Glass News April 2021 by Christina Shaw

Do you manufacture or install aluminium? Turn to page 65 THE UK’S LEADING TRADE NEWSPAPER FOR WINDOWS, DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES

THE RIGHT PEOPLE READ GLASS NEWS Issue 121 | April 2021

IS !! TH NTH MO

PRIME MINISTER GIVES GREEN LIGHT FOR THE GLAZING SUMMIT

SEE PAGE 76

INSTALLER FOCUS

SEE PAGE 82

INSTALLER NETWORK

Monthly News - Residential & Commercial Fenestration

If any part of your business involves aluminium, this is for you! With the Government announcing a ‘roadmap to recovery’ the Glazing Summit is returning for 2021 – and some of the biggest names in the glazing industry have already signed up to this ‘must attend’ live event. Taking place on Thursday, October 21st at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, this one-day event will be packed with industry insight, advice and discussion on the issues that matter as well as giving delegates the opportunity to connect with other industry professionals. The previous Glazing Summit was a resounding success, attracting over 400 business leaders from across the glass and glazing industry with combined revenue of over £1billion. It packed in 23 expert speakers, panel debates, lunch,

and networking with the industry’s most influential people. Andrew Scott, founder of the Glazing Summit said; “The Summit broke new ground for the industry. As the market matures a platform for business owners and leaders to come together, learn and share information has become essential. This is especially the case now, as many businesspeople tell me they are Zoomedout with genuine digital fatigue with online meetings, webinars, and virtual events. “After over a year of restrictions, the industry is bursting with ideas, innovations and developments and the Glazing Summit gives us the opportunity to come together in a safe, professional setting to once again discuss the future of the industry, debate issues and connect with like-minded industry leaders.” Despite pandemic restrictions being lifted, the organisers will ensure the event takes place in a safe environment, so numbers will be restricted. Continued on page 6...

Our publication topics and circulation covers the following: • CAB Members • Architects • Specifiers • Fabricators • Installers

• Wider Aluminium Market • Windows • Doors

• Conservatories • Shopfronts • Hardware • Machinery

• Building Construction • Cladding • Roofing • Structure

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APRIL 2021

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GREAT WINDOWS AND EVEN BETTER DOUGHNUTS FROM STERNFENSTER Spring is here and all is well with the world. Golf courses open and not long until we can enjoy a pint and a meal out. Bliss! It’s strange how the simplest of things that we all took for granted and have been denied to us for over a year, become a real treat as we approach that time of being let off the leash. However, good luck getting a booking in a restaurant! Reports in some papers claim many restaurants are booked up until September. So treats will remain home cooking and baking and, talking of baking, it’s nice to see Mike Parczuk’s baking skills have given him an added string to his bow as he presents baking shows on television. Good for him and I’m sure we’re all looking forward to a visit to Lincoln to sample his cooking along with a coffee while we also look at his excellent windows! Has anyone actually seen them in the same room?

Sternfenster’s Mike Parczuk...

…and Bake Off ’s Paul Hollywood. Er, is that right?

Elsewhere, this month, there’s ‘trouble at t’ mill!’ Well, to be fair, not so much a mill but a vast $18m mansion in California. Ginge and Whinge are having a right go and, considering they wanted privacy I’m not quite sure getting their pal to interview them…sorry, interview is the wrong word as nothing that they said was questioned. Forensic questioning? I don’t think so. A two hour publicity stunt. Anyway, I’m sure I’m not allowed to say anything, and certainly not disagree with them, or I’ll be banished. Pretty much every press release we receive talks about record sales and that’s really

good news. However, maintaining this trend may be more challenging, going forward. Everyone is talking about supply issues and providing finished product to satisfy the demand from domestic and commercial customers is important although longer lead times may become the norm. Rishi’s budget has certainly helped to prolong demand for our products, and somewhat surprisingly. I was fully expecting heavier taxation to start to pay back the cost of the pandemic but, although there were bits of thinly disguised taxation such as not increasing allowances in line with inflation, we must expect some nasty surprises in the future. Meanwhile, let’s make hay while the sun shines! Has the Covid pandemic changed our language? I’m sure you would be disappointed if I didn’t have one of my regular grumpy old man grumbles! We seem to have adopted a number of words that meant something completely different when I was at school. Furlough was, and still is, the period when a US serviceman, or should that be serviceperson, goes on leave. I’m not sure why we call the enforced leave period with a percentage of salary being paid, furlough. Surely it is being put on enforced leave? Similarly, we keep talking about cohorts instead of groups of people – cohorts 1 to 9. Why? From my prep school latin lessons a cohort was a unit within a Roman legion. It was about 480 soldiers: the equivalent of a modern day battalion. Groups 1 to 9 makes more sense to me than cohorts! End of rant, unless you would like me to have a go about the EU, yet again! The use of Teams and Zoom has changed our lives. Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that we have all adapted to this way of communicating and, in many ways, it has enhanced our marketing methods. Pre-pandemic, an invitation may have attracted limited numbers of people who were prepared to make the journey and there was always the apprehension in the mind of the organiser as to whether the uptake to an invitation would be good, despite acceptances and promises to attend! With the journey time and the cost of travel a distant memory, now it’s very different. As an example, Tommy Trinder’s Chris Brunsdon staged a webinar called ‘Selling Without Home Visits Masterclass!’ which attracted over 100 attendees. Would that number have turned up at Tommy Trinder’s HQ? I think not.

March 2021 crossword solution:

CONTENTS 4

Glass News Interview: Emplas

Front Cover Story

Trade News

Glass News Interview: Liniar

Trade News

Bi-Folding & Sliding Door Expert

CONTACT DETAILS Christina Shaw Managing Director / Advertising Enquiries M: 07805 051322 E: christina@glassnews.co.uk

44 Doors 48 Conservatories 50

Tech Talk

‘TIME OUT’ WINNERS – MARCH!

52 Hardware

Sudoku: Mrs C Preston, Liverpool, Lancs

56 Machinery

Eye Spy: David McCabe, Scarva, N.Ireland

59 Marketing

Spot the Difference: Lily Sidebotham, Worksop, Notts

66 Roofing

Crossword: Mr P Robinson, Newport, Gwent

Cold Calling

Software & IT

Installer Focus

Installer Network

Charity News

Careers & Qualifications in Fenestration

Time Out!

Find A Supplier

Congratulations to all our winners! Good luck in this months Time Out pages!

@GlassnewsMag

Christina Shaw

/GlassNews

Face To Face

56 Letters 58

Emma Champion Advertising Manager M: 07508 263262 E: emma@glassnews.co.uk

Product Search

60 Windows 64 68

Face To Face

Justin Lazenby Finance Director / Press Release Enquiries M: 07711 828710 E: justin@glassnews.co.uk

FIT Show Preview

70 Glass

Chris Champion Editor / Editorial Enquiries M: 07850 267223 E: chris@glassnews.co.uk Kate Carnall Graphic Design E: kate@glassnews.co.uk

glassnews™ is a registered Trademark. The views contained herein are not necessarily those of glassnews™ and whilst every effort is made to ensure information throughout is correct, glassnews™ does not accept liability for errors. The views expressed by contributors and the content of letters, are not necessarily those of glassnews™ and therefore cannot take responsibility.

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GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: EMPLAS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

EXPANSION OF EMPLAS’ ALUMINIUM OFFER IS SERVICE LED Emplas has expanded its aluminium offer, something which its Director of Sales, Jody Vincent, argues is founded as much on its service offer as it is its new product range, in an interview with Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion. Chris Champion: Why launch an aluminium offer now? Is this driven by the market opening up post Covid? Jody Vincent: It’s not something we have done until now because the timing needed to be right, and we had to adjust our plans a little because of the impact of COVID, but we’ve had our sights on aluminium for a long time. With demand for aluminium continuing to increase and going into a period of what we believe will be increased activity this spring, we believe we can support our customers in accessing a growing number of opportunities.

Chris Champion: As someone with 35 year old steel windows, I’m intrigued as to your choice of the of the 58BW ST…. Jody Vincent: It’s about flexibility and appeal. It was designed as a replacement for steel-windows with very slim sightlines, primarily in heritage applications. With flat, chamfered or Ovolo detailing, it delivers a lot of additional design flexibility and it’s gained traction in home improvement and new build. There have been major innovations in PVC-U sightlines and aesthetics but if you have a customer who wants aluminium and nothing else, being able to offer them a window which offers pretty much the ultimate in minimalistic sightlines, is a very good starting point. The 58BW Flush complements that offer with an ultra-slim 46mm sash. With a double rebate and friction stays on side-hung options, it does so without compromising on performance and weather tightness. The 58BW ST and 58BW Flush are also tested to PAS24 and are also available in Secured by Design options.

Chris Champion: What are you offering now and is this a development of the bifolds you launched some years ago?

Chris Champion: And why bring the BSC94 into the Emplas ‘stable’? Is it a match for the other products in your aluminium range?

Jody Vincent: We’ve added the AluK 58BW ST and 58BW Flush windows to our range, plus the 58BD residential and French door system, which includes a flush option; and the BSC94 Inline Sliding Patio. That’s in addition to the F82 Luminia Bi-fold, which we launched in 2019 and which has provided the basis for our relationship with AluK.

Jody Vincent: It’s a proven patio system and, again, delivers a high degree of design flexibility, accommodating individual sash weights of up to 400kg, in single, double and triple track options, spanning openings of up to 6.5m. There’s also a slim interlocking option.

It also sits alongside the F82, and with the 58BD residential and French door system, which combined give our customers access to a highly competitive offer. Chris Champion: It sounds a bit rude but what does Emplas, a very well known PVC-U fabricator, know about aluminium? Jody Vincent: We’ve obviously been manufacturing the F82 bifold for some time now. People have maybe assumed that we have added a couple of lines to our PVC-U operation, but we have a standalone facility and have invested, so that we’re running some very advanced lines, which give us capacity, but which also allow us to manufacture a high-quality product – and consistently. This included the addition last year of a top of the range Pertici mc 700 5 axis CNC with 7m working area with two working zones; plus two new Pertici 500 doublehead cutting saws with a 6.1m cutting length, bringing increased capacity but also a higher degree of automation to our manufacturing processes. So, in answer to your question, we’re not coming to aluminium manufacture as a start-up, it’s been part of our offer for some time.

Emplas’ Sales Director, Jody Vincent

Chris Champion: And the burning question, will your installers who are so used to PVCu, buy-in to the aluminium dream? Jody Vincent: Yes - absolutely. The benefits to our customers are massive. It’s not simply about the product but the service which goes with it. Our customers will be able to place orders and get quotes from us 24/7 in exactly the same way as they currently do with PVC-U, using Window Designer. That also translates into a single ordering process, single delivery and single invoice. It simplifies their supply chain. We’re also giving them access to products which give them increased reach and a highly competitive range. There’s an opportunity to deliver better products and better service in aluminium, and that’s ultimately our objective. Chris Champion: A question I’m sure I know the answer to but I’d like to hear what you have to say, and that’s whether the demand for aluminium will hold up? Jody Vincent: Aluminium is an evergreen product. Market forecasts are for growth through to 2023, and that’s not because the market’s going to run out of steam - it’s where the report timeframe stops! Things may slow down a little in the second half of this year as the economy opens up post-COVID but with forecasts for sustained economic recovery and a return to pre pandemic economic output by the start of 2022, we should be optimistic. The Stamp Duty holiday is coming to an end, which should lead to a rush of housing transactions at the end of this month, which we expect to translate into new demand for April and May, on top of the seasonal demand that we would normally expect to see. The opportunities are there, and we have the product offer across PVC-U and now also aluminium, to fulfil them. Chris Champion: Thanks for talking to me, Jody, and we’ll watch the developments at Emplas with interest.

The AluK 58BW Flush sash

Detail of the AluK 58BW Flush sash

For more information on Emplas visit www.emplas.co.uk , email info@emplas.co.uk or call 01933 674880.

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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FRONT COVER STORY

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

YALE STRENGTHENS ITS EVERGROWING PARTNERSHIP WITH FIRST HOME IMPROVEMENTS Continued from page 1... “The window, door and conservatory industry has always been a face-to-face sector where people want to meet, discuss business and share ideas. There is a real buzz of excitement already for the Glazing Summit, but we want to ensure the event operates in a thoughtful and safe way, to ensure all delegates have a great experience.”

NEW LINE UP OF DEBATES AND SPEAKERS Throughout the day industry experts will debate crucial issues including life after the pandemic and Brexit, proposed new regulations, technology, and jugular issues such as climate change and sustainability. Meanwhile, a line-up of respected speakers will give the inside track on the economy, consumer trends, and potential threats and opportunities. Andrew added; “The Glazing Summit will equip delegates with the tools and insights to stay ahead of the curve, understand trends and fast-track their own business strategy – whether they’re a global PVC-U extruder or a small installer.” The Summit isn’t all about panel debates and speakers though. It will provide industry professionals with a platform to network and connect with peers, suppliers, and customers, with regular breaks and a buffet lunch included.

LEADERS DINNER CONFIRMED The organisers have also confirmed that the VIP ‘Leaders Dinner’ will again take place in the Edgbaston Banqueting Suite. This is an opportunity for industry leaders to meet after the conference, enjoy a champagne reception and four-course dinner with an after-dinner speaker. “The Leaders Dinner is a fine-dining experience without being a stuffy black-tie event,” said Andrew. “It is the perfect setting to build relationships, talk business, and connect with customers and suppliers in a relaxed, social environment which is also great fun.” The Glazing Summit is organised by industry experts Insight Data and Purplex Marketing, and some of the biggest names have already backed the event including the GGF, Yale, Unique, ODL and CAB. The event takes place at Edgbaston Stadium and Conference Centre, Birmingham, on 21st October. Numbers are limited and seats can be booked at www.glazingsummit.co.uk.

Hardware market leader Yale and nationwide retailer First Home Improvements are celebrating a longstanding successful partnership and looking towards a future of shared business growth. As one of the longest established doubleglazing companies in the UK, First Home Improvements prides itself on offering a premium, bespoke service to its customers, providing high specification doors, windows, and conservatories with particular attention paid to the finer details – especially the security hardware and its UK manufactured provenance. The retail specialist organisation has long been an advocate of Yale’s product range and trusted brand – in particular, the Yale multipoint and AutoEngage multipoint locks, using a wide range of both door and window hardware from the brand to provide a secure and aesthetic finish. Knowing the brand recognition that Yale has with the consumer, one of First Home Improvements’ flagship products is the Yale Rapide Casement Window Lock, with bespoke branded window keeps, which have proven to be very popular with homeowners. Driven by a mutual passion for high-quality glazing products and customer satisfaction, both Yale and First Home Improvements share commitments in sustainability,

informed design, and responsible manufacturing. Andy Springall, Company Director at First Home Improvements, comments: “The relationship with Yale is truly a perfect fit for our business. We know that when we’re using hardware marked with the Yale logo, we’re not only incorporating expert security into our products but also shared values on quality, customer experience, and customers seem to appreciate the fact that it is a UK manufactured product. “Whilst we are not buying hardware direct, we do have a direct relationship with Yale who supports our retail operation and have been consistently dependable throughout our partnership, meaning all of our sales

and marketing needs are met quickly and effectively – something that has been invaluable during this unprecedented year.” David Pridmore, Key Account Manager at Yale, adds: “It’s fantastic to work with such a like-minded company who recognise the quality of the hardware and value of the brand. First Home Improvements takes real pride in its work and put huge value on giving each customer the best possible service – making them an ideal partner for Yale.” To find out more about Yale’s partners, or the products mentioned, please visit www.yaledws.co.uk or call 01902 366800. For product information and updates, follow @YaleDWS on Twitter.

CLEANER REBATES ARE THE STYLISH CHOICE, SAYS THE RESIDENCE COLLECTION The Residence Collection has set the design standard in the premium PVCu systems segment for some years now in terms of single and dual colour options, profile shape and also in the way in which they’ve designed cleaner rebates. Typical glazing rebates in PVCu windows and doors have changed little since the 1960’s, with gaskets either rolled in or co-extruded onto the upstand of the outer frame. By design, R2, R7 and R9 frames don’t carry any gaskets on the frame, they sit within the sash, much like the way in which timber windows are carefully constructed, helping to create the ‘easy clean’ rebate. When opening an R9 window, there is also the visual appeal of a fully laminated rebate, matching the colour and finish of the internal face. Both R2 and R7 feature seven different substrates so that the internal face has a closely matching through colour too. Regardless of which window or door design from The Residence Collection, they are

all far easier to clean than standard PVCu windows and doors.

even foiled finishes, do make these products something special.’

Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director of The Residence Collection commented: ‘Throughout The Residence Collection, there are unique design details which help set these beautiful windows and doors apart from the masses. Clean rebates without gaskets and with colour matched or

She continued: ‘Collectively, these most exacting of details help sell these windows and doors and at a time when consumers are demanding better products when it comes to investing in their respective homes. Our levels of social engagement with consumers over the last 12 months also fully reflects this too.’ For further information please visit www.residencecollection.co.uk and www.residencecollectiontrade.co.uk. You can request a free brochure pack including the stylish and inspirational 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 by searching #residencecollection.

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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FABRICATOR WORKING FOR YOU?

Behind every great installer is a fabricator relationship built on a comprehensive and specialist product range, combined with exceptional customer service. The fundamentals such as service, customer care, and quality should be a given, but choosing wisely means you can get a lot more from your fabricator. Breadth of product range: You should never lose out on a job through lack of specification, so having access to a range of profile systems, products, colours and finishes is a necessity. Marketing support: Marketing costs and resources are often prohibitive to carry out effectively for many businesses. The right fabricator can add value with marketing support that will promote your business and save you time money and effort.

Enhanced benefits: Sometimes it can take an enhanced technical product or extended warranty to seal the deal and win the business, so ensure your fabricator can offer you something that makes you stand out from the crowd. Flexible service: From business support packages to tailored deliveries, the right partner will help you achieve your business goals by recognising and meeting your individual needs. A good fabricator really makes the difference. Make sure you are working with a partner that is the right fit for your business! Call us to find out how we can work together on 01933 443222 or email sales@glazerite.net.

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ADDITIONAL CAPACITY AT MODPLAN NEW FEATURES FOR INTEGRAL SUPPORTS LONG-TERM GROWTH BLINDS FROM ODL EUROPE

Leading trade fabricator Modplan has made several strategic investments across the business, which has opened up new opportunities and provided additional capacity to support their long-term growth efforts. Managing Director at Modplan, Heidi Sachs, said: “Our recent investments in our infrastructure have given us outstanding product quality and further improved our manufacturing efficiencies. It has also given us additional capacity to help support our growth drive as we have received an influx of new customers over the last few months.”

Modplan is a fabrication partner that offers a complete range of products, state-of-theart manufacturing, a proactive partnership approach and a reassuring heritage. Their recent investment includes 12 new fabrication machines and the set-up of a dedicated factory for its popular Flush Sash Windows, a move that brings the fabricator’s total manufacturing space to 145,000 sq ft. Heidi says: “The overarching aim of our investment has been to ensure that we can

continue to offer the best in product quality with exceptional manufacturing efficiencies for our customers.” The company has also launched an internal Control Hub to keep its customers one step ahead. It gives at-a-glance information on the status of every order in the system across all its multiple manufacturing sites. This includes the planning summary, stock availability, production levels and dispatch details. Heidi comments: “The Hub is helping us keep our customers informed at every level and helps deliver outstanding customer service and ensures we remain a proactive partner to our customers.”

Modplan fabricates a complete range of high-quality products from leading industry brands including VEKA, Liniar and Leka Systems. Heidi said: “We aim is to keep our eye on trends so we can offer a complete product solution for our customers because we supply everything the market wants.” Alongside its comprehensive product range, the company is famous for its partnership approach, which extends to marketing, technical and training support to add value to an installer’s business. Overall, the wide-ranging Modplan offer and continued business investment demonstrate why the company has been in business for nearly 50 years and has become one of the industry’s leading trade suppliers. Heidi concludes: “As a business, we are never complacent and that has ensured we remained a strong and reliable partner for nearly five decades.” So, for an ambitious business looking to work with a secure and proactive fabrication partner, Modplan ticks all the boxes. Tel: 01495 246844 - www.modplan.co.uk

The industry-leading Blink® Blinds + Glass from ODL Europe has recently added a new feature to further improve functionality to their popular integral blind range. The encapsulated blinds are now available with multi-positioning magnet choices, which is ideal for when blinds are situated in difficult to reach areas. Andy Meakin, Business Development Manager at ODL Europe, explains: “Our new multi-positioning magnets allow even more flexibility when fitting over difficult to reach areas such as windows situated over sinks. Customers have a choice on where the operating magnets can be located for ease of reach, which means the encapsulated blinds are accessible, regardless of location.” The popular Blink® Blinds + Glass Integral Blind range offer an excellent upselling opportunity for fabricators and installers and are suitable for windows and doors providing a modern alternative to the traditional corded or cordless door and window blinds. Andy said: “Using our integral blinds should be a pleasure every time – this latest enhancement ensures the blinds are practical for consumers, regardless of blind position.” Blink® Blinds + Glass has led the encapsulated blinds sector for over 20 years and have sold over 5 million blinds worldwide, so fabricators and installers can trust in the levels of innovation and experience they offer. The company continually work with their customers to develop their products in line with customers’ expectations. Andy said: “Not only did we develop the new multipositioning magnets as a result of customer feedback, but we have also introduced a

double glazed 24mm unit for remedial work too. This gives our customers a comprehensive product offer for all property types, new and old.” Blink® Blinds + Glass are robust and come with a 10-year glass seal warranty. They offer excellent water and air resistance and are thermally efficient. They are available in nine colours, including the classics, black and anthracite grey and ergonomic operator switch control with raise, lower and tilt facility, for exceptional light control. Bootle-based ODL Europe is a company committed to continuously developing its product offering and customer experience. The latest enhancements to their integral blinds show a company dedicated to its customers and helping them capitalise on every opportunity. Tel: 0151 933 0299 www.odl.com/europe.htm

A STELLAR SIX MONTHS FOR BDC ALUMINIUM Experienced aluminium fabricator BDC Aluminium began fabricating Stellar, the multi-award-winning aluminium window and door system from Epwin Window Systems, in September 2020. The company has reported a sharp increase in demand as a result. David Green, Managing Director of BDC Aluminium, said: “From the start, we knew that Stellar offered the industry something ground-breaking due to the superb flush aesthetics and speed of installation. And it would seem our customers agree. We have seen a huge upturn in demand for Stellar as our trade customers appreciate what the products deliver.” Stellar is an intelligently designed aluminium window and door system that is quick and easy to install. The speed and ease of fitting are down to the system’s pre-gasketed knock in beads which speeds up the installation process and is why more and more installers are turning to Stellar. David said: “My background is in retail sales, so I understand the advantages that quick and easy to fit products deliver. Stellar fits like PVC-U so for installers looking to add aluminium products into their portfolio, the transition is very straightforward.”

Stellar’s fast fitting properties is something that is appreciated by BDC Aluminium’s customer, the Windowstore in Eastbourne. Paul Fear, Regional Manager of the Windowstore, said: “Stellar is proving popular with our trade fitters and we have seen a sharp surge in sales for the bifolding door. Stellar is 30-40% quicker to install and once installers discover this, they seldom return to other aluminium products.”

The Windowstore has been working with BDC Aluminium for several months and the team has been delighted by the quality of manufacture and the quick, efficient service. Paul said: “The service we receive from BDC Aluminium is excellent. Aluminium products have a reputation of being on long lead times compared to PVC-U products, but Stellar from BDC is manufactured and delivered quickly, which helps with our own order schedule. Based in Essex, BDC Aluminium has over 15 years’ experience in manufacturing aluminium windows and doors. The company recently made several largescale investments in its operations to help deliver exceptional quality and a competitive service on its products. Stellar is the latest addition to the Epwin Window Systems’ portfolio and was designed to deliver a step-change in aluminium system design. David concludes: “We knew Stellar would be popular from the start and we haven’t been disappointed. It represents a massive opportunity for our customers as our sharp increase in demand demonstrates.” Tel: 0845 300 9356 www.stellaraluminium.co.uk

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

BIGGER IS BETTER

With high demand continuing to put pressure on material supply, including PVC resin, aluplast’s strength as a global system house is proving to be a big advantage for its UK customer base. Glass News reports in a conversation with Ian Cocken, Director of Sales and Marketing, at aluplast. “Looking ahead, the outlook is extremely encouraging for the industry,” says Ian Cocken, Director of Sales and Marketing, aluplast.

“Demand from both retail and commercial remains high and looks set to remain so until at least Q3 this year. The government’s ‘roadmap to recovery’ has helped to boost consumer confidence and the measures unveiled in the Spring Budget to extend the Stamp Duty holiday, and to introduce a 95% loan-to-value mortgage scheme for first time buyers, will also help to prolong activity in the home improvement sector. “There are, however, a number of mitigating factors that are threatening to take the shine off that forecast,” he continues. “These centre around ongoing delays on imported product because of disruption to shipping and containers, and price hikes on raw materials, including PVC resin.

Plastics Federation (BPF) that confirms a severe shortage of plastics raw material in the industry. Fuelled by high global demand and exacerbated in some cases by production plant outages and maintenance issues, the problem has been made worse for the UK to due border issues caused by Brexit. According to the BPF, the issue is so severe that it threatens to prevent the UK from taking full advantage of any potential recovery period from the pandemic.

“To be clear, the current situation with raw materials and specifically with PVC resin, means that no-one is going to be immune from prices rises further down the line,” said Cocken. “The challenge for systems houses, is how to manage those increases down the supply chain, and to put measures in place to protect service and supply levels as best as possible for their customers. As a global player in PVC-U system supply, the scale of aluplast’s resources is reflected by the fact that, in Europe alone, it processes more than 150,000 tonnes of PVC-U each year, an amount that is the equivalent to 75 per cent of the UK and Irish markets put together. Its latest facility, which extends to 13-hectares, houses state of the art foiling lines and the latest in CNC foiling technology. aluplast’s investment in manufacturing capability is also demonstrated in the quality of its ‘green’ offering, ecotech, which is offered as standard across its Ideal70 and Ideal4000 ranges.

Foils account for up to 50% of aluplast’s orders for the UK market

Manufactured using two compound screw feeds that push recycled and virgin material through the profile dye at the same time, ecotech features recycled material that is isolated within the profile, away from its surface walls, for a better finish and to improve through life performance. It’s a high tech, co-extrusion process that’s available only to a select number of system companies. Similarly, in order to guarantee the quality of ecotech, aluplast only pelletises recyclate material from known sources. Again, not all systems companies have the capability to do the same. “aluplast has been very well placed to support customers in making the most of the market conditions throughout 2020 and into 2021,” continues Cocken. “This includes our ability to deliver fast lead times on our range of 40 foils and to maintain supply of stock foiled product that’s available on the ground in the UK. “Foils are now accounting for as much as 50% of orders for the UK market. It is a key driver for growth and it’s helped to put us on course to double our turnover in the first quarter of 2021, year-on-year. “But again, aluplast’s strength as a global company has played a significant part in this success, not just in terms of production capacity but also in supply. We export to 28

A global player in system supply, aluplast processes more than 150,000 tonnes of PVC a year

“The government’s ‘roadmap to recovery’ has helped to boost consumer confidence and the measures unveiled in the Spring Budget to extend the Stamp Duty holiday, and to introduce a 95% loan-to-value mortgage scheme for first time buyers, will also help to prolong activity in the home improvement sector.” countries globally, we had measures in place well in advance of the UK leaving the EU and that means we’ve managed to avoid the worst of the delays and disruption at UK ports.

“It is an issue that is being experienced across Europe – and it’s one that is being amplified by PVC-U system’s houses that do not have the infrastructure in place to properly manage the problem.”

“Price increases due to resin supply will, unfortunately, be hard to avoid going forward,” he concludes. “But thanks to the depth and breadth of our resources and manufacturing capacity, aluplast is better placed to meet that challenge than most.

Concerns regarding resin supply have been underlined by a report from the British

“That presents clear advantages for our customers to capitalise on continuing high demand that’s anticipated for the next six months and beyond.” aluplast has avoided Brexit disruptions at UK ports thanks to forward planning

ecotech’s a co-extrusion process and is offered as standard across the Ideal70 and Ideal4000 ranges

For more information, please call 01684 273401 email info@aluplast.co.uk or visit www.aluplast.co.uk.

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Does your secondary glazing supplier leave you in the dark?

Switch. Secondary glazing is simplicity itself. It’s simple to sell, survey and install. It offers great acoustic and thermal performance. It has great proﬁt margins. And it gets you into projects you couldn’t normally get into. So why make it more complicated? Call Roseview today and ask about adding Incarnation secondary glazing to your range.

phone: 01234 712657 | email: hello@roseview.co.uk | web: roseview.co.uk

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ALUTECH GEARS UP FOR GROWTH WITH ADDITIONAL WAREHOUSING Alutech has recently added an additional 17,000 sqft of warehousing to its WestYorkshire premises, taking their facilities to 62,000 sqft for both aluminium systems and garage door supplies. The expansion was prompted by the unprecedented growth experienced by the company last year, which saw sales volumes increase by 50%. The new 17,000 sqft facility will aid all parts of the business to continue their expansion, specifically housing sectional garage doors, the manufacturing of sectional doors and storage of garage door automation. Thus, allowing aluminium profile systems and roller garage door components to further

grow into the existing space, particularly as new products are launched over the coming year, such as the hotly anticipated new window system. Alutech Managing Director, Steve Hudson, explained, “One of our biggest USPs, in addition to customer support, has always been our ability to hold huge amounts of stock in the UK. This, and our own fleet of delivery vehicles, is what allows us to offer an industry-leading 5-day delivery on stocked product. “As the business has grown, thanks to our hardworking team and the support of our

customers, it is essential that we continue to be able to hold stock of the products our customers want and make way for the exciting new products that are in the pipeline.” Alutech recently welcomed 2 new business development managers to the team and are currently recruiting 2 new sales coordinators, to ensure they maintain the high levels of customer service they’ve become renowned for. The Alutech sales team are ready to take your call on 01924 350 110. Alternatively, you can email enquiries@alutechsystems.co.uk.

Visit www.alutechsystems.co.uk and follow us on social media: @AlutechL.

SHEERLINE REVEALS FIRST LAUNCH PARTNERS Sheerline, Garnalex’ ground-breaking aluminium window and door system is now available from official launch partners. These fabricators, the first to start manufacturing Sheerline are: • BSW Window Systems, 01733 459955 • Garden of Eden, 01793 530808 • Garrard Windows, 01296 668899 • GJB, 01268 775566 • Listers, 01782 391900

WIDGETS ACHIEVES ZERO LANDFILL MARK After a two-and-a-half-year waste management programme, Window Widgets has now achieved a zero-landfill mark, as the company looks to build further upon its impressive green credentials. Driven by Andrew Taylor, QHSE Manager, the waste management programme ensures that only compliant waste carriers with an up-to-date licence are used across the recycling and re-processing of nineteen different types of waste. Investment has been made in waste bailers and compactors at their site in Quedgeley, Gloucestershire and there are additional plans to help process further materials for recycling, that are currently designated as general waste. The general waste that can’t be recycled is transported directly to the new £633m Javelin Park incineration plant near junction 12 of the M5, that is run by Urbaser Balfour Beatty on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council to treat the county’s residual waste. The aim of this new plant is to generate enough power for 25,000 local homes, make a significant reduction in carbon emissions and will save the taxpayer £100 million over 25 years. Elsewhere in the business the first fully electric company car has been delivered, with others to follow, while several carbon offsetting schemes are also under consideration in a companywide strategy of making Window Widgets one of the most

environmentally conscious companies in the glazing and fenestration sectors. The business is also looking to change their electricity suppliers when this comes up for renewal in 2022 to one that is based on 100% renewables. Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director of Window Widgets commented: ‘It’s everyone’s role to help tackle climate change and businesses can and should be making a major contribution to the future of the planet. Achieving the zero-landfill mark is a major milestone for us, especially as we start to look at celebrating our 21st year in business, yet our thirst for enhancing our green credentials has never been so strong and credit must be given to Andrew Taylor for this immense achievement.’ For further information visit windowwidgets.co.uk, e-mail sales@windowwidgets.co.uk or call 01452 300912. You can also add to their following on Twitter @Windowwidgets or search #windowwidgets on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. For information on The Residence Collection visit www.residencecollection.co.uk and www.residencecollectiontrade.co.uk. 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 by searching #residencecollection.

corners, time and time again. Sheerline’s stand-out product innovation is matched with outstanding service – all Sheerline profiles and components are available in 5 working days in 12 stocked colours, including 3 anodised finishes. Dual colour combinations from this stocked range are also available on the same 5 day turnaround, while bespoke colours are available in an incredibly agile 10 working days. This allows fabricators to pass on shorter lead times to installers, allowing installers to keep up with homeowner demand.

• Super Glide, 01623 861854

“It’s aluminium but definitely not as you know it” says Garnalex CEO Roger Hartshorn. “We are delighted to announce our first launch partners; fabricators who share our passion for quality, innovation and excellent customer service. When we launched Sheerline we set out to improve product innovation and service typically seen in the aluminium market. With Sheerline, fabricators benefit from a world class window system, and world class service.”

The result of extensive research, product development and investment, Sheerline is designed to be easy to fabricate, easy to install and a dream to sell. This high performance, ultra-secure aluminium window and door system incorporates Sheerline’s patented corner jointing method, making it easy and quick to fabricate beautiful, easily repeatable perfect

Installers who want to start selling Sheerline should contact their nearest launch partner now. Fabricators who want to start making our revolutionary system should call Sheerline on 01332 883960, email info@sheerline.com or visit www.sheerline.com. Follow @SheerlineSystem and @GarnalexSystems for the latest news and updates.

• Whiteline Manufacturing, 01323 723724 Following the success of the initial launch partners Sheerline has now added the following fabricators: • Belvedere Products, 01626 365295 • Direct Roofing Systems, 01623 651982 • New Century, 01268 569066 • Nordic Aluminium, 0113 244 9006

Sheerline is now available from official launch partners

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

LINK VENT 5000 One vent 5000 equivalent area Similar width to a 4000mm2 vent Made in Banbury

MADE IN BRITAIN 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.

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BIFOLD LOCAL SIGN UP TO FAST-FITTING STELLAR Trade and domestic fabricator Bifold Local have begun manufacturing Stellar, the multi-award-winning aluminium window and door system from Epwin Window Systems. Liam Duffy, Director at Bifold Local, said: “We are delighted to be fabricating Stellar. Its superior flush aesthetics and ease of fitting are already proving popular with our trade and domestic customers. The Epwin Window Systems’ team behind Stellar are exceptional and have achieved a seamless transition so we could get up and running as quickly as possible.” Mark Austin, Sales Director (Aluminium) at Epwin Window Systems, said: “We are pleased to welcome Bifold Local to Stellar. They are an ambitious trade and domestic fabricator who pride themselves on their product quality and attention to detail. We look forward to working with them.” Bifold Local began fabricating Stellar in February 2021. The Liverpool-based fabricator is manufacturing a range of Stellar products, including windows, doors and bi-folding doors. Liam said: “As an experienced aluminium fabricator, we are aware of the upturn in aluminium products across the domestic market, especially the growth in bi-folding doors. The Stellar bi-fold door is far quicker to fit than comparative bi-folds which has made a huge difference to our trade customers and our domestic work.” Stellar’s quick fitting properties have been attracting attention since the system came to market in 2019 thanks to its pre-gasketed knock in beads. This stand-out feature

PROFINE ACHIEVES VINYLPLUS CERTIFICATION As part of its sustainability strategy, profine GmbH has recently been awarded the VinylPlus Product Label, following a demanding certification process.

has proven popular with fabricators and installers. Liam said: “The pre-gasketed beads makes fitting so much easier and eliminates gasket overstretch which is all too common on many other aluminium products. It’s a huge plus for our installing customers.” Stellar also delivers slimline flush aesthetics, another key feature that attracted Bifold Local. Liam said: “Stellar aesthetics are unique to the market and the slimline flush features are superior to anything we have seen in aluminium. We have already secured a pipeline of new work due to Stellar’s aesthetics.” Bifold Local manufactures and installs aluminium windows and doors throughout the UK with a fast and reliable nationwide service. Based in Liverpool, the company recently rebranded under Bifold Local with new, contemporary branding. Liam concludes: ”The new branding reflects our modern values and with Stellar as our manufacturing partner, the future looks bright.” Tel: 0845 300 9356 www.stellaraluminium.co.uk

The VinylPlus Product Label is the sustainability seal for PVC building products. Products that are characterised by high performance and sustainability are easily recognised by this certificate for end customers, manufacturers and markets. The partner companies from the window and door sector can use the label to advertise KÖMMERLING profile systems and sheets, for example in tenders and to promote their green credentials to consumers.

recycling, a sustainable energy and climate strategy, and process management requirements. In essence, it must be ensured that PVC as a raw material is sustainably sourced, processed and recycled. profine GmbH is authorised to use the VinylPlus Product Label in the European and UK sales regions, as well as for various products and systems in the area of profiles and sheets. To this regard, the label refers to the profine production sites in Berlin and Pirmasens. As an official VinylPlus partner, profine GmbH supports the sustainable development of the European PVC industry. The company is also a member of key associations and initiatives such as EPPA and the German Rewindo recycling network. Dr. Peter Mrosik, Owner and CEO of profine Group, commented: ‘We have set ourselves the goal of aligning our entire company to a future worth living in, and we understand sustainability to be a holistic task: from using high-quality raw materials, the production of energy-efficient systems and extensive recycling up to the implementation of our corporate social responsibility. The partnership with VinylPlus and the VinylPlus Product Label fully underline this philosophy.’

The sustainability label was developed by VinylPlus, the European PVC industry’s voluntary commitment to sustainable development, in close cooperation with the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and The Natural Step (TNS). As is usual with certification procedures, a system provider must prove in independently conducted audits that certain key requirements are met. The criteria include, among other things, the responsible procurement of PVC raw materials and additives, closed material cycles and

For more information on VinylPlus please visit www.vinylplus.eu. For further information please visit www.profine-uk.com, e-mail enquiries@profine-uk.com or phone 01623 579200. There’s also a dedicated site for KÖMMERLING at www.kommerling.co.uk. You can also follow them on social media platforms including Twitter @profineuk and @kommerling_uk.

ROCAL GROUP COMPLETES MANAGEMENT BUY-OUT Rocal Group, which includes Rocal Insulating Panels Ltd, Rocal Indoor Ltd, Rocal Foiling Limited, Rocal SIPs Ltd, Rocal Extrusions Ltd and the Endurance Doors brand, has been acquired by the existing management team from the previous owners, James and Sandra Longley. The transaction was completed on the 2nd March 2021 and led by the management team with financial guidance from Forrester Boyd, legal advice from Bridge McFarland LLP and financial support from Aldermore Bank PLC. The management team that has acquired the group comprises of Stephen Nadin, Managing Director, along with Alison Jenkin, Group Accountant, Garry Brewin,

Operations Director and Kevin Ashe, Production Director. There are three distinct parts to Rocal Group, including Endurance Doors, who supply a wide range of premium, solid timber core composite doors to over 1,000 installers across the UK. In the past 18 years, this business has evolved into the fastest growing and most trusted and respected suppliers of premium, solid core composite doors. Secondly, Rocal Extrusions Ltd, who specialise in the manufacture of plastic extrusions, decorative wrapping and secondary operations which also support the Endurance Doors product proposition. Thirdly, Rocal Door Panels manufacture

PVC-U door panels under the brand names of Aboda and Impressions and supply some of the biggest names in PVCu window and door manufacturing across the UK. This change in ownership will see a continuation of the group’s business strategy and its sustained investment programme. This is to support further growth, with strong objectives for the future direction of the business and a company-wide commitment towards product innovation and exemplary customer care. Stephen Nadin, Managing Director of Rocal Group commented: ‘We are genuinely elated with the deal, which will allow us to continue with our long-term business plan. This will enable continued

investment across all aspects for the group’s business, including Endurance Doors and importantly offers greater long-term stability for employees, customers and business partners.’ For further information please visit rocal.co.uk, e-mail sales@rocal.co.uk or call 01652 659259.

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

STELLAR FACILITIES FOR EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS The manufacturing facilities for Stellar, the triple award-winning aluminium window and door system from Epwin Window Systems, offer state-ofthe-art production at every level.

it at every stage. They have more than delivered and we are delighted with the results.” Quality is further enhanced with the short cycle times from pretreatment to powder booth that lowers the risk of contamination and handling damage. The plant also features a fully automatic quick change powder booth with advanced product detection and automatic gun adjustment, so it does not use manual spraying processes or suffer from the associated quality variation. The product recipe input delivers consistent and repeatable coating quality for an additional level of reliability.

Clare O’Hara, Managing Director at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Stellar sets a new standard for the aluminium industry and this starts from our in-house UK production facilities.” The new powder coating plant is the perfect example of the quality and forward-thinking set-up of the production facilities in which systems are automatically monitored to ensure conformance to plant quality parameters. The latest technology is used in its pre-treatment system, which is already chrome-free, ahead of

The impressive facilities incorporate the first fullyautomated thermal break, gasket and packaging line. In an industryfirst, the combined automated line delivers all three functions seamlessly and efficiently. legislative requirements. Clare commented: “Legislation coming into effect in September 2021 bans the use of hexavalent chrome

pre-treatments because of the environmental damage they cause. Having already invested in a chrome-free system, we’re already

“Legislation coming into effect in September 2021 bans the use of hexavalent chrome pretreatments because of the environmental damage they cause. Having already invested in a chrome-free system, we’re already ahead of the curve and able to maintain our track record of commitment to the environment.” 16

ahead of the curve and able to maintain our track record of commitment to the environment.” The fully-automated production facilities were designed from an exacting brief to ensure consistent quality at every level. Clare said: “We worked closely with our machinery manufacturers as quality and consistency is vitally important and we’ve considered

As you would expect from a multi award-winning business, Stellar leads the way in manufacturing excellence at every level. Clare concluded: “When you have raised the bar in aluminium system design, you have to make sure your production facilities reach the same standard. With Stellar, they do.” Tel 0845 300 93 56 www.stellaraluminium.co.uk

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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M AG A Z I N E ! Ta r g e t h o m e o w n e r s a c ro s s t h e U K .

I m p ro v e M a g a z i n e i s a h o m e i m p ro v e m e n t s , l i f e s t y l e m a g a z i n e , d e d i c a t e d t o w i n d o w s , d o o r s , c o n s e r v a t o r i e s , e x t e n s i o n s a n d g a rd e n ro o m s . S P R I N G F E AT U R E F O C U S - Bring in the light OUT NOW - Featuring Kevin McCloud

S U M M E R F E AT U R E F O C U S - Garden rooms, patios and bringing the outside in May 2021 - Featuring Kelly Hoppen

While the air is still fresh and the days start to grow longer, we look at bringing natural light into our homes. Add natural light to any room. Draw extra light into a bathroom without comprising on privacy, illuminate dark hallways or open up your kitchen. Flood your home with light!

Warmer weather, BBQ’s and family time, inspire us to make the most of our gardens, combining outdoor living spaces as extensions to our homes. Create a quiet retreat to relax and unwind, set up the patio for Al fresco dining, go all out with some cool office space or gym. Man Cave or She Den? There is room in your garden!

A U T U M N F E AT U R E F O C U S - Kerb appeal August 2021 - Celebrity Interview TBA

W I N T E R F E AT U R E F O C U S - E x t e n d i n g a n d re n o v a t i n g November 2021 - Celebrity Interview TBA

When it comes to kerb appeal, it’s all about the first impression, so what does your front door say about you? Not forgetting, keeping your home secure. The front door is still often the first place burglars will try, we will help you choose the most secure door in the market. Kerb appeal is not just about your front door, have you checked your guttering and roofline lately? Is it time to have them cleaned, or even replaced? Garage doors and driveways also need to be kept in tip top shape to maintain maximum kerb appeal.

It could be time to get your windows & doors replaced, perhaps add a balcony to a bedroom, convert the garage or finally make use of the attic. Or you may require a full extension, to gain more room to entertain the family this Christmas, whatever your project, we have you covered.

IMPROVERS REAL PEOPLE CASE STUDIES OUR READERS ARE R E N O VAT I N G

W h a t d o y o u g e t w i t h I m p ro v e M a g a z i n e ? • F u l l p a g e a d w i t h a t h re e p a g e a r t i c l e w i t h i n the magazine

• Inclusion in x 2 newsletters, emailed to our homeowner subscribers

• Dedicated web page for each of your articles

• An individual social media campaign including paid for boosted posts nationally along with a 3 month campaign to our followers

www.improve-magazine.co.uk

R e a l R e s u l t s ! Yo u ’ l l re c e i v e stats on how many people have seen your ad and article and how many people your social media campaign has re a c h e d . REGULAR FEATURES • Conservatories & Orangeries

• Skylights & Roof Lanterns • Solid Roofs • Hardware, Security & Technology in the Home • Heritage & Period Properties • Window Dressing (Blinds & Shutters) • Aluminium Windows & Doors

• UPVC Windows & Doors • Steel Windows • Consumer Advice • Bi-folding & Sliding Doors • Architectural Glazing • Financing Your Project • Flood Prevention THE SHOWCASE A round up of products, in our Showcase Library – find what you are looking for.

• Timber Windows & Doors

Tr a n s p a re n t S t a t i s t i c s o f Yo u r A d s a n d C a m p a i g n

Homeowner Database: 15,000

I f y o u t a rg e t c o n s u m e r s , w e c a n h e l p y o u re a c h t h e m Monthly Facebook Reach – 58,500

Monthly Newsletter – emailed to 15,000 subscribers Quarterly Magazine – emailed to 15,000 subscribers and a d v e r t i s e d a c ro s s s o c i a l m e d i a

If you’d like to stay in touch please follow us: h t t p s : / / t w i t t e r. c o m / I m p ro v e _ M a g h t t p s : / / w w w. i n s t a g r a m . c o m / i m p ro v e _ m a g a z i n e /

h t t p s : / / w w w. p i n t e re s t . c o . u k / I m p ro v e m a g a z i n e / _ c re a t e d / h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / I m p ro v e - M a g a z i n e - 1 0 9 2 5 6 7 2 4 1 7 6 1 5 4

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HIT THE BACK OF THE NET WITH GEOCEL’S BIG PRIZES Geocel, the UK’s favourite brand for sealants and adhesives, is delighted to announce that it will be promoting the recently launched ecoSEAL and THE WORKS PRO products on pitchside advertising throughout this Premier League and EFL season. In celebration of this announcement, Geocel will be hosting free-to-enter competitions on its Facebook page with the chance to win high-value prizes such as a PlayStation 5 and FIFA 21 bundle. The advertising follows the 2020 launch of the company’s innovative ecoSEAL system and THE WORKS PRO multiuse sealant and adhesive. With the ecoSEAL system, the

trade’s favourite sealant products are now available in a foil for use with a unique reusable sleeve, while THE WORKS PRO can be used to seal, fill, and quickly bond virtually any surface, wet or dry – inside or out. For every televised Premier League fixture that features Geocel’s ecoSEAL or THE WORKS PRO advertising, the brand will be giving away a PlayStation 5 and FIFA 21 bundle. For select televised EFL fixtures that also include its advertising, Geocel will be holding a range of competitions to win prizes such as an MR052 Makita Cordless Radio, as well as some Geocel branded merchandise.

To be in with a chance of winning, like the Geocel Facebook page to ensure you don’t miss the next competition in the series: www.facebook.com/GeocelUK/.

WE-FIT WINDOWS, DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH WITH LEKA SYSTEMS Worksop-based We-Fit Windows, Doors and Conservatories is capitalising on the trend for solid roof conversions. Gareth Matusevics, We-Fit’s Managing Director, says that Leka Systems is one of the reasons why. He said: “The market for solid conservatory roofs is growing rapidly and in the Leka Warm Roof and the Leka Orangery Roof, we have two products that are helping us make the most of the opportunities.” Gareth says there two reasons he and his customers choose Leka. The first is how quick and easy the products are to fit. He says: “Leka roofs typically take two or three days to install. This is great for us because we can complete more jobs quickly. It’s also great for our customers because it means we can completely transform

about solid roofs. It’s why it’s just about to launch a new roofing portal that will allows customers to get an online quote straightaway. Gareth says: “We know that getting a quote is a barrier to purchase for some people. Our new portal will remove that barrier and help our customers receive immediate quotes to help close the sale.”

their conservatory with the minimum of downtime and spend less time at their homes.” Gareth also appreciates the GRP construction of Leka roofs which is a major selling point. He said: “The thermal efficiency on Leka’s roofs is incredible. But

more importantly, because the system isn’t using aluminium or timber, there is no danger of cold bridging or rotting. It means happier customers in the long term.” To make the most of the opportunities in the market, the company is keen to make it as easy as possible for customers to enquire

We-Fit has been installing conservatories, orangeries, garage conversions, double glazing windows and replacement doors throughout the UK since 2007. It has a reputation for excellence at every level and in Leka Systems it has a partner with the same commitment. It’s a combination that’s clearly working, as We-Fit’s business growth shows. Tel: 0800 773 4040 www.lekasystems.co.uk

BFRC AND FENSA TO MEET GOVERNMENT TO DISCUSS BUILDING REGS CONCERNS

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS INSTALLER DISQUIET OVER TRICKLE VENTS AND U VALUE DROPS

As window installers express their broad disapproval at the Government’s proposals to amend performance requirements for windows and doors in the Building Regulations, FENSA, together with the British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) has been invited to attend Government meetings to discuss the issues. BFRC, the organisation behind the Window Energy Ratings ‘rainbow’ energy performance scheme, has said that it is not surprised at the intensity of feelings amongst installers, which were highlighted in a recent survey by FENSA amongst

its Approved Installers. In the survey, which has included the views of almost 700 respondents, installers are almost unanimously (94.8%) against the inclusion of trickle vents in all replacement windows, whilst more than 60% of respondents said they did not support ‘the lowering of U values and increase in DSER bandings for doors’. The changes, say BFRC, will mean that 46% of existing BFRC door licences and 26% of window licences would not meet building regulation requirements for energy ratings. Both organisations have been invited, together with the GGF, by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the Government department responsible for the Regulations, to attend a meeting as part of the consultation process undertaken in preparation for the publication of the new Building Regulations, and specifically to discuss the various concerns. “We are very pleased that we will have the opportunity to convey the disquiet expressed by the majority of Approved

Installers through the recent FENSA survey, together with the findings expressed by BFRC that so many products will become non-compliant with energy ratings, to MHCLG,” commented Anda Gregory, Managing Director GGF Commercial Group, which includes BFRC and FENSA. “The effects that the changes to the Building Regulations will have on our market should not be underestimated: 85% of installers that responded to the FENSA survey believe that they will lose business as a result of an insistence upon trickle vents in all frames, fearing that customers will turn to an alternative installer operating in the ‘grey market’ who is happy to turn a blind eye to regulations to please the homeowner,” continued Anda. “We are in broad support of the proposed improvements in the performance of windows and doors, which have not changed for more than a decade. But we hope to encourage MHCLG to allow time for the industry’s views to be heard, and for the practical and logistical impact of the changes to be adjusted and implemented.”

Anda Gregory - Managing Director, Commercial Glass and Glazing Federation

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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SPECTRAL CHOOSES DECEUNINCK FOR ITS RANGE AND COLOUR New fabricator, Spectral Windows, has chosen Deceuninck as its systems partner for its range of PVC-U windows and doors. The manufacturer, which invested £1m in two, brand new facilities in 2020, produces Deceuninck’s storm and flush casement windows and doors, including the Heritage Flush window and door, 2500 and 2800 window series and Slider24 patio door, from its Walsall factory in the West Midlands. Since launch, Spectral has also signed up for the Decalu88 bi-fold and Decalu163 lift-and-slide from Deceuninck Aluminium, which it manufacturers from its Kettering factory, alongside a specialist, mechanically jointed version of Deceuninck’s award winning Flush Sash casement. According to Jason Wilder, Director, Spectral, the decision to begin manufacturing with Deceuninck was influenced by the system company’s colour offering: “We have ambitions to be an industry-leading fabricator for colour, so having access to 30 foils from stock takes the pressure off us to hold stock in the warehouse. “But it’s also the flexibility of Deceuninck’s offering that appealed to us. For example, being able to offer a different colour on the interior of the frame opens up even more options for the homeowner. And if an installer has a project with windows, a

French door, and a slider, they can offer the same colour on the same lead time.” Nick Rudd, Director, Spectral, added: “Availability on colour was a big reason for choosing Deceuninck but we also wanted to develop a reputation for exceptional service and reliability – Deceuninck has allowed us to do that. “We began production during the first national lockdown and the quality and ease of fabrication is great – and we’re getting very positive feedback from installers, who love the products and colour options.

Deceuninck Sales Director, Chris Jones, added: “Spectral is a fantastic addition to our growing family of fabricators. The team clearly shares Deceuninck’s passion for creating beautiful windows, while making sure the customer is at the heart of the business. That starts with an impressive product range, but also puts flexibility and reliability front and centre. We’re delighted to be able to help this ambitious company grow.” For more information, call Spectral Windows on 01536 903333 or visit

www.spectralwindows.co.uk. For Deceuninck call 01249 816969 or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk.

“We’re also extremely excited about introducing Decalu from Deceuninck Aluminium,” continued Nick. “It’s a system that offers fantastic U values and aesthetics and thanks to co-extruded, pre-inserted gaskets it’s popular with installers as it saves them time and money by reducing glazing times to a matter of minutes.”

From left to right: Spectral’s directors, Jason Wilder; Phil Redfern; Nick Rudd; Scott Mcqueen

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Epwin Window Systems

Epwin Window Systems has launched Connect; a new industry-leading digital platform designed to help its customers make the most of their partnership with the systems company. Gerald Allen, Marketing Manager at Epwin Window Systems discusses the benefits of Connect for fabricators and installers. Welcome to Connect Connect was designed by Epwin Window Systems to help fabricators and installers be more effective, help drive sales and make bigger profits. With Connect, customers have the tools, the support and access to cuttingedge business, technical and marketing platforms in one fully integrated resource centre to support customers with value and quantifiable benefits. The fully integrated resource platform connects all the various business support elements for a fast and superior user experience. The level of detail within the platform is exemplary and offers the industry’s most comprehensive fabricator and installer support package to enhance, create and

source a range of services across all business areas. This ensures all customers have a cohesive experience, as every touchpoint is on-brand and up-to-date.

by Epwin Window Systems Personalised Marketing Connect provides a wealth of quality-assured marketing materials for fabricators and installers. The compelling marketing support includes a comprehensive range of trade, retail and commercial literature in addition to personalised

and bespoke designed brochures that strike the right balance between consistency and customisation across every market sector. The comprehensive range of assets give customers a competitive edge, whatever the market, to help secure the sale.

Installation Management Software For installers looking to manage installations, before during and after the sale, our new Installation Management Software with Onsite-7 is the perfect protection for your business and your reputation. The cloud-based job management software ensures all matters between the business and the customer are accurately recorded in a single place, eliminating costly disputes and protecting cashflow and reputation. Furthermore, the end-to-end team job management system is available 24/7, anytime, anywhere. It helps businesses become more streamlined and efficient and it can also act as a customer relationship management (CRM) system, helping installers to drive smarter marketing.

Commercial Support

Homeowner Finance Connect to secure the sale by offering competitive homeowner finance packages helping make installations more affordable for the consumer and adding value to your business.

TOUCH Software Connect with Epwin Window Systems for access to the latest in intelligent software – Touch from the Business Micros Group. With solutions for both fabricators and installers, the new TOUCH platform provides the industry’s first truly joined up solution for remote selling right through to manufacturing and delivery - it’s the easy way to sell, quote and order online.

For customers operating in the specification arena, Connect offers a range of commercial support downloads including Construction Project Leads to maximise the opportunities in the sector. Connect provides direct access to the in-house design facility that provides WER’s, structural, wind loading and load bearing calculations in addition to full specification details, technical manuals and project expertise. Connect provides free access to our accredited thermal calculator, to help convert more opportunities and show compliance with current Building Regulations/ Standards and best practice too.

Discounted Fuel Card Using a fuel card is a great way to save some money by getting the fuel at a discounted rate. Great to help your bottom line especially with multiple on-the-road teams, Connect provides discounted fuel cards for you and your customers’ use.

Connect to discover so much more

The Connect multi-faceted digital platform is far-reaching and offers everything a fabricator or installer needs to help grow their business. For convenience, Connect works across desktop, mobile and tablets so Epwin Window Systems customers can access all the information they need 24/7. Plus, there is a Connect live chat facility to further support the customer’s experience.

Comprehensive Image Gallery High-quality professional photography plays a major role in promoting and marketing your business and provides a true competitive differentiator. No matter which market you are operating in, high quality photography is an important asset that will contribute to your overall branding and success. With Connect, you have access to thousands of high-quality images for customers to use.

www.connect.epwinwindowsytems.co.uk

So, if you’re an ambitious fabricator or installer looking to grow your business then let’s get Connected.

T: 0845 340 3968

E: connect@epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

WE NEED TO HAVE A CONVERSATION ABOUT

REMEDIALS!

Remedials, or service calls to give them their softer tag, are the black sheep of the installation family, the runt, the errant son if you will. Any kind of installation failure is, for most companies, regarded as a stain on their reputation, a question mark over their skills; a dent in the pride of the fitting teams; but they happen. They cost money, reputation and even if it’s down to component failure, the supplier is unlikely to fully compensate the installer for the mistake.

The AdminBase Service Call app, for example, is a politely named device designed specifically for such eventualities. Part of a complete system that extends right through every process through the office and out to the field for the functions of sales, surveying, installation and remedials/ service, AdminBase, as its name suggests, covers every base. The Service App sits on a mobile tablet that the engineer uses to keep the site team fully connected with the office. Using simple but effective graphics, clicks and ticks, the system ensures that everything runs smoothly, from the moment the engineer sets out for the job. It helps to navigate to the site, provides details of the job including details of the original installation, as held on the central AdminBase system. It has forms for managing Risk Assessment, even COVID precautions and live updates made on the main system and vice versa, will be recorded in real time, as long of course, as there is a cell signal or wi-fi

connection. If not, the system updates the minute it connects. But to the nub of the matter: what the AdminBase mobile app brings to the party is a neat, simple record and log of the job in hand and one that, crucially, takes the engineer through the work in a precise, logical manner. The engineer has all details of the job available, which are amended as the work progresses. Parts and additional work are ordered through the app with parts and labour costs logged, ideal when recompense is sought from suppliers. And further appointments made with the homeowner whilst still on site, thus saving hours or even days in the process. With all of the key data regarding the installation available to the engineer, information on all previous work is to hand,

which also prevents the accidental servicing of other company’s work; it happens! The customer can be updated throughout thus maintaining positive relationships, with a further feature that allows the work to be signed of and any balance to be collected, again before leaving site. The AdminBase Service App, connected to the office AdminBase system, allows for the precise acknowledgement, resolution and crucially, control of every aspect of rectification work. Thus, what could potentially be a costly experience in terms of reputation, relationships and cash, may be contained and resolved. Never again need remedials be feared. Bring them on! For more information go to: https://www.abinitiosoftware.co.uk

Brown stuff happens and the best way to mitigate any sort of installation issue is to deal with it head on, accept that things have gone a bit sideways. To assume that as a philosophy is healthy and half the battle. But how well do you manage remedials? Is it simply a case of fixing the job as quickly as possible and getting off site? Well, yes, but how is the project being managed; who is taking care of the associated costs, recharges, warranties, communications with the customer; and collecting the cash? Amazingly, those nice people at AdminBase, the professional installer’s management system of choice for more than 20 years now, reckon they have just the thing to make sure that when the inevitable happens, the problem is dealt with quickly, effectively and professionally. Ensuring that any such event is managed and contained, costcontrolled and, perhaps, even turned to the advantage of the installer. AdminBase is designed from the ground up as a management tool for window, door, conservatory and related home improvement installers, from one-manbands right up to firms with dozens of fitting teams, sales people, engineers, surveyors, the lot. And within it is a specialised system to deal with every eventuality in the whole installation process…including remedials.

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

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OBITUARY

RITEC ANNOUNCES SAD LOSS OF MANAGING DIRECTOR STEPHEN BYERS It is with the deepest sadness to announce that Mr Stephen Byers, co-developer of the ClearShield System® and co-founder and managing director of Ritec International Limited, passed away peacefully on 6 March 2021 aged 79, as a result of pneumonia. Stephen and his wife and business partner Karen are well-known figures in the glass industry both in the UK and internationally. The inseparable team set out over 40 years ago to challenge the glass industry and transform perceptions and attitudes towards the protection and maintenance of glass surfaces. They displayed staunch determination and admirable dedication to raising awareness on the corrosion of glass, and most importantly how it may be avoided or corrected. And their efforts paid off. Stephen and Karen single-handedly created a new and global industry for the protection of glass surfaces now firmly and permanently accepted by the whole of the glass and construction industry. Their award-winning ClearShield System® (later rebranded the ClearShield Eco-System®) for the renovation, protection and maintenance of glass, pioneered and still continues to

be a leader in ‘non-stick’, easy-clean glass surface technology. Stephen and Karen’s achievements were recognised in 2019 by the GGF (Glass & Glazing Federation) when they received an award for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry, a fantastic honour. Stephen worked relentlessly with the GGF to begin the development of some industry standards, and to make health & safety and ethics driving factors in the growth of this new industry. Today their technology is used in more than 70 countries on commercial and residential buildings as well as on ships and other transport vehicles, and in many other applications. But also lesser known, Stephen and Karen introduced crucial innovations such as a ground-breaking system for the protection of glass and ceramic electrical insulators with their VoltShield System™. Mrs Karen Byers says: “I feel privileged to have enjoyed such a wonderful life with Stephen and to have shared the excitements and challenges of creating amazing innovations with him. I am determined more than ever to keep Ritec International running smoothly, feeling great strength to ensure its prosperity so that Stephen’s legacy may live on for many years to come”. Karen and the rest of the Ritec team would like to provide reassurance that the company’s activities will carry on uninterrupted in honour of Stephen. For those who wish to send a message of condolence, please email condolences@ritec.co.uk.

A PERSONAL NOTE Sincerest condolences to Karen and to the Ritec family - for that’s how Steve viewed employees, colleagues and partners. As family. I would like to offer this memory in respect of the huge impact Steve had on so many lives. My now retired business partner David Flitter, and I came into the glass industry around 40 years ago by joining Glass Age magazine from other publications. We took to the industry immediately, and just weeks later were at our first Glasstec in Dusseldorf - which is where we first met Steve and Karen Byers. It is true to say that these two were a major part of the reason why we took to the industry so readily. They had an idea and wanted to run it by someone to see if it had potential, and if it did, how best to market it. We had a long and interesting conversation on our stand and knew that they were onto something. We were pleased to provide advice and guidance as to who else in the industry to speak to in order to get the ball rolling. The rest, as they say, is history. Thus began a long and fruitful relationship that changed an industry. For after moving on from Glass Age and starting our own PR and marketing agency, Steve and Karen, or by then Ritec Clearshield as it was known, became one of our very early clients. One of Steve’s proudest moments was appearing on TV’s Tomorrow’s World where they won the annual Innovation Award having persuaded Prince Charles to throw a bucket of mud at the Clearshield treated window display, where, happily, all the mud slid off, thus demonstrating to the world how effectively the product worked. Steve was not only interesting and good company, he was a worker, driven to make a success of this new idea - and he did. He also fully acknowledged Karen’s role in instigating the idea, and greatly valued her ongoing support in building the business.

Stephen Byers (right) with Karen Byers being presented with the GGF Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award by then-GGF President John Agnew

Steve was self-effacing and rather humble as an individual, not for him the

temptation to become brash, or flashy in this burgeoning glass and window industry of the early to mid ’80s - unlike many Americans - and very unlike Texan Americans in particular! Steve was very generous and kind to us in our early days, a trait that was also shown elsewhere when he helped many others in all walks of life wherever help was needed. He was a good host, loving nothing better than taking a group of people out on his narrow boat - the Poly Mer - and having a good time. I have memories of a few headaches to thank him for! Although he was a Texan, Steve loved being in Europe, and in London, where he made his home. Finding an ancient cannon buried in the garden of his canalside home, he purchased another one to make a proper display, saying “Everyone should have two cannon.” He never lost his eye for a good idea, and when we suggested using one of the Rhine river cruisers in Dusseldorf as a floating hotel for the duration of Glasstec - he had the foresight to immediately take on the idea and offered to underwrite the cost, and so began the tradition for having many key figures in the glass industry stay on board, becoming something of a focal point of the show. When we lost our great mutual friend and industry colleague Cliff Rankin, it was mentioned one night over dinner that it was a pity that there had been no industry memorial held for him. Without hesitation Steve said “Let’s do it, and we’ll underwrite the cost.” That’s the Steve that we knew, kind, generous, humble, always ready to step up. A friend. That’s how we’ll remember him. We are comforted in the knowledge that Karen will continue to nurture his legacy, by doing what Steve and Karen always did, taking care of ‘the family’. As husband and wife, theirs was a true partnership in every sense. Sleep well Steve, you deserve your rest now. John Austen Media & Communications Austen Harlow Flitter

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: LINIAR

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

BREAKING THROUGH THE £100M TURNOVER BARRIER WHILE IN A PANDEMIC? Glass News’ Editor Chris Champion meets the senior management team at Liniar, albeit over Zoom, and talks to both Group Managing Director, Martin Thurley, and Group Sales Director, Nigel Bishop about the trials and tribulations of the past year and how Liniar has fared during these difficult times.

Nigel Bishop talks about Liniar’s customer focus and the importance of providing service excellence. Liniar has embraced the different methods of communication that have developed over the past year and has learned from them. Will this mean a different way of dealing with customers in the future? The answer is no but it does provide for efficiencies both for Liniar and their customers.

And has it been difficult for Liniar? The answer to that may be surprising, or maybe not. With vast warehousing and stock on the shelves the supply chain issues have, seemingly, been overcome at the hallowed halls of Denby. Does that mean that targets for 2020 were achieved and budgets adhered to? In truth, it seems as if the pandemic has helped Liniar and pushed them over the £100m turnover target. Indeed the 5 year plan has been achieved with a couple of years to spare!

Will investment continue at Liniar? Absolutely. The company continues to grow and apart from providing ever growing warehousing, the company still sticks with its philosophy of managing depreciation, not dilapidation … a quote Martin paraphrases from Roger (and I wish I could claim as my own)! To that end, the cycle of replacement of machinery means that they always have the latest and best kit available. Martin emphasises that keeping to the replacement programme aids both efficiency and quality, traits that keep Liniar at the forefront of systems manufacture. But what gives Liniar the advantage over other systems companies? The answer is a combination of having strong financial support, world class facilities and people, along with plenty of capacity headroom for growth.

How is that possible, particularly at a time of global upheaval? Much is to do with having a parent company like Quanex. The relationship between US based Quanex and Denby’s Liniar really couldn’t be better. The ability to make quick decisions with a ‘phone call between the UK and the US is key, but that sort of relationship can only come about if an acquired company such as Liniar, is performing. Undoubtedly that is the case and there is no lack of investment when it comes to premises, people or machinery.

Is it relationships, customer service or the products themselves that drive Liniar’s success? Nigel talks about the company’s philosophy, their working with customers and the process of taking on new fabricators. Is it a matter of expanding by just taking on more and more fabricators? Certainly not. It is more to do with working to help existing fabricators expand their own businesses – with additional products and ever evolving systems – and helping new fabricators take full advantage of consistently high levels of customer service.

Martin Thurley is quick to praise Liniar’s people: yes, they, like others, have had furloughing of staff during the early lockdown. This is a large company, with hundreds of staff - but retains the same family feel as it did from when it was first established by Roger Hartshorn. Martin describes it as a big business in terms of infrastructure and scale, but says ‘we’re not big business people.’

Where will the market go? Will there be consolidation within the industry? Will there be a growth in new fabricators and installers as other industries suffer post Covid? With the £100m target for turnover a distant memory, what lies ahead for Liniar? Martin and Nigel talk about their thoughts on the industry, products and the future and it’s well worth watching and listening to their open and frank interview.

VIDEO LINK

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2021

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

RAPIERSTAR SUPPORTS EUROCELL AND ITS FABRICATORS WITH NEW FASTENER GUIDANCE

PURPLEX CLIENTS SEE 89% YOY INCREASE IN VETTED LEADS Leading full-service marketing agency Purplex had a record month in January for vetted leads for its clients. Clients have seen an 89% YOY increase in vetted leads, which is an 11% increase on its previous record month last June, and this helped clients achieve a whopping 197% of their overall targets.

being the busiest for leads there’s no sign of a slowdown. “These leads will turn into millions of pounds in new business in the coming days and weeks giving our customers a massive advantage over their competitors.

Purplex measures vetted completed contact forms on client’s websites and analyses results daily before reporting back to them on genuine leads.

“While the market is buoyant, companies still need to be in a position to capitalise and now is clearly not the time to turn off the marketing tap.”

Adi Day, Purplex’s Digital Director, said: “Where some marketing agencies will report on goal competitions, such as brochure downloads to page visits, we focus on genuine vetted leads. “Our consultative approach working with clients marketing channels combined with our in-depth industry knowledge from managing almost 170 clients in the industry means we can generate the best results.”

Purplex Marketing was founded in 2004 by Andrew Scott, one of Britain’s leading marketing experts. Andrew has acquired, built, and sold several successful businesses in the industry, including manufacturers, distributors, and retail businesses. Since its establishment, Purplex has grown by at least 34% every year and now boasts a large clientele of customers located throughout the UK and Europe.

Purplex MD Andrew Scott commented: “What a month we’ve had for our clients, and with the last two weeks of January

For more information, visit www.purplexmarketing.com or call 01934 808132.

BRAND IT WITH DECEUNINCK Deceuninck has launched Brand It, a dedicated online resource that allows its customers to create a comprehensive range of bespoke, professionally branded marketing materials. With the Brand It website, Deceuninck’s customers can access templates for brochures, pull up banners, and A1 posters, plus a range of showroom and point of sale marketing material that includes flags, business cards and even van graphics. Accessed via an individual log-in, users can either upload their own photography or they can take advantage of Deceuninck’s in-house, high quality library of product and installation images, which can then be personalised with individual company logos and contact information. Once designs have been finalised, customers are able to pay directly through the Brand It website and receive the delivery straight to their doorstep. For more complex orders, for example if businesses require custom showroom display graphics, colour boards or window display stands, then Brand It also presents the option to contact Deceuninck’s supplier for an individual quote. Carol Hearn, Deceuninck’s Marketing Manager, said: “In a competitive marketplace, it’s more important than ever for customers to have access to professionally produced, good looking brochures and impactful marketing material.

“Brand It is such a powerful tool because it gives companies full control over the design and delivery of that material,” she continued. “For instance, if you want to create a brochure or A1 poster for your company, it’s simply a case of opening a template, then selecting and dropping in your images and company branding. It’s as easy as that. There is also no requirement to liaise with a third party for design, proofs or payment, which can create delays and increase the chance of errors being made.

Window and door fastener specialist Rapierstar has developed a comprehensive new Recommended Fixings Manual (RFM) for all Eurocell systems in conjunction with the technical team at the market-leading PVCu profile manufacturer.

The latest range of profiles is covered, including Modus and Logik systems, and Rapierstar will update the RFM to add new profiles as soon as they become available to Eurocell fabricators to keep it fully up to date and relevant.

The publication of the detailed new guide is the culmination of over many years of close technical collaboration between the two companies, which extends into support for testing. As a result, every window and door tested in Eurocell’s learning and development centre, including new product developments, are assembled using Rapierstar fasteners to set a consistently high standard that fabricators can now replicate.

Carl Storer, Senior Testing & Research Support Technician at Eurocell says: “It’s crucially important to use the right fasteners for the application which is why the Rapierstar RFM is such a valuable guide to help our fabricators achieve the best quality finished windows and doors. We work closely with Rapierstar during our research and design projects and product testing, support that we really value, as well as their assistance in resolving issues for fabricators when they arise.”

Available to download in the Info Point section at www.rapierstar.com, the new RFM is designed to help Eurocell fabricators achieve the highest quality, best performing windows and doors. With an easyto-read new layout, colour coding makes it easier to identify screws for insertion into profiles and steel reinforced sections, as well as other screw types – all from Rapierstar’s StarPVCU® range.

In addition to fabrication fasteners, the manual also offers guidance on the correct frame fixings to achieve the right installation. Rapierstar’s StarFix® range provides solutions here, with a complete range of plugfree, hi-lo thread fasteners available for installers at leading trade counters. The RFM also includes bay and couplings details for the different outer frames, which fabricators can

“In developing Brand It, we’ve ensured that the whole process of creating marketing materials, from layout to delivery, is as streamlined, efficient and intuitive as possible,” concluded Carol. If you would like to access Brand It, or would like more information on how to take advantage of its range of features, call 01249 816 969, email deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck. com or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk.

Inside the Eurocell Learning & Development Centre, a resource that Rapierstar supports with its fastener training, technical insights and products

share with their installer customers to make them aware of the correct assembly requirements to avoid costly call-backs. Mark Furness, Rapierstar Sales and Marketing Director explains: “Eurocell systems are extremely popular in the industry for good reason but using the wrong fasteners during window and door manufacturing will prevent them from getting the best from these advanced profiles. That’s why we are committed to providing extensive technical support at every stage and making sure our knowledge and guidance amassed over nearly 30 years is accessible to all. “Our existing RFM has become indispensable for Eurocell fabricators, many of whom already use the 2016 edition as an essential reference guide. By sticking to the recommended fixings, whether it is to attach hardware such as friction stays, keeps or letterboxes, or for retention of reinforcement, fabricators can have total confidence that the finished window or door will be robust, and function as well as can be expected during its service life.” As the UK’s leading specialist fastener supplier to the door and window industry, Rapierstar provides the widest range of products to fabricators of all the major profile systems. Operating from its HQ and 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse and distribution centre in Cheshire, where more than one billion items are held in stock at any time, Rapierstar’s team of technical consultants work closely with customers in all corners of the country to help them manufacture the highest quality finished products most efficiently and safely. Find out more at www.rapierstar.com.

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MORLEY SET TO MAKE BIG IMPRESSION AT FIT SHOW 2021 Integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass & Glazing is set to make a big impression with its 110m2 exhibition stand at the FIT Show in September. Managing Director Ian Short said: “We are taking more than three times the amount of space than in 2019. The extra-large stand will have access from all sides to allow for social distancing, and to provide sufficient space to showcase our latest product range. With the vaccination programme in place, we are hopeful that the industry will feel confident in attending a face-to-face event by late summer. There seems to be a growing appetite to meet in person and to be able to explore new product and business opportunities in the real, rather than the virtual, world.” One of the new products that Morley Glass & Glazing will be exhibiting on stand F25 is its exclusive range of pleated blackout blinds integrated into its Uni-Blind sealed units. They are ideal for bedrooms, children’s nurseries and home cinema rooms as well as commercial applications including laboratories, hotel rooms and museums, where complete privacy and the exclusion of external light are required.

Morley Glass & Glazing is the largest manufacturer of sealed units with ScreenLine® integral blinds inside in the UK. It provides its customers with complimentary delivery in just 10-12 working days when ordered by 12pm on any Thursday, as well as full technical, marketing and aftersales support. The successful £18 million company regularly manufactures over 3,000 integral blinds every week. Morley Glass & Glazing will be appearing on stand F25 of the 2021 FIT Show when the doors to Birmingham’s NEC open from 26th – 28thSeptember. For more information, visit morleyglass.co.uk or register for the FIT Show here: https://fitshow-2021.reg.buzz/websitebutton

REVOLUTIONARY TECH COMPANY ONSITE7 TO EXHIBIT AT FENEX Onsite7, the tech company currently breaking new ground in the installation side of the fenestration market with their CRM system dedicated to installers, has signed on to exhibit at the FENEX main event which will be held in September 2021. Specifically set up to aid installers in keeping their vast amounts of work organised and free-flowing, Onsite7 is an app and cloud-based software that is set to sweep through the market, giving installers the perfect solution to optimising their workflows. Jason Grafton-Holt, cofounder of FENEX, said: “I was given a demo of Onsite7 by Rhys Hoddinott who explained the system from start to finish. Within an hour we had agreed to begin using the software for our own installations business in West Yorkshire! It is easily the simplest, most user-friendly, intuitive CRM dedicated for installers I have seen. Installers who are currently

swamped with work and desperate for a solution to manage the workload and become more efficient, I urge you to look at this. I am already certain that this is going to be one of the highlights of FENEX in September.” Rhys Hoddinott, CEO at Onsite7, commented: “Being a tech company with a strong focus on research and development it made good sense to sign up for FENEX 2021. The team at FENEX were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and driven people and it was inspiring to see a company innovating with their exhibition solution. The ability to have a one-on-one

meeting with stand visitors was incredibly appealing to us and means we can dedicate adequate time and resource to helping visitors understand our products. From an ROI perspective, we believe that both the show and build up will provide us with proven results.” FENEX is the UK fenestration industry’s first ever online exhibition platform that continues to attract interest. The FENEX main event is taking place online Wednesday 8th September – Saturday 11th September 2021.

LEKA SYSTEMS JOINS FENEX 2021

Leka Systems, one of the sector’s leading solid conservatory roof manufacturers, has joined online exhibition platform FENEX in what is a series of high-profile additions to the growing FENEX family.

Rhys Hoddinott, Managing Director of Leka Systems, said: “Although Leka have had significant success exhibiting at live shows over recent years, we feel an element of uncertainty surrounding attendance levels of future shows and how personal interactions will be catered for due to the current pandemic restrictions. Consistently looking for innovative ways to reach

“Although Leka have had significant success exhibiting at live shows over recent years, we feel an element of uncertainty surrounding attendance levels of future shows and how personal interactions will be catered for due to the current pandemic restrictions."

out to new customers, FENEX 2021 was something we wanted to explore. At first, the team here at Leka were sceptical of how the offering could benefit our company and were unsure of exactly how a virtual exhibition worked. The FENEX team did an excellent job of eliminating our concerns with their first class, clean cut presentation. We saw the show as a powerful proposition to which we believe our business will benefit before, during and after the event.” Jason Grafton-Holt, co-founder of FENEX, added: “It’s great to welcome Leka Systems on board. They have one of the best solid roof products out there and are rightly leading the way with it. Against a backdrop of incredibly high demand from the public, and a desire to turn existing conservatories into better spaces, Leka and their products are going to be sought after. Installers visiting the expo really need to come take a look at what Leka has to offer.” FENEX is the UK fenestration industry’s first ever online expo platform. Companies exhibiting benefit from taking part at an exhibition that doesn’t take away precious time and resources from the running of their businesses, whilst giving them the very best of what an expo has to offer, with enhanced interactivity, quality lead generation, incredibly detailed engagement reports and ROI that is genuinely measurable. The FENEX main event is taking place online Wednesday 8th September – Saturday 11th September 2021. Tel: 0800 773 4040 –www.lekasystems.co.uk

Tel: 0800 0029748 www.onsite7.co.uk

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GRANADA’S SECONDARY GLAZING SOLVES NOISE AND THERMAL ISSUES IN GRADE II LISTED CITY APARTMENTS Acoustic secondary glazing manufactured and supplied by Granada Glazing has created warmer and quieter apartments for residents in Murrays’ Mills, Ancoats, formerly the world’s oldest steam powered cotton mill.

6.4mm acoustic laminate glass to improve the acoustic performance of the original primary windows. Acoustic laminated glass, with its acoustic Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) interlayer that absorbs the sound, offers enhanced sound insulation that can reduce noise levels by as much as 80% (54 decibels).

‘The draughts have disappeared’ Commenting on the difference secondary glazing has made to ‘three old and draughty windows’, one Murrays’ Mills resident said: “The noise from cars below has been drastically reduced and the draughts have disappeared, leaving us with a warmer and more peaceful flat.”

For heritage and listed buildings with single glazed primary windows, installing secondary glazing is often the preferred option for creating a warmer, quieter and more secure environment with the original windows intact. Slimline aluminium frames are virtually invisible, maintaining a building’s charm and character while bringing the glazing system firmly into the 21st century.

Another praised Adam and his team for overcoming ‘tricky building quirks’ and still delivering a ‘superb finish’, adding: “We cannot believe the difference in noise reduction and are very grateful for the decent night’s sleep we now get. 10/10!”

External sound reduction was a key issue for a third apartment owner, who observed: “The acoustic secondary glazing has made a huge difference to the traffic noise. The work is high standard, and the glazing is really high quality – would fully recommend!”

Improve acoustic performance

The project presented some challenges as Adam Turner, Director of City Insulation, explained: “As the building is so old, it came with a couple of quirks; namely the steel bars that run across the front of some of the windows requiring secondary glazing, which made for a tricky installation. We overcame this by disassembling the unit and reassembling it behind the bar before fitting it.”

Granada’s technical team worked in partnership with experienced soundproof experts City Insulation on the design of the high performing aluminium units with

Adam added: “Granada Glazing’s service and delivery is always excellent. The secondary glazing not only performs and looks discreet; it solves our customers’ problems.”

Dating back to 1797, the seven-storey Grade II & II* listed buildings in once the beating heart of industrial Manchester have been sensitively restored for residential use. The 107 apartments retain many historic features, such as exposed brickwork walls and multi-pane, sash and bay heritage windows. Due to the buildings’ city centre location and the retention of single-glazed windows, secondary glazing was specified to reduce outside noise intrusion and improve the thermal efficiency of some apartments.

Acoustic secondary glazing has made a huge difference

Suitable for all property types, Granada’s slimline aluminium secondary glazing frames can be powder coated in over 200 RAL colours. Virtually invisible, they blend in with any interior décor. The Granada Glazing product range encompasses hinged, sliding, vertical sliders, including tilt back,

GRANADA SECONDARY GLAZING

• Add a new revenue stream to grow your business and increase profits

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www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2021

and lift-out options. Full training and marketing support is available to installers across the UK. For more information about adding the Granada Secondary Glazing range t o your business, please call 01909 499899, visit www.gsecg.com or email info@granadaglazing.com.

The UK’s largest secondary glazing company Offer solutions for warmer, quieter and more secure buildings Join our national installer network

www.gsecg.com 10/03/2021 09:24

TRADE NEWS

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NEIL EVANS ON HIS FIRST 50 DAYS AS VEKA MD Just 50 days into his new role as Managing Director of VEKA plc, Neil Evans explains how the company has started the year with record breaking results. WAS IT DIFFICULT TAKING OVER IN THE MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC? Last autumn, when I was still Sales Director, we had a VEKA plc board meeting and started to set out a new five-year plan for the business. This helped the transition, because it meant I was able to lead on a vision that we had all collectively developed. The last few months have been about building on this plan and starting to roll it out across the business. It’s about making sure our people understand and believe in what we want to achieve and take ownership of the strategy at all levels of the business. The feedback we’ve had from our management team is that this is a very welcomed new level of transparency and long-term thinking - in the past, we’ve tended to communicate year-by-year. The pandemic provides many challenges, so we live with it but don’t let it stop us acting on our future.

THE INDUSTRY HAS EXPERIENCED A REMARKABLE UPTURN SINCE THE START OF THE YEAR – HOW HAS VEKA COPED? We have just had our biggest January in the history of the company. Sales were 20% ahead of budget, even though two of our largest customers went into administration last year. For context, January would normally be our second quietest full trading month. Peoples’ view of their home has undoubtedly changed, and home is going to be more important now than ever before, whether as a place we want to invite our friends and family back into or as a new part of our working environment. The fenestration sector is usually predictable, with single digit growth and some set times of the year when you know demand is going

to be high. But that has all been blown out of the water. We face new challenges daily, but for us, the key is having our team focused on meeting the challenges of the here and now every time and having a strategy that we can quickly adapt for the good of our customers. As an industry we have all been fighting the challenges of raw materials availability and cost inflation and this is set to continue for much of 2021. The scale of VEKA Globally, the culture of our family-owned business, and our focus on our core competence of providing our customers with extruded profile for window and door systems has ensured we have coped with it extremely well so far. We are not complacent though as the challenges have not gone away. With what we see happening around us we believe that there has never been a better time to be sure that being a VEKA customer is good for your business; and if you are not currently a VEKA customer then isn’t it time to trust us to be your safe pair of hands.

Neil Evans

We’ve got a good culture here at VEKA and we’re well respected in Lancashire – but I think there is always room for improvement, and we can be an even better employer and involve people even more in how we do things. Across the business we’re redefining our values and a key part of this is reinforcing ideas of trust and making sure that we are truly accountable to each other and genuinely one team where we recognise and appreciate the value that each person makes to our business. There is an incredible amount of work done every minute of the day to deliver the highest quality products and services reliably to our customers and every one of us is critical to that.

SO, WHAT’S YOUR KEY AREA OF FOCUS FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS?

SO WHAT MAKES FOR GOOD LEADERSHIP?

The most important thing for us over the next year is to secure good, reliable day-today performance for our customers. We're in the most unusual and challenging of times now - supply chains are stretched, some suppliers are struggling to fulfil their contracts, and we need to work hard to make sure we continue to deliver.

From my point of view, I think consistency and good communications are key, so people always know what’s expected of them. That’s where our 5 year strategy comes into play. Understanding “how the work really works” is critical and that is best done by those who do the work day in day out, in order to find better ways that make a real valued difference.

I like to take learning from any situation, and as a business we learned a lot from lockdown. We have emerged more agile now, and more efficient. We will be forward thinking too and make real investment in our people and the culture of our business all aimed at ensuring that we out-service our competition and, in turn, our customers out-service theirs.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST BIG CHANGE THAT YOU MADE? One immediate decision I made was to have HR reporting directly to me. It starts to show how much we truly value people and how they are our magic ingredient. As a business, we’re putting an added focus on people, recognising that post pandemic that’s more important now than it’s ever been. We want to look after the people who look after our business.

I come from a varied background, mainly service, process and sales focused. Selling isn’t just about relationships, personality and a ‘you win some, you lose some’ attitude. It is about delivering against customers’ needs quickly and accurately and making sure it all works. Our relationships with our customers are vital to us and doing what we say we are going to do is the best way for that relationship to be healthy. I’ve always been a conscientious and systemic planner too, and I think it’s important to follow up, appraise and reflect on why things have happened, learning, and pausing to give thanks along the way. You also have to be inherently curious and believe that some new questions can unlock some new thinking within the team.

FROM A PERSONAL POINT OF VIEW, WHAT HAS BEEN

YOUR BIGGEST BUSINESS CHALLENGE? If I look back across my career, possibly the biggest risk anyone took on me was when VELUX appointed me as Sales Director after leading Customer Operations; they demonstrated incredible trust and belief in me and a huge and invaluable learning experience. I remember when I was appointed people asking what I knew about sales (which was just about nothing) and those same people a few years later reflecting that knowing nothing about sales had been key. And there are similarities with taking over as MD. Yes, I know sales and customer service at VEKA but that only makes up 10% of the business – there’s 90% that I don't have the same level of experience of. But I’m naturally inquisitive, I want to know how things work, so while I’m on a learning curve, I will constructively question everything with a new perspective, which will be good for me and the business. Plus, I’m fortunate enough to have a strong leadership team with a number of 'experts in their fields', all bought into a shared strategy, so we will be able to reap the rewards and see our ambitions realised.

RESILIENCE IN BUSINESS IS NEVER MORE IMPORTANT THAN IT IS TODAY. HOW HAVE YOU ‘LEARNT’ RESILIENCE THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER? I was made redundant once, and at the time it was the most devastating time of my life but equally, on reflection, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. People around me helped, they showed me that I had transferable skills, they gave me perspective and I think that made me a lot more resilient. Endings are often beginnings. The other thing is to realise that you cannot control everything, though one of the best ways to be resilient is to be focused on your plan to deliver and improve the things you can deliver. Never get too high, never get too low and take nothing for granted. Tel: 01282 725391 – www.veka.co.uk

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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GLAZERITE INSTALLER BAHAMA ROSEVIEW LEVELS UP WITH KOMBIMATEC MACHINING WINDOWS SHOWCASES CENTRES, ‘MARIO AND LUIGI’ RADIANT R9 INSTALL Home Countiesbased Bahama Windows and Conservatories has recently completed a Residence 9 installation using frames manufactured at fabricator Glazerite UK Group’s Specials Division.

The homeowner chose Clotted Cream on both the exterior and interior of the frame, and selected Monkey Tail handles for an authentic finish on the hardware. Both they and Paul were delighted with the finished result. The R9 install from Bahama Windows took place last autumn shortly after Glazerite introduced Timberweld® technology to the fabrication of its Residence 9 and Residence 7 products. Timberweld allows for greater efficiency in manufacturing and eases

team here at Roseview, that we’ve named them Mario and Luigi after the Nintendo characters – they just get things done!”

The Buckinghamshire based fabricator, which has led the way in the design and development of PVC-U sashes since 1985, has built an enviable reputation for the quality and authenticity of its product range, including its premium offering, the award-winning Ultimate Rose.

As standard the AMC602 includes a wide range of features, such as 4 x controlled axes, adjustable pneumatic clamps, a 5.5Kw electro-spindle and an automatic tool change system. It also comes with a comprehensive options list, including a bar code reader, automatic clamp positioning, offline programming software, a larger tool cabinet, and a double workstation enabling manufacturers to tailor the machine to their exact requirements.

Complete with true mechanical joints, a deep bottom rail, run through horns, seamless construction and the slimmest meeting rail on the market, the Ultimate Rose represents the pinnacle of PVC-U heritage style windows. For Roseview, the addition of a second AMC602 machining centre has been essential in order to keep up with customer demand, and to maintain the exceptional production standards required for its flagship product.

The four-week job involved the replacement of over 30 wooden frames on a period property in Buckinghamshire, and also included the installation of French doors and a Solidor stable door. Bahama Windows and Conservatories’ owner, Paul Pixley says: “The new windows had to be in keeping with the area and like-for-like with the old wooden frames. Because Residence 9 frames replicate the traditional look of timber, choosing this system meant the homeowner could get a close match to the original windows, coupled with the modern benefits and low maintenance nature of uPVC.”

Roseview has bolstered the production of its industry leading Rose Collection of heritage, PVC-U sash windows with the addition of a second AMC602 machining centre from Kombimatec.

frame transportation for the customer as windows can be ordered unglazed, therefore removing the additional weight of bonded glass. Bahama Windows, which has been established for 50 years, has worked with Glazerite for over a decade and regularly installs VEKA, Halo and Residence Collection windows. Now Paul is looking ahead to more R9 installs this year, having seen a recent increase in requests for flush sash windows across his patch. Paul says: “Working with Glazerite gives us access to a broad portfolio of products including heritage windows, which means I can meet the expectations of my customers when it comes to quality, style and colour.”

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2021

Jeff Dunn, Sales and Marketing Director for Glazerite adds: “Manufacturing R9 with Timberweld opens this premium product up to more of our installer base as a result of easier transportation and handling, without losing any of its authenticity. We’ve already seen a number of our installers begin to specify the system as a result of this and look forward to the opportunities it can bring to their businesses.

The AMC602 machining centre is suitable for both PVC and aluminium profiles. Manufactured with a solid steel construction using high quality components, it incorporates advanced CNC control with CADCAM software which provides exceptional levels of precision and reliability during production.

“Not only have our AMC602 centres proven to be very reliable, but we’ve also enjoyed first class support from David Parsons and his team at Kombimatec, from sales to installation, through to commissioning and operation,” continued Tim.

Roseview’s production director, Tim Bygrave, explained: “Ultimate Rose is easily the most authentic, timber alternative sash window on the market, and our Kombimatec AMC602 machining centres form an integral part of its manufacture.

“In the current climate, where the industry is experiencing exceptionally high levels of demand for premium and heritage style products, being able to rely on ‘Mario and Luigi’ for consistent, high quality output is invaluable. We really couldn’t be without them.”

“We ordered a second machine in order to keep up with high levels of current and anticipated future demand. In fact, they’ve proved to be so popular with the production

For further information on Kombimatec’s range of CNC machining centres call directly on 01582562218 or email sales@kombimatec.com.

“Residence 9 is a truly exceptional product and the end result from Bahama Windows is really striking. We’re delighted to have played a part in enabling Paul and his team to specify the product and we’re looking forward to working with them again on future Residence 9 installs.”

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GOING GREEN ISN’T JUST GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT – IT’S GOOD FOR BUSINESS, TOO After coronavirus, the next big challenge facing governments and businesses around the world is climate change. It’s something that can feel a very long way from daily life in UK fenestration – but as Hollie Morgan, PR and Marketing Assistant at Victorian Sliders argues, it’s something window businesses shouldn’t ignore. Even at the best of times, it’s hard to get to grips with an issue as vast and potentially transformative as climate change.

But during a huge global crisis that’s already changed the way millions of people live and work, it becomes more difficult than ever. However, with the UK’s successful vaccine rollout continuing at speed, there’s light at the end of the tunnel – and once the pandemic is under control, it’s likely that the environment will quickly jump to the top of the political agenda. Why? Because 2021 is likely to be a crucial year in the fight against climate change. Back in 2019, Britain became the first of the world’s major economies to commit to achieving net zero carbon by 2050 – and already, the government has indicated that it’s planning to put sustainable construction at the heart of its plans for postCOVID recovery. Glasgow will host the COP26 climate conference in November, where world

Hope Homes New Build Development - ECOSlide Windows

leaders will gather to discuss global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

SUSTAINABILITY WILL BECOME A NECESSITY All very interesting - but what does any of this have to do with day-today life in the fenestration industry? It might not make much of an immediate difference to installers and others in the sector going about their business – but over time, it’s inevitably going to have an impact. We already know that consumers are increasingly concerned about the environment, and that a product or a company’s green credentials are becoming a key factor when homeowners are choosing what to buy and from whom. This is only going to become more of a demand, and a deal maker for most homeowners. There’s likely to be growing pressure on installers, manufacturers, component suppliers, systems companies, and every part of the glazing supply chain to show they’re taking steps to dramatically cut their carbon footprints. As time goes on, it’s going to become more and more likely that minimising carbon emissions and demonstrating a commitment to sustainability are going to become legal requirements for companies in all sectors. In other words, going green won’t just be a good thing to do – for businesses across fenestration and beyond, it’ll become a necessity.

THE STATS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES There’s no question – as an industry, we’ve got a long way to go. Hollie Morgan

According to the UK Green Building Council, construction

accounts for around 10% of the UK’s total carbon emissions, and 45% when you take the wider built environment into account. In other words, the environmental impact we have is huge. But addressing the issue isn’t just about changing practises in new build. 80% of the homes people will be living in by 2050 have already been built, which means retrofitting has a critical role to play if we’ve got any chance of hitting those zero carbon targets. According to a report by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee – a select committee of the House of Commons - “around 23 million homes have double-glazing across the whole house already”, but still need “18 million interventions” to “move to very high efficiency windows”. However, while the scale of the challenge is enormous, so is the size of the positive impact the fenestration sector can have. A study produced by the European trade association Glass for Europe found that the widespread adoption of high-performance glazing could deliver energy savings of up to 75.5 Mtoe (millions of tonnes of oil equivalent) in 2030, and 67.3 Mtoe in 2050. In turn, this would equal CO2 reductions of 94.2 million tonnes in 2030 and 68.5 million tonnes in 2050.

RECYCLED, RECYCLABLE AND A-RATED AS STANDARD At Victorian Sliders, it’s something we’re taking very seriously. We were already virtually unique in our industry

in having our own recycling plant, that turns aging PVCu frames into thermal inserts that go on to improve the energy efficiency of our ECOSlide windows. In the coming year, we’ll be investing further to expand that facility. We’re also working to dramatically reduce the amount of plastic packaging we use, having already replaced plastic bubble wrap with cardboard corner protectors. But even without that, ECOSlide was specifically designed to be an extremely sustainable PVCU sash window, long before concern about the environment went mainstream. PVCu was already the best fenestration material for thermal efficiency – and ECOSlide isn’t just A-rated as standard, with the option for A+-rated. It can also be recycled as many as ten times, meaning it’s possible that the same PVCu could be being used for a variety of different purposes for a century or more. In the future, we’re also planning to improve our product to offer the most energy efficient vertical slider yet.

WORKING TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE We know that, like all businesses, there’s more we need to do to play our part in hitting that all-important net zero target by 2050. But we have an excellent foundation to build on – and we’re confident that, together, we can ensure that UK fenestration has a bright, sustainable future ahead of it. For more information visit www.victoriansliders.co.uk or call 01269 846200.

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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NEW RESIDENCE BROCHURE FOR CONSERVATION AREAS AND LISTED BUILDINGS A new 20-page brochure outlining solutions and design credentials for conservation areas and listed buildings has been published by The Residence Collection. Residence 9, or R9 as it is known, is the most authentic timber alternative casement window thanks to the revolutionary product design and specification. The profile dimensions perfectly replicate the documented window designs of the 19th Century to the nearest millimetre, while the frame rebate is free of gaskets and it is also fully foiled in the rebate with single and dual colour options. While R9 may well take the limelight when it comes to period credentials, R2 and R7 have also been used in conservation area applications, given the fact that from the

outside they share the same equal sightlines. In these cases, local authority planners have fully backed The Residence Collection as a true timber alternative window and door system. A traditional Georgian bar, deep nose Radlington Cill and period inspired hardware including working and dummy butt hinges also add to the historical features within The Residence Collection product proposition. It’s also a product platform packed with detailing and an increased number of chambers for outstanding sound reduction and energy efficiency properties. There are several published case studies to support the new conservation area and listed building brochure which can be downloaded on their website and there’s also a new R9 brochure packed with information and inspirational photography. Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director of The Residence Collection commented: ‘This updated publication

clearly shows our credentials when it comes to projects involving conservation areas, listed buildings and article 4 directions. With the new conservation brochure, case studies and R9 brochure, along with those for R7 and R2, it provides all the information to present to local authority planners, so that they can specify what is the most authentic timber-alternative system.’ For further information about The Residence Collection please visit

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SEE THE ENGINEERING BEHIND

GRIPCORE TECHNOLOGY Following DOORCO’s recent announcement that they are soon to be launching a groundbreaking new solid core composite door product, the leading manufacturer reveals a new video demonstrating the engineering behind GRiPCORE technology, which boasts safety and security in its DNA and impressive results in tolerance and security. DOORCO MD Dan Sullivan, explains more: “GRiPCORE Technology is a hybrid of modern and traditional materials and has been engineered to deliver a stronger, heavier and more robust door that will not crack, move or de-laminate. The structure consists of a unique matrix of cross laminated engineered timber and hardwood

From April, it will be available in the six most popular doors which are used to create a wide range of designs: 4 panel blank top and 6/4 combi for traditional door styles, Farmhouse for popular cottage doors and Flush, Monza II and Links for more contemporary options. We’re also adding some new door styles created specifically for GRiPCORE as well as bespoke colours and an expanded glass range, which now includes some bespoke designs from our creative consultant, Jeyda.

stiles and rails, pressed with DOORCO’s signature 4mm GRP skins. All of this results in a door that will not move/bow/twist more than 3mm. These are strong claims, but it is truly the most engineered door I have ever seen. As well as offering a 10 Year Warranty on all GRiPCORE doors, we felt it was important to demonstrate the engineering

behind the door – and what better way than with a video showing exactly how it’s made. “The new video is just one part of DOORCO’s new marketing suite which is designed to really help customers sell GRiPCORE technology as the premium upgrade to our foam-filled standard doors.

“We are very excited about GRiPCORE’s potential. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, DOORCO is driven by innovating products and solutions that stand out from the crowd. GRiPCORE is testament to this and we anticipate it being a real game-changer, not just for DOORCO and our customers but the wider composite door market too.” DOORCO doors engineered with GRiPCORE Technology will be available from April. To view the full video, get more information about the product and service offering, and to register your interest, visit: www.gripcore.com.

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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HOME IMPROVEMENT BOOM DELIVERS RECORD-BREAKING £1.25M MONTH OF SALES FOR PENNINE A massive surge in homeowner spending has helped a North East company record the best-ever sales month in its 43-year history.

bring our products and plans to life through virtual reality. Our order book for the rest of 2021 is extremely strong and we’re on track to increase turnover by 50% by 2024.”

Pennine Home Improvements, which is part of the London Stock Exchange 1000-recognised Conservatory Outlet Group, has achieved more than £1.25m of orders in just twenty-eight days.

Many of its products are exclusive, including the Extreme collection of UPVC windows and doors and its Envisage flush casement window range, an exquisitely stylish suite of windows that come in a huge choice of colours to ensure they make a real mark on the home.

The firm has passed this impressive milestone with its two showrooms in Durham and Newcastle closed due to the Covid-19 lockdown, switching from face-to-face meetings to an impressive new digital approach. Clients have been using video calls, a 3D virtual reality package and a new design app that allows them to see how conservatory products, doors, extensions and windows could look from the comfort of their own homes.

Pennine Home Improvements sells conservatories, doors, extensions, orangeries and windows from its three showrooms across the North East.

Thanks to the state-of-the-art design tool, customers have been able to search through the company’s entire range, selecting different combinations and testing different colours to create the ideal home improvement. Throughout the online process, the software offers clear and on-the-spot pricing on every design ensuring complete transparency.

ALUK RESEARCH REVEALS POST-COVID OPPORTUNITIES Almost 70% of architects in a recent AluK survey said that they had changed their approach to residential design as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and more than 30% said that it had specifically affected their design approach to fenestration.

“Our team never fails to amaze and they have done it again with February sales up 25% on the same time last year, all of this achieved through online communication and adhering to Covid-19 measures,” explained Nigel Morris, Sales Director of Pennine Home Improvements.

Jonathan Young, Managing Director of Pennine Home Improvements, went on to add: “Covid-19 hasn’t stopped us investing in other areas of the business and I’m proud to say we’ve strengthened our apprenticeship scheme to recruit the next generation of tradespeople.

“Despite customers not being able to set foot in any of our showrooms, we have still been able to satisfy their desire to use the money saved from not going out to accelerate improvements to the home.”

The research, commissioned at the start of the year amongst members of the Manchester Society of Architects, presents a whole raft of potential new opportunities for aluminium fabricators and installers.

“It’s great seeing how young people develop and embrace the ‘Pennine Way’. Kyle Barnes is a perfect example of this, completing his Bricklaying Level 2 Qualification in conjunction with Gateshead College and is now able to work independently. He’s going to be very busy in the months to come if current sales are anything to go by.”

The biggest change for architects in the residential market is that they expect to design spaces which accommodate more working from home (69%), followed by including more external space (58%).

He continued: “This has seen people decide to change windows, buy new front doors and, tellingly, press the button on major extensions. There’s a pent-up demand and we’ve been able to meet it head on by using digital technology to help clients plan and

For further information, please visit www.penninehome.co.uk or @penninehome on twitter.

In terms of fenestration, 49% of those who responded said they are likely to include more openable windows in future residential and commercial spaces to improve natural ventilation, 48% said they would be looking for ways to increase daylight, and 45% were considering integrating more and larger windows in their schemes. Sioned Roberts, AluK’s

Left to right: Michael Kirkpatrick, Jonathan Young, Grace Matthews, Rebecca Mann and Lindsay Marshal

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2021

POST-COVID OPPORTUNITIES FOR FENESTRATION INDUSTRY Almost 70% of architects had changed their approach to residential design as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

69%

More spaces to accommodate working from home

58%

More external space

49%

More openable windows

48%

To increase daylight

45%

To integrate larger windows

30%

Different design approach to fenestration

Marketing Director, said the findings bear out what pundits and commentators have been predicting since the advent of the ‘new normal’ and working from home during lockdown. She commented: “Our market has obviously been head down and focused on keeping up with demand since last Summer, but we very much need to be aware of how that demand is likely to shift once we move out of lockdown. “It’s valuable then to get real evidence and figures to back up what we all perhaps sensed was likely to happen. Architects are obviously key drivers of change in our market so a better understanding of what they are thinking and planning is critical “In residential terms, we can see definite trends towards extensions and

“There’s lots to feel optimistic about as we look towards the end of lockdown, particularly for those businesses, like AluK, which have the resources and operational efficiency to be able to meet demand.”

garden buildings for working from home, which present great opportunities for both our sliders and bi-folds. Similarly, more external space extends beyond just gardens and also includes balconies which is more good news for our range of sliding patios in particular. “And, more daylight doesn’t just mean bigger windows but also slimmer sightlines, which is where our 58BW and new C70S window systems will help customers to win business. “There’s lots to feel optimistic about as we look towards the end of lockdown, particularly for those businesses, like AluK, which have the resources and operational efficiency to be able to meet demand.” AluK will be supporting customers with sales and marketing tools and advice to help them make the most of the opportunities which lie ahead and continuing to invest in new products designed for the post-Covid construction market. More details at: www.aluk.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ENTRIES FOR THE EIGHTH ANNUAL SCHÜCO

EXCELLENCE AWARDS ARE NOW OPEN

The eighth annual Schüco Excellence Awards take place later this year, and the application process to enter projects has officially opened. This year’s event will welcome back architectural designer and television presenter, Charlie Luxton, to host the awards at The Banqueting House in London’s Whitehall on Thursday 16th September.

Fielden Fowles, Daniel Mulligan from Glen Howells, Carol Paterson from OMA and Isabel Allen from Architecture Today.

house improvement, Refurbishment project, Residential development, Specialist contractor, Steel project and Sustainable project.

The categories for the 2021 Schüco Excellence Awards are: Commercial building, Cultural building, Education and Health buildings, Individual house, Individual

To enter a project into the Schüco Excellence Awards 2021, click here: https://excellence-awards.awardsplatform.com/

The well-established Schüco Excellence Awards for Design and Innovation, run in association with Architecture Today, recognise outstanding projects completed with Schüco systems throughout the UK and Ireland. The deadline for entries is 25th June. The 2020 Awards saw more entries than ever before, demonstrating the recognition the Awards receive from across the industry. Winning entries showcase the very best contributions from design and specialist contractor teams, and the Schüco façade, window and door systems involved in the entered project. Entries are judged on creativity, innovation, technical expertise and collaboration to deliver architectural intent. This year’s judges include an array of esteemed past judges and previous award winners. These include: Hazel Joseph from AHMM, Steve Mudie from Alinea Consulting, Harry Montresor from Montresor Partnership, Ingrid Petit from

Photo credit: Hufton + Crow

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

VEKA CHOOSES TO CHALLENGE FOR

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

International Women’s Day on the 8th March celebrates the achievements of women across the globe and champions inclusivity. This year the theme is ‘Choose to Challenge’ and that is something that the women who work at VEKA plc and the wider industry and beyond do every day. VEKA has spoken to several women leaders on their roles and the inspiration they have taken throughout their careers. Anda Gregory, Managing Director of the Commercial Group, Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), spoke of being a senior figure in the glass and glazing industry: “I’ve never found it a problem to be a woman in our industry, or in fact any I’ve worked in. In some large meetings I am the only woman in the room which is disappointing – and there is also a lack of diversity at times in other aspects. I feel like I am treated as an equal. In the GGF, three out of four of our Senior Leadership Team are women, and out of the people that run the businesses I oversee, half are women, so we have a good balance. I’m a big believer in diversity resulting in diverse ways of thinking and doing things, which gives strength to the organisation.”

“International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality.” www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2021

indeed the construction sector is male dominated, albeit the marketing function does tend to be more gender neutral even in this sector. I rarely find my gender to be an issue and I've been fortunate to have worked for companies that both support and strive for gender diversity and indeed diversity.

Anda Gregory

“I draw inspiration from everyone around me – whether that’s work colleagues or others in the industry who are making a real difference, or my friends who are succeeding in whatever they do.”

Having worked with Northern Power Women for a couple of years now and being exposed to the struggles of others, I find myself both fortunate yet increasingly aware of toxic behaviours, whether it's an inappropriate comment at an industry event or an eye-roll when discussing matters of diversity but even this is a rarity. That said, I see every negative I encounter as an opportunity for positive change, and this is how I choose to challenge.” Dawn went on to discuss her aspirations for women in the industry and where she has taken her inspiration: “Boards need greater diversity as they look to future proof their long-term strategies. Both social (gender, ethnicity, age, etc.) and background diversity will result in a broader perspective around the board table, and these perspectives are invaluable when it comes to developing long term strategy. Looking at inspirational business leaders both male and female across the globe from James

She added: “I draw inspiration from everyone around me – whether that’s work colleagues or others in the industry who are making a real difference, or my friends who are succeeding in whatever they do. I want talented women to hold more of the top jobs across the industry, as well as being at all levels and in all types of roles, whether that is with installers or manufacturers. It is a great industry and one that women should want to be part of and excel in. And as I said, all companies benefit from diversity, so it’s a solution where everyone benefits.” Cecilia Phillips, Managing Director of Phillips Business Solutions, provided her thoughts on equality in the workplace: “I personally don’t see gender in the workplace, being a woman isn’t an asset or a drawback. I love how society has been drawn into an era of non-discrimination, very different from my own experience back in the early 80’s working in a male dominated industry. There are equal opportunities in my industry sector, it is up the individual to fulfil their potential. A lot of excellent work has been done by women in the past to get us to this point.” Dawn Stockell, Marketing Director of VEKA said of being a woman in the industry: “Typically manufacturing and

Dawn Stockwell

“I’m inspired by the people around me; from a mum that always said I could be whatever I wanted to be, to a strong network I’ve developed over the years working (and having worked) with some great people.” Dyson to Wolfe Herd; what I admire is their ability to develop products and services for tomorrow's people and they don't do it alone; they have diverse teams to support and propel the business to continuous improvement. But mostly, I'm inspired by the people around me; from a mum that always said I could be whatever I wanted to be, to a strong network I've developed over the years working (and having worked) with some great people.”

Cecilia Phillips

There are equal opportunities in my industry sector, it is up the individual to fulfil their potential. A lot of excellent work has been done by women in the past to get us to this point.”

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality. VEKA has always been committed to ensuring that all women who work for the company have the same opportunities as men and, this week, is celebrating the positive difference women in the industry have and continue to make ensuring that gender equality becomes the norm. #choosetochallenge.

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Greg Kane

CONSERVATORY OUTLET CHIEF HITS OUT AT SCOTTISH COVID-19 DISPARITY AS £MILLIONS OF ORDERS PUT ON HOLD The boss of one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of highquality windows, doors, home extensions and conservatory products has hit out at the Scottish Government for continuing to enforce a Covid-19 lockdown that prevents work being completed in homes - unless it is essential maintenance. This rule, which is not in place in England and Wales, means Conservatory Outlet’s five home improvement specialist companies north of the border are not able to take on new work, resulting in a £multi-million loss of orders and over 250 direct or indirect staff currently furloughed. Greg Kane is urging the powers that be at Holyrood to lift the regulations that are causing the sector so much unnecessary

pain and allow them to trade under Covidsecure guidelines so they can start new projects and complete existing jobs.

furlough the majority of staff across the five companies, including young apprentices just starting out.”

Clear Home Improvements in 2015 and Balhousie, Bon Accord Glass and ERG three years ago.

This will help hundreds of firms, including the five in its current network - Balhousie, Bon Accord Glass, Crystal Clear Home Improvements, ERG Scotland and Mitchell Glass, the latter being the longest established glazing business in the country.

He continued: “The restrictions need to be lifted immediately to allow Scottish home improvement businesses to fit existing jobs, collect outstanding monies and to capitalise on new sales to support our recovery.

Greg continued: “It shouldn’t be allowed to be left to the whim of Ms Sturgeon, who is looking to push her own political ambitions.

“We find ourselves in a really frustrating position in that our online leads are 94% up on this time last year, but we can’t progress any of them due to the draconian nature of the Scottish law,” explained Greg, who is Chief Executive of Wakefield-based Conservatory Outlet. “Installers and surveyors aren’t allowed to work at the moment unless it is essential maintenance, so despite a massive demand for home improvements, we have had to

“No explanation has been given as to why the Scottish rules are different and, if things don’t change, we’ll be left in limbo until the end of April at the earliest. This, simply, is not good enough.” Conservatory Outlet, which employs 174 people at its 60,000 sq ft factory in Wakefield, sells its products across a 26-strong retail network of installation companies. It has been active in Scotland since 2011 when Mitchell Glass became its first Scottish retailer, joined by Crystal

“Installers and surveyors aren’t allowed to work at the moment unless it is essential maintenance, so despite a massive demand for home improvements, we have had to furlough the majority of staff across the five companies, including young apprentices just starting out.”

“This is a hugely important decision for the recovery of our industry and many others. Strong businesses are being straightjacketed at a time when demand for their products has never been higher. “Our Scottish dealers have innovated to use Zoom, Facetime and our new 3D design app to give customers an insight of how products will look in the home. It is a really popular approach, with potential online leads up 94% on this time in 2020.” He concluded: “We’ll continue to work with the Glass & Glazing Federation to see if we can instigate change and would appreciate it if even more Scottish consumers write to their MPs complaining about the disparity in rules.” For further information, please visit www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk or follow @conservatoryuk.

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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PATIOMASTER

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ONE YEAR ON: DHF WELCOMES A NEW WAY OF WORKING FOLLOWING A YEAR OF UNEXPECTED ‘POSITIVE’S’ ‘Thriving, not just surviving’ has been the mantra at DHF HQ since last March, and following a year of extraordinary change and uncertainty, to which it has responded superbly, the organisation is looking to the future.

PatioMaster, manufacturers of the UK’s leading brand of PVC-U inline sliding patio doors, has confirmed a widening appeal for their products as installers continue to capitalise on the domestic boom. Carmen Velilla, PatioMaster’s Brand Manager, explains: “Over the last twelve months, the market has witnessed a resurgence in popularity for inline sliding patio doors, especially from the domestic sector. Consumers continue to aspire to light-filled spaces which patio doors deliver. And with our Triple-track system, our inline sliding patios can easily compete with the wider aperture products that have gained market traction over the past few years giving fabricators and installers a competitive edge.” PatioMaster’s inline sliding doors offer some of the best features and the company’s expertise is evident with the Triple-track system that takes patio appeal to a new level. Carmen said: “Even before the pandemic, we had witnessed a growing trend from consumers wanting wider aperture openings in their homes which is why we launched our Triple-track system. The Triple-track door system is a superb alternative to bifolding doors for larger apertures and delivers on aesthetics too. With consumers having spent more time researching the best products for their homes during the past twelve-months of restrictions, PatioMaster’s

products deliver what today’s homeowner is looking to achieve.” The Triple-track door system offers a wider clear opening over a conventional patio door with up to 25% more open space being achieved and can accommodate a maximum aperture wide of six metres. Triple-track also gives the option of having two or four sliding sashes that stack neatly behind each other when opened, even on smaller frame sizes. Like all PatioMaster doors, the system is simple to install and features such as edge-located rollers mean easy adjustment too. There is a choice of colours and finishes, including grained and flat textures plus dual colour options. There’s a choice of white, gold, brass, chrome, black and silver handle colours. Available in 24 and 28mm glazing options, triple track door configurations exceed all current thermal efficiency requirements. All PatioMaster doors combine elegant aesthetics and superior quality. Carmen concludes: “Having a portfolio that attracts your target market is vital to the success of your business and this has never been more important with the boom in domestic demand. By partnering with PatioMaster, not only do you get products that meet market demand you also get competitive advantages for your business too.” Tel: 0808 178 5060 www.patiomaster.co.uk

“If anyone had said a year ago what would have transpired throughout 2020, I think we would never have believed them!” says DHF’s Head of Commercial Operations, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “The year has continually presented challenges, but we have faced them, and we have emerged stronger than ever.” As the first ‘lockdown’ was announced in March 2020, the Tamworth-based trade association declared ‘business as usual’, engaging with its more than 500 members and becoming an indispensable source of information for the construction industry. It released guidance to door and gate companies, and operatives working on construction sites, outlining the key considerations regarding safety and social distancing on site. Training, DHF’s raison d'être, continued apace with online courses launched to members in April, and face-to-face learning re-instated at DHF’s training academy by June. By the summer, the organisation’s ‘Distance Learning Programme’ (DLP) was being delivered via Zoom by Training and Compliance Officers, Nick Perkins and Steve Hill, with examinations taken via the online facility. “Our members have been able to access an almostuninterrupted level of training and we have worked extremely hard behind the scenes to offer a streamlined provision,” explains Patricia. “Subsequently, we have kept the

DHF’s Head of Commercial Operations, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens; DHF’s training academy at Tamworth

industry informed by delivering training that enables safe and compliant products to be put on the market. And by offering online and distance learning, webinars and seminars, we have continued to put our members and their needs - first.” DHF has been praised industrywide for its speedy response to the crisis, and in addition, its willingness to adapt and implement new practices for its employees and members. It is poised to embrace a new world and a new way of working. Indeed, recent global research confirms that more than half of all employees will work eight or more days each month from home. (Source: HR Director) “For many of us, our eyes have been opened with regards to a new way of working,” says Patricia. “Although face-to-face interaction and collaboration is key, our members and employees have adapted to the changes that 2020 has brought, magnificently. During a year of tremendous upheaval, there have been many positives that have arisen for DHF. Our members and employees have not just demonstrated extraordinary resilience but have faced the challenges and the upturn in technology use remarkable well. It has paved the way for virtual meetings to continue and be accepted in the future, and decreased the need for unnecessary travel, a further benefit for the environment. Moving through 2021, DHF will be utilising a more ‘hybrid’ model with regards to its working practices, with a mixture of face-to-face and online meetings becoming the ‘new normal’.” www.dhfonline.org.uk

APEER OFFERS HIGH QUALITY COMPOSITE STANDARD DOORSETS IN 12-15 DAYS INCLUDES 44MM FLUSH FIT; 70MM DOUBLE REBATE

As many UK doormakers quote lead times of 12 weeks and more due to delays in the supply of door slabs from Far Eastern factories, Apeer is quoting delivery from order in just 12 to 15 days, to anywhere in the UK and Ireland, including in-demand 44mm flush fit and double rebate styles. With the delays caused by a number of factors and especially a global crisis in shipping, including well-publicised container shortages, Apeer manufactures its own high-quality GRP-faced, steelstrengthened, high-density core slabs in its 120,000 feet2 local factories. The company’s longstanding policy of manufacturing as much of its product range as possible from British and Irish-sourced materials and components, is designed to reduce the company’s exposure to such shortages. Apeer also operates its own glass processing and decorative unit lines, which gives its products the highest local content of any popular composite door brand. Apeer’s standard range includes a huge range of styles, colours and options together with one of the door sector’s finest consumer-focused marketing packages, including lead generation, high quality colour brochures, an excellent website and professional videos. And available in less than three weeks from order to anywhere in the UK and Ireland. Call 034 5673 9333 now to find out more. www.apeer.co.uk

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Introducing the... Guardsman Fire Door from ODL Europe • Two-years of development • Six-figure investment in door innovation • Using Agrifiber core technology which delivers consistent material densities – unlike a foam core • Delivering superb and stable structural properties • Tested to the exacting European fire test standards BS EN 1634-1:2008 – required by Part B of the Building Regulations • Achieving an average of 100% overrun past the 30 minutes testing mark • Unrivalled results achieved on glazed and unglazed doors • Maintenance free exterior, hard-wearing 2mm GRP facings • Suitable for commercial contracts

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DOORS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

LINIAR INTRODUCES PAS24 SECURE

MODLOK™ SLIDING PATIO DOORS

Innovation can take many forms. For Liniar, this means launching new, cutting-edge products and continually improving its existing product range to be more efficient in terms of security, safety or energy efficiency. The latest new development has now been launched and relates to Liniar's ModLok™ Patio Door system – providing fabricators with the ability to manufacture the system to the exacting standards of the PAS24 Security accreditation. This is excellent news for fabricators and installers supplying to the new build market, who need to install a product that achieves the required security accreditations but is also ergonomic, stylish and environmentally friendly. As part of achieving the PAS24 accreditation, the updated Liniar ModLok™ patio door is fully tested to BS 6375 (parts 1, 2 and 3) for weather performance.

STRONG AND SECURE Liniar’s ModLok™ patio door system has always been highly secure, featuring four bidirectional lock clusters incorporating eight mushroom head locking points housed within its existing aluminium box section, which provides additional rigidity and strength. By adding a 3-star rated 'anti-snap' cylinder, the new lock extensions, and the PAS24 kit to internally sliding doors, a Part Q Building Regulation product can be achieved.

All these new parts are retro-fit, thus making for an easy fabrication process – no additional routing preps are required to achieve PAS24 and Part Q compliance.

THE LINIAR DIFFERENCE The ModLok™ patio door from Liniar does more than look the part. It boasts a sturdy eightwheel acetal roller for an effortless ‘light as air’ gliding motion. This revolutionary roller also allows for superb load-bearing capacity of up to 120kg per sash, giving peace of mind with the additional weight associated with IGUs for PAS24 whilst maintaining the options for maximum size doors where required. Built-in deceleration means homeowners won't see any unsightly crash stops, and ergonomic handles are simple to operate. Designed with installers in mind, the Liniar ModLok™ patio door offers a low threshold option with no trench excavation required. Additionally, the outer frame can be mechanically jointed for easier access to those installations in tighter spaces. For homeowners, the ModLok™ patio door is an ideal choice. Available in a wide range of colours and finishes, it offers ultra-personalisation and exceptional usability for a variety of property styles. For more information about Liniar's ModLok™ patio door, visit www.liniar.co.uk/upvc-doors/patio.

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Flip. Definition Turn over or cause to turn over with a sudden quick movement

Make the switch Mid 2021

CONSERVATORIES

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TAP INTO MODULAR GROWTH WITH MODPLAN Leading trade fabricator Modplan has reported a significant upturn in demand for their Leka Xi conservatory wall and base system during the past twelve months. The Leka Xi modular system allows installers to tap into the trend for thermally efficient home extensions or freestanding garden rooms whilst offing fast installation too. Heidi Sachs, Managing Director at Modplan, said: “The LEKA Xi Conservatory

Base System is a modular system that raises the bar in thermally efficient home extensions or garden rooms. We have witnessed a strong growth for the product over the past twelve months with the demand for home offices. And our customers appreciate the quick construction of just three to five days, allowing them to tap into this market efficiently with an extended product offer.” The LEKA Xi is a unique proposition that sets a new standard for the industry. It’s a modular system that’s tailored to homeowner and installer requirements and

“Modplan’s aim is to continually deliver the products our customers need to stand out in a competitive market."

is constructed using a LEKA base, LEKA walls and the LEKA roof system. There are three- or four-sided options, so it can be used for both home extensions and standalone garden rooms. There is a choice of finishes and options for dwarf walls, full walls or defined heights and internal partition options are available too if a subdivided space is needed. Both the thermal efficiency and lifespan are exceptional thanks to the GRP construction of the base, walls and roof. It means it creates a flexible, multi-purpose space that gives homeowners valuable extra living space and adds value to installers’ portfolios. The modular nature of the system means it is ideal for sites with access restrictions because it arrives flat-packed. It is also exceptionally fast to install and there is minimal groundwork required. Installation

typically takes three to five days, including the fitting of the LEKA base, LEKA walls and LEKA roof system. Like all Modplan’s products, the new LEKA Xi Conservatory Base will be manufactured in its dedicated multi-site state of the art facilities at its headquarters near Newport, Gwent. The company offers exceptional sales, marketing and service support to enable installers to make the most of the market opportunities. Heidi concluded: “Modplan’s aim is to continually deliver the products our customers need to stand out in a competitive market. And in the LEKA Xi Conservatory Base System, our customers have the best in thermally efficient modular extensions that tap into current trends and open ups additional opportunities for them.” Tel: 01495 246844 www.modplan.co.uk

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TAP INTO GROWTH

WITH LEKA Xi FROM MODPLAN The innovative LEKA Xi modular conservatory system raises the bar in thermally efficient home extensions or garden rooms to add value to installers’ portfolios. • Choice of three-sided extension or four-sided freestanding garden room

• Installed on concrete pads – no extensive groundworks or foundations

• GRP construction eliminates woodworm or moisture absorption

• Choice of finishes and options for dwarf walls, full walls or defined heights

• Construction in just three to five days including fitting the Leka Base, Leka Walls and Leka Roof System

• A range of internal finishes are available

• Modular construction – ideal for access restrictions

• Superb thermal efficiency

Open up opportunities for your business with the best in thermally efficient modular extensions.

www.modplan.co.uk T: 01495 246844 E: sales@modplan.co.uk

VERTEX

Conservatory Roof System

TECH TALK

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TECH TALK with Strafford Cooke, Technical Director, Mila

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...

Fabricators have been more than a bit pre-occupied over recent months just getting through the pandemic. They’ve very quickly had to become experts in furlough, health and safety, demand forecasting and supply chain management, not to mention Teams and Zoom. With demand at record levels as well, that’s obviously adding yet another layer of pressure. Understandably then, I suspect that many won’t have had the chance to check on the changes to legislation and Building Regs which are coming down the line and which will undoubtedly have an impact on our market – Coronavirus or no Coronavirus. Rest assured though, I’ve been keeping track of everything that’s happening and Mila is already making plans to make sure we are ready, if and when the changes do come, so that our customers aren’t caught out. I mentioned in my last Tech Talk the need to switch from CE marking to the new UKCA safety marking as a result of Brexit - by 1 January 2022. We have also now had

notification of the upcoming changes happening to several of the Approved Documents within the Building Regs, ahead of the implementation of the far-reaching Future Homes Standard. There are consultations currently taking place on Approved Document L and Approved Document F, both of which will, to some degree, impact on the fenestration market and in turn on the hardware sector. At the moment, the proposals for Approved Document L will see maximum U-Values set at 1.4, but there are indications within the Future Homes legislation that the eventual target is to get down to 0.8.

That would challenge the entire market of course and, whatever material you’re fabricating in, would almost inevitably mean less visible frame and more glass. In hardware terms, more glass means more weight and extra demands on hinges, so you can be sure that Mila is already planning for solutions which would be able to cope. For Approved Document F, the proposals will require standardisation on larger trickle vents – ironically, potentially offsetting the impact of the lower U-Values. Significantly, these requirements will apply to replacement as well as new build projects and will mean the inclusion of vents even in

windows where there wasn’t one there previously. Changes have already been made to Approved Document B of course in the wake of Grenfell. While much of the focus has been on fire doors and an overhaul of the testing and accreditation process, some may have missed the fact that laminated glass is still listed as a combustible material in Doc B and is no longer permitted for balconies or balustrades in buildings over 18m in England and Wales and 11m in Scotland. There are also potential changes coming to Approved Document Q which fabricators might not yet be aware of. The most likely is a requirement for more demanding PAS24: 2016 testing rather than PAS24: 2012 as it is now, but there is also talk of a tightening of the rules on how fabricators and installers can demonstrate compliance. Currently, supplier testing is enough, but

Strafford Cooke, Technical Director, Mila

that could be increased to require UKAS accredited testing, potentially with 3rd party certification. There is a sense that the lawmakers are unhappy about the true level of compliance with Approved Document Q and want to impose stricter rules. From Mila’s point of view, it’s disappointing that the industry has, in some circumstances, looked at ways of avoiding the need to comply, instead of embracing the requirement and supplying better products into the market. The hardware sector has worked hard to develop products, such as Mila’s brand-new TS008 compliant letterplate, which take away the barriers to compliance which fabricators had reported previously. Our new letterplate projects internally by just 45mm with no ugly cowls, can be fitted straight from the box in less than two minutes, and uses standard preps, so it is effectively interchangeable with a nonTS008 compliant version and can easily be swapped into an ADQ compliant doorset without the requirement for a re-test. It’s worth pointing out that PAS24, BS6375 Parts 1, 2 and 3 and BS7412 are all being reviewed over the coming months, so it is very likely that we will see further changes to those as well. Of course, I’ll be keeping Mila customers and readers of Tech Talk informed and up to date. By Strafford Cooke, Technical Director, Mila Tel: 01327 312400 – www.mila.co.uk

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

UAP LTD UNLOCKS THE DOOR TO CELEBRATIONS FOR ITS SILVER ANNIVERSARY

The company maybe more familiar with plated steel, but it will be silver all the way for UAP Ltd in 2021 as the hardware specialist celebrates its silver anniversary after 25 years in business.

UAP first started trading as Universal Imports in July 1996 with a single product – a door knocker – and a makeshift bedroom office. By 2000, the company had moved to its HQ in North Manchester and changed its name to UAP. These days, it has grown to a £22 million business, selling more than 3,000 products across 25 countries with a portfolio of brands including Fullex, Locking Systems, Intelligent Hardware, TradeLocks and Firemongery. David Jennings, CEO of UAP comments: “It seems like only yesterday that a good idea became a fledgling business, but so much has happened over the past 25 years and we have grown to become a substantial business, an innovator in our market and

a respected supplier for both quality and service. “Our anniversary provides an ideal milestone, not only to celebrate the company’s achievements but also to thank our customers, our supply chain partners and our team for supporting us and contributing to our success over the past 25 years. In many ways, it could not have come at a better time because, after the challenges of the pandemic, a reason to celebrate is just what we need right now and we have plans to keep the celebrations going all year!” UAP’s plans for its 25th year in business will be unveiled as the company’s silver anniversary progresses, with a range of activities already in the pipeline. “We are proud to be marking 25 years in business,” David adds, “and because we became a co-operative in 2019, now every member of our 80-strong team benefits from our continued success. We want to spend this year looking back but also, as we always have, focusing on the future and the innovation we can bring to the market over the next 25 years.” www.uapcorporate.com

PURPLEX TO GO GLOBAL WITH CALDWELL Window and door industry giant Caldwell has appointed Purplex to take over its global social media. The global manufacturer of specialist hardware has strengthened its partnership with the leading full-service marketing agency in the fenestration industry, having worked together for the last seven years. Purplex will be streamlining and uniting the social media across all three different Caldwell locations – the US, the UK and India. Purplex is also working with Caldwell on a brand-new e-commerce website. When Caldwell, who started life in New York 130 years ago, acquired Cotswold Architectural Products, they were so impressed with the work Purplex had been doing for the British supplier of friction stays since 2011 that they chose them to unite their global operations under one uniform brand identity to use on an international scale. The global social media move will continue what has proved an invaluable link up between the two companies. Tim Ferkin, Caldwell’s Market Development Director, said: “We have been hugely impressed with Purplex’s industry knowledge and digital and social media expertise, and handing over our global social media to them is the right move. We know Purplex will get Caldwell’s global message out to the right people and take the company even further forward.”

Tim Ferkin, Caldwell’s Market Development Director (left) and Andrew Scott, Purplex’s MD (right)

Andrew Scott, Purplex’s MD, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be taking over Caldwell’s global social media and are excited to be working across all three continents on a global strategy to merge all three channels. “After working with Caldwell since 2014 it’s a huge vote of confidence not only for the work we have done but also the relationship we have built up that such a huge American company has appointed us to merge their social media across three channels.” Andrew Scott is one of Britain’s leading marketing experts who has acquired, built, and sold several successfully companies in the industry, including manufacturers, distributors, and retail businesses. A renowned speaker on business and marketing strategy, Andrew advises some of the biggest names in the industry. He is the founder and MD of Purplex Marketing and Insight Data. For more information visit www.purplexmarketing.com.

HERITAGE GETS SMARTER WITH KUBU Shrewsbury-based Heritage Glass has become the latest high profile installation company to become a Kubu installer, adopting their pioneering smart-sensors on a range of doors in a newly refurbished showroom environment, that’s also been supported by their manufacturing partner CWG Choices.

Yet Heritage Glass will look to sell the Kubu Kits at the point of sale as Tony Randall, managing director of Heritage Glass points out: ‘This is one of the most important developments in the industry for some years. To be aligned alongside the likes of Amazon, Apple and Google technology-wise is a must for the forward-thinking installation company.

Over the last 18 months, Kubu has become increasingly adopted industry-wide as both installers and manufacturers look to exploit the considerable opportunities for smartsensors in doors and soon in windows too. Thanks to the Avantis multi-point lock, there’s a captive slot to receive the smartsensor, so activation by the homeowner is both quick and easy.

He continued: ‘With a full marketing and showroom support programme, we’re certain that we’ll be able to close more sales and ultimately satisfy the consumer demand for more smart-tech in the home. The fact that Kubu is already proven from a testing and development point of view was also a must for us.’ Charlotte Maynard-Keene, brand manager for Kubu added: ‘We’re thrilled to have Heritage Glass on board, and they are yet another example of an early adopter in the market for smart-sensors. In the coming months the window variant will be launched which will no doubt be a true game changer.’ For further information please visit kubu-home.com, e-mail support@kubu-home.com or call 0330 555 9545 for a free information pack. You can also follow them on all leading social media platforms @KubuSmart.

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

HARDWARE

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FUHR STABLE DOOR GEARING SUPPORTS TIMBER AND COMPOSITE SECTORS Hardware distributor Carl F Groupco, long-standing supplier of the full FUHR door lock range, announces new options of the manufacturer’s stable door gearing. The latest gearing variants provide 16 and 20mm faceplates with 35 and 45mm backset options. With the addition of a 20mm faceplate, the lock now caters for the needs of timber and composite fabricators who traditionally use a wider faceplate.

Carl F Groupco – this includes multipoint locking systems for single and French doors including mechanical, motorised and automatic locking mechanisms, panic/ emergency exit door locks, stable door hardware and tilt & turn window gearing. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk Twitter: @Carl_F_Groupco Product Link: https://bit.ly/3kX0iGW

FUHR’s simple to fit stable door gearing comprises two locking mechanisms which can operate the stable door sashes independently or in tandem. A purpose designed right angle bracket provides added strength to the interlocking sashes. A system eurogroove end cap is available if required, which means no preparation is needed on the transom. Having been at the forefront of the fittings distribution industry since the 1950’s, Name: Tel: Carl F Groupco has built its reputation on service, technical expertise and partnerships Address: with leading hardware manufacturers. One of the hardware supplier’s most longstanding collaborations is with renowned Postcode: German lock manufacturer, FUHR. Email:

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www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2021

FACE TO FACE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THIS MONTH: Becky Houghton, Finance Administrator and Purchasing Coordinator, Euroglaze Euroglaze’s suppliers will know Becky Houghton – she’s the finance administrator and lately also the purchasing coordinator, who sends out orders and books in deliveries. With the business enjoying record levels of demand and with big expansion plans on the horizon, she’s on the lookout for a stores’ manager to join the team.

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU... Where were you born, and which part of the country do you currently live? I was born in nearby Pontefract – the home of the Haribo (!), but now I live just outside of Barnsley.

Your education and the subject or activity in which you excelled… I enjoyed art and PE but my shyness at school definitely held me back. It wasn’t until I went back to college in my 30s to do my AAT accountancy training that I really excelled.

Your favourite sports or interests… I was always a cross-fit fan before lockdown but, once the gyms closed, I found a running partner and started running regularly. From pretty much a standing start, I ran my first half marathon distance on New Year’s Day, and I have hardly stopped since!

Your biggest regret in life… Like lots of people, I had almost zero career advice when I was leaving school and I ended up drifting into a retail job which I didn’t really enjoy. I was only really able to kickstart my career once I joined Euroglaze in 2015 and they gave me the support and encouragement I needed.

Someone or something that inspires you… Travel is one of my biggest passions so, at the moment, it’s all those presenters of travel shows tempting us to get out there again once the world opens up. I’ve explored lots of interesting places over the last few years – the most recent one was Chernobyl which I had the chance to visit in 2019 – armed with my very own radiation monitor!

The temptation you can’t resist… Pre-lockdown, I never thought I’d say this but it’s getting my trainers on and running outside in the fresh air.

YOUR CAREER... When and how you joined this industry… I joined Euroglaze in 2015 as a Finance Administrator. The role and the business have grown considerably since then – so much so that I now need someone to join me working in our stores and take responsibility for managing incoming orders.

The job you do in 25 words…

AND YOUR FUTURE... What you would like to do if you weren’t in this industry… I love any kind of DIY and home improvement so, in a different life, I would have liked to have trained to be a plumber. My Dad was a joiner and he taught me to appreciate the craftsmanship behind every trade.

A particular ambition… My fiancé and I have got a dog we adore, and it would be a dream to open a rescue centre out on a farm somewhere and give lots of other dogs the kind of perfect life

I make sure everyone’s wages get paid every week or every month, I make sure suppliers get paid and I make sure the orders we place are correct and on time.

that he has!

Your greatest achievement…

The ethos at Euroglaze is all about teamwork and everyone’s contribution really mattering – I’d like to be remembered as someone who worked hard to make that contribution.

Getting my AAT qualification in my 30s – for someone who didn’t enjoy Maths at school, it was quite an achievement!

The way you want to be remembered…

If you would like to appear in ‘Face to Face’, or would like to nominate someone else to be featured, simply email chris@glassnews.co.uk. 54

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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NO JAB, NO JOB? Dear Editor, Charlie Mullins from Pimlico Plumbers might just have been chasing publicity again when he announced that he would be imposing a ‘No jab no job’ rule on his staff; but he has nonetheless raised an issue which almost all employers who send staff to work in people’s homes must surely been considering over recent weeks. The question of whether to insist staff have a vaccine obviously raises several layers of ethical and employment rights questions, and I suspect it will be several months, if not years, before there is a definitive answer. However, in the meantime, we’re all facing an increasingly urgent need to formulate a policy which protects our workforce’s rights, but also responds to the inevitable requests we’re going to get from clients, residents and homeowners that we do all we can to keep them safe. At The Window Company (Contracts), we won’t be

demanding that our staff are vaccinated – that’s not the way we do things – but we have taken the decision to voluntarily log vaccines on our staff training matrix alongside info on CSCS cards and fire door, working at height and asbestos training. That way, we know we will be able to provide evidence that fitters, surveyors and other members of staff have been vaccinated for any clients who demand it on particular project. We won’t be putting unnecessary pressure on staff who either can’t be vaccinated or who make a choice not to, although we will be making the case that it is in the wider public interest. As the vaccine roll out continues, the lockdown hopefully eases, and the economy opens up, I’m sure that the ‘vaccine passport’ question will be debated in great depth. We’ll be watching and listening with interest. Yours sincerely David Thornton Chairman The Window Company (Contracts)

UK DOORS ONLINE INVESTS IN FOM INDUSTRIE ADIR C CNC MACHINING CENTRE FROM HAFFNER MURAT Specialist aluminium door manufacturer UK Doors Online has recently invested in a FOM Industrie Adir C CNC Machining Centre from Haffner Murat. The new machine was installed at UK Doors Online’s state-of-the-art manufacturing centre in Ravensthorpe, Wakefield in February, and the company has reported a return on investment from day one. Andrew Glover, Managing Director at UK Doors Online, said: “We operate a streamlined factory to ensure we deliver the highest quality of product for our customers with a fast and efficient turnaround. Our previous manufacturing processes were taking between 10-15 minutes per aluminium bifold door and this is something we needed to improve. By using the new Adir C CNC machine we have reduced our bifold production time to just 6.5 minutes per door.” As well as the improvement in manufacturing efficiencies, Andrew also praises the machine’s intelligent software. He said: “Programming of our aluminium bifold doors was completed very quickly. The machine uses touch screen control and all operations are controlled automatically using FOMCAM software which is very straightforward to use. We are now in the process of programming additional aluminium products into the machine too.”

Andrew was also impressed by the speed of Haffner Murat’s service. He said: ”The machine arrived within a few weeks of our initial order and following the efficient installation by Haffner, we were in full aluminium bifold production within 48 hours of setup.” As UK Doors Online have discovered, the Adir C CNC machining centre transforms speed and efficiency on the fabrication floor. Features include CNC controlled axis linear guides for precision machining and four pneumatic vices with dual working pressure to ensure quick and accurate profile clamping. There is an option of a 5 or 6 position tool holder for manual or automatic change operation and pneumatic rotation of the work table achieves angles of 0°, 90° and 180°. It is fully guarded for safety and has a pneumatically controlled front guard for ease of loading the material. UK Doors Online fabricates an impressive range of aluminium bifold, lift and slide and sliding patio doors, roller garage doors and entrance doors. It supports a growing customer base for the trade, commercial and domestic markets thanks to its product quality and proactive customer service. Matt Thomas, Area Sales Manager at award-winning Haffner Murat, commented: “Following our initial consultation with UK Doors Online, we recommended the Adir C Machining centre. As Andrew is finding, the machine speeds up production and is extremely user-friendly. We are delighted that UK Doors Online are pleased with their purchase.” Tel: 01785 222421 - www.haffnermurat.com

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

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

PRODUCT SEARCH

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REVOLUTIONARY FLUSH SASH NFA New Product of the Year, the revolutionary double-rebated flush sash Resurgence window from Liniar offers all the charm of a traditional timber window with the benefits of exceptional modern energy efficiency. Resurgence is designed with a range of fabrication options, from mechanically jointed to Timberweld® and is simple to install, with no glass bonding.

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Stocked in range of modern colours, Liniar’s most recent addition to its window suite delivers patented perfection. A UK first, with double co-extruded bubble gaskets and an external seal discreetly mounted out of sight, Resurgence looks as beautifully as it performs. For more information visit: http://www.liniar.co.uk/upvc-windows/resurgence/

LINIAR’S OUTDOOR RANGE CASH GENERATOR: THE DECALU 163 LIFT-AND-SLIDE DOOR Deceuninck Aluminium has launched the Decalu163 Lift-and-Slide aluminium patio door, part of the new aluminium system company’s expanding offer. A complete aluminium window and door offer, Decalu combines significantly reduced manufacturing times and increased installation efficiencies, with a dual-colour, textured and marine grade finish – as standard. Able to accommodate individual sash weights of up to 400kg, and with single, twin and triple-track options, the new Decalu163 offers a high degree of design flexibility. With a slim interlock and flush finish options, plus ultra-smooth operating and ‘light-touch opening, plus extensive colour choice, deliver additional end-user appeal. U-values are as low as 1.3W/m2k, with high performance pre-inserted and flush gaskets

and advanced thermal-breaking technology, guaranteeing thermal efficiency and weather sealing. Nigel Headford, Deceuninck Aluminium’s Business Development Director, said: “The Decalu163, is a highly engineered lift-andslide door. It accommodates incredible individual sash weights – up to 400kg – which creates real design flexibility.

Customers want more choice - and with Liniar’s outdoor range you can offer more than ever before! Liniar’s low maintenance PVCu decking and fencing ranges are designed, manufactured and stocked right here in the UK. Available in a range of styles, a variety of colours and a wide variety of accessories including foiled balustrades to match Liniar windows and doors, outdoor products are the idea opportunity to provide a fully matching finish with a single point of contact for guarantees.

As we progress through post-lockdown life, consumer enquiries for PVCu decking and fencing have skyrocketed – don’t miss out on the chance to provide homeowners with just what they want. Find out more: https://www.liniar.co.uk/outdoor-range/.

“And, the same as the rest of our offer, it’s available in dual-colour and marine grade finishes as standard. “It’s a premium aluminium lift-and-slide door but with increased manufacturing efficiencies and the price point at which we can supply it, generates high-margin opportunities for fabricators and installers. For more information call 01249 816 969, email deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk.

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

MARKETING

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WINDOWS

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SPECTUS VERTICAL SLIDERS DELIVER HERITAGE AUTHENTICITY FOR GRADE II LISTED BUILDING 130 Spectus Vertical Sliding windows have been used in the sensitive refurbishment of a prestigious Grade II listed building in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Sovereign Park House is set in a conservation area and had previously been converted into eleven superior apartments. As part of a wider programme of refurbishments on the property, 130 new windows were specified. Spectus Vertical Sliders were identified as the windows that would deliver the aesthetics required for a building in a conservation area and provide more thermally efficient and improved sound insulation for the occupants.

The Spectus specification team worked closely with all parties to develop the technical designs and specification approvals of the windows. The comprehensive Spectus inhouse commercial design facility provided exacting information that covers WER’s, structural, window loading and load bearing calculations and detailed section specification. Furthermore, sample windows were provided to help support the planning application. The authentic heritage appearance of the Spectus Vertical Sliders met all the aesthetic requirements required on such a sensitive conservation project and delivered the exacting standards the conservation

officers at Harrogate City Council were seeking. With 130 vertical sliding windows needing to be installed, the installation programme needed to be meticulously planned to minimise disruption of the occupants. The appointed experienced installer, Countrywide UPVC of Ormskirk, Lancashire has over 20-years’ experience in commercial projects. The team at Countrywide worked closely with all parties to plan an efficient installation programme which was completed in three months. The finished result has transformed the exterior of the apartments and has improved both the thermal efficiency and sound insulation of the homes. Paul Campbell, Director at Countrywide UPVC, said: “We were delighted to be invited to work on such a prestigious project. The new windows have sympathetically transformed the homes and we have already received feedback from the occupants that their homes are now warmer and quieter as a result.” Tel: 0808 178 3370 ww.spectus.co.uk

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE WITH FENTRADE’S ALUMINIUM FLUSH CASEMENT WINDOW The Flush Casement window market’s popularity continues to flourish for Fentrade Aluminium, with yearon-year sales growth for its aluminium Flush Casement windows. Chris Reeks, Director at Fentrade, said: “We know that high-end window products are gaining traction in the market place and this is something that our sales figures more than bear out.” Fentrade manufactures AluK’s aluminium Flush Casement window. The aluminium Flush Casement offers a perfect combination of slim sightlines and a flush finish making it an ideal product for contemporary new builds and refurbishment projects. Chris commented: “Our aluminium Flush Casement windows give our trade customers a competitive advantage due to the windows inherent strength and slimline flush aesthetics.” As you would expect from a Fentrade product, the quality of the window is exceptional and offers maximum weather resistance with advanced performance, versatility and security. The window has a

choice of slim sashes and a range of window configuration options that can be used to achieve a sleek, minimal aesthetic to suit any project. Smart features include double rebated friction stays on side-hung windows for greater weather protection in exposed locations. For a further level of security, all Fentrade’s Flush Casement windows feature YALE locking systems as standard. The Flush Casement windows are available in grey, white and black single and dual colours from stock, and any RAL colours are available on special order. Award-winning Fentrade Ltd is based in Newport, Wales, and works with trade and retail customers throughout Wales and the West and along the M4, M5 and M6 corridors. The company offers a range of high-quality aluminium products, prompt and efficient customer service and is a member of the Council for Aluminium in Building Chris concludes: “The demand for our aluminium Flush Casement windows reveal how market tastes are changing and how such feature-rich products are reaching the mainstream.” As the increase in orders for its aluminium Flush Casement windows show, if you have the right products in your portfolio, the opportunities are there. Tel: 01633 547787 www.fentradealuminium.co.uk

SPECTUS VERTICAL SLIDING WINDOWS FITTED IN PRESTIGIOUS NEW BUILD DEVELOPMENT 77 Spectus Vertical Sliding windows have been manufactured and installed in the first phase of a new 900 home development in Holbeach, Lincolnshire. The prestigious Holbeach Meadow Development features a mixture of one-five-bedroomed homes and is designed and built by Ashwood Homes. The Spectus Vertical Sliding windows were specified for installation in the new executive five-bedroomed detached homes on this first-phase. The new build project was awarded to Spectus’ fabricator Highseal Manufacturing Company based in Scunthorpe. Established in 2012, Highseal is an experienced fabricator and installer committed to delivering product excellence at every level. The business operates under stringent CE Markings and BSi Kitemark standards ensuring their products meet Approved Document Q requirements.

The Spectus Vertical Sliding windows were manufactured in anthracite grey on white with run-through sash horns and chrome hardware for traditional styling. Several sets of French doors were also manufactured in the Spectus Elite 70 system to complement the exacting specification of the new executive properties.

features of the properties. At the same time, we selected anthracite grey on white to provide a contemporary look and feel that is so popular with our customers.”

The popular Spectus Vertical Slider is a design-classic that sympathetically captures many of the key features of traditional window design combined with all the benefits of a modern-day window. This includes superb energy efficiency and smooth operating balance mechanisms that ensure ease of use for the homeowner.

The experienced HighSeal team worked closely with the developers to ensure the windows and doors were installed to the exacting standards throughout the first phase. Chloe said: “The Highseal team were very professional and helpful. The attention to detail was superb, including undertaking any snagging that was needed. We have been delighted with the quality of the windows and doors and feedback from our customers on the ease of operation has been excellent.”

Chloe King, Sales Manager at Ashwood Homes, said: “We specified sash windows on our five-bedroom executive homes to complement the high-end traditional

Ashwood Homes has over 25 years’ experience in the residential property market. Each development is carefully designed to provide a sense of space for

homeowners with exacting build standards maintained throughout. Commenting on the new development, Holly Donaldson of Highseal Manufacturing Company, said: “We were pleased to have been involved in this first phase new build project. Holbeach Meadow is a superb development and we are looking forward to delivering on the remaining phases with them.” Tel: 0808 178 3370 – www.spectus.co.uk

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

WHITECHAPEL APARTMENT BLOCK FEATURES DUALFRAME 75SI PERFORMANCE AND APPEARANCE One of East London’s fastest rising districts has a new apartment block where the outstanding weather performance and other benefits to the TECHNAL Dualframe 75Si windows have been key to meeting the project’s elevated aesthetic as well as technical aspirations. White + Green is a development of 144 one, two and three bedroom apartments, as well as Citi Pads, by Higgins Homes; where the design team was led by the acclaimed London architectural practice, CZWG. The fenestration package was delivered by Suffolk based window and door specialist, Allglass Anglia Ltd. Allglass was awarded the contract on the basis of its past performance and relationship with the client, the company also having made extensive use of Dualframe on a variety of schemes in the past: the versatile system being popular across a number of sectors including education, health and social housing as well as high end residential. Not only does the uniquely designed polyamide break help it offer U-values exceeding Part L energy performance requirements, but Dualframe was the first aluminium system to achieve an A++ Window Energy Rating with its tilt before turn window. Additionally, PAS 24 has been achieved on every style including pivots; while in Whitechapel, the windows also had to provide good acoustic performance to counter traffic noise. The Commercial Manager for Allglass, David Harvey, commented: “The Vallance Road development for Higgins Homes set quite a high specification in terms of acoustic and thermal performance, as well as having to meet enhanced

requirements on accessibility, with an M4:3 standard: affecting opening widths and threshold heights. TECHNAL Dualframe was client specified on the basis of our past relationship with the manufacturer and went through a long process with the client and architect to ensure the designs met all of their aesthetic and performance criteria.” Additional testing instigated by the project team for the Dualframe designs, and main entrance doorsets - produced using the WICLINE 75 system from TECHNAL sister company, WICONA - confirmed that the installations would exceed all of the wind and watertightness standards. Referring to the development where sale prices rise to above £800K, Higgins Homes’ Sales & Marketing Director, Jeremy Marcus, said: “When designing the apartments, especially the Citi Pads, it was never a question of compromising on the style or the wow factor. It was important to understand the type of residents who live in the area and create a development that would appeal to their sense of style and aesthetics, regardless of the size of the living space.” The project architect at CZWG, Anna Ifanti, added: “The finished job looks even better than we anticipated. On the basis of what we have seen procured for Vallance Road we would have no doubts to specifying TECHNAL in the future, as they demonstrate a reasonably good finish for a relatively competitive cost.” TECHNAL’s UK Sales Director, Allan Barr, reflected: “The Vallance Road project not only illustrates the performance and aesthetic attributes to the Dualframe 75Si system, but also the ability to combine it with Hydro’s other brand

offerings, with the technical expertise and contracting experience of Allglass ensuring the delivery of a façade package which met all of the development team’s aspirations. White + Green’s residents will enjoy excellent thermal and acoustic performance, as well as long-term weather resistance and high security from a stylish fenestration solution.” TECHNAL is part of the Hydro Group, a world leader in aluminium solutions. Through its globally renowned Hydro Technology Hubs, the group is shaping a sustainable future, with innovative products that satisfy and surpass customer expectations, in line with demands of CSR and increasing environmental regulations. For more information about TECHNAL, please visit: https://www.technal.com/en/uk/

AESTHETICS OR PRACTICALITY? WITH ECOSLIDE, YOU DON’T HAVE TO CHOOSE It’s a dilemma that thousands of homeimproving property owners have faced for decades. Do you pay through the nose for pricey windows that preserve the character of an older property? Or do you opt for a more cost-effective alternative, but risk spoiling the aesthetics that made you like the house in the first place? When couple Tom and Emma of Whitland, West Wales, found themselves in the same situation, they discovered that they could in-fact have the best of both worlds. The pair’s elegant double-fronted Victorian semi dates back to 1902, and had windows that matched that vintage – old, draughty, single-glazed timber sash windows that were well past their prime. Clearly, they needed replacing. But when it came to choosing exactly what to replace them with, they were torn. Part of them wanted to substitute like with like, and choose modern timber sash windows. But the options were very expensive, and would require extensive maintenance once installed – which led them to reluctantly consider basic PVC casements instead.

Thankfully, their local installer, All Seasons UPVC in Milford Haven, had another suggestion – high-performance ECOSlide PVCu sash windows from Victorian Sliders.

All Seasons went on to install eleven ECOSlide windows on the property, and, in the process, restore its turn of the century grandeur.

Once they’d seen ECOSlide’s authentic aesthetics up close, and learned that the system was virtually maintenance free and energy efficient, there was no contest.

“This project was a perfect example of exactly what ECOSlide was designed to achieve,” comments Victorian Sliders Group Managing Director Andy Jones.

“Nearly six million homes around Britain date back to before 1919 – more than a fifth of the UK’s total housing stock, which means that at least one in five British houses were built at a time when sash windows were the norm. However, in the intervening decades, many of those sash windows have been ripped out and replaced with ill-suited replacements. Others, as in Tom and Emma’s case, still have original timber products, but are now extremely old, and providing very poor performance. “With ECOSlide, we cover all bases – authentic-looking sash window products made of modern materials, that are much more cost-effective, and require only minimal maintenance. That’s why three thousand installers around the country use ECOSlide to appeal to homeowners like Tom and Emma. “If you’d like to learn more about how Victorian Sliders can help you break into the lucrative sash window market, don’t hesitate to get in touch.” For more information visit www.victoriansliders.co.uk or call 01269 846200.

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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FACE TO FACE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THIS MONTH: Geoff Barnett General Manager, Freefoam Building Products Geoff has a role at the heart of the company’s operation in the UK. Hear how Geoff become part of the PVC industry and find out about the role he has played in the site expansion and significant increase in production capacity.

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU... Where were you born and where do you live currently I was born in Chesterfield but have lived in Doncaster for the past 33 years.

Your education and the subject or activity in which you excelled

Inventors and Innovators – I love how people can have one good idea and spend their whole lives on the back of it.

Your favorite sports or interests

The job you do

No regrets at all.

The temptation you can’t resist Good food and red wine. I think there is nothing finer than a great dining experience with a fabulous bottle of red wine.

I always fancied being an airline pilot but more because I am fascinated by aircraft and flying. I think the reality would be a little repetitive which is not something I would enjoy. No day is the same in the job I do now.

When and how you joined the industry 1977 – I joined Brett Plastics (now Brett Martin) as an apprentice tool setter. They sent me off to college for 5 years to get my HNC in Engineering. I stayed there for 11 years before joining Polypipe in its early years, I had 16 years there before joining Chemix and then Freefoam in 2008.

Your biggest regret in life

What would you like to do if you weren’t in this industry

YOUR CAREER...

I went to a Grammar School (I passed my 11 plus exam). I excelled in Maths and English but also enjoyed sports and art. I left at 16 and went to Chesterfield College of Technology where I did my Engineering qualifications.

I love to play golf but my real passion is music. I play guitar and can get a tune out of most instruments. I really enjoy messing around with my very basic home recording studio and I also love to cook.

AND YOUR FUTURE...

Someone or something that inspires you

General Manager for the Northampton site. Previously Technical Operations Manager but now I have operational responsibility for the whole site. For the last 13 years I have seen, and been part of, some major developments to our production facility. We have had significant investment in our plant in order to develop a multi million pound mixing plant and to allow for year on year increases in our production capacity. The new role is a great challenge but I am really enjoying it. We have a strong and dedicated team of people here at Freefoam and with their input and

support I am hoping to bring about further continuous improvements in all operational departments in the business.

Your greatest achievement Obviously, this has to be my two children. They keep me grounded but also make me happy and proud every day. Later this year I will become a grandparent for the first time and I can’t wait.

A particular ambition Would still like to learn to fly, probably something basic like a microlight or an autogiro.

The way you want to be remembered Nothing pretentious, just as a decent and caring human being who was not afraid of working hard.

If you would like to appear in ‘Face to Face’, or would like to nominate someone else to be featured, simply email chris@glassnews.co.uk. 64

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Monthly News - Residential & Commercial Fenestration

If any part of your business involves aluminium, this is for you! Our publication topics and circulation covers the following: • CAB Members • Architects • Specifiers • Fabricators • Installers

• Wider Aluminium Market • Windows • Doors

• Conservatories • Shopfronts • Hardware • Machinery

• Building Construction • Cladding • Roofing • Structure

www.awindowintoaluminium.co.uk A Window Into Aluminium is produced in association with C-A-B (Council of Aluminium in Buildings)

ROOFING

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MAN AND MACHINE ARE KEY TO ICOTHERM’S GROWTH STRATEGY Icotherm’s biggest machinery investment to date was installed in February. In line with our business development plans, and in response to the ongoing growth in demand coming from the marketplace, we identified that for the company to build on its success we needed to increase our manufacturing capabilities with a sustainable, long-term solution, comments Anne-Marie Busch, Commercial Manager. This has translated into the acquisition of a brand-new machining centre, which will open up our capacity to cut timber to above our forecasted growth. The difference on our production line was felt from day one says Icotherm’s production manager, Joe Highwood. Our growth plans do not just include machinery, but also an expansion of the Icotherm network. Our enquiries come to us from all over the UK, so in an effort to make our system available to those that want it, in the most time and cost-efficient way, we have now entered into fabricator agreements with 2 companies: Green Lid Fabrication, in Taunton will look after installers in postcodes areas spanning between TR and SP, whilst Icotherm South East operates in NR, IP, CO, CM, RM, SS.

DID YOU KNOW? Icotherm offers 4 roof types: Icoroof, the original Icotherm pitched roof, pitched; Icoview, integrating the ever popular large fixed glass panels for the contemporary look and great light; Ico600, our unique low pitch solution, and Icospan, our popular flat roof. For more information info@icotherm.co.uk.

“The difference on our production line was felt from day one says Icotherm’s production manager, Joe Highwood.”

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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05/02/2021 14

FIT SHOW PREVIEW

FIT SHOW STRENGTHENS TEAM WITH KEY APPOINTMENT

FIT Show organisers have announced a key appointment to its FIT Show marketing team with the appointment of Zoe Wooster as portfolio marketing manager. Wooster joins FIT Show from Futurebuild where she spent three years as marketing manager and played an integral role in taking the sustainable built environment event independent.

The appointment comes at a pivotal time for FIT Show, hot on the heels of announcing its new September 26 - 28 dateline, and following on from the Government’s positively received ‘roadmap to recovery’ which will see the safe return of live events from June onwards. Wooster will work across each of the shows within the Montgomery Groups ‘Design & Build’ division, which includes FIT Show, Visit Glass, W Exhibition & Elements. She has a wealth of experience spanning 15 years within live events across the built environment sector, with a particular focus on sustainability. As well as marketing for Futurebuild, Zoe’s past roles have seen her work across events such as CIH Exhibition, Homes, RESI Conference and Awards (part of the

Property Week portfolio) and The Property Awards. Speaking about her appointment as portfolio marketing manager, Zoe Wooster said: “Like so many people, I’ve missed the buzz you get when you walk into an event and cannot wait to get back to the NEC for FIT Show in September. I am delighted to join the FIT Show team during such a key period for both the home improvement sector and live events industry as a whole.

“The built environment sector is very close to my heart and I have been fortunate to work with a plethora of leading experts and associations within this sector. I am looking forward to applying my skills and knowledge to FIT Show, where key themes such as sustainability are only going to grow in prominence.” FIT Show event director Nickie West added: “We’re very excited to announce Zoe’s appointment. With a wealth of experience within the built environment arena, gained across multiple live event platforms, Zoe is just the person we need to steer our portfolio of events through this period of recovery. “We’ve got ambitious plans to broaden the FIT Show proposition above and beyond the three physical days of the show, as well as lots of new feature and content ideas. Zoe will play an integral role in bringing these plans to fruition. I am sure that our FIT Show community will welcome Zoe with open arms and look forward to introducing them to her, face-to-face, in due course.”

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PURPLEX MARKETING & INSIGHT DATA

ANNOUNCE MAJOR PRESENCE AT FIT SHOW 21 Two of the fenestration industry’s leading brands have announced that they will have a major presence at FIT Show 2021 (September 26 - 28, NEC Birmingham). Purplex Marketing and Insight Data, part of the Ascot Group, will headline the ‘Marketing Village’ at FIT Show, as well as having a standalone presence with two exhibition stands. The ‘Marketing Village’ will provide a central point for exhibitors and visitors to access a dedicated programme of marketing-specific learning material, all headed up by experts from Purplex Marketing, Insight Data and guest speakers. FIT Show event director, Nickie West said: “Purplex Marketing and Insight Data are at the forefront of the industry when it comes to delivering an end-to-end marketing solution, powered by the most up-to-date data. It was a natural decision for us to partner with them in this way. In doing so, our audience will be able to benefit from their expertise via the new ‘Marketing Village’ as well as being able to speak with the expert teams from both brands on their respective stands.” Andrew Scott, MD of Purplex Marketing & Insight Data, added: “After an extended period of restricted face-to-face business, FIT Show is going to come at just the right time for the industry. We’re excited to bring our end-to-end marketing solution to FIT Show. and can’t wait for everyone to see what we have planned for the Marketing Village.” The announcement forms part of a wider partnership between FIT Show, Purplex Marketing, Insight Data and its Glazing

Summit conference. The companies have pledged to work together to deliver these two main events in the industry calendar. The Glazing Summit conference, organised by Insight Data and Purplex Marketing, brings together leaders from across the supply chain to discuss best-practice and debate industry trends and developments. The next event will take place on Thursday 21st October 2021 at the Edgbaston Conference Centre, Birmingham. Andrew Scott added: “The fact that the Glazing Summit follows FIT Show presents a further opportunity to bring the whole industry back together. The timing is perfect. People will be able to get a taster of what to expect from the Glazing Summit when it returns to Edgbaston Stadium soon after. Without giving too much away, we’ve got some really exciting content, speakers and features lined.” Speaking about FIT Show and its support of the upcoming Glazing Summit, Nickie added: “We were really impressed by the quality of content delivered at the first two Glazing Summits and knew we wanted to throw our weight behind its future editions. It perfectly complements FIT Show and serves as the only other major platform for our industry to come together, share best practice and raise the bar.” Purplex Marketing specialises in marketing for the construction, building products and home improvement industries, and marketing data and CRM software solution. Insight Data is the leading provider of marketing data and CRM software exclusively to the UK construction, fenestration and glazing industries. FIT Show is the UK’s number one, awardwinning showcase for the glass, glazing, window, door, hardware and components industry. FIT Show will return to the NEC 26 - 28 September 2021, Halls 17, 18 & 19.

FIT Show is the UK’s number one, awardwinning showcase for the glass, glazing, window, door, hardware and components industry. FIT Show will return to the NEC 26 - 28 September 2021, Halls 17, 18 & 19.

“We’re very excited to announce Zoe’s appointment. Zoe is just the person we need to steer our portfolio of events through this period of recovery." 68

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2021

GLASS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PYROGUARD PROVIDES A MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SOLUTION FOR ALGERIA GULF BANK HEADQUARTERS Seveme’s expertise in metal structure works combined with Pyroguard’s multi-functional range of toughened fire safety glass, Pyroguard Protect, enabled the build of the new Algeria Gulf Bank headquarters. Through the informed specification of additional counterpanes, the curtain wall of this futuristic building was able to achieve an EI120 fire rating, as well as effective solar control. Meanwhile in the internal lobby, where safety and style were key, a unique composition that combined both requirements was used. Home to one of the country’s leading banks, Algeria Gulf Bank (AGB) HQ comprises a pair of 25-storey twin towers rising from a shared base with five underground basement levels. Located on the El Biar district roundabout in Algiers, the architectural structure forms a pivotal landmark in the city’s skyline. Due to the scale and significance of the building, it needed to create the wow factor from both the outside and the inside. However, it was important that the aesthetically pleasing design and other practical benefits did not compromise on the building’s safety.

Tasked with designing, manufacturing and installing the external glass façades was specialists, Seveme. Miguel Sousa, Project Director, commented: “There were a number of factors that needed to be considered for this project. Firstly, because it is a bank, the building requires high levels of safety and security. As a country in North Africa, Algeria experiences high temperatures all year round therefore solar control was also important for the external application. The main challenge for us during the planning phase was to source a glazing system that could meet both of these specific requirements. “The client had high standards – not only in terms of glazing performance but for all aspects of the project. The goal from the beginning was to create a solution that combines safety, functionality, comfort and aesthetics – and we needed a curtain wall system that was certified to the highest EI120 classification. The capabilities of Pyroguard’s products and the research and development that goes into them, along with the knowledge and support from its technical team ensured that we were able to achieve this vision.” One of the major benefits of Pyroguard’s toughened range of fire safety glass is that it can be combined with additional counterpanes, whether acoustic, solar control, decorative or attack resistance, and can be used in various applications to meet individual project requirements. For the 24-floor lift shaft which runs up the spine of AGB headquarters and connects the two towers, Pyroguard T-E120/47-3 from the Pyroguard Protect range was coupled with a solar control IGU to create a truly multi-functional glazing system. Approximately 800m2 of the Pyroguard T-EI120 glass panes with the solar control layer was installed inside fire rated steel curtain wall, which will provide the lift shaft with integrity and heat insulation for 120 minutes in the event of a fire. It also delivers 1B1 impact classification, UV stability and strong acoustic performance. All Pyroguard products have been approved by Certifire, UK and Efectis, France. An Avis de Chantier project assessment was also provided and certified by Efectis to justify the conformity of Pyroguard T-EI120 in relation to this specific project. Moving inside the building, the well thought-out design offers the end users spacious and high-quality modern facilities. In the lobby on the ground floor, Seveme installed the same Pyroguard Protect product in the internal partitions. However, in place of a solar control counterpane, a black tinted screen was used for a decorative effect in line with the architect’s interior vision. This once again demonstrated the multi-functional benefits of the flexible Pyroguard toughened range and proved that safety does not need to compromise on aesthetics. Miguel Sousa concluded: “This was the first project that Seveme had undertaken with Pyroguard and it was a pleasure to work with them from beginning to end. The team advised us on the composition of the products and were able to manufacture them according to the bespoke requirements needed. They also supported us to obtain the necessary certificates and approvals. “We have really enjoyed working with Pyroguard and we are already in talks about using their solutions for another project. This next project will be completely different to AGB headquarters; it will be in Portugal, where we are based, showing the company’s ability to provide fire safety glass solutions for projects across various sectors around the world.” For more information about Pyroguard Protect range, please visit https://www.pyroguard.eu/en/fire-glass-products/pyroguard-protect/

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

STEP UP IN STYLE WITH TUFFX

A stunning home renovation in Winchester was finished off with a dramatic entrance hall featuring a staircase with laminated toughed glass supplied by TuffX. In keeping with the overall style of the revamped property, the staircase, featuring open risers and 17.5mm toughened and laminated glass, ensured an uninterrupted flow of light from the double height glassfronted property right through the entire hallway. Beech timber treads were chosen to complement the flooring, while the glass panels were bolted directly to the side of slim-line zig-zag steel stringers, which were powder-coated to match the property’s external doors and windows. The frameless glass panels were cut by TuffX to fit the stringer line, and then topped with a 50mm diameter beech handrail. The staircase brings together a mixture of textures, and has all the benefits of glass – light, airy and minimalist – complemented with the stylish, modern touch of steel and finished off with warm, homely beech accents. The result is a statement staircase in a dramatic entrance hall that is now flooded with light. “When it comes to unique, individual projects, with discerning customers who have specific requirements, we’re on it,” said TuffX’s Managing Director Graham Price. “If you have a customer looking for the wow-factor like this, TuffX is here to help – from advising on the best glass products to suit your needs, and producing it to exacting specs, to delivering it fast directly to where you need it throughout the UK.” /www.tuffxglass.co.uk

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COLD CALLING

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

DANNY WILLIAMS

‘COLD CALLING’

Each month our special correspondent Danny Williams* replies to a reader’s letter...

“We fit windows, doors, conservatories and a bit of roofline and to be honest we are having a pretty good time of it and the enquiries are still increasing. Will the bubble burst or can you see it continuing for a bit longer yet?” JH Hampshire Delighted for you JH and long may it continue. And whilst some of our installer customers are doing well, interestingly, it isn’t the same for all of them. That, I suspect, is down to the individual abilities of each company, their desire to build and grow and how hard they want to work. It has to be said, for any installer to fail during this period, even considering the world that we live in currently, they really would have to cock things up, or take a massive hit with a debt. Overall therefore, we too are doing OK. But we are focusing on the business that makes the money rather than going down the route of sales at any cost. And despite that – or even because of it - we have taken on a number of new punters this year and most with a recurrent theme: they have been let down, consistently, by their frame suppliers and especially during the past year with the blame for crap service being squarely laid at the door of the Coronavirus. It just doesn’t wash any more. What may still be described as a sales boom doesn’t look like ending any time soon; but what makes anything other than a big drop in revenues so remarkable is where we believed we would be this time last year. Having had to effectively shut up shop as home visits and installations were banned overnight, many wondered if they were ever going to open again.

encountered will be overcome by the sheer spirit of the British people to survive and prosper, whatever their feelings towards Brexit may be. But the powers that be in the EU will not let us go quietly and are already laying down beartraps to make the separation painful, as with so many divorces. Try and tell me that the ban on the AstraZenica vaccine was not politically motivated JH, that it is anything other than a shot across the bows to say ‘we can so anything we want to make things painful for you’. And also of course, to lay a smoke screen for the incompetent European leaders that continue to put politics before the welfare of their people. Stories abound of barriers put up by the Europeans to now make it difficult to export to the EU from the UK. But it is only difficult for those amongst us that can’t be arsed to make the effort to deal with the paperwork and bureaucracy. Yep, something extra to deal with but when there is a prize worth winning, it’s worth making the effort. But the Eurotoffs will not – cannot – make it easy for us and, if it won’t trip us up on its own, it adds to a number of issues that Blighty will have to deal with over the net few months. COVID-19: We are beating this damned disease and as I remarked earlier in this rant, it is incredible when we think back to this time last year. As I write, the latest lockdown has cut Covid deaths and hospital admissions by half and the vaccination programme is surging ahead. And even the most avid Remainer must feel pride that we have got that aspect of this fight against the coronavirus so right, when Fritz and Francois messed it up so masterfully! BUT…it ain’t over yet. And large swathes of our economy will be limping for some time with others, traditional retail for example, changed forever. My point here is that there is so much that we cannot predict any more than we could a year ago. But we can, at last, believe and look forward.

But here we all are, still struggling to cope with demand that shows no sign of letting up, even if it’s levelled off a little. So, will the bubble burst? Probably not but, at the risk of being a party pooper, there are a few negs that might at least take some of the shine off:

The Economy. Truth is, I was gobsmacked by the recent Budget. Whilst I never completed my Masters in Economics, like many others I expected some fairly tough tax increases to get us back on track. So when Rishi delivered the Budget with only corporation tax the major penalty yet still insisting the economy would be restored by 2025, I was relieved. But I cannot believe it will be that simple.

Brexit: My reader will know that I am a committed Brexiteer. And that I firmly believe that whatever problems

Even the ‘stealth’ increases in income tax are unlikely to deter Mr and Mrs Smith from forging ahead with their new

bifolds….but don’t write off the need for tougher taxation in some form being brought in later. If it seems too good to be true…. Materials and Component Shortages. Shortages in materials and components continue to dog our industry and, actually, all sectors. Steel for example: with the Chinese economy surging once again, the Factory of the World is hoovering up steel to become a net importer of the stuff for the first time in a decade. And despite us not seeing any problems for our connie sales across the Channel, reports of shortages in shipping and containers are impacting on everything, even evident when I decided to buy some new garden furniture for this year’s staycation; the nice stuff has delivery dates of June and July and even August on some sites. All down to shipping issues from China. Specifically for our industry, a recent warning went out about scarcities and price rises for steel reinforcement, whilst the PVC-U resin issues, caused by a series of plant failures around Europe and Scandinavia, continue to make their mark. And of course, the perennial of glass supply problems has reared its head, and with it speculation about the big makers operating a cartel, something that I really cannot subscribe to. Bad planning and other cock ups maybe, but price fixing would see bosses jailed this time round. And finally, Harry & Megan. Because since that interview, apparently sales of PVC-U windows in Balmoral, Sandringham and Windsor have nose-dived. Seriously though, the issues regarding materials and component shortages are the biggest threat of any of the issues I have cited, and the most likely virtual pin to burst your bubble JH. You might be pulling lots of orders, but will you be able to fulfil them? Will you change course as a result of this diatribe? I think not, any more than when you had your doors shut for you a year ago. The storm that we have weathered over the past year turned out to have lots of unexpected sunny spells and, so far this year the forecast is for more of the same. A shame that I will have to endure my old patio furniture for another year eh - hard life ain’t it?

* Danny Williams is managing director of Chelmsford based Pioneer Trading and has been involved with all aspects of the windows and doors industry for 35 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 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ADMINBASE EXTENDS POPULAR DASHBOARD FEATURE AND ENHANCES KPI REPORTING AdminBase, the web-based business management software system from Ab Initio, has extended its popular Dashboard feature – and enhanced its KPI reporting function – to make life even easier for its installer users. The dashboard-style format, currently available for reviewing contract statuses, has now been implemented on the AdminBase sales lead function, presenting the relevant

data in user-friendly pie charts that provide key information such as the number of customers awaiting quotes or appointments. An invaluable resource for installation companies, Dashboard allows users to create a checklist for every sales lead, with a traffic light system indicating each stage of the process ‘at a glance’. Green signifies the time allocated to complete a task, amber denotes that a task

is still pending, and red indicates that it is overdue, allowing users to assess the status of each sales lead quickly and efficiently. As well as the extension of the Dashboard feature, users are now able to design key performance indicator (KPI) reports in AdminBase with the addition of a graph creation function. Pie charts, bar charts and line graphs can now be created directly from AdminBase without the need to export the data to Microsoft Excel. This information can be sent straight from AdminBase as a live feed to be displayed in office spaces, which can be refreshed every few minutes to give real time performance data for sales teams.

Rhonda Ridge, managing director of AdminBase creator, Ab Initio, said: “The extension of Dashboard to cover sales leads and the new graph creation with livestreaming function for KPI reporting make AdminBase even quicker and slicker to use. Wasting time and money on administration to keep abreast of progress and stay in control is so unnecessary when AdminBase can do all the hard work for you. These new feature enhancements may appear simple but are highly effective tools to increase business efficiency which will prove to be invaluable to installers.” For more information go to: https://www.abinitiosoftware.co.uk.

As simple as sketching on a pad. book a demo www.tommytrinder.com

TT-Glass-News-Ad-half page-01-2021.indd 1 www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2021

02/02/2021 13:47:57

Are Unfair Claims Hurting SOFTWARE & IT Your Business?

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MAKE JOB MANAGEMENT EASIER WITH ONSITE 7

Onsite 7 the new cloudbased job management software designed for the trade by the trade, has been attracting attention from many installers looking to make job management more straightforward. Rhys Hoddinott, CEO at Onsite 7, said: “As industry people ourselves, we know what installers really need to manage their jobs efficiently. It’s why we’re seeing strong take-up at the moment.”

customers details, plus documents, notes and job information. Data is securely stored in the cloud so it can be accessed anywhere, any time. There’s a team calendar where installers can schedule their jobs. It helps ensure a smooth-running schedule and helps hem manage their teams’ time efficiently,

preventing clashes and gaps in workflows. Installers can allocate actions to a particular team member and track progress so there’s less risk of something ‘falling through the cracks’.

It provides an at-a-glance approach to see where a job has got to and whether action is needed. There are also downloadable reports to check on progress and track activity.

When it comes to monitoring progress, installers can check every stage of every job from sales and survey to install and service.

Then there’s the Onsite 7 app, where installers can upload evidence of completion at the end of each stage of a job. It ensures all matters between the business and the customer are accurately recorded in a single place, meaning there can be no dispute about what was agreed. Rhys says: “In our experience, disputes with customers frequently result from a disagreement between either what was supplied or when it would be supplied. In both cases, evidence is needed – and that’s exactly what Onsite 7 provides.” Michael Hollyer of Clearstyle Windows sums up the benefits of Onsite 7 by saying simply: “It is as if the software was designed specifically for my business.” Onsite 7 costs £20 + VAT per month per licence and provides impressive return on investment. Rhys concludes: “Onsite 7 makes installers more efficient in less than two weeks. Try it today to see what a difference it makes to your business.”

Every element of Onsite 7 has been carefully considered to add value to installers’ businesses.

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Using the Onsite 7 App Onsite 7 can edit your job stage headings, making them more bespoke to your business. eg. change the title ‘sales’ to ‘quotation’ or ‘survey’ to ‘first fix etc.

Are Unfair Claims Hurting Are Unfair Claims Hurting Your Business? Your Business? You and your team can capture every stage of your job Support

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Let Onsite 7's Job Management Software providing hard support and soft support help you toour grow your business and services. All of team are incredible experiencedclaims which helps get todone the prevent forthem work well. bottom of support requests, promptly and efficiently.

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Michael Hollyer

our

Leigh Barnes

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Having the ability, by customer, and on a job by job basis to allocate and review every step of the customer journey was incredible. It is as if the software was designed specifically for my business. Using Onsite 7 I can see the ‘sales stage’, ‘survey stage’ ‘install stage’ and ‘any service calls attended against the jobs. This allows me to review previous visits and action visits either assigned to myself or my team members.

The beauty of using Onsite 7 is that any person with the admin console access can find information, or photo/video evidence to relay to the customer.

In all honesty it was difficult to find a fault with the software and understood the reasoning as to why it was developed. It simply helps a trade business perform to its best and has certainly helped us provide evidence of the quality of our work, keep track of jobs and have comfort in being able to see footage/notes and photos being taken from site installations if we as company owners are not physically there ourselves.

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sales@onsite7.co.uk April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Offers &Offers Promotions & Promotions

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Get Get connected! connected! Introducing Introducing CONNECT, CONNECT, the industry’s the industry’s first fullyfirst fullyintegrated integrated digital digital resource resource platform. platform. Designed Designed specifically specifically to help to fabricators help fabricators and installers and installers work smarter, work smarter, drive sales driveand sales grow and their grow profits. their profits. OfferingOffering comprehensive comprehensive business business supportsupport and EXCLUSIVE and EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT DISCOUNT PROMOTIONS PROMOTIONS to add value to addtovalue your to business. your business. If you are If you an ambitious are an ambitious Fabricator Fabricator or Installer or Installer looking looking to to grow their grow business their business – Let’s Connect – Let’s Connect today today

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INSTALLER FOCUS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

FENSA POLLS APPROVED INSTALLERS IN NEW BUILDING REGS CONSULTATION FENSA Approved installers have been asked for their views in a survey towards the publication of the new, revised Building Regulations due for publication later this year which include making trickle vents mandatory together with the lowering of u-values and the increase in WER/DSER bandings for windows and doors. The poll is intended to gather views in relation to Approved Document F (Ventilation) and Approved Document L (Conservation of Fuel & Power) which deal specifically with the performance of windows and doors in domestic dwellings for new build, refurbishment and home improvement. The FENSA questionnaire asks installers questions designed to ascertain their awareness of the proposed regulations as well as their views on the proposed changes, which are likely to include a further reduction in U values for windows and doors, as well as the mandatory installation of trickle vents. The short survey also asks installers what they believe their homeowner customers think about trickle vents, including the potential impact on their decisions to buy new windows. The poll is unique in ascertaining installer attitudes towards the new Building Regulations and indeed, tests their awareness that such changes are taking place at all, with just under half of those responding declaring that they were not aware that Approved Documents L and F are currently available for consultation. A further question ‘Do you support the lowering of u-values and the increase in WER bandings for windows?’ brought an almost even split in the response. The proposed mandatory installation of trickle vents on all replacement windows drew a more emphatic response with almost 92% of respondents advising that they do not ‘…support the introduction of mandatory ….Trickle Vents…..’. When asked if they believed if homeowners would object to having trickle vents on all replacement windows, again the response was emphatic, that almost 97% of homeowners would ‘probably’ or ‘definitely’ object. Almost 80% or installers responding went as far as to respond that making

“The poll is unique in ascertaining installer attitudes towards the new Building Regulations.” 76

trickle vents mandatory will ‘probably’ or ‘definitely’ lose them business. The revised Building Regulations, being referred to as The Future Homes Standard, are being presented by the Government as plans to ‘radically improve the energy performance of new homes, with all homes to be highly energy efficient, with low carbon heating and be zero carbon ready by 2025.’ In its statement the Government added that new homes will be expected to produce 31% lower emissions from 2021, whilst existing homes will also be subject to higher standards, with a focus on extensions and the replacement of windows as well as other services. For replacement windows this means a reduction in the U Values from a minimum of 1.6 W/m2K to 1.4 W/m2K. FENSA Managing Director Anda Gregory commented: “Overall the proposed improvements in the performance of windows and doors in the Building Regulations are good news for FENSA Approved Installers, as homeowners seek to improve the performance of their homes. But it is important that installers make their feelings known, especially on subjects such as trickle vents, both through FENSA and direct to the Government, to ensure that the views of those in the front line are fully known and appreciated. It is emphatically clear from the survey that installers continue to be against the mandatory fitting of trickle vents and we hope that the government takes these responses into consideration in the consultation process,” she added. With the consultation ending on 13th April FENSA is asking Approved Installers to make their feelings known as quickly as possible by returning the survey, or by responding direct to the Government by emailing their views: FutureBuildingsStandardConsultation@ communities.gov.uk. www.fensa.org.uk

NATIONAL RETROFIT STRATEGY NEEDED TO UNDERPIN CITB SKILLS CHALLENGE, SAYS FMB Local builders must to be at the heart of meeting the skills and training needs set out in today’s CITB’s Building Skills for Net Zero report. This need would be best delivered by a new National Retrofit Strategy that brings together all the elements required to make our 28 million homes greener and more energy efficient, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The building industry will need thousands of new entrants, and strong leadership from the Government if we are to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, as the CITB rightly

sets out in its report Building Skills for Net Zero. The report refers to ‘clearer signals’ from Government but given the failure of previous green initiatives over the last decade there is an urgent need for the Government to take action ahead of COP26 and commit to a longterm energy efficiency retrofit strategy, that is backed by public investment, to provide confidence to both builders and householders. Only then will we create the demand for training and upskilling that is needed to bring in new entrants and unlock the workforce of the future.” Berry concluded: “Small to medium-sized (SME) builders need to be at the heart of transforming our built environment if the net zero target is to achieved. I therefore welcome the CITB’s commitment to utilising the Skills and Training Fund, aimed at SMEs, to support upskilling. The FMB is calling on the CITB to lift the cap on the Skills and Training Fund so that grant is provided according to need, so that builders are not held back from investing in their people.” www.fmb.org.uk

CUT VAT ON HOME IMPROVEMENTS TO REVERSE DROP IN BUILDING ACTIVITY, SAYS FMB The Government must cut VAT on home improvement works to reverse the worrying drop in private repair and maintenance activity, and to put more cash in householders’ pockets to make their homes fit for the future, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the ONS construction output data published today. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “If the Government is serious about levelling-up, creating jobs and decarbonising our homes, then it needs to cut VAT on home improvement works and back local builders who employ tens of thousands of people and in each

community across the country. Independent research conducted for the FMB has found that if the Government cut VAT on home improvements to 5% for a temporary 5-year period, this would generate an economic boost worth £51 billion and unlock almost 345,000 jobs, both in construction and the wider economy. This would swiftly reverse January's worrying fall in private repair and maintenance of 4.7%, and as in 2021 alone the benefits are likely to include a £9.5 billion stimulus and more than 64,000 jobs.” Berry concluded: “Households are more likely to install green measures if they are doing larger home improvement projects, so cutting VAT alongside the Green Homes Grant scheme would help boost our transition towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, we can’t make the progress that is needed without a long-term plan. That’s why the FMB is calling on the Government to deliver a twenty-year National Retrofit Strategy that provides businesses and consumers with the confidence they need.” www.fmb.org.uk

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

INSTALLER FOCUS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

AS IF BY MAGIC...

Tommy Trinder’s Magic Paintbrush - a “game changer” when modelling colour options for clients. Long gone are the days when windows were white or woodgrain. But since colour exploded onto the scene installers have struggled to find ways to demonstrate the burgeoning range of options that are available.

Enter The Magic Paintbrush from Tommy Trinder; a slick, one click function that allows users of their Framepoint® app to suite

the colour of all items in a quote in seconds. One click on The Magic Paintbrush and you have the option to suite the colour of all items in a quote; frames, sashes, cills, add-ons, internal and external finishes can all be cloned in a click. Colours can be applied regardless of material or product type. For example, if your quote includes an Aluminium bifold, PVCu door and some timber sash windows you can suite the colour of all those items in one go by clicking The Magic Paintbrush. Photos of the client’s home are simultaneously updated too, allowing customers to visualise the effect of their colour choices in real time;

a source of wonder for homeowners according to founder, Chris Brunsdon: “There’s real wow factor to our new Magic Paintbrush feature,” says founder Chris Brunsdon. “There’s lots of ooohhhs and ahhhsss when you show homeowners how their house looks in a range of colours, in a click!” With over 170 foil choices within Framepoint®, and well over 500 paint finishes - the firm felt it was important to be able to navigate options quickly: “Saving time is one of the number 1 priorities amongst Framepoint® users,” explains Chris. “We see this launch as the first in a series of updates that internally has come to be known as the “Save Hours Suite”. Further development of this feature will allow Framepoint® users to clone any aspect of an item instantly; for example, with one click to modify leads, Georgians, handle choices, joint types, mouldings etc across an entire quote composed of any product and in any material.” The Framepoint® app is available by subscription from £95 a month. Installers can find out more at www.tommytrinder.com.

GLAZERITE OUTLINES 2021 INVESTMENT PLANS TO HELP INSTALLERS MEET GROWTH ASPIRATIONS The Glazerite UK Group Ltd has announced a series of investments designed to leverage growth potential for those installer partners looking to stake their claim. Totalling £500,000, the leading trade fabricator’s investments demonstrate a commitment to its customers and the Group’s own long-term aspirations. A significant part of the investment will increase Glazerite’s capacity and how it manufactures its flush sash products to accommodate the rise in market demand, with the installation of new machinery at its Glazerite East site in Peterborough taking place next month. Refurbishment of key equipment at its Wellingborough plant has also been undertaken to improve product quality, while new hanging benches and racks have been installed at its Specials Division. The fabricator has also added new vehicles to its fleet in order to enhance its delivery service. Robert Brearley, Glazerite’s Group Managing Director, says: “We have ambitious growth plans for both our business and our customers and investment is key to achieving those aims. “In addition to new equipment we’re also investing in our marketing support packages, which will be rolled out this year.

This includes a fresh new branded website and a social media toolkit, which will help our installers showcase their products and services to customers. Our marketing team is continually developing tools and assets to support our installers, giving them access to resources that will help elevate them in their own markets.” Glazerite has also been putting the finishing touches on last year’s set of investments, which saw major expansion and the installation of a brand-new showroom at its North West site in Bolton. Rob adds: “Over the last few months, we’ve taken stock of where we are as a business and what improvements we can make across the Group. We’re in the process of rolling out a continuous improvement strategy to optimise efficiencies and allow for greater visibility of the end-to-end process. Alongside investment this will bring obvious improvements to our service levels, from lead times through to quality and performance, at a time when the industry is gearing up for growth in areas like foiled and flush sash products. “Glazerite is focused on delivering the very best for our installer partners and, after a challenging time for us all, we’re looking forward to the year ahead.”

EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS LAUNCHES CONNECT Epwin Window Systems has launched Connect, a new industry-leading integrated digital resource centre designed to help its customers make the most of their partnership with the systems company. Gerald Allen, Marketing Manager at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Our customers have access to a wealth of cutting-edge business, technical, commercial and marketing support and the new Connect digital platform brings all these elements and more together in one integrated resource centre.” Recognising the importance of new technology to realign support services, Connect has purposely been designed to help fabricators and installers access the vast range of business support available and in doing so, help them drive sales, grow profit and simplify the access points. The fully integrated resource platform connects all the various business support elements for a superior user experience. The level of detail within the platform is exemplary and offers the industry’s most comprehensive fabricator and installer support package to enhance, create and source a range of services across all business areas. This

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2021

includes sections highlighting all the marketing support that is available, including everything from image libraries to bespoke creative services and brochure downloads. Technical documentation is available on all Epwin Window Systems’ products and a section on the support for commercial fabricators, including information on becoming

an Approved Commercial Manufacturer to unlock further opportunities. There are details on the various affiliate programs and exclusive discounts that customers can tap into from the various Epwin Windows Systems’ approved industry partners. Gerald said: “Epwin Window Systems’ scale means we can give our customers a great deal of added value over and above our industry-leading window and door systems. The Connect portal reveals just how comprehensive that support is and delivers exclusive opportunities to add real value to their businesses.” Connect works across desktop, mobile and tablet so Epwin Window Systems customers can access all the information they need 24/7. Epwin Window Systems is the UK’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of award-winning PVC-U and aluminium window and door systems. It also offers unrivalled expertise and customer support, which the new Connect digital resource centre demonstrates. Tel: 0845 340 3968 – www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

INSTALLER FOCUS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SOCIAL SELLING, ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW FROM FREEFOAM Social Selling Toolkit 2021 Top tips for running Facebook and Instagram social media adverts Spending even just a small amount on social media channels can make your content go a long way. It may seem daunting to run your own Facebook and Instagram adverts, however it’s a very powerful tool, that with a little bit of practice, is something that could be very worthwhile for installers to do.

1. Get yourself informed We recommend Facebook’s online course, it’s simple, quick and easy for you to get going and get a good understanding of Facebook advertising: https://www.facebook.com/business/learn/series/guide-tostarting-with-facebook-ads-manager?curriculum_id= 399243460690588

2. Research your audience

5. Get help in installing the Facebook pixel The Facebook pixel is an analytics tool that allows you to measure the effectiveness of your advertising by understanding the actions people take on your website. You can use the pixel to make sure that your ads are shown to the right people. This is the most technical part of Facebook advertising, therefore, we advise you get some help from a website developer. The pixel will certainly help in gaining you more leads.,

6. Timing is key Scheduling your adverts is not only a great way to free up your time and not distract you from daily jobs, it will make the performance of your adverts stronger too. Schedule your adverts when your audience are most likely to be on social media and this will help to spend your money more efficiently. Use Google Analytics to look at when people are visiting your site.

7. Share compelling video visuals It’s commonly known that videos perform better on social media, but with them taking such a long time to create and requiring a special skillset, what can installers do? There are plenty of video platforms that make design simple. Two we recommend are Canva and Biteable.

Research your audience and target relevant key interests to ensure your content reaches more of the right people. A few key words Freefoam recommend are: home improvements, roofing, renovation, home renovation, rain gutter, gutters, installation and repair services, siding, cladding (construction)

3. Select an area radius When building an advert, it’s important that the advert reaches the right location. Pick a town and then Facebook allows you to target that area within a certain radius, for example 30k, 40k, 50k.

4. Choose an objective Choose the right objective for your business. • Raise Awareness = Reach goal on Facebook • Getting people to consider your business = Website clicks goal on Facebook • Getting leads = Lead goal on Facebook via the pixel

8. Test, analyse and learn Analysing your results is crucial to ensuring you’re getting the most for your money. Facebook and Instagram have many insights that can help improve your advert performance. Look into what day of the week, time, age group, gender, and interests are driving the most results for you. Don’t be afraid to test different adverts against each other and see what works best for you. Start with a small budget and increase it slowly when you find what works best for your business.

Freefoam Building Products has released a new document of guidelines to help roofline and cladding installers promote their business and services on social media. Spending even just a small amount on advertising through social media channels can make your content and posts go a long way. It’s a very powerful tool to showcase your business to local homeowners while they are browsing Facebook or Instagram. But many installers find it daunting to run their own Facebook and Instagram adverts, so Freefoam have developed a step by step guide with all the information business owners will need to get started. The document includes details of each stage of setting up adverts, from information about a free online Facebook course, ideas on how to target an audience to make sure adverts reach the people who will be interested in a particular service, tips on

"The Registered Installer Scheme is part of Freefoam’s comprehensive support package for all home improvement companies. Support on offer goes beyond great products and guarantees to help installers grow, with a comprehensive range of high quality consumer focused marketing literature, samples and colour swatches to help the decision making process and free pre-qualified leads generated from Freefoam’s consumer-facing websites myfascia.co.uk and mycladding.com."

adding tracking code so that Facebook shows adverts to the right people and advice on scheduling to ensure adverts are shown when the chosen audience are most likely to see them. And that’s not all! Freefoam are also developing short snappy videos of each stage to show installers exactly what to do. Louise Sanderson UK Marketing Manager explained, “Using our experience we find that the combination of a document to follow and videos to illustrate different techniques are the best way of sharing this information with installers.” Being able to promote and sell your business on social media is essential in todays market. Homeowners look at Facebook and Instagram every day. Having adverts to showcase roofline and cladding work, while they are browsing, is a really powerful tool. Freefoam are committed to giving help and support to it’s network of Registered Installers and want to make sure all installation companies have the tools to capitalise on this opportunity. The document will be emailed directly to all installers, be included in newsletters and be available to download from freefoam. com. The series of videos will be posted on Freefoam social media platforms and available to refer to on YouTube. The Registered Installer Scheme is part of Freefoam’s comprehensive support package for all home improvement companies. Support on offer goes beyond great products and guarantees to help installers grow, with a comprehensive range of high quality consumer focused marketing literature, samples and colour swatches to help the decision making process and free pre-qualified leads generated from Freefoam’s consumer-facing websites myfascia.co.uk and mycladding.com. If you are interested in becoming a Freefoam Registered Installer please go to https://www.myfreefoam.com/installers

View Installer Digital Toolkit here View first video here

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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INSTALLER FOCUS

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VELUX REWARDS SCHEME OFFERS UP TO £35 FOR PURCHASES THIS SPRING

– INSTALLERS AND BUILDERS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EXTRA REWARDS WITH TOP RETAIL AND HIGH STREET BRANDS WHEN PURCHASING SELECTED ROOF WINDOWS – Construction industry professionals and homeowners across the UK and Ireland can now benefit from an extra rewards boost this spring, thanks to roof window manufacturer VELUX®.

March and April only VELUX is offering £35 of rewards for every white polyurethane roof window. Ideal for bathroom and kitchen projects where daylight is key and rooms can be at risk of condensation.

The extra rewards are redeemable at a range of retailers and restaurants including wellknown brands Argos, M&S, John Lewis, Adidas and Tesco. The last day customers can submit a claim is

14 May 2021. 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 Express and did our entire Christmas food shop at M&S!”

Introduced in 2015, VELUX Rewards is a scheme designed to provide installers, builders and homeowners an opportunity to further benefit from buying roof windows from the premium roof window brand by providing access to vouchers redeemable at top high street and online brands each time they make a purchase. Rewards can be claimed for all purchases of VELUX roof windows, flat roof windows, sun tunnels, blinds or selected combination flashings throughout the year.

Scott Leeder, Market Director from VELUX said: “Spring is traditionally a busy time for the industry, with homeowners keen to expand their homes in time for summer. With renovations keeping installers busy, we were keen to provide an extra boost to our rewards scheme to ensure installers, builders and homeowners benefit even more by choosing VELUX. The range of rewards mean that there’s something for everyone, including home tech and furnishings. Sign up now and you could earn literally hundreds of pounds worth of rewards just by purchasing VELUX products.”

While rewards typically range from £3 to £30 depending on the product, for this

To receive rewards from VELUX, upload your invoice at www.velux.co.uk/rewards

FAMILY-RUN JOINERY BUSINESS SCOOPS FENSA INSTALLATION OF THE YEAR Nathan McCarter Joinery, a Tavistockbased joinery business specialising in timber windows and doors, has scooped the FENSA Installation of the Year 2020 award, beating-off stiff competition from more than 500,000 other installations.

our own and we would like to thank our amazing team for their hard work and dedication; the endless support of our families and, of course, all of our customers." The FENSA Installation of the Year 2020 winner was announced as part of the GGP Installer Awards 2020, which took place on 18 March 2021, via a virtual ceremony due to the Covid-19 pandemic. www.fensa.org.uk

“The winning entry from Nathan McCarter Joinery was truly outstanding and it exemplifies the talent and professionalism that exists amongst our Approved Installers. We’d like to congratulate the company on this fantastic achievement.”

All installations carried out by FENSA Approved Installers are automatically entered into the annual Installation of the Year competition but to make the final shortlist – from which the ultimate winner is eventually chosen – a project must receive five stars from both the homeowner and FENSA’s assessor. Chris Beedel, FENSA Head of Membership said: “The standard of entries this year has been exceptionally high during challenging circumstances for our FENSA Approved Installers. Operating during the Covid-19 pandemic, they have navigated lockdown uncertainty, unprecedented consumer demand and supply instability to deliver some amazing projects. “The winning entry from Nathan McCarter Joinery was truly outstanding and it exemplifies the talent and professionalism that exists amongst our Approved Installers. We’d like to congratulate the company on this fantastic achievement.” Nathan McCarter, founder and owner of Nathan McCarter Joinery, said: “As a family-run business, we were proud and excited to have been shortlisted for the award. But to hear the announcement and discover we had won has left us lost for words. Everything we do goes into giving our customers the best service we can, from start to finish, to create beautiful, handcrafted products they can enjoy for generations to come. But we couldn’t have done it on

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

INSTALLER FOCUS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

AJS WINDOW INSTALLATIONS LTD WOWS KENDRICK HOMES WITH RESURGENCE After completing hundreds of projects over the last three decades to an exacting standard, AJS Windows of Smethwick, Birmingham has more than earned its reputation for delivering high-quality products and unrivalled customer service. In 2019, AJS’ Managing Director Scott O’Sullivan was contacted by one of the company’s biggest clients, new build developer Kendrick Homes. The developer had a specific request for upcoming projects throughout the West Midlands. “Kendrick Homes asked us to provide flush sash windows - but they needed them to have triple glazing,” comments Scott.

“As a long-time Liniar fabricator, we’ve been manufacturing standard Liniar flush sash windows for years, but these are only able to accommodate double glazing. We’d heard about Liniar’s recently-launched 80mm double-rebated flush sash window range, Resurgence and knew it could be triple glazed. We contacted our Regional Sales Director Ken Allen and asked for a sample to show the client – if it fitted the bill, we would be able to look at adding Resurgence to our range. “Once we received the sample window and saw how excellent the quality of Resurgence was, we took it to Kendrick Homes – and they absolutely loved it. We knew with the constant stream of projects we work on for Kendrick Homes that this would be the perfect addition to our product range - and immediately got the ball rolling with Liniar to order the necessary tooling to begin fabricating Resurgence windows.”

SETTING UP FOR RESURGENCE “Liniar reacted quickly when we put in our tooling request for Resurgence. Whilst the tooling up process was efficient and easy, we did have a few teething problems when learning the new fabrication process, as the double rebate means it’s the first of its kind in the UK,” comments Scott.

full production, making more than 150 Resurgence frames per week! “We’re happy to say that we’ve had zero issues when installing Resurgence. The installation process is identical to that of a standard Liniar 70mm casement window; it’s an exceptional product.”

Resurgence windows have turned out and have ordered more for other projects currently in the works. We’re also working with a trade customer who wants to supply these revolutionary windows to the construction industry in the West Midlands,” comments Scott.

THE PROJECTS

WORKING WITH LINIAR

The first Kendrick Homes projects to use Resurgence windows fabricated by AJS Window Installations Ltd are located in Coventry and Worcester. Both developments offer exclusive, high-end homes built to a high standard with sleek finishing touches.

“The working relationship between Liniar and AJS is stronger than ever in this everchanging, competitive industry, and that’s primarily down to our Liniar Representative Ken Allen. He is always more than happy to help and has a genuine sense of care for our business. It makes a huge difference - we never feel like just another client.”

“Kendrick Homes ordered the windows in the highly popular shade of Agate Grey on white. The customer was delighted with Resurgence because of its traditional appearance with the added benefit of exceptional energy efficiency. “The finished projects are stunning. The customer is pleased with how the

View the full range of products from AJS Window Installations Ltd at http://ajswindowsbirmingham.co.uk. For more information about the UK’s first double-rebated PVC-u flush sash window, Resurgence by Liniar, visit www.liniar.co.uk/resurgence.

“From the four fabrication methods available, our preferred method for Resurgence was mechanically jointed, to give an authentic finish. We were also confident in selecting this method, as the system had passed all testing on mechanical joints with flying colours. “At first, the manufacturing process was much slower than we were accustomed to. However, with the help of Liniar’s Technical Support team, our manufacturing team was soon up to speed on the new fabrication method – and we’re now we’re now in

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2021

INSTALLER NETWORK

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT IN A FABRICATOR

Peter Smith, Sales Manager for the Glazerite UK Group, looks at what makes a good supplier and highlights how Glazerite approaches its own customer partnerships.

of his installs, as well as the industry and technical knowledge on offer from both Glazerite and VEKA. He says: “Glazerite and VEKA assist us with technical advice in a number of areas, including wind load calculations and specifications. Our installs are often large in scale and challenging and sometimes demand non-standard specs, so their advice is really helpful. Glazerite is also able to tailor deliveries to suit our projects, which makes a real difference.”

Whatever the size of your business, end market or offering, working with the right fabricator and systems company is crucial. But what should be a given from a supplier, and what is a nice-to-have? For Glazerite one of the key things we look for from our own suppliers is an open and honest partnership, as well as highquality products and added value services. Working together with the likes of the VEKA Group has also made us stronger in terms of transparency of the supply chain and future plans, which we are then able to communicate to our own customers. Like Glazerite, VEKA doesn’t stand still when it comes to portfolio expansion and customer support. The scale of VEKA’s operations is also matched by their

As well as products and services, another good test of a supplier is being able to develop strong working relationships with the people you’ll be in touch with most. In Shahzad’s case, I’m usually his first point of call, and we work closely together to sort through any queries, supported by Glazerite’s technical and customer service teams.

Peter Smith

customer service, and the strong working relationship we’ve built with them is one we seek to emulate with our own customers. Our installers have told us they choose to work with us for a range of reasons. Often their reasons are dependent on the

size of their business or their primary customer base. As a fabricator, it’s our aim to be a best-in-class supplier to all of our customers, regardless of their size or market, and we look to tailor our services accordingly to match their own individual needs. We recognise that the needs of our commercial installers are often different from those who might concentrate largely on homes for example. Where commercial installers might be looking to access in-depth product knowledge, technical support or tailored and flexible deliveries, installers working in people’s homes might prefer a broad choice of product and colour, short lead times, enhanced warranties or marketing support. For Manchester-based Arctic Seal MCR Ltd, a commercial installer responsible for largescale window and door installations across the UK, it was both the knowledge and insight we could offer and the quality of the VEKA products we fabricate that made working with us their first choice.

Veka profile at Glazerite

Owner and Managing Director, Shahzad Ashraf praises the quality of the VEKA M70 product, which makes up the vast majority

Issue resolution and product choice are another area to look for in a fabricator, and both were top of the list for St Helens-based installer and fabricator Qualplas when they began looking for a VEKA fabricator in 2013. The company has built a strong reputation in the North West for the quality of their trade, retail and commercial installs and it’s one they wanted to maintain. Another key factor for Qualplas choosing Glazerite was the range of VEKA products on offer that they weren’t able to fabricate themselves, including vertical sliders, flush sash windows, and Imagine bi-folding doors. Today, around 95% of the uPVC frames Qualplas install are supplied by Glazerite, while they concentrate their own fabrication capability on aluminium. Aron McMahon, Operations Director for Qualplas says: “Glazerite is an extremely well-run professional company to deal with and offer a wide variety of products, including the full VEKA range. Their products are high in quality and we’ve built a great relationship with Glazerite operations and customer service teams. “Any issues are quickly resolved, and we also take advantage of their technical and

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

INSTALLER NETWORK

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

marketing downloads and their technical department when specifying certain work.” For smaller installers focusing on residential properties, it’s the tailored and flexible approach to customer service that makes the difference. Tracey Myers, who runs Morecambe-based TLC Windows, believes the key to a good fabricator is a good working relationship and proactive account management. She says: “I have a great relationship with the customer service team at Glazerite and they always go the extra mile to help. They keep me up to date and always respond when I need them to, and their service is really flexible.” Tapping into added-value services can be a real differentiator for a business, particularly those like marketing support, which can really set you head and shoulders above your competitors. Having access to other benefits like enhanced warranties and attractive guarantees can also close a sale. For installers focusing on domestic installs, working with suppliers who recognise and respond to customer trends and expand their products and services accordingly is key, especially if the offering is matched with short lead times and reliable service and delivery. Whether it’s a mix of window styles, a broad range of colours, smart

“Glazerite is an extremely well-run professional company to deal with and offer a wide variety of products, including the full VEKA range. Their products are high in quality and we’ve built a great relationship with Glazerite operations and customer service teams.” www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2021

technology, premium hardware or having the Ultion cylinder fitted as standard, having access to a comprehensive portfolio certainly helps installers stand out. Glazerite has been in the business for over 20 years and in that time, we’ve sought not only to enhance our products and services range but back it up with the latest in technology, such as online ordering, and investment into our operations and people. Over the last few months alone we’ve pumped £500,000 into new machinery and delivery vehicles designed to match the growth aspirations of our customers, on top of the recent introduction of Timberweld® technology for the fabrication of our Residence Collection portfolio. This has opened doors for some of our customer base, who are taking advantage of the easier transportation of unglazed R9 and specifying the products for the first time.

Ready for delivery

Meanwhile, we’ve further invested in the marketing tools we can offer our installers, with the launch next month of a fresh, new-look website our installers can use for themselves. We currently support around a third of our customer base with marketing support, giving them access to tools such as a website they might not necessarily have the resource or budget for in-house. Finally, another key area to seek in a supplier is communication, something that has been even more important than ever of late following lockdowns, supply chain disruption and subsequent delays impacting installers further down the line. Since the pandemic first hit our shores in early 2020, we’ve sought to communicate as frequently and honestly as we can with our customers, and we’ve certainly appreciated the loyalty they’ve shown in return. Looking ahead to the rest of 2021, it’s heartening that business is strong for many of our installers, and we want to keep ensuring we match their needs with quality, performance and tailored services designed to keep them at the top of their game.

Arctic Seal install in Swindon

INSTALLER NETWORK

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THE RIGHT SUPPORT

TO GET AHEAD

Colin St John, Freefoam Commercial Director says installers need the right support from suppliers to get ahead. Freefoam offers marketing support, product guarantees and quality leads to give installers the edge

There are lots of reasons for installers to feel positive in 2021 – the home improvement market is very strong, and the premium sector in particular is growing well. In what has been an extraordinary 12 months, house prices are still rising and homeowners have amassed huge savings (£100 billion by the end of 2020) to spend on their properties. Colour, heritage and other aspirational products such as bi-folds and premium patio sliding doors are still important trends, but there is also growing demand for home offices and garden rooms as people want to create more space to live and work. Cladding is a great way of creating a garden office or upgrading an existing outdoor structure, and Freefoam cladding sales have skyrocketed over the past year. These trends are great news for installers who want to grow. But it’s vital these installers offer the right product mix, with the support of the right suppliers to get ahead.

FREEFOAM GIVES CUSTOMERS THE TOOLS TO SELL MORE Freefoam works closely with stockists and installers to give them the products they need to sell more. For example, we led the way with coloured roofline because we saw

A recent Freefoam cladding installation

MEANINGFUL PRODUCT GUARANTEES

Freefoam Commercial Director Colin St John

the emerging trend in windows and doors, and recognised that homeowners wanted roofline to match their new foiled windows. To give installers an edge over competitors, we supply a wide choice of colours to meet homeowner demand. Choice is matched with quality and our Colormax technology is one of the most technically advanced colour processes for roofline and rainwater, giving high colourfastness and long-lasting performance. Meanwhile, Freefoam’s range of cladding solutions, including our Fortex and X-Wood brands let installers offer their homeowner customers a low-maintenance, long-lasting cladding solution with a choice of finishes and attractive colours.

Product guarantees are an important part of our offering because they give homeowners extra peace of mind. So, we offer a 20-year guarantee on white roofline, and 10 years on colour roofline and cladding. Freefoam Registered Installers get an extra boost with our market-leading 50-year Lifetime Extended Guarantee, which installers tell us is a great selling tool. Jason Large, Director of Simply Roofline explains: “The [Freefoam] lifetime guarantee gives us an edge over our competitors as not all companies offer this.”

SUPPORT TAILORED TO INSTALLERS Freefoam installers also benefit from comprehensive marketing support which includes brochures, POS, samples and social media toolkits. Our network of registered installers also get quality homeowner leads direct from Freefoam’s consumer-facing websites: www.myfascia. co.uk and www.mycladding.co.uk. Ashley Marvin, Managing Director NG Roofline Windows & Doors sums up the advantages of Freefoam’s support: “We’re a Freefoam

registered installer because they offer great choice, service, marketing support, and unbeatable product guarantees.” Jason Large of Simply Roofline adds: “We buy through an independent stockist but our relationnship with Freefoam is terrific. They provide marketing support and we get leads from the customer-facing websites, as well as recommendations via word-of-mouth and through platforms such as Check-atrade, Twitter and Facebook.”

CELEBRATING HOME TRANSFORMATIONS IN 2021 Supporting installer customers is a way of life at Freefoam and this year we’re celebrating installers’ ability to transform properties with our ‘Home Transformation’ photography competition. We’re inviting installers to send in pictures of properties they’ve helped to transform, with a new winner and prizes announced each month. Installers can enter by visiting www.facebook.com/FreefoamUK or emailing ukmarketing@freefoam.com. Learn more about Freefoam’s installer support by visiting www.freefoam.com, following Freefoam on our social media channels and watching our latest customer videos at https://bit.ly/3dwLv0P.

A recent Freefoam roofline installation

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

CHARITY NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GM FUNDRAISING MOVES PEAK, PADDLE, PEDAL TO 2022 GM Fundraising has announced its 2021 Peak, Paddle, Pedal charity event to raise money for Hope House Children’s Hospices has been further postponed until 2022. Gary Morton, the founder of GM Fundraising, said: “Having already postponed our scheduled 2020 event back to 2021 due to the pandemic, we are disappointed to reschedule again. With pandemic restrictions still in place, this has prohibited the ability to undertake the team’s extensive one:one training programme that is needed for such an event. In light of this situation and the short timeframe to raise funds, we feel it was the sensible and responsible thing to do.” The 12 members of the Peak, Paddle, Pedal team will now climb Snowdon, canoe 150 miles down the length of the River Severn and cycle 150 miles back to Hope House in Oswestry from 30th July, 2022. With several large-scale fundraising events being postponed or cancelled over the last twelve months, support for Hope House has never been so vital. Gary said: “Like a lot of charities, the pandemic has hit Hope House Children’s Hospices hard, and this was further exacerbated with the rise in

FROM DIRECTORS TO DOGS, THE UAP TEAM WERE ALL DRESSED UP FOR WORLD ENCEPHALITIS DAY There was a rosy glow amongst the team at hardware specialist, UAP Ltd, on Monday, as the team dressed in red to support World Encephalitis Day on 22nd February for the Encephalitis Society. PPE costs needed for face-to-face nursing. We are more determined than ever to help support them going forward and look forward to the various planned events we still have this year.” One planned event is the ever-popular GM Fundraising Cup which has been rescheduled for 14th to 16th September, 2021 at Quinta Do Lago in Portugal. Gary said: “Looking at the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, we are as confident as we can be of this event going ahead. The three-day golf event is hugely popular and more importantly raises some much-needed funds.” Established in 1995, GM Fundraising has raised almost £2 million for Hope House Children’s Hospices, which provides palliative care for children with terminal conditions and support for their families, both on site and in their homes. Gary concluded: “Over 95% of Hope House’s £5 million annual operating costs are met through charitable donations and everyone in the GM Fundraising team is looking forward to delivering our fundraising events and supporting this exceptional charity.” Tel: 0845 302 1966 www.gmfundraising.co.uk

Thanks to the pandemic, the UAP team has largely been working from home for the past year but social distancing couldn’t stop the fun with many of the team getting their four-legged ‘office assistants’ involved! Major donor and CEO of UAP Ltd, David Jennings, has recently been appointed as Vice President of the Encephalitis Society in the UK. The cause is close to his heart following the loss of his brother to the condition several years ago and he was pleased that so many of the company’s team got behind the effort to raise the profile for much needed research, education and support for people affected by Encephalitis and their families. “Challenging everyone to get involved and share their photos of their red outfits and their pets was a great way for a little team banter,” says David. “One

of the toughest things about the past year has been keeping the team ethos and camaraderie alive while everyone is working remotely so a simple thing like posting pictures of pets in their red outfits has really brought everyone together.” Amongst the humans supporting World Encephalitis Day were marketing director Kamila Kasperowicz and Product Certification Manager Julian Roberts, while fourlegged furry companions dressing in red for the day included Holly the Jack Russell, Darcy the French

Bulldog and Lola the Cavapoo. Kamila added: “Wearing red for the day was not just a way of having fun it was also a way of showing solidarity for all the people affected by Encephalitis. UAP has a long track record of supporting charities and good causes, from local homelessness organisations and sponsoring grass roots sports, through to planting trees and funding construction of community schools in Nepal. We always know when we ask the team to get involved that they will be on board and I’ve loved seeing all the pictures.”

GEOCEL ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LIGHTHOUSE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CHARITY Geocel, one of the UK & Ireland’s leading suppliers of sealants and adhesives, is pleased to announce that the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity (Lighthouse Club) will be its charity of choice for 2021, with planned fundraising activities to take place across the year. The Lighthouse Club is the leading charity for providing emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families. Through its confidential 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline and supporting app, the charity can provide information, advice and guidance on a wide range of wellbeing issues. The charity also offers a variety of free construction focused training programmes to support the industry including hour long interactive wellbeing sessions through to the

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2021

MHFA England, Mental Health First Aider qualification. As part of Geocel’s support, the Lighthouse Club’s helpline will be promoted on the company’s popular Mate range cartridges - recently relaunched with a brand new design - to raise awareness of its vital services. Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity commented, "We are delighted to have been chosen as Geocel’s charity partner for 2021 and we are looking forward to working together. By promoting our charity on their Mate range, Geocel are helping us to reach out to the trades and spreading the word about our charitable services to ensure that no construction worker or their family is alone in a crisis.”

“It gives us great pleasure to announce that Geocel proudly supports the Lighthouse Club – The Construction Industry Charity. The organisation’s work is close to our hearts and in these especially unprecedented times it is our duty to do more,” commented Laura Hettenbach, Senior Trade Brands Campaign Manager at Sherwin Williams. “By raising awareness, we believe we can help reach those who really need the support and life-saving guidance provided by the charity.” For more information on the Lighthouse Club and the charity’s incredible work, please visit: www.lighthouseclub.org/ To support Geocel’s fundraising efforts and donate to the Lighthouse Club, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ geocellighthouseclubpartnership

CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

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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

NEW APPOINTMENTS

TYMAN PLC APPOINTS NEW UK AND IRELAND PRESIDENT TO LEAD ERA GROWTH ERA, one of the UK’s leading home security and fenestration component providers, has announced the appointment of Helen Downer as the UK and Ireland President of its parent company, Tyman plc. Tyman UK and Ireland encompasses ERA Home Security, Zoo Hardware and Access 360 businesses. Superseding Darren Waters from 1st April 2021, Helen will be responsible for leading ERA’s continued growth across the fenestration, distribution, specification and consumer markets with the support and investment of Tyman plc. With extensive experience of commercial roles and senior management in the building materials and home improvement sectors,

combined with a proven track record of driving transformation, Helen joined ERA in 2019 as Commercial Director. Over the last two years, Helen has played a significant role in helping ERA to build on its established position as a leading provider of hardware and smart security solutions, and will be instrumental to its continued success, including further growth of the ERA Protect smart security system. Commenting on her new role, Helen Downer said: “We have an amazing team of people in our business and across Tyman and this is an extremely exciting time as we continue to invest in key areas to further enhance our

24 NEW STAFF AS VICTORIAN SLIDERS PREDICT BIG THINGS FOR 2021

product quality, innovation programme and service excellence. “I’m looking forward to working with the team, building on the substantial success that Darren has achieved over the last nine years, along with our valued customers to drive continued growth throughout the hardware and smart security sectors in 2021 and beyond.” For further information on ERA’s diverse portfolio of security products, including its smart home offering, visit www.eraeverywhere.com or contact the sales team on 01922 490 000 or email info@eraeverywhere.com.

Entering 2021 on the back of the most successful twelve months in its history, Victorian Sliders has taken on 24 more manufacturing staff to cope with continuing high demand for its popular ECOSlide sash window.

By the end of the year, the company had registered sales 24.5% higher than 2019, even with the impact of multiple lockdowns, and is predicting another bumper twelve months ahead, as Group Managing Director Andy Jones explains.

The new employees will help the fast-growing manufacturer build on the momentum of 2020, and ramp up production as it invests a further £4.2m on top of the more than £12m it’s spent over the last five years.

“Despite the huge challenges we and all businesses faced, we saw incredible demand in 2020, and as our 24 new manufacturing staff demonstrate, we’re expecting demand to be similarly strong in 2021.

Coming out of the first national lockdown in the summer of 2020, the firm was greeted with enormous demand, as homeowners around the country diverted money that they probably would’ve spent on foreign holidays into home improvements.

“The Bank of England has just predicted that the UK economy will bounce back strongly in the Spring as we start to see the effects of the mass vaccination rollout – and with a question mark still hanging over international travel and foreign holidays, this could bring another very positive summer for fenestration.

As the year progressed, that demand remained extremely strong – so much so that Victorian Sliders broke its record for the number of frames produced in a week on several occasions.

“Thanks to the strategy of far-sighted investment and continuous improvement, Victorian Sliders is excellently positioned to thrive as the market consolidates and more and more fabricators choose to outsource their Vertical Sliding Windows from dedicated VS manufacturers who do not compete with them on other core products.” Tel: 01269 846200 www.victoriansliders.co.uk

APPRENTICESHIPS

FALL IN CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICESHIPS THREATENS ECONOMIC RECOVERY, SAYS FMB The year-on-year decline in construction apprenticeships threatens the UK’s economic recovery and the ability to build back better from the coronavirus pandemic, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the Department for

Education’s apprenticeship and traineeship data released today. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The Government must reverse the sharp fall in construction apprenticeships by giving builders a greater

voice in local skills plans and by supporting builders and colleges to work better together. That 3,000 fewer apprentices started in the first half of the 2020/21 academic year than did so the year before makes for difficult reading. This will exacerbate the skills shortage,

and hamper construction’s ability to do its bit to build back better.” Berry concluded: “As we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic and implement the UK’s new points-based immigration system, skills and training in key sectors,

such as construction, should be at the forefront of the Government’s mind. As local builders train 71% of apprentices in the industry, they must be at the heart of plans to bring in the next generation of tradespeople.”

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

NEW APPOINTMENTS / CAREERS

NEW APPOINTMENTS

STRENGTHENING IN THE SOUTH

TWO NEW STARTERS AND ONE MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY Chris Alderson, Edgetech’s respected Managing Director, is marking his five year anniversary at the company. Chris joined the world-renowned warmedge spacer manufacturer back in 2016, after more than twenty years spent in a series of senior roles at adhesive and sealant experts Bostik. The sales, operations and management expertise he gained there made him the perfect choice to take the helm at Edgetech. Under Chris’ leadership, Edgetech has embarked on an intensive period of new product development, which has already yielded results with many exciting new product innovations in the pipeline. Initially, in addition to running Edgetech’s British operations from the company’s Coventry base, he also oversaw its business in the Asia Pacific region. More recently, he’s assumed leadership of Edgetech’s European arm, based in Heinsberg, Germany. “I’m very proud of what we’ve managed to achieve over the last five years,” Chris comments. “I was fortunate to have an excellent foundation to build on, and assisted by dozens of dedicated and passionate employees, we’ve been able to continue Edgetech’s long legacy at the forefront of IGU innovation. “The last year in particular has demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of the Edgetech workforce, and thanks both to them and incredibly supportive

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2021

CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

Edgetech customers around the country, we’ve managed to come through a very challenging year with an excellent performance. “Going forward, we’ll be continuing to push the boundaries of warm-edge spacer technology, help our customers improve their efficiency and productivity, and raise the profile of the fantastic (and sometimes sadly undervalued) work of the British IG sector.” One of Chris’s top priorities as Managing Director has been continual investment not just in products, but also people and customer support. So, in addition to celebrating his five-year milestone, Edgetech have also kicked off 2021 by welcoming two new recruits. Hamzah Sheikh has strengthened the company’s finance team as a Trainee Accountant, bringing with him a broad experience gained in accounts roles in a number of private and public organisations. Meanwhile, Tracey Powell has joined as Customer Services Administrator in Edgetech’s fast-growing Customer Fulfilment Team. Tracey’s wealth of customer service experience will prove invaluable as the company continues to improve upon its successful ‘customers at the centre’ initiative. “We’re delighted to be welcoming Hamzah and Tracey, and we look forward to benefitting from their skills and experience in the years ahead”, Chris comments. “If the last year has taught us anything, it’s that a resilient business is built on the back of talented, dedicated and adaptable people.” For more information please call + 44 (0) 2476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk.

When lockdown began last year, Alutech Systems was quick to adapt, allowing them to continue offering a 5-day delivery and excellent customer support. Thanks to the hardworking team and capacity to hold large amounts of stock at their warehouse in West Yorkshire, Alutech saw volumes increase by 50%. That’s why they are now pleased to welcome two new Business Development Managers to the team, Ben Kelly and Chloe Bullers.

reliable service is key within my working style.” Chloe Bullers commented, “I’m really looking forward to working with Alutech. I’ve heard amazing things about them, especially the people. I’m sure I’ll fit in just fine at Alutech. Coming from a sales background, this industry is very new to me, but I’m sure I’ll take the bull by the horns and thrive doing what I do best… TALKING!”

Sales Director at Alutech Systems, Mike Moulds, added, “We’re delighted to welcome Ben and Chloe onboard to help grow our presence in the South and provide support to our growing customer base. “It’s exactly the sort of positivity we need right now and is testament to the hard work of everyone at the company over this challenging 12 months.”

Ben and Chloe, who are both based in the South of England, will allow Alutech to expand their coverage of the UK and provide even better customer service, supporting the future growth of the business. Ben Kelly said, “I’m very pleased to become the newest member of the Alutech Systems sales team! I have, for many years, worked within the industry of Glass and PVC. In that time, I’ve seen continuous growth within the Aluminium Fabrication sector. “When the opportunity arose to work with Alutech, I was keen to join a company that is seeing incredible achievements year-on-year and to also become a member of what is already a positive, keen and hungry company, to deliver a superior product with great service and keen pricing. “I’ll be doing my best to bring a professional approach in driving new business, but also making sure that existing customers receive continuous support, whether it be with marketing, pricing or additional training. I pride myself on really listening to customers’ needs and actioning requests as promptly as possible. Building a truthful and

The Alutech sales team are ready to take your call on 01924 350 110. Alternatively, you can email ben@alutechsystems.co.uk or chloe@alutechsystems.co.uk. Visit www.alutechsystems.co.uk and follow us on social media: @AlutechL Alutech Systems Alutech Systems Ltd.

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Entry deadline: 20/04/21.

Entry deadline: 20/04/21. Answer:

Name: Tel: Name: Tel: Address:

Address:

Postcode:

Email:

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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USEFUL NUMBERS

British Plastics Federation (BPF) Tel: 0207 457 5000

Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) Tel: 0207 939 9101

British Standards Institution (BSI) – Standards & Publications Tel: 0208 996 9001

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 Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) Tel: 01827 52337 Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) Tel: 0845 053 8975

Proskills – Head Office Tel: 01235 833844 Proskills – Glass & Related Industries Neil Robinson Tel: 07917 015 322 Recovinyl (via Axion Consulting) Tel: 0161 355 7618 The Glazing Ombudsman (TGO) Tel: 020 7397 7200 UK Green Building Council Tel: 0207 580 0623 Veka Recycling Tel: 01322 38721

Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA) Tel: 0207 645 3700

Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) Tel: 01295 819 900

Get Britain Building (GBB) Tel: 0870 162 0936

Wood Window Alliance (WWA) Tel: 0844 209 261

MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS

ADVERTISE WITHIN THIS SECTION FOR A WHOLE YEAR, FOR AS LITTLE AS £295 + VAT Keep your company name in front of our readers all year long For this offer, and our other yearly marketing plans, please email: christina@glassnews.co.uk

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fline o o r r ia in L e s o Cho ations ing install h tc a m y ll fu r fo

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www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2021

Roofline WP Oct.indd Untitled-1 1

25/10/2017 15:37 28/08/2019 14:35

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MARKETING & DESIGN

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www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2021

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Connecting you to quality trade suppliers 92

April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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FOR AS LITTLE AS £295 + VAT

Keep your company name in front of our readers all year long! For this offer, and our other yearly marketing plans, please email: christina@glassnews.co.uk

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SOFTWARE

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Whether you’re looking to enter the profitable world of aluminium or already working on multi-million-pound commercial projects you can trust us to work with you to deliver the finest tailored aluminium façade systems. For more information on how AluK can help you lead the way:

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April 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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