Glass News June 2021

ARE APPRENTICESHIPS WORKING?

Conservative estimates are that around 500,000 migrants left the UK last year. The vast majority of those will obviously have been from the leisure and hospitality sector, but there has been a fall in construction and manufacturing too; and the end of free movement post-Brexit makes it more difficult for these workers to return. We urgently need to attract new talent into the industry and, while the likes of the Building Our Skills campaign are a good starting point in terms of raising our profile, they don’t address the fundamental weakness of the current approach to apprenticeships in this industry.

Putting a school leaver through a 6-month NVQ course and then calling them a window fitter is not going to deliver what we need.

In our experience it takes between two and three years to become a good fitter, but only if you are spending the

The newly launched Trailblazer apprenticeship framework for the fenestration industry is based around an 18-month training programme which, for me, is much closer to what we need. The only issue I have with it is the perilously low rates of pay which employers going down the governmentbacked apprenticeship route can pay their apprentices in the first year. We are competing for the very best talent around and £4.30 per hour is simply not appealing enough – particularly in the south east.

Issue 123 | June 2021

SEE PAGE 44 In theory, it should be possible to expect a young apprentice who is receiving the kind of training which could potentially set them up with a valuable trade for life, to accept a low starting wage and minimal levels of security. In reality, there are very few 18-21 year olds who can see that bigger picture, and it’s easy to see why the industry continues to struggle to recruit.

The very best trainees at The Window Company (Contracts) are those who have joined us with a clear understanding that they will be learning the skills they need to make a real career in the industry, that they will be paid the real living wage from the outset and that their wages will increase in real terms as they progress.

I think we all need to take a longer-term Approach to training and apprenticeships and be prepared to really invest in making our people the best that they can be – even at the risk that they will leave at the end of their training period, taking those skills elsewhere. If we all invest in upskilling our collective workforce then in time, surely, we will all see the benefits?

By David Thornton, Chairman, The Window Company (Contracts) Tel: 01245 268120 www.thewinco.co.uk

SOFTWARE & IT

IS !!

TH NTH MO

A crisis which was already looming as the 50-somethings which make up so much of this industry look ahead to their retirements, has been made much worse by the departure of so many skilled European migrants during the pandemic. As a result, we’re already seeing intense competition for skilled fitters.

vast majority of your time on site shadowing and learning from someone else who is highly skilled and who is willing and able to share their skills with you. While in favour of college based NVQ training, it needs to come with acquiring long term, real world knowledge.

James Timpson, CEO of Timpson Shoe Repairs, wrote an interesting column in the Sunday Times on 16 May saying almost exactly the same thing, and pointing out the drawbacks of the government training schemes that require the vast majority of training to be delivered via independent providers.

Despite his company paying around £500,000 into the government’s apprenticeship levy pot, it still runs its own separate, self-funded 16-week apprenticeship programme focusing on the practical skills needed to run a Timpson outlet. He quite rightly asks ‘surely we know how to train recruits rather better than someone who has never repaired a shoe?’ and that’s the case for us in the window industry.

THE RIGHT PEOPLE READ GLASS NEWS IS !!

TH NTH MO

The skills shortage might have slipped down the agenda a bit over recent months while the industry has been tackling the more pressing issue of product and component shortages, it hasn’t gone away.

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JUNE 2021

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GET THE TOWELS ON THE SUNBEDS OR PUT IN NEW WINDOWS? IT’S A DILEMMA! Would it ever come? It seems as if we’ve been locked away for ever and then, all of a sudden, we are given our freedom albeit with some restrictions.

A bit like being released from prison but with an electronic leg tag…..and still reporting to a probation officer. It sounds as if I have experience of this but, honestly, it’s just speculation!

Actually, I think I’ve become a bit institutionalised. I haven’t actually hated the lockdowns and restrictions and have become accepting of them as the way we live. I’ve liked the quiet roads when we’ve popped out to get a click-andcollect and the ease of walking down a street to get a paper. Of course, there have been irritations and disappointments particularly when it comes to seeing friends and relatives and, touch wood, as a family we have been very lucky in that Covid-19 has not struck us down in any serious way although I fully understand that others may not have been so fortunate.

We have also been able to continue our work. Has it been different? It certainly has. However, it seems that the vast majority of the population have been able to adapt and carry on, albeit very differently than before. Yes, as a country we have been fortunate that most people and businesses have been able to get financial support of some description and although it is easy to gripe about the things that may have gone wrong over the past year, I don’t think anyone could fail to recognise the success of our roll-out of the vaccines to the population.

So here we are with the first invites for face-to-face interviews and editor visits to manufacturers starting to drop into my Inbox. And even the first invite to a

Golf Day and a visit to a facility abroad!

Exciting as this may seem, I go back to my remark about feeling that I have become a bit institutionalised. I’m a fairly outgoing and social sort of guy, or so I would like to think, but there is a certain trepidation that is hard to shake off. I had to look up ‘institutionalised’ to fully understand that if someone becomes institutionalised, they gradually become less able to think and act independently because of having lived for a long time under the rules of an institution. If I’m feeling like this now, after only a year, what must it be like for someone in a prison or hospital for a long period?

In all honesty, I’m hoping that we have now found a better and more efficient way of working. I don’t miss queuing my way down a motorway and never knowing whether I’ll get to my appointment on time, whereas I do miss seeing and chatting with people in the flesh. Perhaps there is a happy medium to be found between the use of technology to aid visits and for interviews mixed in with face-toface interaction. I have talked with many people about this and there is little doubt that our use of technology has saved time and money over the past year and being able to help a customer with a technical problem via a laptop, tablet or ‘phone rather than charging across the country, is very much more efficient. I would be very interested to hear your opinion – email me at chris@glassnews.co.uk.

In every interview we end up talking about the skills gap in our industry and the need to attract more people into fenestration.

There is always talk of apprentices and that automatically makes one think of school leavers and young people joining the industry and it is easy to forget that there are many other options: people who have been made redundant from other industries, those of any age wanting to change jobs or service personnel taking their pensions and looking for a post forces career. As has been pointed out to me on many occasions, virtually every sector of our industry is short-staffed and the problem is exacerbated by the boom we are experiencing and is forecast to continue.

But for how long? Will the rush to get the towels on the sunbeds on some sun-kissed shore slow down the spend on home improvements and will the inevitable rise in prices for windows and doors through the increase in the price of raw materials and transportation have a detrimental effect on our industry? Time will tell!

Chris GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? Email Chris at: chris@glassnews.co.uk

www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2021

CONTENTS

May 2021 crossword solution:

4 Product Search 6 Case Study 8 Glass News Interview: DOORCO 10 Cold Calling 12 Which Door?

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

14 Glass News Interview: GGF 16 Glass News Interview: Deceuninck 18 Trade News

‘TIME OUT’ WINNERS – MAY!

38 Glass News Interview: GQA 40 Machinery

Sudoku: Dee Bastova, Southampton

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

44 Software & IT 48 FIT Show Preview

Eye Spy: Mr J McCullagh, Paisley, Renfrewshire

50 Hardware 54 Roofing

Spot the Difference: Victoria Dodds, Lowestoft, Suffolk

58 Windows

Crossword: Mrs A Healey, Heysham, Lancs

64 Garden Rooms

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

65 Colour

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

60 Installer Focus 62 Letters 64 Sealed Units & Glass

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

66 Careers & Qualifications in Fenestration 70 Time Out! 71 Find A Supplier

@GlassnewsMag

Christina Shaw

/GlassNews

CONTACT DETAILS

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.

Deadline for copy: 16th of each month Please recycle this newspaper so we can continue to use recycling in our effort to help the environment.

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PRODUCT SEARCH

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CASE STUDY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TAKING A SYSTEM APPROACH TO

FIRE SAFETY GLASS

On any glazing project, whether it’s a new development or building refurbishment, when it comes to specifying and installing fire safety glass, taking a system approach is essential. Here, Andy Lake, Sales Director UK & IRE at Pyroguard, the leading independent provider of fire safety glass solutions, explores this theme further.

As budgets within the construction industry tighten, the retrofit and refurbishment markets are predicted to be a growing source of work for glazing installers. Such projects can take a number of different forms, such as installing new fire doors, upgrading a building’s existing glazing to a more modern and energy efficient solution, or installing new windows and partitions as part of repurposing or a wider building extension.

While these projects may on the surface seem straightforward, as soon as fire safety glass is involved it is imperative that they are approached correctly and with the right technical knowledge and understanding.

Failure to do so could result in a system being installed that is not fire safe and would not deliver the required level of protection in the unfortunate event of a fire.

A key part of any building’s passive fire protection strategy, fire safety glass can only truly deliver its intended fire protection value if specified and installed as part of a tested and certificated system. This idea of a ‘system approach’ is a phrase that perhaps truly came to the forefront of construction in the years following the 2017 Grenfell disaster. It was a subject that featured heavily in the Hackitt review into Building Regulations and Fire Safety, documenting the need to approach building construction differently and to start viewing buildings as a single system. Indeed, the limitations of viewing products in isolation, as opposed to evaluating how they will perform together as a total system once in situ, were made widely apparent.

When it comes to fire safety, a system approach should be at the forefront of all specification and installation decisions – regardless of whether it’s a new development or a refurbishment project.

After all, in many ways, fire safety products are essentially just single products, unless

6

tested and certificated and brought together in an approved system.

Fire doors are perhaps the best, and most complex, example of this, relying on a multitude of different components all working together to deliver the required level of fire protection. You have the door itself (including any veneer or paints used), the glazing, intumescent seals, door closer and even the ironmongery, such as hinges and letterboxes - it all has to be tested and certificated as one overall system. Even the slightest change from the original specification on site, such as swapping out a different style of letterbox, can detrimentally impact the overall fire rating.

On the surface, fire safety windows and glazed partitions may appear simpler.

However, there is still the glass, frame, seal and fixings all to consider. In terms of the frame, if it is made from wood, the selection of the right density and thickness of wood is integral to ensuring the system will perform as required. Likewise, with an aluminium frame, it is essential that the frames are fabricated in accordance with the tested and approved specification as, again, the slightest change could ultimately affect the overall fire rating.

It is clear, therefore, that achieving a fire safe system is far more complex than you may first think. All too often, there can be a view within the industry that fire safety glass is a magic material – that, if fire safety glass is installed in a window, door, partition or façade, then that wider system or product automatically becomes fire safe too. However, this of course is not the case,

instead requiring careful consideration of the glass and its associated components.

It is here that third-party certification is really key. Schemes such as Certifire offer the ability to change specific elements of the construction but at the same time give assurance that a specification will still deliver the required levels of performance.

It is important that installers and specifiers always refer to this primary test evidence and certification or follow the third-party

approved specification carefully. Should you wish to alter a test specification, or are simply unsure, always seek advice from the manufacturer.

At Pyroguard, our expert technical sales managers are on hand to help. If you have a refurbishment or renovation project that requires the installation of a fire safety glass solution, from external windows to internal partitions – increasingly common in modern building design - we can work with you to help create a system that meets your performance requirements, using our library of existing test evidence.

To learn more about Pyroguard, please visit: www.pyroguard.eu.

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: DOORCO

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

INNOVATIVE DOORCO.

THEIR GRIPCORE DOOR AND FLIP GLAZING CASSETTE SYSTEM PROVE THE POINT.

An interview with DOORCO’s Dan Sullivan is always illuminating and Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, talks with him about the new products that the DOORCO team has been working on during the period of the Covid-19 lockdowns. Yes, they’ve been putting this time to good use!

DOORCO has always been pretty selfsufficient, not relying on manufacture of their GRP composite door through third parties but having their own manufacturing facility in Korea. Now with two new products in the DOORCO armoury, have they managed to maintain this selfsufficiency? As Dan Sullivan openly admits, production of the new GRiPCORE solid 44mm door blank has required a new partnership with experts in hardwood door production, again from the Far East. “We are using the 4mm GRP skins that Tony and his team manufacture at DOORCO Korea but adding these to a hardwood blank. Our Indonesian partners are very experienced in engineering timber and are high end timber

8

door manufacturers, in their own right, so having them assemble the end product makes sense.”

GRiPCORE is a one-size-fits-all door being 914mm that will cut down through 762mm and right down to around 680mm. Dan is quick to give credit for the idea to one of his customers and the result is this one size door that is rigid, thermally efficient and won’t crack, bow or delaminate. DOORCO is warrantying the door for 10 years and saying that 3mm is the maximum thermal movement.

It’s interesting that the movement associated with the foam filled composite door is accentuated by the modern designs that require cutting away so much of the door blank to accommodate large cassettes and IGUs but a solid door, such as GRiPCORE, will allow for these modern designs while maintaining the rigidity.

Six different styles and four stock colours are available now but the door can be

“Our Indonesian partners are very experienced in engineering timber and are high end timber door manufacturers, in their own right, so having them assemble the end product makes sense.”

painted in any colour, either by DOORCO or the fabricator. GRiPCORE is sold either as a slab for warehouse customers or as a prepped option. The door is definitely overkill with solid timber covered in 4mm GRP skins but, as Dan says, all their doors have the 4mm skin simply because the tooling is set up and making new tooling for thinner skins would not be economic. So it’s a heavy but very, very secure door!

Asked about transportation and the current issues of cost, both of containers and raw materials, Dan Sullivan is very open. Yes, life is tricky. However, as a well-founded and well-run company, DOORCO can do what is needed to maintain supplies and get product to the UK. It requires a lot of paying upfront for both materials and to secure shipping slots. And this influenced DOORCO’s decision to manufacture their other new product in the UK. This new product is FLiP. A completely new cassette system that benefits from being ‘last to the party’ as Dan describes it. This has given DOORCO the advantage of assessing the various cassette systems and producing a ‘new age’ product that satisfies the current and future needs of the market. FLiP is not a single design cassette with lots of different shapes – it’s three different designs to satisfy the traditional, contemporary and flat grained look that are all in demand. With a UK design team that took FLiP through the mechanical process for the clip together system and the laser print modelling, the

tooling was made in China and, bearing in mind the issues of the last year, it was decided that manufacture in the UK would mean control was maintained and would cut lead times.

For me, the advantage of being ‘last to the party’ is seeing how DOORCO has produced a system that is quick and easy to use by incorporating Foam in Place - a foam seal that negates the use of tape and sealants. This is a big advantage to the fabricator both in time and cost. It also means the cassette is completely reusable after deglazing plus it is adjustable for 24mm or 26mm units. The DOORCO design team have pretty much thought of everything including corner protectors to prevent flaring at the corners of the cassette. So just a screwdriver to fit these new FLiP, Through Colour glazing cassettes, and a choice of design and shape….with many more shapes to come. What’s not to like? Oh, and if you are wondering, these cassettes have been tested for water ingress to 1,000 pascals!

DOORCO has always been known for being innovative and, with the new GRiPCORE door and FLiP glazing cassette, this is certainly continuing. Has it been exciting?

“The concept and design stage was exciting,” says Dan. “Now I just want to sell the products!”

And what of the future? Watch out for new door designs. DOORCO never stand still!

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

COLD CALLING

DANNY WILLIAMS

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

“In 25 years of installing windows, doors and conservatories plus a decent amount of roofline thrown in, I have never known it so busy. But at the risk of sounding ungrateful, I am struggling to enjoy the fruits of my labours because I cannot get the staff. Where are all these people tossed out of work by Brexit and the pandemic? They’re certainly not in the East of England. What is your view Danny?”

TD Norfolk I have been selling double glazing since the glory days of the ‘Eighties TD, one of the original White Gold hooligans in fact.

And whilst people were clamouring to fit piles of white plastic casements backed by deals such as ‘7 windows and a front door for a grand’ with aluminium a thing of the past, the feeding frenzy that is today’s market beats that hands down.

Although I earned my spurs in those heady early days whilst we might have had a bit of fun with punters, the truth is that we didn’t need to pull any real strokes because people just wanted their white, bright plastic frames and the promise of chucking their paint brushes in the bin. Back then unemployment was more than 6.5 million, or around 5.5%, although on a downward trajectory, and I don’t remember having any problems finding decent people.

By comparison unemployment in the UK towards the end of May ’21 was not so far short of that figure, at 4.8% although this was reducing rapidly as lockdown restrictions were being removed. This compares to 4% just prior to the lockdown.

So much for the statistics however: because just like you TD, even during lockdown when the hospitality, events and other industries were closed, we still struggled to find people. Any people, let alone good, reliable people.

So, on the one hand we and our installer customers have orders coming out of our ears; and on the other neither they, nor we, can find decent people for any functions, office, factory or site based. Where are they?

My current pet hate is directed to employment agencies. And bearing in mind

my past as a real-life cast member of White Gold, I feel vindicated by any stunts that I might have pulled by the behaviour of these scum bags. You operate on my patch TD so it is possible you may have come across some of these people, who pull such stunts as re-poaching staff that they placed with me, as soon as the cooling off period ends, and scouring social media to track people down to call them at work….sitting at my desks and driving my vans!

This aside, the furlough scheme is set to reduce significantly if we have completed the so called ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown, which should be around the time that this magazine hits the streets and ended completely in September. And the prediction is that many more people will be pitched out of work if they are not put back to the grindstone by their employers. But what is anybody doing on furlough now?

What businesses can there possibly be that are not open again and already building back better, as the Blonde Bombshell puts it?

The truth is TD that I do not see a solution in the short term: we already pay well but then our competitors will come after some of our people and offer them more, then we top it up a bit and so on, or more often than not Danny loses it and tells them they can jolly well shove off and join the other chaps, or words to that effect, and so the merry go round continues.

But whilst business is so good and Mr and Mrs Jones appear to be prepared to dip deep into their pile of unspent holiday cash to pay decent money for their new windows and bi-folds, we need the people and those that are half decent we have to look after. It’s

a very delicate balance and a game that we have to play if we want to stay in business.

For the longer term we have to do something to encourage people to at least be aware of our industry, as a decent choice for a career and gainful employment, rather than being characterised still as a bunch of sharp suited, fork tongued hustlers that I am sure is still representative of ‘the doubleglazing industry’. We have an abundance of decent training schemes for anyone on the tools or in the factory, whilst opportunities for the finest sales, marketing and other management people are as good as any other industry. We are as professional as any other industry, and sharper than most.

There is an initiative called ‘Building Our Skills’ – BOS - out there that seems to be gaining some traction lately, which has the goal of presenting the window and door industry as a viable career choice, for school and university leavers, and others seeking a career change, especially those leaving the armed forces and the like.

I have employed former prisoners previously with some success and am keen to get involved with anything that has a positive effect on my business and my conscience at the same time. BOS, which is getting support from organisations such as FENSA and a number of top businesses, is something to think about for the longer-term TD and you can find more information here: https://buildingourskills.co.uk.

ULTION LOCKS USED BY POLICE TO PROTECT HOMES Ultion, Brisant Secure’s famous premium lock, is helping to secure vulnerable homes in at-risk areas as part of the Safer Streets police initiative. The Safer Streets scheme provides funding for Police Crime Commissioners across Britain to make safe hotspot areas that are disproportionately affected by neighbourhood and acquisitive crimes, such as burglary and vehicle theft.

As part of the Safer Streets initiative in West Yorkshire, Brisant Secure worked with West Yorkshire Police in crime reduction efforts that were identified as being at highest risk from crime. Alongside investing in better fencing and lighting, police purchased 1,000 Ultion cylinders to upgrade existing locks to make homes more secure against burglary. Brisant’s locks have been installed in properties in Leeds and Bradford over the past few months, offering improved protection for residents.

Founded in 2013, Brisant Secure took the market by storm with built-in real-life security standards based on consumer expectations that redefined security in the hardware industry. The Ultion family of locks offers homeowners the very best in security and protection. Ultion is approved by locksmiths through the definitive Sold Secure Diamond accreditation, and is accredited by Secure by Design, the official UK Police flagship initiative combining the principles of designing out crime with physical security.

Nick Dutton, CEO of Brisant Secure, said: “That our locks are chosen by the police to be installed in at risk homes in vulnerable areas is a true testament to the extreme security of our products. The Safer Streets initiative is a vital scheme to help protect homes and communities across the country, and we’re proud to be part of it.

“Unfortunately, robberies and break-ins happen frequently and are a sad reality of life. Locks are often the last line of defence against someone breaking into a home and our ultra-secure, long-lasting Ultion locks are a deterrent for would-be thieves.

Our focus is on extreme security and we guarantee it for those who buy Ultion locks.

We believe in it so much, that if a burglary happens within five years of installation and entry was obtained by snapping an Ultion lock, we will pay the homeowner £2,000.”

Call 01924 410 200.

Email: contact@brisant-secure.com.

Website: www.brisant-secure.com.

In the meantime, if you happen to stumble upon the huge people pit where all these unemployed are hiding, give me a shout will you?

* Danny Williams is managing director of Chelmsford based Pioneer Trading and has been involved with all aspects of the windows and doors industry for 30 years. His activities include manufacturing a full range of windows and doors in PVC-U and aluminium, an IGU facility, retailing and commercial contracting.

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June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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WHICH DOOR?

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MAX VISION: THE DECALU 163 SLIM INTERLOCK Deceuninck Aluminium has added a slim-interlock option to its ultra-energy efficient Decalu163 Lift-and-Slide aluminium patio door.

The heavy-weight system can accommodate individual sash weights of as much as 400kg and achieves u-values of as low as 0.8 W/ m2K triple glazed.

Now available with a slim 53mm interlock, Nigel Headford, Deceuninck Aluminium’s Business Development Director, said the Decalu163, was primed to support fabricators and installers in capitalising on the boom in home improvement.

the Decalu163 is supplied in dual-colour, textured and marine grade finishes – as standard.

It also features the same high performance pre-inserted flush gasket and advanced thermal-breaking technology, used by Deceuninck Aluminium across the Decalu window and door range, guaranteeing thermal efficiency and weather sealing.

“If you can manufacture a product that has proven appeal with installers, for minimal investment and stockholding, why would you buy in?”, Nigel said.

“You can manufacture the entire Decalu range, that’s the Decalu163 Lift-and-Slide, Decalu88 Bi-fold, French and residential door, and the window range on one set of tooling. Highly modular, you don’t need to tie-up cash in stock and manufacturing times are 40% faster.

“Most importantly, it’s a product range that as a fabricator – or installer – your customers want!”

For more information call 01249 816 969, email deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk.

“Lift-and-slide products are seeing resurgent demand as part of the Lockdowndriven boom in home home improvement”, he said.

The TD68 thermal commercial door from Jack Aluminium has passed STS202 – BR2 testing with flying colours, with a new hardware offering on a 2.5m high double doorset. It gives fabricators and installers a large, remote access control double doorset option with this premium security accreditation, as part of Jack Aluminium’s expanded range of high security standard door combinations for the market.

STS202 – BR2 is a very thorough test which accredits doors for protection against continuous attacks using hand tools and levers, focusing on the glazing, beading and locking systems.

Sales and Marketing Director, Jeff Pearson, says: “In the commercial market there is an increasing demand for more secure door options. Architects and Specifiers looking for external doors now place a higher importance on security than ever before and want ones which pass even more stringent tests than the standard PAS24 accreditation, which is why we decided to ramp up testing last year.

“Straightforward to manufacture, with only minimal investment in tooling required, and easy to install, the Decalu163 is now available with a slim 53mm interlock option increasing homeowner appeal, making it an instant win, for fabricators and installers.”

Launched as part of Deceuninck Aluminium’s expanding offer the Decalu163 Lift-and-Slide is available in single, twin and triple-track options.

In common with the the Decalu88 Bi-Fold and its wider window and door range,

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“This standard is fast becoming the prevalent option in the marketplace, and after the single door with magnetic locks passed the STS202 test last year, we wanted to test it again on a larger door. As we expected, it passed first time. In fact, we didn’t make any changes to the fabrication process, which is the most impressive part, meaning there is no extra time or cost to fabricators, and now both the single and double TD68 doorset with remote access option are available through Jack Aluminium to STS202- BR2 standard.

“By expanding our range of fully tested commercial door options to meet today’s market demand, we can give fabricators a full suite of high-performing door options that provide the excellent levels of security necessary for high-specification commercial projects. The TD68 continues to perform and pass testing standards, remaining one of the most secure and robust aluminium commercial doors available. It is the perfect option for where a higher security standard door is needed.”

Tel: 024 7646 7449 www.jackaluminium.co.uk

Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk or emma@glassnews.co.uk

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June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: GGF

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CHANGES TO THE GGF GROUP MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

WITH ANDA GREGORY IN CHARGE OF ALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GGF’s Anda Gregory talks to Glass News’ Chris Champion, following her promotion to being the GGF Group’s Chief Development Officer.

Having led the GGF’s commercial subsidiary companies as their Managing Director Anda explains the new position and how it benefits the federation and herself, personally.

The press release that was issued by the GGF was, I found, not easy to understand and it described how the GGF Managing Director, John Agnew, would be in charge of the day to day running of all departments within the federation including Anda’s previous responsibilities of BFRC, FENSA, Installsure and RISA. How would this work for Anda? The release continued to describe how Anda would be responsible for all parts of the GGF for business development and that she and John Agnew would report to President Tony Smith and the GGF Board.

Is this a recipe for tripping over each other in everyday working? That’s an emphatic no! Anda and John have been working very closely together for some time and are convinced that they can manage this new arrangement, to the betterment of all.

What may confuse some, and certainly me, is that the MD and Chief Development Officer roles are, actually, equal. If that’s the case, why not Joint MDs, one for Operations and one for Development?

As Anda says, she is not precious about titles and is slightly surprised at my reaction to the two titles. All she is concerned with is doing the job and doing it well and she has plenty of experience of doing just that as she raised the profile of the commercial arm during her nearly 3 year tenure as MD of that section.

Like a dog with a bone, I can’t let the matter drop! Although not being ‘precious’ about titles surely the perception outside of the GGF is important and that it is made clear that John and Anda have equal standing within the organisation? Anda describes how she sees the new arrangement working,

acknowledging that there will be a period of adjustment as the staff get used to the new regime. Anda makes it clear: “I think it’s actually quite a straight forward partnership, where I will be leading on development, which includes any new initiatives around growth, member benefits, new products, as well as internal improvements, such as new systems, whereas John is leading on business as usual i.e. the day to day running of the businesses and servicing our members and customers.

The key will be John and I working in partnership together, and we’ve been doing that well since I returned from maternity leave so I can’t see it being a problem.”

I asked whether this rearrangement was to re-establish the GGF as the prominent trade federation for fenestration given that some have felt that other organisations took more of a lead over the Covid-19 crisis? “The primary driver is recognising that there’s a raft of opportunities for all of the group companies and that by freeing up my time to focus on making those opportunities a reality it will benefit the whole group, as well as our members and the wider industry

through what we have planned. The GGF is the leading trade body in our industry and that hasn’t changed, but there is so much more that we can and will do going forward.” Said Anda.

It’s too early for Anda to have formulated any explicit plans just yet, but she’s keen to understand the views of the members, the team and the wider industry to ensure that whatever is developed for the GGF trade federation, it will add value for the members, grow the membership and make a positive difference for the industry. Anda says: “There are key issues in the industry, such as the skills shortage, where we want to put more focus and build on the work we’ve done already to benefit everyone.”

Will Anda Gregory take forward the approachable aspect that she has brought to the commercial organisations she has been responsible for over the past 3 years and bring this to the organisation as a whole?

I would recommend you listen to Anda Gregory’s interview as she is open and honest and can only be good for the Glass and Glazing Federation. We wish here every good fortune in her new role.

VIDEO LINK

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June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: DECEUNINCK

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

STOCKING OF 30 COLOURWAYS PAYS DIVIDENDS FOR DECEUNINCK AND YOUGOV RESEARCH PROVES THE POINT Although intending to talk to Deceuninck’s Rob McGlennon about the use of colour in the fenestration industry, as ever, it is always tempting to go a little off piste! Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, brings both supply and pricing into the conversation as well as Deceuninck’s remarkable increase in business over the past year.

The past year, albeit challenging, has also seen commercial successes across the fenestration industry. System company Deceuninck is among those who have made the most of the opportunities and appetite for home improvements as homeowners raid the unused holiday funds and put the cash into their homes. To take advantage it comes down to being able to supply what’s in demand and although some may have

thought that investing in stock to the levels Deceuninck has in its warehouse in Calne, Wiltshire, could be described as risky, it has paid off handsomely.

Offering full systems in 30 different colours from stock, including all the necessary ancillaries, requires a lot of space and substantial investment. Add to that another 20 colours that can be supplied in just 15 days and it is clear that stock control and careful planning of runs of specific colourways is key to success. It may not be surprising, therefore, that the company has commissioned independent research to better understand the drivers for purchasing decisions when it comes to homeowners choosing new windows and doors. Is it sustainability, energy efficiency, security, acoustics or simply trusted supply, good looking products or great colour choice?

If you are stocking 30 colourways knowing what the buying trends are going to be is key: you could be stocking a lot of product that will only move from the shelves on odd occasions. Of course, you can see historic sales statistics but that’s what they will be – historic! So, using YouGov to conduct

in depth research makes eminent sense.

What are the homeowners looking for and what are the trends? It is always going to be a recipe of factors but with Deceuninck’s commitment to colour, just how important is that and of the 30 standard colours, what should be stocked in the greatest quantities as we move forward?

It is interesting listening to Rob as he talks about the findings. The fact that 96% of those interviewed said that a match with the overall appearance of the property is no great surprise but that 75% think that a choice of colours is important in making a purchasing decision may make you think.

The fact that smooth colour finishes are twice as popular as natural grain finishes and woodgrain colours only rated 12% certainly surprised me and shows just how behind the times I am!

“As ever, Rob is very generous in sharing the headline findings from their YouGov research and it is worth listening to him on the subject. “

The variance in importance on aesthetics and property matching by various age groups was interesting whereas price for the 55+ age group was not so important as for those of younger ages who are bringing up children and paying mortgages. The whole issue of colour choice by the various groups and how both finish and colour choices vary by age group is important to understand if keeping correct stock on the shelves is going to be maintained.

What did surprise me was the style of window with older properties attracting flush windows and casements going into younger homes. And I thought everything was pointing to flush casements whatever the age of the property. As ever, Rob is very generous in sharing the headline findings from their YouGov research and it is worth listening to him on the subject. He is also no wilting flower when it comes to talking honestly about supply issues. While some may talk of applying surcharges, an indication that it is all temporary, McGlennon is more realistic and his open appraisal of what it all means to the industry and to product pricing makes a great deal of sense.

VIDEO LINK

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June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

MARKETING

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

LET US HELP YOU WITH YOUR MARKETING IN 2021

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If you want some new ideas get in touch

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Marketing Experts for the Window & Construction Industries Glass News has teamed up with the very best marketing companies within the window and construction industries. Find your marketing partner here!

We are a friendly, approachable team of marketing experts, specifically for the window industry. www.insidetheboxmarketing.co.uk Inside the Box Marketing Limited Office 1 Pure Offices, Brooks Drive, Cheadle Royal Business Park, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 3TD

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

BUSINESSES URGED TO BUILD AS RESTRICTIONS LIFT With the UK moving towards economic recovery, and households estimated to be sitting on £150 billion of savings and ready to spend, there has never been a better time for businesses in the industry to build.

That’s the view of Andrew Scott, leading business strategist and Managing Director Purplex, the leading full-service marketing agency for the fenestration and construction industries. Purplex has recently launched its ‘Stronger, Faster, Better’ campaign to help forward-thinking businesses capitalise on this golden opportunity.

Andrew commented: “While the challenges of the last 12 months may have taken their toll both financially and emotionally, and energy levels will likely be running low, it’s time for weary companies to look forward and build again.

“Pent up consumer demand, a surplus of cash, low interest rates and homeowners spending more time at home than ever before is likely to mean a multi-billion-pound spending spree. And it’s those companies that come back stronger, faster, and better who will benefit the most.”

Marketing will be more important than ever before; for some companies it will be a case of re-building after a difficult 12 months, while for those who may have had a successful year despite the pandemic, it’s a perfect launch pad to build upon.

“Despite some companies struggling to survive, many have not seen a downturn in growth, and we have generated record results for many of our clients thanks to the drive for home renovations,” added Andrew.

“But that doesn’t mean that 2021 will not be without its challenges. With more people set to be working from home, and the Government’s plans to ‘build, build, build’ our way to economic recovery, there will be plenty of opportunities out there and the competition will be fierce.

“Make sure you are ready to take advantage.”

Purplex Marketing was founded in 2004 by Andrew Scott.

Andrew has acquired, built, and sold several successful businesses in the industry, including manufacturers, distributors, and retail businesses. P urplex uses 30-plus years of industry experience and analysis to create strategies that fuel sustainable, profitable growth thanks to a team of 60-plus industry experts and marketing specialists.

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

GEOCEL TEAMS UP WITH BRITAIN’S DEVON AND CORNWALL WINDOWS BRING FAVOURITE BUILDER TO SET THE FAST-FITTING STELLAR TO ITS PORTFOLIO STANDARD ON SEALANTS One of the UK and Ireland’s leading sealant and adhesive suppliers, Geocel has announced a partnership with popular builder and TV personality, Julian Perryman. Geocel will be working with Julian throughout 2021 to highlight a number of its product campaigns as well the work it is doing raising awareness for the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity (Lighthouse Club).

A video series, ‘Setting the Standard with Julian Perryman’, promoted across Geocel’s social media and YouTube channel will document Julian’s ongoing work with the brand. In the coming months, Julian is due to take up the ecoSEAL Challenge to try out

Geocel’s reusable ecoSEAL system. He will also be testing THE WORKS PRO and the newly relaunched Mate ranges.

To kick off the partnership, Julian has recently interviewed Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Club on behalf of Geocel, to find out about the support it offers to construction workers and their families. The interview video is due to launch online next week.

“I am delighted to be working with Geocel over the coming year on a number of its upcoming projects,” commented Julian. “I am enjoying testing out the company’s comprehensive product range, as well as a number of products from the wider Sherwin Williams portfolio, and highlighting the work it has been doing to raise money for the Lighthouse Club. I look forward to seeing the interview with Bill when it launches next week and I hope that it helps get the message of the charity’s support to those who need it.”

“We have a number of great Geocel campaigns in the works and having Julian on board to help us promote those over the coming year is really exciting,” commented Laura Hettenbach, Senior Trade Brands Campaign manager at Sherwin Williams.

“Julian is such a recognisable and loveable character, with such a knowledge of the industry - who better to help us promote our new Mate range and Lighthouse Club partnership to the market?”

To watch the ‘Setting the Standard with Julian Perryman’ series over the coming year, please follow @GeocelUK on Facebook or subscribe to the Geocel YouTube channel, here: www.youtube.com/channel/UCkqC3Iy1F42-8zMTNAWnc6w.

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Devon and Cornwall Windows have recently begun manufacturing Stellar, the triple award-winning aluminium window and door system from Epwin Window Systems.

Adam Page, Owner of Devon and Cornwall Windows, said: “Stellar’s ease of fitting is a huge advantage to our customers. Just as importantly, its superior slimline flush aesthetics are a huge advantage too.”

Mark Austin, Sales Director (Aluminium) at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Devon and Cornwall Windows have a strong reputation for delivering high-end projects that deliver on style and performance. We’re delighted to welcome them to Stellar.”

Devon and Cornwall Windows began fabricating Stellar in February 2021. The products have already been a hit with the company’s retail and trade customers alike because they deliver crucial advantages that other aluminium products cannot match.

Adam said: “With the growth in domestic aluminium products, most installers now have an aluminium system in their portfolio, especially a bifolding door. We have found that a Stellar bifolding door is 50% quicker to fit than similar aluminium bifolds and this is a great benefit for our customers. Not only does it allow them to fit more doors in a day but, as importantly, they spend less time at a customer’s property which is important at this time.”

patented reverse butt joint. He says: “The reverse butt joint not only improves the fabrication process it also improves the window and door aesthetics because the sightlines are so much slimmer presenting the high-end contemporary look that our customers need.”

Devon and Cornwall Windows manufacture, supply and install high-quality aluminium windows and doors throughout the South West of England. The company has recently expanded its aluminium operation by opening a second factory to provide the much-needed capacity to support its growth strategy. The company also has a trade counter on site to service the local trade businesses.

Stellar’s quick fitting properties are due to the knock in beads which allows Stellar products to be fitted as you would a PVC-U product. Furthermore, the pre-gasketed beads eliminate gasket shrinkage and provide a neat, clean finish too.

Stellar is the latest addition to the Epwin Window Systems’ growing portfolio. The system was designed to set a new standard for residential aluminium systems with a clear objective of delivering market-leading aesthetics with unparalleled ease and speed of fitting. As Adam’s comments show, Stellar is meeting these objectives.

Adam is also clear that Stellar’s aesthetics are a key differentiator, thanks to the

Tel: 0845 300 9356 www.stellaraluminium.co.uk

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

DEKKO MAINTAINS FOUR-WEEK LEAD TIME ON RESIDENCE COLLECTION DESPITE SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTION Despite the ongoing challenges facing the window industry supply chain, leading trade fabricator Dekko Windows have maintained a four-week lead time on their Residence Collection range, helping their trade customers maximise the favourable market conditions.

According to sales director Kurt Greatrex, a combination of investment in key areas, strong partnerships with key suppliers and general hard graft has enabled Dekko to keep lead times to a minimum.

“It’s a very interesting time for the glazing industry currently,” Kurt comments.

“On one hand we’re seeing demand on a par with the double-glazing boom in the 80s – which is fantastic considering the industry is viewed by some as a ‘saturated’ market – but on the other hand there’s huge pressure on the supply chain and a lack of skilled labour, making it difficult for some companies to take advantage.

“At Dekko we can’t solve the labour shortage unfortunately, but we are working round the clock to keep our lead times to

FREEFOAM’S EXTENSIVE AND INNOVATIVE CLADDING RANGE HITS THE MARK WITH EDGE BUILDING PRODUCTS Freefoam’s diverse cladding range is a popular choice for long-term stockist Edge Building Products and its customers.

The company has seen a robust increase in sales of Freefoam’s products over the past four years.

pre-Covid levels, and we’re pleased to still be supplying our popular Residence Collection range in just four weeks.”

Kurt continues: “We’re not immune to supply chain issues of course – like all fabricators, we have had some difficulties – but we have made several adjustments to keep any disruption to a minimum.

For instance, we’ve increased our stockholding, invested in people and machinery, put additional factory shifts in place and worked closely with key suppliers to ensure we get the materials we need.

There’s been a few bumps in the road of course, but overall its very much ‘business as usual’ here at Dekko.”

Dekko are the UK’s largest fabricator of Residence

Collection windows and doors. The company employs a Residence Collection customer service team to ensure quotes are returned quickly and customer queries are answered promptly, as well as a dedicated manufacturing department.

The Residence Collection range includes three high performance flush sash windows – Residence 9, Residence 7 and Residence 2. Residence 9 and Residence 7 have been carefully designed to mimic a 19th Century timber window, making them ideal for older properties, while Residence 2 has a square, bold profile, making it ideal for contemporary homes.

For more information contact Dekko on 0161 406 0055 or visit www.dekkowindows.com.

Edge Building Products was established more than 25 years ago and sells a wide range of low-maintenance building products across its three branches. It added Freefoam’s cladding range to its offering in 2017, in response to customer demand for a greater range of colours in the cladding market.

Edge Building Products Managing Director Kieran Napthine rates Freefoam’s cladding range, colours and product innovation as “excellent”. He says: “We were attracted to Freefoam’s Fortex range because of its diverse colour options and the excellent range of trims that are included in the system. From our customer sales, we see the strongest demand for grey colours.

“The system is so easy to use and install. It is easy to cut, and handles much better than fibre cement products, which have a similar appearance.

Since Freefoam’s introduction, sales of the brand’s products have been growing for Edge Building Products. This is, in part, due to the expanding home improvement market, which has been going from strength to strength.

Edge Building Products mostly supplies Freefoam cladding products to builders, homeowners, for home improvement

Freefoam’s cladding range hits the mark with Edge Building Products

projects, and double-glazing companies.

It has also supplied several new build properties, with excellent results.

Kieran says: “We have definitely seen an uptick in home improvements over the past year. We believe many people are investing funds they would normally allocate to holidays and hospitality to improve their homes.

“The ‘New England’ style is very popular with homeowners, particularly in the South, and Freefoam’s Fortex cladding range is a great fit for this style of property. It provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance option for anyone looking to make long-lasting, attractive changes to their property.”

Learn more about Freefoam’s products, service and support by visiting www.freefoam.com or calling 01604 591110.

Follow @freefoam. For Edge Building Products, visit www.edgebp.co.uk and call 0845 021 4444.

SAFE, STYLISH SOLUTIONS WITH TUFFX

When a customer in Leeds required an unobtrusive, safe solution for their client’s large split-level terrace, the answer lay with glass from TuffX. The detached property was finished in stylish light rendering with contrasting dark window frames, including expansive glass sliding doors across the rear which open onto a split-level terrace dropping away to the grounds beyond. A solution was needed to make sure the occupants could enjoy the terrace safely, without compromising on the stunning views enjoyed from both inside and outside the property.

Glass was the obvious answer, and leading specialist glass manufacturer TuffX was chosen to supply 20m2 of 10mm toughened safety glass with dubbed corners. TuffX, who

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had worked with the installer previously, was chosen for its proven track record for producing quality glass and for its reliable delivery service.

Once in place, the glass panels were topped off with a stainless steel handrail at the perfect height to rest on while gazing over the open ground beyond. In addition to being safe and unimposing, the finished balustrade helps protects occupants from the elements. And being low-maintenance means the homeowners will be able to enjoy maximum benefits from their terrace with minimal upkeep, year after year.

“Our glass solutions are perfect for this kind of job – toughened safety glass cut that will just quietly do its job day in, day out,” said TuffX’s Managing Director Graham Price.

“And with TuffX we make the whole process fuss-free.

From ordering through to delivery, we’ll keep you up to date on the progress of your order, and we’re always available at the end of the phone.” www.tuffxglass.co.uk

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SENIOR BRINGS ITS ALUMINIUM SOLUTIONS TO THE ‘STEEL CITY’ Leading manufacturer Senior Architectural Systems has successfully delivered the full aluminium fenestration packages to two new contracts in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

Drawing on Senior’s proven track record of work in the student accommodation sector, the company was chosen to provide its high performance PURe® SLIDE aluminium doors, SPW600 commercial doors, SPW600 aluminium windows and SF52 aluminium curtain

wall for the new Great Central development. Comprising 131 residential apartments and two commercial units, the scheme ranges from four to nine storeys in height and is named after the former railway line that ran behind the site in the Neepsend area of the city, on the north bank of the River Don. The choice of Senior’s slim profile aluminium fenestration systems has provided the scheme with an attractive façade that not only maximises the use of daylight and natural ventilation but also provides exceptional durability, helping to reduce maintenance requirements while withstanding the demands of a high-traffic student accommodation building. The specification of Senior’s patented low U-value PURe® SLIDE aluminium doors to each of the individual

£250,000 INVESTMENT SEES VICTORIAN SLIDERS EXPAND FOILING CAPACITY Fast-growing sash window experts Victorian Sliders have invested a further £250,000 in expanding their foiling operation. apartments is not only an attractive design feature but also a practical way of improving the building’s thermal-efficiency, lowering the residents’ energy bills and providing expansive views across the city. Designed by CODA Architects, the scheme was built

by Broadfield Construction, with the fenestration package fabricated and installed by DPS Facades Ltd. In another part of Sheffield, Senior has again supplied a range of aluminium glazing products as part of the contract to create a new office extension for MEPs International, a global industrial consultant specialising in the steel market. Designed by Thread Architects and constructed by T H Michaels, the new building benefits from Senior’s high performance SPW501 commercial doors, SPW600 aluminium windows and SF52 aluminium curtain wall which were again fabricated and installed by DPS Facades Ltd. A key feature of the fenestration design is the louvre guards that have been installed to the windows to create an attractive aesthetic detail and to provide additional safety and security.

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

HARVEY’S GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH WITH FRAMEPOINT® Based in Leicester, Harvey’s Conservatories and Windows are busier than ever and quoting software Framepoint® from Tommy Trinder has enabled them to keep selling during lockdown and wow customers with best–in-class visualisation and stunning quotations.

The glazing industry is booming, but companies like Harvey’s have had to get creative to meet the demand safely and responsibly during the pandemic.

Eddie Barton, a design consultant and sales rep at the firm, has been using Framepoint® since mid-2020 and says that it’s “opened our eyes to a new way of doing things”.

“The remote selling aspect became a real advantage during lockdown. We’re in Leicester, and Leicester has been locked down forever! There were periods where we were told not to go and visit anybody and not to go into houses, so Framepoint® came into its own. We’ve had virtual meetings, designed things – we can be office based and sell windows, and it works. It’s a new opening for us.”

“The visual side of it helps you increase your sales potential. Before I’d just be sketching things on a pad. The fact that I can take a picture of their house and then swap and change colours, chop and change with the flick of a switch, it’s great! You can show someone’s house as it will be, and you can just do it on the spot or online. It’s the detail that makes the difference. It’s helped my sales quite a bit!”

Harvey’s are a trusted family business that’s been in the industry for nearly 30 years.

Communicating their reputation for quality is essential in standing out from the crowd.

With Framepoint® “the presentation of the final quote is second to none,” Eddie said.

“We show them the before picture and then what it’s going to look like with the new windows and doors. They can see where the openers are, the handles, views from the front and the back, you get all the detail.

The feedback has been great - customers have got back to me saying ‘I’ve never had this sort of service, nobody else has showed me what the house is really going to look like.’ ” As a self-confessed technophobe (“I’m definitely not a techy person, I’m too old for that!”), Eddie was a little apprehensive about using a cloud-based system, but getting up and running with Framepoint® has been a doddle.

“It’s just so simple to use, and the good thing about Framepoint® is that if you do have a problem you just give them a call and the help is really good. You’ve got backup.

It’s great!” Eddie said.

Framepoint® is subscription based and billed monthly. To find out more about Framepoint® and book a free demo installers should visit www.tommytrinder.com.

The South Wales firm already had three state-of-the-art FUX foiling machines, but now these will be joined by a fourth, growing the company’s capacity by a quarter.

The latest purchase comes after both an increase in demand for foiled profiles, and booming business more generally, as Group Managing Director Andy Jones explains.

“A year ago, we were foiling 31% of the profiles we produced, but now that’s grown to 33%.

“However, that doesn’t tell the full story, because we’re also now manufacturing drastically more frames than we once were too.

“In 2019, we were averaging around 1,440 frames a week. In 2021, we’re averaging over 500 frames every day – which means we’ve got a lot more foiling to do.”

This will be far from the last big investment Victorian Sliders will make this year.

Andy continues: “By the end of 2021, we intend to spend over £3m in capital investment – and we’ve spent around £1m of that already, refitting and expanding our regional depots into modern sales offices.

“Over the next twelve months, we want to increase our sealed unit capacity, and plan to purchase another automated line, and a second toughening plant, which will be larger than the one we have already.

“We’ll also be significantly expanding our extrusion capacity, adding four more extrusion lines to make eleven in total.

“It’s all part of our long-standing commitment to futureproofing the business, and bringing outstanding sash window products to thousands more installers around the country at the most competitive price.”

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

The innovative quoting software has proved to be “very good as a sales tool”, Eddie said. With an ever growing choice of styles, colours, options and glass, visualising designs for customers can be a real challenge, especially with limited access to showrooms. This is where Framepoint® shines, says Eddie.

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June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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SHEERLINE IS ‘A BREATH OF FRESH AIR’ FOR WHITELINE MANUFACTURING Whiteline Manufacturing Ltd, established in 1984, was one of the first leading fabricators to manufacture Sheerline’s groundbreaking aluminium windows and doors.

Steve Milham, Whiteline Manufacturing CEO, comments: “The Sheerline system is new, innovative, British, thermally efficient, clean and extremely versatile.

It’s hard to think of a reason not to buy it! For those of us that have been in the industry for as long as I have, Sheerline is a breath of fresh air.”

“Delivery times are unheard of for this product type and this means faster reaction times to clients’ needs and consequently, the ability to convert more orders.

Initial discussions with our customers have been extremely positive and samples are being requested on a frequent basis, so early signs are very encouraging.

Demand for Aluminium has been growing in recent years and our own aluminium division has increased tenfold over the last few years. With so much PVC-U in circulation, it is of no surprise that aluminium products are constantly growing in volume.”

Garnalex CEO, Roger Hartshorn, adds: “The feedback from Steve is just what we hoped for from Sheerline launch partners. Steve’s right, demand for aluminium is growing as homeowners look to make sustainable and beautiful improvements to their homes, and we want our partners to be able to supply this demand quickly and easily. Every major component of a Sheerline window or door is made by us here in Britain. Our aluminium profile is available in 12 stocked colours in just 5 working days and bespoke colours in just 10 days. Keeping all these colours, in all the profiles, in stock in our large warehouse changes everything.”

With a mission to reinvent aluminium with systems that are easy to fabricate, easy to install, look beautiful and are a dream to sell, Garnalex has designed Sheerline from the ground up.

Sheerline’s first system, Classic, is an ultra-secure beadless aluminium window system packed with unique features that bring real benefits to fabricators, installers, and homeowners.

Meanwhile, Sheerline Prestige is the company’s most versatile and thermally efficient system, with DG U-values of 1.3, TG of 0.9, which includes single and French doors with a choice of outer frames and styles for unlimited design options.

Discover Sheerline by visiting www.sheerline.com and www.sheerlinevideo.com. You can also call 01332 883960 or email info@sheerline.com. Follow @SheerlineSystem and @GarnalexSystems for the latest news and updates.

Sheerline is ‘a breath of fresh air’ for Whiteline Manufacturing

WIDGETS TO CELEBRATE 21 YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH TYPICAL PINK PANACHE Window Widgets is celebrating its 21-year business anniversary and the company promises to celebrate it in style over the course of the year, with a distinctly pink and fun theme and one in which supports two industry charities.

The business has been highly influential over the last two decades and has grown to be the ancillary and consumable trade partner of choice for many of the most prestigious and trusted window and door fabricators across the UK. Through The Residence Collection brand, the company has also helped spurned the new market for true timber alternative windows and doors and ultimately for flush sash windows, along with igniting everyone’s appetite for new colour combinations.

In recent years Window Widgets has added solutions for aluminium window and door systems, composite doors and also ancillaries for the vertical sliding sash market. A new 158-page product catalogue perfectly showcases the breadth and depth of a product range that extends to over 1,500 items.

Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director of Window Widgets enthused: ‘Our 21 years is quite a milestone and while we’ve gone through being part of a larger UK group and subsequently been part of an international one, we’re now back to an owner-managed entity that’s run with entrepreneurial flair. We want to celebrate this with customers, staff, business partners and the industry as a whole with our charitable venture launching in early June.

She continued: ‘We also want to thank everyone past and present that has helped make this business so special and we’re keen to nurture our unique pink culture further in the years to come. But in the meantime, we hope that’ll you embrace our new charitable initiative and enjoy it as much as we do.’

For further information please visit www.windowwidgets.co.uk or request a copy of the product catalogue at sales@windowwidgets.co.uk or by calling 01452 345848. Look out for the social media handle of #widgetscomedy in the coming weeks and months and please be a part of it.

It’s also been a fun and engaging brand over the years, and this will be perfectly represented over the coming weeks and months with various birthday celebrations, alongside the launch of a charitable venture supporting GM Fundraising and We Mind & Kelly Matters, under the social media handle of #widgetscomedy. You can find out more by visiting our fundraising page.

NEW RETAIL BROCHURE AVAILABLE FROM MODPLAN Leading trade fabricator Modplan has just published a new high-end consumer brochure to help their customers leverage further sales for their impressive product portfolio.

Heidi Sachs, Managing Director at Modplan, says: “Feedback from our customers have told us how important our retail brochure is in helping to sell our windows, doors and conservatory ranges to the consumer. This latest brochure has taken its value to the next level with compelling photography throughout and practical information to help the consumer.”

The Homelife brochure, as it’s known, has a stunning lifestyle feel throughout, with high quality images used across

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Modplan’s product groups. This includes a large window section including featurerich flush casement windows, which have become extremely popular with discerning consumers. Along with a comprehensive door range there is a wide choice of conservatory options and conservatory roof

choices, including the Leka, Wendland, Vertex and Loggia Collections.

The compelling photography is further supported with considered information to help homeowners choose the right home improvement products from their

home. Heidi said: “The brochure has been purposely designed to provide an easyto-read understanding of the breadth of the products available. From replacement windows to modular garden buildings and retrofit conservatory roofs, our choice is extensive and is another fantastic marketing tool to help our customers sell to the consumer.”

The new 40-page brochure is ideal for both direct selling and retail showrooms. Heidi, said: ” Today’s market is more competitive than ever and Homelife allows our customers to differentiate themselves and help close the sale.”

The Homelife brochure is available in both hard copy or digital download and underpins the company’s continuous commitment to building long term partnerships with its customers.

To order copies of the new Homelife brochure from Modplan’s call 01495 246844.

Web: www.modplan.co.uk.

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

FATHER AND DAUGHTER TEAM OPEN THEIR FIRST SHOWROOM IN HORSHAM A father and daughter team are investing over £100,000 into opening their first ever showroom.

She continued: “We’ve also got an extensive range of windows and doors that we are now supplying and fitting, including Extreme window, the timeless Envisage flush casement or the contemporary Eclipse aluminium slim frame windows and doors.”

Leighanne and Greg Cox are looking to expand Speedy Home Improvements by creating a dedicated space in Horsham that will showcase six different living spaces and their new windows and doors range.

Speedy Home Improvements, which became part of the Conservatory Outlet network of retailers last year, will be officially opening the showroom this Saturday (May 22nd) and are running a number of promotions to help celebrate the big moment.

The duo are looking to capitalise on pent-up demand from homeowners keen to press the button on big projects and are hoping the 5000 sq ft facility on Foundry Lane will help the business grow 30% by the end of 2021.

Five new jobs will be created as a result of the investment, including one front of house position, two sales roles and two apprentice fitters to support the installation team.

Visitors during the weekend will have the chance to win a three-course meal at a number of local restaurants, prize hampers and, for the first three orders, a spa break away.

“This is still very much what we do, but by joining Conservatory Outlet last year, we have also benefited from access to their excellent product range and its multi-channel digital marketing campaign that has really driven leads during the lockdown.

“Like the other retailers in the network, we decided the time was right to have our own showroom and look forward to welcoming homeowners from Horsham and Worthing over the coming weeks and months.”

Conservatory Outlet is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of home improvement products, supplying exclusively to an established network of retailers that specialise in conservatories, extensions, doors, windows and orangeries.

“We have been growing steadily due to ‘word of mouth’ referrals and exhibitions, but felt the time was right to have a presence where potential customers could see our expertise first-hand,” explained Leighanne, who joined Greg in the business eleven years ago.

Greg Kane, Chief Executive of Conservatory Outlet, concluded: “Speedy Home Improvements has been a very welcome addition and have surpassed all of the joint targets we set at the start.

“The showroom has been purpose-built to really showcase the improvements we can deliver, with visitors able to see a contemporary flat roof kitchen extension, both tiled roof and hybrid roof home extensions, a stunning orangery, beautiful glass roof conservatory and a practical garden room.

“It will give people from Horsham and Worthing all the inspiration they need when considering adding more space to their homes.”

Greg went on to add: “We are best known for our ability to take on technically demanding projects, with our unique ‘SpeedyBase’ system reducing the requirement for traditional wet foundations and construction time by up to four weeks.

“Greg and Leighanne are a fantastic team, with a reputation for quality, service and overcoming technical challenges.

This showroom is an important next step in the firm’s journey.”

For further information, please visit www.speedyconservatories.com or follow the company on Facebook.

Father and daughter Greg and Leighanne Cox of Speedy Home Improvements, with Leighanne’s seven-year-old son Taylor

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ONLINE INVESTMENTS AT ALUFOLD DIRECT SET TO DRIVE GROWTH FOR CUSTOMERS A lot has been happening behind the scenes at the Blackburn-based aluminium fabricator AluFold Direct since last May, when Russell Yates was appointed Managing Director. Much of that has been focused around driving operational efficiencies, expanding the team, and investing and equipping a new factory which is set to open soon.

For customers though, despite the vast amount of change which is actually taking place, it will largely have felt like business as usual so far – with the same consistently fast and reliable service and the same reassuring guarantee of any product, in any colour, delivered anywhere in the UK. Now however, some of the first innovations that Russell and the team are introducing

are being rolled out to customers, and there is a growing sense of excitement about how these will help companies who choose AluFold Direct as their supply partner achieve really meaningful growth.

There is a new brand and a new website to help communicate the scale of the transformation happening and a game changing new online ‘quick quote’ tool on the website designed to make the AluFold Direct service even smarter and more user friendly.

The clever new tool at https://alufolddirect. co.uk/ enables customers to get an instant trade price for nearly every product in the AluFold Direct range – from windows, entrance doors and bi-folds to lanterns, sliders, rooflights and commercial doors.

All that users need to do is enter in their sizes, select glazed or unglazed and standard or non-standard colours and the tool will calculate the price and send it instantly by email. There’s a step-by-step guide included which walks users through the quote

builder tool, a handy guide to help them choose the right spec for each project and a survey template to make sure they don’t miss anything.

Russell Yates explained: “We’re taking all the hassle out of quote building for our customers. They can get an instant price straight to their inbox and log in as many times as they like to change the spec whenever suits them. Obviously, if they need a more detailed quote on a particularly large project, they can simply upload their own survey files and one of our team will get straight back to them.”

The tool sits on the trade section of the new website. Retail buyers who visit the site are directed to a dedicated ‘Find An Installer’ section and prompted to enter their details to help generate additional leads for AluFold Direct customers.

Russell added: “This is a more capable and comprehensive tool than anything else out there for quoting in aluminium at the moment and hopefully serves as a powerful

statement of intent in terms of how we will be approaching the market in 2021 and beyond. We have huge ambitions for this business and part of that will come from providing customers with a really useful and valuable set of support tools, which will help them make the most of the opportunities available in aluminium while making their lives as easy as possible.”

AluFold Direct is set to reveal more of its plans over the coming weeks and months, including a new cloud-based customer pricing portal and some radical product developments and sustainability initiatives.

More at: https://alufolddirect.co.uk/

MORLEY GLASS DELIVERS DARKNESS ON DEMAND WITH NEW PLEATED BLACKOUT BLINDS Morley Glass & Glazing is delivering darkness on demand with its launch of a new and exclusive blackout system for pleated integral blinds.

The ScreenLine® pleated blackout blinds sit neatly inside Uni-Blind® sealed units to ensure complete shading from the sun and other light sources such as streetlights and passing vehicles. Complete privacy and the exclusion of external light are particularly welcome in environments such as bedrooms, children’s nurseries and home cinema rooms as well as commercial applications including laboratories, hotel rooms and museums.

With no vertical cords running down the blind, no light can leak through tiny gaps when in the closed position, and there are no perimeter gaps either. The pleated blackout blinds are available in a choice of

26

eight colour options: white, alabaster, cocoa, grey sheen, black, anthracite grey, dove grey and grey ridge. The blackout blinds are available for 20mm cavities, using the

manual corded C System or slider control S System, and can cover a glazed area of 2 sq metres (2200mm max height x 1500mm max width).

Ian Short, managing director of Morley Glass & Glazing said: “We all value our privacy and also know how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. The new pleated blackout system can provide these solutions.

The pleated blind’s material also delivers excellent thermal performance, reflecting excessive heat and helping to keep rooms cool in the height of summer.

“We’re really excited to work with ScreenLine® in Italy to bring this product exclusively to the UK for fabricators and installers to add to their portfolio of added value products. It’s perfect timing as we come into the summer with lighter nights and brighter days.

"The new blackout system is the perfect solution for light sleepers seeking an uninterrupted night’s sleep and shift workers who may need to sleep during the day, or for any room where unwanted light can cause a nuisance or disruption. I’m sure they’ll be a hugely popular product.”

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

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

FROM HERO TO ZERO Window Widgets has achieved a zero-landfill mark after a 2½ year recycling and process programme under the stewardship of Andrew Taylor, QHSE manager. He talks to Glass News about this important milestone for the business and hopes to inspire others to follow their path.

For the past 2½ years we have put into place a detailed strategic plan with resources and new processes to help tackle what was an existing recycling programme, with a new one dedicated to help combat climate change. In February 2021, we achieved the milestone of being able to audit the fact that no waste went to landfill thanks to our new environmental policy, which incorporates 19 different recycling processes, new procedures, and compliance requirements.

With local government elections having now concluded, COVID-19 remains very much in the limelight in all global media, as the implications are far and wide on both a personal and business level. But as its impact begins to dimmish, climate change will be elevated as the number one topic for us all.

Firstly, from a manufacturing perspective, all of our PVCu waste is collected and used for re-processing within the profile extrusions sector by Penfold Plastics, while the ABS, polypropylene and acetal sprues are re-processed in our granulator, with the excess collected by locally-based Philip Tyler Polymers to help cut down the environmental impact. Other materials and hazardous liquids including bulk containers are also collected by environmental specialists, as are fluorescent light tubes and specialist WEEE electrical waste.

Whether it’s planting more trees, the use of carbon offsetting schemes, change in material usage, the adoption of electric cars and even different social and cultural practices, the environment should be the number one priority. Recycling is a fundamental part of the overall picture as we should not go on consuming thousands of acres of landfill every year.

Office waste including printer toner is recycled, while confidential wastepaper is shredded onsite and recycled. Packaging materials in the form of wood, cardboard and plastic film (LDPE) is re-processed by local partner Archer Recycling, who also take general waste, including food packaging, from our designated bins to the new Javelin Park incineration plant near

junction 12 of the M5. This is a new supersize £500m facility operated by Urbaser Balfour Beatty on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council, to treat the county’s residual waste.

Part of this project plan is to use the heat to create enough power to help service around 25,000 homes in the immediate area through a district heating scheme, helping to cut carbon emissions directly. As part of the feasibility study at the time, it is estimated that this new site could save the taxpayer over £100m over the next 25 years and if successful, could pave the way for similar other facilities across the UK. While some of our waste inevitably is going to this new cutting-edge facility, the goal is to reduce the amount considerably and we’ve got a continuous improvement programme in place to help make this goal a reality and this includes the recycling of the polymer bags used within our extrusion facility. Across the company, this 2½ year programme of waste management has seen the investment in dedicated stillages, skips, compactors, baylers, pallets, containers, wheelie bins, sacs, and secured bins to help deliver this important zero-landfill mark for the business.

Within our environmental policy we’ve also invested in our first fully electric vehicle with more to come later this year and beyond. We’re also assessing the viability

Andrew Taylor

of several carbon-offsetting schemes and from an energy usage aspect, we’re looking to change to 100% renewables when our electricity contract renewal comes up.

While it’s been my job to help realise this achievement, it could not have been made without the full commitment of the senior management team within Window Widgets, credit must be given to every single employee who have also played their part in this important landmark and in creating a culture that we recycle as much as we can, when we can. Our supply chain has also be equally supportive and it is our hope that other parts of the industry can look to achieve the same.

I’m more than happy to share my experiences of this to other businesses and can be contacted directly at andrew.taylor@windowwidgets.co.uk. We are well versed using the blue bins at home for recycling and a little care and attention in the workplace can make a real difference for generations to come. I hope we can inspire others to make zero landfill from businesses the new norm in time, after all the future of our planet is in our hands.

You can view our sustainability journey so far by visiting https://www.windowwidgets.co.uk/environment.

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June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

EUROGLAZE SUPPORTS BOOMING GARDEN ROOM MARKET With the market for garden rooms booming post-Covid, Euroglaze, the Barnsley based REHAU trade fabricator, has answered the call from local company MCD Home & Garden to keep them supplied with windows and doors.

MCD had previously been buying frames from a company in Germany but when they experienced supply problems towards the end of 2020 just when demand was at its peak, they turned to Euroglaze and haven’t looked back since.

That starts with delivery of a tailored new customer pack clearly setting out everything from delivery days and order cut off times to payment terms. Then, as soon as their first order is received, they can expect a call from one of the customer service team to ask for feedback and to identify any areas for potential improvement.

They will be given access to the Euroglaze online ordering system – either via a dongle or as a cloud-based user and guided through the clever bespoke features which sense check every order to eliminate errors and automatically recommend useful additions such as heavy-duty hinges for triple glazed frames and mechanical transoms.

Euroglaze is now MCD’s preferred supplier of PVC-U frames, supplying anthracite grey windows for the company’s range of garden rooms and summer houses on a consistent lead time and guaranteeing regular deliveries on time and in full.

And, once they do place an order, they can relax knowing that Euroglaze’s bespoke stock management system will automatically alert them to any items which are out of stock so that they can accept a new delivery date or switch to an alternative product or component. They also know that they will always receive all of the fittings and ancillaries they need for every job because these are packed under a despatch camera and bagged and labelled by job number.

As a new customer, MCD has benefited from the impressive onboarding process which Euroglaze has developed to ensure that every single company that signs up to buy from Euroglaze experiences a truly personal service.

The customer service team checks and tracks every job and every customer – whether they are new or not – can expect to be asked for feedback every six months to ensure that quality and service remains exactly on track.

Martin Blacksell from MCD commented on the service: “It’s a cliché to say that Euroglaze have gone above and beyond, but when I say that the guys in the factory even lent us a special tool so that we could change the glass in a frame from our previous supplier which was causing issues on site, that gives some idea of just how helpful they have been throughout “The service is consistently reliable and unerringly accurate, and we really appreciate the care and attention shown by the customer service team, especially the regular communications which mean we always know when our order will be arriving and even the name of the driver!”

More details at: www.euroglaze.co.uk and https://mcdhomeandgarden.co.uk/

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GN - Bi-folds Half Pg advert 2021_MAR.indd 1 www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2021

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GLAZING SUMMIT THE FUTURE OF THE GLAZING INDUSTRY

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The Glazing Summit returns to Edgbaston Conference Centre on 21st October.

Two years ago, we brought together 350 business owners, leaders and decision makers from across the industry.

Now, we’re doing it again.

Glazing Summit 2021 will tackle head-on the issues facing the industry, from supply chain to consumer trends, technology to sustainability and new regulations.

Everything has changed. Fabricators, installers, glass companies and component suppliers will come together with a host of industry experts and keynote speakers for this one-day conference.

“You gave the industry a tremendous boost with this superb event.” James Lee, Director of External Affairs, The GGF “The last Glazing Summit was a breath of fresh air.

The 2021 event looks set to be bigger and better.”

Paul Atkinson, Sales and Commercial Director, Yale With the UK now looking beyond the pandemic towards the economic recovery, Glazing Summit 2021 will sell out fast.

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email hello@glazingsummit.co.uk or visit www.glazingsummit.co.uk The Glazing Summit Organised by

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TRADE NEWS

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FREEFOAM BUILDING PRODUCTS LAUNCH NEW VIDEO TO SHOWCASE PILKINGTON PLASTICS Based in Horsham, West Sussex, Pilkington Plastics specialise in the supply and fitting of fascia, soffit, cladding, windows and doors.

Installation is a busy and growing part of the business and the new video features a recent project on a large four bedroom home with Black Ash fascia and Black guttering. The original white wood roofline had been on the property since it was first built about 20 years ago and needing replacing and the homeowner wanted a finish that complemented the design and style of the property.

Pilkington Plastics are a relatively recent Freefoam customer who started trading in 2017 set up by long- time friends Paul Le Grange and James Etherington. They are a typical example of a Freefoam customer who has started small and, with dedication and hardwork by the team, alongside Freefoam’s support, have developed into an established, well respected local business.

James commented “We offer clients a full roof and roofline service, replacing tiles as well as fascia, soffit and gutter. From my

experience Freefoam is the best roofline range on the market. They offer a wide range of colours and finishes, and they all come with strong guarantees – 50 years on white products and up to 10 years on colours. We’re also Freefoam Registered Installers, which again helps us grow our business. We receive free leads from Freefoam on a regular basis and plenty of marketing materials which help us to promote the products. This homeowner is very pleased with the installation and we’re now pricing up a relatives property in the

same development!”

Prior to starting the business Paul had been involved with selling UPVC for 20 years plus, and during that time had always worked with Freefoam. James had also been fitting Freefoam for many years, so their joint experience gave them the skills needed to run the own business. Paul explained “I think people choose Pilkington Plastics because of our knowledge of products.

Having a good understanding of our products and services helps to improve the confidence of our customers.”

Pilkington Plastics has changed and developed a lot already in the last 4 years.

It took 2 years to get established, but is now continuing to go from strength to strength.

Paul summarised “I do feel that Freefoam want to help my business to grow and find the support we get from Kim, our area sales manager, really useful. We like the products and have built up a strong partnership, so we don’t see why there wouldn’t be a positive future for Pilkington Plastics and Freefoam.” www.freefoam.com

VIDEO LINK

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June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ROOF LANTERN

TRADE NEWS

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* Discount applies to new trade customers and first, single item purchase only of the Korniche Roof Lantern.

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

A STELLAR BIFOLD PACKAGE FROM EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS Epwin Window Systems has launched a new dedicated support package to help its customers market their popular Stellar Aluminium Bifold Door. Gerald Allen, Marketing Manager at Epwin Window Systems, said: “The aluminium bifold door market is very strong at the moment and the Stellar Aluminium Bifold Door has attracted considerable interest from both consumers and installers. This dedicated support package will help our customers further capitalise on all of the opportunities in the domestic sector with a range of effective promotional assets.”

The Stellar Bifold marketing support package consists of a brand new, high-end 16-page product brochure that delivers compelling imagery and practical advice to help promote the door direct to the consumer. A new 12page aftercare brochure and a two-page technical sheet are available too. A selection of high-quality imagery is available for customers use online and offline and animated gifs have been professionally produced by Epwin Window Systems’ in-house design centre for use across all social media platforms.

All marketing assets are can be downloaded direct from the Stellar hub on the Epwin Window Systems’ Connect digital resource platform. The brochures can be further tailored to suit and bespoke versions are available as part of Epwin Window Systems’ tailored marketing support package offer.

The Stellar Aluminium Bifold Door has proven popular with consumers because of its streamlined aesthetics and outstanding product quality. It also offers bigger sash sizes which tap perfectly into the trend to create wider door apertures that remain popular in the domestic sector. Sash sizes can be 1,200mm wide and 2,500mm high, with a maximum height plus width of 3,500mm.

The Stellar Bifold Door has been readily received by installers and feedback from numerous installation

teams state it is the easiest aluminium bifold on the market to fit. This is down to a series of technicallyadvanced features such as the patented pre-gasketed knock-in glazing beads which saves considerable time on site.

The intelligently-designed knock-in beads also need little or no adjustment, eliminate gasket overstretch and even means the glass can be toe-and-heeled without forcing it.

The Stellar Aluminium Bifold Door is part of the triple award-winning Stellar aluminium window and door system that is setting a new standard for retail aluminium. And in launching a dedicated marketing support suite, fabricators and installers can deliver game changing products with the support to help them seize all market opportunities.

Tel: 0845 300 9356 www.stellaraluminium.co.uk

FENTRADE ALUMINIUM DELIVERS FOR HOSPITAL RENOVATION PROJECT Fentrade Aluminium has recently manufactured and supplied a new entrance porch enclosure as part of a largescale refurbishment project at St Joseph’s private hospital in Newport, Gwent. The exacting brief was to create an enclosed area at the main hospital entrance where visitors can safely sanitise their hands upon entry to comply with the hospital’s covid safety protocols.

The new entrance enclosure was manufactured using Kestrel Aluminium Systems’ versatile commercial Shop Front System and included automated sliding doors and single-glazed safety screens.

Working closely with main contractor Crest Glazing Solutions, Fentrade met the exacting specification and high standards that the project demanded.

Award-winning Fentrade prides themselves on their level of hands-on detail to ensure all projects run smoothly, and this was evident throughout the project. Chris Reeks, Director at Fentrade, explains: “On a project of this nature, attention to detail was crucial.

As such, we made various site visits with our customer to ensure the project ran smoothly throughout. We also ensured the door sets were constructed to plan along with various pressings to achieve a finished reveal to the outer area. Internally the doors were wired with automatic opening gearing operated by hand sensors to facilitate the easy access and exit to and from the hospital.”

Fentrade specialises in manufacturing high-quality aluminium products and has

secured several commercial contracts due to their proactive partnering approach.

Chris said: “This was an important project to work on and demonstrates our partner capabilities as we continue to deliver projects for various commercial sector applications including shopfronts, schools and now hospitals.”

The project ran smoothly and Crest Glazing Solutions were delighted with the finished result. Tony Bowen from Crest Glazing Solutions, said: “This was quite a unique project and followed an exacting brief from the customer. As a result, we designed and fitted the automatic gearing to both internal and external entrance doors, provided touch pads for opening/closing on the doors to ensure they were Covid-safe and delivered a high-quality installation to ensure public safety.”

The project was completed on schedule and the client was delighted with the finished results. Tony commented: “The smooth-running project was successfully achieved due to the excellent service and communication received from Chris Reeks and his expert team at Fentrade. We look forward to working with them on future schemes.”

Tel: 01633 547787 www.fentradealuminium.co.uk

QUICKSLIDE HELPS BRING 1000 YEARS OF HISTORY UP TO DATE Redeveloping a prominent local site is always a huge responsibility, and even more so when it is one steeped in over a millennia of history.

So when high-end developers Brebur Ltd took on the bespoke redevelopment of the historic Featherstone Hall, the last of four great houses that once dominated the Yorkshire village of North Featherstone near Pontefract, they didn’t hesitate to choose Quickslide for the perfect heritage windows and doors to complete the site.

Over the past two years, Featherstone Hall and its surrounding grounds have been transformed into fifteen beautiful and contemporary family homes, each reflecting the prominence and grandeur of the historical area. The hall itself has been converted into three period family homes, while the sympathetically restored coach house is now a detached three-bedroom home oozing period charm. In addition, there are eleven new, detached family homes, each designed in keeping with the same classic and elegant feel.

In total, Quickslide provided 222 products for the development, including PVCu sash windows, sliding patio doors, bi-fold doors and Solidor composite doors – all in anthracite grey for a contemporary twist on the period look. The result is a stunning collection of quality windows and doors that perform as well as they look, offering unrivalled security and energy efficiency.

Brebur, who knew of Quickslide’s reputation as a supplier of Solidor composite doors, choose the award-winning fabricator for the project because it offered the best quality

34

products within the right price range, when compared to similar products on the market. The developers particularly commended Quickslide’s sliding sash for being robust and exuding style and quality once installed. Brebur also praised Quickslide’s easy and helpful buying process that, they said, was a credit to the company.

“A project like Featherstone Hall showcases all the things we excel at,” said Ben Weber, Quickslide’s Managing Director.

“Quality, contemporary windows and doors that bring all the benefits of modern PVCu to the traditional, beautifully aesthetic window designs of the past.”

“We launched our flagship Legacy VS in 2019 – a window that set new standards of authenticity and quality for PVCu vertical sliders – as part of our £2 million investment programme to ensure we can continue to look forward to offering our customers more of the innovative, stylish products that home owners will delight in.” www.quickslide.co.uk

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THINKING BIG

The Decalu163 from Deceuninck Aluminium taps into growing consumer demand for high quality, oversized aluminium patio doors and presents big opportunities for both manufacturers and installers. Deceuninck Aluminium’s Nigel Headford talks to Glass News about the opportunities available.to both the trade and the customer.

“Last year was busy, despite the disruption from Covid, but we’re anticipating even more demand throughout 2021, especially if the property market is anything to go by,” says Nigel Headford, Business Development Director, Deceuninck Aluminium. “Activity was so high in Spring that many estate agents were reporting that they only had two months’ worth of homes left to sell!

Continuing high demand from the retail sector has also been highlighted by AMA Research, which has forecasted the UK residential entrance door market to grow by 15 percent by the end of 2021, recovering to pre-Covid levels by 2022. The report by AMA points to a number of opportunities for the window and door industry, with a particular emphasis on the increasing popularity of style, colour and the rising trend for oversized glazing.

“There is a strong appetite for premium, high value products that deliver on consumer demand for quality, finish and for large expanses of glass,” adds Nigel.

“We’ve enjoyed considerable success with the Decalu88 bi-fold, which was launched at the start of 2020 and that’s been followed by

36

Nigel Headford

the Decalu163 lift-and-slide patio door that was introduced to the market around six months later.”

when you consider how many up-market coastal properties feature oversized patio doors these days!

Designed to accommodate sash weights of up to 400kg – and around 3900mm by 3500mm in size – on a single, double or triple track option, the Decalu163 can be manufactured, comfortably, to an opening of 4000mm tall by 3500mm long on a single run, or 4m by 7m on a twin track with just two sashes.

“It doesn’t just look the part, homeowners can feel the quality of the Decalu163 from the moment they open and close the doors.

Even with maximum size sashes, you get an ultra-smooth ‘light touch’ operation,” he says.

Available in a standard or slim interlock option, it’s available in 16 colour-matched options across Deceuninck’s PVC and aluminium systems, and comes with dualcolour, textured and marine grade finishes as standard.

“And while end user appeal is clearly a great thing to have, the Decalu163 also presents a number of big advantages to both installers and fabricators,” continues Nigel.

Advanced thermal-breaking technology ensures excellent thermal efficiency and weather sealing, with U-values as low as 0.8/m2k on triple and 1.3/w2k for double glazing.

In common with the rest of the Decalu range, the 163 lift-and-slide is based on a modular system that is designed to reduce stock holding and simplify manufacture.

It does this through the use of a single outer frame and sash with identical middle section, so fabricators only have to manage three components, in contrast to most competitor systems that have eight.

“The Decalu163 delivers the sizes and contemporary aesthetics that homeowners are looking for,” says Nigel. “Dual colour and a marine grade finish as standard are also a fantastic selling point, especially

In addition, it also incorporates Decalu’s co-extruded, pre-inserted gasket. This eliminates the requirement to manually insert gasket during manufacturer, which again, frees up labour and overheads

compared to other aluminium system.

“Fabricators can reduce manufacturing times by as much as 40% if they switch to the Decalu system,” says Nigel. “That saving in time and money can either be used to increase profitability or it can be deployed to win new business.

“And while that efficiency of manufacture has clear benefits to fabricators, the preinserted gasket means that fitters love it because they don’t have to spend anywhere as much time, on site, glazing units. With our Decalu88 bi-fold, for instance, the glazing time per sash is just minutes.

That’s made a big difference to installers, because they can now schedule two bi-fold jobs a day, instead of one – that speed of installation is echoed in the Decalu163 lift and slide.

“Fabricators can use it to build margin, it’s installer friendly and it ticks a lot of boxes for consumers,” concludes Nigel. “When you sum it up, it’s an extremely compelling offer!”

For more information call 01249 816 969, email deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk.

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: GQA

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PROVIDING THE OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE WILL

HELP FILL THE SKILLS GAP IN FENESTRATION

GQA’s Mick Clayton talks to Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, about the skills gap within industry as a whole and the fenestration industry, specifically. While companies and organisations such as Building Our Skills are pointing the way, much more needs to be done if we are going to fill the ‘000s of available jobs in our industry.

their way up? I would think many of us have done this in whatever industry we started our working lives. Sweeping floors and doing all the menial jobs that nobody else wants to do and, hopefully, linking up with someone of generous spirit that will mentor us and show us the ropes, helping to guide us and help us learn the job. Is that being an apprentice? Surely being an apprentice involves something more formal?

Structured learning and guidance that leads to qualifications of some sort must constitute an apprenticeship, but doesn’t that already happen although it may not actually be called an apprenticeship? So is the differentiator support for the company and the individual in financial terms, from the government or some other institution?

The skills gap. Shortages of staff generally and installers specifically. Is it just the fenestration industry that needs people, and needs them desperately? Regrettably, no.

We are in competition across the board and especially with all sectors within building and construction.

We immediately think that the word ‘apprentice’ refers to a young person, leaving school and seeking to get into their first job. However, this may not be particularly attractive to an employer. Maybe they need someone who, with minimum training, will be up and running and earning their corn. Perhaps the pool of people we should be looking at should include those with experience, albeit from other trades or industries? Mick Clayton points out that transferable skills are important and there

Apprenticeships or apprentices seems to be the talk of the industry but how does it vary from anyone coming into a company and starting from the bottom and working

are many people looking to change jobs, particularly after this pandemic that may have meant that their job has gone or that they see this as an opportunity to change direction. This is an attractive proposition, after all these people already have skills and a degree of business acumen and understand the disciplines associated with going to work.

Mick Clayton talks about the initiative that Building Our Skills has developed with the armed forces, called First Foot, and also talks about how employers can get help in setting up apprenticeships. However, it’s the perception of the industry that is the key to attracting people and that the opportunities are wide and varied. The industry is technologically advanced and isn’t all about putting a few windows in a house, big projects also exist: just think about projects like the Shard. We need to get over the various aspects of our industry and show them that the whole sphere of jobs exist within fenestration and, if working for yourself is the aim, gaining the right skills, knowledge and experience is key. There are real opportunities in fenestration for those looking to progress through to owning their own business, whether it be fabrication or installation.

How do we tell the public that our industry is attractive and has vast opportunities? The answer always involves cash but, given that organisations can’t afford national advertising campaigns we can only utilise the trade itself – national federations, competence person schemes and the companies already involved with fenestration. But really it is only the large national window companies and the largest competent person scheme that are talking directly to the public. Perhaps that’s where the opportunity lies although generous sponsorship or outright donations to an organisation such as Building Our Skills would undoubtedly help the cause.

And just how big is this skills gap? Mick Clayton couldn’t make it clearer: “Last week we found over 1,100 ads that were looking for installers.” And that number is nowhere near exhaustive; and the number is likely to be much higher….and that’s just installers. If ever there was a good time to get established and working in fenestration, this is it. Jobs abound but I asked Mick how many apprentices there are in the industry and, the simple answer is that no one knows. One thing is for certain: that there are plenty of opportunities both to work and to obtain a real career path for the future within fenestration.

VIDEO LINK

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June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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MACHINERY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

BIG RESPONSE TO FIRST FUSION QUAD WELDER INSTALLED BY EMMEGI

HAFFNER ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH GRAF SYNERGY Leading machinery experts Haffner has announced an exclusive supply partnership with Italian-machine innovators, Graf Synergy. The new partnership will give Haffner the largest and most comprehensive machine portfolio in the industry and further consolidate Graf Synergy’s presence in the UK fenestration market.

which designs innovative and high-quality engineered products at competitive industry prices. It also supplies a range of aluminium fabrication machines from worldwide machine-giants, Fom Industries. Italy’s Fom Industrie is part of the worldwide FomGroup and has an outstanding product range offering the widest choice of quality machines with competitive lead times.

Speaking on the new exclusive partnership, Dave Thomas, Haffner’s Managing Director, said: “Graf Synergy offers state-of-the-art automated machinery at every level. By working with Graf Synergy, we’ll be able to offer even more choice to fabricators and further cement our position as the go-to machinery experts.”

Haffner is renowned as the company with the expertise and experience fabricators turn to when they want to increase efficiency and output. The company has a team of ten service engineers to help support their customer base and has recently commissioned several large-scale investments, including doubling the size of their Staffordshire headquarters, adding a new 1,990 sqm showroom extension and opening a new 37,000 sqm purpose-built factory in Istanbul, Turkey as part of its impressive growth strategy.

Graf Synergy has an outstanding product offering and delivers a range of machines for both aluminium and PVC-U fabrication.

It is well-known for its world class seamless welding technology and patented welding techniques, increasing both fabrication efficiencies and delivering superior product quality. Dave commented: “The scale of Graf Synergy and the technical innovation behind all their machines complements our comprehensive machine offer perfectly and will help us drive the next level in cutting-edge machine technology for our customers.”

Award-winning Haffner already offers an impressive machinery line up. The company is the sole UK agent of Haffner Machinery,

“The new partnership with Graf Synergy along with our level of expansion is a clear indication of our continued success.”

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The video of Emmegi’s striking new Fusion 4H PVC-U Quad Welder being installed at O’Grady UPVC’s factory in Kiltormer, Galway has already been viewed almost 5000 times on LinkedIn, demonstrating the level of interest which exists right across the market in this innovative, automatically adjustable, fully digital CNC machine.

This is the first installation carried out in Ireland of a machine which made its debut at the FIT Show in 2019. What is generating the biggest response is the quality of the finish that the machine is producing, with reduced cycle times and a weld restriction adjustable from 0.2 to 2mm depending on the top and bottom profile colour.

the heating and welding automatically.

Built-in bright green LEDs on the welder heads show the status of the machine at any given moment and cycle to alert the operator of any actions required.

There is full digital control of the axis and exceptional precision in the welding head movements. This allows for incremental adjustment of the counterblocks to deliver weld restrictions down to 0.2mm, simplifying and shortening the subsequent machining cycle.

Alan O’Grady of O’Grady UPVC is confident that he will see a quick return on this investment. He said: “We used a vertical quad welder previously which we were relatively happy with, but the horizontal Fusion is already giving us a better finish on the frames, a quicker production time and absolutely no compromise on the weld strength. It will definitely give us faster throughput and improved efficiency.”

The installation of the Fusion was carried out by Emmegi’s own specialist engineers in Ireland and ran smoothly and safely in line with the Covid restrictions which are still in place in Ireland.

The team at O’Grady UPVC had seen the horizontal welding machine at the FIT Show and felt that the quality of the weld and the flexibility and speed it offered would enhance their operation.

Looking ahead, O’Grady UPVC will continue to promote the quality of its NSAI WEP accredited windows and doors to trade and domestic customers throughout the west of Ireland.

The Fusion offers manual loading and automatic unloading and a fully programmable, variable cycle to carry out

More details at: https://www.emmegi. com/en/alphabetic-product/fusion-4h and https://www.ogradyupvc.com/

Haffner’s success in offering a comprehensive range of machines that make a tangible difference to fabricators is something that is reflected in their rapidlygrowing business. Dave commented: “The new partnership with Graf Synergy along with our level of expansion is a clear indication of our continued success. The new exclusive collaboration will blend the innovative expertise of the two businesses and provide a transformative approach to machine technology to deliver the best in fabrication machinery.”

The Graf Synergy machines will accompany a large-scale range of machinery on Haffner’s 405 sqm stand at FIT 2021.

Tel: 01785 222421 www.haffnermurat.com

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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MACHINERY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

AVANTEK MACHINERY ANNOUNCES MOST SUCCESSFUL YEAR EVER 2020 was a year most of us will never forget, no matter how much we’d like to. The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges that most businesses were unprepared for.

had to change in the blink of an eye, with a national lockdown announced and our facilities closing within a few days of this.

Industry-leading fenestration machinery company Avantek Machinery was able to adapt to the changing industry environment, with the result of making the last 12 months its most successful ever!

"We needed to make sure we could keep our own teams safe when our facilities reopened, so we worked closely with our sister company Liniar to implement the social distancing measures required, and began operating in a more digital world with video meetings instead of our typical face-to-face interactions with employees and customers.

Avantek’s Sales Director Jamie Munday discusses how the team achieved this remarkable result, supporting customers through times of great uncertainty and helping them implement automated processes to aid social distancing and increase productivity.

Jamie says, "A Peter Drucker quote I once read states, ‘The greatest danger in times of turbulence isn't the turbulence - it is to act with yesterday's logic.’

"The pandemic ensured that the whole industry could no longer continue to operate the way we always had. We didn’t have months or even weeks to learn to adapt to this new way of life… the way we operated

“I’m proud to be part of the Avantek team – we quickly got to grips with the technology we needed and reassessed our strategy.

AUTOMATION TO AID SOCIAL DISTANCING

“Upon reopening after six weeks, we all had to learn to adapt to social distancing.

Customers realised that automating more of their fabrication processes by investing in machinery could help with this, leading to an unprecedented demand for Avantek’s advice and expertise when it came to replanning factory layouts.

“There’s certainly been a lot of change – but it proved we could still continue to offer a valuable service, which was appreciated by customers,” comments Jamie.

AVANTEK'S BIGGEST YEAR EVER The free advice offered by Avantek, combined with the company’s fast availability of machinery from stock saw a huge increase in sales. Where specialised fabrication machinery was formerly seen as a way to increase efficiency, it now gave fabricators an additional opportunity to produce their products with less manpower - allowing businesses to continue to operate safely and to spread out shift patterns in this new environment.

"In particular, the demand for Avantek’s own Supercut cutting and machining centre was incredible!” explains Jamie. “The Supercut removes many laborious tasks and enables staff to focus on more value-add activities such as quality control.

"When we look back at 2020 (excluding April and May, when we were closed for the initial lockdown) Avantek sales are up a whopping 188% year on year.

We've passed many milestones during that time too, including selling our 50th Supercut and the first-ever Wegoma six-head welder. “Additionally, we've had several customers who've had their second, third and even fifth Supercut installed this year!"

Jamie Munday

ENHANCING THE TEAM The rapid surge in demand brought its own unique challenges which were further compounded by import delays at ports caused by COVID and Brexit. Fortunately, Avantek Machinery was well stocked with machinery prior to the pandemic and was able to plan ahead for future orders.

Additionally, to help with the increase in installation requests, Avantek was able to add to its team during the pandemic.

It recruited two new team members who specialise in machinery installation allowing the company to provide even more comprehensive services to its customers.

"Avantek had formerly run one nationwide installation team to cover all customers but we were now able to run two installation teams in 2020," Jamie says. "Recruiting new team members provided us the ability to install two Supercuts per month instead of only one - and even then, we’re still booked up for months in advance."

“We’re also about to enhance the team even more in 2021 to provide an even faster service.”

2021 AND THE FUTURE “As 2021 began, the whole industry wondered if we'd see a dip in the phenomenal demand that had continued to increase since May 2020. Now almost six months into 2021, demand continues to soar.

“For Avantek this equates to double-digit increases year on year in Q1 2021, with installations booked well into 2022.

Jamie concludes: “What the future holds is still in question for everyone in the industry, but currently shows no signs of slowing. COVID continues to impact businesses around the globe and the need for automation remains a priority for window fabricators.

“For Avantek, with its commitment to superb customer service, product excellence and investment in machinery, the future looks bright.”

For more information about Avantek Machinery, visit www.avantekmachinery.co.uk.

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June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ONSITE 7 JOB MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE PROVING ITS WORTH WITH INSTALLERS Onsite 7, the job management software designed for the trade by the trade has been gaining plaudits with installers due to the numerous benefits it can deliver to businesses.

Justin Grafton-Holt, Managing Director of B&P Windows in Wakefield recently signed up to Onsite 7 and says: “I would urge any busy installer to take a look at Onsite 7.”

He explains: “We had been looking for software that would allow us to track appointments at the point of being made, all the way to service calls and every stage in between. Onsite 7 did this and more, all whilst remaining incredibly simple to use.”

Justin is also impressed with the peace of mind that Onsite 7 brings: “The features that allow installers and surveyors to take pictures and get customers to sign off at final survey and installation stage gives the installer that protection and peace of mind just in case they come across a rogue customer.”

Rhys Hoddinott, CEO at Onsite 7, said: “The management team at Onsite 7 are all experienced industry professionals and we designed the software knowing the realities of the job and what was required. We’re delighted to be seeing so many installation companies benefitting from it.”

ONSITE 7 ADDS VALUE AT EVERY STAGE OF A JOB At the sales stage, installers can record their entire sales process from scheduling appointments to attaching quotes.

At the survey stage, information can be added quickly and easily onsite, so no details get missed off the customer record.

And at the installation stage, teams can capture photos, videos and notes about the job, as well as obtaining customer ratings and legally binding signatures.

At the service or maintenance stage, teams can capture photos, videos, evidence and signatures proving that the service call was completed for total transparency.

The software can also be used as a Customer Relationship Management system, allowing all customer information, documents, notes and job information to be stored in a single place.

Onsite 7 costs £20 + VAT per month per licence and provides impressive return on investment. It’s a simple but incredibly powerful system that is fast gaining a reputation for being the best job management system on the market today.

Onsite 7 will be at FENEX in September where installers can discover the benefits of using the software during the event. https://fenex.co.uk/attend/ Tel: 0800 0029748 – www.onsite7.co.uk

EXCEEDING CUSTOMERS’ EXPECTATIONS WITH BM SOFTWARE The declared Modplan ‘Mission’ is ‘to continually exceed customers’ expectations’, so, when the Gwent based trade fabricator invested in a complete Business Micros’ Evolution and EvoNET software package, its aim was to deliver an even better and more streamlined service to its network of trade installers.

Modplan’s IT Manager Andrew Evans says the software has helped it achieve that, and more. The benefits to installers are being seen in terms of a new, fast and efficient online quoting and ordering system and for Modplan itself, there are improvements in production efficiency and access to better business information.

Andrew estimates that on efficiency alone, Modplan achieved payback on its software investment within months. He explains: “The software is now embedded across all of our five separate manufacturing sites, linking them in a way that we never could before. We have barcode and document scanning in place throughout which means we can track every component and every element of every order, regardless of where it is being manufactured. We have complete real time visibility of all our factories and can interrogate the EvoNET system at will to review everything from output to quality performance making it a really powerful management tool. We have also been able to make significant improvements in batching and production planning.

“Unlike previously, where orders for windows, doors, bi-folds and conservatory roofs had to be split according to which factory they were being made in, they can now all be processed and tracked in one, which has massively reduced our paperwork and means just one simple invoice for the customer.”

The online ordering system uses Business Micros EvoSatellite system, linked directly

44

to Evolution and EvoNET. Upwards of 100 Modplan customers receive a licence and can log in to quote and order any of the Modplan products – from Veka, Halo and Liniar PVC frames to Leka conservatory roofs and bi-folds and flush sashes, as well as glass. Customers get instant updates on stock availability and the EvoNET system ensures that any Just In Time components on any order are immediately visible within the software.

Andrew Evans worked closely with Business Micros’ Installation Manager Dave Stockwell to integrate Evolution and EvoNET at Modplan. Modplan built their own data so that they could remain self-sufficient, while Business Micros programmed the software to ensure that it could work effectively across multiple sites.

Modplan was impressed with the service from Business Micros. Andrew adds: “During the installation phase, Dave was like one of the team here and ensured that the transition from our old software to Evolution and EvoNET was pretty much seamless We had great back up as well from everyone in the installation department at Business Micros’ Newton le Willows office and now from the support department in the Penpont office who are always so helpful and responsive.

“Changing software can seem like an unquantifiable risk for a busy fabricator but our experience with Business Micros is that it was relatively straightforward and, in terms of where it now positions us as a business, was worth every penny of our investment.

“It certainly means that we’ll have no hesitation in adding the Business Micros TOUCH software products to our operation as soon as they become widely available.”

More details are at: www.businessmicros.co.uk and www.modplan.co.uk.

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

VIRTUAL HOME BRINGS TOUCH THE CONSULTANCY SHOWS VENDOR DESIGNS TO LIFE ITS STRENGTH WITH CONNECT

The TOUCH Vendor lead generation and quoting software from the Business Micros Group has just got even better. The development team has added a brand-new interactive visualiser tool, which makes it easy for homeowners to see exactly how the windows and doors they have chosen will look in their property.

Branded Virtual Home, it does what most other visualisers on the market don’t do and allows users to see their window and door choices on every façade of the property and view them from the inside as well as out.

It works just as well in quote and survey mode, when installers are using TOUCH Vendor to sell either remotely or face to face, as it does in lead generation mode, when homeowners are creating their own designs via the lead generation tool on the installer’s website.

It obviously adds an exciting new dimension to the TOUCH Vendor software, edging customers closer towards making an enquiry or placing an order, with a realistic picture of how their finished home could actually look.

Doors and windows processed using the TOUCH Vendor design tool can be superimposed onto any house image and manually positioned to get a really accurate result. Users can change the style and colour as many times as they like and try out different looks before they buy.

The Virtual Home feature pops up automatically as soon as the Vendor user has added their chosen windows and doors to their virtual basket. They can upload as many images of the property as they like and see how the products will look from

“Doors and windows processed using the TOUCH Vendor design tool can be superimposed onto any house image.”

PROJECT FOR EPWIN

the kerbside or the garden or even from the inside looking out.

In quote and survey mode, the Virtual Home feature automatically adds a PDF of the finished design to the quote, alongside the product details and price ready to send to the customer. In lead generation mode, it adds the PDF to the enquiry acknowledgement that the customer receives and to the enquiry notification sent to the installer. All the installer has to do then is check the product choices and provide a price.

Paul Callaghan, Director of Business Micros Group company The Consultancy, which created Virtual Home in partnership with the Business Micros software development team, said: “We looked at the limitations of other visualisers on the market and used our experience and expertise to do something better. TOUCH Vendor users can view their property from front and back and from inside and out and chop and change their design choices to see exactly what works best from different angles.

“We’re confident that it will really help customers to complete more sales, with a really slick, efficient and professional looking offering – all the way from enquiry to order.”

All the details including a demo of Virtual Home are at: https://store.bm-touch.co.uk/

“We’re confident that it will really help customers to complete more sales, with a really slick, efficient and professional looking offering – all the way from enquiry to order.”

The Consultancy has strengthened its claim to be the industry’s number one online specialist by delivering the mammoth Connect integrated digital resource centre for Epwin Window Systems.

The Hartlepool-based business, which is part of the Business Micros Group, mapped and developed what is arguably now the industry’s biggest online portal to give Epwin fabricators and installers access to a vast range of support tools as well as a lead generation mechanism.

It is the company’s most ambitious individual web development project to date and took six months to develop and deliver. Richie Thornton, Director at The Consultancy, says the sheer scale of the project would have overwhelmed many smaller, less experienced providers: “With 6 separate window systems in both PVC-U and aluminium and around 400 fabricators as well as installers to target, it required a vast amount of in-house technical resource.

“It is a bespoke solution for Epwin, but obviously draws on all our experience over the last 10 years of creating online customer support portals for some of the leading names on the industry, albeit this is on a potentially much bigger scale.

“As you’d expect, registered users get access via Connect to all of Epwin’s marketing, technical and commercial support tools and the lead generation mechanism passes both retail and commercial leads to fabricators and installers. There are also links to external providers for finance, insurance backed guarantees and training and rolling discount details on everything from fuel to workwear.

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“We’ve added lots of smart innovations on top of that though, such as bringing everything together into a single customer log-in and creating a filter which ensures that the platform automatically recognises fabricators and their linked installers and only provides information on the Epwin systems and brands that they actually buy.”

Part of the added value element of Connect is that it gives users access to The Consultancy’s web design service so that they can work with the team direct to create their own professional looking trade or retail websites. They can also link to the new BM TOUCH software platform which The Consultancy has developed in partnership with the Business Micros programming team for lead generation, quoting and ordering online.

Gerald Allen, Epwin’s Marketing Manager, endorsed The Consultancy saying: “We chose the team because we needed a proven reliable partner with experience in this type of project. We were aware of the upcoming TOUCH platform as well of course and wanted to ensure that both the Portal and Vendor elements of the software were fully integrated into Connect from the outset, alongside all the other fabricator and installer benefits we are offering.”

Richie Thornton added: “What we’ve demonstrated with Connect is that we can successfully manage any size of project and deliver on time and on budget. As a direct result of that, we’re already working on another large-scale centralised portal for one of the industry’s leading trade associations which we think has the potential to be even bigger than this one.”

More details at: www.theconsultancy.co.uk

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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BM Aluminium has added two new plugins to its LogiKal aluminium design and processing software to make it easier for commercial fabricators to collaborate with architects and designers.

LogiKal CAD Suite 2D licence holders can now install an AutoCAD plug-in and add a LogiKal toolbar directly to their AutoCAD set up. From there, they can access the LogiKal positions and cross section functions, and transfer elements directly into AutoCAD using a simplified export mode.

Once the path to LogiKal is set up in AutoCAD, any changes made to the design are automatically adopted in the LogiKal projects making it easier to share revisions. The simplified 3D export mode is particularly useful for curtain walling elements because it simplifies the contour line of all the profile sections, reduces the volume of data being processed and speeds up the transfer.

normal and return the finished data directly to the architect’s BIM model, making collaboration much easier.

Both plug-ins are available for LogiKal customers with the appropriate licences to trial for free – all they need to do is get in touch with the BM Aluminium team either direct or via the website www.bmaluminium.co.uk.

Dean Hodges, BM Aluminium’s Managing Director commented: “LogiKal users need to have updated to the latest version of the software (11.4) in order to use these For fabricators working with architects plug-ins and need to have AutoCAD 2015 using BIM modelling, a new BIM interface or Autodesk Revit Version 2017 or newer. in LogiKal allows for window and doorhow sizes it works Our team can help and advise and provide Create a team and positions to be imported into LogiKal online demos as required.”

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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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FIT SHOW PREVIEW

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU!

26TH-28TH SEPT 2021

COME AND VISIT US...

LEKA SYSTEMS SIGNS UP FOR FIT SHOW 2021 Conservatory roof innovators Leka Systems has announced its presence at FIT Show 2021. The Leka stand will showcase a range of their popular conservatory roof solutions including the Leka Warm Roof, Leka Orangery roof and the modular Leka Xi conservatory wall and base system which taps into the trend for thermally efficient home extensions or freestanding garden rooms. Rhys Hoddinott, Managing Director of Leka Systems, said: “The FIT Show is an important date in our calendar and has always been a part of our sales and marketing strategy. We are already looking forward to welcoming fabricators and installers to our stand and showing exactly how Leka’s products can add value to their portfolios.”

Leka Systems’ products have taken the market by storm in the past few years and deliver on the next level of roofing innovation. All Leka’s products have a unique construction that gives them a major USP over other roofs on the market today and the speed with which they can be installed is a big boon for installers too. Rhys said: “With the rapid growth in conservatory roof and modular building demand, there has never been a better time to become a Leka Approved Fabricator or Installer. Not only do we offer cuttingedge products that present a great upsell opportunity, we also support our customers with a comprehensive marketing package including full product and sales training so they can maximise their sales potential quickly. We look forward to discussing the benefits of Leka at the show” FIT Show 2021, which now runs from 26th – 28the September, 2021 is the UK’s only dedicated event for the window, door, flat

glass and components market. It attracts systems houses, fabricators, installers, architects and specifiers who come to browse the latest products and offers exceptional networking opportunities.

FIT Show Event Director, Nickie West commented: “Leka Systems had a fantastic presence at the last three FIT Shows, and really maximised our event as a platform to bring its products to life for visitors in 2019. We know that the growth in demand for replacement conservatory roof solutions remains strong and are proud to be able to fulfil this need for our visitors with brands such as Leka who provide a quality product for the fabricator and installer. We’re excited to see what they have planned for FIT Show 2021 this September.”

Rhys concluded: “After the restrictions of the last twelve months, the FIT Show is a vital opportunity to showcase face to face innovation and product development to the industry and we look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand Q30.”

Tel: 0800 773 4040 – www.lekasystems.co.uk

VISITOR APPETITE FOR FIT SHOW AT RECORD HIGH FIT Show organisers have announced that its visitor pre registration numbers are tracking at 130% above the figures for the same period in the campaign for its 2019 event.

The announcement follows the easing of lockdown restrictions across the UK, with the country entering the penultimate phase of the UK Government’s ‘roadmap to recovery’, which is on track to culminate with the lifting of all restrictions from June 21st.

FIT Show will return to the NEC Birmingham from Sunday September 26 - 28, 2021. The event, which is

48

free to attend, will see over 200 brands from the home improvement industry showcase the very latest products on the market for the first time since 2019.

Organisers of the UK’s number one event for the glass and glazing industry are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that it makes a triumphant return in September. FIT Show event director Nickie West commented: “Our visitor pre registration data is a key indicator that people are ready to get back to faceto-face business, but, most importantly, that they are ready to get back to FIT

Show.

“After a very difficult year, it’s time to dust ourselves off, get back out there and build back stronger. We are pulling out all of the stops to ensure that FIT Show delivers a safe and successful platform for our industry to get back to doing what it does best.

“The new Sunday opening is a further opportunity for visitors to attend the show without the need to take time off the tools or out from the office by making a weekend visit. The uplift in early pre registration data has been positively impacted by this.”

FIT Show’s record visitor registrations follow hot on the heels of April becoming its biggest month for exhibitor sign ups since January. The latest brands to join the lineup are listed on the FIT Show website.

to-face.

Nickie added: “For many, FIT Show is the first opportunity to see, touch and compare

“We’ve got so much to look forward to, and with the Government’s new ‘super deduction’ allowing companies to benefit from huge tax savings on new plant and machinery assets, there are more reasons than ever to visit FIT Show and make those all important purchases.

than 50 scheduled events at the NEC before FIT Show, we’ve got every reason to plan ahead with confidence.”

the latest products on the market side-by-side.

Our exhibitors are already reporting that there will be more new products and innovations on display than any previous FIT Show.

It’s an exciting time for the whole industry as we work towards reconnecting face-

“We have been encouraged by the uplift in visitor pre-registration, which places us over 130% ahead of where we usually are at this point in our campaign.

With the successful rollout of UK pilot events of all sizes - with zero social distancing - and more

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.

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

UK’S BIGGEST AND BEST TRADE SHOW FOR THE WINDOWS, DOORS, GLAZING & COMPONENTS INDUSTRY

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ALL INTO ONE SHOW SEE THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY, BE THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS.

NEC BIRMINGHAM, 26-28 SEPT 2021 For more information on how to exhibit at FIT Show, visit www.fitshow.co.uk/exhibit FITShow.co.uk | #FITShow21

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

WINDOW WARE-RAPIERSTAR PARTNERSHIP CONTINUES TO GIVE CUSTOMERS THE EDGE Rapierstar’s 20-year partnership with leading distributor Window Ware has proved invaluable in ensuring fastener supplies to its fabricator customers have continued reliably, and consistently, throughout the exceptionally busy home improvement boom of the past 12 months.

Hardware specialist Mila has spent lots of time and money since the start of the first lockdown making sure that its web presence does exactly what busy customers need it to do.

Updated navigation using user-friendly drop-down menus helps customers find the products they need, a simple click to book service lets them arrange a sales call, video meet or socially distanced visit, and there’s a dedicated download section for them to access test certificates, declarations of performance and literature.

Reflecting the value both companies place on long term supply partnerships, Window Ware and Rapierstar have worked together for over two decades to develop a deep understanding of each other’s businesses for the ultimate benefit of fabricators and installers.

Thanks to Window Ware’s extensive experience of supplying its loyal customer base and Rapierstar’s ability to increase supply to accommodate peaks in demand, the partnership has been able to accurately forecast customer requirements and maintain a high level of service. This has provided customers with much-needed supply dependability and peace of mind – just what busy firms need to help them meet increased levels of manufacturing and installation.

Ever since the company was established in 1987, Window Ware has chosen to invest in partnering with major brands across the window and door industry, to strengthen the last link in the supply chain for customers and ensure those brands are properly represented with passion and knowledge. Today the company stocks more than 5,000 lines, including Rapierstar branded fasteners such as the complete range of StarPVCU® screws for window and door manufacturing, StarFix® frame fixings and StarTurn® decking screws.

Window Ware serves customers across the UK with a clear ‘right products, right place, right time’ focus. This is reflected by its On Time In Full (OTIF) delivery rate which achieved 94.7% in February despite the challenges the pandemic created over the last year. Thanks to the company’s fabricator roots and over three decades in the industry, plus a strong sales team made up of ex-fitters and ex-fabricators, Window Ware understands the issues and pressures customers face and can offer a high level of technical competency as a result.

Window Ware’s Managing Director, Sam Nuckey said: “The home improvement boom of the past 12 months has tested building product supply chains across the board, but we’ve been able to protect our customers from major issues by having the right supply partners in place – like Rapierstar – who we can rely on to deliver.

“They also support us with specialist technical and product training, and provide guidance on all kinds of key topics including how the right fastener can

50

THE MILA HARDWARE EDIT

(L-R) Rapierstar’s technical consultant Mark Calpin with Richard Bryant, Commercial Director of Window Ware

support PAS24 testing. With Rapierstar’s help, our teams are always sharpening their knowledge and delivering sound advice so customers can be sure they’re using the right screw for the application every time.

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen a noticeable growth in the number of customers manufacturing premium systems and products, such as mechanically jointed PVCu windows, or upgrading the spec of their handles and other hardware.

Rapierstar’s support has been invaluable here too, giving our customers confidence in selecting the correct fasteners for these innovative products so they deliver a superior quality finished window or door.”

Mark Calpin, Technical Consultant at Rapierstar added: “Window Ware shares our goal of ensuring manufacturers and installers have access to the technical information, resources and products they need to make the right decisions about the fasteners they use. It is important to realise that even though fasteners make up only a tiny proportion of the cost of a finished window, they can make a huge difference to the long-term performance of the product.

That is why it is imperative to get these components right from the very outset.”

As the UK and Ireland’s leading specialist fastener supplier to the door and window sector, Rapierstar offers the industry’s widest range of products to fabricators of all the major PVCu and aluminium profile systems. Operating from its HQ and 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse and distribution centre in Cheshire, the company has stock of more than one billion items, including a wide range of consumables plus fasteners for timber joinery, decking and roofline.

Find out more at www.rapierstar.com.

The latest innovation is what Mila is calling its ‘curated collections’ – simple, online Edits which bring together into one section of the website all the information on families of products which customers regularly buy together.

There are already three live Edits at www. mila.co.uk – the Value Edit, which is all of Mila’s HERO hardware essentials range including its ProLinea BreakSafe™ cylinders, the Stainless Steel Edit, which is all the products in the Supa stainless steel range, and the latest to be added – the Emergency

Exit Edit, which includes panic bars, panic locks, easy egress window handles and hinges, and Approved Document B compliant products.

Customers can view the collections online, download a PDF for easy reference or click to request a quote – it’s as easy as that.

Marketing Director Sarah Gyde commented: “We’re very much focused on the customer experience at Mila – all the way from how we deliver content online to how we package and deliver our products in person. Attention to detail is everything, which is why we’re constantly refining what we do and developing clever new solutions like The Edit which we know make our customers’ lives just that little bit easier.

We’ll be adding more curated collections to our Edit portfolio in the coming weeks so it’s always worth customers checking back to see what’s new.”

More info is at: www.mila.co.uk.

VBH RECEIVE KITEMARK RECOGNITION Hardware specialist VBH has been awarded the new BSI Kitemark in respect of Building Hardware used in Windows and Doorsets.

VBH is among the very first companies to have achieved this certification.

To achieve the hardware Kitemark VBH submitted various window and door samples to BSI for testing to all the relevant UK quality standards.

The hardware covered includes products for the manufacture of outward opening, and tilt & turn windows, residential doors, bi-fold doors, lift slide doors, inline sliding patio doors and the greenteQ Invisifold slide & fold door system. As well as the company’s own greenteQ hardware, the Kitemark hardware schedule also covers products from many of VBH’s partner brands including AGB, Yale and Roto.

VBH Business Development Manager Rob Norman says “Naturally, it takes a lot to achieve this Kitemark but the benefits to us and our customers are many. Not only is the Kitemark a badge of quality for our products but it also gives added credence to our Q-secure consumer guarantee, as all the hardware on our Kitemark schedule is also on our Q-secure Approved Hardware list.

“Lastly, it also gives the possibility of us helping VBH customers to more easily achieve their own accreditation.

Depending on what steps they take, this can lead to gaining additional business from the new build and commercial sectors.”

Further information on the products covered by the Kitemark and how VBH can help in achieving accreditation can be requested by emailing VBH direct at sales@vbhgb.com, via the website at www.vbhgb.com or by calling 01634 263263.

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

SUPA™ EASY

Installation SUPA™ SIMPLE Fits standard preparation SUPA™ FAST Box-to-door in less than 2 mins

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HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ALUMINIUM FITTINGS FINESSED BY CARL F GROUPCO As a long-standing supplier of hardware to support aluminium systems, Carl F Groupco reports significant growth in demand for the stylish, lightweight material. Increasing demand from fabricators for the durable, secure and aesthetically pleasing profile that offers low U-values has prompted a major upturn in demand from fabricators for complementary hardware.

the visual finish demanded to complement an aluminium door is also provided.

“A complete suite of locks is also available to cater for all applications including tall doors capable of providing security over

three metres high; electronic operation with SmartSecure access control options; panic / emergency exit and French door options. Other popular product lines for the aluminium market include tilt & turn

Commenting on Carl F Groupco’s advancements to its aluminium options and the lines that have been expanded, John King, Sales Director for Carl F Groupco said: “We have worked with a number of system houses to develop ranges to meet growth in demand - this has resulted in a catalogue of aluminium sector fittings that is our most diverse to date. Options include a full range of stainless steel FUHR door locks with a comprehensive selection of U-Rail variants and backsets: additional corrosion resistance is offered by stainless steel and

The autotronic offers a practical solution for multiple occupancy buildings. The solution is also advantageous for properties that require the security and convenience of an automatic lock, plus the advanced functionality of an electromechanical lock with access control options.

Commenting on the appeal of the features of the autotronic, John Mitchell, Technical Manager for Carl F Groupco said: “On closing the door, two latching deadbolts simultaneously extend and lock in place – this provides additional security compared to traditional mechanical locking mechanisms as the user doesn’t need to remember to secure the door. Unlocking the door is motorised, this enables the addition of access control and integration into existing building management systems.

From the outside, the door can be opened using a cylinder key or access control: it is secured on closing and can be deadlocked using the cylinder key provided.

52

“Manufacturers’ commitment to aluminium is clear. Taking FUHR as an example, the leading lock supplier has produced a 380 page catalogue dedicated purely to hardware for aluminium - all featured products are available from Carl F Groupco.”

Popularity for aluminium profiles is resulting in corresponding sales for Carl F Groupco’s hardware with demand from both existing fabricators working in the sector and those working in the PVCu market who are diversifying into this expanding market. Growth is confirmed across the company’s client base including one customer who has increased spend on FUHR door locks for aluminium profile by 102% compared to their 2018/19 purchases.

Comprehensive additions have been made by Carl F Groupco to its aluminium hardware collection

Carl F Groupco: www.carlfgroupco.co.uk Twitter: @Carl_F_Groupco

SWF LAUNCHES NEW ELEGANT SPRUNG “LEVER LEVER” DOOR HANDLES FOR TODAY’S STEEL DOORS

SIGNIFICANT SMARTSECURE ADDITION WITH FUHR AUTOTRONIC The FUHR autotronic 834 lock has been added to Carl F Groupco’s suite of SmartSecure electronic door locking and access control solutions. As one of the most important additions to the company’s upcoming 2021 catalogue, the highly versatile hybrid product is a major expansion to the SmartSecure brand. The 834 provides a combination of automatic locking and electronic motor driven unlocking: as such, it is an appealing option that is fully compatible with all existing SmartSecure locking and access control variants.

hardware from Roto NT and Roto FRH reversible window gearing continues to be a big seller. Siegenia ALU tilt and turn ranges also feature as high-volume orders.

FUHR’s autotronic hybrid lock enhances Carl F Groupco’s SmartSecure solutions

“An 834P panic/emergency exit variant is available for single and double doors providing all the benefits of the 834 lock while allowing unimpeded escape from the inside of the building using the lever or panic push bar at any time on either the active or inactive door leaf. The hardware meets British Standard requirements when used alongside the recommended FUHR lever handle (EN 179 for emergency escape) or Panic Bar (EN 1125 for panic exit) and the CES free movement cylinder.”

SmartSecure has been the most significant development in Carl F Groupco’s 70+ year history. As such, the autotronic addition is set to have major impact as it supports the growing electronic door locking and Smart access control market.

Product Link: https://bit.ly/3uWAIGd Carl F Groupco: www.carlfgroupco.co.uk Twitter: @Carl_F_Groupco

Steel Window Association member, Steel Window Fittings (SWF), has developed a new collection of handles and accessories to enhance and secure today’s striking steel doors. As the trend for steel in the home continues apace, SWF has developed the portfolio in answer to the demand from designers, manufacturers and consumers alike for more choice in door furniture; complementary window furniture is also available to complete the harmonised look.

Rub Bronze, Satin Chrome, and matching RAL colours are available on request.

In each handle, four independent springs ensure correct horizontal position of the lever while an 8mm spindle, secured with a grub screw, clamps both handles together securely. Taylors spindles are also available to fix the handles in a horizontal or vertical position.

The handles can be used for a wide range of applications including multipoint locks, traditional external locks and internal latches allowing the door scheme to follow the same design and finish – inside and out.

As well as the handle and the escutcheons, SWF’s portfolio also includes stays, hinges, bolts, openers, safety and restrictors and concealed multipoint for a truly coordinated design scheme.

For further information on the Steel Window Association, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk or call 020 3475 8049.

The SWF range comprises of three lever options, each available on an oblong or round rose backplate and matching Key or Euro Cylinder options also on oblong or round rose backplates. Options do not end there; the stunning finishes on offer are Antique Black, Antique Brass, Brushed Brass, Dark Bronze, Gun Metal, Oil

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

KENRICK JOINS JOINERY NETWORK

Leading hardware supplier Kenrick has joined the Joinery Network as an affiliated partner. The West-Bromwich based firm is among a select few carefully selected businesses to join the network, which was established to give independent joiners and joinery firms all the resources they need to manufacture genuine Document Q certified timber windows and doors.

Joiners manufacturing the Joinery Network’s Lignum Flush Sash timber casement window will now be able to deliver the highest levels of security with the addition of Kenrick’s flagship Excalibur multi-point window lock, which has been specially modified to help the window meet the requirements of PAS24: 2016.

Steve Williams, Kenrick, sales and marketing director, says: “We are delighted to join the Joinery Network, which is all about manufacturing high quality, secure timber windows. Timber is becoming more popular as a material for windows and doors, but there is a perception that they are not as robust and secure as PVCu and aluminium windows. When fitted with the Excalibur locking system, the Lignum window is proven to deliver high security, thus enabling joiners to offer customers the peace of mind that is it built to last and designed to deter intruders.”

A Secured by Design licensed product, Excalibur offers unique security features, yet is simple to install on a timber window. This durable and reliable multi-point locking system benefits from steel shoot bolts, a robust unhanded die-cast gearbox and bidirectional die-cast claws. It also features a specially developed lock and keep set which fits the Lignum flush sash casement timber window.

shootbolts - from fouling on the frame or keep, which is a major problem with timber windows when the timber changes shape over time.

The Excalibur system sits entirely flush even when the window is open, so there is no danger of any parts catching when the window is closed. This also means that windows only require a very small air gap, which significantly improves the security and weather seal on the flush casement.

This novel feature is achieved with Kenrick’s bespoke striker plate to maintain the high security that the Excalibur system has become well known for.

Designed to suit both traditional and contemporary properties, the Lignum Timber Flush Sash casement window features clean sightlines and internal ovolo detailing. It is factory glazed for easy installation.

To find out more about the Joinery Network, visit: https://thejoinerynetwork.co.uk/

Kenrick is a leading supplier of hardware The four-point locking mechanism of solutions for PVCu, aluminium and timber Excalibur sits neat and flush with the timber window and door systems. The company window, with no protruding parts from the Julie Warner has a proud heritage spanning more than sash. This prevents the locking elements Product - two central security claws and two steel Julie 200 years, havingManager been established by Warner Product Manager Carl F Groupco Warner CarlJulie F Groupco Product Manager Carl F Groupco Julie Warner Product Manager Carl F Groupco

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Scott Dowling referred hardware supplier…”

Archibald Kenrick who manufactured buckles and livery fittings. Kenrick’s range of top quality products includes the market leading Excalibur multi-point locking system, the four-point Centurion system and the Easifit and Espagnolette locking systems.

Get in touch Get in touch and speak to Get in touch and speak to one of our and speak to Get in touch one of our experts today: and speak to one of our experts today: one of our today: experts experts today: t. Peterborough:

t. Peterborough: 01733 393330 01733 393330 t. Peterborough: t. Peterborough:t. Cumbernauld: 01733 393330 t.01733 Cumbernauld: 393330 01236 721557 01236 721557 Cumbernauld: t. t.Cumbernauld: e. sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk 01236 721557 01236 721557 e. sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk e.e. sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

Scott Dowling

Cairngorm Group cott Dowling Cairngorm Group airngorm Group cott Dowling airngorm Group

www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2021

53

ROOFING

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THE JOY OF CLADDING

Installers looking for the next big home improvement trend should consider cladding as an upsell or stand-alone product, says Colin St John, Commercial Director at Freefoam. It’s going bananas.

The past 12 months have been financially difficult for some people, but for many householders it’s been an unexpected bonanza. With holidays, eating out and

entertainment put on ice, the Bank of England estimates we as a nation have accumulated £200 billion in our savings, and we’re keen to get spending. Jes Staley, Barclay’s CEO, expects a ‘spectacular recovery’ with tremendous pent-up demand.

Having gazed at the same four walls for months on end, it’s no surprise that the number one place people want to spend their money is on improving their home.

According to the Renovation Nation Report by mortgage comparison site money.co.uk, British homeowners spent an impressive £55 billion on home improvements between March and September 2020 alone.

With the trend for home improvements looking set to continue into 2021 and beyond, the biggest uplift in demand is at the top end of the market where typical buyers of aspirational products – such as the over 45s and retired homeowners - have been largely unaffected financially by the pandemic.

Most window installers have experienced this first-hand, having seen an increase in sales of premium products such as foiled windows and doors, aluminium bi-folds and orangeries. Freefoam has also seen a strong sustained uplift in sales of coloured roofline products, which are complementary to coloured windows and doors.

Colin St John

However, our biggest growth area has been in cladding where sales have skyrocketed.

Our top customers have recorded a 38% spike in sales over the past two years for this easy to install, low maintenance and durable home improvement product.

Cladding is both an aspirational choice that transforms the look of a home and a practical solution for dealing with façade defects. Here are just some of the reasons why cladding is fast becoming the ‘ultimate’ home improvement product and a great addition for installers to add to their range.

TRANSFORMING PROPERTIES Driven by the New England colonial design trend, cladding can transform the exterior of a property. Quality windows and doors also improve the look of a property, but with cladding it’s on a much larger scale, and the results can be spectacular, particularly

Before - a home in Falmouth before its Freefoam transformation

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After - a home in Falmouth transformed with Freefoam cladding

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper when done in tandem with other home improvements.

Light and durable, PVC cladding is also straightforward to install as it doesn’t require any surface preparation or treatment. That means fewer site visits, less time for scaffold hire and less time on the job for installers.

PVC cladding - such as our premium Fortex and premium plus X-Wood brands – comes in a range of finishes and colours. With long lasting results and a 10-year guarantee, it’s an easy sell to homeowners looking to improve the outer façade of their home or to add the finishing touches to a new garden office or studio.

While some customers want cladding specifically to make their house look like a New England style-property, many people choose it as a way of covering over something they don’t like about their house.

This could be anything from unlovely hanging tiles to dilapidated pebble dashing, both very costly to remove or replace. With modern low-maintenance cladding, the boards are simply laid over batons affixed on top of the existing structure, so there is no need for extensive building work to remove the offending features.

Our ‘Misty Grey’ Fortex weatherboard cladding was recently used on the front elevation of a detached property in Cheshire, belonging to a social media influencer.

Used in conjunction with a render finish, the grey cladding at Grey Goose House perfectly matches the new garage door and general colour theme throughout the house. Homeowner Katrina hated the way the front of the house looked and had asked her husband if they could move. But with the new cladding and render, the house is completely transformed and the whole family is delighted with the results.

It was a similar story in Cornwall where a couple in Falmouth wanted to upgrade their three-storey house, which was covered in a grey pebble dash that had become stained and discoloured over the years. Located on a sloping site, the back of the house was very

www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2021

ROOFING high, bumping up the cost of repainting the pebble dash. So the homeowners decided to go with ‘Colonial Blue’ Fortex cladding on the top storey and to paint the lower half of the house cream, to great effect.

As well as cost-effectively covering unsightly flaws, cladding can also be used to replace existing timber cladding and to upgrade existing white PVC cladding, perhaps with a bold new colour choice.

Cladding may not be on every installer’s radar, but it’s a great way to add value and help installers stand out from the competition by creating stunning home transformations either as a standalone project or as part of a window and door installation.

Not sure where to start? Take a visit to your local Freefoam supplier where you’ll be able to pick up brochures to share with your clients. Our stockist customers are also on hand to help calculate how much cladding board and trim is needed for each job. Installers who join Freefoam’s free Registered Installer scheme also benefit from a clever product visual and genuine sales leads through our consumer-facing website www.mycladding.com. In addition, we offer comprehensive marketing support including brochures, flyers and cladding samples. If you’re new to cladding, our dedicated FAQ page (www.freefoam.com/ professional/technical-faqs) gives useful hints and tips, and our technical advisors are always happy to help with any queries.

We are showcasing the best cladding makeovers through our ‘Home Transformation’ photography competition. Installers are invited to share pictures of properties they’ve helped to transform, with a range of prizes up for grabs each month. You can enter by visiting www.facebook.com/FreefoamUK or emailing ukmarketing@freefoam.com.

Visit www.freefoam.com/news for beautiful ‘before and after’ winners and follow @Freefoam for further inspiration and the latest Freefoam updates.

55

ROOFING

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

KORNICHE ROOF LANTERN SHORTLISTED Made for trade are proud to announce that Korniche have been shortlisted for the Homebuilding & Renovating Show Awards 2021 for the category of Best Roof Lantern Supplier.

If builders, installers and architects are left in any doubt about which lantern product to specify for flat roof extension projects?

The Korniche Roof lantern is the solution.

Standing head and shoulders above its peers and the go to Lantern homeowners are looking to add to their build.

Voting opened on 24th May and can be found on the Homebuilding & Renovating Awards website.

Following the success of the win in 2020 it’s amazing to be shortlisted in consecutive years and shows how much impact the Korniche Lantern has made in recent years.

The products engineering, design and aesthetics have great appeal for both the trade installer and the homeowner. We are looking forward to being allowed back out at the shows, not least with our #FITShow family in September.

The Korniche team are back at the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows this year, starting on the 8thJuly at the NEC. We are encouraging our trade customers to come along when Made for Trade will be unveiling for the first time the NEW Korniche Aluminium Bi-folding Doors!

Book an appointment with one of the team for a showcase at marketing@madefortrade.co and find out why these bi-folds will be the game changer for bi-fold door installation.

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June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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| BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS

WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

OPTIMA CASEMENT WINDOWS AND DOORS FROM PROFILE 22 SELECTED FOR HIGH QUALITY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN BATH 1,667 Optima casement windows and entrance doors from Profile 22 were installed in 170 high quality new build homes at Mulberry Park in Bath, Somerset. The new windows and doors completed the third phase of the development Mulberry Park in Bath is a distinctive, contemporary development of 700 high quality homes, community facilities and open spaces delivered by housing association and house-builder Curo.

Located on the former Ministry of Defence Foxhill site, work started on the project in Spring 2016 and is anticipated for completion at the end of 2026.

spaces. The system is suitable for almost any size or layout of casement window because it includes all the components for bay and bow windows and conservatories.

The system comes with the widest range of ancillaries in the industry while the choice of 28 colours means the system can compete with aluminium alternatives. In this project,

Anthracite Grey on white was chosen to create a contemporary look.

The system meets all requirements for thermal efficiency as standard. Intelligent design features and double and triple glazing options mean thermal efficiency can be enhanced to meet a project’s specified

Curo partnered with Profile 22 Approved Window Contractor Emplas Window Systems Ltd because of their high-quality, commercially-approved products and the extensive experience the company provides.

standards, up to and including 0.9 W/m²K or A+. This was particularly important on this project because energy efficiency was a key feature on the high-quality homes.

Work on this project was undertaken during the Covid-19 pandemic, which raised several challenges including the negative effect on labour and material availability.

However, as an experienced commercial contractor, Emplas was able to successfully overcome the challenges at all stages. The company worked closely with its supply partners and customers to manage stock and capacity during both the manufacturing and installation phases of this project.

Emplas has now commenced supply and installation of 1925 windows and doors for the fourth phase of the development in a further 149 properties.

Mulberry Park is already an award-winning development that is fast becoming one of Bath’s finest new residential communities.

The Optima windows and entrance doors are helping to build this reputation and giving Mulberry Park’s residents high quality homes they can enjoy.

Optima from Profile 22 is a fully-integrated 70mm system and is available in sculptured and chamfered variations. Aesthetically, Optima casement windows offer improved sightlines and a higher glass-to-frame ratio, which was important on this project because the design specified light, airy living

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

SPECTUS WINDOWS AND DOORS COMPLETE NEW LINCOLNSHIRE RESIDENTIAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT 247 white Spectus casement windows, 25 French doors and 10 residential doors have been manufactured and installed on a new 36 home Ashwood Homes development at Balmoral Way, Holbeach in Lincolnshire.

The new build contract was awarded to longstanding Spectus fabricator Highseal Manufacturing Company based in Scunthorpe. The experienced Spectus fabricator was able to meet the exacting specifications, and all products were manufactured under CE Markings and BSI Kitemark (BS7412) accreditations. Holly Donaldson of Highseal Manufacturing

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Company commented: “We are committed to quality excellence throughout the business and our experience and expertise on developments of this type meant we were able to demonstrate how we would meet its requirements.”

The Balmoral Way development provides stylish, energy efficient homes at an affordable price point, in line with Ashwood Homes’ aim to produce a high-quality residential development that will be an integral part of Holbeach in years to come.

This meant the windows and doors had to combine strong aesthetics, exceptional thermal efficiency and powerful security credentials, all backed with the BSI kitemark which Highseal delivered.

Construction commenced in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, which inevitably made installation more complex. However, as an experienced contractor, Highseal Manufacturing Company was more than

able to deliver. Holly commented: “We worked closely with Ashwood Homes and all the contractors on site to make sure everything ran smoothly. I’m delighted to say that – despite everything – installation ran seamlessly.”

Highseal Manufacturing Company is a family-run business based in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. Established in 2012 by Neil and Sue Donaldson, the business has

grown year-on-year and has an increasing number of associate traders, installers and blue-chip clients nationally.

Holly concluded: “We have previously worked with Ashwood Homes and we were delighted to work with them again on this much-needed new development to provide homes for first-time buyers and young families in Lincolnshire.”

Tel: 0808 101 4143 – www.spectus.co.uk

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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INSTALLER FOCUS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

FENSA APPROVED INSTALLERS CAN NOW ‘BEE PAID’ INSTANTLY THANKS TO NEW MOBILE APP FENSA is proud to introduce beepaidGo, a new app that allows FENSA Approved Installers to take payments for work via their mobile phone or tablet, helping them to manage their finances more efficiently and to improve cash flow. beepaidGo has been introduced following an increasing number of calls from installers for a more up to date and faster way of accepting payments, one that allows them to minimise unnecessary and time consuming paperwork, so that they can put more of a focus on winning additional work and growing their business.

Developed by takepayments Limited, beepaidGo is being offered to FENSA Approved Installers at an exclusive price of just £5 + VAT per month. It is the latest in a series of exciting new initiatives from the UK’s largest and most prominent glazing competency scheme, designed to make life easier for busy installers and to raise standards of professionalism in the process.

Once the beepaidGo app is downloaded onto a phone or tablet, installers can request payment in three easy steps. To start with, the installer simply adds a customer’s details, after which the customer will be sent a secure link via text message or email that will request payment and prompt them to complete their card details. Finally, the beepaidGo app will send a notification to the user that the customer has completed payment, after which the money will be transferred to a bank account for the next banking day*.

In addition to the new mobile app, FENSA Approved Installers can also take advantage of a range of other payment platforms from takepayments Limited, including portable card payment devices that operate via

a dedicated GPRS SIM card, a payment gateway that can be set up on a company’s website or even a pay by link product that allows users to create and send an electronic invoice.

Chris Beedel, FENSA Director of Membership, commented: “A recent survey to our FENSA Approved Installers showed us that a number of them would like to have card payment facilities available, in order to make it easier for them to chase and receive payment and to improve cash flow.”

“The beepaidGo app is the perfect way for them to do just that whilst monitoring what payments are still outstanding. We think this will really help our installers manage their finances and with it available at half price to FENSA Approved Installers, it really is exciting to see how many of them will take advantage of another industry leading benefit.”

Jodie Wilkinson, Head of Strategic Partnerships at takepayments Limited, said: “We saw glazing as an ideal sector where the beepaidGo app could really help installation companies on a day to day basis and so we’re delighted to have partnered with FENSA as the biggest name in the industry.”

“We’ve seen first-hand how effective beepaidGo can be in helping companies chase and take payments and receiving the money in their bank account the next banking day. We know FENSA Approved Installers are incredibly busy at the moment and we believe the app can help them manage their time, take payments on the go and focus on the next job.” www.takepayments.com

MUCH MORE THAN A MARKETING PLATFORM Connect, the fully integrated digital resource centre from Epwin Window Systems, gives fabricators and installers what is believed to be the industry’s largest and most valuable online portal which far outreaches comparative industry platforms.

It provides a vast range of support tools, discounts, training and more to add value to both fabricators and installers’ businesses.

Gerald Allen, Marketing Manager at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Connect brings together all our technical, commercial sales and marketing support, plus a lead generation mechanism that passes retail and commercial leads to fabricators and installers. There is also access to rolling discounts from our industry partners. It’s a 24/7/365 bespoke-designed integrated platform for the vast value-added benefits that are available to Epwin Window Systems’ customers.”

Explaining the thinking behind the portal, Gerald said: “Connect has purposely been designed to help Epwin Window Systems customers access the extensive range of cutting-edge business support that’s available to them. It embraces the power of today’s digital technology to help them drive sales, grow profit and simplify all access points.”

Customers can access the system with their unique, secure logins and automatically

60

see content and systems’ brands relevant to them, whether they’re a fabricator or an installer.

There is a dedicated section for technical documentation, and for commercial fabricators, there is free access to Barbour ABI, the leading provider of building project leads. Marketing collateral includes image libraries, bespoke creative services, brochure downloads, PR and tailored social content to help customers across all marketing touchpoints.

There are also details on the many affiliate programs and exclusive discounts that customers can tap into from Epwin Windows Systems’ approved industry partners. This includes the BM TOUCH software platform for lead generation, quoting and ordering online, training programmes from national industry experts and access to discounted cloud-based job management software through Onsite 7.

Connect was designed and built by industry specialists The Consultancy and followed an exacting brief from the systems house. Richie Thornton, Director at The Consultancy, commented: “As far as we are aware, this is the industry’s biggest ever customer support portal. Its scope has to be seen to be believed.”

Epwin Window Systems is the UK’s largest manufacturer and supplier of PVC-U and aluminium windows and door systems.

In Connect, it is harnessing the latest technological innovations to add further value to its customers’ businesses at every level.

Tel: 0845 340 3968 www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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LETTERS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

YOUR LETTERS

STORM BREWING IN THE FREIGHT MARKET

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

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Dear Chris, It was six months ago that I first wrote to the press to sound an early warning about the storm brewing in the freight market.

Booming demand in the west, lack of capacity on container ships and a shortage of the physical containers themselves were already starting to push up the price of shipping. I felt I had a responsibility to inform Mila customers and the wider market about what we were all likely to face over the coming months in terms of increased costs.

Since then, other business leaders have been giving similarly honest updates about the scale of the problem and, like Mila, many have had to introduce freight surcharges to try to share some of the burden of our massively increased costs.

Back in November, I don’t think any of us could have imagined how long the storm would last or just how bad it would get. The price of shipping a 40-foot container from China rose from around $2,000 in October 2020 to more than $8000 in April 2021. There were signs of a slight softening in March which gave us all some hope, but prices have steadily risen again and it’s depressing to have to report that the prices quoted for sailings in May were around 25% higher again.

Pre-COVID, shipping times from China were consistently around 36 days, but now we are working on a minimum of 56 days and the level of demand at our manufacturing partners means many of our lead times have doubled as well. The situation obviously hasn’t been helped by the impact of the Ever Given blocking the Suez Canal, which forced many shipping lines to reschedule sailings, and now news that the COVID surge in India is causing crew shortages and various ports even refusing entry to ships with crew from the region.

At Mila, we are obviously doing all we can to ensure continuity of supply and we have already spent more than £440,000 on airfreight since the start of the year to try to keep all those customers who stayed loyal to Mila during the pandemic supplied with stock – and we haven’t passed on any of that additional cost.

There’s no doubt that every business that imports from the Far East is feeling a similar level of pain – whether that’s High Street retailers or fenestration hardware suppliers - and price rises are understandably widespread. By now though, there has been plenty of coverage in the mainstream media about the shipping crisis and consumers have, to an extent, been conditioned to expect to pay more for goods imported from Asia.

While there is no real sign of the situation easing, I would, once again, urge the market to be patient and, wherever possible, pass on the increased costs they are facing from component suppliers right across the market.

Yours sincerely Richard Gyde, Mila

OPEN LETTER: SUPPLY CHAINS AND PRICE INCREASES Dear Chris, I speak to our installers every day. ‘Exhausted’, ‘stretched’, ‘frazzled’, probably describe how they feel best. We’re in a boom but that’s come with a unique set of challenges, so to be talking now about price increases and disruption to the supply chain - we recognise it’s the last thing they want to hear about.

As a business Sternfenster has already seen a series of price increases and surcharges - the communication of some of those increases, handled better than others. Each, however, ultimately brings us back to the same place - we’re paying more for components.

Glass, PVC-U, hardware, steel have gone up, that puts pressure on our suppliers, they’ve passed those costs onto us and ultimately, we will pass those costs onto our customers.

What concerns me is that things are very messy at the moment. We’re not getting one increase to communicate out to our customers, we’re getting several and then surcharges on top, which are variable and come in with very limited notice.

I understand the necessity but combined, it creates a challenge for everyone because the limited notice that we’re getting impacts on margin throughout the onward supply chain because we can’t plan effectively for them.

We have done our best to absorb those hits and to give our customers notice but it’s vital now that they, like every other customer of every other fabricator, review their pricing structures and build more margin into their models, so that they remain profitable going forward.

I’ve commented on the importance of this before. If we’re profitable as a fabricator we can invest, in machinery, in our service and support offer - those are things that directly benefit our customers. And I get it – systems, glass, hardware, and steel companies have to be profitable too, so that they can do the same.

The success of everyone in achieving that, in investing in being better, is ultimately carried by our customers as the touchpoint for the whole industry with the end-user – installers also need to be profitable. At its simplest, that is reliant on three things: the price they sell at, less what they buy product for from their suppliers and less their operational overheads.

I can tell you for definite that one of those is changing, so either installers need to operate at reduced overhead, or increase prices, or their margins are going to go down. Given the pressure on labour, the demand for fitting teams, I’d suggest that the latter represents the least line of resistance.

Price increases are never going to be popular.

But I’d argue the price installers pay for product from fabricators should be less of a factor on their bottom line than the price that they sell their service at. There are retailers who do get it right, who charge a fair price for what they do, but in our experience, there are others who have got that financial model wrong and sell on price alone, not their offer.

We need more training and more professionalism at point of retail. We sell a bespoke product - that needs to be reflected in price point in general.

In the current context where price increases are being fed in from the top of the supply chain, selling effectively at point of retail gives us all a chance of maintaining margin. The end user in most cases has very little understanding of process or price-point. Inflating retail prices to reflect new costs of supply is not unreasonable and based on my experience, won’t even register with the vast majority of homeowners.

But to emphasise again, the price increases that we’re seeing now, are unlikely to be isolated. More are likely to come, so everyone needs to review their pricing model to reflect them.

Putting this to one side, supply chain stability and the availability of product is something that also concerns me.

We are in a stronger position than most, we have partnered with our suppliers for a long-time and we pay our bills. That is going to be important in the months ahead. Companies are likely to prioritize customers who are loyal and who they have an established relationship with. We will do the same.

But we should all be braced for some disruption.

The more visibility customers can give fabricators of their order books, the better.

It’s also vital that we maintain and manage enduser expectations. We need to be honest about lead times at point of retail and explain why they’re longer than they would normally be. If you’re ordering a new kitchen lead times are out because of COVID, you have to wait for builders (at least the good ones!) consumers will accept longer lead times – as long as we explain why.

What we’re seeing is the product of multiple factors. COVID-19 has pushed down and disrupted manufacture of component products, ships have got stuck in canals, containers have been in the wrong place and demand for materials is high across sectors.

In short, the last 12-months have exposed some fundamental weaknesses in the global supply chain and it will be interesting to see if that leads some companies to bring more sourcing and manufacture back to the UK. Most fundamentally of all, it is, however, the pressure on supply is the product of end-user demand. That ultimately has to be good because as long as we get through the next few months with our business relationships intact, we can be confident about sustained demand through to the end of the year at the very least.

Mike Parczuk, Managing Director

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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LETTERS

GARDEN ROOMS

SEALED UNITS & GLASS

YALE (ASSA ABLOY) LOSES TRADEMARK DISPUTE

CREATING BEAUTIFUL SPACES – ROOFWRIGHT ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF GARDEN ROOM SOFTWARE

HIGH PRAISE FOR SWISSPACER’S INNOVATIVE CANOPY SYSTEM

Dear Editor, I’m getting in touch for a couple of reasons. One, so that you can share the news that Yale has lost an ongoing trademark dispute with Smart Ready® and was told to pay costs to Smart Ready®.

Yale (Assa Abloy) made a European trademark application in June 2019 to attempt to register Smart Living Ready. It was rejected and it’s not difficult to see why. Smart Living Ready versus Smart Ready® - confused?

Three judges from the EU trademark office were, hence, the rejection of application, in its entirety. This decision will help protect consumers

and hopefully put to bed any rumours that have been circulating about who owns what brand. I want to make clear: there is one Smart Ready® brand.

Secondly, I want this news to serve as a red flag to your readers that they must be careful about which brands they opt for when getting into the emerging Smart windows and doors market.

As a marketer myself, it’s clear to me that brands and trademarks are inseparable.

A brand is the sum total of the many parts of a company’s corporate face – logos, imagery, slogans, colours, music – all of which contribute to

build consistency, clarity, quality and trust.

I’ve said many times in public, that I will protect my brands before I even think to blink.

People who know me, know I stand by my word and this latest news is proof. I am deeply proud of what me and my teams have achieved, like anyone who has created a business should be.

The window and door industry needs to take branding and trademarks much more seriously, especially now that Smart is emerging for windows and doors.

Yours sincerely, Giovanni Laporta Inventor and Innovator at Smart Ready®

If you already sell and install Garden Rooms or are thinking about getting involved in this booming area of the market, RoofWright has the software to enable you to create beautiful designs for your customers.

The industry leading building design software company has added garden rooms to its growing portfolio of design solutions tailored for those in the trade looking to offer their customers the most realistic and detailed designs as a part of their selling proposition.

The company’s garden room software helps customers quickly create fully customised 3D presentations for homeowners, and the option to amend them live so that their dream living or working space can come to life in front of their eyes.

Speaking about the development RoofWright Managing Director Dave Blakeman said “we are really delighted to have launched this next development of our software suite. It is really topical at the minute with everything that has happened, and we believe the market for garden rooms will continue to grow for many years to come. Our new software enables our trade customers to reduce the design process from approximately an hour to just a few minutes, and gives them the widest range of options to enable their customers to see their exact specification come to life in front of their eyes”.

“Purchasing a garden room is a big commitment, and in every sense a dream for many, and the fact that we can bring that dream to life is a great feature of our incredibly intelligent software”.

For more information visit www.roofwright.com.

SWISSPACER’s La Pensilina glass canopy system has received a stamp of approval from Staffordshire-based customer, Montane Projects, thanks to its high-quality design and performance.

Montane Projects, which specialises in the design, fabrication and supply of aluminium windows, bi-folds, doors and curtain walling, recently supplied and installed six La Pensilina canopies across six blocks of apartments at Blythe Valley Park, a Crest Nicholson housing development in Solihull.

The canopies were required to be large enough to shelter people coming in and out of the buildings, as well as providing cover for the access panel and entrance. Montane Projects tried other canopy solutions but struggled to find a system that was strong enough to support the weight of the glass needed.

La Pensilina proved to be the perfect solution. SWISSPACER provided a quick and efficient service, while offering an option that not only met the size requirements of the project but was weatherproof and stayed fixed in position.

Adrian Locker, Owner of Montane Projects, had not come across a canopy system like La Pensilina before, which combines simple design and good performance. He feels it is superior to other systems on the market.

He says: “The design is simple and contemporary with minimal amounts of material on show. It is slim and easy to install and, unlike other products, doesn’t need lots of support to keep it in place.

Installation was straightforward and we received excellent technical support from SWISSPACER. The client is very pleased with the outcome.

“We will definitely be using La Pensilina going forward and adding it to our portfolio. It’s a great contemporary product that performs well and will fit many requirements.”

La Pensilina, an exclusive cantilever glass canopy system, was launched by SWISSSPACER in 2019. Its stylist and minimalist design,

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SWISSPACER’s La Pensilina glass canopy system has received a stamp of approval from Staffordshirebased customer, Montane Projects, thanks to its high-quality design and performance

and lack of visible screws, gives the canopy a clean look and ‘floating’ effect. La Pensilina is load bearing and strong enough to hold a distributed load of 350 kg/m2 without breaking.

SWISSPACER is also wellknown for producing a range of high-performance warm edge spacer bars, which are designed to reduce heat loss in sealed units and improve energy ratings of windows.

John Cooper, Commercial Director at SWISSPACER, says: “We are delighted to hear such positive feedback from our customer Montane Projects and that our product, La Pensilina, was able to exceed the requirements needed for this development in the heart of the West Midlands.

“The system can be easily installed to entrance doors or sliding and patio doors, and its unique and easy to maintain design is aimed at outdoor use. La Pensilina is ideal for residential developments, and we hope to see it used in many more homes in the coming months and years.”

Tel: 01908 335190

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

COLOUR

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

DEMAND FOR COLOUR FUELS 40% GROWTH FOR DECEUNINCK IN Q1 2021

Deceuninck has reported growth of 40%, year-on-year, for the first quarter of 2021, following high levels of activity in the retail sector and strong demand for premium products including flush casements, colour and finish.

Rob McGlennon, Deceuninck’s Managing Director, commented: “We enjoyed consecutive months of record sales under lockdown conditions in the latter half of last year and that has carried through into the start of 2021.

“This has been fuelled by the home improvement boom created by Covid, but also by increasing demand from consumers for higher value items and especially for colour. The strength of our colour offer,

which extends to 30 colourways available from stock, and an additional 20 options in just 15 working days, means that Deceuninck fabricators have been extremely well placed to benefit from this,” he continued.

“We know that, on average, our customers sell twice the amount of foiled product as their competitors. For some, it now

accounts for as much as 60% of their total output.”

The first quarter figures coincide with a recent YouGov report, commissioned exclusively for Deceuninck, that reveals fresh insight into the influence of colour and finish on homeowner purchasing decisions.

The survey found that 75% of homeowners said that choice of colour was important when considering new windows and doors, with 96% stating that a match to the overall appearance of their property was also key.

The report also identified specific preferences for colour depending on demographic, for instance for younger homeowners in their 30s compared to those aged 50 or over, as well as for type and age of property and also for other factors including security, energy efficiency and cost.

“Our survey has reinforced the existing feedback we have on demand for colour,” concluded Rob. “But it has also revealed a gold mine of data that will allow our customers to sell even more effectively, and to fully capitalise on anticipated demand for the remainder of 2021.”

For more information, call Deceuninck on 01249 816 969, email deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk.

AN INDUSTRY LEADING AN INDUSTRY LEADING COLOUR COATING SPECIALIST COLOUR COATING SPECIALIST FOR WINDOWS, DOORS, AND ROOFLINE R WINDOWS, DOORS, AND ROOFLINE ANY COLOUR IN 5 DAYS

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Get a FREE Quote on 01924 454856 or visit The industry’s favourite colour coating specialist kolorseal.co.uk

www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2021

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CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SPONSORED BY GQA AND BUILDING OUR SKILLS GQA Qualifications is the only issuer of CSCS cards for the Glass and Fenestration industries.

Building Our Skills is a strategic campaign designed to help bridge the growing skills gap in the Fenestration Industry

NEW APPOINTMENTS

NEW APPOINTMENTS

QUICKSLIDE COLLABORATES WITH BOS FOR ITS APPRENTICE PROJECT When Brighouse window and door fabricator Quickslide decided to create an apprentice scheme as a further means of encouraging young people to join the business, the firm turned to glazing industry skills and career advisory organisation Building Our Skills (BOS) for guidance on achieving the best outcome for its project.

BOS was created to bridge the growing skills gap faced by the industry, by working closely with employers and other organisations to attract young and new entrants and by advising on areas of upskilling the existing workforce to ensure it can meet future challenges and continue to prosper. As part of its quest to ‘inform, encourage, support and inspire’, BOS also works with a number of organisations to enable companies to implement recruitment and training schemes, such as that developed for Quickslide.

After contacting BOS for guidance on employing young people to join the

company as apprentices, Quickslide was connected with GFTS Ltd, an organisation that specialises in providing training within the fenestration and construction industries. Working with the head of Quickslide’s Human Resources team, Rachael Doran, GFTS is providing guidance on apprenticeship schemes and strategies for recruitment and training. The organisation will also work with Quickslide to find suitable candidates, carry out initial vetting and assistance with interviews.

Rachael Doran commented: “Amongst a number of other initiatives that Quickslide is implementing to bring new people to the company and provide training for new and our existing staff, we are determined to bring young people into our business and the glazing industry,” she explained. “As Building Our Skills sets out to demonstrate to young and new people, the fenestration industry continues to be incredibly successful, even throughout the difficult times of the past year and there are tremendous opportunities for careers with various skill sets that will set people up for life,” she added.

Quickslide Chairman Adrian Barraclough is passionate about the development of young people in the business: “Through an introduction by Stephanie Tague at BOS, we are now working with GFTS to find two apprentices initially, to come and join us at Quickslide, specifically in our frame production facilities,” he said. “We have many people with us at Quickslide who took a job with us and now have a career,” he said, “and there are tremendous opportunities at Quickslide for development and progression within a business that is growing very quickly. BOS is an excellent initiative to show people what a great industry this is.” www.quickslide.co.uk; www.buildingourskills.co.uk www.gftsltd.co.uk

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GARNALEX STRENGTHENS TECHNICAL SUPPORT WITH NEW APPOINTMENT Garnalex continues to offer unrivalled support to its Sheerline customers through the appointment of a Technical Services and Support Director.

Andy Russell joined the team in April and will strengthen technical support as Sheerline’s network of fabricators continues to grow. Having worked in the industry since the 1980s, Andy will use his extensive experience and knowledge to bolster technical services and support for Sheerline’s innovative aluminium window and door system.

Andy was delighted when the opportunity arose to join Garnalex, having previously worked at window system companies Eurocell and Liniar.

Andy says: “It’s great to be working with a highly motivated group of people, many of whom I’ve worked with before. I’m looking forward to the challenges this new role will bring and to be part of something that’s on an exciting growth trajectory.

“I’m responsible for the technical team and will be overseeing the support side of the business. My department will provide technical support for the sales team out on the road. We will undertake tooling audits and provide better support for new and existing customers. We will be on site for the customer changeover and provide training on all our product range.

“In the short term, I want to very quickly ensure we have robust procedures in place to enable us to offer the best possible support for our customers. New products will be introduced going forward and we will implement systems that not only help

Garnalex strengthens technical support with Andy Russell’s appointment as Technical Services and Support Director

us provide technical training for existing customers, but also support new customers when they come on board. I know we will continue to see lots of new business over the coming weeks and months. I’m excited to be part of Garnalex and the Sheerline journey.”

Award-winning aluminium window and door system Sheerline has already transformed the residential aluminium market. Developed from the ground up by a team of experts, Sheerline is designed with the fabricator, installer and homeowner in mind.

Garnalex CEO Roger Hartshorn says: “We’re really pleased to welcome Andy to our growing team. Andy’s expertise, borne of several decades working in the window industry will help us provide first class technical support and service. Sheerline is a system with innovation at its very heart and that innovation extends not only to our design and manufacturing processes but to the service we provide customers. Andy will play a major part in seeing that service innovation thrives at Garnalex.”

For more information about the range of Sheerline products available, visit www. sheerline.com and www.sheerlinevideo. com. You can also call 01332 883960 or email info@sheerline.com. Follow @ SheerlineSystem and @GarnalexSystems for the latest news and updates.

June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CAREERS

NEW APPOINTMENTS

BUILDING OUR SKILLS SIGNS PARTNERSHIP WITH MILITARY TRANSITION SUPPORT AGENCY Building Our Skills – Making Fenestration a Career of Choice is delighted to announce it has signed a partnership with FrontFoot, specialists in re-introducing service personnel into mainstream industry as a part of its aim to bridge the skills gap in the fenestration industry.

It is the latest initiative from BOS following the signing of a similar partnership to engage directly with the education sector to raise awareness of fenestration as a way of inspiring future generations to make the industry a home for their skills and career ambitions.

Announcing the new partnership, Building Our Skills ambassador John Ogilvie said: “Engaging with FrontFoot to bring military service personnel into the fenestration industry is the latest in a growing list of key strategic partnerships we are forming to help us bridge the skills gap, and we are delighted to bring this one to fruition.

“Everyone recognises the value that service personnel bring to the world of employment, and we are delighted that we have now formed a direct link between our industry and those who can introduce our employers to the talent pool that is available, and most importantly, is available right now.

“As we continue with our longer-term journey to engage with the education sector to impart knowledge of our industry into the minds of the future workforce, we have very high hopes that this new relationship will help those looking to add to their workforce right now.

“Our first initiative with FrontFoot is to ask them to identify service personnel who

CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

would like to become window and door installers.

“We will be building hands-on GQAaccredited practical training courses into the recruitment process, along with 12 months of ongoing support for both the recruit and the employer to ensure that we are delivering a sustainable solution for all parties. We want employers who engage to know they will be getting installers who have been given outstanding basic training in all the key elements and are ready to contribute to their business from day one.”

Tim O’Keefe for FrontFoot echoed John’s enthusiasm: “This is a great opportunity for us to work together with Building Our Skills to support them in their challenge to bridge the growing skills gap in the fenestration industry. For us, working hand in glove with service personnel, it is an ideal opportunity to introduce them to a great industry, where we know there are long-term and ongoing opportunities for career development.

“We are keen to work with the fenestration industry and to bring new blood to it. We know that service personnel bring great attributes to the workplace and we are really looking forward to making an impact which will benefit all parties. A part of our commitment is to ensure that all the personnel we recruit undergo practical training to give them the best start in their new careers, and to give those employers who engage them the best value for their investment.”

For more information about how to go about engaging service personnel or to request a copy of a prospectus detailing this specific offering, in the first instance email sayhello@buildingourskills.co.uk or visit www.buildingourskills.co.uk.

MICHAEL WILLIAMS APPOINTED AS MANAGING DIRECTOR AT ALUK Michael Williams is the newly appointed Managing Director at AluK. He joins the business with extensive construction industry experience after a successful 30+ year at Kone, one of the biggest global names in lifts and escalators.

Michael brings a refreshing new perspective to the fenestration sector, just at the time when it faces real challenges in terms of how it responds to the sustainability agenda and also huge opportunities in the booming housing and home improvement market post COVID. He says: “As a start, I will be looking inwards at AluK

and identifying ways in which we can continue to improve our product and service delivery to customers and strengthen our partnerships with them.

However, my focus will largely be outwards with the ambition of listening to and engaging broadly with our customers and moving aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling systems further up the value chain in both the retail and commercial markets.

“That means even more investment in sustainable product development and process efficiencies, but also in end user and specifier engagement.

“AluK is clearly already a really good business

with incredible facilities and reputation; but with the hugely talented and experienced team here and the backing we have from the rest of the Group, I am confident that we can be even better.”

Michael has joint Australian and Irish nationality and has previously worked in the UK, Europe and Asia, with an impressive track record across a mix of technical, sales, operations and senior leadership roles.

TRAINING

CLASSROOM TRAINING AT DHF’S ACADEMY IN TAMWORTH Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has announced that its classroom training will once again resumed. The Tamworth-based trade association has, since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, been providing a mix of online training and examinations via its ‘Distance Learning Programme’ (DLP), with delegates able to continue to successfully meet their training obligations, albeit from the safety of their own locations.

From the end of April, learners can once again return to DHF’s training academy, a self-contained building on its own premises, with just eight delegates permitted on each course and social distancing rules strictly adhered to. Ordinarily, the organisation’s spacious academy can accommodate up to 25 people per course, but as Head of Commercial Operations, Patricia SowsberyStevens explains, safety remains a top priority for learners.

at a safe two-metre distance from one another, provided hand sanitiser, gloves, face coverings and disposable cups for all attendees, and learners were reassured by the spacious environment, both inside and out. We will once again be implementing these initiatives.

“DHF has worked assiduously to ensure that our members and those attending our training courses have received a continuous and highly effective training provision throughout the past year,” she continues.

“Feedback on our online provision has been outstanding, but we do understand that, for some, there is no substitute for face-to-face engagement. We are therefore delighted to be able to resume ‘normal service’ shortly and have updated our training calendar accordingly. We look forward to welcoming people back to the academy in Tamworth.”

“As our courses are fully accredited by Ofqual, we were given the ‘all clear’ for classroom training to resume from 8 March from the Department of Education (DfE).

However, we have taken this additional time to ensure that a full risk assessment has been undertaken and a deep clean completed in preparation for opening day.

When our classroom learning returned last June, we ensured delegates remained

www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2021

DHF’s training academy in Tamworth

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CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CAREERS

CAB’S CRUCIAL ROLE IN INDUSTRY TRAINING Not many decades ago you became skilled in a profession such as joinery, plumbing or glazing, by becoming an apprentice with a company where a skilled person taught you how to become a skilled craftsperson over a period of a few years, known as your ‘apprenticeship’. After reaching the required standard you were then offered a job in the same company and eventually became the teacher of new apprentices, so the cycle continued.

Little changed then with the ‘foundation knowledge’ and ‘skill sets’. Once qualified, undertaking an apprenticeship would be seen as giving you a job for life.

How things have changed today. Whilst the ‘foundation knowledge’ still underpins the skilled person, new ‘skill sets’ are needed and required on a regular basis as legislation and technology advance at an ever increasing rate. In some instances old ‘skill sets’ need to be unlearnt in order to keep in line with new legislation and new technology.

Members of CAB, many of whom have training centres, offer ‘skill set’ courses to train fabricators, service engineers and installers in their products, have long stated that much of the ‘foundation knowledge’ is missing in the industry, especially at the moment when experienced people are in very short supply. CAB has responded to this by offering the first of its ‘foundation knowledge’ courses, the ‘One Day Curtain Walling Essential Knowledge’ Course. Full details can be found at: https://c-a-b.org.uk/ training/cab-1day-curtain-walling-course/ For anyone who is new to the Industry or has never had formal training, the Course offers the ‘Foundation Knowledge’ about curtain walls, the principles of how they work and how they are to be installed.

The training course is a first step for CAB into what is planned to be a wide range of fenestration related training, set up to support CAB’s growing membership. This first available training course, which is GQA

qualified, also forms the Foundation Course required to begin the training to obtain a ‘CSCS Curtain Wallers Card’.

It is the Association’s ambition, to support the skills pipeline required in the sector, to set up ‘Foundation Knowledge’ Courses that cover each fenestration product group such as ‘aluminium framed fire rated systems’, ‘ground floor treatments’ and ‘concepts of sliding door systems’. Each course will be planned to take a candidate a day to complete and would be followed by a simple questionnaire to ensure the candidate is fully conversant following the course.

Preferably, the courses would be taken in class, but distance learning using video conferencing can also be offered.

As the voice of the Aluminium Fenestration Industry in the UK, CAB is well placed to offer a National Training Scheme for members and the wider industry, not just as Foundation Courses for the awarding of a CSCS card but training provision in its own right. To keep informed of upcoming CAB events please follow us on LinkedIn here: https://bit.ly/3ozNdoZ

Phil Slinger

For Association Membership enquiries, please contact Jessica Dean at the CAB offices by email jessica.dean@c-a-b.org.uk or telephone 01453 828851.

by Phil Slinger - CAB Chief Executive

Based at the picturesque Bonds’ Mill development in Stonehouse, despite the pandemic, it is business as usual and staff are on hand at the offices or are working remotely to answer any aluminium fenestration related questions. News and event information is also regularly updated on the CAB website at www.c-a-b.org.uk.

CAREERS

VEKA RECYCLING’S ANDY BURNS CELEBRATES TEN YEARS’ SERVICE Andy Burns is set to celebrate ten years as a driver for VEKA Recycling in July.

Based in Burnley, Andy joined the company on 4th July 2011, making collections of PVC-U windows for recycling from customers throughout Scotland and the North East.

years and an office furniture group for almost ten years.

Andy has technically been with the VEKA family since 2010, as he joined VEKA Recycling on secondment from VEKA Plc – so he was already an established member of the VEKA group.

He’s a well-known face on his regular route, which means he has built up a real rapport with his customers – who probably know him best for ribbing them about the football while sharing a cup of tea!

“VEKA has been the best company I’ve worked for and working there really is like being part of a family,” said Andy.

“Management at VEKA listen to their staff.

There’s not too many places you can knock on the MD’s door with any issues and get invited in for a cuppa and a chat.”

Andy has been at home on the road for a long time, having been a lorry driver for the past 33 years. Despite having never been out of employment since leaving school, incredibly VEKA Recycling is actually only the third company he has worked for, including having previously worked for Hotpoint for almost twenty

“Andy is a great asset to our business and we all congratulate him on reaching this ten-year milestone,” said VEKA Recycling’s Managing Director Simon Scholes. “He’s a great, reliable, solid chap who our customers really like, a truly valued part of the VEKA family.”

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June 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

CAREERS

OVER 1100 VACANCIES FOR INSTALLERS IN MAY SHOWS THE SCALE OF THE SKILLS GAP Research conducted by Building Our Skills has identified that at the end of the first week in May there were over 1100 vacancies for installers being advertised on job sites throughout the UK. The research was conducted in association with partner FrontFoot, specialists in reintroducing military service personnel into mainstream industry.

It is the clearest sign yet of the scale of the skills gap impacting the industry. Speaking about the findings Building Our Skills ambassador John Ogilvie commented “seeing over 1100 vacancies being advertised for installers at a single point in time was truly shocking. It is perhaps the first time we have been able to quantify the nature of the problem which we are all aware of, and of course these are only the ones that are being formally advertised; the true number is going to be much higher”.

“It was during a conversion with Tim O’Keefe at FrontFoot that these figures came to life when we were trying to qualify the scale of the opportunity for us to engage with them to bring military service personnel into the Fenestration Industry”.

“As many of you know we have recently launched an initiative to try to encourage the industry to look at the armed forces sector as a potential pool of people to tap into the bring new blood to the industry, and the early response has been very encouraging”.

“Seeing the scale of the problem in black and white is guaranteed to concentrate the mind, and as an industry we have to think

“During all our conversations with Building Our Skills we had been trying to get a handle on the scale of the skills gap that the Fenestration Industry is facing and seeing this figure has given us a clear picture.” www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2021

differently if we are going to start bridging the skills gap which is still growing”.

“Everyone recognises the value that service personnel bring to the world of employment and we are delighted that we have now formed a direct link between our industry and those who can introduce our employers to the talent pool that is available, and most importantly, is available right now”.

“As we continue with our longer-term journey to engage with the education sector to impart knowledge of our industry into the minds of the future workforce, we have very high hopes that this new relationship will help those looking to add to their workforce right now”.

“We will be building hands on GQA accredited practical training courses into the recruitment process, along with 12 months of ongoing support for both the recruit and the employer to ensure that we are delivering a sustainable solution for all parties. We want employers who engage to know they will be getting installers who have been given outstanding basic training in all the key elements relevant to their role and are ready to contribute to their business from day one”.

Tim O’Keefe for FrontFoot echoed John’s message, “During all our conversations with Building Our Skills we had been trying to get a handle on the scale of the skills gap that the Fenestration Industry is facing and seeing this figure has given us a clear picture”.

“As John says, these are just the ones we know about, and if employers are able to fill these positions, they are only going to be able to do so by taking installers from a competitor, it doesn’t reduce the skills gap, it just moves the problem somewhere else; the overall numbers needed don’t go down”.

“We are keen to work with the Fenestration Industry and to bring new blood to it. We know that service personnel bring great attributes to the workplace and we are really looking forward to making an impact which will benefit all parties and reduce the shortfall in numbers currently impacting the industry”.

For more information about how to go about engaging service personnel, in the first instance email sayhello@buildingourskills.co.uk or visit www.buildingourskills.co.uk

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Use the free enquiry form, inside this issue, to obtain information from multiple companies

USEFUL NUMBERS British Plastics Federation (BPF) Tel: 0207 457 5000 British Standards Institution (BSI) – Standards & Publications Tel: 0208 996 9001 BSI – Assessment & Certification Tel: 0845 080 9000 BSI – Product Certification & Testing Tel: 08450 765600 BBSA (British Blind & Shutter Association) Tel: 01449 780444

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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

26/04/2021

08:35

Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) Tel: 0845 053 8975 Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA) Tel: 0207 645 3700

Health & Safety Executive (HSE) – Glass & Related Industries Phil Smith, HM Principal Inspector Tel: 01782 602300 David Appleton, HM Inspector Tel: 0115 9712800

Get Britain Building (GBB) Tel: 0870 162 0936

Proskills – Head Office Tel: 01235 833844

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

Proskills – Glass & Related Industries Neil Robinson Tel: 07917 015 322

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Recovinyl (via Axion Consulting) Tel: 0161 355 7618

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SUPPLIES

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