumps replaced the usual handshakes as a new Manchester venue played host to the first PIGs of the year, with around 130 people descending on Revolution Deansgate Locks to attend this networking event.

current circumstances it’s more important than ever to communicate and help each other out.

“The Manchester crowd are a hardy bunch,” says PIGs organiser Sarah Ball of Balls2 Marketing. “The event went ahead in 2017 despite the ‘Beast from the East’ causing chaos, and it was still incredibly well attended this year, even though the COVID-19 pandemic is creating understandable concern.

Sponsorship is vital for the success of PIGs. Every penny is put behind the bar and used to get the party started. A huge thanks to: All Glass Facades, Anglo European, Aluminium Plastic Systems, Kubu by Avantis, BetweenGlassBlinds, Bison, Edgetech UK, Emplas, Extrudaseal, The Georgian Bar Company, Glazpart, Improveasy, Independent Network, The Joinery Network, Morley Glass & Glazing, ON Level, Prime Glazine, Quickslide, Regalead, Reynaers Aluminium, Rock Door, Scotplas Trade Centres, Selecta Systems, Senior Architectural Systems, Supalite, Thermoseal Group, Total Hardware, Unique Window Systems, VEKA, Whizzle, Window Ware, Yale, and PiGs press partners: Glass News, Glass Times, GGP, Vision, Windows Active and Window News.

“The Government released information at 3.30pm on the day which meant that we were able to go ahead with the event for the people who were already in Manchester.

“There’s a certain camaraderie in our industry that sets us apart from others. We share information and often talk to even our fiercest rivals at these events. Under the

“It was a superb event and the new venue went down really well with our regulars. Although we don’t know about dates for further events, rest assured that we will be announcing more as soon as we can.

Chris Stevens, Gretsch-Unitas and Stephanie Tague, Building Our Skills

Rachael Radcliffe and Chloe Waddington, Veka

“In the meantime, keep visiting the social channels, post anything you can to keep the industry buoyant, and we will share it. Stay safe and see you soon.”

Guy Hubble, RegaLead; Andy Ball, Balls2Marketing and Michael Thompson, Clayton Glass

Dean Bradley, Glazpart and Sarah Ball, Balls2Marketing

Tyler Shutts, VBH; Michael Thompson, Clayton Glass; David Golbourn and Natasha Pugh, APECS

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Mark Simm and Simon Bird, Rockdoor

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Chris Beedel, FENSA; Adrian Hicks, Improveasy, and Karen Lund, Independent Network

Emma Champion, Glass News and Phil Dewhurst Sr, Georgian Bar

Ian Smith, Kommerling; Chris Powell and John Hoyle from CWG Choices

“It was a superb event and the new venue went down really well with our regulars.

Although we don’t know about dates for further events, rest assured that we will be announcing more as soon as we can.”

Andy Westhead, Glass Times and Lee Marriott, Anglo European

Kush Patel and Ryan Johnson, Emplas

Tom Swallow, Quickslide; Katrina Earl and Paul Lindsay, Epwin Window Systems

Adam Jones and Sean Mackey from Jade Engineering, with Tony Ball, Shepley

Graeme Bailey, Business Micros and Dean Hodges, Business Micros (Aluminium)

Luke Wood and Emma Blick, GGP; Guy Hubble, RegaLead and Sat Dhillon, GGP

Brian McDonald, Kommerling and Nichola Clarke, Rehau

Kush Patel, Emplas; Phil Dewhurst Jr, Georgian Bar and Lee Marriott, Anglo European

Paul Sullivan, Anglo European and John Warren, JW PR and Marketing

Simon Felstein, Nova Group; Mark Hickox and Samantha Hill, Thermoseal Group

Dave Henry, AluFoldDirect; Simon Owen, Balls2Marketing; Chris Stretten, AluFoldDirect and Lauren Doyle, Balls2Marketing

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2020

45

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: DECALU

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ALUMINIUM:

OPTIMISED

A pleasant lunch with Deceuninck Aluminium’s business development director, Nigel Headford, resulted in an interview and information on the new Decalu system and the advantages it brings to both manufacturers and installers.

There will no doubt be plenty of existing Deceuninck customers who will understandably be very interested at the prospect of sourcing their PVC and aluminium from one supplier, but can you outline the overall advantages of Decalu to fabricators?

Considering the growing demand for aluminium products, you must be anticipating a very positive response to the launch of Decalu. What makes it different to other aluminium systems that have also been introduced recently?

Nigel Headford: Decalu features several key innovations that are designed to both improve manufacturing efficiencies and increase margins. Chief among these is a modular design that will encompass a whole suite of products – based on a single inner frame and mid-section, with integrated insulation and pre-inserted, co-extruded gaskets – that will simplify fabrication and reduce stock holding in the process.

Nigel Headford: It’s true that these are certainly very exciting times for the aluminium sector, thanks as you say to the increasing popularity of the material, especially in the residential market. While this will obviously encourage healthy competition, I can honestly say that, as someone who has a great deal of experience working for a number of high profile aluminium system companies over the years, Decalu does not just represent a step change in product offering, but also in service and support. In the past, there has often been a lot of frustration with aluminium system supply, but we are approaching this with a model that has been fine tuned in PVC-U and will be applying that to aluminium.

The use of pre-inserted gasket with a rigid PVC backing is also a bonus for installers, as it means fitting is easier, and they don’t have to worry about issues with shrinkage either, but at the manufacturing stage it also means you don’t need to employ someone on in-house assembly. In fact, on efficiencies alone, we estimate that Decalu can cut manufacturing time by more than 30% against comparable aluminium systems.

In addition, for PVC-U fabricators who are currently buying in aluminium products, the fact that Decalu incorporates a PVC-U style Eurogroove, means that it will be a match for all their existing hardware and gearing. Again, this eliminates the requirement for additional stockholding

DECALU BY DECEUNINCK

• Complete aluminium system. Including Decalu88 Bifolding Door; Decalu163 Lift-and-Slide; the Decalu88 range of contemporary casements, reversible, tilt-andturn, and heritage options.

• High-performance EPDM, co-extruded pre-inserted gasket with rigid PVC-U backing – eliminates manual insertion of gasket and puts an end to gasket shrinkage.

• Also includes Decalu101 Scand, Deceuninck Aluminium’s ultra-energy-efficient window system, which achieves u-values as low as 0.89W/m2K.

• Options on 16 specialist finishes designed to match into colour ranges offered by Deceuninck through its PVC-U business.

• Designed to significantly reduces manufacturing times.

This includes by up to 40% over comparable aluminium window systems.

• Uses 16mm Eurogroove/accepts standard PVC-U hardware. No need to buy-in and stock separate aluminium hardware.

• Modular - Decalu reduces component parts and lowers stock holding, using a single inner frame and midsection, plus integrated insulation.

46

• Dual-colour, textured and marine grade as standard.

Nigel Headford, Decalu's Business Development Director

Decalu aluminium casement window

and makes a very strong case for PVC-U fabricators to manufacture their aluminium offering in-house and take full advantage of the higher margins in this premium sector.

Among other things, Deceuninck has built a very solid reputation for its colour offering over the years. Is this something that will also be reflected with Deceuninck Aluminium and Decalu?

Nigel Headford: Absolutely. Deceuninck’s track record on PVC foils is second to none, and the colour offering with Decalu will echo that success. At launch, we are offering 16 colours from stock, but perhaps more importantly, Decalu will also be available with dual colour as standard, and that’s a key point of differentiation to our competitors.

Throughout my career working in aluminium systems supply, I cannot tell you how many times I was challenged to justify the uplift on price of dual-colour! But at Deceuninck Aluminium it is possible because we have our own rolling and painting facility, and as such we have control of the manufacturing process from start to finish.

In addition, the fact that we can also colour match all Deceuninck foils is another real benefit for installers who can, for instance, sell a house full of PVC-U windows, including an aluminium bi-fold or lift & slide – all from the same manufacturer – and all fully colour matched. It’s a particularly strong proposition for retail as it gives installers the opportunity to add real value to their offer.

You mentioned that Decalu will encompass a suite of products – could you describe these in a bit more detail?

Nigel Headford: The range will include a series of casement options including Decalu 88 Steel and New Steel, which

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: DECALU

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper are designed to replicate steel commercial windows, plus a hidden sash and retro option as well as a tilt and turn and also Decaul101 Scand, which will be an ultra-energy efficient offering. U-values will be as low as 0.68W/m2k, with triple glazing and dependant on the individual product, and all will feature hidden drainage.

However, the launch is focused on the Decalu 88 bi-fold as, at present, this sector represents the biggest opportunities.

Catering for the ‘Grand Design’ style renovation and home build projects that have become so popular with consumers, Decalu 88 can be manufactured to individual sash weights of up to 200kg and 3m in height and, even at this scale, I have to say that it’s still extremely fitter friendly. With two jambs that each offer 7mm tolerance for out of square brickwork, plus the pre-inserted gaskets that I mentioned earlier, Decalu 88 offers significantly reduced installation times. I’ve installed it myself and the glazing is a dream – the units just pop-in!

There’s little to doubt that this is a good time to launch an aluminium system, but you must also be greatly encouraged by the industry forecasts for bi-folds in particular?

Nigel Headford: Absolutely, the latest AMA Research of growth in the bi-fold sector of 7% for 2020 certainly backs up the evidence we have seen of the size of the market.

And for fabricators, especially PVC specialists who are currently buying-in their bi-folds, Decalu 88 – thanks to its manufacturing efficiencies, low stock holding, pre-inserted no-shrink gasket and colour offering – represents a superb opportunity to make the most of the high margins in this sector going forward.

DECALU88 BI-FOLDING DOOR • Heavy-duty design with individual sash weight of up to 200kg and 3m in height.

• Ultra-smooth running.

• U-Values are as low as 0.68W/m2k tripleglazed or 1.4W/m2k double-glazed.

• Fully adjustable jambs. Simplifies door squaring and setting.

• Use of pre-inserted, co-extruded gasket, means that you don’t get shrinkage – or call backs!

• Dual-colour, textured and marine grade as standard.

• Same internal appearance as window range.

Decalu in the industrial environment

RETAIL PROPOSITION:

THE DECALU88 BI-FOLDING DOOR Deceuninck has taken the decision to launch with the Decalu88 Bi-folding Door for good reason.

The Bi-fold Doors Market Report – UK 2020 to 2023 from AMA Research published at the beginning of this year, has predicted growth in the bi-folding door market across sectors of 7% this year [2020]. Its longer-term forecast is also positive, although it argues that growth may drop to a still highly respectable 5% by the end of 2023.

This would mean, according to AMA a total market value of £113m by 2023. Aluminium remains the most popular material type, with the majority of bi-folding doors supplied, as expected, as replacements for older inline sliding products.

Deceuninck’s strategy is to offer PVC-U fabricators who currently buy-in aluminium bi-folding doors an ‘in’ into fabrication by simplifying stockholding and manufacture.

Decalu Residential application

And the Decalu88 bi-folding door ticks a lot of boxes.

U-Values are as low as 0.68W/m2k triple-glazed or 1.4W/ m2k double-glazed. Sightlines are minimal, giving the Decalu88 a contemporary aesthetic, complemented by an offer which includes dual-colour, structured paint and marine grade as standard.

It also features 16 specialist finishes designed to match into colour ranges offered by Deceuninck through its PVC-U business.

This gives retailers the opportunity to ‘mix-and-match’ its aluminium bi-fold offer alongside it’s PVC-U systems and a reflection of Deceuninck’s desire to redefine its reputation as one of the world’s leading window and door systems businesses unconstrained by material type.

The rationale – and potentially the win, at the very least for those fabricators already manufacturing Deceuninck’s PVC-U offer – is that retailers can sell a ‘house-full’ of Deceuninck products, rationalizing and simplifying the proposition to the end user while also allowing installers to tap into the brand value and higher margin opportunities that this promises.

As a final point on retail sightlines on gaskets are also flush.

With each sash able to accommodate weights of 200kg and up to 3m in height, the Decalu88 Bi-folding Door, also offers impressive design flexibility, while guaranteeing ultrasmooth running.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0065

For more information call 01249 816 969, email info@deceuninckaluminium.co.uk or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2020

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TRADE NEWS

SOFTWARE & IT

STELLAR MARKETING SUPPORT FROM EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS

EUROSTOCK FROM EUROGLAZE

Epwin Window Systems is helping its growing network of Stellar aluminium fabricators make the most of the market opportunities with the launch of Brand Hub 360, its new marketing portal.

Carmen Velilla, Brand Manager of Epwin Window Systems said: “We’re delighted to introduce our new Stellar Brand Hub 360 which forms part of our strategy of working with our customers and offering them effective marketing tools to allow them to continually develop their businesses. The quality of the Stellar marketing collateral available via the Brand Hub 360 portal covers all marketing touchpoints and offers the bespoke, flexible support our customers need.”

As Carmen says, the Stellar Brand Hub 360 gives customers access to a range of Stellar marketing collateral including the new Stellar colour brochure. Carmen said: “Our new Stellar colour brochure captures the breadth of our colour offer which includes more than 150 different RAL colours along with dual colour options. The imagery and brochure content illustrate the pedigree of Stellar and is a useful sales tool to deliver the benefits of colour direct to the end-user.”

The Stellar Brand Hub 360 is just part of the overall marketing support available from the award-winning inhouse Stellar

marketing team. This includes tailored marketing support packages created for each individual customer. Carmen said: “All our customers are unique, which is why our tailored marketing support has been designed to fit in with our customers’ businesses.”

Stellar aluminium window and door system was launched in 2019 and has been capturing headlines ever since. What’s clear is the company’s marketing support has been designed to suit the needs of their customers and help make the most of having the double award-winning aluminium system in their portfolios.

Tel: 0845 300 9356 www.stellaraluminiun.co.uk READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0066

FIRE-RATING FIRST FOR MORLEY GLASS & GLAZING Morley Glass & Glazing has become the first company in the UK to achieve a firerating accreditation for its insulated glass units with integral blinds inside.

The fire-rated Uni-Blinds sealed units with ScreenLine integral blinds inside now comply with the performance criteria set out in the EU 305/2011 Construction Products Regulation, and have been independently verified by TUV UK, a UKAS accredited third party testing house.

Ian Short, managing director of Morley Glass & Glazing said: “There are more than 300 fire-related deaths and more than 200,000 fire alarms raised in the UK every

year. With recent high-profile incidents such as Grenfell Tower, it’s more important than ever that the correct building materials are specified. Our sealed units with integral blinds inside are manufactured in the UK using fire-glass from Pyroguard and can deliver 30 to 120 minutes integrity and insulation fire-resistance.”

This latest innovation from Morley Glass & Glazing gives architects and specifiers design flexibility and peace of mind that glass partitions, facades, doors and windows that require fire protection, can now feature integral or “between glass” blinds, without compromising safety or aesthetics.

Used widely in schools, hospitals, hotels, offices and other commercial buildings, as well as multi-let residential premises, the fire-rated integral blinds can be manufactured in sealed units up to 2m2 in size. The integral blinds are available in a choice of manual or motorised control options, and are popular due to the fact that the blinds, which are housed between the panes of glass, are protected from damage, remain clean and hygienic, are low maintenance, provide privacy and shading, and are available in a wide range of colours.

For more information visit: www.morleyglass.co.uk

Morley Glass & Glazing fire-rated Uni-Blinds sealed units with ScreenLine integral blinds inside Photo by Tomer Kohn

48

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0067

SAVES CUSTOMERS TIME, HASSLE AND FRUSTRATION

Euroglaze, the Barnsley based REHAU trade fabricator, has built its 40-year reputation on quality and attention to detail.

A commitment to lean manufacturing and a Quality Circles philosophy embedded right across the business ensures that lead times are as short as three days on some products and there are close to zero QC rejections in the factory.

Bespoke IT solutions such as paperless ordering, delivery tracking and video imaging of ancillary packing already deliver significant benefits for customers, but a policy of continuous improvement means that new initiatives are being introduced all the time.

The latest IT innovation is ‘Eurostock’ which allows the Euroglaze Customer Service Team to give customers instant updates on stock availability as soon as their order is placed.

Rosie Brennan, the Customer Service Manager, explains how it works: “When customers place an order, the stock informer module we have developed notifies us instantly if any item on that order is not in stock and allows us to offer the customer an alternative straightaway. This might be, for instance, because certain items of hardware are out of stock with our supplier or, as happened recently, we don’t have stock of a particular colour of sash horn.

“Crucially though, it means that if an alternative is not available and any item on a customer’s order will be delayed, that customer has advance notification of that and can plan their own work schedule accordingly. It saves customers time, hassle and frustration and means they are better informed at every stage.”

“What we are doing though is proactively ensuring that our customers are not impacted by those shortages and can organise their own workflows knowing exactly what will be in every delivery we make to them.”

As a direct result of launching Eurostock, Euroglaze has actually improved its own efficiency because no orders are ever passed to the shop floor which can’t be completed in full and it has reduced its own stock outages through improved stock monitoring and analysis. It has also been proactive in addressing any potentially long term shortages, with solutions such as custom spraying of white sash horns to any colour requested by a customer.

Eurostock also works with Euroglaze’s bespoke version of First Degree’s Window Designer software, ensuring that customers placing orders online receive the same stock information.

Euroglaze’s Managing Director Martin Nettleton adds: “Every fabricator knows that stock shortages are sometimes unavoidable when you are dealing with third party suppliers. What we are doing though is proactively ensuring that our customers are not impacted by those shortages and can organise their own workflows knowing exactly what will be in every delivery we make to them.”

Euroglaze supplies trade customers and third party stockists with a vast range of window and door styles in Rehau profile, including new composite doors featuring a Doorco slab. More details are at: www.euroglaze.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0068

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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GLASS

MACHINERY FOCUS

STOCK HOLDING UNDERPINS RISE IN DISTINCTION GLASS SALES

PRESTIGE WINDOWS & DOORS CHOOSES HAFFNER MURAT

Distinction Doors is pleased to report that glass volume sales have increased by a third during the year to date 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.

Much of this growth has been attributed to product availability, with the company holding extensive stock of both its decorative and obscure glass ranges.

Last year, Kara, Palma and Lunna proved the most popular decorative standard glass styles, accounting for almost 50% of the top ten sales. There was less to separate the best-selling contemporary glass styles; with Breeze, Nevis, and Radiant leading the charge.

Stockholding is proving a critical factor for businesses, as Post-Brexit Britain emerges from an extremely wet winter to face a global pandemic. With substantial door slab reserves, Distinction is confident that it can cope under the current circumstances, and with each customer assigned a dedicated customer service representative, the company guarantees one-to-one support throughout.

To understand more about Distinction Doors and how your business can benefit from partnering with the UK’s leading composite door supplier, get in touch.

Tel: 0345 2000 816 www.distinctiondoors.co.uk READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0070

East London-based trade and retail fabricator Prestige Windows & Doors has recently purchased a range of machines from Haffner Murat. Kam Nandha, Director at Prestige Windows & Doors, said: “I have known Dave Thomas and the Haffner Murat team for some years and the quality of their machines and service has more than lived up to our expectations. The new machines are currently being installed at our new Essex manufacturing plant and we can already see what a difference it’s going to make to our efficiencies.”

Prestige Windows & Doors purchased a range of fabrication machinery to support their new Essex business set up. Machines included Haffner’s SBA-2 machining centre, a new SMR-4 four headed welder, a FOM Modus CNC machine and the new TT425 Compound Double Mitre Saw. Suitable for

use in conservatory roof and aluminium window and door manufacture, the new TT425 provides superb length, angle and cutting accuracy thanks to its strong construction and linear bearing system.

Kam said: “The quality of all the machines is superb and we are particularly impressed with the SMR-4 four headed welder.

We believe it’s the best welder on the market today and is four times faster than conventional welders which increases our efficiencies. The SMR-4, like all of Haffner Murat’s machines, are very user-friendly and easy to operate too, meaning they make an instant impact on your production line.”

As Kam says, one of the biggest benefits of the SMR-4 is the increased efficiency it provides. This can be attributed to three key features. Switching between frame styles is quick and easy thanks to the touch screen technology, so production planning becomes much simpler. No operator setting or alignment is needed because the welder

replaces all the existing tools and set squares that a conventional machine needs. And quick release tooling reduces cycle times, increasing frame output by up to 30%.

Like all Haffner Murat machines, they come with the reassurance of expert installation and full training so they can start to deliver return on investment from day one. Finance packages are available subject to status and part exchange is an option.

Prestige Windows & Doors manufactures and supplies windows, doors and conservatories to the trade and retail markets. The company prides itself on the quality of its product and service and the combination of a high-quality machinery from Haffner Murat and efficient service is a compelling proposition.

Tel: 01785 222421 www.haffnermurat.com READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0071

TITAN TRADE WINDOWS CHOOSES HAFFNER MURAT MACHINES FOR ITS FACTORY EXPANSION To capitalise on the growth in aluminium, Titan Trade Windows has opened a new 4,300 sq ft factory in Derby to manufacture aluminium windows, doors and bifold doors.

The facility features a FOM Adir C CNC Machining Centre and a TT 425 Double Mitre Saw, both from Haffner Murat.

automatic change operation and pneumatic rotation of the work table achieves angles of 0°, 90° and 180°. The machine has four pneumatic vices with dual working pressure for quick and accurate profile clamping while a pneumatically controlled front guard makes loading material easy.

Ben Vowles, Operations Manager at Titan Trade, said: “Historically we’ve been a PVC-U fabricator and we bought in aluminium products when they were needed, but recent growth in demand for windows and entrance doors in addition to bifold doors means it make sense for us to manufacture our own. We had no hesitation in choosing Haffner Murat machines for the factory. We’ve always used Haffner Murat machines in our PVC-U facility and we know we can trust the quality of the machines, the after-sales service support and the reliability.”

The TT 425 Double Mitre Saw offers incredible length, angle and cutting accuracy thanks to its solid case construction and linear bearing system. A horizontal and vertical clamping system ensures optimum profile fixing to improve quality and there are numerous practical features such as a pivoting range with digital display, work piece supports and profile lifting bars. A cleat cutting facility and oversize length cuts between 4mm and 4,500mm delivers maximum versatility.

Item numbers, length dimensions, angles and quantities can be programmed on the control panel, while data can be transferred via a connection or USB, so it can slot into every IT set up.

The FOM Adir C CNC Machining Centre is a 3-axis controlled unit that has been perfectly designed to add value to every fabricator’s set up because it speeds up production, improves quality and is extremely user-friendly. It features CNC controlled axis linear guides for precision machining, there is an option of a 5 or 6 position tool holder for manual or

50

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Matt Thomas, Regional Sales Manager of Haffner Murat commented: “We’ve worked with Titan Trade Windows for a number of years so we were delighted to support them in setting up their latest venture.”

Titan Trade Windows is a trade supplier with a reputation for providing high quality products and excellent service at a competitive price. Its new aluminium fabrication division opened in March 2020 – and with Haffner Murat machines in place, it’s an expansion equipped for success.

Tel: 01785 222421 www.haffnermurat.com READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0072

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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MACHINERY FOCUS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TWENTY YEARS OF AUTOMATIC SAWING & MACHINING AT STUGA In 1999 Steve Haines linked up with Tom and Gareth Green of Stuga, the British Engineering company manufacturing automatic routers and saws but that had also created a unique prepping center featuring a rotary tooling system that would prove to be perfect for the diverse window systems fabricated in the UK. Steve approached Stuga to discuss the subject of automated sawing & machining centers.

Having experienced this type of automation there was no competitive product that could make it main stream for uPVC window and door fabricators. The only machines available were German, expensive and adapted for UK window systems.

The Stuga team assured Steve that they could build an automated line utilising their established technology. He sounded out the market and got a strong interest from fabricators so after looking for a customer for the prototype a conversation took place with Trevor Collier, the owner of Astraframe, a successful window fabricator in Norwich. Following discussions and negotiations a deal was agreed for Astraframe to purchase what was to be a brand new machine which became known as The Flowline. In fact this would be build F001 and was to be finished for an open-house at Stuga during two weeks in December 1999.

During these two weeks at Stuga the Flowline was demonstrated to eight uPVC fabricators and five of them actually placed orders for what became F002, F003, F004, F005 and F006. F001 was installed at Astraframe during February 2000 and all six machines were delivered by November 2000. In the meantime more orders came in creating a winning product which went on to reach build number F076 before being replaced by the ZX3 during 2006.

The phenomenal success of the Stuga Flowline was in the face of the German competition who criticized the machine,

its design and build saying it would never have any longevity. As we go into 2020 all 76 Flowlines are fully operational throughout the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland.

During 2005 Stuga launched the ZX4 and the ZX3 followed in 2006. The ZX4 was only discontinued after the extremely exciting launch of the ZX5 during 2017 after a total of forty three ZX4’s were installed all of which remain in high output situations throughout the UK and Ireland. In 2006 the Microline was launched followed by the AutoFlow in 2010.

Stuga also refurbish the older models to a high standard and these have again been sold to all areas of the UK and Ireland with actual numbers of machines rebuilt being well into the thirties. The quality of the refurbishment is so good that Stuga provides a full 12 months parts and labour warranty.

Stuga currently sell the AutoFlow, ZX3 and ZX5 as new build machines with the flagship ZX5 being the top seller. The ZX5 has a new design of gripper called ‘tru-loc’ which makes the machine very accurate and allows the full power of the drive systems to be utilised. Gripping on this model is

Steve Haines

utilised on both the machining and sawing modules very precisely in exactly the same position on each module. ‘Y’ notching is achieved entirely on the saw module with the new ‘Y-Drive’ control system and the ‘double-plunge’ machining units have been doubled up to create ‘quad-plunge’. Other enhancements include cutter breakage detection and profile width measuring.

Eleven ZX5’s have been installed so far and production is full until almost the end of 2020.

Stuga is a machinery manufacturer rather than a dealer so the machines are always supported long into the future and we are proud to say that every automatic machine mentioned here is fully operational and supported right back to that first machine in 1999. Almost 200 new automatic sawing and machining centers have been built to date with rebuilds taking the number to two hundred and thirty. The ZX5 order book is already full until autumn 2020.

Steve Haines Sales Director at Stuga Machinery Limited READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0074

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April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Machiner y

Sawing and Machining as it should be Long Proven British Innovation and Engineering

ZX

OLING RI O T N 5

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– 450 – 650 – 1100 ZX3 550 ZX5 800 AUTOFLOW-2 350 per week per week per week All models manufactured entirely in the UK from components resourced in this country.

Whatever your production output or budget requirements if you fabricate upvc window or door frames we have the sawing and machining center for you. Stuga fully guarantee the output of their sawing & machining centers.

Save operators • Save profile • Reduce skills • Improve efficiency, quality and consistency.

All models have rotary tooling, reusable offcut management, high frequency prepping heads, barcode & picture label printer and management analysis software. Routing and notching on both sides of a profile standard on all models. Also fully guaranteed factory rebuilds offered subject to availability.

0420/0075

01493 742348 Ask for machine sales or visit www.stuga.co.uk

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CARL F GROUPCO: AT THE HELM OF SLIDING & BI FOLD DOOR HARDWARE DISTRIBUTION With a strong reputation for partnerships with leading manufacturers and a track record for being at the forefront of latest trends, hardware distributor Carl F Groupco ensures that a comprehensive range of quality fittings are featured in its catalogue to support sliding and bi fold doors. In this report for Glass News, Carl F Groupco’s Technical Manager John Mitchell focusses on the company’s long standing relationship with Siegenia that spans over twenty years and the products offered that support this growing market.

reinforcements, offers considerable design advantages – it ensures total stability and significantly reduces manufacturing times.

Within the range, ECO PASS SKY and ECO PASS SKY PLUS permit fixed sash glazing right down to the level of the threshold and even into the threshold.

“The Siegenia Group has a 100 year history producing a wide ranging portfolio including products for the bi fold and sliding door sector. Siegenia’s focus on developing solutions that fully utilise space is aligned to Carl F Groupco’s philosophy of working with customers to consider the wider needs of their projects. As Siegenia observes, assessing the needs of spaces and addressing these with a system solution ensures that the needs of the occupants are fully met, and doors play a key role in achieving this.

Within Carl F Groupco’s catalogue of over 7,000 product lines, we are proud to supply Siegenia’s Portal high performance systems.

With an opening width of up to 12 m and a total width of up to 19.8 m, HS Portal hardware helps to create contemporary, adaptable solutions.

To quote Siegenia, ‘a simple movement of the hand is enough to make the glass boundaries between the inside and outside disappear’. Large-scale Portal elements mean doors practically "vanish into thin air" and, thanks to their ease of use, the fittings also greatly increase operating comfort. By selecting different opening types, premises can be individually customised.

FS PORTAL PLUS

Siegenia solutions fully utilise space, this aligns with Carl F Groupco’s philosophy of addressing the wider needs of projects

HS PORTAL HS Portal lift-slide technology is a flagship product for Siegenia. The sophisticated solution, which has benefitted from decades of development, can operate sash weights for timber, PVCu and aluminium doors up to 400 kg safely, conveniently and effortlessly. Design simplicity is combined with sophistication

– the HS Portal gearing enables the lift and slide door to be operated with just one finger. Additionally, wheels easily clear gaskets which avoid friction in the sliding motion, making opening and closing the door virtually effortless. An optional electronic opening device aids easy operation.

A high level of basic security is provided as standard and it is upgradable to PAS 24.

Latest advancements include a soft close damper, which is a safe solution for the simple operation of lift-slide systems. The innovative function, which can be invisibly integrated into the sash, consists of a guiding rail and a damper which gently brakes the sash just before the end position and then pulls it shut automatically.

ECO PASS

Carl F Groupco – established suppliers of Siegenia hardware for sliding and bi fold doors

54

John Mitchell, Technical Manager, Carl F Groupco

The performance of the HS Portal has been further enhanced with Siegenia’s introduction of ECO PASS to maximise light in the living space. The ECO PASS features a sophisticated 10 chamber profile designed to provide outstanding thermal insulation which complies with the principles of green building. The product’s single-piece construction, with integrated

Catering for the bi fold market is Siegenia’s FS Portal PLUS system. At Carl F Groupco, we believe that bi fold doors are all about giving home owners choice of configuration.

Designed to cater for all options, and offering inward and outward opening variants, FS Portal PLUS gives maximum flexibility; it also meets the needs of aluminium, PVCu and timber profiles. As well as catering for the home owners’ increasing desire for innovative door designs, the FS Portal PLUS system boasts a number of features that appeal to fabricators and installers.

For example, the opening on the track is covered by an integrated brush seal along its complete length – not only does this keep the track free of dust and other debris, but the installation also looks neat and tidy.

In this article the spotlight has been placed on Siegenia, other solutions provided by Carl F Groupco for the sliding door market include our own SmartSecure electronic door locking and access control brand.

Bi fold and sliding doors are a significantly expanding market – with our established partnerships including Siegenia and in-house developments, the team at Carl F Groupco is well placed to respond to hardware enquiries and look at the bigger picture of your brief. We provide tailored solutions with the technical backup and responsiveness you need to support your buyers, installers and end users.” www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.siegenia.com READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0076

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

SMR-5

The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TRADE NEWS

T H E F A S T E S T A N D M O S T A C C U R AT E W E L D E R O N T H E M A R K E T T O D AY !

1 x Quad Welder = 1 x Square every 2 minutes Total per week = 1,200 squares 1 x SMR-5 Welder = 4 x Squares every 4 minutes Total per week = 2,400 squares 1 x SMR-5 Welder = 1 Complete Window every 4 minutes Total per week = 600 Windows Sums it up nicely!

#staysafe For fast precision manufacturing take a closer look at the SMR-5 Welder from Haffner Murat today!

0420/0077

The Accolade Building, Common Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 3EQ

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2020

Tel 01785 222421 55

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CONSOLIDATED ROTO REVERSIBLE SET YALE AUTOENGAGE LOCKS FROM VBH BENEFITS CARL F GROUPCO CUSTOMERS The ROTO FRH UNI outward opening reversible window system, which is hardware distributor Carl F Groupco’s biggest selling range, is now available as a consolidated set. The enhanced packaging initiative simplifies stock holding at Carl F Groupco’s distribution centres in Peterborough and Cumbernauld, Scotland and supports the company’s objective of On Time In Full deliveries. The fabrication process is also improved as hinges are bundled into window sets for easy product selection.

Designed for straightforward and intuitive operation, ROTO FRH UNI hardware makes it easy to fully reverse

the window by pulling down on the top of the sash. The UNI reversible system has been designed to meet stringent standards including PAS 24 for security and is capable of achieving emergency escape (providing that all relevant building regulations are met). In 2018, ROTO upgraded the standard finish to Grade 5 for corrosion resistance.

Carl F Groupco reports that there will be a transition to the new packaging over the course of the next few months. The distributor advises that there will be no changes to how customers place their orders.

Leading hardware company VBH is a major supplier of a wide range of multi-point door locks, including Yale’s AutoEngage slam shut product.

‘Slam Shut’ style door locks are becoming increasingly popular on composite or wooden entrance doors where fixed pull handles, knobs or finger pulls are preferred to lever handles.

When the door leaf is closed (or slammed) into the frame, the automatic lock mechanism instantly triggers the security latches, which engage into the striker plates. This negates the need to lift a lever to throw the locking points prior to dead-locking through the key.

The door is opened by turning the key, which retracts the latches and central deadbolt.

Follow Carl F Groupco on Twitter using the handles @Carl_F_Groupco and @_SmartSecure

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Circle three differences in the boxes below, fill in your contact details and send your competition entry to: FAO: Miss Christina Shaw, Glass News Competitions, 19 Heather Close, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9UU. Entry deadline: 20/04/20.

ENDURANCE INTRODUCE A NEW ERA OF FORGED HARDWARE The product development programme at Endurance Doors continues at a pace with the launch of a new range of forged Fab & Fix hardware from ERA, in the form of Pewter and Forged Black door furniture.

Given the number of colours and finishes on an Endurance door, along with a huge range of styles, this new door furniture range will add the perfect finishing touch to any door, where consumers want to enjoy the luxury appeal of Pewter and Forged Black furniture.

Given average selling prices for composite

Name: Tel:

Postcode: Email:

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AutoEngage locks are all PAS24:2016 compliant and are approved under VBH’s Q-secure multi-brand guarantee.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0079

These exciting new finishes and designs include Monkey Tail, Regal and Noble door handles, Spire and Bull Ring door knockers, decorative door knob and matching letter plates, all under the Fab & Fix brand with the patented Hardex finish, which is backed by a comprehensive 10-year warranty.

Address:

VBH Marketing Manager Gary Gleeson says “As well as the AutoEngage Classic, with its main lockcase at ‘normal’ waist height, manufacturers can also opt for the Heritage version that has a high level lockcase to replicate the position of traditional rim latches.”

Readers should visit www.vbhgb.com or call VBH on 01634 263300 for more information.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0078

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The locks are available with a choice 35 or 45mm backsets and a range of 16 or 20mm faceplates, including a 20mm radiused end version.

Gary adds “Yale is one of our respected 3rd party brand partners with a great pedigree, and their products complement our own greenteQ range. In this instance, AutoEngage works perfectly with the greenteQ selection of stainless steel pull handles, cylinder escutcheons and cylinder pulls in 6 colours.”

www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

The ROTO FRH UNI reversible window hardware system supplied

by Carl F Groupco will be bundled as a set for customer convenience

AutoEngage’s locking action allows greater flexibility in door design whether on traditionally styled doors where a knob might be used, or on modern, contemporary styles that lend themselves to the clean lines of stainless steel pull handles, such as those of the greenteQ Coastline range.

doors are on the up, it’s also an opportunity for installers to offer a bespoke composite door with true heritage and architectural appeal.

Stephen Nadin, Managing Director of Endurance Doors commented: ‘We’re always eager to launch new products and with a robust product development programme in place, we’re also looking to add value to our proposition. This means that we can support our trade customers with a point of differentiation and the promise of an exceptional, solid and secure composite door.

He continued: ‘Not only do our doors look exceptional, but they perform incredibly well, thanks to a number of unique product features including our Moisture Barrier System and wet glazing process. It’s also part of the reason why so many companies are making the switch to Endurance.’

For further information on the Endurance Solid and Secure composite door range please visit endurancedoors.co.uk, e-mail marketing@endurancedoors.co.uk or call the sales office on 01652 659259.

You can also add to the Twitter following @EnduranceDoors.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0080

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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SOCIAL MEDIA

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

HOW TO USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

Utilising social media in B2B industries is notoriously more difficult to drive results than in B2C, and as a result many B2B businesses leave it out of their digital strategy. With the right know how, every business in the glass and glazing sector can benefit from having an active social presence.

A social media strategy for your business doesn’t have to cost much more than your time in order to see results. But, as time is precious in businesses of all shapes and sizes, it’s important to have a robust and strategic plan in place to avoid any wasted efforts. Here Niki Lancaster, Head of Social at leading digital agency Search Laboratory, discusses her three-phase approach to a fool-proof social media strategy that’s guaranteed to help deliver results.

PHASE ONE: RESEARCH AND STRATEGY CREATION Social media is one of the newest digital channels, and arguably one of the hardest to measure the success of – especially if you don’t have a defined strategy.

Conducting a social media audit will help you to understand what your social strategy should entail, as well as set realistic KPIs and measures of success.

UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE A good social media strategy attracts and engages with the relevant target audience.

This means it is crucial you understand exactly who your audience is. Use web analytics, social media analytics and CRM data to identify who your customers are, what channels they are most active on, and what content they engage with.

These insights can help you to tailor your social strategy so you put out the right content on the right channels.

WHAT’S WORKING IN YOUR INDUSTRY? Understanding what works well in the industry can also help shape your social strategy. If you are active on social media already, take a look at your social analytics

58

to see the most engaged media types and content topics. Look at your competitors and see what type of content they are producing, what is working for them and what isn’t. Use these findings to shape and refine your approach.

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE By this point, you should know what your content strategy looks like but, before you roll it out, you need to identify what you want it to achieve and how this will be measured. Set goals which tie into wider business objectives, and for each goal have trackable KPIs and targets in place. For example, if one of your business goals is to become more recognised in the industry, you might want to measure social reach and impressions. Setting out your KPIs and getting the tools in place to report accurately will mean you can track the value of your activity from day one.

PHASE TWO: SET-UP Now that your initial research is complete, you should have a good picture of your target audience, their behaviour, and what content you need to produce to drive results – so now it’s time to pull together all of your knowledge and set out your social media plan.

CREATE YOUR PLAN At Search Laboratory, we recommend using a three-pronged approach to social media content planning covering: • OWNED: This is the content you create and share with your audience • EARNED: This is content people share about you • PAID: This includes boosted posts and ad dedicated campaigns.

When employing this approach, it’s important to consider how each element interacts with the other so you can take a cohesive approach.

Create a content planning calendar – whether this is simply in the form of an excel or using a planning tool such as Hootsuite – to help you keep track of your content, so you know what is being posted, when it’s going live, and what assets you’re using to support the copy.

At this stage, it’s also important to make sure you’ve got your team in place – think about who will be producing your content, writing your copy, replying to customer enquiries, and managing any ads.

SET UP YOUR CHANNELS It’s important that you spend time setting up your channels and ensuring they are up to scratch and align with best practice. People spend more time on social media now than any other platform and a poor presence can put off new prospects and existing customers. Some things to consider when setting up your channels include: • Creating a consistent social media handle across all channels • Ensuring branding is consistent across all channels and posts • Adding a compelling and detailed story – this is your prime opportunity to add brand USPs! • Linking through to your website and adding in all the relevant contact details as links in place to make it as easy as possible for people to find and contact you.

PHASE THREE: SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT Now you have your calendar in place, think about how you will execute your strategy across your different platforms.

USE COMPELLING ASSETS Most social media platforms operate using a mix of images, videos, links, and copy; how you choose to tailor this mix depends on what resonates best with your audience, as well as your brand. If visual assets comprise a large part of your strategy, create templates to speed up asset creation on a monthly basis.

Sharing user generated content can carry more trust and authenticity than branded content, so encourage your customers to share images of completed jobs which you can re-share.

POST PROFESSIONALLY • While it is important to keep a consistent tone of voice across all your social media, best practice for posting varies per channel. Take some time to brush up on how best to use each platform, such as: How and when to use hashtags • How to tag people in posts • How to direct message • How to tag up YouTube videos.

Without this knowledge the impact of your social media activity will be much lower and you risk looking ‘spammy’, losing trust and looking out of touch with your audience if your posts don’t adhere to best practices.

“So now it’s time to pull together all of your knowledge and set out your social media plan.”

DON’T NEGLECT YOUR COMMUNITY One big mistake businesses often make on social media is spending all their time and energy on the content they’re putting out and ignoring their online community. It’s call ’social’ media for a reason, so make sure you have a way of aligning your customer services with social media so that any questions and complaints are taken offline and responded to in the right way. Tracking both direct and indirect mentions of your brand can help to ensure you interact with both positive and negative mentions, even if you are not tagged in.

ADVERTISING Unless you’re a well-known brand with an already established customer base, then organic social media alone might not be enough for you to see results. Social media channels hold a wealth of specific data around users, so use tools like Facebook’s audience insights to find and build pockets of people that would be interested in your brand and services.

Social media also gives you the option to target and advertise to people who already have a connection to your brand, such as website visitors and newsletter subscribers, so use these features to stay front of mind to people who are have already started on the customer journey.

ATTRACT A WIDER AUDIENCE Just running activity on your channels may not be enough to move the needle, and you may need to proactively go out and drive people to your social media channels.

Have a plan in place for getting social media reviews, ensure assets like your website and email footers have links to your social channels, and add your social media handles to printed materials.

Making a success of your social media channels takes time and effort, Following these tactics will help to launch your social media, but you will need to regularly review and adjust your strategy if you are to continue to grow and stay ahead of the curve.

READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0082

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

CONSERVATORIES

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MODPLAN FURTHER EXPANDS ENJOYING THE SUN SAFELY,

THEIR CONSERVATORY ROOF OFFER WITH ULTRASKY Leading trade fabricator, Modplan, has introduced the new UltraSky orangery roof system to further extend its impressive conservatory roof offer.

Heidi Sachs of Modplan said: “With a contemporary, minimalist feel, the UltraSky roof features a super-strong ridge and an Ultraspan invisible integrated structural goal post so there are fewer bars, more light and no compromise on design. It can also be installed in half the time of a traditional orangery too, which our installing customers appreciate.”

The new UltraSky roofing system joins a comprehensive range of conservatory roof solutions from Modplan which includes Leka roofing systems, Vertex roof, LivinRoof, Loggia roof system, Open Canopy and two Wendland systems

including the Wendland Lantern and the Wendland Glazed roof system.

Like all Modplan’s products, the new UltraSky orangery roof system will be manufactured in their dedicated state of the art roofing manufacturing facilities at its headquarters new Newport, Gwent. The company offers exceptional sales, marketing and service support to enable installers to make the most of the opportunities on the market.

Heidi concludes: “At Modplan, we have curated the best the conservatory roof market has to offer. When you work with us, you get the benefits of multiple products and the ease and efficiency of working with a single supplier for all your roofing solutions. We listen to our customers and realise that giving them a wide choice of conservatory roof systems allows them to compete at any level.”

The addition of the UltraSky orangery roof system to its portfolio is the latest example of Modplan’s drive to innovate and provide products to support their growing customer base. It’s a recipe for success for both Modplan and its customers.

Tel: 01495 246844 - www.modplan.co.uk READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0083

THANKS TO TUFFX

Leading glass processor TuffX recently supplied Herefordshire’s Atrium Conservatories with 12 high quality conservatory glass panels, specified for a local residential project built by the orangery and conservatory specialist.

Each measuring 10.12m2, Atrium installers fitted the panels to create a lantern effect roof above an African Sapele hardwood structure and, having established the building was south facing, worked with TuffX to ensure all panels were manufactured using Ambi Ultra glass.

Ambi Ultra is an option that offers 91% heat deflection and will ensure maximum solar protection even in the strongest sunlight.

Finished with Teknos microporus paint, the conservatory includes arched detailing on each of the windows, making for an attractive end result that the homeowners - and Atrium Conservatories - were highly pleased with.

Atrium Conservatories’ Managing Director Bernard Rump said: “Conservatories are a popular choice for families who want to expand their homes and are often spaces frequented by pets or children. The glass TuffX provided is a market leader in solar heat reflection, with exceptional light transmission properties - just 8% - and are self-cleaning.”

Graham Price, Managing Director for TuffX says that the use of Ambience products on briefs such as this makes an enormous difference to the end user: “The Ambience range offers a wide variety of tinted conservatory glass roof options to suit homeowners’ exact requirements and style preferences, each providing year-round comfort and a reduction in energy bills.

When we work alongside companies like Atrium, we are giving customers the best possible combinations in aesthetic design, and practical solution.” www.tuffxglass.co.uk READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0084

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59

YOUR LETTERS

LETTERS

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? Feel free to get in touch with your views on the industry, legislation, government, or even the newspaper.

Contact Chris: chris@glassnews.co.uk

60

COLD CALLING

TAKING

ADVANTAGE?

DANNY WILLIAMS

‘COLD CALLING’ Each month our special correspondent Danny Williams* replies to a reader’s letter...

Dear Editor,

Coronavirus is all over the news and inevitably we’re seeing stories of unscrupulous traders trying to cash in on public concern. But I have recently discovered that at least one well-known fabricator is using the same sort of opportunistic tactics within our own industry; in fact, specifically in Roseview’s sector of sash window manufacture.

I have been passed a mailshot recently sent by a vertical slider manufacturer. In that letter a well-known figure in our industry talks about how “hardware levels are running dangerously low” as a result of Coronavirus, leading to a “VS hardware crisis that will impact the UK in the coming weeks.” The letter then goes on to say the following: “with specialist products, such as vertical sash hardware, being a tiny fraction of the global hardware market, we are being told it could be some time before manufacturers can allocate resources to small product runs – which will have severe consequences for VS fabricators including your current suppliers.

“I would therefore like to invite a small volume of purchasers of fabricated vertical sliders to consider a unique proposal.”

You can guess the rest.

First and foremost, it is unfortunate to say the least to see a company operating in our sector resorting to such tactics, trying to use something that is causing death and disruption around the world for commercial gain.

I firmly believe that, as an industry, we have made great strides in cleaning up our act and improving our image.

This feels like a step backwards.

I also find it insulting and faintly amusing that this organisation would think that quality VS manufacturers such as Roseview—and the hardware suppliers we work with—haven’t already ensured that supply chains are uninterrupted and stock levels maintained, allowing us to continue delivering the quality and service our customers are accustomed to. As well as Roseview I’m sure I speak for the majority of VS fabricators when I say that our customers are loyal and trust their suppliers. They are unlikely to be fooled by such opportunism.

Finally, there’s a certain irony in the fact that the ownbrand hardware that this company manufactures for itself is reportedly made in … China.

Roseview Windows and many of our competing sash window manufacturers make a quality product, and we feel a duty to act is a way befitting the high-end niche we operate in. It is a shame that there are still some out there who don’t feel that same duty.

Sincerely, Mike Bygrave Director, Roseview Windows

“I am really worried that even without what might be the last straw of the coronavirus, that replacing windows and doors is a saturated market. What are your thoughts?”

YPR, Down I have to say, YPR, that there have been many occasions over the years when, for one reason or another, I have myself wondered why I stay in this game.

But overall, taking the highs and the lows, the window, door and glass industries have been good to me and, by and large, they continue to provide me and mine with a modest living.

However, things across the water there in the Six Counties might not be quite so rosy I guess, although I am aware that, taking Ireland as a whole, the Irish love to improve their homes, if anything more than the cousins in England, Scotland and Wales. HOWEVER…a slight problem called coronavirus will be interrupting the home improvement plans for all but the most ardent and determined doer-uppers. Except in one key area, in which I actually see OPPORTUNITY! Bidets YPR. Bidets. And that is what has driven me to the light bulb moment of switching from one saturated market…to quite literally another…stay with me…

Following overwhelming evidence, I have come to the conclusion that bidets are the way forward… I for one intend to take full advantage of the unrequited love affair that the Great British Public has demonstrated during this crisis for the toilet roll and by extension, cleaning their nether regions. Think about it…the quarter mile queues outside Costco’s the length and breadth of the country; the shelves of thousands of British supermarkets emptied as soon as they are filled…

These people, long after their Loo Roll Mountains have diminished some time into

2022, will remember the anxiety of potentially running out of the cute little puppies, kittens and leaves that have come to characterise what is obviously Britain’s favourite non-food grocery item…and they won’t want to ever go through that trauma again.

For years we Brits have mocked Johnny Foreigner and his obsession with what up to now has been a mysterious and unnecessary chunk of redundant porcelain in all those Costa hotels. But now, we will turn it to our advantage!

We will appeal to homeowners by reminding them of the hours they spent in the loo roll queue or the anxiety they felt at the prospect of rationing their treasured 3-ply. And with so much news consigned to the Internet these days, many won’t even have the option of torn up newspaper on a bit of string! Nobody will want to go through such trauma again. So let’s provide an alternative!

Coronavirus will become our friend! The fact that the last thing anyone ever needs is enormous volumes of toilet paper because they’ve caught coronavirus is irrelevant, but a few iffy claims have never stopped us selling millions upon millions of windows have they? Bidets will consign Loo Roll Anxiety to the bins of Britain’s overpaid Psychiatrists.

And that, YPR, is why you should seriously consider joining me in this venture: Bidets for the masses, my friend. An end to Toilet Roll Tyranny!

Early stages yet, but I have registered a brand and catch phrase: “Pony* Bidets: Just a Squirt Gets the Dirt.”

I reckon we could clean up… (*‘Bidet’ - old French for ‘pony’ – geddit?).

* Danny Williams is managing director of Chelmsford based Pioneer Trading and has been involved with all aspects of the windows and doors industry for 30 years. His activities include manufacturing a full range of windows and doors in PVC-U and aluminium, an IGU facility, retailing and commercial contracting.

April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SPONSORED BY GQA AND BUILDING OUR SKILLS GQA Qualifications is the only issuer of CSCS cards for the Glass and Fenestration industries.

Building Our Skills is a strategic campaign designed to help bridge the growing skills gap in the Fenestration Industry

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WINDOW FABRICATION SOFTWARE SPECIALIST (FIRST DEGREE-SYSTEMS)

This is a fantastic opportunity to work for one of

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Conservatory Outlet Ltd is an industry-leading manufacturer of home improvement products spanning contemporary extensions, conservatories, orangeries, roofs, glass, windows and doors in both uPVC and aluminium. Part of a £40m+ turnover Group that also owns and runs two of the North’s most successful retail installers, we’re proud to have been awarded ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ status at the recent Wakefield Business Awards.

We take exceptional standards and continuous improvement very seriously…. And we need your expertise in ‘First Degree-Systems’ to take us to the next level.

As Software Specialist, you’d be working in an experienced and talented team of IT professionals to manage and develop our Window Fabrication System.

The role is vital to the growth and development of the business and as such, a competitive salary and benefits package is ready and waiting for the right person.

A motivated and passionate self-starter, you’ll have exceptional IT & software skills and a keen attention to detail; and be prepared to take ownership of projects with key measures and objectives.

You’ll be instrumental in driving improved working practices, removing duplication and streamlining

systems. This role will be essential in the furthering of the business and the projects managed will have widereaching impact across the Group.

You’ll be dealing directly with internal and external stakeholders to clarify, analyse and implement changes within our software system. Confidence, assertiveness and an ability to manage external customer and supplier relationships are therefore critically important in the right candidate, along with a positive and collaborative approach to teamwork. The right candidate will be adept at analysing process shortfalls and working to replace these with permanent systemised changes.

There are a number of exciting projects to be delivered this year as part of an ambitious IT strategy, aiming to push the First Degree Platform to its limits and utilise all the elements offered. Plenty to get your teeth into!

This is a fast-paced and evolving department, so be prepared to adapt well to change and suggest new improvements and ideas that will further support the growth of the business.

If ‘First Degree-Systems’ is your ‘thing’, we’d love to speak to you. We’re prepared to offer an attractive salary for the right candidate with supporting benefits package including pension and health cash plan.

Please send your CV and covering letter, detailing your salary expectations and why you are a suitable candidate to recruitment@conservatoryoutlet.co.uk or ring 01924 239813.

NEW APPOINTMENTS

PANORAMIC APPOINTS HILLIER AS HEAD OF CUSTOMER SERVICES Stephen Hillier has been appointed as Head of Customer Services at Swing and Slide door manufacturer Panoramic Doors, as the company steps up its sales and marketing drive in time for the 2020 sales season. With Panoramic Doors now offering its full range of bifold alternatives through retail installers for the first time, the company is reinforcing its service team to provide back up for the growing network.

Hillier, who has previously had glass and glazing industry roles with HiTech Blinds and Epwin Glass, heads a team with responsibility for all Panoramic Group operations though with particular emphasis on Panoramic Doors as the company drives for growth. Reporting

directly to the managing director his role includes the implementation of strategies and operations from initial enquiry through to customer satisfaction polling. The new Customer Services team will provide support to Panoramic’s Approved Installers located throughout the UK. “The purpose of this role is to ensure homeowners and installer partners have a point of contact throughout the sales, production, installation and after care processes,” explained Stephen.

“Although a complex task, I have a simple goal: to ensure a great customer experience with our doors and to maintain this as sales continue to grow.”

Panoramic Doors have proved popular with

homeowners seeking the unrestricted openings allowed by bi-folds, but who have also recognised the restrictions of imposed by the hinged panels.

Panoramic uses a system of individual panels that slide independently along a track. This allows the door to be fully opened, or in a combination of open and closed panels according to homeowner preference.

Doors may be ordered through Panoramic’s online ordering system.

Further information at www.panoramicdoors.co.uk; by calling 0114 322 1500; or by emailing sales@panoramicgroup.co.uk READER ENQUIRY NO: 0420/0087

0420/0088

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2020

61

TIME OUT!

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

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7 Hansel and Gretel took this literally (4, 5, 4)

1 Hygiene problem acceptable for publication (4)

8 Moving pine desk causes superficial injury (4-4)

2 Shock and awe at being off milk (6)

9 Partly defend our rights to be stern! (4)

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April 2020 | www.glassnews.co.uk

FIND A SUPPLIER

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Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) Tel: 0207 939 9101

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GQA Qualifications (formerly Glass Qualifications Authority) Tel: 0114 2720033

BSI – Assessment & Certification Tel: 0845 080 9000

Health & Safety Executive (HSE) – Glass & Related Industries Phil Smith, HM Principal Inspector Tel: 01782 602300 David Appleton, HM Inspector Tel: 0115 9712800

BSI – Product Certification & Testing Tel: 08450 765600 BBSA (British Blind & Shutter Association) Tel: 01449 780444 Building Research Establishment (BRE) Tel: 01923 664000 Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) Tel: 01453 828851 Dekura Tel: 01952 201631

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