Careers & Qualifications in Fenestration

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

MATES IN MIND CHARITY LAUNCHES SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY SUPPORT

This World Suicide Prevention Day, Mates in Mind are calling on employers to take meaningful steps to normalise conversations about mental ill-health and prevention of suicide within the workplace. With over 6,507 suicides registered in the UK in 2018 alone*, it is vital that employers can start this conversation in the workplace and support their employees.

Here at Mates in Mind, we believe breaking the silence and stigma surrounding mental ill-health is a crucial step towards providing a safe and healthy workplace environment, which can play a vital role in suicide prevention. Mates in Mind Managing Director, James Rudoni comments: “We know that the effect on those impacted by suicide is lasting and we believe that every suicide is a preventable death. Mental health can be a difficult topic to address, but anything mentionable is manageable. What we know from data previously reported by the ONS (2018) is that the risk of suicide is elevated in some sectors of the economy, such as construction, which is three times the national average for site workers, which is why we exist, to help support these sectors in bridging the mental health gaps and supporting their workforces. Opening up an honest conversation about mental health in the workplace continues to be the most immediate and effective starting point. We cannot underestimate this important first step – helping to provide clear language, create general awareness and help people to recognise that everyone has mental health the same way that they have physical health." Research suggests that open and honest communication about mental ill-health supports steps towards suicide prevention, because these important conversations have the power to increase awareness and understanding, remind people they are not alone and help break the stigma which can be a barrier for those seeking help. In light of this, we are encouraging workplaces across the UK to use this opportunity to #StartTheConversation within the workplace. To support these conversations, we are launching our Suicide Prevention Day hub, with resources and information to support these vital discussions. Find out more at: https://bit.ly/327TKNQ

*Office for National Statistics, Suicides in the UK: 2018 registrations

NEW APPOINTMENTS NEW APPOINTMENT AT MERCURY TO SUPPORT CONTINUED GROWTH

Specialist fabricator Mercury has appointed experienced industry professional Paul Russell as Procurement Manager. Steve Cross, Director at Mercury, said: “We are delighted to welcome Paul to Mercury. He’s got some impressive management credentials and we know he’ll add value to our team.”

Paul added: “I am proud to have joined Mercury. It’s a dynamic and ambitious business with clear plans for growth. It is also a strong, financially stable business and its integrity and honesty are central to its success.” Paul joined Mercury from the Customade Group where he had worked since 2006. He is an experienced procurement manager with extensive experience in the industry and holds a CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) Advanced Diploma. He takes responsibility for Mercury’s procurement and supply chain. Mercury manufactures an extensive range of PVC-U and aluminium windows and doors direct to the trade and commercial markets. It’s reputation for quality and competitive product turnaround means it is seeing impressive growth, despite the economic climate. The company has doubled its turnover since lockdown and remains well on track to continue to meet its ambitious growth strategy. It recently opened a second manufacturing unit in Gloucester to keep pace with demand for its products and it has made a considerable investment in automation machinery too. Paul is joining Mercury at an exciting time in its history as the Gloucesterbased business looks to further increase market share over the next few years. Steve concludes: “Paul’s undoubted skills look set to add even further value to our strong and dynamic business and with more high-level appointments coming on board soon, the future is looking very bright.” Tel: 01452 383 344 www.mercuryglazing.co.uk

NEW APPOINTMENTS TONY BASILE STRENGTHENS SHEERLINE TECHNICAL SALES TEAM

Garnalex welcomes Tony Basile as one of the cornerstones of a strong Sheerline Technical Sales Team. Joining Paul Greenaway, in the newly-created roles of Technical Sales Managers, Tony will drive sales by helping customers set up as Sheerline fabricators – as well as offering sales support. The Technical Sales Team will offer training to fabricators, and their installer customers’ staff, and provide proactive technical assistance and support.

Tony’s industry knowledge and technical experience gained at Eurocell and Liniar lends itself perfectly to this new role. Having worked in a variety of disciplines from selling to manufacturing and installing windows, doors and conservatories, Tony has an all-round indepth understanding of fabricators’ and installers’ needs. Tony comments on his new role: “There has been a tsunami of enthusiasm for Sheerline. It really is a breath of fresh air for the aluminium industry. Feedback so far has been outstanding, particularly due to the innovation and simplicity of the system and the corner jointing method. For too long aluminium has taken a back seat in product development compared to PVC, but we’ve been able to pack Sheerline full of practical innovation and make life easier for fabricators and installers, helping redress the balance. Sheerline is an industry breakthrough: no one else is offering windows and doors with the same benefits.” Garnalex CEO, Roger Hartshorn, adds: “Tony is an industry veteran and a familiar and much-liked face for many Sheerline customers and prospects. He joins our new Technical Sales department, set up because Sheerline systems are unique in incorporating many innovations and radically new ways of fabrication, assembly, and installation. To reflect that different focus, we’ve taken an integrated approach to sales and support, with technical experts giving customers real support, rather than just pushing the hard sell.” Sheerline, currently featuring the stunning ultra-slim Classic, is a cool contemporary system that is also a perfect replacement for heritagestyle steel windows. The range will be expanded later this year with the launch of the core window and doors system - Sheerline Prestige. “If these were cars,” Roger explains, “Classic would be a niche product, rather like a sports car, while Prestige would be our all-purpose saloon.” To learn more about Sheerline Classic call 01332 883 960 or visit www.sheerline.com. Follow @SheerlineSystem

and @GarnalexSystems.

CAREERS PACE RESOURCING PRODUCES SECOND IN SERIES OF VIRUS CRISIS EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT WHITE PAPERS

The second in a series of white papers by Pace Resourcing should do much to assist managers in handling one of the biggest challenges brought about by the pandemic: employees working from home. It forms the second of a series of three guides from the fenestration industry specialist that supports employers on staff-related matters.

Pace Resourcing decided to produce the series after recognising that the virus crisis is forcing business leaders to adapt and find new ways of working, particularly in the field of employee management. Director Vivien Globe explains: “Many business leaders assume that homeworking is a temporary measure, and that we’ll eventually get back to more normal working practices. However, the truth is the post-pandemic workplace will never be the same again. Economic, environmental and safety concerns mean that it is highly likely that a proportion of most businesses’ staff will find home-working desirable, whether full-time or for part of the week. And with that comes a whole raft of implications for managers who must adapt to new challenges.” This second white paper focuses mainly on the crucial topics of physical and mental staff wellbeing, and separately introduces the subject of protection of confidential business data. On the physical aspect of home-working the guide explains what employers can do to help employees mitigate risk. It details how to ensure that areas such as workspace, seating and lighting can be tackled to ensure physical health and safety. The paper outlines online mini risk assessments, advises on online surveys that employers can put together for their staff, and offers other useful suggestions. On mental wellbeing of staff after lockdown, the white paper lists the key tell-tale signs and circumstances that employers should look out for, which may indicate or be a precursor to mental health deterioration. The guide outlines the practical steps that an employer can take to support the mental health of their staff. In addition, it details the type of guidance that can be offered to employees in this area. Finally, on the topic of protecting confidential business information, the paper explains the importance of correct procedures and policies, communication of them to staff, and how to go about ensuring that data breaches do not occur. For example, it might be imperative to ensure that family, friends and visitors are unable to see sensitive, confidential data. Bosses may even need to spell out that failure to adhere to their company’s home-working policy in the area of data protection could result in disciplinary proceedings. Pace Resourcing’s first white paper, which tackled the need for dynamic, flexible and easy performance management processes may be downloaded for free from the company’s website. To download this second guide also for free and for more information on Pace Resourcing visit www.paceresourcing.co.uk.